Chapter 102: The Most Sincere Brotherhood

Hu Mo seemed to have become a fruit tree, with five-colored glowing spheres hanging above his head like ripe fruit. Each sphere emitted a distinct aura, embodying the five elements and subtly reflecting yin and yang. Moreover, every sphere radiated an incredibly intense battle energy fluctuation, clearly indicating their extraordinary nature.

"These are battle energy clusters containing specific cultivation methods and certain taboos for battle techniques and skills. I will release them all for everyone to sift through. However, I must emphasize: you must act within your limits. Do not overreach or be overly ambitious; choose battle techniques suited to your own aptitude. The highest-grade battle technique here is a top-level Earth rank, but it comes with very high requirements. You must be cautious," Hu Mo stressed solemnly. Although the group, including Hei Tie, was drooling with anticipation, they listened carefully to Hu Mo’s words. They understood that every advantage had its drawbacks, and greed would only lead to loss. Only what fits one’s skill perfectly is truly best.

After distributing the battle energy clusters, Hu Mo felt a weight lifted from his heart and cheerfully left the training ground.

Lin Nan followed quietly behind him, occasionally glancing up at Hu Mo’s retreating figure before lowering her head again, seemingly lost in thought.

“Junior Sister Lin, I heard Master accepted you as a disciple a few days ago?” Hu Mo said with a playful grin, reverting to his usual mischievous expression.

“Junior Sister? Didn’t you call me Senior Sister last time? Why suddenly Junior Sister now?” Lin Nan cast a sidelong glance at Hu Mo, whispering.

Hu Mo chuckled, wagging his finger with an odd intonation, “Calling you Junior Sister before was a mistake. Back then, Master hadn’t taken you as a disciple yet, so ‘Senior Sister’ was just something I made up. Now that Master really accepted you, you naturally entered later. In our sect, seniority is determined by order of entry, not age. So, you are indeed my Junior Sister! That should be clear.”

Hu Mo maintained his teasing smile, while Lin Nan remained sullen, their odd pairing somehow quite entertaining.

“Oh? When did I become so obedient as to admit being your disciple? That pleases me greatly. But I think you’re mistaken about one thing: you still haven’t performed the three kneels and nine kowtows to formally become my disciple. Technically, Nan is my official disciple,” said Cang Ling, lying leisurely on an artificial rock in the sun, eating grapes.

Hu Mo had grown used to Cang Ling’s unpredictable appearances, but her words gave him pause. Indeed, what was once a joke had now become somewhat serious. He found it rather amusing.

“So, according to Master’s view, I don’t count as your disciple? Then why do you call me your obedient disciple every day and take advantage of me? If you don’t want me, I’ll just wipe my tears and leave the sect...” Hu Mo’s tone was full of mock sorrow, causing a flicker of change in Lin Nan’s expression. Hu Mo’s skill in bantering was truly formidable.

Yawning, Cang Ling glanced at Hu Mo and said, “Keep those thoughts to yourself. I still need a disciple to do chores, and you’re the most suitable. Fine, I’ll accept you as my second disciple. From now on, Nan will be your Senior Sister. You have no objections, right?”

Hu Mo was briefly stunned, then quickly replied, “N-no...”

“If you dare object, I’ll tell your grandfather everything you’ve done to me and see how he treats you,” Cang Ling transmitted telepathically. Hu Mo’s face instantly twisted into a bitter smile.

“No objections, none at all. You are my dearest Master. May you reign forever, uniting the mystical battles. You are...”

“Enough already. Your flattery is so stale it makes me sleepy. Clearly, you’re only fit for chores. By the way, that annoying Huang family pest came looking for you earlier. When he couldn’t find you, he bothered me instead. I gave him a proper punishment, so he should still be alive. That guy is so irritating—always wanting to apprentice under me. I already have someone doing chores; I don’t need a bothersome freeloader!” Cang Ling said fiercely. For some reason, she always hated Huang Sheng deeply, and Huang Sheng himself was a fearless fellow. Despite being tortured last time, he still dared to come begging for apprenticeship. Hu Mo had to admire his tenacity and stubbornness.

Hu Mo smiled wryly, repeatedly agreeing, then turned toward the gate. He was curious about how Cang Ling had punished Huang Sheng, though he didn’t need to guess—he was sure Huang Sheng was miserable.

Sure enough, just outside the courtyard, Huang Sheng was tied to a large tree. His face was pale as he weakly called out, “Help! Someone, please save me...”

Hu Mo was utterly dumbfounded. As he approached the tree, he noticed something strange—the flow of time here seemed to slow down immensely, a very real sensation. San Bao immediately reacted, freeing Hu Mo from this temporal constraint.

Hu Mo had wondered why Huang Sheng appeared to have been starved and hung there for four or five days, despite him not having stayed in the courtyard long. Now he understood: it was the power of the divine—time in this localized space was drastically slowed, one hour here equaling four or five days outside. This method of punishment was truly cruel. If Hu Mo hadn’t come out in time, Huang Sheng would have starved to death.

He quickly untied the ropes and dragged him beyond the protective barrier. The moment Huang Sheng saw Hu Mo, he burst into tears, as if reunited with family.

“Little Master Hu! You finally came to save me! I nearly starved to death! You stayed so long, not coming out for four or five days!” Huang Sheng cried hoarsely, his stomach growling as he almost lunged at Hu Mo to bite him.

Hu Mo shook his head. “Let’s get you something to eat first, or you might go mad and eat anything.”

Hu Mo dragged him straight to the kitchen, and soon a whirlwind of activity left the Hu residence’s kitchen stripped clean of edible food.

“Little Master Hu, do you think Master really slowed down time in the area where I was? No way, that’s too miraculous,” Huang Sheng asked between bites of a chicken drumstick.

“Why would I lie? I was in the courtyard no longer than an hour. You say you were hung there for four or five days—what else could explain it? I advise you not to pester my perverted Master anymore. If she acts again, who knows if she’ll be so merciful,” Hu Mo sighed, shaking his head at Huang Sheng’s persistence.

“No! I can’t give up! *cough cough*...” Huang Sheng suddenly shouted but immediately started choking, causing Hu Mo to shake his head and mutter, “This guy really is hopeless!”

“Huang Sheng, what exactly did you come for today? It can’t just be to get beaten up,” Hu Mo said softly, patting his back as Huang Sheng coughed violently. Hu Mo felt a pang of sympathy.

“*cough cough* Little Master Hu, it’s about my brother Huang Zong. The herbs you asked me to prepare are ready. I’ve been waiting for your mighty intervention to save my brother. I know you’ve been busy these days, but my brother is very anxious. You know how it is—when someone is sick, they want to recover immediately. It’s unavoidable,” Huang Sheng said awkwardly. When with Hu Mo, he always lowered himself, making their relationship seem more like master and servant.

Hu Mo smiled faintly. “Huang Sheng, that’s not right. I promised this a long time ago. It’s my fault for the delay. Haha, Huang Sheng, don’t be so formal. Just call me Hu Mo—it sounds better.”

Huang Sheng was momentarily at a loss, which was unusual for his clever nature. After a while, he smiled and nodded, murmuring assent.

“Hu Mo, let’s set a time. Whenever you’re free, come treat my brother. He’s the closest to me in this life, the one who’s always been best to me—and of course, you too, Hu Mo. So I can’t bear to see him suffer. Even an extra fifteen minutes of pain is too much for me,” Huang Sheng sighed heavily.

Hu Mo was slightly taken aback but warmed inside. He valued brotherhood above all—such bonds were pure, flawless, and deeply cherished. Hearing Huang Sheng’s words, he felt a strong resonance and replied without hesitation, “Alright, let’s go now!”