Chapter 543: Unstoppable Momentum
Chapter 543: Unstoppable Momentum
The Five Sages wreaked havoc in Mingzhou, severely damaging the blessing providence of the region and destroying five Spirit Treasure sites, turning them into malevolent artifacts.
Later, although Hu Ma took charge and summoned the Pacifying Evil Office, executing the Five Malevolent Deities and relentlessly pursuing the Five Malevolent Messengers, the Spirit Treasures that had already been transformed into malevolent artifacts could not be restored.
Among the five Blessing Eyes, four treasures were born from those that had reached the level of incarnation. One fell into the hands of White Wine Miss, one into the hands of Seventh Aunt, and the other two were all obtained by Sweet Potato Burn.
The malevolent artifact she placed in the well was originally a golden carp in the stream. Its presence ensured that those who drank the water would be free from illness and filled with joy, turning even an ordinary village into a small paradise.
However, when the Blessing Treasure was transformed into a malevolent artifact, it acquired an entirely different ability.
To some extent, Sweet Potato Burn was instructed to take action, and Hu Ma, who wanted to stir things up in Mingzhou, never expected that Sweet Potato Burn would undertake such a grand endeavor.
Moreover, she was so willing to invest heavily...
Don't ordinary people usually unleash their ultimate moves when faced with life-or-death situations? Why would you use it to clear a minor monster?
...
After realizing Sweet Potato Burn's methods, Hu Ma's heart stirred, and he suddenly thought of several possibilities following the Golden Carp Malevolence. He hurriedly took a few steps, facing the direction of Old Yin Mountain in the south, and respectfully bowed.
He silently recited, "Senior Mountain Lord, I am but an ordinary mortal, my senses are blocked. Please help me once more, and grant me a gust of wind to listen..."
As he spoke, he took out a stick of incense from his sleeve and lit it with a fire stick. Soon, a gust of wind blew from Old Yin Mountain, causing the incense smoke to disperse chaotically.
Hu Ma tilted his ear, listening carefully to the wind. Through the wind, he faintly heard the sounds of fighting and shouting, with a faint scent of blood in the air. Although not overwhelming, the sounds were exhilarating and uplifting.
After a while, he lifted his head, his face filled with astonishment. "Indeed..."
That Yang Gong kid had hit the jackpot. This was a bargain even I hadn't foreseen...
Sweet Potato Burn was generous in her actions, using the Golden Carp Malevolence to shadow bind the entire city of Mingzhou. However, she might not have realized that the shadow bind affected not only the city but also extended beyond it.
This malevolence originated from the water veins and was nourished by them. The malevolent qi affected everyone connected to these water veins, not just the citizens who had been drinking from it for generations, but also anyone who had ever consumed water from these veins.
This meant that the troops recruited by the Truth Sect from Mingzhou and its surroundings were also largely affected by this malevolence.
Only those with strong fate, blessings, and cultivation could resist this malevolent qi. Furthermore, the impact weakened with distance. The troops had left Mingzhou a few days ago but were still within the province, so they couldn't escape the influence of the malevolence...
Yang Gong had already received assistance from the Golden-Silver Dolls and the influence of Zhou Da Tong. With his newfound success and growing momentum, talented individuals were gathering around him.
The Truth Sect's troops were already weak, and now they were further affected. How could they stop him? Having made up his mind, he turned around and saw that Xu Clan Chief had hastily eaten a few bites of food and was urgently inquiring about the horses, eager to return to the mountains to avoid disaster.
Hu Ma approached with a smile, clasped his hands, and said, "Xu Uncle, you're so anxious..."
"I know you're worried and want to retreat to the mountains, but instead of abandoning your position as the Red Lantern Society's Clan Chief and the assets you've accumulated in Red Gate Town, why not bring the mountain to Red Gate Town?"
Xu Clan Chief was stunned by this sudden suggestion. After a long pause, he stared at Hu Ma with a peculiar expression and said, "I'm so scared, but I'm not confused. You're the one who seems confused here."
"Nonsense! How can you move a mountain? Do you know the art of moving mountains?"
Hu Ma smiled and said, "I don't know how to move mountains, but that doesn't mean the mountain can't come to us. Right now, there are people fighting their way out of Old Yin Mountain."
"You mean the Grain Bandits?"
Xu Clan Chief shook his head repeatedly and said, "A bunch of mountain farmers can't amount to much."
"You don't know that the Truth Sect is backed by noble lords from the city. I know their wealth and capabilities better than anyone. Those mountain folks have no foundation or evidence; they can't accomplish anything. I'd rather join the Truth Sect than side with them."
Hu Ma wasn't surprised by Xu Clan Chief's words. Most talented individuals in Mingzhou didn't favor Yang Gong, which was why he struggled to recruit capable people.
Of course, the Truth Sect was an outsider and had been facing difficulties lately, making it equally challenging for them to recruit.
Before delivering the message, Hu Ma had already made up his mind. He smiled and said, "Xu Uncle, as the Clan Chief of the Red Lantern Society, you're not very well-informed..."
"Do you know who the Grain Protection General is, the one who came from the mountain?"
"I've drunk wine with him on the same table more than once. He used to be a Red Fragrance Disciple of the Red Lantern Society, Yang Gong. Ever since he fought bandits in the Green Stone Town area, he became famous. In just one year, he has built an impressive reputation in the mountains."
"
"He leads an army of ten thousand Grain Protection soldiers, and they are currently emerging from the mountains, defeating the Truth Sect's forces and forcing them into retreat. If we lead his army towards Red Gate Town, what can the Truth Sect possibly do?"
"And if one day he directly occupies the capital city of Mingzhou Prefecture, what would become of the noble lords and officials?"
"..."
"Huh?"
Xu Clan Chief had indeed been unaware of Yang Gong's actions until now, as the situation unfolded suddenly. But after listening to Hu Ma's explanation, he was completely stunned and dumbfounded. "How is that possible? That kid wouldn't even spend money on women when he went to the brothel, saying it was a waste..."
"Don't speak recklessly about this."
Hu Ma quickly reminded Xu Clan Chief, "He's quite formidable now. After meeting me twice, he can boast about bedroom affairs three times."
"Moreover, Uncle Xu, don't doubt me. Everyone has their destiny. Those Red Fragrance disciples we drank with back then have indeed risen to power. And let me tell you, I've also received guidance from a noble lord..."
"Don't underestimate the Grain Protection Army just because they've recently emerged from the mountains. Their momentum is fierce, and the Truth Sect's forces are no match for them."
"Of course, they still need some time to mature. But if you can use this opportunity to connect them with the Scarlet Lantern Society, your merits will be immense when they enter the city..."
"..."
As he spoke, he made a gesture with his hands, leaving the rest unsaid, as Xu Clan Chief could understand.
Indeed, Xu Clan Chief, who had been anxious and sweating profusely just moments ago, now had his eyes darting around in hesitation. He suddenly looked up at Hu Ma and asked, "You're not fooling me, are you?"
"Does he really have an army of ten thousand?"
"..."
Hu Ma quickly waved his hand and smiled, "Ten thousand is a bit of an exaggeration, but... there must be at least three thousand, right?"
"Three thousand..."
Xu Clan Chief instinctively wanted to glare, but after a moment's thought, he whispered, "Three thousand vigorous young men? That's actually quite a number in our Mingzhou Prefecture..."
Hu Ma nodded, "Yes, their provisions and supplies are sufficient. The key is their formidable momentum. You've seen how the Truth Sect is in such pain and turmoil? That's because they can't suppress him anymore."
"Hiss..."
Xu Clan Chief was suddenly filled with hesitation. He quickly pondered the situation and realized that by fleeing, he would lose the status he had built up over the years in the Scarlet Lantern Society. But if things were as Hu Ma said, it would be an entirely different scenario...
Suddenly, he made a firm decision, stomping his foot. "You may be young, but I trust you. I've watched you since you joined the society, and in just a few years, you've climbed to where you are now. Aside from your intelligence, your luck is unmatched by others."
"This time, I'll listen to you."
"It's not just me. Since we're doing this, let's also call upon some old friends. In the various courtyards of the Scarlet Lantern Society, we have many good friends. They are all people I've nurtured with the blessings of the Red Lantern Lady..."
"..."
Xu Clan Chief even arranged for his old slave to take his charming concubine back to his mountain hometown to seek refuge. Then, after burning incense and summoning a ghost, he hurried off to deliver messages to various places.
Hu Ma, standing by, felt a sense of satisfaction. When Brother Er Guotou left Mingzhou, he had entrusted Hu Ma with looking after the Scarlet Lantern Society.
Now, Hu Ma felt he had done his best, at least for the time being...
So, he returned and shouted to Li Wa Zi and the others, "Pack up your belongings! Bring out the horses from the stable and change into your new robes. Let's head to Red Gate Town and show our loyalty to the Red Lantern Lady!"
His mood was indescribably good, all thanks to Sister Sweet Potato's excellent work. The chaos he had been longing for was now unfolding right before his eyes.
...
After a day of commotion in Red Gate Town, almost everyone had fled, except for the Left Guardian, a few Red Fragrance disciples, and some ordinary White Fragrance disciples who couldn't grasp the situation.
Those who remained were anxious, expecting the Truth Sect to attack at noon the previous day. But after waiting an entire day, they hadn't seen anyone from the city. Instead, they heard rumors of a plague, and the city was in disarray, too busy to pay attention to the outside world.
However, the delay only lasted a day before a small ghost messenger arrived with news: "They're here! The people from Mingzhou City are marching towards Red Gate Town!"
Whether it was the Left Guardian, Shen Hongzi, or the incense burners who had stayed behind, they were all startled and quickly climbed up to the archway at the town entrance, looking north. They saw a fierce wind blowing directly towards the town.
In the wind, a green banner fluttered, and wailing spirits cried out, "Red Lantern, eliminate the plague!"
"A petty Altar Deity dares to poison an entire city, deserving death a thousand times over! Heaven's Will General has personally arrived to destroy this evil temple!"
"..."
Facing this commotion, even the Left Guardian, Shen Hongzi, couldn't help but feel weak in the knees. Behind them, the Red Lantern they worshipped in the temple trembled in fear, on the verge of tears...
PS Book Recommendation: "Strange Cultivation, I Have a Five Organ Temple"
Synopsis: Shang Lu travels to a bizarre and mysterious cultivation world, becoming a small constable in the county government office.
Someone has their eyes on him, wanting to seize everything he has and bring about his family's destruction.
It turns out that these people will do anything to achieve immortality...
(End of Chapter)
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