Chapter 316: Dragging Everyone In
Chapter 316: Dragging Everyone In
"Ji Tang was targeted by Old Lady Wu, and after a fierce battle, he made great progress. Now, I followed the Mountain Lord on a stroll in the mountains, and it seems I've gained some benefits too?"
Nowadays, Hu Ma's entire focus is on his longevity practice, and the events of this day came as a surprise. However, the final outcome made him feel like he had struck a great bargain.
He even suspected that the Mountain Lord knew about the benefits of bringing him along, which was why he did so.
Of course, cultivation is a practical matter, and Hu Ma's skills are all self-taught through his own cultivation. The occasional gains from his mountain strolls were just minor bonuses, and Hu Ma didn't become arrogant. Instead, he calmly contemplated the situation.
Could everything he saw and thought about last night have been an illusion?
Accustomed to the ways of longevity practitioners, he only trusted his own thoughts and observations. Naturally, he wouldn't hastily judge the truth. He quickly turned his head and saw Little Hong Tang sticking her head out from the beam, her face looking somewhat resentful as she pouted unhappily at him.
Hu Ma hurriedly said, "Little Hong Tang, what happened last night?"
Little Hong Tang, already unhappy, pouted even more, "Mountain Lord Grandpa asked me to call you over."
"Little Hong Tang is so obedient, and she brought Brother Hu Ma here. But then, the two of you went off to play, leaving me alone in the mountains and not paying any attention to me."
"..."
"Looks like it's true..."
Hu Ma felt relieved and quickly apologized to Little Hong Tang, saying, "I wanted to bring you along, but Mountain Lord Senior wouldn't allow it..."
First, he needed to divert Little Hong Tang's resentment.
After tearing off a piece of meat and dispelling Little Hong Tang's lingering resentment towards him, Hu Ma focused his thoughts again.
The Five Sorrows Deity had indeed arrived.
During the New Year, the Mountain Lord had already warned him about this. Not only were outsiders coveting the Hu family's possessions, but even some former servants who had once been part of the family were also eyeing them.
Now, he realized that the Hu family's affairs were indeed in disarray. He hadn't done much yet, but some former servants who had betrayed the family had already taken the initiative to come to his door...
It was indeed a bit overwhelming to have them show up unannounced.
But thinking about it, he had originally planned to help Auntie Zhang solve this problem. Considering the cultivation challenges he was currently facing and some plans that had been brewing in his mind for a while, he realized that the timing of this servant's arrival wasn't bad at all.
Moreover, there was an advantage in dealing with this matter now that he hadn't had before.
The Mountain Lord Senior, who had previously been rather indifferent to his affairs, was now taking a more active role. He was only fulfilling his promise to protect Hu Ma, and other times, he would say a few words if he felt like it, and if not, he wouldn't bother.
In other words, he had always believed that Hu Ma would only become a true member of the Hu family after entering the Extinct Village and obtaining the talisman left behind by his wife.
But this time was different.
The treasure hoarder had become so agitated that even the usually calm Mountain Lord seemed to be losing his cool.
He had become proactive...
Did this mean that it would be easier to discuss certain matters with him?
With this, some issues that Hu Ma had been considering for a long time could finally be brought to the forefront.
The young master of the wealthy landlord's family had to continue the family business, and inheriting it meant facing complex and challenging problems. Should he really take things one step at a time and wait until he had no other choice before addressing them?
That wouldn't do. He needed to take a more proactive approach and make plans for the inevitable challenges that lay ahead.
After spending half a year pondering these matters, the planning seemed simple, but Hu Ma knew that putting these plans into action wouldn't be easy.
His strength was still too weak.
The Hu family's affairs were too complex, and as a reincarnator, it was too dangerous for him to get involved. Therefore...
...he needed to drag a few more people into this!
With this plan in mind, Hu Ma organized his thoughts.
He clarified his plans and priorities, then took out paper and pen to record the appearances and abilities of the five individuals he had encountered the previous night, as well as the Mountain Lord's pointers. Then, he wrote and drew while waiting for nightfall.
He waited until after dinner, when the companions had all gone to sleep, before lying down on his bed and entering the Life Spirit Temple. With a solemn expression, he placed his palm on the incense cauldron.
He had called out to numerous reincarnators before, but this time was the most crucial...
"Is White Wine Miss there? Old Bai Gan is calling..."
"..."
After calling out three times without a response, just as he was about to call out for the fourth time, White Wine Miss's voice sounded cold and indifferent, "Speak."
White Wine Miss had always been kind to him...
Hu Ma couldn't help but think about what Erguotou had told him. When he called out to White Wine Miss, he had to state his intentions, or he would never get a response. If he mentioned what he wanted to do, and she wasn't interested, there would be no reply.
At least he always got a response, and he quickly said, "I'm just curious, didn't we talk about the matter of sealing Zheng earlier?"
"I've been prepared for this for several months now, but why haven't you given me any news?"
"..."
Surprised by his mention of this matter, White Wine Miss paused for a moment before replying, "I need to make some additional preparations, and it's not completely settled yet.
"Regarding the matter I wish to discuss with you, it's a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration. Of course, the most crucial aspect is..."
"..."
"..."
"Low-key?"
Hu Ma's heart skipped a beat, sensing something but not elaborating. Instead, he smiled and said, "I've already agreed to your request. I'm just waiting for your response."
"Well, I do have something I'd like to ask for your advice on..."
"..."
Miss White Wine was clearly taken aback. "What could you possibly need help with now? I thought you'd be keeping a low profile for the next year or two. Besides, you're already settled in as the junior manager of the Blood Feast Gang, aren't you?"
"I assumed you'd be more discreet during this time."
"..."
"That's true, but unexpected events can always happen, right?"
Hu Ma smiled and said, "I just received news that a group of treasure hoarders from outside are causing trouble in Old Yin Mountain."
"Old Yin Mountain?"
Miss White Wine paused slightly, seemingly surprised that Hu Ma would mention it. After a brief silence, she replied calmly, "The blood feast you investigated before, and now there's another group? What's their background?"
Hu Ma smiled and said, "It's just a coincidence. I was wondering if Miss White Wine might be interested."
Even among transmigrators, there are rules to follow. By saying this, Hu Ma indicated that he had information and wanted to plan a mission, and it involved treasure hoarders.
If Miss White Wine showed interest, she would agree, and they could discuss the specifics. If she directly expressed disinterest, there would be no need for further conversation.
As Hu Ma patiently waited, Miss White Wine indeed remained silent for a moment before suddenly smiling faintly and saying, "Treasure hoarders are naturally fat sheep, especially if they're from out of town. I'd be foolish not to listen in, wouldn't I?"
"Of course, but we'll need to see your plan first."
"..."
"That's only natural."
Hu Ma quickly agreed and set a time with her before stepping out and calling for Erguotou again.
He was well aware of Miss White Wine's cautious nature, but her swift agreement surprised him.
The first one went smoothly, but calling for Erguotou proved more challenging. Despite repeatedly calling for him four or five times, he didn't appear. Just as Hu Ma considered moving on without him, Erguotou's lazy voice finally responded, "Why are you calling me so early?"
"I haven't even finished my drink, but I keep feeling someone is calling me..."
"..."
Hu Ma was speechless. "It's not early; it's already midnight..."
Erguotou said, "Would you, who never had to wake up early for work in your past life, have gone to bed before midnight?"
"..."
Hu Ma couldn't argue and could only sigh. "Maybe it's because you live in the city with its lively nightlife, while we're out here in the village, where we sleep early..."
As he thought this, he became more serious and lowered his voice. "Old brother, I have a big plan in mind. Are you interested?"
Erguotou became slightly wary. "How big?"
Hu Ma thought for a moment. "At least bigger than our previous venture, and it's not about blood feasts. It's about treasure hoarders' spirit treasures. If we can get our hands on one of their items, it would be worth years of our hard work."
"Oh my..."
Erguotou was clearly tempted but hesitated. "I don't know why, but after our last conversation, I can't shake the feeling that you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, aren't entirely trustworthy..."
"Are you sure it's a spirit treasure?"
"..."
"Of course!"
Hu Ma sighed. "There will be challenges, but I've already asked Miss White Wine for help. If you're too busy..."
"What?"
At these words, Erguotou fell silent for a long time before finally saying, "Count me in too."
Hu Ma was surprised. "Huh?"
"What do you mean, 'huh'?"
Erguotou was displeased. "Count me in as well. If Miss White Wine agreed, I'm sure this plan will work!"
"..."
Two more were lured into the plan...
As Hu Ma disconnected from Erguotou, he felt slightly relieved. Getting them both on board was enough; he already had a plan to convince them.
Having achieved this, he thought it might be enough, but then remembered that this group was also treasure hoarders. So...
After some hesitation, he called out again, "Miss Sweet Potato Burn? Old Bai Gan..."
"I'm here, I'm here, I'm here, senior..."
Before he could finish, Miss Sweet Potato Burn's voice eagerly responded, "Senior, hello, senior! I've missed you..."
"What kind of reaction is this?"
Hu Ma cleared his throat to deepen his voice. "I have a mission, and you..."
"I'm in!"
Miss Sweet Potato Burn immediately replied, "I'll join any mission!"
"I'm so bored, senior..."
(End of Chapter)
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