Chapter 362: Blood Feast Mine Owner
Chapter 362: Blood Feast Mine Owner
After listening to Yang Gong's rough account, how could Hu Ma respond? He could only say that this young man's fate had indeed improved.
It was after that incident of eliminating the bandits that Yang Gong led his men back into the mountains, and he received an overwhelming welcome from the mountain villagers. Several villages joined forces, offering the finest wines and meats to serve them.
Even some mountain dwellers who lived far away had brought donkeys, pulled carts, and prepared gold and silver. They led cattle and sheep and carried wine and food from afar to reward them.
Yang Gong and the Red Fragrance disciples had never witnessed such a scene, and they were all thrilled and excited.
During the feast, the elders with status and seniority, as well as some landlords among the villagers, continuously raised their bowls in flattery. They inquired about their identities, ages, and where their ancestors resided.
Many of them eagerly expressed that there were suitable young women in their villages whom they wanted to marry off to the disciples. Yang Gong and the others were all flustered and repeatedly declined, avoiding the topic. But who could have guessed what would happen next...
"You're quite the wild one, aren't you..."
Hu Ma was surprised and exclaimed, "You went to someone's village for a drink, and that very night, you entered the bridal chamber?"
"No, it's not like that..."
Yang Gong immediately became aggrieved, waving his hands repeatedly, "I don't know what happened. The wine in the mountains is smooth and easy to drink, but it went straight to my head. I passed out and didn't know what was happening. When I woke up and wanted to drink some water, I touched something slippery and soft..."
"No need to describe the details..."
Hu Ma quickly stopped him, his curiosity piqued, and said, "Then you got married?"
"I had to get married. She's a maiden..."
Yang Gong's face turned red with embarrassment. "Moreover, she's from a well-known wealthy family in the village. They own countless fertile fields and have a prestigious household with numerous mules and horses."
"They say that the rice is cooked, so I had to marry her. They also said that I didn't have a place to stay, so they specially allocated a house and even assigned several servants to attend to me..."
"..."
"Sigh..."
Hu Ma found the situation strange. While it wasn't difficult to understand, Yang Gong had indeed gained prestige in the mountains and unknowingly accumulated good fortune. However, it seemed too early for him to have revealed his true potential.
Could the mountain villagers be so sensitive that they started betting on him this early?
Just as Hu Ma was pondering this, Yang Gong sighed again, "Afterwards, I felt something was amiss. I asked her what happened, but she didn't know either. She said that in her dream, her deceased grandparents pushed her into my room."
"Who knows if it's true or not..."
"..."
"This..."
Hu Ma was at a loss for words to console him. It seemed that the living might not possess such insight, but the dead might.
Nowadays, Yang Gong's reputation among the living was impressive, and his abilities were renowned. Perhaps he was even more admired by the dead!
Hu Ma could only pat his hand and sigh, "Since it's like this, just accept it!"
"After hearing you say that, it seems the bride's family has a solid foundation. You're planning to leave the Red Lantern Society, so staying there to live and find sustenance is a good idea."
"..."
"The key point is here..."
Yang Gong suddenly became agitated and stood up, closing the door to the inner hall. Only then did he turn to face Hu Ma, his face filled with worry, startling Hu Ma with his attitude.
Then, Yang Gong approached Hu Ma and whispered, "I'm only telling you this, Brother Hu Ma. If you reveal it to others, I'll have to jump into the river. I..."
He hesitated, looking down with resentment, and said softly, "I'm weak..."
"?"
Hu Ma was stunned and stared at Yang Gong, blinking his eyes.
Yang Gong explained, "It's like this, you know, we soul-bearers, when we're too tired, well, you know..."
As Yang Gong gestured, trying to explain himself, Hu Ma suddenly extended his hand, "No need to explain, I understand."
"..."
Hu Ma silently stood up, went to the bedside, felt around for two porcelain bottles, and returned to Yang Gong's side. He stuffed them into Yang Gong's hand and sighed, "It's understandable for soul-bearers..."
"Take these three Blood Nourishment Pills. They're good stuff from our Longevity Gate Dao. After you take them, don't use your previous techniques to refine them. Just let them digest naturally. It should help replenish your energy."
Yang Gong was startled, "Is this possible?"
Hu Ma looked at him curiously, "Have you never seen one as a Red Fragrance disciple?"
"We eat these to save our lives!"
Yang Gong said, "We risk our lives to earn one or two of these, and we keep them for dealing with tough situations. Who would use them for this purpose?"
"Now is the time to use them."
Hearing this, Hu Ma couldn't help but laugh. He patted Yang Gong's hand and said, "Consider this my reward money. Keep it, and don't upset your bride."
Seeing Yang Gong's conflicted and excited expression, Hu Ma couldn't help but find it amusing.
Fate, fate, how can I describe it?
Yang Gong's fate, in the eyes of both the Five Sins Deity and the Mountain Lord, was actually quite shallow. Although he theoretically had the Imperial Fate, if he were to compete for it...
Hu Ma could only shake his head secretly. The difference was vast, too vast.
Having learned much about the Dao Gate, I still only vaguely understand the concept of fate. I can only roughly comprehend it, which is why I can't help Yang Gong much. For now, we can only follow our respective fates.
Perhaps one day, I'll understand this concept of fate, and if the opportunity arises, I might be able to lend him a hand.
Of course, that's still far off. At present, I haven't obtained the token or fully learned the skills. I have no plans to immediately involve myself in such a mysterious and enigmatic game.
On this day, after resolving Yang Gong's major issue and learning about his destination, Hu Ma felt relieved. He hosted a banquet in the village to celebrate, and by nightfall, a horse-drawn red sedan chair arrived at the village entrance.
It turned out that the bride from the mountains was worried and had personally come with others to fetch him.
"Some hide in the city, while others hide in the mountains. Don't underestimate this small Bright State; many families here have substantial wealth..."
Hu Ma observed their grand procession and silently nodded in agreement. People in the know are part of the jianghu, and they are the ones not to be taken lightly.
When mentioned, the mountain families seemed relatively poor, but who knew how many villages stored grain and raised horses, keeping an eye on the world's situation? Perhaps many aristocratic families, upon sensing changes in the world, had retreated into the mountains, waiting for the right moment to emerge!
Those who had taken an interest in Yang Gong might very well be such families. They were skilled at placing bets in various places, and they appeared low-key, with many scholars in their midst!
In this world, officials kept a low profile, and scholars rarely ventured out. But when mentioned, they were knowledgeable and well-educated. If they were to stay quiet, it wasn't because they were plotting something bad; it was because they were contemplating rebellion!
These matters were indeed intriguing, offering a clearer view of the world. But for Hu Ma, the most important matter was still entering the mansion.
Understanding this, Hu Ma, after sending off Yang Gong, refocused his attention.
Entering the mansion was simple; it only required sufficient blood nourishment. However, Hu Ma currently had enough blood nourishment for only half of what was needed. The other half naturally piqued his interest.
Finding the time, he entered the city and visited Xu Xiangzhu. He brought a jar of fine wine and two boxes of cured meat, placing them on the table with a smile, saying, "About that blood feast mine in the mountains..."
"I was just about to inform you. It's time to set off; any later and who knows what might happen!"
Xu Xiangzhu, aware of the Red Lantern Society's recent chaos, didn't know what they were busy with. But the matter he had long discussed with Hu Ma was always on his mind. He immediately gathered the prepared contract documents and placed them on the table.
"When can you leave?"
"..."
"Is there really a chance to go to the blood feast mine?"
Hu Ma looked at the stack of contract documents, his heart stirring with excitement. He had been discussing this with Xu Xiangzhu since last year, using subtle hints, fearing any mishaps.
Unexpectedly, Xu Xiangzhu was so efficient. "I can leave in a couple of days."
"But..."
Before accepting the contract documents, Hu Ma solemnly asked Xu Xiangzhu, "Uncle Xu, you know that a newly acquired blood feast mine requires attention to numerous internal and external matters. There's a need to appease everyone and manage various aspects."
"And I'm inexperienced, so I'll need time to adapt. Therefore, the blood feast production from the mine next year might not be sufficient."
"Do you think our Red Lantern Society is some ordinary place?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Xiangzhu became angry, giving Hu Ma a cold stare. "Are we the type to neglect our people?"
"The Society trusts you with this blood feast mine. Why would we quibble over such things?"
"Even the Emperor doesn't lack for hungry soldiers..."
"..."
"Huh?"
Hu Ma, facing the stern Xu Xiangzhu, nodded gravely. "I understand."
If I deliver even a little next year, consider it my loss...
"Before you leave, go and pay a visit to Old Abacus. Set a date, and you can travel there together."
Xu Xiangzhu added, "Going to the blood feast mine is different from managing a village. You'll need to bring this senior venerable with you. We've already discussed it, and we've even shared a drink. This senior brother is experienced, so there shouldn't be any issues."
"I understand."
Thinking of the debt of at least 200 pounds of blood nourishment he owed Old Abacus, Hu Ma felt no pressure in bringing him along. So, he decided to go that very day.
Upon arrival, Hu Ma began by bowing deeply, "Old Sir, from now on, we will cooperate..."
"No need for formalities!"
Old Abacus, in a grand manner, raised his hand to stop Hu Ma's bow. "Just call me 'Old Brother.' We may have an age gap, but our seniority is the same. I'm a venerable in the Society, and you're a treasurer. During the Lady's birthday, we'll sit at the same table!"
"Are you trying to act like a junior in front of me now, hoping for more benefits at the mine later?"
"I'm telling you, I'm not easily fooled..."
(End of Chapter)
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