No sooner said than done.
The two groups, who had been at each other's throats just moments ago, now quickly merged and trudged together toward the direction of the Ghost Village.
Some among them were familiar with each other and gathered in small groups, exchanging warm greetings.
"Old cousin, you came too! I was planning to visit your village this afternoon to pay my New Year's respects..."
"I was on my way to your place to see my aunt when I got called over. Look, I even brought brown sugar with me."
"..."
Walking ahead, Hu Ma couldn't help but find the conversations behind him both amusing and absurd.
Thankfully, Second Uncle had stepped in to prevent a fight, or else these cousins might have ended up mourning each other.
As they moved forward, they encountered others who had come armed to support their respective sides.
But upon seeing that peace had been brokered, they sheathed their weapons and joined the group.
The larger their numbers grew, the more their confidence swelled, and they marched forward boldly, startling countless creatures in the forest.
At first, the atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and laughter.
But as they drew closer to the village, the group fell silent.