Hu Ma wasn't ignorant of the rules and was willing to abide by those of the martial world, always offering a smile and yielding three points to others, but now, he didn't want to yield anymore.

He was, after all, representing the Red Lantern Mother Society, but these descendants of the Blue-Robed Evil Ghosts didn't even bother to discuss the rules or show their faces. Instead, they launched a treacherous attack, wasting one of his horses. Although the horse had brought it upon itself, how could he not be angry?

His roar contained the essence of the Five Thunder Toad's Howl, its power was truly remarkable.

Even the entire Blood Offering Mine valley echoed with muffled thunder, creating an immense pressure. In the distant forest, a flock of roosting birds, startled, fluttered into the night sky.

The flesh-cutting laborers, who had been so fierce just moments ago, understood his power and were filled with awe. They retreated several steps, lowering the forks and flesh-cutting knives they held, not daring to point them directly at Hu Ma.

Unexpectedly, however, they still crowded in front of the village gate. Although they didn't dare to act aggressively, they were unwilling to retreat, looking hesitant.

"Let them pass."

Just then, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the valley. In the flickering light of the torches, a tall man wearing coarse black cloth, leggings, and a white cloth tied around his forehead, emerged with two others.

His frame was large, but he was gaunt. Walking through the valley, he stood a head taller than the flesh-cutting laborers, commanding great authority. The surrounding laborers quickly made way for him.

Some couldn't help but call out to him: "Foreman Cui, look at this"

Hu Ma focused on this man, realizing that this must be the Blood Offering Mine foreman.

His purpose here was to seize resources from this man. Of course, he had also learned the foreman's background from Hall Master Xu.

This man's surname was Zhuang, named Zhuang Erchang. He had once been a member of the Blue-Robed Gang, but now nominally belonged to the Red Lantern Mother Society. He was also a Shousui Ren (Night Watchman), said to be quite skilled, having refined his five viscera several years ago.

Having guarded this mine for so many years, he must possess unique skills. However, the details weren't fully known. When the Red Lantern Society took over the Blue-Robed Gang's territory, they had to re-register these underlings, but they weren't foolish enough to reveal everything honestly.

Regardless of his skills, Hu Ma had already determined his own apparent abilities, giving him the confidence to come here and challenge him.

Seeing the main figure appear, he merely sneered and looked at him.

"No need for words."

The man approached, and the people made way for him.

He first raised his hand, stopping the surrounding miners from their clamor. Then, with a detached gaze, he sized up Hu Ma and said, "From the Red Lantern Society?"

"How should I address you?"

""

"You're too kind."

Hu Ma cupped his fist in salute and said, "My surname is Hu."

"So, you're Manager Hu."

The foreman, surnamed Zhuang, nodded and said, "We weren't aware of your impending arrival, so we failed to greet you properly. However, the dues were paid several months ago, and the accounts are clear. What is the purpose of your visit now?"

Hu Ma faced him directly and said calmly, "The Blue-Robed Evil Ghost is dead. The Blood Offering Mine under his name now belongs to our Red Lantern Society. I'm here on behalf of the Red Lantern Mother to take a look. Is there a problem?"

"What's this, Foreman Zhuang? Are you treating this Blood Offering Mine as your own, guarding the gate and preventing us from entering?"

""

The words were already impolite, and he wasn't afraid of offending him.

The surrounding menacing flesh-cutting laborers stirred again upon hearing this, but having witnessed Hu Ma's skills earlier, fewer dared to raise their tools against him now.

The man's expression was sinister, but he remained silent for a moment, then said, "I wouldn't dare. Since you wish to come in, then come!"

Saying that, he stepped aside, signaling for Hu Ma and the others to enter. The two disciples beside him, as well as the flesh-cutting laborers who were still crowded at the entrance, each with their tools in hand, all wore unfriendly expressions, creating a palpable pressure.

But Hu Ma ignored them, lifted his long robe, and walked in.

Not only him, but Zhou Datong, Zhou Liang, Zhao Zhu, and the others were all skilled individuals, and wouldn't be intimidated by such a small scene. They strode into the valley, chests out, looking around as if they were in an uninhabited land.

The old accountant was clearly more timid, but he was sitting on the donkey cart. The donkey followed Hu Ma closely, afraid of being left behind, so he was pulled in as well.

Only the horse at the entrance silently glanced at Hu Ma and the others entering the valley, then turned its head away.

Closing its eyes, it continued to cultivate the feeling of near death it had just experienced

"This Blood Offering Mine clearly has problems"

Hu Ma mused to himself. Not to mention that he was obstructed before even entering the mine, which was a clear sign of guilt. Upon entering, the problems with the mine became even more apparent:

It was long past the season for harvesting Tai Sui flesh. The flesh-cutting laborers should have returned to their villages to farm. Yet, they were still here, day after day. Did they not require wages?

Moreover, flesh-cutting laborers were here to cut meat and earn silver, only caring about how much they could take back to build a small house and marry a wife. But you're treating them like your own subordinates?

Are you rebelling?

Thinking silently, he wasn't in a hurry to speak. He walked through the valley and arrived at a row of rough wooden halls.

Fire pits were lit on both sides, emitting the unique smell of black ointment. The walls were decorated with animal skins and other objects, giving it a rugged atmosphere. It didn't look like a Blood Offering Mine, but more like a mountain stronghold. After entering the hall and sitting down, with the other party surrounded by a row of strong, fierce-looking men, it looked even more like one

"Since the society's manager has arrived, we must not be rude."

Foreman Zhuang led them into the hall and said coldly, "Prepare a table of food to cleanse the dust."

Those behind him exchanged glances upon hearing this, seeming somewhat displeased, but they still obeyed his order. After glaring at Hu Ma and the others, they left.

When they glared, Zhou Datong glared back, inwardly cursing the mine's people for their lack of manners. Preparing a table of food was like cutting flesh?

After giving the order, Foreman Zhuang turned to Hu Ma and said, "Since the society wants a manager to come and take a look, what would you like to see?"

"I've come to review the blood offerings and accounts you've submitted today, and I have a few questions to ask you."

Hu Ma didn't stand on ceremony, speaking coldly, "This Huoziling Blood Offering Mine used to belong to the Blue-Robed Gang. We've obtained and thoroughly reviewed the Blue-Robed Gang's accounts, but we're not entirely clear."

"How many catties of blood offerings could be produced each year in the past? Why has the output suddenly decreased after it came under the Red Lantern Society? Several months ago, the society asked you to go to Mingzhou Prefecture City to hand over the accounts in person. Why didn't you go, sending only a disciple?"

"Furthermore, this year's Blood Tai Sui is scarce, and you were allocated a quota of twenty catties, yet you haven't delivered a single bit, nor have you provided an explanation. What is the meaning of this?"

"I'd like to hear your explanation for these questions. If you don't provide one, I'm afraid you'll have to give up your position as foreman, hehe"

"And stop working!"

""

As he spoke, Hu Ma simply looked coldly at the other's face, leaving half of his words unspoken.

Even if you provide an explanation, you're still finished.

I'm here to take over, and it's Hall Master Xu's instruction. Hall Master Xu is so clever, if he wants to find fault with you, would he allow you to argue?

Of course, Hu Ma wouldn't be so aggressive under normal circumstances. Those in the martial world sought harmony to make money. Even unpleasant words had to be said in a pleasant manner.

But this time, it was the Blood Offering Mine that had acted improperly first. Before we even entered the mine, you launched insidious attacks. Why should I spare you any face? I might as well say it directly to your face.

"You"

As expected, Foreman Zhuang was somewhat indignant. The two disciples behind him were even more furious.

These questions were simply meant to make things difficult. Blood Offering Mines naturally had good and bad years, and it was normal for production to fluctuate.

As for handing over the accounts, it was purely a formality. Besides, they weren't familiar with the people in the Red Lantern Society. Sending a disciple to explain was enough. Did they really expect him to go in person? The Red Lantern Society couldn't possibly think of themselves as the government, could they?

As for the allocated twenty catties of Blood Tai Sui, that was even more absurd

Even if I wanted to give it, I'd have to have it first

But facing such aggressive words, Foreman Zhuang actually endured it, turning to glare at his two disciples, signaling them not to speak rashly.

He frowned and looked at Hu Ma, suddenly saying, "Manager Hu, I can see that we're all Shousui Ren (Night Watchman). In a way, we're from the same sect, not outsiders."

"I was taught by Master Sun of Iron Bridge in Liuxian County, Gunzhou. I'm his personal disciple. May I ask who your"

""

"Oh?"

Hu Ma found it somewhat amusing.

Foreman Zhuang recognized the severity of the situation. Seeing that the Red Lantern Society's accounts were difficult to argue with, he was trying to establish a connection through their shared Shousui Ren (Night Watchman) lineage.

This was a good idea. He saw that Hu Ma was carrying an aggressive air, using the Red Lantern Society's name to pressure him, so he knew that this matter wouldn't end well.

So, he simply didn't mention the Red Lantern Society for now, instead borrowing the Shousui Ren (Night Watchman) lineage to try and build a relationship.

The skills of a Shousui Ren (Night Watchman) were often passed down through master-disciple relationships, and there were only a few truly skilled ones in the trade. They might have even met each other before and had some kind of relationship. The closer you were to the top, the closer you were. Eventually, you could even trace back to the same ancestor.

Moreover, Mingzhou and Gunzhou were adjacent, and the martial world was so small. It was possible that the two sides could compare generations and eventually trace back to a relationship between their masters. Once a relationship was established, it would be difficult for Hu Ma to make excessive demands, at least he would have to consider the face of his elders.

His method was actually effective, but unfortunately, he happened to encounter Hu Ma in this matter,

He smiled and pointed to Zhou Datong, Zhou Liang, and Zhao Zhu, saying frankly, "My brothers and I learned our skills from Master Zhou the Second of Old Yin Mountain. Does Foreman Zhuang have any advice?"

Foreman Zhuang paused, then quickly said, "I've heard of him, I've heard of him"

End of Chapter