(3) Convene

  "Intelligent and wise, you can go to sleep now, no need to accompany me."

  Master Guangyuan stood upright in front of the gate of Damo Temple, with the mountain wind howling and his monk's robe fluttering loudly.

  "Amitabha Buddha, we can't sleep either."

  Intelligence and Wisdom stood on either side of the spotlight, their faces frozen pale, but still expressionless, without joy or sorrow.

  The night at Mt. Daimon was pitch black, with only the sound of wind and leaves rolling in the darkness. Although there was a large temple on the mountain, as well as some villages nearby, but once night fell it seemed like there wasn't even half a person around. Looking down from the gate of the temple towards the road below, one could vaguely see a white line, which disappeared completely halfway down the mountain.

  The mountain is so quiet that it makes people's hair stand on end, as if something is going to happen at any moment.

  "Master, you said Master Shu can really achieve rebirth in the Pure Land?"

  Intelligence suddenly whispered softly, with a flash of fear of death in his eyes.

  "This... I don't know if there really is a Western Paradise, but I do know that in this world there are Buddhas. We cultivate not to be reborn in the Pure Land, but to liberate ourselves from our own karma and return to our original heart. Only when we keep our original heart can the four elements be empty. As for your Shifu, he has too many things that he cannot put down in his heart, probably he will reincarnate again."

  Intelligence and wisdom seem to be deep in thought, and at the same time, they bow their heads in gratitude.

  Three people were talking, when a black dot appeared in the middle of the road on the mountain waist, slowly moving up along the white line. The sound of the bell echoed far away. The person on the mountain waist stopped for a moment, then started to speed up, and soon ran to Bi Guang's side, panting heavily with his back bent.

  "I said... monk, what are you ringing for? I thought someone had died!"

  The light in his eyes suddenly dimmed, he muttered a Buddhist mantra, and with both palms joined together, he made a respectful bow.

  "Namo Amitabha Buddha, the first abbot of the secluded temple, passed away under the birch tree."

  "Huh?"

  The people were shocked and quickly got up from their seats, bypassing Guang's body, and rushed into the temple.

  Bai Guang didn't hurry back to the temple, but instead gazed at the mountain waist, where there were still many people lurking in the shadows, yet none of them followed him. Bai Guang shook his head and then turned around to enter the temple.

  "Yang Shi Zhu, you've brought so many people again, still as afraid of death as ever!"

  Yang Ming stood stunned in front of Pi Mu's body, his face pale. He hadn't expected the mainstay of the Spirit Association, Pi Mu, to pass away at this time. With Pi Mu dead, what strength did the Spirit Association have left to resist the Corpse Demon? As if answering this question, Pi Guang slowly entered the Qing Wu Hall.

  "The thirteen evil spirits have reappeared in the world. Although this poor monk's spiritual power is weak, I will risk my life to eliminate this great evil for the people."

  "Ah, ah......"

  Yang Ming turned his head and stared blankly at Bo Guang, unsure of what to say.

  When a swindler tells too many lies, he will eventually suffer from his own deceit.

  At this time, Zhang Haiyang had already finished dinner and was preparing to go out. He always felt that something would happen tonight.

  Lily wanted to go out for a walk, she had been cooped up in the villa for too long and was feeling suffocated. Zhang Haiyang strongly disagreed, firstly because Lily's injury hadn't healed yet, and secondly because the outside world was very dangerous, nowhere was safer than home. To placate Lily, Zhang Haiyang asked her to continue paying attention to the news and to follow the local website's dynamic news. With something to do, Lily no longer had a reason to go out with Zhang Haiyang.

  Tonight's sky is exceptionally bright, it's because the cloud layer is pressed too low, maybe there will be rain or snow.

  Zhang Haiyang easily climbed over the wall, but suddenly stopped and was even startled. At the foot of the wall, a figure was leaning, silent and motionless. Zhang Haiyang walked up to him and immediately smelled a strong smell of alcohol, this was a drunkard. Zhang Haiyang didn't want to bother with it at first, but today's drastic drop in temperature would likely cause this person to lose his life. If it were yesterday, Zhang Haiyang wouldn't have bothered with this matter, but today's Zhang Haiyang was different, he had an affection for all lives and couldn't bear to see a life disappear like that.

  "You gain some, you lose some!"

  Zhang Haiyang sighed inwardly, and the light dispelled the anger in his heart, but at the same time it also made him no longer so hot-blooded about revenge.

  The drunk man had a mobile phone on him, Zhang Haiyang took out his ID card to check his name, called his friend to explain the location, and then left.

  For the public, Qifeng's entrepreneurship is a disaster. First, Wang Nian absconded with funds, and the group company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Just when there was an investment from a foreign businessman, Yang Ming, the new chairman, was shot at a press conference, causing leaders to rush to safety, resulting in many people falling and being trampled, injuring them. Qifeng's image suffered greatly. Some small companies affiliated with Qifeng Group terminated their relationships, and even government cooperation projects sought other partners.

  For Qifeng's high-level executives, the blows over the past week have also been huge, but not fatal.

  After Wang Nian's escape, Yang Ming took over. The company's management underwent a major personnel change, and the board of directors acquiesced to this action. It has always been a Chinese tradition that when new people come in, old people leave, and everyone understands the rules. However, after Yang Ming completed the personnel changes, there was no more movement. Several large contracts were transferred, and even the sports park project resolved its cooperative relationship. If it were just like this, nothing would be wrong, as long as Yang Ming made an appearance, things would definitely take a turn for the better. But Yang Ming did nothing except bring in some foreign investors who were willing to invest. The company will not go bankrupt temporarily, but if it continues like this, it will definitely go bankrupt. This made the board of directors restless and they began to secretly investigate what Yang Ming was doing.

  During Wang Nian's tenure as chairman, the directors wouldn't dare do such a thing even if they had eaten a "big husband rebirth pill". Wang Nian was ruthless and didn't leave any room for sentiment. They didn't want to suddenly have an accident or be crushed by a falling object while walking on the street one day. As for Yang Ming, they didn't understand the composition of the organization, so naturally they also didn't know that Yang Ming was an even more sinister figure than Wang Nian.

  But this gave Gao Tian an opportunity, a chance to rise to the top in one step.

  For a long time, Gao Tian has been the backbone of the organization. When Wang Nian was in power, he was Wang Nian's trusted subordinate, and when Yang Ming took over, he became Yang Ming's confidant. Before doing anything, everyone in the organization would ask for Gao Tian's opinion, as if he were the de facto boss. However, Gao Tian is not satisfied with this status quo; he has always wanted to be the top leader himself and no longer have to look at others' faces. Now that an opportunity has arisen, if he can gain the support of the board of directors, it's possible for him to make Yang Ming disappear from this world as well.

  "Yang Ming has gone mad, he's been acting strangely all day, but some things are indeed hard to explain. I'm sure everyone has heard about what happened last night on Yinshan North Road. We mobilized hundreds of people to hunt down Wang Nian, but in the end, Wang Nian and a monster managed to fight their way out, leaving us with our tails between our legs. By the time I arrived at the scene, there was nothing left, not even a shadow."

  The board members suddenly discussed it enthusiastically, they saw this thing in the news and also privately asked about it, knowing some details, but getting confirmation from Gao Tian was still surprising.

  "Please, everyone, be quiet. Our government will handle this matter. Yang Ming was doing this even before he joined the organization. Everyone should trust the government; there are no ghosts in this world. And I gathered you all here for Yang Ming's sake. You've all seen it - now he doesn't care about anything, and from top to bottom, I'm the one holding everything together at Qifeng Company. Let me reveal another inside story: Yang Ming never intended to continue operating Qifeng; his task for me was to transfer all the money into his account after which we would sell the company."

  The directors immediately fell into chaos, one after another scolding loudly. This was exactly the effect Yang Ming wanted, and he put on a righteous and majestic appearance.

  "Everyone, calm down. I have feelings for Qifeng and would never do such a thing! However, everyone should also understand that as a member of the club, I cannot do anything to betray the club's trust... unless..."

  "Alright, we'll support you! As long as you can become the president of the club, the position of chairman is yours!"

  The directors are also seasoned veterans, and as soon as they heard Gao Tian's words, they immediately understood his meaning. Moreover, the relationship between Qifeng Entrepreneurship Group and the community is inseparable. Without the help of the community, Qifeng would not have been able to sail smoothly in the highly competitive business circle.

  "Alright, since everyone is so sincere, I also cannot let everyone down..."

  At the same time, Yang Ming, who was far away in Damo Mountain, suddenly received a phone call. He had been pale-faced, but after listening to the phone call, he suddenly burst out laughing, leaving Zhi Shan, who was just serving tea, feeling bewildered.

  "Hmm, don't mind him. This idiot thinks being the boss is that easy? What did Vice Mayor He say? Hmm, let's deal with it when I get back."

  "Yang Shi-zhu, what's so funny?"

  "Oh, nothing, just company stuff. Let's continue, where were we? Ah yes, you mentioned that machine that can eliminate ghosts, what's the story behind it? I wasn't aware of it."

  "This is a new member who was introduced by an overseas friend. He's currently in the city, but he has something to attend to and will be late."

  Bai Guang said with a gleam in his eyes, which gave Yang Ming an inexplicable confidence in that machine.

  Zhang Haiyang saw many luxury cars outside the headquarters of the association, and the security personnel were also increased. Some people were obviously not members of the association. Zhang Haiyang guessed that perhaps it was because of Yang Ming's shooting incident, some directors of Qifeng could not sit still.

  "The more chaotic the better, Wang Nian will definitely not let go of this opportunity, he will kill his way back, and then I'll have my chance too."

  Zhang Haiyang chose a sheltered corner, hiding in the darkness, his windbreaker wrapped tightly around him, the high collar covering his face, leaving only a pair of eyes exposed.

  The long night is endless, and the bright sky begins to drift with delicate snowflakes, shining brightly as they fall to the ground and melt instantly.

  Zhang Haiyang looked at the time and was about to leave when a sudden explosion sound came from behind him, he turned around to see flames bursting out of a window on the third floor, but didn't know what had happened inside. The guards outside all sprang into action, rushing towards the entrance of the community center, forming the first line of defense.

  The streets were quiet and still, except for the flames and explosions from the third floor of the community center, as if nothing had happened.

  Zhang Haiyang bowed his head and half-crouched in the shadows, also searching for suspicious figures.

  Just then, Wang Nian and his older brother Wang appeared, swaggering towards the club entrance, completely disregarding those people.

  Against the backdrop of flames, Wang Nian's shadow behind him was like a fire snake, twisting and turning ceaselessly.

  "Do you want to kill me?"

  King Nian's loud inquiry was met with silence from everyone. Among them, there were those who had experienced the incident on Silver Mountain North Road last night, and those who hadn't, but had heard about it. Regarding King Nian, the former leader of their community, they wisely chose to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

  "Don't want to see any of you in front of me again! Wait, from today on, this person is the second-in-command of our club!"

  Wang Nian pushed his elder brother Wang to the front, and everyone was hesitant, not knowing whether to call or not. If they called, there would be no turning back, and if Yang Ming didn't fall, the organization wouldn't forgive betrayal, and the outcome would only be death. If they didn't call, in case Wang Nian regained power, they still wouldn't get forgiveness, and the outcome would still be death.

  This is a difficult choice.

  "You don't have to rush to answer, let's talk about it tomorrow."

  Wang Nian naturally saw the concerns of his former subordinates, so he was in no hurry to reclaim power.

  Zhang Haiyang is still waiting for an opportunity, Wang Nian has entered the community, and the people surrounding outside have dispersed, leaving only those who are not in the community still guarding the door. However, they also occasionally call to ask about the situation inside, feeling anxious and uneasy.

  Zhang Haiyang straightened his waist, wrapped the collar around his mouth, and walked towards the entrance of the community.

  Sometimes the most dangerous things are actually the safest.

  Zhang Haiyang just said he came with the two people in front, and the guard at the door didn't dare to stop him. The community was already in chaos, with bloodstains everywhere, and several lightly injured people were working together to drag some seriously injured people towards the door. Zhang Haiyang walked in with his head half lowered, avoiding the arms of the injured people who were seeking help. The people in the community had already collapsed, and no one asked him who he was.

  Gunfire and screams came from the second floor, Zhang Haiyang chased after them.

  Gao Tian felt like he was going crazy, the conference room next door had just exploded, the shockwave pushed down the entire wall, two directors were crushed underneath, and before he could even figure out what was happening, someone called to say that Wang Nian was back.

  The name Wang Nian is now a taboo in the club, everyone avoids mentioning him, not because it's forbidden, but because they're all afraid to hear or mention Wang Nian, this name has become a nightmare for all members of the club who participated in last night's action. Now Wang Nian is back, he's coming here, how can this not make Gao Tian's soul fly away? The reaction of the directors is even more chilling, they actually discussed surrendering to Wang Nian in front of Gao Tian, and even mentioned selling out Gao Tian in exchange for Wang Nian's favor.

  "You think I'm already dead?"

  Gao Tian threw a brick slab at one of the directors, and that elite who had just been spitting flying saliva suddenly became quiet. His head tilted to one side, forever absent from the board meeting.

  "You're really a dead man."

  Wang Nian appeared at the door, his eyes icy cold.

  Wang Nianshen is Big Brother Wang, he looks spirited and contented.

  Gao Tian didn't see the legendary evil spirit, but he knew that the evil existence must have already been in the house. It was possible that at this moment it had its sights on his heart, and as soon as Wang Nian had a thought, he would die instantly. Gao Tian never doubted this point. Since summoning out the blood ghost, he knew what kind of consequences betraying Wang Nian would bring.

  "Let's give it a try!"

  Gao Tian suppressed his intense heartbeat and forced himself to speak calmly.

  "Really? If you have anything that can get me through this, bring it out!"

  Wang Nian pulled over a chair and sat down. The directors next to him exchanged glances, preparing to slip away. Eldest brother Wang stood at the door, glaring angrily.

  "Why don't you stay and take a look too, it's also good for broadening your horizons."

  King Nian said faintly that the more this was the case, the more the directors felt they couldn't see tomorrow's sun. It is worth knowing that for those who betrayed him, King Nian had only one word: kill.

  "It's on between you and me!"

  Gao Tian suddenly shouted loudly, and the hand that had been placed on his chest pressed down fiercely. Bloodstains seeped out from his shirt in starry dots, but then stopped abruptly. Gao Tian stumbled backwards, retreating three steps before collapsing onto the gravel, his chest heaving. Something round was squirming under his shirt, and with each movement, it seemed to suck away a bit of Gao Tian's strength. He struggled to get up, but couldn't manage to sit upright.

  Wang Nian furrowed his brow, thought of something, and pointed at Gao Tian with his hand. Suddenly, a skeletal arm emerged from thin air and gently stroked Gao Tian's chest before retracting back into nothingness. The directors hadn't even had time to react when the clothes on Gao Tian's chest disintegrated into shreds, revealing what was underneath.

  That was a huge eyeball! It protruded from the chest of the high sky.

  "Go die! Hahaha!"

  In the midst of a maniacal laughter that shook the heavens, that eye opened, and the room was instantly bathed in a dazzling blue light.

  "Anyway, Lily is gone, and Shimao will kill everyone related to Qifeng. Let me send you on your way first!"

  The voice from the blue light above was tinged with madness, and the giant eye on his chest rotated rapidly, sweeping over everyone. Every person seen by that eye felt their heartbeat accelerating, faster and faster, until they found it hard to breathe and their limbs went limp.

  "Really? I don't think so, you go first!"

  Wang Nian's voice remained calm, then suddenly a loud noise rang out and the blue light vanished. Gao Tian looked down at his chest in shock, where a skeletal arm was grasping the black jade yin symbol that had slowly been pulled out of his shattered eye socket, before retracting back into thin air. Gao Tian wanted to say something, but instead he collapsed backwards, his eyes gradually dimming and losing their light.

  "Idiot, you're using it wrong."

  Wang Nian seemed somewhat tired as he said that, then stood up. Wang Li immediately followed, but was stopped by Wang Nian.

  "From today on, you are the leader of the group, they will protect you."

  Wang Nian said, looking at the directors, who immediately nodded frantically, as if they hated not having two heads. Wang Nian laughed and left without hesitation. He had already calculated the time, Yang Ming's confidant was about to return, although he wasn't afraid of them now, but Wang Nian didn't want to have a head-on confrontation with Yang Ming too early.

  Zhang Haiyang followed behind Wang Nian for a long time, but never made up his mind to take action. He instinctively felt that Wang Nian was still very dangerous at this moment, and if he wasn't careful, he would end up dead.

  The word "death" is not scary, what's scary is the loneliness it leaves behind for others.

  Wang Nian walked ahead, his figure hidden among the sparkling snowflakes. The road was quiet, with no one in sight. Zhang Haiyang followed from a distance, suddenly feeling lonely, including the figure ahead that seemed unusually tired, as well as the sky and the densely packed snowflakes falling in a hurry, all of which seemed desolate and forlorn.

  Finally, Wang Nian walked into a residential building, and Zhang Haiyang stopped. He didn't know if this was a trap set by Wang Nian or something else, but in any case, it wasn't suitable to follow him anymore. Zhang Haiyang took note of the address here, then quietly left.

  The snow fell heavily, dancing in the sky and accumulating thicker and thicker, covering everything without a trace.