After the crowd had finished their preparations, they rushed down the mountain.
Uncle Qiu, upon receiving the news, had arranged for a convoy to meet them at the foot of the mountain. The group proceeded almost without stopping, heading directly from the Emei Mountain road to the airport.
The private jet arranged by Ye Chengfu was already waiting for them at the airport.
Yan Shouyi remained active, spending the journey catching up on recent events and even speaking with Yu Luming on the phone.
Yu Luming was also in a difficult position regarding the current state of the folk sects. He naturally did not wish to see conflict erupt between the two factions, and could only do his best to silence the people from Longhu Mountain.
Han San and Yuan Jianxin were in a similar situation.
However, the martial world was vast, and they represented only the new generation of strength, lacking true authority.
Therefore, the situation remained precarious.
Yan Shouyi understood clearly that, in the end, this matter had to be resolved by the inheritors of the folk sects themselves. Yu Luming and the others could only play a role in appeasing the situation.
The group arrived at the airport, passed through the fast security channel, and effortlessly reached the private jet.
Daoist Jinbi, looking at the colossal machine worth hundreds of millions, felt a bit uneasy. Despite having weathered great storms, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Long Feicheng, seeing this, asked with curiosity, "Daoist, is this your first time flying on a private jet?"
Daoist Jinbi, flushing with embarrassment, replied, "This is this poor Taoist's first time ever flying."
Upon hearing this, Long Feicheng kindly reassured Daoist Jinbi, "It's really nothing to be worried about. Don't be nervous. As long as you perform the takeoff ceremony clearly, you'll have a safe journey."
"The takeoff ceremony?" Daoist Jinbi looked utterly bewildered.
"It's a ritual that first-time flyers must perform before boarding. It's like offering sacrifices to the Dragon King before crossing a river. Didn't you know?" Long Feicheng feigned surprise.
Daoist Jinbi, however, was honest, "This poor Taoist did not know. I would appreciate some guidance from you, young friend."
"Well... first, you must bow three times to the aircraft, then shout 'Demacia' loudly, and finally, with your hands in the shape of wings, hop and fly three times."
"What does 'Demacia' mean?"
"It's similar to 'Amitabha' in Buddhism. If you don't believe in the Sky God Cult, you don't need to ask further."
"So that's how it is. Thank you, young friend!" Daoist Jinbi was immensely grateful.
At his age, he rarely traveled far and mostly stayed within the Taoist temple. This first flight, if he were to reveal his ignorance, would truly be embarrassing.
"You're most welcome, most welcome!"
Long Feicheng waved with a smile, a flicker of pity in his eyes, but his desire to see a spectacle ultimately overcame his better judgment.
*Since Daoist Jinbi was against us before, what's wrong with a little retaliation?*
When the captain took his position, the plane received clearance for its flight path, and the flight attendants invited everyone aboard.
Suddenly, under everyone's watchful eyes, Daoist Jinbi bowed three times to the aircraft.
This utterly confused everyone. What was the Daoist doing?
However, no one asked further, merely assuming it was a peculiar ritual of their lineage from the Qingcheng Sect. After all, some sects incense and pray before bathing.
Yet, in the next moment, Daoist Jinbi's actions shocked everyone.
After bowing three times, he suddenly shouted, "Demacia!" The volume of his voice startled even the captain, who poked his head out to check the situation.
"I didn't expect the Daoist to be so trendy, knowing Demacia," Zhuge Ji exclaimed excitedly, feeling as though he was getting to know Daoist Jinbi anew.
Zhuge Lian rolled her eyes. Zhuge Ji was not only a shut-in but also a gaming enthusiast. His room was filled with various figurines, and he would occasionally shout "Demacia!" before being "taught a lesson" by Zhuge Lian's fists.
Just as everyone thought it was over, Daoist Jinbi suddenly spread his arms, bent his knees, and then leaped with all his might!
"Little bird, fly fly fly!"
Yan Shouyi: "..."
Wen Yuxian: "..."
Abbot Guan Yun: "..."
The Crowd: "..."
Black lines appeared on everyone's faces. They finally realized something was amiss.
Either Daoist Jinbi had gone mad.
Or someone was playing a prank on Daoist Jinbi!
Everyone's gazes collectively shifted to Long Feicheng, as they had all seen him whispering with Daoist Jinbi earlier. He was the culprit!
"Xiao Long!"
Yan Shouyi said angrily, "What time is it, and you're still not serious!"
Afraid of being reprimanded by Yan Shouyi, Long Feicheng quickly gave him a thumbs-up.
But Yan Shouyi was clear-headed now. He felt that even without the influence of his inner demons, he should be angry at this moment.
However, before Yan Shouyi could make a move, Luo Ning couldn't help but grab Long Feicheng aside and give him a thorough beating.
"Truly a cause for concern!"
Yan Shouyi had no choice but to personally disembark to retrieve Daoist Jinbi, repeatedly apologizing to him.
Daoist Jinbi, realizing he had been tricked, remained silent the entire time.
*Well, I just wanted to not appear so ignorant. Now, my reputation is ruined, and I've lost all face. All thanks to that Long Feicheng! How could I have trusted this seemingly upright young man to be such a scoundrel!*
With Long Feicheng's antics, everyone's pace slowed. As Yan Shouyi was escorting Daoist Jinbi onto the plane, he suddenly thought of something.
He glanced at the aircraft, furrowed his brow, and said,
"I've suddenly remembered some unfinished business. Have the plane delay its departure."
The others were confused. What could be more important at this moment than returning to Rongcheng sooner?
The flight attendant politely added, "Mr. Yan, although this is your private jet, the flight path is regulated. If you don't board now, the plane might not be able to take off today."
"Since it's my plane, then naturally I have the final say," Yan Shouyi said sternly. "Either you wait for me, or you fly first, and we'll find another way back!"
Sensing Yan Shouyi's unusual mood, Long Feicheng quickly broke free from Luo Ning and came before Yan Shouyi, quietly giving him a thumbs-up.
"Brother Yan, what are you acting up about now? This isn't the time to trouble the flight attendants!" Long Feicheng said, being serious for once.
Yan Shouyi snorted, "This is not our plane."
"Huh?" Long Feicheng didn't understand.
Yan Shouyi offered no explanation and led everyone back.
If Yan Shouyi wasn't boarding, then the others returning to Rongcheng would be meaningless. Everyone could only follow Yan Shouyi back, trying to persuade him as they walked.
However, before they could get far, a loud explosion suddenly echoed from behind!
Boom—
A wave of heat washed over them, and the shockwave sent everyone tumbling to the ground. Airport safety vehicles passing by were flipped several times!
Yan Shouyi was prepared, and among everyone, only he remained standing.
Turning back, he saw that the plane they were supposed to board had suddenly exploded. It was now engulfed in fire and thick smoke, with debris scattered everywhere.
The captain and flight attendants, who should have been on the plane, had vanished.