https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-698-The-Mountain-Deity-s-Identity-Third-Watch-/12919882/
Chapter 697: Fire Pit Trial
Chapter 697: Fire Pit Trial
"So that was his intention?"
Upon hearing Iron Fist Peng's shout, Hu Ma and the others in the hall instantly realized his true purpose. Although they couldn't discern the method used, they now understood his objective.
Could it be that he, or the burden he carried, was here for the Mountain Worship Ceremony at the Big Sheep Village?
"Brother, I may be inexperienced, but could this have such an impact?"
As Hu Ma realized this, he immediately lowered his voice and asked Master Tang, who was sitting beside him.
Master Tang nodded slightly and said, "According to the old customs, there is such a belief. During joyous occasions, one should seek harmony. Only then can it be considered a true celebration, capable of warding off disasters. However, it can also be disrupted by unfortunate events."
"Especially since the village is preparing for the Mountain Worship Ceremony, with Heaven and Earth as witnesses and the divine spirits as proof, everything must go perfectly. If something goes wrong, it implies that the ceremony is not proceeding smoothly, and there is something that doesn't want to see us perform the worship."
"Precisely because the Mountain Worship Ceremony is a significant event, we must follow the rules and respect titles. If the village is accused of such a thing, it will tarnish our reputation."
"It is said that the Mountain Deity does not accept such improper offerings. If the ceremony is forced, not only will it fail to bring blessings, but it may also invite disaster..."
"..."
As Hu Ma listened to these words, his expression grew stern. He looked around the village and into the dark depths of Old Yin Mountain, feeling a surge of strong frustration.
Although the Mountain Worship Ceremony at the Big Sheep Village was said to ward off disasters, it was actually organized to please Second Master.
Whether it could truly prevent disasters or not, the sect's teachings didn't mention it.
So, who was it that, even without believing in the disaster-warding claims, wanted to disrupt the worship ceremony to prevent them from avoiding the calamity?
...At this moment, he didn't suspect anyone else. Undoubtedly, the person behind Iron Fist Peng was targeting him. Otherwise, no one would be so idle as to disrupt the worship ceremony of a village deep in the mountains.
"Everyone, sit down... Don't move..."
Meanwhile, as Hu Ma focused his attention on the critical juncture, carefully pondering the situation, Second Master noticed the villagers' agitated state. They were about to grab their weapons and drive out Iron Fist Peng and his disciples. Second Master broke into a sweat and hurriedly extended his hand to stop those who were about to take action.
In his heart, it was as if he had made a difficult decision. He forced a smile towards Iron Fist Peng and said, "Master Peng... you're joking..."
"I did call you Master, but these disciples..."
He turned to look at Hu Ma and the others, saying, "You saw it too. These disciples are quite capable, but where would they have learned such advanced skills from an old village bumpkin like me?"
"In truth, they were just flattering me, calling me a nice name. I know I'm not skilled enough to be their master."
"That's exactly what I'm saying. It's right for me to kowtow to you, Elder, but they don't need to."
"Indeed, they once learned a few martial art styles from me, but these styles aren't from our sect. I've never had the fortune to enter the sect, let alone learn its ultimate skills. How can I pass on something I've never touched?"
"..."
"Hmm?"
Iron Fist Peng's expression changed instantly, never expecting Second Master to say such words. His following words trailed off.
However, Hu Ma, sitting beside him, also changed his expression.
The elder patriarch, already agitated with red eyes, scolded Second Master, "Second Brother, what nonsense are you spouting? Why do you start acting cowardly when things get serious? If I don't teach this bully who dares to pick on my brother, I'm not a man..."
"Brother..."
Second Master felt both distressed and stifled, and he hurriedly said, "There are many guests in the village, and... and the ceremony is about to begin..."
The elder patriarch immediately understood that he was referring to the Mountain Worship Ceremony, and the fire chief slightly restrained his anger, but he still felt dissatisfied.
"Well said!"
At this moment, a loud voice rang out from the side. It was Bald Old Zhang, who narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Everyone here understands the rules of the sect. How can you not know them?"
"What's this about passing on skills or not? These are your unique techniques."
"Can you apply your wild and unconventional martial arts to these rules?"
"Even when the Red Lantern Lady Society recruits new members, they must clearly explain these martial arts styles. You..."
"...More ruthless than the Blood Feast Gang!"
"..."
As a member of the Longevity Technique sect with disciples and a legacy, they could clearly discern the intricacies of the situation.
Regardless of anything else, Iron Fist Peng was now insisting on claiming this title. He wasn't targeting Second Master but was clearly aiming at Hu Ma and the disciples.
If he succeeded in establishing this title, he would be given the highest seat during the ceremony, and he would be the first to light the incense during the worship. By allowing him to take the lead, he would claim the blessings for himself.
If they didn't yield, the Big Sheep Village on Old Yin Mountain would lose face.
Second Master had always felt that Hu Ma and the others hadn't learned genuine skills, and he didn't want them to acknowledge this "Master" because of him. For this reason, he would rather the disciples not recognize him as their master.
"You..."
Iron Fist Peng, having been ridiculed by Bald Old Zhang, noticed a certain decisiveness in Second Uncle Zhou's dejected demeanor. He seemed slightly confused, and his entire being appeared to freeze momentarily, like a puppet that had suddenly malfunctioned.
At that very moment, Hu Ma abruptly sensed something amiss, and a murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
"Wuu..."
At the same time, deep within Old Yin Mountain, a gust of wind suddenly howled, causing the trees to sway and dead grass to fly about. The dark night seemed to grow even deeper.
Hu Ma had already made up his mind to rush out of the village, but as he was about to do so, he noticed that the wind came and went quickly, and within an instant, it had subsided. The candles and braziers on the tables inside the village had also stabilized.
In the distance, Little Hong Tang, who had just gone out on patrol, had returned. Her face seemed to carry a hint of surprise, and Hu Ma was slightly astonished in his heart: "Who is it that even the Mountain Deity couldn't catch?"
Inside the village, the people were blown dizzy by the gust of wind, sensing that something was amiss. They had become alert, feeling that the village might not be at peace.
Just as everyone's uneasiness was intensifying, and they had made a decision, Iron Fist Peng lost his words, and for a moment, he seemed to be stunned in place. Hu Ma, on the other hand, let out a soft sigh and stood up.
"Second Uncle, your words are not right."
He walked over to Second Uncle Zhou and supported him. This action startled everyone around them.
They all looked at Hu Ma, seeing him smile at Second Uncle Zhou and say, "You are, of course, my master. Years ago, my mother-in-law personally took me to the outer village to pay respects to you. If you're not my master, then who is?"
"Ask the others, who dares not acknowledge Second Uncle as their master?"
"..."
Zhou Liang, Zhao Zhu, and the others, still wearing their armor, nodded vigorously upon hearing this. Zhou Datong even roared, "Who dares to bully our master? I'll twist their heads off!"
Listening to Hu Ma's words, Second Uncle Zhou was deeply moved. His aged eyes turned slightly red, and he patted Hu Ma's hand, saying, "This intention is enough. You have great prospects, and you shouldn't be held back here."
"If it's for some reason or another, and Second Uncle is being bullied, then what's the point of our success?"
Hu Ma's face was cold, and he gently patted Second Uncle Zhou before turning to look at Iron Fist Peng. Without using any techniques, his gaze was chilling, and to others, he seemed to be growing taller and taller, like a ferocious deity standing before them. He spoke in a deep voice, "Datong, please invite the Elder inside to sit down and have a good chat."
"..."
Iron Fist Peng had already fallen victim to some kind of technique, but it was too deep to be discernible.
Normally, it would be better to identify the technique first and then apply the appropriate countermeasure, but he couldn't bear to see Second Uncle Zhou being pushed around here, so he decided to take action first. Regardless of the problem, a solution could always be found.
Elder Sun and Master Tang, who were present, understood his intention and could only sigh, acknowledging that it was indeed a helpless solution. Elder Patriarch and the villagers cheered in unison, and Zhou Datong even jumped up, ready to take action.
Iron Fist Peng, however, remained motionless, staring coldly with increasingly sinister eyes.
"Impossible!"
Unexpectedly, Second Uncle Zhou grabbed Hu Ma's hand and shook his head. "Hu, if you truly acknowledge me as your Second Uncle, then you can't take him down."
Hu Ma wanted to whisper to Second Uncle Zhou that there was something wrong with Iron Fist Peng, but Second Uncle Zhou also spoke softly, "I'm not blind. I noticed that Master Peng is acting strangely, but what he said today is also a thorn in my heart."
"The people in our village have our own customs and our own ways. We're not afraid of his words!"
"..."
His gaze slowly shifted from Hu Ma's face to Zhou Datong and the others, as well as the various guests and villagers, as if he had made a ruthless decision.
The air of defeat in his bones vanished, and his voice became louder. He declared, "Second Uncle isn't very clever, and I don't have much talent, but in this lifetime, I've lived with a clear conscience. I'm not afraid to argue this point."
"Master Peng, I've followed you for eight years and three months, and learned a few techniques from you. But today, I'm not afraid to speak out:"
"I call you Master, and I respect you as an elder."
"But I, Zhou Hui, do not acknowledge you as my master. The apprentices I've taught have nothing to do with you, and I'm not afraid for the heavens to hear this."
"..."
As he spoke, he suddenly turned to Elder Patriarch and said, "Big Brother, if you care for your brother, have someone light the fire pit. Today, I'm going to face the fire trial!"
"If I, Zhou Hui, have done something wrong, then let this fire pit burn me to death. But if I survive..."
"Master Peng, don't bring up that title again!"
"..."
Beside them, Elder Patriarch, who was drunk, suddenly sobered up halfway. The deep mountain elders, including Old Sheepskin Elder, who had come to support him, all exclaimed in unison, "Fire trial? It's been many years since we've had one..."
"You... you don't want to live?"
"..."
Even Iron Fist Peng's stiff body trembled slightly, as if he had caught a chill.
(End of Chapter)
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