Twilight Boundary-Chapter 770 - 761: The Ghost City of Shangjing

"Granny has already told me everything she knows."

Hu Ma returned to the mansion, had a simple meal, and then went back to the room prepared for him by the old servant.

That day, he finally met Granny and saw the legendary ancestral hall, asking about the things he most wanted to know.

Though Granny could not answer everything, he understood in his heart that she had given him answers in her own way. Ever since he met the State Preceptor on Old Yin Mountain, the lingering doubt in his tumultuous heart had finally dissipated on this day.

Outside the mansion, white lanterns still hung, with mourners and porters still eating in the courtyard, while he remained in the unlit room, quietly sorting through his thoughts.

His mind flashed through Zhensui Mansion, the Walking Ghost Bridge, the ranking in the so-called Daluo Dharma Sect Merit Book, and...

...the Little Hongtang Granny had left for him.

His lips pursed slightly as he pondered for a long time, then slowly sank into his Lifebound Spirit Temple.

Now that he had made his decision, he could naturally begin conversations with the Reincarnators. Of course, he would start with someone he trusted.

He thought of Miss White Wine.

He believed he hadn't been mistaken about what he saw during the funeral procession that morning, so he thought he might as well call her to exchange some information.

But unexpectedly, upon arriving at the Lifebound Spirit Temple and just as he placed the Life Incense into it, countless voices suddenly rang out. Some were anxious, some surprised, others angry—all sorts of emotions intertwined in the temple.

"Brother Old White, what... what exactly is going on?"

"Holy crap, are you the Lord of the Zhen Sui Hu Family?"

"You don't even look like someone from the Ten Surnames!"

"Kid, someone said you're an undercover agent among the Reincarnators? Pfft, and to think I didn't snatch your codename!"

"Palace Jade Liquor, what's the next line? Quick, answer me!"

"Extra, extra! There's a traitor among the Reincarnators! The latest bounty has been updated! Everyone, get ready to go monster hunting in Shangjing City!"

"..."

The cacophony of voices was overwhelming. Some tried to talk directly to him, while others shouted randomly. Hu Ma, who had initially planned to call Miss White Wine, fell silent amidst the countless chaotic voices.

These people had finally revealed his true identity within the Reincarnator circle.

Earlier, those who came to assassinate him seemed to be a very mysterious group within the Reincarnator circle. He had been curious why they hadn't exposed his identity back then and instead chose to assassinate him in secret. Although he couldn't figure out this question, he still harbored a faint, almost imperceptible sense of hope due to their approach. Now, that lingering hope was utterly crushed. He understood the severity of his identity being exposed!

Although he had a considerable reputation in the Reincarnator circle and had earned many favors, he knew that once his identity and the threat he posed to the Reincarnators were known, not many would still believe in him and protect his life, unlike the few in Mingzhou who did. After all, with so many Reincarnators, not everyone would trust him; most would remain cautious.

What challenge awaited him next? Before, it was just a few trying to assassinate him, but now, would all the Reincarnators want to kill him? He was still in Shangjing City, where the talents of the Ten Surnames were gathered, providing some protection. Who knew what he would face if he were outside Shangjing City at this time? Even though he had decided to talk to the Reincarnators, given the current situation, how many would be willing to talk to him?

"You finally appeared."

Just as these thoughts surged in his mind, a cold, clear voice suddenly emerged, drowning out the others' clamor. A thread of red incense connected to the incense burner in Hu Ma's Lifebound Spirit Temple. It was Miss White Wine.

Hu Ma's heart quivered slightly. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Thank you..."

"There's no need for such meaningless words," Miss White Wine interrupted him, saying lightly, "You know, Reincarnators are usually quite selfish, only using the pretense of established rapport for an exchange of benefits, so don't mistake our choices for genuine kindness."

Hu Ma adjusted his mindset and calmly agreed, "You're right."

"However, wouldn't appearing in Shangjing City be too risky for you now?"

Connecting with her meant she was also in Shangjing City, perhaps very near, since there was only one Column of Life Incense in his incense burner now. This made her extremely dangerous. In a place with so many skilled individuals, including the State Preceptor, any exposure or discovery of her identity would mean certain death.

"I came back to investigate a few matters," Miss White Wine spoke gradually. "For this, I need to leverage your position as Lord of the Hu Family."

"Additionally, I know you are cautious of the Reincarnators now. I think, once I've sorted these matters, I can provide you with the answers you want."

"..."

Hu Ma was slightly taken aback, a strange sensation rising within him. Even though things were no longer the same as before, Miss White Wine could still propose cooperation with him so openly. This contrast with her previously cautious demeanor truly stirred a complex mix of emotions within him.

With a quiet sigh in his heart, he composed himself and asked, "What issue?"

"Some matters concerning Tai Sui," Miss White Wine's tone grew somewhat heavy. After a pause, she murmured, "Have you noticed that Shangjing City now has an overwhelmingly oppressive atmosphere, perhaps even... a touch of dread?"

Her words struck a chord with Hu Ma, for he had felt it as soon as he entered Shangjing City. Moreover, he had discovered that this eerie ambiance seemed to originate from the Ten Surnames Ancestral Hall.

"Come to the Life-Knowing Pavilion tomorrow, and I'll show you some things," Miss White Wine said, her voice slow as if she had made up her mind. "If you see anything, remember not to make a sound."

"After today, when we exchange information, let's avoid using the Lifebound Spirit Temple. It no longer feels safe to me."

"Additionally, you need to be careful of Shangjing City..."

"..."

Listening to her words, Hu Ma felt a slight stir within him. Shangjing City? She didn't warn him to be cautious of anyone specific, but explicitly pointed to Shangjing City itself?

He wanted to say more, but Miss White Wine had already silently severed the connection. She seemed to have many things she herself didn't understand, or perhaps she was unwilling to converse further within the Lifebound Spirit Temple.

When he got up the next day, he had breakfast as arranged by the old servant.

Though the servants in this Hu Family old mansion were freshly bought from a broker, their cleaning and serving posed no problem. Hu Ma, having come from a village, had never experienced such a dignified and extravagant life. However, with his past life experience, he could still enjoy these comforts with composure, not to the point of revealing the awkwardness of someone from the mountains, a poor man suddenly grown rich.

After finishing his meal, numerous matters were presented before him. The Hu Family relatives and old acquaintances from the walking ghost incidents, who had eagerly spoken with Hu Ma at Mr. Hu Shan's funeral the previous day, were still keen to approach him today to test the waters. Of course, each found excuses: some asked about local businesses, others about the manor on the outskirts, or about the funeral donations received the day before.

But Hu Ma, looking at these trivial matters, merely frowned slightly and glanced toward two people in the courtyard.

Why was Fourth Miss Zhou still at the Hu Family mansion?

She was currently dressed in a tight-fitting outfit that particularly accentuated her slim waist, facing the morning sun and slowly practicing her breathing exercises. And under the nearby corridor, Immortal Miaoshan was also up, holding a cup of tea and sipping it slowly. Beside her were candied fruits and fresh fruit delicacies. She was clearly making herself as comfortable in his family mansion as if it were her own home.

So he casually pointed and said to the old servant, "Go ask her about these matters."

"Her?" The old servant looked troubled. Many matters had to be handled by someone from the Hu Family, and he still didn't know this lady's identity.

And Immortal Miaoshan also widened her innocent eyes. "Me?"

Hu Ma, feeling a bit helpless, then pointed to Fourth Miss Zhou in the courtyard and said, "Asking her is fine too."

"Old Master, this..."

Leaving the old servant and the two women bewildered, Hu Ma, dressed in a simple cloth gown and shoes, walked directly out. He went to the stables himself, led out the horse he had brought from Mingzhou, and called for Calculation, who was sleeping in the horse shed, to come out.

The old servant hurried after him, saying that the Hu Family Mansion had already prepared carriages for the Old Master and Madams to use when going out. The set of carriage and horses brought from Mingzhou would look somewhat plain and simple in Shangjing City. The carriage frame wasn't exquisite, and its carvings were of a style that had gone out of fashion years ago.

"What kind of ridiculous fuss is this?" Hu Ma muttered, ignoring him. He pulled Calculation onto their own carriage, and they departed.

He was going to the Life-Knowing Hall for an appointment and needed a pretext. Conveniently, the Daluo Dharma Sect Leader, National Master Dongxuan, was currently staying at the Life-Knowing Hall. As the Main Sacrificial, having just concluded his biological father's funeral, it was perfectly normal for him to pay a visit to the State Preceptor. And Calculation, being a member of the Daluo Dharma Sect, though staying at the Hu Family Mansion, had already gone to pay respects to the State Preceptor once. Of course, given his status, he hadn't actually met the State Preceptor, but he knew the way, making him a suitable guide.

The carriage made its way through Shangjing City, heading directly towards the Life-Knowing Hall.

It was only then that Hu Ma carefully observed Shangjing City. He noticed that even during the day, a kind of mistiness lingered, as if a chilling ghost qi constantly enveloped the city, refusing to disperse and obscuring one's view. But beneath this chilling ghost qi, the city was unexpectedly bustling. Shops lined both sides of the streets, eateries and taverns abounded, and all sorts of novel trinkets filled the roads. City residents dressed in silks and satins moved through the crowds, chatting and laughing.

However, whether due to Miss White Wine's reminder or the inexplicable feeling in his own heart, Hu Ma couldn't shake the sense that the city's liveliness was abnormal.

Moving through Shangjing City felt even more oppressive and sinister than when he had entered the underworld.