Twilight Boundary

"Hmm?"

This opening instantly captured everyone's attention.

The two people who had just suffered a setback already felt a subtle fear towards Young Master Lu, worried that their own trump card might not suffice and lead to further trouble. They hadn't expected someone to step forward and provoke him, which made them all a bit anxious.

Even Young Master Lu of the Lu Family was taken aback. He sized up Hu Ma, then let out a sneer. "I'm not short of silver; I'm short of capable people."

"Does this master seem to have a trump card up his sleeve?"

Hu Ma intentionally appeared straightforward and unyielding. "Even if you have silver, we're here to earn it with our skills, not to beg you for charity. There's no need for you, Young Master, to put on such airs."

"I may not possess any great skills, but since fate has brought us together, whether I succeed or fail, allow me to offer you a cup of tea first, Young Master!"

Saying this, he walked straight forward, picked up a kettle of scalding hot water that was whistling on the boil, and headed directly toward Young Master Lu. The manager beside him immediately looked worried, and Young Master Lu also frowned, looking over at Hu Ma.

But Hu Ma said nothing more, merely reaching Young Master Lu's side. On the small table next to him were two bowls of tea: one belonging to Young Master Lu, and the other, still empty, meant for whomever was chosen.

Hu Ma picked up the bowl beside Young Master Lu, tilted his hand to pour out the water, and then filled it to the brim. He then turned the kettle and filled the empty bowl as well. Lifting the steaming bowl, he said to Young Master Lu, "Please!"

With that, he drank it all in one go, set down the cup, and stared calmly at Young Master Lu.

Young Master Lu looked at the bowl of tea before him. The water was still scalding hot; drinking it would likely peel a layer of skin from his mouth.

They couldn't tell if Hu Ma was truly unafraid of the heat, or if the water had somehow cooled the moment he picked up the bowl. Regardless, the display was undoubtedly intimidating.

After a moment, he didn't pick up the tea. Instead, he stood up directly and cupped his hands towards Hu Ma. "This master possesses fine skills."

"Please, take a seat."

He then turned to the manager. "It was indeed my fault earlier. Those two came as guests; go and entertain them properly, provide them with travel expenses, and offer my sincere apologies."

The manager quickly smiled and agreed. He first brought a chair for Hu Ma, then went to make the arrangements.

Seeing this, the remaining few people gained a bit of courage and glanced gratefully at Hu Ma. One performed a trump card with a Flying blade—a palm-long, thin blade that hit wherever he aimed, though it lacked force and could only penetrate wood slightly. Yet, he was allowed to stay.

Another demonstrated a lightness skill. He ascended to the roof, over ten feet high, without any assistance, merely lifting his foot. A series of footsteps was heard moving left, yet he descended from the right.

As for the others, seeing they had no trump cards to display, they could only depart in frustration.

One man who drew attention was short and stout, with a wooden expression, and carried no weapons. When his turn came, he hesitated for a moment, then began to walk out voluntarily.

But since he was the last one, the manager stopped him, chuckling, "Won't you show us something, master?"

The man replied with an awkward smile, "I don't know any of these tricks, and I didn't bring a blade."

The manager asked curiously, "Then what can you do?"

The man answered honestly, "I can't do anything. I wasn't planning to test for these things. I thought this was about fighting bandits."

The onlookers genuinely believed he had misjudged the situation and was about to make a fool of himself. Hu Ma initially hadn't paid him much mind. After a cursory glance, he had dismissed the man. But suddenly, an uneasy feeling crept into his heart, prompting him to look again. This time, he found the man's demeanor somewhat peculiar. A third look sent an inexplicable jolt through him.

This man doesn't look like he's trained in martial arts, nor like he's learned any trump cards. Yet there's an indefinable quality about him, an instinctive feeling that one shouldn't underestimate him. No, it's not just that... I feel he's extremely dangerous.

It wasn't just Hu Ma; Young Master Lu also seemed to notice something, furrowing his brow as he stared at the man. He had just disciplined two jianghu swindlers, creating an immensely oppressive atmosphere. Normally, no one could meet his gaze without feeling flustered, yet this man simply kept smiling.

He maintained an amiable smile, revealing nothing.

The more Young Master Lu looked at him, the more uncomfortable he felt. He cleared his throat unnaturally and said, "You can stay too. You look like a brave fellow."

Everyone felt a wave of relief, having passed this hurdle. The manager, seeing this, quickly invited them to the back. It was a small courtyard connected to the rear of the teahouse, where wine and dishes were already laid out.

Additionally, at the table were two men with sallow complexions and two or three others in hemp robes, armed with Pu Blades. These must have been recruited earlier by Young Master Lu. The most surprising sight, however, was a gaunt old man seated at the table with a monkey perched on his shoulder.

As soon as Hu Ma entered, the old man looked up, his eyes brightened, and he rose, laughing heartily. "Little brother, fate brings acquaintances together even across a thousand miles! We meet again."

Seeing the old man, Hu Ma was also taken aback. He subtly adjusted his expression and smiled. "So, the 'big job' you mentioned, Senior, also refers to this employer."

The old man chuckled. "Big jobs are hard to come by. Lo and behold, we've bumped into each other."

"However, you didn't come when I invited you, yet you sneaked over on your own. Could it be you don't trust this old man?"

Hu Ma looked sheepish and said with a wry smile, "I'm just inexperienced in the jianghu and was trying to be cautious. I didn't expect to take such a roundabout path. Please don't laugh at me, Senior."

The old man waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "What about those brothers of yours?"

"I've already had them take the silver and head back to our hometown," Hu Ma explained. "I was the only one who got a bit greedy, thinking I'd stay and try to earn a bigger score, so I remained behind."

Seeing the two of them stand up and chat animatedly, the others at the table looked somewhat surprised. Young Master Lu waited for them to finish before smiling at the old man. "Monkey Master, it seems you know this gentleman?"

"Indeed," the Monkey Master chuckled. "I've seen this Brother Zhou subdue a drought ba. On a dark and windy night, he pinned it down single-handedly."

"At the time, I thought he could probably help you, Young Master, so I wanted to invite him. It's just that my old face doesn't seem to inspire much trust, and this little brother didn't believe me. But, as fate would have it, we two still ended up meeting here at your place, Young Master."

"Subdued a drought ba, you say?" The people present hadn't paid much attention to the rest, but this particular piece of news surprised them all.

They had all heard of the drought ba; these creatures were usually located and burned during the day. Dealing with them at night was rare.

It was said that at night, these creatures would move, bite, possessed immense strength, and were impervious to blades. Yet this young man had managed to pin one down?

Instantly, everyone present regarded Hu Ma with far more respect.

And Hu Ma, meeting everyone's gaze, merely cupped his fists and put on an embarrassed expression.

This old beggar calls me Brother Zhou? That little trick I used back in Mancang Village has certainly come in handy now... he thought rapidly.

"Since you're old acquaintances, that's even more convenient. This brother shall act together with Monkey Master!"

Young Master Lu said this, then turned to the others seated at the table. "All of you possess skills, and it is my, Lu's, honor to make your acquaintance. However, before we drink, there are a few things I should state plainly."

"You all have come to earn silver. And I, Lu, am likewise spending silver to hire people to handle a matter."

"There's no need for too much idle talk. The reason I'm paying a high price, and only hiring those with real abilities, is because I'm not actually trying to eliminate some mountain bandits."

"Instead, it's to obtain a treasure."

The eyes of everyone present focused on him, their hearts stirring at the mention of "treasure."

Young Master Lu chuckled. "Now, don't get carried away just because I said 'treasure.' For our family, it is indeed a treasure. But if you were to take it, it would likely be useless to you and might even bring disaster. This is why I feel at ease asking for your help."

"However, let me be blunt: I'm not the only one eyeing this treasure, and my rivals are formidable. Without your skills to assist me, I have little confidence."

"Our Lu Family has silver, and we are willing to offer generous rewards for your assistance, masters."

"But I also have a few conditions to state upfront. After you've taken the silver, ask fewer questions and do more."

"Whatever I instruct, you must do. If my endeavor fails, that's one thing; but if it costs you your lives, that would be truly regrettable. Of course, if you have any doubts, ask me beforehand. But when it's time to act, don't dither."

"In short, once this task is completed, I will have my treasure, and you will have your silver. We each get what we need, and then we go our separate ways, forgetting we ever met on the jianghu. Then, this matter will be considered concluded."

Everyone present listened, looking at one another. Hu Ma spoke up, "How much silver?"

Young Master Lu first held up two fingers, then said softly, "Each person will first receive a deposit of two hundred taels."

"After the task is complete, there will be another three hundred taels, with no delays in payment."

Hu Ma immediately looked up at the Monkey Master, his eyes clearly conveying, Weren't you talking about a one thousand taels job?

The Monkey Master, greatly embarrassed, lowered his head and focused on eating.

The others, however, were somewhat invigorated by the news. Earning a total of 500 taels was indeed a significant job.

"If none of you have any objections, let's share this meal and wine, and then you can collect your deposits!"

Young Master Lu lifted his cup. At his signal, the manager had two sturdy men bring over a box. When opened, it revealed neatly arranged silver ingots, a sight so dazzling it made everyone's eyes burn with desire.

Everyone present had come for these shimmering things; who wouldn't be tempted? They immediately raised their cups, smiling as they drank with Young Master Lu, thus sealing the deal for the task.

Only then did the atmosphere finally relax. Young Master Lu, in front of everyone, said to the Monkey Master, "By my calculations, we can't delay any longer. Monkey Master, I'll have to trouble you to go out tonight and fish for some souls!"

Hearing the words "fish for souls," Hu Ma was already intrigued.

And Young Master Lu, as it happened, turned to look at Hu Ma. "Brother Zhou, you'll go with him. Any objections?"