He Xiping also saw Huang Yishan off. The lovers were ultimately fated to be apart. He Xiping paved a safe path for Huang Yishan, choosing to face the thorns of the future alone.
He returned to Yan Shouyi and the others and said sincerely:
"Thank you all for tonight. I actually didn't know if Old Xuan Mountain would send anyone, and I had even prepared for a fight to the death with Chu Liang. But thankfully, you all came."
Because Yan Shouyi had previously risked his life to protect Zhao Yiyao and Huang Yishan, and also because of what Yan Shouyi had said earlier, He Xiping felt a good impression of Yan Shouyi and an even greater sense of closeness to Yan Shouyi and his companions.
He felt like a wandering child who had found a home and a family.
"We are of the same origin, all from folk sects, and we should help each other. Not to mention that the Xi Fa Shi have made great contributions to Old Xuan Mountain, so of course we had to come and save you," Yan Shouyi smiled.
Long Feicheng asked, "You and that girl... are you really parting ways like this?"
"She didn't force me to stay, which actually made me feel much more relaxed," He Xiping said, relieved.
"This is also quite good," Luo Ning asked, "What are your plans next?"
Mentioning this, He Xiping became dejected, "My master is dead, and I and Shanshan have broken up. Now, with such a vast world, I don't know where I can find a place to settle down."
"This is a good thing!" Yan Shouyi smiled.
He Xiping was stunned, "Why do you say that?"
Yan Shouyi patted He Xiping's shoulder, "I was worried that inviting you to join us would be too abrupt. Now that's fine. Since you have nowhere to go, why not stay with us? We can look out for each other."
He Xiping chuckled sheepishly, "This might not be appropriate..."
"Why not?" Long Feicheng asked.
"I don't have much money."
"No money?" Long Feicheng burst into laughter, "What is it that you're worried about? Other problems are hard to solve, but this problem of not having money is too easy to fix!"
Luo Ning gave Yan Shouyi a sidelong glance, "This guy's wife is already the richest person in Jianzhou Province. If we follow him, we won't have to worry about food and clothing."
"Not just food and clothing, we won't have to worry about eating, drinking, whoring, or gambling either," Long Feicheng said with a lewd grin.
Yan Shouyi looked speechlessly at his group of unscrupulous friends, thinking to himself, "So you guys are friends with me just to mooch off the rich?"
He Xiping said to Yan Shouyi sheepishly, "Can I really freeload with you guys?"
Yan Shouyi replied helplessly, "Barbecue every meal, and unlimited beer."
"Okay, then I'll join you!" He Xiping "cheerfully" accepted Yan Shouyi's invitation.
Thus, another ignorant little victim boarded Yan Shouyi's pirate ship.
While everyone was resting and recovering in the teahouse, Agong and Wang Ji went ahead to bury Chu Liang's body.
A moment later, the two returned, with some mud on them.
However, Agong paid no mind and walked directly to Yan Shouyi, took out a letter, and said:
"This was found on Chu Liang earlier. Take a look at the contents."
"Is there anything special about it?" Yan Shouyi asked doubtfully.
"You'll know when you see it."
Yan Shouyi opened the letter, still suspecting if it was related to the New Xuan Mountain Sect.
But soon, he was startled by the news in the letter.
It read:
Qingming Dragon Tiger, Luotian Grand Ceremony, slay the Heavenly Master, and achieve supreme Xuan Mountain!
These audacious fellows actually intended to go to Longhu Mountain during the Luotian Grand Ceremony to kill the Old Heavenly Master?!
Upon seeing this, Yan Shouyi couldn't help but think of the unreliable group leader he had.
Although the Old Heavenly Master had enmity with Yan Chou, Yan Shouyi did not want to see him killed by these fellows from the New Xuan Mountain Sect.
He handed the letter to the others, and after everyone read it, their expressions were as astonished as Yan Shouyi's.
"Are the people from New Xuan Mountain crazy? They dare to target the Old Heavenly Master. You know, the Old Heavenly Master is known as the strongest human on Earth!" Long Feicheng exclaimed in surprise.
Everyone looked at Long Feicheng in astonishment, "Little Long, where did you hear the title 'strongest human on Earth'?"
"Did I... say something wrong?" Long Feicheng asked nervously.
Everyone shook their heads, "The Heavenly Master's cultivation is unfathomable. Throughout the years, countless talents have emerged, dynasties have changed, but only the Old Heavenly Master has stood out. Calling him the strongest human on Earth is not wrong..."
"Then it's right!" Long Feicheng laughed heartily, "Actually, I just came up with this title on the spot. It makes me fit in better with you guys."
Everyone: "..."
He Xiping said with a strange expression, "Although the people from the New Xuan Mountain Sect are all very strong, why do I feel like they are seeking death by challenging the Old Heavenly Master?"
"I don't think so. These people are all lunatics, but they aren't fools. They wouldn't order an attack without full confidence," Wang Jiwang countered.
"Alas, no matter what, Longhu Mountain is in trouble," Yan Shouyi sighed softly.
"If there's trouble, we can just avoid it. Anyway, those prestigious sects on Longhu Mountain don't think highly of folk sects," Luo Ning said with a pout.
"But," Yan Shouyi said with a frown, "I have to attend that Luotian Grand Ceremony."
"Ah?"
Everyone was stunned, and asked in surprise, "Are you crazy? The Luotian Grand Ceremony is an event held by those prestigious sects. It has always had nothing to do with us folk sects. If you go, you'll definitely be looked down upon by their arrogant disciples."
"I have a reason I must go."
Yan Shouyi couldn't explain too much.
Although everyone couldn't understand, they all accepted it. Agong clenched his fist and said, "Since we can't avoid it, let's go together. It's a good chance to show those arrogant disciples the skills of our folk sects!"
"Damn it, I'm fired up!" Zhao Yiyao shouted loudly, "Let's go and have a big fight!"
Seeing these guys more excited than himself, Yan Shouyi chuckled in amusement.
It was as if they were going to compete for the position of Heavenly Master...
But for some reason, having such a group of friends willing to accompany him to the Luotian Grand Ceremony filled Yan Shouyi's heart with an indescribable warmth.
Recalling half a year ago, he was still alone, coming from the countryside to Rongcheng. On his very first night, he was arrested for raiding a brothel...
Cough cough, heroes don't boast of their past.
Everyone tidied up and quietly left the teahouse, taking their new member He Xiping, and returned to the Rongcheng West Lake Villa overnight.
On the way, Yan Shouyi took out his phone. He first sent a text message to Yan Chou to report that he was safe, and then opened his chat app and clicked on the chat window with the Old Heavenly Master.
Yan Shouyi: Senior, are you asleep?
Old Heavenly Master: What is it?
Yan Shouyi: The Zhao family has been dealt with by your junior.
Old Heavenly Master: Oh, you killed them?
Yan Shouyi: Not exactly... we reached a truce.
The Old Heavenly Master was silent for a few seconds before replying: Are you planning for me to arrange your next enemy?
Yan Shouyi: Please arrange them starting with the weakest, senior.
Old Heavenly Master: ...You're being picky now?
Yan Shouyi: I have a group of companions who need opponents to train.
The Old Heavenly Master was amused and angry, "So you're treating your father's enemies as sparring partners for your friends?"
Yan Shouyi replied with an embarrassed emoji, "It would be a waste not to use such good resources..."
Old Heavenly Master: Alright, you wait, and I'll inform you when I have news.
Yan Shouyi: Thank you, senior.
Putting down his phone, Yan Shouyi calculated the time. There were two months left until the start of the Luotian Grand Ceremony.
Since everyone had decided to attend the Luotian Grand Ceremony, they naturally needed to train well.
They had needs, and Yan Shouyi had enemies. This was killing two birds with one stone, wasn't it?
Author's Note:
Today is the last day of 2021. I wish everyone a new year with new prospects~
To celebrate the New Year, I'll be taking a day off tomorrow to spend time with my girlfriend! Sorry everyone! Hahaha!