Hu Ma and Calculation quickened their pace, yet it wasn't until nearly dusk that they finally caught sight of a fairly sizable town nestled amid the mountain forests, bustling with buildings, and coursing with mules and horses—a scene of surprising activity.
As they approached the town, they saw a stone platform upon which perched a lifelike stone horse. The horse was encircled with gravel, and on both sides, there were clear signs of incense-burning, as if the stone horse were revered as a deity.
"This must be Shima Town," Calculation, worn out from the long day's journey, finally regained his spirit upon arriving at the town's entrance. He turned to Hu Ma and said, "This place was once a large city with quite a history!"
