"Either make the offering and cross the bridge, or take a detour below, carry someone on your back, and secretly find a boat to cross!"
Hu Ma had more or less grasped the situation. He glanced at the tea house before quietly walking back to discuss it with Aunt Zhang.
Aunt Zhang was squatting by the bridge, silently staring at the water's surface. She said in a low voice, "They all say there's something on the bridge, don't they? But I see the bridge is clean and clear."
Hu Ma, puzzled, followed her gaze and saw her throw a Copper Coin into the river.
The Copper Coin had been used by countless people and was imbued with their human energy. Being made of copper, it slowly sank to the bottom once it hit the water. The clear, greenish-blue river water quickly swallowed the coin, rendering it invisible.
"If there's something in the river, the coin wouldn't sink to the bottom," Aunt Zhang said softly. "But clearly, the bridge looks clean and tidy."
