Liu Yiren's words indeed gave Yan Shouyi something to think about.
The forces of folk sects were scattered, with their inheritors rarely contacting each other. Most of them also preferred to hide their identities and blend into society, making them incredibly difficult to find.
Not to mention sects like the Luban lineage, which had almost vanished from the martial world for decades. When Yan Shouyi first arrived in Rongcheng, Huang Hai and Zhou Yuquan were shocked for a long time upon learning he was a Luban inheritor.
However, things were different now. With the Rongcheng Folklore Research Association as a base, Yan Shouyi could publicize their existence and attract inheritors of other folk sects to join them.
But how should they publicize it?
Should they spend money on advertising, telling the public: "Our Rongcheng Folklore Research Association is comprised of inheritors from various folk sects. If you're in a bind, come find us!"
Such an approach would likely lead to one of two outcomes: either the public would mistake the Folklore Research Association for a charity and attract a swarm of opportunists, or true inheritors of folk sects would fear it was a trap and actively avoid Rongcheng.
At this point, Long Feicheng, always full of bright ideas, chimed in with a smile.
"Brother Long, I know an author who specializes in writing folk novels. His readers span across all walks of life. Do you think it's possible to have him write about our Folklore Research Association in his novel? That way, anyone who reads his book will know there's a Folklore Research Association by the West Lake in Rongcheng. If they are indeed inheritors of folk sects, they might be curious enough to come and see."
This suggestion sparked Yan Shouyi's interest. He had heard of the author Long Feicheng mentioned, seemingly named "Yi Qi San Yuan," whose previous pen name was "Gui Ku Lao Xiu." Despite his young age, the folk novels he wrote were incredibly authentic, and many of the sorceries described in his books actually existed in reality. It was possible he was also an inheritor of a folk sect.
It was a pity that this author was too enigmatic; Yan Shouyi had tried to visit him, but the author had never provided any contact information.
"What you're suggesting is a viable option. However, we urgently need to publicize the Folklore Research Association as soon as possible. Waiting for Yi Qi San Yuan to write a novel might take ages," Yan Shouyi sighed. "I don't know what this guy has been busy with lately; his novels are always put on hiatus, and he still owes his readers four chapters. Who knows when he'll catch up."
Long Feicheng agreed wholeheartedly. Yi Qi San Yuan's writing was excellent, but his update schedule was frustratingly slow. He wished he could hold a knife to Yi Qi San Yuan's throat and force him to write a hundred chapters a day.
Well, that was assuming he could actually defeat Yi Qi San Yuan. If not, he'd best keep quiet.
Yan Shouyi said, "I'll ask Grandpa Ye to find a way to contact Yi Qi San Yuan and offer him a ten-million reward to write a novel specifically for our Folklore Research Association."
He paused, then continued, "Regarding the promotion of our Folklore Research Association, I have another idea. Storytellers know everything under the sun and have extensive connections. I think we can contact Senior Yin Tang and Huang Ying and ask them to spread the word about us."
Several inheritors of folk sects nodded in agreement. Storytellers were present in almost every city, but unfortunately, most of them remained neutral, which prevented them from forming a cohesive force.
If anyone else had asked Yin Tang for a favor, he probably wouldn't have paid much attention, but Yan Shouyi was different; Yin Tang and Huang Ying would want to do him a favor.
They discussed the conspiracy against the Twelve Yuan Chen for a while longer.
The situation gradually became clearer, and everyone had devised plans to cope. A sense of relief settled over them.
It was only then that Yan Shouyi had the time to host them.
"I am deeply indebted to all of you for your help during the crisis faced by Zitong and the Lüshan Sect. I, Yan Shouyi, owe you all a debt of gratitude. We didn't have time to properly entertain you during the day, and it's too late now. Tomorrow, we will host a banquet for you at the Research Association and then show you around Rongcheng."
"Three days later, Zitong's Lüshan Sect will also hold its Sect Leader succession ceremony. I hope that if you have the time, you can stay and participate."
Yan Shouyi and Lin Zitong, as a couple, had excellent character, and everyone was willing to oblige them. Even Liu Yiren's expression was calm, seemingly no longer troubled by past love and hate.
This brought a sigh of relief to Yan Shouyi.
The meeting concluded, and Yan Shouyi, eager to visit Lin Zitong and Lü Jing, left ahead of the others.
Those who were tired or weary also planned to return and rest.
Only Long Feicheng called out to Weng Qianxiang, Old Jin, and Han San.
Upon seeing Long Feicheng's shifty expression, the three knew he was up to something mischievous again.
Long Feicheng grinned, "Han Gou Wang is here for a rare visit. Why don't I take you guys on a 'solitary walk through dark alleys' tonight?"
Han Gou Wang snorted, "What do you take me for? I read the Spring and Autumn Annals!"
"Then are you going?" Weng Qianxiang asked.
Han Gou Wang replied, "I have curly hair and big waves."
"Those two requests of yours are quite interesting," Old Jin chuckled, adopting the air of someone experienced.
However, Han Gou Wang shook his head. "No, those are three requests."
Beside them, Luo Ning and Zhao Yiyao rolled their eyes at the rowdy men.
They had to admit that the men in their line of folk sects were often dissolute. In contrast, disciples from prestigious sects mostly practiced self-cultivation and did not associate with them.
But the thought had barely surfaced when the solemn Monk Changshan quietly approached Long Feicheng and the others, cupped his hands, and said, "Amitabha. Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart. Please take this humble monk with you."
Long Feicheng looked surprised. "Changshan, aren't you supposed to observe your vows?"
"For this humble monk to cultivate to the realm of transcendence, I must first experience the mundane world. Without tasting the flavors of all worldly experiences, how can I achieve the Buddha's state of selflessness, detachment, and transcendence?" Changshan's reasoning seemed plausible.
Unfortunately, Yan Nanfei mercilessly exposed him: "He just can't hold it in anymore. Tonight, according to Han San's request, just arrange three for Changshan."
Everyone: "..."
Weng Qianxiang rubbed his temples, feeling the urgent need to cleanse his mind in a dark alley. The sights and sounds of the evening had left an indelible scar on his memory.
He desperately needed purification!