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Chapter 420: The Circle's Test
Chapter 420: The Circle's Test
"Speaking of which, this is quite a gathering of high-level practitioners, isn't it?"
Hu Ma took a closer look and could sense that these people had extraordinary auras, their expressions filled with disdain. They likely possessed genuine abilities.
Elder Sun was a man who valued talent and loved to show off. For him to invite these people to sit at the same table, they must have some impressive skills, or he wouldn't hold them in such high regard.
However, this also piqued Hu Ma's curiosity. Could it be that this small Stone Horse Town had gathered seven or eight high-level practitioners all at once? But upon second thought, even with Elder Sun's connections, it wouldn't be easy to assemble such a group.
Another reason was the identities of these people. Hu Ma only needed to listen for a moment to understand that those present were not ordinary members of the jianghu.
Jianghu people were those who made their living from it. Previously, when Hu Ma had worked with Sweet Potato, they met a group of people at the rice merchant's, some skilled in killing, others in resolving conflicts and collecting silver for their efforts. These were jianghu people.
But this time, everyone at the table had identities and backgrounds, and most importantly, they held significant influence. They were already considered jianghu tycoons, and a single stomp of their feet could make the town tremble.
From this perspective, it seemed that the One Coin Sect had quite a reputation.
The reason for Hu Ma's visit was the upcoming birthday celebration of the One Coin Sect's leader. These influential and talented individuals were likely here for the same reason and had been invited by Elder Sun to sit together.
The fact that the One Coin Sect could invite such people truly demonstrated their extraordinary foundation, probably surpassing the Red Lantern Society by a considerable margin. After all, these people, if they wanted to, could start a rebellion.
However, despite knowing that these people were exceptional, Hu Ma didn't feel intimidated. He smiled and greeted each of them before taking his seat.
No joke, I'm a Year-End Guardian, and with everyone sitting so close, it's only natural that they should feel the pressure, not me.
"Clear the fruits, and bring the dishes..."
Elder Mr. Sun introduced Hu Ma to the others, and after everyone was seated, he clapped his hands to signal the servants outside to begin the feast.
A well-prepared stream of exotic delicacies was served, and it was only then that Hu Ma understood why Elder Sun had thought he was being deliberately rude to him at the mine.
This old man really knew how to live! As a reincarnated person, he had experienced abundant resources in his previous life and had seen all sorts of grand occasions. But the food these people were eating was something he had never encountered before.
Despite being in a mountain town filled with all sorts of characters, they had prepared such a luxurious feast.
Once the dishes were served, they enthusiastically offered drinks to each other, getting to know one another.
Hu Ma, having just arrived and reminded by Elder Sun, knew there would be a test at this gathering. He acted modestly, but he could sense curious gazes assessing him from time to time, probably because Elder Sun had boasted about him, and these people were judging his abilities.
"I've heard that Manager Hu studied under a reclusive master on Old Yin Mountain?"
After two rounds of drinks, a middle-aged man with a big belly and a white fan in his hand across from Hu Ma smiled and said, "It must be an extraordinary figure to have nurtured such an outstanding disciple as Manager Hu."
"Although I didn't learn the skills of a Year-End Guardian, I deeply admire various masters. If given the chance, I'd like to ask Manager Hu to introduce me so I can pay my respects to the master."
"Of course."
Hu Ma put down his wine cup and smiled, "But our master is very low-key. Even if you meet him, you might not recognize him."
The man with the white fan laughed upon hearing this, "Are you saying I'm blind?"
"To be honest, the skills of a Year-End Guardian are well-hidden. They possess the strength to face a thousand armies, yet their appearance doesn't give it away. If it weren't for Elder Sun's introduction, even if Manager Hu sat before me, I wouldn't have guessed your abilities."
"If you don't mind, I'd like to invite Manager Hu to demonstrate a brilliant skill to open our eyes."
"..."
The people at the surrounding tables reacted differently upon hearing this.
Elder Sun seemed to frown slightly, knowing there would be a test but not expecting the man with the white fan to be so direct.
The others merely smiled and looked over, being polite earlier, but they were all experts with unique skills. The sudden appearance of a young man at their table, regardless of whether they believed Elder Sun's words or not, carried a hint of scrutiny.
"I'm young and haven't learned much. If I were to embarrass myself, it would be difficult for me."
Hu Ma didn't get angry; he just smiled calmly.
Firstly, he was prepared, and secondly, in such a place, where everyone was a stranger and he was the youngest, how could he earn respect? Even his position in the Red Lantern Society might not be enough; he needed to impress them with his skills.
So, although the man with the white fan's words were a bit harsh, it wasn't enough to make him angry. But if he said the same thing after Hu Ma demonstrated his skills, that would be picking a fight.
Moreover, Hu Ma didn't mind showing off a unique skill, but as a guest, he couldn't be the first to do so. If the man knew his manners, he should demonstrate his skill first, setting an example for others to follow.
You just say a few words and expect me to show off my stuff? That's like playing with a monkey!
The man with the white fan noticed Hu Ma's composure and nodded in approval, his eyes shifting as if contemplating how to set the stage.
Just then, a faint commotion arose from the street outside, followed by a few loud voices.
The town was built along the mountain, with low windows, and their elevated position allowed them to see the street below. A group of people were gathered, wearing animal skins and carrying weapons, clearly a bunch of thugs.
One of them had grabbed a scantily-clad young lady by the hair and was slapping her face. He then turned to the crowd around him and shouted, "Stand back, all of you!"
"We've heard that in Stone Horse Town, there's no law enforcement. We paid silver to sleep with women. We came down from the mountains for some freedom, and with all this silver, why won't this woman let us have our way?"
"..."
One of the pimps, trying to sneak up and attack with a club, was kicked away by a man behind him. "Your measly skills won't get you close to us. I've killed more people than your mother has slept with. Are you rebelling?"
The seven or eight thugs were tall and exuded a malevolent aura, intimidating the bystanders into silence.
"Stone Horse Town is lively, but there's always trouble," the man with the white fan sighed. "These people never learn. While we don't have officials meddling here, it doesn't mean there are no rules."
As he spoke, he suddenly opened his fan and waved it towards the direction of the commotion.
They were at least a dozen zhang away from the troublemakers, and even if the fan were ten times larger, the wind wouldn't reach that far.
Unexpectedly, he used a clever technique, and the wind from the fan didn't disperse. It blew straight for over a dozen zhang, reaching a bamboo pole next to the troublemakers.
The fan's wind knocked the bamboo pole sideways, striking the thug in the face.
"Who is it? Who hit me?"
The thug, known for his ferocity, was stunned, his eyes seeing stars. He thought he was being ambushed and drew his knife.
His servant, seeing this, was startled and quickly backed away.
The thug, unable to find the attacker, grew even angrier. He grabbed the woman he was holding and raised his knife, intending to chop off her arm in a show of brutality.
At the table where Hu Ma and the others were sitting, the head of the Ten Thousand Horse Gang smirked, picked up a pair of chopsticks, and effortlessly snapped them in half.
Crack!
Before the thug could bring down his knife, his arm suddenly snapped, and he dropped the knife. Even the angle of the broken arm matched that of the broken chopsticks on the table.
"Big brother, big brother..."
The group of thugs realized something was wrong and surrounded the injured man. One of them pulled out a black wooden doll from his waist, while another produced a bamboo tube filled with a mixture of boy's urine and black dog blood, which he began to sprinkle around.
Though they were mountain traders, they clearly understood some malevolent techniques. Realizing they had been tricked, they continued to sprinkle the mixture while trying to push through the crowd.
But they had no idea who they were dealing with. Hu Ma, seated diagonally across from him, was the adopted son-in-law of Black Grandma. Finding the situation amusing, he picked up a bowl, brought it to his lips, and whispered a few words. He then turned the bowl upside down in front of him.
The group of thugs suddenly became like headless flies, running in circles within a small area.
One of the thugs, a skinny man, realized something was wrong and quickly put away the black wooden doll, bowing in all directions, "We're brothers from the mountains, and we don't understand the rules."
"We've offended a sage, please forgive us and let us leave..."
"..."
As he spoke, he took off his money pouch and placed it on the ground in front of him, then took a few steps back, trembling in fear.
"You're afraid now, but it's too late..."
But Hu Ma and his companions burst into laughter. Another man at the table, who looked like a wealthy gentleman, chuckled, picked up a plate of fried beans, and threw it out the window.
The plate of beans seemed to transform into a group of red-trousered children, giggling and holding short weapons as they charged towards the thugs.
The group of thugs was shocked. They drew their weapons and fought against these children, but no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't touch the little dolls. Instead, their own arms and legs began to tremble violently.
"Substitute Li with a peach, the bowl's universe, and beans into soldiers..."
The more terrified the thugs outside became, the more cheerful the drunken men at the table grew. The man with the white fan snapped it open and waved it a few times, saying, "We'll show off our humble skills to set the stage for you."
"Now, let's see what the masters of the New Year Guardian Dao can do and broaden our horizons..."
(End of Chapter)
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