Twilight Boundary-Chapter 419 - 413 One Coin Sect Leader
Hu Ma and Calculation quickened their pace, yet it wasn’t until nearly dusk that they finally caught sight of a fairly sizable town nestled amid the mountain forests, bustling with buildings, and coursing with mules and horses—a scene of surprising activity.
As they approached the town, they saw a stone platform upon which perched a lifelike stone horse. The horse was encircled with gravel, and on both sides, there were clear signs of incense-burning, as if the stone horse were revered as a deity.
"This must be Shima Town," Calculation, worn out from the long day’s journey, finally regained his spirit upon arriving at the town’s entrance. He turned to Hu Ma and said, "This place was once a large city with quite a history!"
"Legend has it that a plague once swept through here, causing significant casualties among the local populace. A general, retired and returned to his hometown, discovered a plague ghost was causing the calamity. He rode in with his sword to exorcise the ghost. Though he succeeded in vanquishing it, the old general himself perished in the endeavor."
"The villagers, grateful for the old general’s benevolent act, buried him on the outskirts of the village. His horse, loyal to its old master, lingered by the grave, refusing to leave, until it eventually transformed into this stone horse."
"Years have passed, and the old general’s grave can no longer be found, but the stone horse remains."
As Hu Ma listened, he found the tale intriguing but difficult to verify, for such stories were common. Even in a world abundant with mysterious forces, rumors and exaggerations were all too frequent. He listened while glancing at the town, sighing softly, "Although nestled in the mountains, this town is certainly bustling."
"Heh heh..." Calculation glanced around and whispered, "It used to be an ancient city, but now it has become a haven for rebels. The One Coin Sect has caused quite a stir here, driving out government officials from the nearby Prefectures and looting their granaries."
"Yet they are also cautious, fearing that the government might send forces. Therefore, they seldom linger outside. Instead, they conduct their activities mainly in these mountains, setting up Magic Altars and unofficial temples to attract more believers. As the place grew lively, it also attracted merchants from all around and local commoners to come and do business."
"There are no taxes here, no laws to speak of. Naturally, it’s far more lively than the outside world!"
Goodness, are they really intent on rebellion? Hu Ma couldn’t help but wonder. In this world, the government was already quite low-key. They usually didn’t meddle in much, only sought to collect some taxes, and if no one paid, they typically wouldn’t make a big fuss. Despite this, driving the government out seemed to be about claiming the title of ’rebel’ more than anything else.
He could comprehend the survival tactics of the Red Lantern Lady’s Club but couldn’t quite grasp the One Coin Sect’s approach. This was a good opportunity to learn more.
"Let’s go. I’m famished, and Old Mr. Sun should have the table ready by now, right?" Calculation urged. As he guided Hu Ma into the town, he added, "The place is vast and full of experts. Since there’s no one guarding it, people from all walks of life intermingle here."
"It’s not just members of the One Coin Sect; even some fierce outlaws or those dealing in shady businesses from the outside like to hide out here. Although you’re skilled, you must be extremely cautious."
Hu Ma replied, "Understood."
He dismounted his donkey and led it into the town. Unlike in the city, there was no inspection at the entrance here.
Calculation merely offered this piece of advice and didn’t inquire further. He had a good trait in this regard: he had long since realized that Hu Ma harbored many secrets. Furthermore, with Hu Ma’s Shousui skills, he definitely didn’t seem like a mere little shopkeeper of the Red Lantern Lady’s Club. Yet, despite his curiosity, Calculation didn’t pry or ask questions randomly.
Similarly, Hu Ma refrained from probing into Calculation’s affairs.
The two walked along the street, observing the surrounding hustle and bustle. Despite the approaching dusk, vendors showed no intention of packing up. Instead, they lit lamps to continue their business, creating an atmosphere that seemed even more vibrant than the Prefecture cities outside.
When they reached the Four-Direction Inn, as arranged with Old Master Sun, they saw the alluring lights at the entrance, enchanting women, and green-hatted pimps. Calculation was astonished.
He sighed deeply, "Though this place is lawless, it truly is a great spot, perhaps even better than the city."
Hu Ma glanced at him and asked, "What makes you say so?"
Calculation took a deep breath. "The girls here have shorter skirts than those in the city, and their legs are fairer."
"...And the rouge they use is high quality, smells better than in the city!"
"A small detail, but a good indicator!" Hu Ma praised. He led the horse to the front of the building and casually asked a pimp soliciting business at the door, "Big Teapot, is Old Sun of Liu County hosting a banquet here?"
The pimp hurried over. He shouted for someone to take Hu Ma’s and Calculation’s animals to the back to be fed well, then bowed and led the two men inside.
Along the way, they observed that the accommodations were quite spacious. Bright lights shone from several rows of large rooms. From a distance, people could be seen inside, eating and drinking. Most of them had the air of merchants and traders, yet many others appeared rugged and exuded the characteristic air of jianghu heroes.
"Young Brother Hu, you’re finally here! This whole table of good friends has been waiting for you to begin the feast." Midway through, Old Master Sun came out, laughing. "I heard your footsteps from afar and came out to greet you."
He greeted Hu Ma and Calculation, then leaned in and whispered to Hu Ma, "I’ve delivered the message. I only dared to invite you after receiving a nod from my Senior Sister. Tonight, I can make the introduction for you, but you mustn’t let yourself be underestimated at this banquet!"
You could hear my footsteps from afar? Hu Ma first agreed with a laugh and followed Old Master Sun inside, marveling inwardly.
Last time, while drinking at the mine, Old Master Sun had mentioned this as his trump card, a skill called ’Earth Listening,’ which he had specially cultivated after refining his Seven Apertures. Even in such a bustling place with countless people moving about, accurately recognizing his footsteps was merely a minor display of this ability. The true skill involved listening to sounds through the ground, a technique originating from the military. It was said that by pressing an ear to the ground, one could hear activities dozens of miles away. This skill could supposedly distinguish the number of personnel, how many were on horseback or on foot, and even the amount of supplies they carried. However, Hu Ma had only heard Old Master Sun describe it and had not yet witnessed it firsthand.
"So..." Hu Ma had caught the hint in Old Master Sun’s words and had already made some guesses after receiving the message delivered by the ghost. He nodded and asked in a low voice, "This Senior Sister you mentioned, the one who doesn’t eat beef—does she have ties with the One Coin Sect?"
"You figured it out?" Old Master Sun chuckled. "It’s more than just ties. This Senior Sister I mentioned is actually the Hierarch of our One Coin Sect, the Supreme Goodness, Utmost Truth, Profound Mystery Immortal.
"Otherwise, why do you think an old man like me joined the One Coin Sect?
"To put it bluntly, we don’t believe in them, but in the expert who doesn’t eat beef. A Senior Brother guided me back then. Now that I know the One Who Doesn’t Eat Beef is behind the One Coin Sect, how could I not lend a hand?
"...Of course, the One Coin Sect is quite influential and reputable. Although the deities Worshipped by the sect might not compare to your Red Lantern Lady, they are also very responsive to prayers."
Goodness... Though he had long suspected it, Hu Ma found this revelation quite novel. The person who doesn’t eat beef ended up becoming the Hierarch of the One Coin Sect? Or rather, was this One Coin Sect secretly assembled by those who follow the One Who Doesn’t Eat Beef? Like a subsidiary? If that’s the case, then the possibility of the One Coin Sect’s Hierarch being a Reincarnator is even higher...
He pondered silently, maintaining his outward composure as he followed Old Master Sun inside, chuckling softly, "But due to the previous incident at the mine, my dealings with the One Coin Sect’s Magic King weren’t exactly amicable..."
"No worries," Old Master Sun assured. "I’ve already smoothed things over. I sent her a few pounds of Blood Food to help her recuperate, telling her it was from you. Why would she hold a grudge?
"Now, she merely fears this matter spreading, as it would ruin both her and the Lotus Holy Mother’s reputation. As long as we don’t bring it up, why would she go around gossiping? If it truly became common knowledge, the Guest wouldn’t spare her for her loose tongue!"
Hu Ma was touched by these words. "Old brother, you’re truly thorough in your actions..."
But he pondered again, what did Old Master Sun mean by warning him not to be underestimated at this banquet? Could there actually be some sort of test?
While they were conversing, Old Mr. Sun led them to a three-story building situated on a bustling street. Old Mr. Sun led the way upstairs, and Hu Ma noted that all three floors were occupied. The first floor seemed to be occupied by followers and attendants, while the second floor housed various leaders. Calculation waved, indicating he would stay there, and gestured for Hu Ma to go upstairs with Old Master Sun.
Upon reaching the top floor, they saw a table of people already seated by the window overlooking the street. They all rose and greeted them with smiles and cupped-hand salutes.
"Come, come, let me introduce everyone. This is the Young Brother Hu I was telling you about," Old Mr. Sun said, leading Hu Ma over and addressing the group with a smile. "He’s a manager from the Red Lantern Lady’s Club, managing a blood food mine at such a young age. What I value even more is his expertise in our Shousui Path; his skills are by no means inferior to my own."
Then he introduced Hu Ma to the others, "This is the Old Altar Master of Great Shanbao, that is the Store Manager of the Mule and Horse Market, this is the Second Gang Leader of the Bamboo Gang, and this is the son-in-law of Grandma Wu—he properly married Grandma Wu’s adopted daughter as his wife...
"Hah, and this one is the most formidable of all—he controls all the coffin business in Shima Town!"
As Hu Ma listened, it struck him that people from all walks of life were indeed present. Some of the introductions even sounded rather absurd. Especially that bit about Grandma Wu’s son-in-law—what was that all about? He looked as if his yuan yang was still intact, so why did he appear so sallow and emaciated?
