Twilight's Threshold Chapter 160: Incense Order - Novel Cool - Best online light novel reading website

Chapter 160: Incense Order

Chapter 160: Incense Order

"Confidence?"

Diguashao chuckled at Hu Ma’s question. "What confidence could they have?"

"They issued this challenge to the Red Lantern Lady Association and set up this arena because they have no choice. The Incense Order from the higher-ups is about to be issued."

"Once they get this talisman, they will have the chance to build a temple. The Blue-robed Evil Spirit is of course not as powerful as the Red Lantern Lady, but he absolutely cannot bear to part with this talisman. For such a major evil spirit, the opportunity to build a temple might only come once in a lifetime."

"If he can seize this opportunity, he can soar to the heavens. If he fails, he will never enjoy incense offerings and can only remain a malevolent entity."

"..."

"Build a temple?"

Hu Ma’s heart stirred at the mention of this. He had always been curious about the concept of evil spirits building temples in this world, but he never had the chance to ask anyone.

First, Old Merchant Wu Hong had told him that the Red Lantern Lady did not build a temple not because she did not want to, but because she dared not and could not bear the consequences. Later, he saw the Old Turtle in Niujia Bay, who had been swindled by a powerful person and built a temple, only to suffer a great loss. His doubts had accumulated over time.

In this world, there are terms like "temples" and "incense offerings," but temples are rarely seen in small places. What is the reasoning behind this? And hearing about the "Incense Order," does it mean that building a temple in this world requires official approval?

This one statement resolved a long-standing doubt in his mind. No wonder this magical duel was so sudden and mysterious. He originally thought it was just a territorial dispute between the Red Lantern Lady and the Blue-robed Evil Spirit over the Blood Food Mines. Now it seems there is much more to it.

The more curious Hu Ma became, the more he tried to hide his ignorance. He said casually, "It’s time for them to build a temple?"

"The senior is curious too..."

Diguashao chuckled. "Do you want to take another shot at it?"

Hu Ma remained noncommittal. "Just gathering information. After all, information is the most valuable."

"True."

Diguashao's voice lowered slightly. "I heard this from our master. He is an old honorary member of the Blue Robe Gang, but he is too old to help anymore."

"Currently, outsiders don’t know about the Incense Order. They only think the Blue Robe Gang is really challenging the Red Lantern Lady and determining the ownership of several major Blood Food Mines. But in reality, this is just a cover."

"Think about it, the two sides have been peaceful for so many years. The Blue Robe Gang is a weaker force, struggling to protect itself. Why would they suddenly want to challenge the Red Lantern Lady?"

"Ultimately, it’s because the Yin-Communicating Meng Family appeared and granted this Incense Order."

"With this order, both the Red Lantern Lady and the Blue-robed Evil Spirit are willing to risk their lives to fight to the death. Unfortunately, the Meng Family will not allow them to directly confront each other, disrupting the peace and order, and potentially affecting the Blood Food offerings next year."

"So they have to be more restrained and choose this kind of martial duel to determine the winner and seize the order..."

"..."

As she spoke of this like a curious tale, Hu Ma remained silent.

But as he listened, his heart was in turmoil.

The Yin-Communicating Meng Family?

Are they the shadowy figures behind the Red Lantern Association who require annual offerings?

And could the Meng Family that Grandmother always warned him to be cautious of and to quickly learn skills to deal with be this Meng Family?

Just by issuing a so-called Incense Order, they can make two major evil spirits, who control entire regions, fight to the death and decide their fate of building a temple...

... How powerful must they be?

For a moment, he felt his hands trembling slightly. Fortunately, he was communicating with Diguashao through the incense burner, so he couldn’t see. He tried to calm himself and said slowly, "The Yin-Communicating Meng Family truly has... a lot of influence..."

"Hehe, after all, they are one of the Ten Surnames Clan."

Diguashao explained, "When Lord Taishui was born, the Yi Dynasty collapsed, and the world fell into chaos. Even the emperor was flayed. The government in each state is now precarious, but why can many places still maintain basic order?"

"It’s said that these ten families are helping to maintain it. Before they choose a new emperor, all major evil spirits in various regions must behave themselves..."

Hu Ma listened and, pretending to be casual, suddenly asked, "Who are the Ten Surnames Clan? I’ve only met people from the Master Zhao’s Family. A friend of mine who was affected by the Livestock Creation Technique once asked them for help."

"Heavens, Senior, you must have been reborn into a prestigious family to know people from the Master Zhao’s Family?"

Diguashao exclaimed in surprise, "I’m far from that. I’ve only heard my master mention a few names, like the Yin-Communicating Meng Family, the Impermanence Li Family, and some others with surnames like Hu and Chen..."

"..."

"They are so powerful that even people in the Inner Circle dare not mention their names lightly, for fear of inviting disaster. Only we dare to talk about them a bit."

"But Miss White Wine also warned me not to provoke them. If I hear their names in the future, I should quickly avoid them. Many of us reincarnated ones have lost our lives at their hands."

"..."

In his conversation with Diguashao, Hu Ma maintained a calm and indifferent demeanor, as if he didn’t care.

But in reality, he remembered every word.

If the Yin-Communicating Meng Family is one of the Ten Surnames Clan and also an enemy of the Hu Family as the old lady mentioned...

...Could it be that the Hu Family I belonged to in my previous life is also related to the Ten Surnames Clan?

It's not that Hu Ma lacks courage; it's just too bizarre. If the Hu Family truly has such a grand background, how could they have hidden in a remote place like Dayang Village for twenty years?

However, although he doesn't want to think too much about it, he can't help but notice many strange things. First, the powerful old lady. Second, the Book of Year-Taming in his possession, which contains cultivation techniques of incredible power.

Perhaps, only someone from the Ten Surnames Clan has the qualifications to possess such unique skills?

No, he can't expose it, absolutely not.

The more curious he becomes, the more he warns himself that he must not think about these things. According to Diguashao, many reincarnated ones have met their end within the Ten Surnames Clan, which shows the immense power of the Ten Surnames Clan.

If his identity is truly confirmed, it would not only cause a stir in reality but also in the circle of reincarnated ones.

"Since that's the case..."

He slowly followed Diguashao's words and asked softly, "Why do you still want to participate in this magical duel?"

"If the Blue Robe Gang loses, won't you be in trouble?"

"..."

"What kind of trouble?"

Diguashao asked curiously, "I'm just going under the name of a Blue Robe Gang offering to help with the duel. I haven't harmed anyone from the Red Lantern Lady Association. Why would she bother with me?"

"In my view, the Blue Robe Gang is bound to lose, but even if they do, the Red Lantern Lady Association won't exterminate them. If you kill them all, who will manage the Blood Food Mines? Won't next year's tribute be affected?"

"So, once the Red Lantern Lady Association wins, they will only recruit the Blue Robe Gang members, especially the more capable ones."

"If I win a round in this duel, the Blue Robe Gang will see me as a great hero. Even if the Red Lantern Lady Association wins, they will look at me favorably and offer a high price. Besides, once I build a reputation, there will be many other opportunities even if I don't join the Red Lantern Lady Association."

"Of course, the ones with choices are us, the offerings and managers. The Blue-robed Boys of the Blue Robe Gang and the Red Fragrance Disciples of the Red Lantern Lady Association have no such choice."

"Once the outcome is decided, both sides will surely kill off these core disciples."

"..."

Hearing this, Hu Ma felt a sudden clarity.

The Red Lantern Lady Association and the Blue Robe Gang don't seem to be mortal enemies.

Or rather, those who are enemies and determined to fight to the death are the leaders, not the lower members who are just trying to make a living.

However, this also raised his curiosity. If that's the case, why aren't the Blue-robed Boys and Red Fragrance Disciples the ones participating in the duel? They have a direct stake in the matter and should be more determined, so why are the managers the ones taking action?

But he also realized he was asking too many questions, so he just smiled and said, "I don't really understand these things."

Diguashao smiled, "That's for sure."

"From your tone, you must have been reborn into a wealthy family. You probably don't understand the ways of the martial world."

"It's also my luck that Miss White Wine spoke on my behalf; otherwise, I doubt I could have persuaded you..."

"..."

"Cough..."

This guy's words are too sweet, Hu Ma couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable.

He silently calculated in his mind, realizing that there were so many intricate rules and complexities behind this magical duel, especially involving the mysterious Yin-Communicating Meng Family. It seems he should think of a way to observe the situation...

Thinking of the last matter, he said, "I have one more question for you."

"Last year, at the border between Gunzhou and Mingzhou, a family surnamed Shen was wiped out, with yellow paper stuck to their faces. It seems similar to your senior brother's technique."

"Do you know who did this?"

"..."

"I know. It was my senior brother."

Diguashao immediately answered, smiling, "He planned to capture a few martial world people, partly to compete with me for treasures and partly to use them to build his reputation in the duel."

"But his unique skill with yellow paper requires some preparation. He killed that family first to refine the paper. With those wronged souls as a foundation, he can better control others with this skill."

"Sure enough..."

Hu Ma felt enlightened. He didn't expect to solve this case unexpectedly.

Unfortunately, this credit doesn't sit well with him.

After all, he is just a mere Age Keeper. Suddenly solving this case might raise suspicions...

So...

He had an idea and whispered, "There's one more thing."

"Things seem to be settled, but I'll visit you again tomorrow to make it look more reasonable."

"..."

"Ah?"

Diguashao was surprised, "You want to stab me again?"

"No."

Hu Ma sighed softly, "This time, I want to be stabbed by you."

"Since we're putting on a show, we must do it thoroughly..."

(End of Chapter)

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