Twilight Boundary

There were no drums or gongs, but Hu Ma and Xiang, under Lady Han's care, formally set out on their journey, heading step by step toward Lingshou Prefecture.

Since departing from Mingzhou, Hu Ma hadn't felt this much at ease.

Not only did they leave Lady Han's Manor with a reputable escort from Anzhou, but along the way, more people joined in, quickly forming a formidable group of dozens, creating an impressive scene.

Yet, many were eager to join, hoping to form a good connection with the Li Family, but they hesitated due to their status and didn't dare to join.

How many evil spirits would dare block their path under such conditions?

Even Hu Ma unknowingly became the "young hero" who protected the orphan over a thousand miles, earning a reputation for his righteousness.

Occasionally, people would approach to make acquaintances with Hu Ma. They gave him a thumbs-up for his good deeds, mentioned visiting his manor in Mingzhou, or pledged open friendship, offering help should he need it in the future.

Who knew how much of their words were true or false, but Hu Ma genuinely realized his growing reputation.

Was this the grand gift Miss Red Wine had given him?

Even in Mingzhou, he was just a little shopkeeper of the Blood Food Gang, not well-regarded by others. Who would have thought that upon reaching Anzhou, his fame would suddenly take off?

A strange feeling arose in his heart. If he were merely a Reincarnator, he wouldn't consider this a great gift. What Reincarnator would chase after such superficial glory?

However, thinking of his other identity...

...perhaps this fame was just timely enough?

As he pondered, the group gradually neared Lingshou Prefecture, traveling along the main road. They stopped at a village midway, loudly asking the villagers to take their Silver and cook chicken, entirely unreserved.

Yet, their journey remained calm. They reached the vicinity of Lingshou Prefecture without any incidents.

Indeed, Miss Red Wine saw this coming.

Hu Ma sighed, glancing at Xiang in the carriage. She was leaning against the window, her head on the curtain, looking eagerly ahead.

This young girl had endured an arduous journey and was finally nearing home, surely with a mix of emotions.

「」

At that moment, in a nearby town not far from Anzhou Prefecture Mansion, a person was nursing injuries in a large shared room he had booked at a tavern. He tore open his shirt, looking at the black mark of yin qi penetrating his shoulder.

He held a bunch of glutinous rice in his hand, slowly extracting the yin qi as beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

He cursed as he plucked, until suddenly, the wooden door swung open. A short and stout middle-aged man, with hands behind his back and dressed in silk, yet with the bearing of a peasant, stood at the entrance.

Startled, the young man immediately donned a mournful expression. "Father, I'm really out of options..."

He looked at the short and sturdy middle-aged man in front of him and cried, "Originally, everything was progressing perfectly, about to come together."

"Who could have known she'd be able to return?"

"I sent Housekeeper Zhou to handle the aftermath. Who knew how that old thing managed it; that group on Pingnan Road was silenced, but the little shopkeeper returning with her was unharmed."

"They always claimed Trick Door was so cunning. I was even waiting for him to bring her over, but when I went to check, he was already laid in a coffin. This is a provocation from the other side..."

"I didn't dare escalate matters, so I could only pursue desperately, with no choice but to employ a servant ghost..."

"But who'd have thought that Trick Door would interfere..."

"Now, we have no options. It's bad to cast magic after daylight, but if there were mountain bandits or robbers ambushing them on the road..."

"..."

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Before he could finish his resentful and harsh words, the stout old man suddenly interrupted him.

The young man was taken aback, blinking in confusion.

"What issues could Lady Han have?"

The stout old man gritted his teeth. "She's offering us, the Dongzi Li Family, face. It's not just her; anyone from the Path would offer this assistance."

The young man grew anxious. "Then we..."

"There's no 'we' or 'us'..."

The stout old man fixed his gaze on him, lowering his voice with resentment. "The problem lies with you, you fool. From the start, letting her be abducted was the least karma-inducing action. You merely pushed a little, and the world would bear the major karma."

"But after things went awry, you shouldn't have meddled further. You should have just let that old dog from Trick Door do it. Why did you insist on stepping in?"

"..."

As he spoke, his voice unexpectedly grew louder, as if shouting for someone to hear, and he suddenly slapped the young man's head. "How could you be so heartless? She's your sister!"

"..."

The young man was completely dazed by the blow, his face full of grievance. He wished to speak but found himself unable. The stout old man, having shouted, immediately held his head.

He gently rubbed the sore spot and said in a lower voice, "Wise up and prepare to admit your mistake. We can't drag me, your father, and your two brothers down with you. The young lady is back now; the Old Master won't kill you. At most, he'll punish you."

"With us here, we'll look after you."

"People from Reason Hall are outside. Go with them obediently and don't resist."

"..."

The young man was already dazed, speaking tremulously, "You..."

He paused after just one word, then, realizing, continued in a lowered voice, "Father, where are you going?"

"Where else can I go?"

The stout old man sighed deeply. "I have to hurry and bring the young lady home..."

「」

The group reached Lingshou Prefecture but did not enter, only taking a distant look.

Lingshou Prefecture was also a large city, faintly reminiscent of its past glory, but now appearing worn and desolate. Few people were at its city gate; it seemed like an abandoned town.

However, Hu Ma heard from Xiang that she was abducted here, which was intriguing. How could such an apparently abandoned place be the usual, rare playground for the Dongzi Li Family—a place to watch fireworks?

Turning south, they drew nearer to Big Stone Cliff, with the group increasingly heading into the mountains. On the roadside, many desolate graves appeared. It was unclear if the area was always sparsely populated, but where had so many graves come from? A thin mist rose amongst them.

Passing through the desolate graves, they saw a narrow path leading ahead, causing everyone to stop.

Up ahead appeared an old stele with eight deeply engraved words: "Underworld Ahead. The Living Halt."

"Underworld?"

The martial artists halted, unsure whether to proceed.

Though they made a living in the Anzhou region, eight out of ten of them didn't believe in such things as the underworld.

Yet, the simple presence of these eight words on the stele induced a chill, making their voices quieter.

It seemed like a warning. Even though they were escorting the young lady home, they worried about causing trouble by intruding.

Just as the group was hesitating, they saw two figures dressed in black with peculiar hats, resembling some rare official headwear, slowly approaching on the path ahead.

Their faces were pale, and they held a piece of black cloth, speaking to no one.

Everyone went silent, choosing not to greet them yet.

The two reached the stele. First, they spread the black cloth to cover it, then turned to the group and said, "Please, everyone!"

"Our family's uncles and elders received word and are already waiting ahead."

"..."

Only then did the group advance, casting curious glances at the stele as they passed.

The Dongzi Li Family stopping people was one thing, but why must they cover the stele before inviting people in? What kind of strange rule was that?

Hu Ma was slightly taken aback. He thought about how challenging it was to reach the Dongzi Li Family at Big Stone Cliff even with these martial artists. It must have been even more difficult for the ordinary people at the Mule and Horse Market who had helped send his message.

The message might have been intercepted right here. No wonder it never reached Xiang's father.

Continuing forward, they entered the mountains. After rounding the foot of the mountain, the path widened.

A large, dense crowd of people was already approaching to greet them. The three at the front were robust and imposing, welcoming them warmly.

Expressing genuine gratitude, they bowed and said, "Ah, since our Xiangyu went missing, the entire Li Family has been anxious and unsettled. Now, thanks to your righteous deeds, she's returned. Our family will remember this kindness."

"Where's the young lady? Come out and let us see you. You haven't gotten into any trouble, have you?"

"..."

The martial artists exchanged cheerful responses, glancing back at the carriage. Xiang, now exiting, timidly looked at the three and called out, "Fourth Master, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, I... I'm back..."

Her voice trembled slightly. Though meeting the three joyful faces, she hesitated to approach.

"Oh, my poor girl! You've suffered so much. Let's go home quickly; your father is waiting to see you!"

The three joyfully moved forward, deeply touched to see the young lady returned.

They scanned the group, asking, "The letter mentioned a hero brought the young lady back over a great distance. Who might that be?"

Seeing the question directed his way, Hu Ma dismounted. Amidst the collective gaze, he modestly replied, "I'm no hero, but I was the one who brought her back."

"Ah, benefactor, please accept an old man's bow of respect!"

The three elders, eyes brimming with excitement, quickly stepped forward to bow to Hu Ma.

Startled, Hu Ma hastily helped them up.

Traveling all this way, nothing was more feared than this. These white-haired elders bowing their heads—how could I dare accept?

Yet, as he supported the first three, the juniors behind them knelt in a dense wave, giving Hu Ma an instant headache.

I risked life and limb to return your young lady, and this is the grand reception I get? This is just bullying! Do they think I wouldn't dare to kowtow back or something?