Brother Er Guotou is truly cunning and thorough, after all.

Hu Ma hadn't expected this arrangement; it saved him from going up onto the stage, helped him win an award, and even earned him a great favor.

He quickly helped the Store Manager, who looked older than him by nearly two cycles, to his feet and said sincerely, "Elder brother, please don't say such things. It's all thanks to the Society's capabilities. I just happened to deliver a message; I can't possibly accept such a bow from you."

The Store Manager's face was filled with excitement and relief, and his gratitude toward Hu Ma seemed genuine.

These challenged duels, especially when initiated by the opposing side, were terrifying even for seasoned members of the jianghu like them.

By accepting his favor, I suppose I've finally made some connections among these old shopkeepers.

"Hehe, you two will have plenty of time to chat. Let's be on our way now!"

At this moment, the smiling Right Protector waved his sleeves and said, "We've already had people make arrangements for the other matters."

"Tonight, we must first win this round!"

Seeing everyone's expressions relax as they moved outside, Hu Ma felt a stir of curiosity. They've been challenged tonight, and with Sweet Potato unable to make it, Sun Niuzi must be the one going up. His skills seem ordinary, so what is this surefire Method they're talking about?

As he pondered, he walked outside, where he saw a group of people waiting, including Yang Gong and Shen Dabang.

Seeing Yang Gong's concerned face, Hu Ma was about to walk over and speak to him.

Before he got close, a wave of delightful yin qi suddenly washed over him as a lame little ghost kowtowed before him.

"Blessings, Old Master Hu..."

Before the little ghost could finish, Yang Gong kicked it aside, cursing, "You scared me!"

"You usually only show up if there's incense-burning. Why so diligent now?"

Even Hu Ma was startled. The sudden appearance of a kowtowing little ghost would frighten anyone, but upon realizing it was Yang Gong's little servitor ghost, he couldn't help but laugh.

He fumbled in his robes; he still had a little of the green food jerky he'd brought for an earlier errand. He pinched off a piece and tossed it to the little ghost, smiling as he said, "Blessings to you too. It seems I've indeed had a stroke of great luck this time."

"You spoil it too much..." Yang Gong grumbled to Hu Ma, though his expression was quite pleased.

To put it plainly, it was his own little ghost. He could complain about it or scold it as he pleased, but when others treated his little ghost well, it was a show of respect to him.

Watching the lame little ghost joyfully take the jerky and scamper off to a corner to enjoy it, Yang Gong then looked at Hu Ma. "What stroke of luck are you talking about?"

"I don't have to go onto the stage anymore."

Hu Ma leaned closer to him, whispering, "The higher-ups are mindful of my contributions to the Society. They said I've at least earned credit for my hard work and plan to reward me!"

As for the information I brought back about the opponent's choice for the round... I won't mention it for now. It's a secret.

"That's wonderful..."

Hearing this, Yang Gong was overjoyed, a weight lifting from his heart. He laughed and said, "This calls for a celebration."

"I have to go on duty later. Wait for me, and we'll drink together after it's over."

His boisterous nature made even Shen Dabang, standing behind him, frown. Hu Ma quickly patted Yang Gong, signaling him not to say such things.

It's definitely a good thing that I don't have to go up on the stage, he thought, looking at Yang Gong. But for you to say it so openly in front of everyone... doesn't that imply serving the Red Lantern Lady is a bad thing?

As they spoke, the group walked towards the stage in the center of town. They saw several round tables already set up on either side, with Manager Xu sitting at one of them, waving at Hu Ma from a distance.

Yang Gong and the others escorted Hu Ma over and then went off to patrol.

For important events like this, despite Yang Gong and his men holding high status, they were tasked with patrolling and guarding, so they wouldn't be sitting here at the banquet.

Meanwhile, the White Incense Disciples were busy setting up stoves, serving dishes, and acting as general helpers.

Only Shopkeepers promoted from Green Incense Disciples, like Hu Ma, were permitted to sit at the tables on either side and drink.

Hu Ma sat down and told Manager Xu that he wouldn't need to go on stage. A smile appeared on Manager Xu's face as he began to introduce the people at the table to Hu Ma.

They all held various positions within the town. Even the green-clothed old man surnamed Qian, who had saved Hu Ma's life with the "ancestral ointment" during the day, was at this table. Hu Ma heard Manager Xu and the others jokingly call him Old Calculation. Hu Ma gave him a long look, then simply smiled, raised his cup, and thanked him for saving his life.

"Don't mention it, don't mention it..." Old Calculation smiled, looking concernedly at Hu Ma's head. "If you have trouble sleeping later, come find me for another plaster. The second one will only cost one Blood Food Pill..."

Is he trying to con me out of another one? Hu Ma thought. And offering the second one half-price, no less. Just you wait. This isn't over until I get twenty Blood Food Pills back from you!

Of course, these were just his inner thoughts; outwardly, he could only continue chatting with them. The people Manager Xu was introducing him to now were precisely those he had planned to connect with after leaving the Manor, once he had earned some Silver.

Naturally, some expenditure was still necessary, but he no longer needed to buy expensive gifts to serve as a stepping stone, as he had originally planned.

After they had been chatting for a while and dusk began to settle, a gong sounded. The clamorous conversations around the stage abruptly ceased, and everyone stood up to salute.

Both sides of the stage were arranged differently. On the Red Lantern Society's side, the Left and Right Protectors brought over a giant red lantern and hung it high up.

On the Green Clothes Gang's side, a huge green cloth was unfurled.

In the center of the green cloth hung a green-faced, tusked mask, symbolizing the Green-Clothed Evil Ghost they worshipped.

After paying their respects, everyone sat down, and the White Incense Disciples began to weave through the crowd, serving dishes. People on both sides started to eat and drink.

It was because the Green Clothes Gang had won a round the previous day—and against a challenge issued by the Red Lantern Society, no less—that their spirits were so high. Previously, many in the Green Clothes Gang had been pessimistic about their own prospects, even scheming how to defect to the Red Lantern Society. Now, however, they found their chances of victory greatly increased.

It was clear that the sound of their drinking and talking was much louder than that from the Red Lantern Society's side.

"Whether we succeed or fail now all depends on how stable this round tonight is." Manager Xu sighed softly, voicing the concerns of everyone present.

If the Green Clothes Gang won another round tonight, then even if the Red Lantern Society won all the remaining ones, it would only result in a draw.

For the Red Lantern Lady, whose cultivation was already profound, this was already a very shameful matter.

They were so worried about this matter that even with the lavish feast before them, they couldn't eat much. Of course, having feasted for seven days straight, they had little appetite left anyway. Hu Ma, on the other hand, had been busy traveling for the past few days and had a hearty appetite. He ate his fill and even toasted the others with a few cups of wine.

After three rounds of drinks, the sky had completely darkened. Suddenly, another burst of gongs and drums sounded, and everyone turned their heads simultaneously.

From the Green Clothes Gang's side, a handsome young man in green clothes, carrying a small tray, walked slowly onto the stage.

Seeing him, Hu Ma was taken aback; it was someone he had met before.

He had encountered him before in Niu Family Bay; Yang Gong's great merit had been seized from this very man's hands.

The man stepped onto the stage, sat on a cushion there, glanced towards the Red Lantern Society, and said with a faint smile, "Yesterday's round was far too bloody; it damaged the harmony between our two groups."

"Today, I am issuing the challenge, but I don't wish for things to become so unpleasant."

"I've brought a pot of good tea. I wonder which of your esteemed gentlemen would care to come up and share a cup with me?"

On the Red Lantern Society's side, everyone looked grim. No one truly believed his placid words; the more nonchalantly he spoke, the more vicious the ploy he had prepared was likely to be.

After the man issued his challenge, Incense Master Zheng was seen not far away, leading Sun Niuzi by the hand to the front of the stage. She turned, straightened his clothes for him, and gently patted his shoulder. Her eyes were slightly red as she whispered, "Go on stage now!"

Sun Niuzi's lips trembled. He seemed to be holding something in his mouth, wanting to speak but unable to form the words.

Gritting his teeth, he nevertheless stepped onto the stage. His legs quivered as he struggled to stand firm. He then gave a long, deep bow to the man opposite him.

"Greetings, brother..."

Though he spoke polite words, his expression was worse than if he were crying, and his speech was muffled, as if his mouth were full.

This was already quite rude and made the Red Lantern Society lose face.

The man in green clothes, however, didn't seem to mind. He simply smiled, invited Sun Niuzi to sit, and clapped his hands. Attendants from behind brought up a stove full of burning charcoal and a large iron kettle.

In front of everyone, an attendant filled the kettle with fresh water, placed it on the stove, and then silently withdrew. The Young Incense Master in green clothes then smiled faintly and said,

"I invited you up, brother, to taste the fine tea I brought."

"However, my skills are rather poor. No matter how much I heat it, this kettle of water just won't boil. Brother, can you see if there's a way?"

For a moment, everyone on both sides held their breath, knowing that the challenge had been laid down.

Hu Ma also looked curiously at the stage. The stove fire roared, flames licking up from beneath the kettle, burning fiercely.

But the large, black iron kettle sat steadily, showing no change whatsoever.

Manager Xu leaned over, whispering, "Shopkeeper Hu, can you see the trick in this?"

Hu Ma said, "The water won't boil? Could there be a problem with the kettle, or perhaps the water?"

He recalled that in his previous life, there were many ways to prevent a kettle of water from boiling, but he didn't know what trick this Young Incense Master had employed.

"I don't think so." Manager Xu slowly shook his head. "If it were that simple, it would be an inferior trick. Once the flaw was discovered, he would lose."

"The Green Clothes Gang is desperate to win this round. They wouldn't make it so simple."

When he asked others, they too were frowning in concentration.

Just then, an old man sitting opposite Manager Xu lowered his voice and said to the group, "This trial is quite difficult."

"From what I see, he must have used a certain Magic from the Haishou Path."

"This Magic is called the 'Uncooked Food Magic.' If this Magic isn't broken, that kettle of water won't boil even if it's heated until dawn…"

"There's such a Magic?"

Hu Ma was astonished to hear this, and his curiosity grew even stronger.

What Method were Sun Niuzi, or rather, the higher-ups in the Red Lantern Society, planning to use to break the opponent's Magic? And how could they be so sure of victory before even knowing the nature of the challenge?