Twilight Boundary-Chapter 509 - 501 Heavenly Destiny General
"This..."
Upon hearing Hu Ma’s words, even the Mountain Lord was a little surprised.
Having sensed Hu Ma’s predicament in this matter, considering they were of the same lineage and from a wealthy family, there was concern that Hu Ma might feel conflicted. Unexpectedly, his response was so straightforward and concise.
Being able to discern the good and evil in people’s hearts, he now saw Hu Ma’s indifferent expression, which didn’t seem feigned; Hu Ma truly treated those people as strangers.
As he was thinking, Hu Ma slightly raised his head and said, "No need to worry, senior. I don’t have much regard for these people, but I am interested in the Heavenly Destiny General of the Truth Sect you mentioned."
"This guy disregards the Red Lantern Society, openly hoisting banners and measuring land. Just how great is his destiny to dare to claim such an arrogant title?"
"Such people will inevitably appear."
The Mountain Lord also sighed softly and said, "The matter of choosing the Emperor has already begun, and all the noble families can’t sit still, placing their bets. As they enter the fray, these Heavenly Destiny Generals will naturally become more numerous. Didn’t you also choose one back then?"
"Now he’s also in these mountains, training soldiers and storing grain, gaining some confidence. Unfortunately, compared to the people who have come this time, he’s simply not on the same level."
"I advised you earlier that his fate was insufficient and his foundation too shallow. He could be of some use but wasn’t the right choice."
Hu Ma knew he was referring to Yang Gong. Hearing the Mountain Lord’s intention, although he initially didn’t think much of him, he had privately observed him for a while. Unfortunately, Yang Gong hadn’t shown much promise and, in the Mountain Lord’s opinion, was already falling behind. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
Hu Ma then laughed and said, "Speaking of which, my brother Yang Gong’s skills are far inferior not only to the Heavenly Destiny General of the Truth Sect but even to the One Coin Sect. But the one who rises first may not be the ultimate winner."
"Since I chose him, there’s no reason to change people without cause."
"Now that the Truth Sect has set their eyes on our territory, it might be a good opportunity to see if he’s up to the task."
The words came out naturally, clearly having been deliberated long before in his heart. Even the Mountain Lord was slightly surprised. Before going to the Blood Food Mine, he seemed so cautious and contemplative, lacking decisiveness. Now he seemed like a changed person.
"Moreover..."
While Hu Ma spoke, he also paused briefly, thoughtfully saying, "Compared to this, there’s another matter I wish to discuss with you. The Tongyin Meng family’s actions are increasing, and some mysteries need to be clarified, so I..."
He paused slightly, then looked directly at the Mountain Lord and said, "...plan to retrieve the Hu family’s token."
The Mountain Lord trembled slightly upon hearing these words and said, "Are you ready?"
Facing his inquiry, Hu Ma merely nodded slightly without much to say, but his tightly pursed lips clearly demonstrated his determination.
"It is indeed time to retrieve it..."
The Mountain Lord looked deeply at Hu Ma but only sighed lowly, "The Truth Sect has arrived in Mingzhou; many things can no longer be delayed. I can refrain from seizing the opportunity, but you must."
"Moreover...such a valuable item belonging to the Hu family remains in my protection, which has left me uneasy. It’s best you retrieve it sooner rather than later."
Hu Ma was a bit surprised. Why is it that when I say I want to retrieve the Hu family token, you seem happier about it than I do?
The Mountain Lord, perceptive of human hearts and good and evil, seemed to sense Hu Ma’s curiosity but could only smile and sigh, "I’ve seen your Hu family at its most majestic, so sometimes seeing you being so cautious feels a bit unfamiliar."
"But thinking about it, you’ve persevered through loneliness, so of course, it’s time to reclaim the token and reestablish Zhensui Mansion."
"I imagine by then, no more evil spirits will dare to disturb your peace, and you’ll understand the responsibilities of your Hu family without needing to inquire from me constantly."
"Just remember what I said: Of all calamities, military disasters are the most harmful, and of all tribulations, war is the most ferocious. Old Yin Mountain is my cherished place. Once you take charge of Zhensui Mansion, if you have options, please show leniency. I don’t wish to see rivers of blood and mountains of corpses here."
Hu Ma stood up and said solemnly, "Rest assured, senior Mountain Lord!"
His heart was filled with emotion. Since coming to this world, he’d seen many ghostly gods, mostly sinister and bizarre. Yet only the Mountain Lord conformed to his previous life’s imagination...
As the two conversed, the full moon wine for the family had nearly concluded. The villagers who came to attend were staggering away, and the hosts began to clear away the incense table that worshipped the Mountain Lord.
They didn’t know that this simple incense table had genuinely summoned the Mountain Lord, who was still a bit reluctant. Nonetheless, they started taking back the sacrificial fruits, plain wine, and even the red eggs right in front of the Mountain Lord...
Seeing the Mountain Lord’s awkwardness, Hu Ma could only pretend as if nothing happened and returned with him from the family’s place, striking up a conversation, "Is there anything else you wish to instruct, senior?"
"Since you have a plan, I have nothing more to say..."
The Mountain Lord pondered for a moment and suddenly said, "Yes, after retrieving the Hu family token, when you return to Dayang Village, you can directly perform the Sacrificial Mountain rite."
"Hmm?"
This statement genuinely surprised Hu Ma. Since his rise to prominence as a minor manager in the Red Lantern Society, Dayang Village had begun worshipping the forest and honoring the dryad. However, this matter was so sensitive that it was never openly discussed, let alone advertised as the Sacrificial Mountain rite. Why would the Mountain Lord bring it up himself now?
The Mountain Lord was earnest. After giving some exhortations, he sighed and said, "After all, it’s been many years since I’ve been properly worshipped..."
"This..."
Hu Ma was somewhat flabbergasted. It turns out the Mountain Lord senior enjoys a lively atmosphere; wherever there’s an event, he goes there. Now he even attends a child’s full moon feast...
Is the reason because it’s been years since anyone has offered proper sacrifice?
With a sweep of his large sleeve, the Mountain Lord sent him back. Jolted awake, Hu Ma stood up to find himself still in Old Yin Mountain, at the very place where he had just entered to burn incense. Everything he had just experienced seemed like a dream. He shook his head with a wry smile and stood up.
Taking a deep breath, he had already made up his mind. Things are different now. The message from Big Red Robe has instilled a sense of urgency even in this Reincarnator’s heart. Many things need to be clarified, but preparations must be made before full understanding is achieved.
Slay the Tai Sui, contend for destiny...
Such matters were once considered troublesome, and the Reincarnator would avoid them at all costs. But now, knowing the urgency, how can he avoid it? On the contrary, he needs to get closer to these matters.
Now that the Truth Sect and the Qingyuan Hu Family have arrived and dare to employ such sinister tricks, affecting my piece of land, how can I not counter them?
With these thoughts, he descended the mountain. Finding it already past noon, he headed east for twenty miles until he arrived at the Manor.
He arrived just in time to see Li leading the remaining few workers of the Manor and some fresh faces, presumably vigorous young men from nearby villages, practicing martial arts. However, judging from their weapon-handling skills... well...
...the techniques Second Master taught back then were considered genuine.
"Who goes there?"
As soon as Hu Ma entered, a few fresh faces immediately glared and said, "Hey, you dare to enter the Manor?"
They charged with wide eyes, ready to take action, which startled an old worker nearby. This was none other than Da Long, who used to associate with Young Master Xu Ji when first joining the Manor and was now quite senior. He hurried over and slapped each one, saying, "He’s our Shopkeeper Hu."
"If you lay a hand on him, don’t you value your life?"
Intimidated, they covered their heads and sheepishly grinned, "We saw he carried a blade and thought he was from the Truth Sect. Shopkeeper, please be generous..."
Hu Ma, unbothered, just waved it off and asked, "Where’s Li?"
Da Long said, "The manager is inside burning incense..."
Hu Ma nodded and entered the inner courtyard. Although he had gone to the mine, the inner courtyard remained vacant. Li, having learned from past naïveté, had become the most sensible one now.
Despite being the eldest in the Manor, he refused to move into the courtyard, only borrowing its private space to burn incense and ask the Seventh Aunt for advice when necessary.
As Hu Ma entered, he saw Li, with a worried face, putting away an incense burner. He turned his head, saw Hu Ma, and was so excited that he hurriedly said, "Brother Ma Zi, you’re finally back. Those people from the Truth Sect are really arrogant..."
"Make some food first!" Hu Ma exclaimed. He had been starving all day. This morning, he accompanied the Mountain Lord to a family’s full moon feast in the mountains. The Mountain Lord, being a deity, was satisfied by the offerings, but Hu Ma, a living human, had been present for so long, watching but unable to eat, and was famished.
Upon hearing this, Li personally went to the kitchen, and after a flurry of clanging noises, brought Hu Ma a big bowl of hand-torn noodles with an egg.
As Hu Ma ate, he asked Li, "How exactly are they arrogant?"
"Well..."
Li started to speak, but hesitated, realizing that although the Truth Sect was influential and their actions oppressive, they were quite by the book and hadn’t done anything particularly abusive to the Manor. The arguments didn’t escalate to violence.
After a pause, he whispered, "They... they hoist their banners every day, prowling around. They never bow to our Red Lantern Lady’s lanterns and even demand we make way for them..."
Li felt a little guilty as he said this, but he didn’t expect Hu Ma to become instantly furious upon hearing his words. Hu Ma slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Such insolence and arrogance! Utterly devoid of manners! This Truth Sect is courting death!"
