Chapter 824: Two Balance Stones

Chapter 824: Two Balance Stones

"Miss Wu He, you're looking much better now."

Unexpectedly encountering this woman who had descended from the mountain, Hu Ma was pleasantly surprised.

It was none other than Wu He, the daughter of the old shopkeeper Wu Hong, whom he had met when he first came out of Old Yin Mountain and learned the Birth Extraction Technique at the Scarlet Lady Sect.

She had been harmed by the Birth Extraction Technique of the Altar Sect and could only survive by wearing a dog skin. Later, with the guidance of the White Wine Lady, she and her father went to seek the Divine Hand Zhao Family for treatment. Since then, several years had passed without any news.

In these years, Hu Ma had thought of them from time to time, but the vastness of the world made it difficult for them to stay in touch. It was only now that he unexpectedly encountered her in the mountain.

He was genuinely happy for her, still remembering how she had an unshakable stench when she was afflicted by the Birth Extraction Technique. Now, the stench was completely gone, leaving only a faint, sweet fragrance of a young lady. It was clear that she had been cured.

"Indeed, I should thank you, Brother Hu."

Upon hearing these words, tears welled up in Miss Wu He's eyes. She bowed to Hu Ma once more and sobbed, "Back then, you pointed out the right path, and my father took me to find the Divine Hand Zhao Family to save my life."

"But we are of lowly skills and limited knowledge. After searching for a long time, we only heard of the Divine Hand Zhao Family from a troupe of actors."

"However, the Zhao Family is like a dragon, elusive and mysterious. Even when we knew of them, we couldn't find anyone. Only after much hardship and pleading did we find a Hall Official from the Illusionary Dao Sect, hoping she would introduce us."

"But how could we, with our status, expect to seek an audience with the Divine Hand Zhao Family?"

"As for treatment, we didn't even know where to begin. However, at that time, the name of the Wandering Ghost Hu from Bright State resonated throughout the world. My father plucked up the courage and claimed to be from Bright State, an old acquaintance of the Evil Suppressing Hu Family. It was then that the Hall Official agreed to introduce us to the Zhao Family."

"At that time, my father had no other choice. He planned to commit suicide to apologize after meeting the Zhao Family, hoping to borrow the favor of the world and have the Zhao Family take pity on me and cure me."

"But unexpectedly, a young master of the Zhao Family asked in detail and ended up laughing. He said that since you and I have a connection, it's only right that he helps me get cured."

"That's when we realized that the famous young master of the Evil Suppressing Hu Family was..."

"...was Brother Hu."

As they spoke, Hu Ma recalled the shock and fear he and his father had felt when they learned of his true identity from the young master of the Zhao Family. It all seemed like a dream now.

He further thought about how he had almost died because of Hu Ma, but in the end, he was chosen by the Zhao Family to be saved. It was all thanks to Hu Ma's reputation, and the complex emotions in his heart became even more overwhelming.

Tears streaming down his face, he said in a trembling voice, "The young master of the Zhao Family cured me, promoted me, and kept me in the Illusionary Dao Sect, serving as a messenger under the Hall Official."

"My father stayed in Lingzhou Yue County and opened a small escort agency. He no longer has the face to see you, Brother Hu."

"..."

"And this time..."

She glanced at Hu Ma's expression and said, "This time, the young master of the Zhao Family suddenly sought me out and said he had a task for me."

"Knowing that I've always wanted to return to Bright State to find you, he asked me to come back and express my gratitude, and also deliver a message on behalf of the Illusionary Dao Sect."

"If you're willing, he wants you to give him some face and let him have Teng Prefecture. First, send your people towards Quzhou, where there's a fierce and ruthless person from the Unchanging Li Family. If you can eliminate him, he will move these two mountains away."

"..."

Hearing Miss Wu He's words, Hu Ma finally understood her situation over the past few years.

He never expected that after suffering for so long, her cure would be connected to him.

The young master of the Zhao Family she mentioned was probably Zhao Sanyi.

Understanding the context, Hu Ma smiled and said, "Miss Wu He, you have a kind heart, and this good outcome is well-deserved."

"My skills came from your family. Now that I see you're well, I'm happy. There's no need to mention debts of gratitude. Since the Illusionary Dao Sect sent you to deliver a message, I'm interested in what he said. If I don't want to give up Teng Prefecture, what will happen?"

"This..."

Miss Wu He paused and said in a low voice, "The young master of the Zhao Family said that if you're unwilling to give it up, these two mountains might stay here for a few more days. They'll only leave when the mountain-carrying deity has rested enough."

"Wow, the people of the Illusionary Dao Sect are indeed clever."

Hu Ma smiled at Second Pot Head and said, "They want to handle this matter of intercepting and want to gain a favor from me."

"Not only do they want Teng Prefecture, but they also want me to deal with the Unchanging Li Family on their behalf."

"..."

Second Pot Head silently nodded, his eyebrows tightly furrowed.

When one stays in one place or focuses on a single path for too long, their knowledge inevitably becomes limited. Second Pot Head had spent a considerable amount of time in Bright State, and now his energy was primarily dedicated to studying the Year Protection Scroll's techniques for the Wandering Ghost Ritual.

His skills naturally grew, but at some point, he started feeling a sense of arrogance.

Although he had previously mentioned that the skills of the Ten Surnames should not be underestimated, he had never imagined that he would be at a loss for a solution.

In essence, I thought you must have some skills, but I didn't expect you to actually have them...

"We knew that supporting the Grain Guard Army and facing the Ten Surnames was a foreseeable challenge.

"Hu Ma turned to Er Guo Tou and said, "I never expected that the first ones to come and press us down would be the Illusionary Zhao Family."

"However, speaking of which, this young master of the Zhao Family does have some connection with me, so his actions are considered light. If it were someone else, they might really take action, aiming to destroy the Grain Guard Army or even kill Yang Gong."

The Reincarnate had agreed to a spell duel with the Ten Surnames, precisely because they didn't want to fight to the death, lest this already wounded world couldn't bear it and be torn apart by their battle.

But not fighting to the death didn't mean they'd go easy on the chess pieces.

At this moment, as he spoke, Wu He wanted to say something several times but held back. For her, seeing Hu Ma again after these years, and learning his true identity, made her feel even more distant.

Mustering her courage, she said in a low voice, "Hu... Big Brother Hu, I took on the task from the Illusionary Dao Sect and followed along the way. I heard and saw some key points and generally understand how these mountains came to be."

"If you want to break this spell, then I'll tell you everything I know. It's just a matter of whether it can help you in this matter."

"..."

"Hmm?"

Hu Ma was slightly surprised and said, "You're a messenger for the Illusionary Dao Sect, so you're from the Zhao Family. Do you know the consequences of helping me in this matter?"

Wu He bit her lip and said, "Big Brother Hu, your kindness to me is already too great. Even my father says that the Wu Family owes you a lot, and we must find a way to repay you no matter what."

"Moreover, before I came, I already told the young master of the Zhao Family that I'm willing to be their cow or horse to repay their rescue. But the gratitude I owe you is even greater than what I owe the Zhao Family. So, I delivered the message, but I would never go against you."

"Now that I've helped you, even if I die after being punished by the Illusionary Dao Sect, at least I'll die with my dignity intact, and there won't be much loss."

"..."

Hu Ma looked deeply into Wu He's eyes, not doubting her words.

This foolish girl's willingness to join the Illusionary Dao Sect to serve the Zhao Family was genuine, as was her desire to remember his kindness and help him, even at the risk of punishment.

Of course, he could suspect that she was just acting, but if that were the case, it would be underestimating her.

Not only would he be underestimating her, but also the young master of the Zhao Family.

Perhaps Zhao Sanyi understood her character and deliberately sent her to observe these two mountains, testing whether he would rather let such a girl return and face punishment just to gather information.

If he did so, the Zhao Family would probably rather reveal the secrets of these two mountains, but his reputation among the Ten Surnames would be completely ruined.

Winning a spell duel was a matter of honor. If he lost his honor, what was the point of dueling?

So, he slightly raised his eyebrows and smiled at her, saying, "I believe what you say, but there's no need to do it."

"It's easy to harm someone, but difficult to save them. You've barely been rescued, and it's not worth throwing away your youth in this spell duel."

"As for these two mountains, you just need to deliver another message to the young master of the Zhao Family. The skills of the Illusionary Dao Sect are truly eye-opening, but his good intentions are in vain."

"I want Teng Prefecture, the Qu Prefecture he mentioned, the territory of the Li Family, and the territory of the Zhao Family. Whoever stands in the way, we'll fight them. There's no need to take a detour."

"..."

"This..."

Wu He was also slightly surprised by Hu Ma's words, and deep in her eyes, there was admiration and excitement.

It seemed that the current Hu Ma was completely different from the Big Brother Hu she remembered.

But the pride on his face was unmistakably the same person.

"Hey, are you acting all high and mighty now?"

Er Guo Tou, standing beside them, couldn't help but pull him aside and elbowed him, saying in a low voice, "We were already worried about these two mountains, and now we have a ready-made scout. Why are you pushing him away?"

"I can't not push him away."

Hu Ma also lowered his voice and said, "This isn't even the Mother Technique of the Zhao Family; it's just a way to intimidate us. If we can't even pass this test, how can we hope to defeat their Mother Technique or the real trump cards of the other families?"

"So, the Illusionary Dao Sect has something even more formidable than these two mountains?"

Er Guo Tou now looked a bit incredulous and asked in a low voice, "Then what do you plan to do?"

Hu Ma smiled and said, "Since the Illusionary Dao Sect invited that mountain deity to carry these two mountains over, then we'll also summon divine weapons from the heavens!"

Er Guo Tou understood Hu Ma's intention, but he was still a bit worried. "Those guys crossed the bridge even later than me, and even I can't understand their technique. Can they really do it?"

Even Er Guo Tou was worried, so the Grain Guard Army and the citizens of the four states, including the Dao Sect disciples, were even more terrified.

With the Bright King's capture of Lake State, the capabilities of the Grain Guard Army were undeniable, and their reputation was quickly spreading across the four states, attracting capable individuals to join them.

Not only capable individuals, but also merchants, nobles, and the wealthy would come to interact with them. They were both particular and not particular; when they were particular, they would consider the Grassroots King's background and whether he was worth their investment.

In the world of cultivation, one's background doesn't matter. If you have the ability to contend for the world, it's worth betting on.

The Grain Guard Army is their current bet, but the appearance of these two mountains has led to widespread rumors among the common folk. They claim that the King has offended the divine, so the mountains were moved to block his path to becoming an emperor.

These rumors are baseless, but they are incredibly useful.

Even those who trust the reputation of the Grain Guard Army will worry that the deities truly hate them, and following the army might bring disaster.

Those in the Dao Sect are even more convinced that capable people are causing trouble, making them hesitant to bet on the Grain Guard Army.

Amidst this dilemma, the advisors are at their wit's end, and the Non-Bull Sect is also struggling.

Just then, a letter delivered by a little girl in red clothing reached the camp of Bright King Yang Gong, easing his worries.

He immediately gathered everyone and, with a cold smile, made two decisions: "We are an army against bandits, fighting for the peace of the common folk. Even the divine should yield to us. How dare these wild ghosts and gods move mountains to block my path?"

"Quickly, write an imperial edict in my name and send it to the mountains. Order those ghosts and gods to move the mountains immediately."

"Also, prepare two hundred civilians. Reward them handsomely and send them with the edict to wait at the mountains."

"If those ghosts and gods refuse to obey, dig up the mountains. If it can't be done in one day, do it in two. If not, then three. Leave not a single blade of grass for them!"

"..."

These orders were all made publicly.

Within a day, the news of Bright King Yang Gong's edict to scold the ghosts and gods for moving the mountains spread throughout the Yangtze River region.

The commotion attracted even more attention than when the Grain Guard Army captured Lake State.

People from four states and five regions turned their eyes, some thinking the Bright King had gone mad, while others watched with anticipation.

Amidst this chaos, Bright King Yang Gong secretly spread a message and patiently waited for three days. On the third day, he set up a grand feast outside his camp, with wine and meat, inviting people to attend.

Initially, everyone found it strange, but as midnight approached, they heard laughter, indicating a joyful gathering.

At midnight, a voice spoke from within the camp, "Bright King Yang Gong, listen up. When you were in the capital, you borrowed ten thousand troops and helped us. We are grateful, and we've been keeping an eye on you."

"The most important thing is that after entering Lake State, you didn't disturb the people, didn't slaughter the city, didn't plunder gold, silver, or jewels, and didn't abduct noble ladies. You seem like a good person."

"Today, we'll help you, hoping you won't let us down."

"..."

As the speaker left, those in the camp came out and saw the feast, with cups and plates scattered.

While others were unaware, the Non-Bull Sect members were excited and whispered among themselves, "The third volume of the Heaven Book, summoning divine weapons to descend. The Sect Master wasn't lying to us. This time, we bet on the right horse."

"..."

"..."

"They're here..."

Meanwhile, at the border of Teng Prefecture, in front of the two mountains, after Little Red Tang delivered the letter to Yang Gong on behalf of Hu Ma, he didn't worry anymore. He stayed in the mountains, drinking tea with Second Pot Head and asking about Wu He's experiences over the years.

Wu He was grateful for the kindness, and now she diligently served them. Even Second Pot Head looked at her with newfound respect.

On the third day, they saw the Non-Bull Sect's advisor, Iron Mouth, arriving with a large group, holding the imperial edict.

Iron Mouth, surrounded by the group, stood before the majestic mountains and, holding the edict, shouted in a deep voice, "I come with the order of the Bright King:

"Our Grain Guard Army rose in Bright State, witnessing the rampant evil and suffering of the people. We carry the heavenly mandate to eliminate disasters and subdue evil. Wherever our king's flag reaches, the people rejoice. How dare these wild gods block our path?"

"This imperial edict commands you to move the mountains immediately, clearing the way for our army. Failure to comply will result in a report to the Exorcism Mansion, leading to the destruction of your temple and your divine body!"

"..."

These words echoed through the mountains, startling those who had come to investigate the sudden appearance of the two mountains.

With the edict declared, everyone was shocked and looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

"You called us here for help, and you're just sitting here drinking tea. How relaxed!"

As everyone fell silent, unsure of where the Grain Guard Army's confidence came from, a figure climbed up the mountain and saw Hu Ma and Second Pot Head drinking tea under a pine tree. The figure laughed.

Hu Ma looked closely and recognized the person—a tall and handsome man with an umbrella under his arm, none other than the Reincarnate from Hui Prefecture, code-named Flower Carving Wine.

Following him were other Reincarnates from Hui Prefecture. He walked straight to the tea table and placed his umbrella on it, a confident look on his face.

"Do you have a way to move the mountains?" Hu Ma asked as he served tea, curious.

He had expected the one who would break the Illusionary Dao Sect's tricks to be from the same sect.

Despite the saying that Year-Guarding counters Illusionary Dao Sect, these two mountains were very real, and his Year-Guarding abilities couldn't counter them. He could only rely on the people from Illusionary Dao Sect.

Unexpectedly, the one who arrived was a Temple Guardian Spirit.

"Actually, if it weren't for the news in the capital that you're a spy among the Reincarnates, I would have come to see you long ago."

Flower Carving Wine finished his tea and placed the cup to the side, looking at Hu Ma seriously. "I am a Reincarnate, but I'm also a Soul Carrier. Before this, when you held the mountain worship ceremony in Old Yin Mountain, you did a great deed by returning the Deities to the people."

"From that moment on, as a Reincarnate, I trusted that you weren't evil. As a Temple Guardian Spirit, I even felt grateful to you because you touched the hearts of those old fellows."

"Ever since the Ancestral Altar was shattered, the Temple Guardians in the world withered away. Their remains were buried at the bottom of Wrong Death City, and the few who escaped hid in various corners of the world, barely surviving. They gradually forgot their origins and responsibilities."

"It was your incense offering that gave them the idea of returning to the world again!"

"This time, I'm here on their behalf."

"..."

"You're summoning Deities to move the mountains?"

Even Hu Ma was surprised by this method. His heart was shaken, and he respectfully stood up to watch how Flower Carving Wine would perform his spell.

Flower Carving Wine finished his tea, put down the teacup, and went to the foot of the mountains. He opened his umbrella and stood to the side. The people behind him took various items from the carriage and set up an incense table, lighting three sticks of green incense.

He stood before the incense table, chanting and dancing, his words carrying a solemn tone. Soon, he took the three sticks of incense in his hand and bowed to the four directions of heaven and earth. He recited in a long, drawn-out voice, "Incense fire rises from the heart, and Deities come from all four directions. Summon the Deities..."

Before long, thick fog began to rise between heaven and earth, enveloping the two mountains. From within the fog, tall silhouettes could be vaguely seen approaching from all directions.

Hu Ma felt that each shadow was heavy and sacred, noble and divine. He even recognized one of the shadows, which seemed to be the Old Yin Mountain Lord.

Deities arise from the people's hearts, governing heaven, earth, and the seas. Where incense fire and faith go, moving mountains and filling the seas is but a thought away.

Hu Ma's previous actions in Old Yin Mountain were to return the Deities to the people, allowing the Incense Fire Deities to return to the people's side, protecting them. This also allowed the Deities to receive incense offerings.

However, the Temple Guardian Spirit, Flower Carving Wine, seemed to be heading in a different direction. Although they were also Soul Carriers, they focused on worshipping and praying to Deities, conveying the people's hearts.

That night, within a hundred li around the two mountains, all the people seemed to have had a dream. They saw the two mountains lying on the ground, with a Deity with a snake-wrapped waist leaning against the mountain, dozing off.

Suddenly, someone shouted at the dozing Deity, but their voice was too weak to wake him. However, from all directions, other Deities arrived.

One of them, with a fiery temper, slapped the Deity with the snake-wrapped waist awake and scolded him while pointing at his nose.

The Deity with the snake-wrapped waist was initially defiant, but as more Deities came to scold him, he shrank back, sincerely repenting. He hurriedly picked up the two mountains beside him and left in a hurry, leaving behind two stone weights, one large and one small.

...

...

"My heavens, the Bright King issued an order to move the mountains, and it actually..."

The next day, the fog that filled the heavens and earth began to dissipate slowly. Countless soldiers and scouts, as well as people from the Dao Sect, who had come to investigate, were all completely stunned.

The two mountains had disappeared, and the road to Teng Prefecture was now wide open, as if a gate had been flung open.

The Bright King's order to move the mountains had initially seemed like a joke, but the fact that the two mountains actually listened and moved overnight became an incredible miracle.

No one could imagine how the people of the world would react when they heard about this. How would the various experts view the Grain Guard Army? Those who were still hesitating and watching from afar, how many of them would risk their lives to join?

Who would dare to defy the Heavenly Mandate?

If it weren't for the Heavenly Mandate, how could a single royal order command the heavens, earth, and ghosts and gods?

"I will go to the Grain Guard Army and give them some advice. As for the matters within the Dao Sect, you'll have to handle them yourself."

The morning after the mountains were moved, Flower Carving Wine emerged from the fog and handed the two stone weights to Hu Ma. "The Zhao Family is quite particular. As long as you can break their spell, they are willing to give us the bet and reward."

"These two stone weights are the true forms of the two mountains. Keep them in your hands. Not only will they be useful for the Heaven Worship Grand Ceremony, but if used well in battle formations, they will be invaluable treasures. There are probably no objects in the world more powerful than these stone weights."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end