https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-473-The-Authority-of-the-Chamberlain/12918877/
Chapter 472: Time to Get Down to Business
Chapter 472: Time to Get Down to Business
"Huala..."
The darkness of the night had already enveloped Stone Horse Town, shrouding it in pitch blackness. But now, more and more lanterns were being lit, one by one, like awakening red dragons, bringing the town and its people back to life.
The townspeople on the long street seemed to awaken from a dream, feeling as if they had just experienced a heavy and extremely uncomfortable dream. But as they slowly opened their eyes, they saw the divine altar moving once again, and the Lantern Festival Fair was starting anew, with an even more lively atmosphere than before.
The red lanterns on the altar emitted a faint red glow, and compared to before, it was as if countless guardian deities were present, dispelling the gloom that had enveloped the entire town with their vibrant red light.
The Dharmarajas standing at the four corners of the altar looked even more solemn than before, sprinkling nectar onto the surrounding townspeople.
The sound of drums and gongs rang out once more, followed by the sound of prayers and worship.
The bustling atmosphere returned to the street, and the lively energy of the people was back.
The grandest and most lively Lantern Festival Fair in history was beginning on this very street, as if bringing back something long-lost from this world and presenting it to the people.
...
...
However, outside the town, a sinister and terrifying scene unfolded. Countless shadows darted and flickered, rushing out of Stone Horse Town from all directions. They howled and roared, carrying an eerie air of excitement, as they rushed towards the various chamberlains approaching the town with stern expressions.
Iron Horse Chamberlain, in his physical body, seemed to be under immense pressure from the town, unlike the mysterious and terrifying display of power from the Meng Family Son. But as he mounted his tiger-skinned horse, leading the iron-clad warriors behind him, he charged forward with increasing speed.
From a distance, the sound of falling rocks echoed, like an earthquake that destroyed everything in its path, approaching closer and closer.
In other areas, four Junior Hall Magistrates led their troops, their battle cries shaking the heavens, and the surging killing intent made the town seem on the brink of collapse.
"Shorty Iron Horse, don't get too arrogant..."
However, facing this ominous threat, the No Beef Sect demons who emerged from within the town were all brimming with malicious energy. As they rapidly approached each other through the forest, before they even came face to face, someone shouted out loud.
A giant man, twice the size of an average person, emerged from the crowd, holding a one-horned solo warrior spear. He shouted incoherently, his voice filled with curses:
"Make way, brothers! Let the Eastern Sea Gigantic Spirit here have a go at him. I've been dealing with this New Year Hall Official for a long time now."
"We won't bully him, let's follow the rules of the martial world..."
"..."
As he continued his incoherent shouting, his body seemed to swell, and a rolling soul light appeared above his head. Suddenly, he took a deep breath, as if sucking in the air within a ten-zhang radius into his belly. His massive body then suddenly lifted the weapon above his head.
"Huala..."
As he slammed the weapon down, gusts of wind blew in all directions, affecting not only the Iron Horse Chamberlain but also the iron-clad warriors beside him, who were at risk of being crushed into meat patties.
"Hmph!"
Facing this powerful and heavy strike, the Iron Horse Chamberlain on horseback frowned. Despite the demon's foul and abusive shouting, he didn't even spare him a glance.
With a swift motion, he lifted his sword, and a loud bang echoed as the blade collided with the one-legged brass warrior spear in the giant's hand. The movement seemed insignificant, but it sent the spear flying high into the air.
Even this giant was sent flying for several days, flipping in the air before crashing into a tree as thick as a hug.
"Mother..."
The giant rolled around on the ground a couple of times before finally sitting up. He wiped his face, showing no signs of fatigue. He picked up the weapon from the ground and pointed it at the Iron Horse Chamberlain, shouting:
"Brothers, I've tested this big-headed ghost's skills for you!"
"Against these ten surnames' lackeys, there are no rules to follow. Let's attack together and finish him off..."
"..."
"Tsk..."
The Iron Horse Chamberlain never once looked at him, nor did he slow down his horse. After sending the giant flying with a single strike, he continued charging forward. Suddenly, eerie hook and chain emerged, aiming straight for the giant's neck.
Just as the giant was about to be entangled and pulled off his horse, a small figure with an unimpressive stature jumped down from a nearby tree, blocking the attack. With her two small hands, she deflected the hook and chain, sending it flying back.
She giggled, "As I thought, Brother Shi couldn't handle it. You've been busy dealing with the Ghost Gate Li Family for years, and your skills against the living have gotten rusty!"
As she laughed, more figures emerged from the trees and the depths of the forest, some standing by and laughing at the spectacle, while others perched on branches, looking ahead. Suddenly, one of them flung their sleeves, unleashing an unknown power.
"Hula..."
In that instant, the surroundings became chaotic, with flying sand and stones, and dark clouds gathering. The Iron Horse Chamberlain's horse was exceptionally valiant, and the iron-clad warriors following him were fierce and fearless, showing no fear towards the demons.
But at this moment, they couldn't help but rein in their horses, some even covering their mounts' eyes. When they looked ahead again, their eyes revealed a hint of astonishment.
Suddenly, right before them, what was once a gentle slope in the forest had transformed into a perilous cliff, with strange and menacing rocks. Dark clouds swirled within, and the sound of ghostly wails and howls filled the air.
Even the horses beneath them were startled, gazing at the thousand-foot cliff ahead with trepidation. The iron-clad guards on horseback frowned, straining to see through the illusion, but to no avail.
If they could see through the illusion, then it was just an illusion. But if they couldn't, then it was real.
"Hula la..."
In that instant, beside the sheer cliff, amidst eerie laughter, malevolent ghosts emerged from the cliffs, reaching out towards the Iron Horse Chamberlain and the iron-clad guards behind him. Their sinister aura seemed to threaten to pull them all into the abyss.
The charging junior hall magistrates were startled and came to a halt, hesitant to make any hasty moves.
The Iron Horse Chamberlain, on the other hand, ignored the rolling black smoke ahead, the treacherous path before the towering cliff, and the countless ghostly hands and vines reaching out from the precipice. He focused on the iron-clad guards behind him and the horses beneath them, who were already showing signs of panic, their formation beginning to falter.
The Iron Horse Chamberlain's brows furrowed, and he treated the dangerous cliff and the ghosts as if they were nothing. Instead, he took a deep breath and swallowed it all in.
The next moment, he opened his mouth and roared, unleashing a gust of wind that blew sand and stones into the air, creating a chaotic scene. Even the surrounding trees were not spared, with many of them being blown down.
The thousand-foot cliff, the ghostly hands reaching out from it, and the ghostly mist that filled the mountain were all blown away by his breath. Even the mountain peaks in front of them seemed to collapse under the force of his gust.
Through the haze, countless demonic figures could be seen being blown away by the wind, accompanied by eerie laughter and sounds of confusion.
When the gust subsided, the area before them was completely clear, with barely any stones left. There were no more dangerous cliffs or ridges; it was still the same forest, with a winding path leading straight to the town.
However, standing on that path were three figures. One had his hands behind his back, another was in a half-squatting position, and the third was hanging from a nearby tree by one hand.
The one standing in the middle was the leader of the opera troupe, still wearing his stage makeup. The one squatting was a man with a straw hat, and the one hanging from the tree was the little girl who had attacked earlier. It seemed that only these three could withstand the fierce wind.
"We're old acquaintances..."
Facing the Iron Horse Chamberlain, the leader of the opera troupe smiled and said, "Brother Iron Horse, why are you being so impolite? You see us and immediately resort to such drastic measures. Don't you even have the courtesy to greet old friends?"
"You're a demon from the No Beef Sect, and I'm the Chamberlain of the West Ridge Road from the Zhou Family."
Upon seeing them, the Iron Horse Chamberlain slowly raised his hand, signaling those behind him to stop. Sitting atop his horse, he heaved a sigh and said, "We each serve our own masters now. What's the point of talking?"
"Or do you think that your opera troupe's tricks can gain an advantage over my Year-End Guardian skills?"
"... "
The leader of the opera troupe, Golden Dust, laughed and said, "They say that Year-End Guardians are the bane of opera troupes. It's not surprising that you would make such a bold statement in front of us. But if our opera troupe can't hold you back, do you think I would underestimate the No Beef Sect?"
At these words, the Iron Horse Chamberlain fell silent. Even he couldn't bring himself to say that he didn't take the No Beef Sect seriously.
"We're all reasonable people. Why make things so difficult?"
The leader of the opera troupe laughed. "Brother Iron Horse, if you forcefully attack our altar, we from the No Beef Sect are not afraid. But regardless of the outcome, your junior hall magistrates and runners will likely die by our hands."
"We're all old friends, and we're all here on official business. It's not worth it. So, let's calm down and not rush into a fight. How about we make a bet?"
"... "
Iron Horse was taken aback and said sternly, "What kind of bet?"
"I bet you can't make it to Stone Horse Town within three pillar incenses!"
The leader of the opera troupe burst into laughter. "If you can do it, there's no need for your runners to risk their lives. I, from Stone Horse Town, will not let the No Beef Sect disciples fall into your hands."
"If you can't, don't go around killing indiscriminately. Go back to your Year-End Guardian master and bow your head in shame!"
"Of course, since we proposed this bet, we should show some sincerity. My sincerity is that during these three pillar incenses as you rush towards Stone Horse Town, I guarantee that our senior brother will not take action himself."
"... "
The Iron Horse Chamberlain on horseback nodded slightly and shouted, "I am the Sword-Wielding Chamberlain, here to execute rebel bandits as ordered. Who dares to bet with you demons?"
"Listen up, men! Form a formation for me, and watch as I slay these demons..."
(End of Chapter)
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