Twilight's Threshold Chapter 600: The Appointed Time for Taking Lives - Novel Cool

Chapter 600: The Appointed Time for Taking Lives

Chapter 600: The Appointed Time for Taking Lives

"After delivering the life purchase fee, you have seven days to take the person's life."

"If you fail, you will lose face."

"If it were an ordinary person, it would be fine. Losing face is not a big deal; at most, you'd have to leave the Jianghu, change your name, and re-enter the scene after a few years. But you can't do that!"

"You gave the life purchase fee as a swordsmanship enforcer. If you can't buy the life, then it's not just your face that's at stake, but the reputation of the Hu family and the Pacifying Evil Office. How serious is that?"

"But now, as the time approaches, you're just sharpening your knife and doing nothing?"

Lao Suandan couldn't bear to watch any longer. When they arrived in Melon Capital City, it had already been five and a half days since the life purchase fee was delivered. In the remaining one and a half days, there was so much to do, but Hu Ma seemed to be taking it easy.

He strolled through the garden, sharpening his knife, and did nothing else. Lao Suandan was so anxious that he paced back and forth. Even Wu Ya couldn't stand it anymore and said, "Teacher, why are you grumbling here? Go and talk to the boss!"

"I won't go!"

Lao Suandan grumbled, "This kid is all sweetness when he needs something, but once he has a plan, he keeps it to himself and lets you worry. It was the same in Stone Horse Town; he had it all figured out but just kept me, an old man, worrying for him."

Wu Ya found this even more puzzling. "If the boss already has a plan, why don't we just follow and watch?"

"That won't do either..."

Lao Suandan sighed, "It's all because our Zushi isn't reliable. He never got to eat the three main meats in his life and always spoke ambiguously. He won't let us leave, but he won't explain things clearly to us either..."

Suddenly, he had an idea and said to Wu Ya, "Good disciple, I can't bring myself to ask, but why don't you go and inquire from that kid?"

Wu Ya was surprised. "Teacher, didn't you say that my destiny is light, and you wouldn't let me ask?"

Lao Suandan's face stiffened, and he quickly said, "Actually, I've figured it out these past few days. Whether your destiny is light or heavy, we can't escape anyway. Think about it; among those in our sect who have paid respects to Zushi, all have light destinies. Why? Because only those with light destinies can avoid trouble and calamity!"

"But look at me? I was born with a cheap bone, and no matter what happens, I can't avoid it."

"..."

Wu Ya respected and was grateful to Hu Ma as a benefactor, so she didn't doubt him. But when she saw Lao Suandan's reaction, she took her tea and went to the garden of the manor, where she found Hu Ma ordering the steward to open the back door.

Currently, the young master of the manor was recovering from his illness, but he wasn't fully healed yet. Therefore, the people in the manor still respected these skilled individuals, and no one dared to disobey their orders. When they asked to open the door, it was opened, and when they set up an incense altar, it was done.

Wu Ya was curious and asked, "Boss, what is this for?"

"Did your teacher send you here?"

Seeing Wu Ya approach, Hu Ma took the tea and took a sip before smiling and asking her.

Seeing Hu Ma's smile, Wu Ya felt a sense of familiarity. Perhaps this boss sometimes had a similar aura to Wu Song? Of course, upon closer inspection, there was still a difference; Wu Song's aura was more mysterious.

She didn't hide anything from Hu Ma and smiled, "Teacher is worrying in the front courtyard, saying that you're not doing serious business and just fooling him."

"If he's worrying about this, it shows that Lao Suandan truly cares about us. The two hundred jin of blood food I promised him was not in vain."

Hu Ma smiled, "But you can reassure him. We're not really slacking off. Wu Ya, do you know that although I walk the path of the Year Guardian, I'm actually a member of the Ghost Gate Path?"

"We, the Ghost Gate Path, are close to spirits. No matter what shady business is going on in this city, they can hide it from people, but not from spirits. If we investigate, it'll be troublesome. So, we won't investigate; we'll just set up an altar and ask the spirits directly."

"Also, pass on a message to him."

As he spoke, Hu Ma sighed, "The master of the Pacifying Evil Office is willing to execute his own relatives and not show favoritism to gain the hearts of the people."

"What do you mean by saying there's no one of our own in this city? In my opinion, this city is full of our people."

"Now, I'm going to set up an altar in the Zhao family to open a small gate, making it convenient for spirits to come and go without harming the Zhao family's fortune. Tell your teacher that I believe that once I set up this altar, spirits will come to report and tell their stories."

"If he asks where my confidence comes from, tell him..."

As he spoke, he slowly lit the candles on the incense altar and grabbed a handful of incense ash, throwing it straight onto the altar. With a focused gaze, he said, "Because I believe in justice in this world!"

"Pfft..."

Wu Ya was so moved by Hu Ma's words that she felt a sense of reverence. However, after she returned and told Lao Suandan, he was so shocked that he spat out the tea in his mouth.

"What... What nonsense is he talking about?"

"The master of the Pacifying Evil Office's previous method of executing his relatives has almost become a joke. And now he's bragging?"

"..."

"But... But..."

Wu Ya paused for a moment before saying softly, "Teacher, the boss really set up an altar in the back garden, and all sorts of little ghosts rushed in, competing to tell him all sorts of things..."

"What?"

"Lao Suandan suddenly stood up, his face filled with disbelief, "Did he ask about the toad disease?"

Wu Ya nodded, "I heard some little ghosts talking about it."

Lao Suandan was even more incredulous, "Did he also inquire about the matters behind the Earth Serpent Temple?"

Wu Ya replied, "Several little ghosts were vying to tell him. Two of them even fought over who would be the first to deliver the news, pulling each other's hair and poking each other's eyes..."

Lao Suandan's hands trembled, "Could he have also asked about the affairs within the Yan family?"

Wu Ya nodded solemnly, "Yes. The boss's face turned pale upon hearing it. Just now, he has dismantled the altar, taken the knife, closed the small gate, and left with Datong, walking out through the main gate."

"This..."

Lao Suandan's eyebrows were tightly knit into a knot, his eyes filled with uncertainty. After a long while, he slowly raised his head, "No way."

"Let's go!"

Suddenly, as if struck by a realization, he jumped up with a burning passion, whispering, "I think I understand why Zushi insisted on keeping us by his side. Let's go and take a look!"

...

...

At the same time, in the Yan family residence within the Iron Gate of Guazhou Prefecture, the night had just fallen, and a banquet was already set up. It was said to be the birthday of the third concubine of Yan, the lord of the manor. Although it wasn't a major celebration, it was still a grand affair with colorful lanterns and decorations.

Outsiders were unaware, but those in the know understood that this third concubine of Yan was a Little Medicine Fairy from the Life Fate Sect, so her status wasn't significant, but she held considerable influence within the sect.

Of course, since she was only a concubine, only close friends and relatives were invited for a small gathering.

Currently, in the Yan family mansion, lanterns were lit on all four sides, wine was brewed, and seven or eight tables were set up in the courtyard, filled with guests. Among them were Mr. Willow from Southern City, Lord Ram from the Taste Villa Outside City, and Lady Li from the Skillful Pavilion. Even the Iron Threshold King had sent a congratulatory gift.

"Please, please..."

As soon as night fell, this group of people started drinking. Yan, the lord of the manor, sat in the main seat, while his concubine sat beside him, her charming eyes like silk as she served him wine and food with silver-inlaid jade chopsticks.

The guests at the table engaged in lively conversations, and the atmosphere was filled with merriment. From time to time, they shared fascinating stories to accompany their drinks. The troupe in the middle of the banquet performed with enthusiasm, and the blue-robed performer on stage gracefully danced with her water sleeves.

However, despite the seemingly lively atmosphere, there was an inexplicable sense of suppression in the air, making the lantern light appear dimmer.

During brief moments of laughter and conversation, they would glance at each other, their eyes revealing a hint of gloom and worry.

"Haha, Mr. Chunsheng, why the worried look?"

Amidst the somber atmosphere, a man in a pale yellow robe with an elegant demeanor, sitting next to Yan, spoke up, "I know you have some concerns, but the world is governed by reason."

"Not to mention that he's just a small-time executioner. I heard that even before he could cross the bridge, the master of the Pacifying Evil Office personally came, so how could he possibly ignore the heroes of the world?"

"..."

Upon hearing these words, the white-robed scholar sitting to the left of Yan couldn't help but turn pale. He forced a smile but couldn't bring himself to speak.

Finally, someone brought up the issue, and the others, who had been holding back all night, couldn't contain themselves, "That's right! I don't think that Wandering Ghost Swordswoman would dare to come!"

"Hehe, it's quite amusing. The Wandering Ghost Sect chose a Year Guardian as their executioner, but we have the Iron Threshold King's Guardian General here. When it comes to the hierarchy of the Year Guardians, that executioner might have to bow to the General first..."

"Mr. Chunsheng, there's no need to worry. Not just anyone can cross this Iron Threshold of the Yan Manor!"

"..."

The group laughed and chatted loudly, successfully dispelling the invisible tension in the room. Just as they were about to take advantage of the improved atmosphere to enjoy a few more drinks, a man in a silver robe with floral boots and a red crown on his head spoke up,

"Although I heard that even the Pacifying Evil Office couldn't withstand the imperial decree, and the Governor of Guanzhou, who was personally appointed by the Emperor, was turned into mud with a single strike, I'm sure he won't be able to cross this Iron Threshold of the Yan family..."

"..."

Another woman, entirely wrapped in a black robe with only her small head visible, looking rather lifeless, added, "It's mainly because the Hu family is full of ruthless people. They even kill their relatives, so killing a couple of strangers shouldn't be a problem..."

Her words suddenly dampened the atmosphere, and everyone exchanged glances. The white-robed scholar sitting next to Yan was so startled that he spilled the wine in his cup.

(End of Chapter)

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