The longer Hu Ma stayed in this world, the more he respected it in his heart. It wasn’t respect for any one person, but an understanding that surviving in such a sinister world meant the human group itself deserved respect. For this reason, he realized how much the village valued the rituals at the old fire pit.
In his past life, Hu Ma also knew about them, but at that time, he didn’t really believe in these things. Sometimes, seeing the elderly tirelessly preparing and giving importance to these seemingly trivial matters, he found it hard to understand. He even thought they were wasting energy and money on such elusive matters, but now, he gradually understood. Expressing respect for the unknown is a life attitude in itself. And in this world, these rules and rituals were shrouded in a mysterious and solemn aura.
Especially considering why Granny, with such abilities, insisted on staying near the old fire pit? Was it really just for the protection it provided, to have a handful of safeguarding pond ash? Not necessarily.
After gaining insight into the outside world and learning the ways of the Shousui man, Hu Ma realized that there were many ways to survive in this world. For example, the towns and villages surrounding the Manor didn’t have an old fire pit, yet they could avoid evil spirits through the worship of the Red Lantern Lady. The old fire pit seemed to be an ancient and traditional method of exorcism and ancestral worship in this world... The more Hu Ma learned, the more unfathomable he found Granny to be. He held deep reverence for every decision she made, which was why he was very serious about the Fire Sacrifice Pond ceremony.
Fortunately, Second Master was there to teach and help him prepare. The Fire Sacrifice was a major event in the village, requiring every household to prepare meticulously. Naturally, Second Master had his own matters to attend to. However, since Second Master was a member of the Zhou Family, whose Clan Leader led the ceremony, he had some spare time and instructed Hu Ma on what to prepare, when to go to the old fire pit, what to wear, and what to say. Hu Ma noted everything down meticulously and prepared each item Second Master mentioned to the best of his ability.
In just a few days, it was the end of the year. The village’s drinking and gambling ceased, and everyone bore a somber and solemn expression. Just past noon, the villagers, carrying bundles, led their children and supported their elders, all silently proceeding towards the old fire pit in the village’s center. From afar, the gathering crowd exuded a mysterious and silent aura.
The Old Clan Chief stood by the old fire pit, lowering his voice to instruct the villagers to kneel according to traditional customs and not to fight for space. In the past, disputes over getting closer to the ancestors led to many fights.
"Little Huma, come forward."
Seeing the area around the pond filled with kneeling people, the Old Clan Chief noticed Hu Ma arriving with his bundle and quietly called him over. Hu Ma squeezed through the crowd, and an elder kneeling in front motioned for his family to move back, making space for Hu Ma. Hu Ma nodded gratefully, silently conveying his appreciation.
This space was given by the Cui Family. The Cui Family was one of the four main families in the village and could be considered the second-largest family. However, Old Mrs. Cui’s household was ostracized due to causing harm, bringing disgrace upon the entire Cui Clan. This time, when the children from the Red Lantern Society returned and a lively feast was held, the Cui Family was too embarrassed for anyone to attend. Afterward, other families were inquiring how to get their children involved, but the Cui Family couldn’t even ask.
Yet, the ancestral ceremony required them to kneel at the front as usual, except this year, the position that previously belonged to Grandma Cui and her four strong and overbearing sons was replaced by another elder from the Cui Family. This was according to custom, but this year was different. Firstly, a Hubai Clan granny had come to reside by the fire pit, and secondly, a young manager had emerged from the Hu Family. Changing positions could easily lead to fights. However, circumstances required change; moving Hu Ma to the front was a mark of respect not only for Hu Ma but primarily for Granny and the Hu Family. Of course, Hu Ma’s managerial position played a significant role.
The Cui Family could have refused and stirred trouble, but the senior member of the Cui Family directly conceded. Even the Old Clan Chief asking Hu Ma to come forward was an intentional gesture. This was an opportunity to ease relations with the Cui Clan and resolve old grievances. Although the Cui Family merely moved back one position, in the eyes of the village, it was a significant event. No matter how powerful Hu Ma became, he couldn’t trouble the Cui Family in the future. Conversely, the Cui Family could finally use this opportunity to distance themselves from Grandma Cui’s household and avoid their disgrace.
"Please let the ancestors open their eyes..."
In the forefront, nearest to the old fire pit, the Old Clan Chief called out in a long, drawn-out voice. The slope was crowded with villagers, led by their Family Heads, as they all untied their bundles, placed them on the ground, and took out incense, bowls, paper threads, and other items. One by one, they lit the three incense sticks in their hands, then raised them high in the direction of the old fire pit. The scent spread across the slope.
The Old Clan Chief waited for a moment, and seeing that each family had lit their incense, he raised his own high and declared, "First bow, may the ancestors protect our safety and keep evil and evil spirits away."
"Second bow, may the ancestors protect our homes and fields; may the strong fences of the great village block evil spirits."
"Third bow, may the ancestors bring blessings, with abundant harvests and jars full of money."
"Fourth bow, may the ancestors swiftly ascend to immortality, so their descendants face no difficulties and the ancestors may rest in peace..."
With each chant from the Old Clan Chief, he held the three incense sticks and bowed towards the old fire pit. Behind him, the entire slope of people followed the Old Clan Chief in bowing. Smoke curled around, covering the mountain and valley. Winds didn’t rise, animals didn’t make a sound, and even the children within the crowd seemed to be affected by the solemn atmosphere, not making a single cry or fuss. For deities, three bows; for ghosts, four. Even when kowtowing to the ancestors in the old fire pit, they bowed four times.
Hu Ma followed the elders around him and the Old Clan Chief in front, bowing with each call. Silently, he pondered: Did the Old Clan Chief compose these chants sincerely from his heart, or were they handed down? In these ancient rules, the words were simple and straightforward, yet they seemed to carry some form of hope and blessing...
After worshiping at the old fire pit, offerings were next. At the Old Clan Chief’s command, people from the crowd began bringing forward their prepared fish, meat, rice, and grains, placing their offerings around the old fire pit before returning to the crowd. For a time, the surroundings of the old fire pit were filled with bowls and plates, all brimming with food. These were items that each family and individual usually couldn’t bear to eat and had saved up.
"Rest assured, ancestors. This year our Dayang Village had no calamities, and the descendants are safe..."
After setting up the offerings, the Old Clan Chief straightened his back to speak to the old fire pit, surrounded by wafting incense. Only his voice could be heard as he seemed to recount important village matters, even mentioning how people like Hu Ma had achieved success.
After finishing, the Old Clan Chief kowtowed once more and then called loudly to those behind him. In an instant, the somber and respectful crowd became busy once again. Those who had just offered their contributions hurried back up, collecting their prepared offerings. The ancestors only partook in the essence of the offerings—they wouldn’t actually consume them—and families would take them back.
Yet, in Dayang Village, the customs were unique. When retrieving the offerings, nothing was exclusive; one took whatever was visible and available. The villagers didn’t mind; they took each other’s offerings as gifts from their ancestors. If someone took home three buns in exchange for the pig head he brought, no one begrudged it. Rather, it was seen as a good thing.
Meanwhile, as people took offerings, the heads of each family started burning paper. For a moment, scraps of paper flew, and flames flickered, some getting smoke in their eyes. The Clan Leader had arranged for guards to prevent these flying embers from igniting woodpiles, yet those guards looked idle. This year, the paper seemed especially effective when burned. Whirlwinds twirled and drew the flying embers back in, as if the ancestors in the old fire pit were stingy, unwilling to let others steal what their descendants were burning for them.
"Alright, let’s invite the ancestors home to celebrate the New Year!"
After the paper had been burned, the atmosphere lightened a bit. The Old Clan Chief turned to the villagers with a smile. The villagers remained mostly silent, carefully picking up their incense sticks and mumbling prayers, calling out for "Father, Mom," "Grandpa, Grandma," "Big Brother, Younger Brother," and so on, asking them to follow the incense, accompany them back home, and celebrate the New Year. As they chanted, they dispersed from around the old fire pit, and from afar, small points of incense could be seen flying toward each home.
That day, every household in the village had a table full of food and had cleaned their square tables and Taishi Chairs. However, no one would sit in the Taishi Chair, and the table’s side remained empty. Food and wine were served on the table, but no living person sat at it.
Following tradition, Hu Ma held three still-burning incense sticks and invited Granny back home for the New Year. Knowing Granny’s situation was unique, he wasn’t sure if she would truly come. Yet, he dared not overlook a single detail of the ritual. In his small house, he set the table with food, the Taishi Chair, and inserted the three incense sticks into the incense bowl on the table.
He glanced outside; the sky had darkened. Everyone was at home; even Second Master couldn’t come over today. It was just him and Little Hongtang here. Looking at the empty Taishi Chair and the incense burning straight, he didn’t know if Granny had come back.
But just as he was about to take a bowl of dumplings to the pot, he suddenly saw Little Hongtang, who sat on the threshold as if waiting for something, suddenly look outside the door. With a simple smile, she cheerfully called to Hu Ma, "Granny’s back for the meal..."