When the group returned to the research society, Yu Lumen and the others were still awake, all standing by the entrance to the society's dungeon.
Seeing Yan Shouyi and the others return, they all gathered around, eager to hear about the aftermath of their trip to Jiayi Island.
After confirming that the fox demon had been imprisoned in the dungeon, Yan Shouyi's expression turned serious. He called everyone to the assembly hall and recounted the day's findings on Jiayi Island in detail.
Naturally, he omitted the embarrassing experience of Weng Qianxiang being covered in sweat, instead praising Weng Qianxiang's composure under pressure and his flawless execution of the mission.
Weng Qianxiang breathed a sigh of relief, exclaiming, "Brother Yan is a true bro."
"This is how events unfolded. Li Genmiao dispatched the Twelve Yuan Chen to infiltrate various sects over a considerable period. Their objective is to sow discord within the sects and ignite conflict between the prestigious orthodox sects and the folk sects."
Yan Shouyi paused here, allowing everyone time to process the information.
All present wore grim expressions, their brows furrowed. Yu Lumen was the most burdened by the news.
As the Celestial Master, his responsibilities extended beyond the Heavenly Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain to the safety of other sects as well.
Zhao Chengxiang said in a deep voice, "The major sects have long traditions, and despite numerous power struggles and internal conflicts over the years, they have remained steadfast. Li Genmiao's attempt to control and divide our sects should not be so simple."
Yuan Jianxin, however, shook his head, offering a different perspective:
"That's because in the past, no matter how internal disputes occurred within the sects, it was always countrymen against countrymen. Once an external enemy appeared, everyone would unite. But this time it's different. Li Genmiao is making the move, and the Twelve Yuan Chen will undoubtedly spare no effort in creating friction. Division is not an impossibility."
Among those present, aside from Long Feicheng who preferred to coast, Ling Xiaoxiao who was rather naive, and Changshan whose thinking was rigid, the others were all considered intelligent.
Yan Shouyi looked at Yu Lumen and asked, "Celestial Master, do you have any insights?"
Yu Lumen shot Yan Shouyi a helpless glance, as if chiding him for teasing his status as Celestial Master.
In front of Yan Shouyi, Yu Lumen preferred to be his friend rather than the Celestial Master.
However, since the matter at hand concerned the affairs of the Xuanmen, Yu Lumen felt obligated to speak in his capacity as Celestial Master.
He pondered for a moment, and during this time, no one else spoke, showing due respect to the Celestial Master.
"The Twelve Yuan Chen are not to be trifled with, and the major sects are not as impregnable as they seem, so they have a chance of achieving their goals," Yu Lumen began, then continued, "In fact, Li Genmiao's orders to the Twelve Yuan Chen can be viewed from two angles. First, to divide the major sects as much as possible; second, to provoke conflict between the prestigious orthodox sects and the folk sects... Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
Most of them showed understanding, their eyes also revealing a greater degree of worry.
Only Ling Xiaoxiao shook her head, "What are you trying to say?"
Changshan clasped his hands together and humbly asked, "Amitabha, this humble monk also has not understood."
Long Feicheng was more direct, spreading his hands, "I don't get it."
Liu Yiren helped explain, "The Celestial Master means that the Twelve Yuan Chen infiltrating the prestigious orthodox sects will first attempt to divide the sects. If they cannot achieve this, they will retreat to the next best option: creating conflict between the prestigious orthodox sects and the folk sects."
Han San, with a rare display of intellect, murmured, "Dividing a sect is not a simple matter. It will most likely require a suitable opportunity, such as the current juncture of the Lushan Sect changing its sect leader. Otherwise, it's basically impossible."
"However, it cannot be ruled out that they might incite sect leaders or elders, or sow discord among the various factions within a sect," said Yan Nanfei.
Yan Shouyi pondered for a moment and then said,
"Therefore, we should all pay close attention to which sects are about to experience significant events soon, such as changes in leadership."
Everyone fell silent, seemingly recalling whether any major events were happening in their respective sects.
"Our Laoshan Sect will be holding a Dao discussion conference soon, inviting major sects near Laoshan to participate," Yuan Jianxin stated.
Han San also added, "The disciples of Maoshan are preparing for collective worldly cultivation, led by sect elders. At that time, Maoshan's internal strength will be at its weakest."
Yan Nanfei said, "Our Yan family plans to form an alliance with the Wang family of Zhongnan Mountain. Five weddings will be held within a month, involving considerable movement of people."
Every sect had its own affairs upcoming, and everyone suddenly felt a headache coming on.
The Twelve Yuan Chen's identities were mysterious, and their methods were skillful. With only them, the younger generation, they were unlikely to uncover anything.
"How about this?"
Yan Shouyi proposed, "Let's all arrange ourselves by time, and then, based on the actual situation, form small teams to help each other in each other's sects."
For instance, the Laoshan Sect's Dao discussion conference was scheduled for the end of this month, while the Maoshan disciples' worldly cultivation would commence in the middle of next month.
This way, Han San could return to the Laoshan Sect with Yuan Jianxin first. After confirming that the Dao discussion conference proceeded without any issues, they could then proceed to Maoshan Sect together.
Everyone agreed to Yan Shouyi's proposal and began making arrangements for their schedules.
Among them, Yu Lumen was the one who needed the least involvement.
Having recently become the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, he had already consolidated all power within the Heavenly Master's Mansion. Before descending the mountain, Yu Lumen had carried out a major purge at Longhu Mountain.
Figures like Zhang Wuma had all been identified by Yu Lumen, either expelled from the mountain or imprisoned.
Therefore, Yu Lumen was not concerned about any issues arising at Longhu Mountain.
While they were discussing, Yu Lumen looked at Yan Shouyi and noticed that Yan Shouyi's pressure had not lessened; he still appeared deeply preoccupied.
Out of concern as a friend, he asked, "What are you still worried about?"
Yan Shouyi sighed and replied, "The issues within your prestigious orthodox sects have been addressed, but the problems of our folk sects have not."
Mutual assistance could only prevent the sects from being divided, but it could not prevent the Twelve Yuan Chen from instigating conflict between the prestigious orthodox sects and the folk sects.
Furthermore, Yan Shouyi was currently only managing the area around Rongcheng, with perhaps connections in Qiantang and Chang'an at most.
He was unable to reach or govern the folk sects in other regions.
This remained a point of crisis.
Yu Lumen understood Yan Shouyi's worries and could only comfort him, "Perhaps there's a way to notify all the inheritors of folk sects in advance?"
Yan Shouyi shook his head, "I do have a roster, but out of the two hundred inheritors of folk sects on the list, only one-third can be traced. Among them, a portion has been misled by Li Genmiao. As for the remaining individuals, ever since we descended from Longhu Mountain, we have visited them. Even if I notify everyone I know, it would still be like a drop in the bucket for the entire martial world."
Folk sects were unlike prestigious orthodox sects; they were too dispersed. It was possible for them to exist in the same city without even knowing of each other's existence.
At this moment, Liu Yiren, standing nearby, suddenly said,
"You can't find them... but perhaps, you can find a way to make them come to you!"