Chapter 277: She's Your Sister
Chapter 277: She's Your Sister
There were no drums or gongs, but Hu Ma and Xiang'er, under Han Womzi's watchful eye, embarked on their journey with dignity, heading straight for Ling Shou Prefecture.
Ever since their departure from Mingzhou, Hu Ma had never felt so at ease.
Not only were they escorted by influential figures from Han Womzi's farmhouse, but along the way, more people joined their procession, quickly forming a group of several dozen. Their presence was formidable.
Even then, there were countless others who wanted to get involved, hoping to establish a good relationship with the Li Clan and gain some favor. However, out of respect for their status, they dared not join.
With such a formidable group, how many evil spirits would dare to block their path?
Even Hu Ma, in the eyes of the crowd, had become a heroic figure, a protector of the orphaned girl, his reputation reaching far and wide.
On the road, people approached him, praising his noble deeds and vowing to visit his farmhouse in Mingzhou. Some even promised that if he ever needed help, they would not hesitate to lend a hand.
Hu Ma wasn't sure how sincere these words were, but he realized that his reputation had indeed grown.
Was this the grand gift from the Red Wine Miss? Even in Mingzhou, he was just a despised little manager of the Blood Feast Gang. Who would have thought that coming to Anzhou would suddenly make him famous?
A strange feeling suddenly arose within him. If he were just a reincarnator, he wouldn't consider this a grand gift. What reincarnator in their right mind would pursue such a hollow reputation?
But when he thought of his other identity...
...Perhaps this fame was just in time.
As they traveled, the group gradually approached Ling Shou Prefecture. They followed the main road, even stopping at a village to demand money and chicken for a meal, showing no modesty.
Yet, their journey was surprisingly uneventful, and as they entered Ling Shou Prefecture, nothing out of the ordinary occurred.
Indeed, the Red Wine Miss had seen it all along...
Hu Ma let out a sigh, glancing at Xiang'er in the carriage. She was leaning against the window, her head against the curtain, eagerly looking forward.
Xiang'er had endured a difficult journey, and now she was finally close to home. Her emotions were undoubtedly complex.
At that moment, in a town not far from Anzhou City, in a wild inn, a certain individual had rented a large room to recuperate from his injuries. He tore open his shirt, revealing a black mark on his shoulder, pierced by Yin energy.
He held a handful of glutinous rice, slowly pulling out the Yin energy, sweat beading on his forehead.
As he worked, he cursed under his breath. Suddenly, the wooden door was pushed open, and a short and stout middle-aged man appeared. He had the appearance of a farmer, but he wore fine silk and satin.
The young man was startled, and his face immediately contorted into a mournful expression. "Father, I really had no choice..."
He looked at the short and stout middle-aged man before him and cried, "This matter was going so well, and it was almost done."
"Who would have thought she could come back?"
"I sent Zhou Manager to handle the aftermath, but who knew what that old fool did? The group on Ping Nan Dao was taken care of, but the young manager who returned with the girl is still alive."
"It's a shame they call the Trickery Sect Leader a cunning old fox. I was waiting for him to deliver the person, but when I went to find him, he was already in a coffin. This is a direct provocation!"
"I didn't dare make a fuss, so I had to chase after them myself and even resort to summoning ghosts..."
"But who could have guessed that the Trickery Sect would get involved..."
"Now, we have no choice. It's not good to cast spells during the day, but if there are bandits or robbers on the road who attack them..."
"..."
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Before the young man could finish his resentful and angry words, the short and stout elder interrupted him.
The young man was startled and blinked in confusion.
"What could be wrong with Han Womzi?"
The short and stout elder gritted his teeth. "Her actions were a favor to our Ghost Cavern Li Clan. It's not just her; anyone from any sect would have helped in this situation."
The young man grew tense. "Then what about us...?"
"There's nothing to do with you..."
The short and stout elder stared at him intently, his voice lowered with a hint of resentment. "The problem lies with you, you fool. Letting her be abducted was the best way to avoid karmic entanglements. You only gave her a nudge, and the major karmic consequences would still be borne by this world."
"But after the situation changed, you couldn't continue. You should have let the old dog from the Trickery Sect handle it, but why did you insist on getting involved yourself?"
"..."
As he spoke, his voice suddenly rose, as if he were shouting to someone. He slapped the young man's head.
"How could you be so heartless? She's your sister!"
"..."
The young man was completely stunned, his face filled with grievance. He wanted to speak but couldn't. The short and stout elder, after yelling, immediately grabbed the young man's head.
He rubbed the sore spot and whispered, "Be smarter. Wait for your punishment. Don't drag your father and your two brothers down. Since the young lady has returned, the Marquis won't take your life. At most, you'll be punished."
"As long as we're here, we can take care of you."
"The people from the Reasoning Hall are just outside. You must behave and follow them obediently, and don't resist, no matter what."
"..."
The young man was stunned, his voice trembling as he spoke, "You..."
He had only said one word when he realized his mistake and lowered his voice, "Father, where are you going?"
"Where else can I go?"
The short and sturdy old man sighed deeply, "I have to hurry and bring Miss home..."
...
...
The group arrived at Ling Shou Prefecture but did not enter. They only took a distant glance from afar.
Ling Shou Prefecture was also a large city, with traces of its former prosperity still visible, but now it appeared dilapidated and desolate. There were hardly any people at the city gates, as if it were an abandoned town.
But Hu Ma had heard from Fragrant Girl that she had been abducted here, which was indeed a wonder. How could such a dilapidated city be a place for entertainment and sightseeing, rarely visited by the Cave Li Clan?
As they turned south, they gradually approached the Great Stone Cliff. The group ventured deeper into the mountains, and along the road, they began to see many abandoned graves. It was unclear if the area had always been sparsely populated, but the origin of these numerous graves was a mystery, and thin mist rose from among them.
After passing through the abandoned graves, a narrow path came into view, leading forward. The group couldn't help but stop in their tracks.
In front of them was an ancient monument with eight deeply carved words: "Netherworld Ahead, Mortals Beware."
"The Netherworld?"
The group of mercenaries paused, unsure if they should proceed.
Although they made their living in Anzhou, out of ten people, eight of them didn't believe in the concept of the Netherworld.
However, these eight simple words, carved on the monument, gave off an eerie feeling, causing everyone's voices to lower.
It seemed like a warning, and although they were delivering the Miss back to her family, would they cause trouble by entering so boldly?
Just as the group was hesitating, two people dressed in black with strange-shaped hats, a rare sight these days, slowly approached from the path ahead.
Their faces were pale, and they held a piece of black cloth, not speaking to anyone.
The group also fell silent and didn't greet them.
The two men reached the monument, unfolded the black cloth, and covered the monument before turning to the group and saying,
"Please, everyone."
"Our uncles and elders have received the message and are already waiting ahead."
"..."
The group then moved forward, and as they passed by the monument, they couldn't help but glance at it.
It was one thing for the Cave Li Clan to stop people, but to invite them in, they even had to cover the monument first. What kind of strange rule was this?
Hu Ma was even more puzzled, thinking to himself that it was difficult for him to go to the Great Stone Cliff Li Clan with these mercenaries. If the muleteers who delivered the message were ordinary people, how much harder would it have been for them?
Perhaps the message was intercepted here and never reached Fragrant Girl's father.
As they continued forward, they entered the mountains. After turning around the foot of the mountain, they saw a more spacious area ahead.
A group of people, looking pale and dispirited, had already come to greet them from afar. The three in front were robust and dignified, and they approached with joy.
They all expressed their gratitude, bowing respectfully, "Oh dear, ever since our Li Clan's Fragrant Jade Miss went missing, the entire Li Clan has been anxious and restless. Now, thanks to your noble deeds, you've brought her back. The Li Clan will forever remember this gratitude."
"Where is the Miss? Please let us see her, and is she alright?"
"..."
The mercenaries smiled and responded with a few words, glancing at the carriage behind them. Fragrant Girl also stepped out of the carriage, looking at the three men with apprehension and calling out, "Fourth Lord, Second Uncle, Third Elder, I... I'm back..."
Her voice trembled, but facing the three men with joyful expressions, she was hesitant to approach.
"Oh, my poor little girl, you've suffered so much. Come back with us quickly; your father is waiting to see you!"
The three men approached, deeply moved by the sight of the returned Miss.
Then, turning to scan the crowd, they asked, "The message mentioned a Righteous Knight who traveled a thousand miles to bring the Miss back. Who might that be?"
Upon being asked, Hu Ma had no choice but to dismount and face the gazes of the surrounding crowd. He humbly replied, "I can't claim to be a Righteous Knight, but I did bring her back."
"Oh dear, our honored benefactor, please accept my bow!"
The three elders were immediately filled with emotion, and one of them took a step forward and bowed to Hu Ma.
Hu Ma was startled and hurriedly supported him.
This was the thing he feared the most on this journey. Damn, he was already an old man with white hair, and he couldn't bear to receive such a bow.
However, as he supported the three elders, the younger generation behind them all knelt down, causing Hu Ma to feel a headache:
I worked so hard to bring the person back, and this is the grand gift I receive?
Are you bullying me because you think I won't dare to bow back?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
