Chapter 105: The Elder Mentor

Huang Kun seemed to meet Huang Sheng for the first time all over again. The moment Huang Sheng uttered those words, his expression changed abruptly.

Over the past month or so, the events that had transpired left him somewhat puzzled, but he had dismissed them as mere luck on Huang Sheng’s part, never sensing any real threat.

Yet now, the aura Huang Sheng exuded was far from ordinary—not a mere pressure of strength, but a genuine oppressive presence.

He couldn’t help but mutter to himself, “Is this really the same spoiled brat from before?”

Instinctively, Guan Ming took two steps back, a profound sense of dread washing over him, cold sweat soaking his back.

“Haha, Third Brother, you really know how to joke. Cousin Guan Ming was only teasing; what you said seems a bit exaggerated. Third Brother, to be honest, there were thieves near the East Courtyard earlier, and unfortunately, they got away. I came specifically to search for them. You should know I manage the guards here. If anything happens, it’s my fault, and if Grandfather and Father blame me, I can’t bear the consequences. So, Third Brother, it’s better if I conduct a search inside to avoid any misunderstandings, haha…” Huang Kun smiled, though his face soon darkened.

At his signal, the guards cracked their knuckles, ready to storm forward at any moment.

Huang Kun had heard some rumors that Huang Sheng had brought a stranger into the Huang Estate. Since Hu Mo had disguised himself thoroughly before arriving, Huang Kun didn’t know who the person Huang Sheng brought was. At first, he was only curious, but when someone reported that Huang Zong had also gone to Huang Sheng’s small courtyard, alarm bells rang in his mind. An ominous premonition surged, making him deeply uneasy.

Sure enough, despite being here for so long, Huang Sheng kept brushing him off with various excuses, even going so far as to threaten Guan Ming. There was definitely something wrong!

Huang Sheng’s mind raced with urgency, but his face showed no sign of emotion. He snorted coldly and said, “Second Brother, since we’re brothers, don’t be too extreme. You’re bringing so many servants under the pretense of catching thieves to search my room. Are you implying I’m a thief within the family? I’m managing at least thirty percent of the family’s assets; if this gets out, what happens to my reputation? Even if I don’t care about my own name, what about Father’s, Grandfather’s, or the family’s? After I helped Grandfather resolve the bank crisis last time, he promised me some authority. Second Brother, your autocratic ways won’t work anymore.”

Huang Sheng spoke bluntly, knowing that if he showed any weakness now, those men would rush in without hesitation.

Huang Kun frowned, a suppressed anger beginning to surface. He sneered, “Third Brother, you speak as if I’m forcing you. I’m only concerned for your safety. You don’t thank me, but instead blame me—this really hurts me! But even so, I must investigate today. Compared to other matters, the safety of the Hu Estate is paramount! Guards, search the room!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Huang Kun waved his hand. The warriors immediately charged forward. After all, if anything happened, Huang Kun would take the blame; they had nothing to fear.

Huang Sheng’s expression changed drastically. Fearless, he stood in front of the wooden door, trying to block them. But the gust of wind that hit him made it difficult to stay standing; he staggered and nearly fell to the side.

Yet he didn’t touch the ground. Instead, he hovered a meter above it, feeling a gentle force supporting his body, keeping him in that falling posture.

“Heh, Huang Sheng, is this how your family treats guests? I traveled a thousand miles out of goodwill to treat your elder brother, and yet I get no gratitude?” Hu Mo’s loud voice echoed. His ethereal, otherworldly demeanor even startled Huang Sheng. He hadn’t expected Hu Mo to be so formidable when putting on airs.

Hu Mo’s body was gently lowered to the ground. The guards who had rushed forward froze in place as if immobilized by some spell, none daring to move.

The pressure—it was suffocating, a force that made breathing difficult.

Huang Sheng was no fool. Hearing Hu Mo’s words, he immediately comprehended the situation. He knelt on the ground and loudly said, “Senior Gu, this isn’t my fault! I’m weak and alone, unable to stop Second Brother. Please, forgive me!”

One had to admit, Huang Sheng was remarkably clever and had a flair for drama. His performance was so vivid, it was truly astonishing.

Huang Kun was momentarily stunned, completely at a loss. He only knew Huang Sheng had brought an old man back, and the servants said the man looked ordinary.

But how could such an unremarkable old man suddenly unleash such an imposing aura? Huang Kun clearly felt his own combat power freeze entirely, unable to move an inch.

“Who exactly is he? Could he be a master from the Fire God Valley?” Huang Kun’s cold sweat poured, his legs trembling.

“Oh? Your Second Brother?” Hu Mo smiled faintly. Suddenly, his expression turned grave, and an aura of restrained authority radiated from him, frightening several guards into collapse. Guan Ming, in particular, was so terrified under that overwhelming pressure that he lost control of himself, filling the courtyard with a revolting stench.

With a flick of his hand, Hu Mo sent Guan Ming flying with a powerful force. Without even a scream, he vanished from sight, causing the others to tremble even more fiercely.

Huang Kun, a man of some experience, sensed the worsening situation and immediately formed a plan.

Suppressing his fear, bearing the pressure, he shakily stepped out from the crowd and stopped three paces before Hu Mo. Slowly, he knelt, trembling as he said, “I was unaware of your presence, Senior. My earlier offense was unintentional. I beg your magnanimity and pardon!”

Although Huang Kun’s voice quivered, his calmness in the face of danger earned Hu Mo’s respect. No wonder Huang Kun had come this far—not only was he ruthless, but also highly intelligent.

Seeing his lord and servants kneeling weakly, exhausted from the ordeal, Hu Mo decided not to say more. He waved his hand and proclaimed loudly, “Disperse. It would be best if no one returns to this small courtyard. That child, Huang Zong, is out of danger now. After half a month of recuperation, he will be able to walk again. But during this time, be mindful of his diet—illness often comes through the mouth. Huang Sheng, do you understand?”

“I understand, Senior Gu!” Huang Sheng responded enthusiastically and bowed again.

Huang Kun dared not be negligent; he hurriedly bowed as well, preparing to withdraw. His head nearly touched the ground. If Hu Mo had seen him, he would have laughed heartily. Huang Kun’s face was ashen, as if half his soul had fled.

What Huang Zong’s recovery meant for him was a living nightmare. He couldn’t imagine the upheaval about to engulf the Huang family—only that the family’s storm was about to be fully stirred.

They left quickly, especially the guards, who fled like wild dogs unrestrained.

Once they were gone, Hu Mo finally relaxed completely. The imposing aura he had projected receded, his breath growing much weaker.

“Boss Hu Mo, are you alright?” Huang Sheng immediately stood and supported Hu Mo’s body. Though Huang Sheng’s own strength was limited, he could clearly sense Hu Mo’s frailty, unsettling his heart.

Hu Mo smiled and waved his hand. “Nearly gave me away. The Void Needle really drains one’s spirit! Haha, Huang Sheng, I’m fine. I can still bear this kind of exhaustion. Huang Zong’s injuries are no longer serious. Once he recovers, there might be some surprises. Take good care of him here. I must return now—otherwise, I as a senior would be exposed.”

Hu Mo chuckled and strode out. Huang Sheng watched his back, emotions tangled. After a long moment, he murmured, “Boss Hu Mo, my life from now on belongs to you!”

Night deepened. Hu Mo lay on the bed, slowly entering the Purple Bamboo Realm. Cang Ling walked silently beside him through the bamboo forest, not uttering a word.

Hu Mo’s spirit was still weak; the final “spirit replenishment” from the Void Needle had drained much of his energy, and he had yet to fully recover.

Cang Ling was unusually quiet today. After Hu Mo returned, they barely exchanged words before lying down. She seemed troubled, occasionally frowning in a way that made Hu Mo anxious.

But Hu Mo knew well: unless she chose to tell him, no amount of questioning would draw out an answer.

Soon, they reached the waterfall’s edge. Without a word, Cang Ling turned and left immediately.

Hu Mo’s face changed. He called out loudly, “Hey, where are you going?”

Cang Ling paused, chuckled softly, and said, “To sleep. What else would I do at this hour?”

Hu Mo was momentarily speechless. Indeed, what else could she do but sleep now?

“Oh, then Master, you sleep. I’ll go cultivate,” Hu Mo said nervously, stepping deeper into the waterfall’s depths.

“From now on...”

“Hmm?” Hu Mo stopped upon hearing her voice.

Cang Ling’s aura shifted slightly as she continued, “Don’t push yourself so hard anymore. Losing combat power isn’t so serious, but soul damage is no joke. Train well; one day you’ll have to face many things alone. I hope you grow quickly!”

Her voice slowly faded, disappearing from Hu Mo’s sight. Suddenly, he felt a heavy weight on his heart, as if something precious was about to be lost.

“What exactly happened? Such a strange feeling,” Hu Mo frowned, standing silently for a long while.