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Chapter 430: Entering My Sect
Chapter 430: Entering My Sect
Boom!
The Demon Corpse arrived swiftly and departed just as quickly, like a muffled thunderclap from the heavens, deafening in its intensity, and then suddenly vanishing, leaving behind a trail of malevolent energy and a foul stench that polluted the surroundings. It was all over before anyone could fully comprehend what had transpired, and the rampaging vengeful spirits also scattered in its wake.
Looking around, all that remained was a chaotic scene and a crowd of people with faces filled with shock and disbelief.
"It's... it's gone?"
Someone's lips trembled as they struggled to accept what had just happened. "How could a Demon Corpse have the intention to flee? It's not even broad daylight!"
Everyone knew that the Wandering Corpse was different from a vengeful spirit; it possessed some consciousness, could actively harm others, and could also feel fear.
The Wandering Corpse harmed others purely on instinct, without any thought of escape. Now, with the sun nowhere in sight, how could it suddenly develop a primal fear and have the urge to flee? Could this thing really be a Corpse Demon?
For a moment, the surroundings fell silent as countless gazes turned towards Hu Ma.
However, Hu Ma had no time to pay attention to them. He had just swallowed Yin energy, and his body felt like it was expanding, as if his divine soul was about to take flight.
As the divine soul consumed the energy, its weight increased, and his physical body struggled to contain it.
The Mansion Entrance Technique required a gradual and steady approach. If one took too big of a step, it could lead to the divine soul outgrowing the physical body, causing it to fly away, resulting in the person's death and becoming akin to an evil ghost.
Fortunately, Hu Ma was a Mansion Guardian, and with his Full Body Necrosis, his body would not reject the divine soul. Additionally, his solid foundation allowed him to slowly guide the divine soul back into his body, gradually reviving it, and carefully soothing it.
Even so, he dared not speak or breathe for a long time, fearing that the divine soul might escape through the seven apertures.
When he finally adjusted to this state and no longer felt dizzy and disoriented, he heaved a sigh of relief, opened his eyes, and saw countless strange gazes fixed upon him. Among the crowd, a tall, stern-faced man took a step forward.
Without a hint of doubt, he demanded, "Who exactly are you?"
This man was none other than the Head Merchant of the Ten Thousand Horse Gang. As he spoke, the others wanted to say something but stopped, seeing him gesture to silence them. He stared intently at Hu Ma, his steps closing in, and asked sternly, "You said you only had the ability to open one Mansion Gate, but now it seems you've already mastered the Qi Consumption Technique. And you're so skilled at it..."
"Where did you learn this Qi Consumption Technique? And why did you hide it from us before, pretending you didn't know it?"
"..."
His question silenced the others as well, including Elder Sun, who now wore an uncomfortable expression as he turned to look at Hu Ma. He seemed to want to help but couldn't find the words, his lips trembling.
The Qi Consumption Technique was of utmost importance. If this small manager had already mastered it, he must have had a lineage, yet he deliberately concealed it and infiltrated the One Coin Sect. With the strange Corpse Demon causing chaos that night, how could they not be suspicious?
'Would you believe me if I said I just learned it?'
Facing the Head Merchant's interrogation, Hu Ma could only offer a bitter smile. He had just stabilized his divine soul when this incident occurred, and for a moment, he didn't know how to explain himself.
After a moment of stunned silence, his thoughts gradually cleared, and he sighed softly, not directly answering the question. Instead, he slowly turned towards the One Coin Sect's leader, Miao Shan Fairy, and bowed deeply, saying, "Why didn't the Fairy remind me of the power of this technique beforehand so that I could be mentally prepared?"
"..."
"Huh?"
The people around them were all taken aback, their eyes turning towards Miao Shan Fairy. They were shocked and suspicious, knowing that the small manager would likely be summoned by the Fairy after the banquet to receive guidance on the Qi Consumption Technique. Could it be that the technique he just displayed...
...was truly bestowed by the Fairy?
Impossible, right?
The One Coin Sect was known for its blend of deception and genuine abilities. Where did the Fairy get the skills to help someone enter the technique in just one night?
But amidst the crowd's suspicious gazes, Miao Shan Fairy herself seemed just as bewildered. She had witnessed Hu Ma's fearless charge to protect her from the vengeful spirits and his subsequent defeat of the Corpse Demon with a single palm strike, and these events deeply affected her.
Her heart was clearly in disarray, and when she met Hu Ma's gaze, she became flustered. After a long silence, she waved her hand and said, "Never mind that for now."
"Come with me!"
"..."
"..."
These words were an acknowledgment of Hu Ma's previous statement, and they left everyone around them in shock. In just one hour, the One Coin Sect's leader had helped someone enter the technique. The Fairy's abilities were truly unfathomable...
"Ah, Fairy..."
Only White Fan, who knew the truth, was startled by the Fairy's actions. As she was about to take Hu Ma away, he hurriedly tried to speak, but Miao Shan Fairy waved her hand, cutting him off. She turned back and said, "Pavilion Master, please stay here."
"Investigate the Demon Corpse's origins, collect the remains of those unfortunate souls it harmed, and arrange for patrols. Once everything here is settled, come find me!"
"Everyone else, please take care of the temple's safety. I have some matters to attend to and will return shortly!"
"..."
White Fan was filled with uncertainty, but he understood that the Fairy didn't want him to get involved. He swallowed his words and accepted the task.
The fairy seemed somewhat anxious, and after speaking to the crowd, she took two steps forward and turned back to Hu Ma, signaling for him to quickly follow.
Those around them looked on with puzzled expressions, their minds filled with confusion.
It was the birthday celebration of the One Coin Sect's leader, and the sect members had gathered to offer their congratulations. The Lantern Festival Blessing Ceremony was about to begin when, out of nowhere, a demon corpse attacked the altar, causing numerous casualties and unsettling the sect members. The leader of the One Coin Sect should have been comforting the crowd.
But why did she seem to be paying more attention to the young manager's words than the situation at hand? Even the White Fan couldn't understand the leader's intentions and could only hastily agree, seeing the leader and Hu Ma off before regaining her composure and thanking those who had helped. She then ordered someone to tally the casualties.
The fairy, walking ahead, turned back several times to look at Hu Ma, as if she had something to ask but held back.
The two quickened their pace, soon passing through half the town and arriving once more at the mansion with the spirit hall in its front courtyard.
As they entered, Hu Ma noticed that the tree in the second courtyard, which had been covered in various objects, now had significantly fewer items. Most of them had disappeared, leaving only a few hanging from the important branches.
Among the remaining items were a pair of armor and official boots, and a fist-sized seal.
"How could the items suddenly decrease?"
Hu Ma's mind raced, "Unless some of them were placed there by them in the first place?"
Under normal circumstances, he would have sought an opportunity to ask about it, but at this moment, everyone was preoccupied. The fairy led the way, bringing Hu Ma into the hall where he had previously been allowed entry. As soon as Hu Ma stepped inside, she immediately turned around and closed the hall's doors.
With only the two of them in the hall, they both knew they could finally speak. They glanced at each other and simultaneously asked:
"What exactly is the method you passed on to me?"
"What is your background?"
"..."
These two questions were asked almost simultaneously, causing both of them to pause.
Their eyes met, neither hiding their underlying suspicions.
Hu Ma had already sensed something amiss and doubted the fairy. Could it be that she intentionally passed on this method to him? Why did this method, which he wasn't prepared for and hadn't decided to cultivate, suddenly and inexplicably open up and allow him to enter?
More importantly, as he recalled the changes that occurred when he was enveloped by the Yin energy, he couldn't be sure if it was a fortunate coincidence or if he had consumed the energy and entered the method because it was meant to be.
...Just like when he entered the mansion and consumed the Black Century, his divine soul seemed to have taken control on its own. If that were the case, the situation would be terrifying.
The Senior Sister also looked at Hu Ma with suspicion. This method, if it fell into the wrong hands, would be disastrous. But now, someone had inexplicably learned it, easily entering the method, which left her with an indescribable sense of astonishment and disbelief.
With their mutual suspicions, they stood in the hall, silent for a moment, unable to ask the second question.
"The method you cultivate is the Grand Heavenly General Seal."
After a long pause, the fairy slowly spoke, her beautiful face now carrying an unspoken gravity. "This method doesn't belong to the One Coin Sect, and it shouldn't have been given to you..."
"If it's not for me, then who is it for?"
Hu Ma's heart was filled with astonishment after hearing the fairy's words. "Could it be that this method didn't fall from your tree?"
"This method was originally meant for..."
Miao Shan Fairy subconsciously opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but she held back, looking at Hu Ma's youthful and handsome face, her heart suddenly filled with turmoil.
The events unfolded too quickly and mysteriously, leaving her unable to explain for a moment. After a long silence, she could only sigh softly, "Perhaps, it's all due to fate..."
Hu Ma narrowed his eyes, thinking, 'Here we go again.'
You used this tactic when I sought the method, but if you think you can fool me again, this matter won't be so easily resolved...
Unexpectedly, even Miao Shan Fairy was perplexed. After a long contemplation, she suddenly sighed, "Little Manager, this matter has significant consequences. You have a kind heart, and I don't want you to lose your life in vain. Now, I only want to ask you one question..."
"Do you want your life?"
"..."
"Hmm?"
Hu Ma frowned, "What do you mean by that?"
Miao Shan Fairy sighed softly, "If you want your life, you must formally join my sect and call me Master."
"Okay..."
Hu Ma narrowed his eyes, realizing that this was indeed the game they were playing.
(End of Chapter)
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