Twilight Boundary

"This world..." Such are the times...

Having guessed some of the old shopkeeper's thoughts, Hu Ma also wanted to express some feelings. But he found he couldn't say anything. He was disappointed, yet he had also come to terms with reality, too weary to even complain. He just sighed softly, then gathered his spirits. He shared some of his conjectures with Er Guotou and Miss White Wine, who had just been invited over, and together they devised a plan. Only then did he silently exit his Lifebound Spirit Temple.

In the night, he opened his eyes and silently pondered. This was his first collaboration with Reincarnators, and he inevitably felt a bit anxious, worrying about this and that. However, after thinking it over, his heart settled. In this world, is there truly a perfect plan? No matter what one does, one always faces the risk of failure and unexpected challenges. He had only confirmed that he needed a batch of Blood Food, so why hesitate any longer? After all, if it weren't for these two Reincarnators' help, he feared he wouldn't even understand what he was facing. He resolved to do it.

The next day after waking up, Hu Ma went about his regular activities, arranging various matters, but he no longer intentionally sent the workers out to patrol. After all, the Tan'er Sect had already issued a challenge, stating they would arrive in seven days. This meant they could appear at any moment. Especially since they believed the Manor owed them two lives, it would be troublesome if they tried to reclaim them from these workers. Even Little Hongtang was confined by him. The people of the Tan'er Sect understand evil skills and know how to nurture spirits. What if you, a playful child, get captured while running around aimlessly?

The workers in the outer courtyard, however, didn't seem to realize the invisible pressure. They were now familiar with the tasks in the Manor, which weren't heavy. In their free time, they would just count on their fingers to see how long it was until the New Year. The rules of the Red Lantern Lady's Club were strict; even if one's own mother died, one had to apply for leave before returning for the funeral. But there was no rule against people going home for the reunion dinner. What the workers in the Manor were currently unsure about was whether the Shopkeeper would allow them—who had only joined the Lady's Club in the latter half of the year—to go home, or if some would have to stay and serve. Of course, there was another question. At the year's end, would the promised wages and grain be given to them in full to take back?

This wasn't because the workers were shrewd or overly pragmatic; on the contrary, it showed their rather simple nature. Because they had arrived in the second half of the year, Blood Food from their efforts wouldn't be stocked until the spring of the following year. So, up until now, it was as if they hadn't actually worked for the Lady's Club. Although the Lady's Club had promised them a certain amount of money and grain each month upon their arrival, they now felt a bit guilty. They had been eating for free without having done any work, and yet they still hoped to take money and grain home for the New Year. They didn't dare to ask the Shopkeeper directly about these concerns, so they all secretly asked Hu Ma.

But Hu Ma didn't know either. He could only think, I don't know if you can take money and grain home for the New Year. I'll first focus on making sure you're alive to go back for the New Year! He was also a bit curious. There are so many differences between this world and my previous one, yet the customs are surprisingly similar. I wonder if any Reincarnator senior has studied the relationship between the two.

Another day or two passed. As the date of the Tan'er Sect's visit drew nearer, the invisible pressure grew. It felt as if a shadow had been cast over the Manor, making it hard to breathe. Hu Ma continued to practice diligently. In his spare time, he also pondered the trump card Shopkeeper Wu had taught him. However, now that he was hiding his cultivation, he couldn't practice freely. He could clearly feel that although Shopkeeper Wu appeared the same as before—rarely stepping out of the main gate or even the inner courtyard gate—he was much more vigilant internally. Even Little Hongtang hardly dared to leave her room now. When asked, she would just shake her little head. "The Manor feels uncomfortable now, and you won't let me go out to play."

"So I just have to stay inside and sleep!"

If even Little Hongtang feels uncomfortable, how immense must the pressure in this Manor be? Hu Ma vaguely sensed that perhaps the old shopkeeper was using some Method to monitor the Manor, so he became even more cautious.

Thus, in this oppressive atmosphere that made everyone uneasy, the appointed day drew near. Outside the Manor, several groups of villagers came to report news. Someone said, "Over at Yellow Dog Village, a reparation craftsman has arrived and has been staying for a day."

Hu Ma had no intention of checking it out, merely advising, "Perhaps it's nothing. With the New Year approaching, everyone wants their pots and bowls in good condition."

Then, someone else came to report that in Shiyazi Village, three or five traveling merchants selling mountain goods had arrived. They said they wanted to sort their goods before entering the city, so they had rented two houses in the village. "Our village remembers what you said, Manager Hu. We don't usually let strangers in, but these people looked like they had money... no, they looked trustworthy, so we let them rent."

Yes, yes, they look trustworthy, and they pay honestly, right? Hu Ma thought. If this had been a while ago, Hu Ma would have already taken people to investigate. Now, however, he turned a blind eye. He only went into the inner courtyard to report these matters to the old shopkeeper, who just nodded slowly.

"It's good that they're coming. It's about time."

He said nothing more, and they waited patiently for another two days. Even the workers in the Manor felt surprised.

"How come it's as lively as a temple fair around here, with the New Year so close?"

"The sugar-figure blower, the monkey performer, the couplet writer, the trickster—they've all come this way..."

"Shall we go and have a look too?"

"Nobody is allowed to leave!"

Hu Ma was just thinking of reminding the workers when he suddenly heard a voice from the inner courtyard. Turning to look, he saw Shopkeeper Wu, fully dressed. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking coldly at the workers in the courtyard, and said in a deep voice, "From this moment on, everyone stays in the Manor and keeps watch. No one is to step outside the Manor. The night patrols are also canceled. Just guard the Manor well."

"If anyone disobeys, I needn't say more. Pack your things and go home for the New Year, and don't bother coming back after!"

Normally, Hu Ma handled the workers' tasks and discipline; it wasn't easy to even see the Shopkeeper. Now, seeing him personally issue orders, they all trembled and dared not refuse.

"Hu Ma, come into the inner courtyard!"

After admonishing the workers, the Shopkeeper called Hu Ma in. Once the inner courtyard gate was closed, he glanced at the sky and said, "It's about time. I'll be heading out soon. You stay here and guard the Manor."

"Oh, and when the lanterns are lit later, don't hang them outside as before. Bring them into the inner courtyard and hang them there. Make sure you watch them carefully; they absolutely must not go out..."

"Yes!" Hu Ma listened to the instructions, knowing the time had come, and agreed softly. He felt a tremor in his heart, thinking, Is it really enough to just do all of this? Miss White Wine's earlier talk of the Array and talismans...

Seeing that the old shopkeeper didn't mention this, he felt somewhat relieved. Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly saw the old servant walk out from the main hall and nod to the old shopkeeper. The old shopkeeper then led Hu Ma towards the main hall and pointed inside, saying, "Look over there!"

Hu Ma looked up and saw that the square table inside had been moved out a bit. Originally placed against the wall, it was now set in the middle of the hall. Beside it, several oil lamps were lit, a brazier was burning, and there were also some banners and yellow and green talismans. He felt a slight chill in his heart but feigned ignorance and looked at the old shopkeeper.

"Tonight, I'm afraid something might try to blow out the lanterns..." the old shopkeeper said, also looking at Hu Ma. "Although I taught you the trump card of the Four Ghosts Salute, you've only practiced for a few days. Your skill is shallow, so you might not be able to use it well. That's why I've prepared a Formation for you."

"Tonight, if those things come knocking, don't answer. If something causes trouble, you deal with it. If you feel you can't handle it, then go and sit by that table."

"Within this Formation, even if your power is weaker, you'll be able to manage."

"...Yes!" Hu Ma agreed in a low voice, an indescribably strange feeling welling up inside him.

The Array had appeared.

"And this!" the old shopkeeper said, suddenly taking out a red paper-sealed letter from his robes. He handed it to Hu Ma and said, "This is a protective paper I wrote for you. Keep it with you at all times. Never discard or lose it. If something happens, this paper can also save your life."

Hu Ma looked at the protective paper, feeling as if his body had been plunged into an ice cellar. After a long moment, he finally reached out and took it, a smile slowly forming on his face. Looking at the Shopkeeper, he said sincerely, "I've noted it. Please rest assured, Shopkeeper."

Seeing Hu Ma agree and put the protective paper into his robes, the old shopkeeper's gaze calmed slightly, though he ultimately said nothing more.

"Brother Hu Ma, be careful."

The atmosphere had become somewhat somber. Just then, Sister Wu He emerged from the inner room. She had also changed into black clothing, with her leggings tied, and a bulging pack on her back, its contents unknown. She had even tied a black cloth over her face, leaving only her eyes, which were still as gentle as water. She spoke softly to Hu Ma, then seemed to hesitate before adding, "I also need to trouble you with something. Help me pour out the water from the jar..."

"...You're the only one who can pour it." This translation is powered by the readers at M|V|LE9MPYR.

Hu Ma silently sighed in relief internally and smiled. "Alright, I understand."

Seeing him agree, the old shopkeeper nodded to Junior Sister Wu He, picked up a bundle from the wall that seemed to contain his tools, and turned to leave the courtyard.

Instantly, the inner courtyard became cold and deserted. The old servant and the young servant boy seemed to have been sent away earlier. Hu Ma felt quite oppressed. He glanced coldly at the Array the old shopkeeper had set up beside the square table, then felt the protective paper tucked into his robes, which seemed to be faintly warm.

Taking a deep breath, he entered the side room and saw the jar where Sister Wu He usually stayed. He was already feeling quite resentful when, unexpectedly, he saw a faint line of text carved beside the jar: "Brother Hu Ma, whatever you do, don't use the Four Ghosts Salute. If you can't hold out, abandon the protective paper and save your life!"

Seeing this handwriting, he was startled, and complex emotions surged within him.