“You figured it out!?”
Li Genmiao and Jiang Qingxue both looked at Yan Shouyi.
In both their eyes, there was immense eagerness and longing.
The fundamental issue in the conflict between the two factions was that folk sects possessed techniques but lacked the Way, making it impossible for established sects to accept them.
The latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll could resolve this problem.
The core suffering of folk sect successors was their must endure the Five Severities and Three Shortcomings, and be plagued by a death tribulation every three generations.
The latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll could resolve this problem.
Successors of folk sects were prone to qi deviation and had crooked intentions, turning into wicked individuals who misused their abilities for reckless deeds.
The latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll could resolve this problem.
Once the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll was fully compiled, many issues would be easily solved, and many disputes would cease!
Just as Li Genmiao and Jiang Qingxue were about to clash due to their differing views, Yan Shouyi burst out of the wooden hut, shouting that he had thought of the final four lines.
Perhaps, the conflict could be resolved, and the hard times would end?!
“Quick, write it down!” Li Genmiao urged with rapid breaths.
Yan Shouyi looked at Jiang Qingxue. Seeing her nod slightly, he felt reassured.
He gazed at the content of the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll, suspended in mid-air under the starry sky, and then slowly walked to the edge of the Tianchi.
Taking out his wolf-hair ivory brush from his satchel, he dipped it in some Tianchi water, and then began to write large characters in the air.
“We are born from humble origins, suffering all the hardships and hatred of the mortal world.”
One by one, the large characters detached themselves, floating to their intended positions in the sky, slowly filling in the missing four lines.
Upon seeing this opening line, Li Genmiao seemed to grasp something: “Is this describing the destiny of folk sect successors?”
Jiang Qingxue’s eyes lit up: “I was troubled by the true meaning of the last four lines. It turns out it should be about the destiny of folk sect successors… It is precisely because I have been in the secular world for too short a time, and have not truly experienced the suffering of the world, that I cannot complete the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll on my own…”
Only Yan Shouyi, a young man who had traveled far and wide, experienced the vicissitudes of life, and understood the hardships of the world as a successor of a folk sect, could have such an insight from the bottom of his heart!
Yan Shouyi did not pause, continuing to write:
“Our past lives committed unforgivable sins, and this life is merely to repay karmic debts!”
The stories of General Qing Jiang and Princess Yu Shu flashed rapidly through Yan Shouyi’s mind like an accelerated movie.
Every successor of a folk sect was, in their past lives, an “evil person” who had committed heinous crimes or grave sins. In this life, they were born to repay those debts and atone for their sins.
Therefore, everyone was trapped in the shadows and nightmares of their past lives, making it difficult to live for themselves.
However, just as everyone thought Yan Shouyi would continue to describe the tragic fate of folk sect successors, Yan Shouyi’s brushstroke took a turn!
“All methods and countless techniques follow me, but I only disdain fame and fortune.”
With the appearance of this line, the previously dim latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll suddenly emitted a radiance.
This line brought a sense of a turn of fortune, like a bright lamp illuminating the future path for the successors of folk sects!
What if one was an evil person in a past life, and had to repay debts in this life! As long as one’s heart is set on goodness, and one truly becomes a good person, saving people from suffering and aiding the distressed, one can still live for oneself and be loved and revered by the populace!!
The latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll seemed to gain life, its radiance growing brighter.
“There is only the last sentence left…” Li Genmiao narrowed his eyes, his heart pounding. The blood that had been dormant for a thousand years was almost boiling at this moment!
“The final sentence.”
Yan Shouyi took a deep breath, re-dipped his brush, and wrote with great care.
“Enduring humiliation and bearing burdens to obtain the classic, when the folk sects emerge, peace shall dawn!”
After writing the last sentence, the Lu Ban Scroll that permeated the sky suddenly burst forth with blinding light!
The True Dragon Violet Qi within Yan Shouyi seemed to be summoned, escaping his body and merging with the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll in mid-air.
Immediately, golden-violet light shot up into the sky, piercing straight towards the bright moon!
“Violet Qi pierces the moon, and peace is ushered in!”
Jiang Qingxue couldn’t help but exclaim. She was now certain of one thing – her son, Yan Shouyi, was the savior of this era. He would surely lead the successors of folk sects, overcoming all obstacles, and creating a truly peaceful and prosperous era!
“We are born from humble origins, suffering all the hardships and hatred of the mortal world.”
“Our past lives committed unforgivable sins, and this life is merely to repay karmic debts!”
“All methods and countless techniques follow me, but I only disdain fame and fortune.”
“Enduring humiliation and bearing burdens to obtain the classic, when the folk sects emerge… peace shall dawn!”
After writing, Yan Shouyi read it aloud to himself with great seriousness. He then felt as if the righteous energy in his heart had been released. He casually discarded the wolf-hair ivory brush and said excitedly:
“From this day forward, the Folk Custom Research Association will be renamed the [Minjiao]!”
“All members of Minjiao must diligently study the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll, cultivating not only techniques but also moral character!”
“We establish the heart for heaven and earth, the life for the people, the learning for the past sages, and the peace for all generations!!!”
His voice echoed over the Tianchi, lingering long after.
Li Genmiao and Jiang Qingxue were also plunged into prolonged shock and silence. They were carefully savoring the four sentences Yan Shouyi had added, and also feeling Yan Shouyi’s ambition.
Not far away, Uncle Weng and the four lively fellows were in the same state, all frozen in place.
Yan Shouyi meticulously admired his “finishing touch” and only came back to his senses after a long while.
At this moment, Li Genmiao sincerely applauded.
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
“Yan Shouyi, I was right about you!” Li Genmiao praised, “You actually completed the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll. Do you know how many conflicts and casualties this masterpiece’s appearance can reduce?”
Yan Shouyi frowned. He still didn’t know Li Genmiao’s true identity and felt that these words coming from Li Genmiao’s mouth were rather strange.
Jiang Qingxue sighed and told Yan Shouyi everything about Li Genmiao.
Upon learning the truth, Yan Shouyi’s reaction was surprisingly calm, as if he had already known everything.
Based on Li Genmiao’s previous behavior, Yan Shouyi had already guessed much. The only truth he knew now that made him slightly surprised was, “Li Genmiao was once his father Yan Chou’s shadow.”
However, knowing the truth was more useful than guessing alone.
He looked at Li Genmiao and asked, “Since the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll is completed, do you intend to abandon stirring up conflict between the two factions? Next, we only need to circulate the latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll, allowing every successor of folk sects to study it diligently, and all problems will be solved.”
Jiang Qingxue also hoped that Li Genmiao would turn over a new leaf. She said with sincerity:
“Master, it is never too late to mend. Everything can still be salvaged. The latter volume of the Lu Ban Scroll has been completely compiled, proving that the path Shouyi has chosen is viable. You need not cling to the aspirations of a thousand years ago and remain obstinate.”
If the matter could be resolved peacefully, Yan Shouyi and Jiang Qingxue did not wish to act against Li Genmiao anymore. They had to admit that there were certain admirable qualities in Li Genmiao.