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Chapter 438: The Iron Horse, Grand Executioner of West Ridge
Chapter 438: The Iron Horse, Grand Executioner of West Ridge
Upon closer inspection, they saw that the people who had fled back were mostly merchants, with a mix of various social classes, including some vagabonds and ruffians who had fled to this place for refuge.
Last night, a demon corpse had wreaked havoc in the town, killing dozens of people. Naturally, the townspeople were in a state of panic, and no one knew how many were rushing to escape.
Although the members of the One Coin Sect had rushed over to reassure everyone, it was impossible to convince everyone to stay. Those who had accompanied important figures were fine, like the people from the Sun Family Trading House. Although they were afraid, they waited for Elder Sun to give the order before daring to leave.
However, these people, who had gathered in a mob, paid no heed to the situation. They still felt that saving their lives was more important, and as soon as the sky brightened, they packed their bags and fled towards the outskirts of the town.
But as soon as they left, disaster struck again. They were now kneeling on the street, crying and complaining, "We had just left the town and followed the mountain road for less than twenty li when we saw a layer of white mist ahead. In broad daylight, we could hear the wailing of ghosts."
"The noise was terrifying, and although some of us wanted to turn back, there were also brave ones who thought they had the protection of the talisman and dared to push through. But who would have thought that as soon as we entered, we would encounter trouble. Our arms and legs fell off..."
"We were scared, so we hurried back..."
"..."
"..."
Listening to their stories, the people present were all looking at each other, perplexed and unable to understand the situation. They began to make silent speculations, "Did they just have bad luck and encounter something strange in the mountains, or..."
Stone Horse Town was located in the mountains, and with the presence of the One Coin Sect's temple, it was generally safe. However, twenty li away from the town, it was uncertain whether there would be any demons causing trouble. After all, the mountains were a place where yin and yang were mixed, and it wasn't necessarily safe during the day.
Just as they were about to ask more questions, they heard a commotion coming from the other end of the town.
The crowd hurried over and saw a group of people whose bodies were covered in blood, like blood gourds. They rushed back, crying and shouting, saying that they had encountered strange things blocking the road ahead, and two of their companions had been eaten.
"People who left the town from both ends encountered strange occurrences. Could it be that..."
Hearing these words, everyone's hearts were filled with unease, even the leader of the One Coin Sect suddenly realized the situation. She glanced deeply at the white fan.
The white fan immediately understood and took out a copper whistle from his sleeve, putting it in his mouth and blowing hard.
No one around could hear any sound.
But this was a small trick from the entertainment world, and although the people present couldn't hear it, the Talisman Armored Army, who had been sent out, could. They would immediately send back news of the situation outside the town.
With so many strange occurrences outside the town, it was impossible for the Talisman Armored Army, with their numbers, to remain unaware.
However, after blowing the whistle for a long time, the white fan climbed onto the roof and used the fan to gently fan air into his ear. But after waiting for a long time, his face gradually turned pale, as if he hadn't heard any news from the Talisman Armored Army.
He jumped down from the roof and shook his head at the leader of the One Coin Sect. The words he wanted to say remained unspoken, as there were so many people watching.
The leader of the One Coin Sect understood his meaning, and her face instantly turned cold, even feeling disbelief in her heart...
The Talisman Armored Army was comprised of the most loyal members of the One Coin Sect. Normally, they were just regular followers, but when it came to action, they were equipped with talismans and weapons, becoming soldiers. Each of them was blessed by the deities on the altar, and they carried items to deal with aberrations.
Even their skills, honed by the Year-End Guardians, were exceptional. Whether it was martial arts, archery, or horseback riding, they were all highly proficient. No matter what situation they encountered, they could always send back news promptly.
But now, without anyone noticing, they had suddenly gone silent?
This was already an unimaginable anomaly.
Seeing the reactions of the white fan and the leader of the One Coin Sect, those farther away were still unaware, but those nearby suddenly understood and exchanged glances, their faces filled with shock and concern.
"This is bad, the One Coin Sect has encountered a major problem..."
"Last night's demon corpse disturbance already felt eerie, and now this sudden strangeness. Could it be that there's someone behind all this, and because of their interference, the demon corpse became so hard to deal with?"
"..."
"..."
The atmosphere had fallen into a long silence, and the tension was becoming unbearable. The leader of the One Coin Sect suddenly let out a cold laugh, "Very well, this makes things easier..."
She was well aware of the strangeness of the situation, but she deliberately maintained a calm and indifferent expression. With a cold smile, she said, "Our Lantern Festival Blessing Ceremony in the One Coin Sect was already lacking in excitement. Now it seems we have some good friends who have come to witness the ceremony."
"But to come and witness without even a greeting is impolite. And to dare to block our town..."
"Haha, do they not know that this is the main temple of the One Coin Sect, where the Guardian Deity is worshipped?"
"..."
"Hmm?"
The white fan beside him was startled by these words. He was already anxious, thinking about whom to send to investigate, but none of the candidates he considered were suitable.
The Dharmarajas were definitely out of the question, and neither were the personal guards under their command, nor himself, of course... After much deliberation, he decided that it would be most appropriate to send a few Year-End Guardians, but he hadn't expected the Sect Leader to suddenly bring up the Altar's Guardian Deities. In an instant, he understood her intention.
But this...
...suitable? Before he could finish this thought, the One Coin Sect Leader let out a cold harrumph and abruptly ordered, "Someone, quickly fetch the Dharmarajas. We shall hold a public ceremony and invite the Guardian Deities to come down and help us investigate the situation outside."
"I also want to know what kind of demons and evil spirits are so bold as to cause trouble in the headquarters of the One Coin Sect!"
"..."
With a loud shout, some close followers immediately went to deliver the message.
In less than a moment, the Dharmarajas, who were scattered around the town to pacify the sect followers and the town's residents, received the news. Sensing the gravity of the situation, they hurriedly made preparations.
The crowd that had gathered in the inn to discuss matters had planned to disperse, but upon hearing this, they became anxious and decided to stay put.
Soon, a commotion of gongs and drums erupted from the depths of the town, accompanied by the high-pitched sound of suona horns reverberating throughout the entire town. The townsfolk heard the noise and rushed over to see what was happening, creating a bustling atmosphere.
From a distance, a colorful procession came into view. As the crowd parted, they saw bare-chested, muscular men carrying several palanquins. The Dharmarajas had changed into the peculiar attire of incense-burners, holding incense sticks in both hands as they walked alongside the palanquins.
On these palanquins were the Nine Heavens Lotus Holy Saint, the Great Fortune and Wealth Guardian, the Marriage Bureau God of Many Sons and Longevity, and the Gambling Luck God of Four Directions.
The townsfolk and countless merchants were overjoyed at the sight of the approaching divine statues. They knelt down and kowtowed to the statues, and some even threw handfuls of copper coins onto the palanquins.
The people in the alley also stepped back slightly. Hearing the names of the various Guardian Deities of the One Coin Sect, they couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, but the townsfolk believed in them wholeheartedly.
Moreover, these names were not chosen by the One Coin Sect.
It was said that these names were passed down from the Non-Cattle Village, where there seemed to be someone specifically tasked with naming them, and they were very effective. As soon as the names were announced, they would attract countless worshippers.
The four palanquins were carried to the center, where the divine statues, adorned with red and colorful decorations, sat with compassionate expressions, leaning against the sides of the altar in the middle of the town. They seemed to be smiling and observing the townsfolk who were continuously bowing.
The eight Dharmarajas of the One Coin Sect led their disciples, dressed up and bowing to the deities they served. Then, they raised their arms and legs, performing the Nuo Dance.
As they chanted and danced, their movements became faster, and the surrounding gongs, drums, and suona horns grew louder, creating an invisible pressure. Even the townsfolk bowing nearby dared not lift their heads.
Suddenly, the eight leading Dharmarajas simultaneously stretched out their arms towards the sky, and all the musical instruments fell silent. Not a sound could be heard, and no one dared speak, as the area became quiet.
The disciples nearby held trays and presented items to the Dharmarajas.
Each Dharmaraja took something from the trays—some took paper money and forcefully scattered it forward, while others held a rooster and slashed its neck with a knife. One even took a short dagger and cut his tongue.
As they performed various actions, they cast spells towards the four directions of the town. Instantly, a wind blew, and the incense array burning on the altar sent smoke swirling towards the forests in all directions.
"Huff!"
However, after waiting for only a few breaths, heavy and ominous winds suddenly blew back from all directions.
"Clack, clack..."
The next moment, someone witnessed with horror that the divine statues guarding the altar, whether made of wood, paper, or clay, all had large cracks, and black blood flowed from their eye sockets. In an instant, they were torn to pieces.
Inside the statues, there were things that had crawled out, curled up into a ball. Upon closer inspection, there were foxes, weasels, snakes, and deer, but they were all dead.
"This... this..."
Witnessing this scene, everyone was terrified. Then, they felt dark clouds gathering above their heads, blocking out the sun, as the ominous wind blew into the town.
In the distance, they could vaguely see small ghosts in white robes floating towards them, holding an imperial edict. A shrill voice called out, "The Iron Horse, Grand Executioner of West Ridge, has received an imperial edict:
"The One Coin Sect has been bewitching the common people and inciting rebellion. Ignorant and foolish people cannot distinguish right from wrong. According to the law, the executioner shall behead them. Within three days, the punishment will be carried out in the town, leaving no one alive, regardless of gender, age, or weakness!"
(End of Chapter)
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