https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-364-The-Mysterious-Dog-in-the-Mountains/12918659/
Chapter 363: The Sorcerer's Dao Gate
Chapter 363: The Sorcerer's Dao Gate
One was for his own blood feast in the mansion, and the other was to broaden his horizons and learn more about the Great Age's blood and flesh, preparing for the future.
This trip to the Blood Feast Mine was the most important thing on Hu Ma's mind at the moment. Of course, before leaving, Hu Ma also had to first arrange matters within the Zhuangzi.
Reasonably speaking, since he was going to Hollow Ridge to take over the Blood Feast Mine's business for the Red Lantern Society, this Zhuangzi also had to be vacated. After all, once he left, there would be no one in charge of the Zhuangzi, and when spring arrived, who would be responsible for the transportation and escort matters in the surrounding area?
Moreover, even if Hu Ma wanted to find someone from his own circle, it wouldn't be possible. To become a Zhuangzi's treasurer, not only did the previous treasurer have to write a recommendation letter, but the successor also had to be capable and have achievements to gain the recognition of the society.
Currently, among the people in their Zhuangzi, aside from Hu Ma, the most capable was Zhou Datong. He had reinvigorated his two legs and had independently mastered the techniques of wall-climbing, ridge-crossing, and hole-diving. His light body techniques were exceptional. However, in terms of taking over the treasurer position, he was still far from qualified.
Normally, to take over a Zhuangzi, one should at least have the ability to reinvigorate four limbs. Initially, Hu Ma's appointment despite his apparent inability to use four limbs was already an exception.
But Hu Ma would definitely not teach others. After finally getting used to this Zhuangzi, how could he teach others? So, before his departure, he wrote a recommendation letter to the society, asking Li Wazi to temporarily take over the Zhuangzi for him.
There was no need to mention Xu Xiangzhu, as they were all part of the same group. However, Hu Ma didn't bother explaining to the others and instead secretly confided in Erguotou. Don't underestimate Li Wazi in our Zhuangzi.
He voluntarily went under the Wandering Ghost Junior Hall Official to become a Soul-Bearing disciple!
Of course, in name, he was just a senior disciple.
When Erguotou heard this, he was startled and immediately made arrangements. In just one day, everything was settled, and Li Wazi was left to manage the Zhuangzi, ensuring that all the money and provisions were taken care of.
Hu Ma was surprised, "Are the people in the society so easy to talk to?"
"No..."
Erguotou said, "When the Lady personally ordered this, she immediately agreed and even thought..."
As he paused, Hu Ma hurriedly asked, "What?"
Erguotou replied, "She even considered removing you and directly making him the treasurer!"
"?"
Hu Ma was stunned, "Isn't the Lady being too ungrateful?"
Of course, after Erguotou's persuasion, Hu Ma managed to keep his treasurer position. Nominally, he was still the treasurer of this Zhuangzi, but Li Wazi was also promoted to a manager, staying behind with the Zhuangzi's employees.
With him watching over, it was as if Seventh Aunt was overseeing things, and Hu Ma felt at ease. However, he still reminded them that if there was anything important, they should directly speak to Red Lantern Lady.
If all else failed, they could go to Old Yin Mountain to kowtow.
As for Hu Ma, he packed his luggage, bought a horse-drawn carriage, and had the donkey pull it. He sealed and loaded all his blood feast items and daily necessities onto the carriage.
Regarding manpower, Hu Ma left most of his people to Li Wazi for assignments, only bringing Zhou Datong, Zhou Liang, and Zhao Zhu with him.
"Just these few people?"
On the day of departure, Old Abacus looked at the people Hu Ma brought and was astonished, lowering his voice, "Younger brother, do you think we're going on a mountain picnic?"
"We're going there for a black operation... I mean, to take over the business!"
"Nowadays, the mine is filled with the descendants of the Green Robe Evil Ghosts. They're clinging to that piece of meat and won't let go. We're going to take it from them, and you're only bringing three people. Can you manage?"
"..."
"It's not just three people..."
Hu Ma looked at Old Abacus in surprise, "With you, that makes four, right?"
"Ah?"
Old Abacus was also taken aback, "I'm just going to be in charge of bookkeeping and record-keeping. If it comes to a fight, I won't be of any use..."
"Okay, okay, I understand."
Hu Ma glanced at him and chuckled coldly in his heart.
However, he was also very confident about this trip. Although he only brought three people, they were all initiated into the Longevity Gate Dao and had their unique skills!
This was precisely what set them apart from other boys from the village.
Other Zhuangzi treasurers would typically need three to four years to train a Longevity disciple to the point where they could stand on their own, and even then, it depended on their talent.
But Hu Ma was different. He had many unique skills, including the Longevity disciple techniques he learned from the Dongzi Li family. Not only could he use these skills himself, but he could also select suitable ones to teach Zhou Datong and the others.
Currently, Zhou Datong had only reinvigorated his two legs, Zhou Liang had reinvigorated his left hand, and Zhao Zhu had reinvigorated his right hand. For other masters, such disciples would be considered as having an unstable foundation, and they wouldn't be taught unique skills. But Hu Ma directly chose those who could start practicing from one hand or one foot, allowing them to get a head start.
If they were to compete with others, as long as the opponent's cultivation wasn't significantly higher, these guys wouldn't be intimidated at all.
"Just remember what I said. Before I left, Old Xu also told me that you may be young, but you're a steady worker. Otherwise, this old bone of mine wouldn't have come with you..."
Seeing that everything was settled and it was time to depart, Old Abacus earnestly reminded Hu Ma, "But I must say, don't be careless when you get to Hollow Ridge.
"The Blood Feast Mine at Hollow Ridge used to belong to the Green Robe Gang, but it's too far from our Red Lantern Lady Society. If something happens, we won't be able to get there in time for rescue."
"Moreover, that place is remote and rugged, with fierce locals. There's also a group of sorcerers living there who use insects to harm people."
"When you arrive, don't be too proud of your Longevity Gate Dao bodies. You might get into trouble if you underestimate them."
"..."
"Sorcerers?"
Hu Ma was slightly taken aback by this and whispered, "Old brother, what kind of Dao Gate do these sorcerers belong to?"
Upon hearing Hu Ma's question, the old abacus felt proud and stroked his sparse beard. He sighed, "Youngsters in the Jianghu often ask about others' Dao Gates when they meet. But what's the use of that?"
"Longevity Gate Dao, Phantom-bearing, Soul-bearing, Life-controlling Executioner, Trickery Disaster-Stealer, Witchcraft Zombie Control—these ten techniques are renowned in the Jianghu. But who among them practices the most orthodox methods? Unless they're from the Seven Surnames, they just learn whatever they can."
"However, in our Bright State or the Great Northern regions, Longevity Gate Dao and Phantom-bearing are more prevalent, while Witchcraft Zombie Control is more common in the Southern Seven Gates. It's normal that you know less about these."
"All I can tell you is to be cautious when you encounter them. Show respect and follow the rules, and you'll be fine."
"I must also warn you about something else. The sorcerers' daughters are beautiful, but you young men must control your desires..."
"..."
"Hmm?"
Hu Ma was momentarily stunned, and suddenly felt like leaving Zhou Datong at the village. But upon further thought, it didn't seem necessary. Zhou Datong probably wouldn't be interested in the girls, but if there were any attractive widows, that might be a problem.
As he thought about this, he became curious and engaged the old abacus in a conversation about Witchcraft Zombie Control and Trickery Disaster-Stealing, two techniques he rarely had the chance to learn about. The old man, though not necessarily skilled, was incredibly knowledgeable about various Dao Gates and spoke with great enthusiasm.
Of course, it was hard to tell how much was truth and how much was exaggeration, unless they were discussing Longevity Gate Dao. Even if the old abacus was making things up about the other Dao Gates, Hu Ma couldn't tell the difference.
The conversation had attracted the attention of Zhou Datong and the others, who were already on a long journey. They gathered around, asking questions and teasing the old man.
The old abacus, in high spirits, boasted about his vast knowledge, claiming to know everything. He even said he was skilled in fortune-telling and matchmaking, especially in matters of love. His words excited the young men.
They eagerly climbed onto the donkey cart, one by one, asking the old abacus about their future wives and fortunes. They wanted to know if they would marry and if they could earn enough to build a grand house in the village.
"Oh my..."
The old abacus first grabbed Zhou Datong's hand to read his palm, and his face filled with admiration. "Your fate is extraordinary! You'll be granted titles and ranks, ruling over tens of thousands!"
Zhou Datong asked, "When will I get married?"
The old abacus paused, then studied Zhou Datong's palm again. "It's hard to say about marriage. It seems like you'll have many partners, but none will be your original..."
Zhou Datong grew anxious. "That's not important. What's important is..."
The old abacus was taken aback. "You're a bit greedy, aren't you?"
Before Zhou Datong could clarify his question, Zhou Liang and Zhao Zhu had already climbed onto the donkey cart, eager for their fortunes.
The old abacus shook his head and said that Zhou Liang had a Golden-Life Fate, fit for a princess, and Zhao Zhu had the fate of a brave general, leading thousands in battle.
Even Hu Ma was curious, wondering if the old man was truly skilled in fortune-telling. In this world, there were many fortune-tellers roaming the streets, but according to Hu Ma's understanding, none of the Dao Gates specialized in this. Normally, these fortune-tellers would be categorized as Trickery Disaster-Stealers, or simply as swindlers.
But the old abacus spoke with such confidence and detail, could he be a hidden master?
"Enough, enough! Revealing the secrets of fate is a serious offense. I've already told you about your future. If you want to know more about wealth or love, you'll have to pay."
As they were pondering this, the old abacus made his move. He held up his hand and said, "If you want more, you'll have to pay."
The three young men, who had just been intrigued, became anxious. "Can you really predict the future?"
"I can, as long as you pay."
The old abacus added, "If you pay more, I can even help you change your fate..."
The young men exchanged glances, then bravely took out small silver cakes and copper coins. Hu Ma, watching from the side, felt relieved.
It was unlikely that there were so many hidden masters. This old man was clearly a skilled swindler.
(End of Chapter)
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