Chapter 129: The Fourth Level of the Primal Chaos Art

A hundred miles northeast of Flame City, deep within a towering mountain, there lay a cave nearly two meters tall. Inside, three figures sat cross-legged on the ground, forming a triangular formation. At the forefront was a wounded young man, while behind him stood two elders with white hair, both solemnly pressing their hands against the young man’s back.

The cave was embedded with numerous moonstones, casting a soft, luminous glow that dispelled the darkness completely. The three seated figures were none other than Duanmu Shenxu, Wang Xu, and the injured Duanmu Hong, who had just left Flame City moments ago.

Duanmu Shenxu and Wang Xu were currently tending to Duanmu Hong’s injuries. Unfortunately, Shenxu had exhausted too much energy earlier and was unable to heal Hong immediately. Yet, if Hong’s wounds were left untreated for too long, hidden ailments would fester, hindering his future cultivation.

Though still harboring resentment towards Wang Xu, Shenxu refrained from speaking much, acknowledging Wang Xu’s concern for his grandson. His face remained dark and brooding, as if Wang Xu owed him a great debt.

After a long while, all internal and external wounds within Duanmu Hong’s body, especially those inflicted upon his spiritual energy, were fully healed. The pain etched on his face vanished entirely, and he gradually slipped into a deep slumber. Wang Xu exhaled in relief and withdrew his hands from Hong’s body.

“Though the spiritual damage is healed, it will take time to stabilize. Hong must retreat into seclusion for a while, or it will impede his cultivation in the future,” Wang Xu said sternly, his tone grave.

Duanmu Shenxu sneered coldly. “You still claim him as your disciple? When Hong and I were struck by such a powerful attack just now, you did nothing. Now, when you finally step in to save him, do you not think it’s too late?”

Wang Xu was momentarily taken aback but smiled calmly. “It’s not too late. I’m simply doing what I must. Shenxu, your approach this time was truly flawed—you didn’t consider the consequences properly…”

“Enough! Wang Xu, this is not the time for you to lecture me! I know Hong and I suffered losses this time, humiliated openly like that. I will not let such disgrace stand! Wang Xu, if you admit you are Hong’s master, then stand with me. Otherwise, I ask you to expel Hong from your sect. Staying longer in the Celestial Saint Palace is pointless!” Duanmu Shenxu’s voice grew colder and firmer, and Wang Xu’s expression immediately darkened.

“Shenxu, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you really see me as such a man? To lecture you? Do you think I want to speak to you like this? Do you think I didn’t want to help? Your actions were reckless. Although you wanted to save Hong, you should never have used the Soul-Eating Azure Light. Using such a poisonous technique has made enemies of the Fire God Valley. If I step in, it represents the stance of the Celestial Saint Palace. Do you want the Divine Wood Sect to be slandered? Do you really think a Battle Saint would strike down a young Battle King fighting fairly?” Wang Xu’s tone grew icy and his emotions stirred more deeply than before.

Duanmu Shenxu’s face darkened. Deep down, he knew this was a serious problem.

“Besides, didn’t you notice that kid’s exceptional nature? He possesses both water and fire combat power and not only survived the Soul-Eating Azure Light, but his cultivation also soared. Do you think this kid’s identity is that simple? Barely eighteen, yet already the Mighty Dragon General of the Celestial Fire Empire, boldly negotiating with the emperor in public, even trying to seize the emperor’s daughter—the fiancée of the crown prince. Is that something an ordinary person could do? If I’m not mistaken, that kid must have a powerful patron behind him, which is why he acts so recklessly!” Wang Xu’s expression grew dark as he spoke gravely.

“A patron? Besides Zhu Wannian, what powerful backers does the Celestial Fire Empire have? Didn’t Zhu Wannian’s actions speak for themselves today? Hmph! A mere tiger’s bluff! Mighty Dragon General? What’s strange about him holding that title? Given Zhu Wannian and Zhu Yan’s relationship, even just being a Mighty Dragon General is minor!” Duanmu Shenxu scoffed, clearly disagreeing with Wang Xu.

Wang Xu smiled disdainfully. “If you think that way, then I must call you shortsighted! You should know the history between the Hu family and Fire God Valley. Though they are nominally relatives, they have always been at odds. Before that kid showed his strength, Zhu Wannian made no big moves. That proves Zhu Wannian only just discovered his power. So his cultivation wasn’t raised by Zhu Wannian. Therefore, Zhu Wannian is definitely not his true patron. Shenxu, you should understand what I’m getting at now.”

Duanmu Shenxu’s expression shifted slightly as he pondered. He soon grasped Wang Xu’s meaning. Indeed, the matter was suspicious. By Wang Xu’s analysis, there must be a formidable figure behind Hu Mo—someone with inhuman strength who transformed him from a waste into a prodigy. This realization weighed heavily on Shenxu’s mind, plunging him into deep thought.

After a moment, he sighed softly. “I understand now. I was too reckless. I gained nothing and only made other sects rejoice. I must find a way to make amends quickly, or I will become a disgrace to the Divine Wood Empire and the Divine Wood Sect.”

Wang Xu let out a long breath and sighed. “Good that you understand. Let’s return to Flame City quickly. Don’t forget, we came not only for Hong’s marriage but also because of the alien invasion. We must investigate thoroughly; otherwise, it will become a grave threat in the future!”

His tone was grave as the image of Hu Mo suddenly appeared in his mind. He wondered silently, “Could this matter be connected to that kid?”

Flame City, the Hu Residence.

The moment Hu Mo returned home, he immediately went to his room. He did not seek out Zhu Xinyue, knowing that at such a critical moment, entering the inner palace would only invite trouble.

Passing by his small courtyard, Hu Mo saw Hu Baimei staring blankly by the pond. He said nothing and went straight to his room, setting several powerful seals on the door.

The Three Treasures had become unstable, so Hu Mo had to seize every moment to cultivate and stabilize his power.

Sitting cross-legged, his mind dove into the Three Treasures. Even this first step almost made him faint from the pain.

He hadn’t expected that an injury which seemed minor less than two hours ago had worsened so severely—so much so that he hadn’t noticed it even while healing Hu Yihu.

He felt a flicker of relief that he hadn’t acted rashly on the ceremonial stage earlier; otherwise, he might have been carried back in defeat.

The originally gentle power of the Three Treasures suddenly became wildly fierce, raging like a whirlwind, fire dragon, and hailstorm within Hu Mo’s body. It took him a long time to pacify the Three Elders. Once balanced, their restlessness gradually subsided.

Having completed the first step, Hu Mo immediately activated the Lingbo Technique. Judging by his power increase, the water mist of the fourth layer should have dissipated. He remembered it had already thinned considerably on the stage, but due to the distraction from Hu Yihu’s incident, he hadn’t paid much attention since.

Now, as he practiced, his heart leapt.

After one cycle of the Lingbo Technique, the first layer of characters appeared clearly in his mind. After two more cycles, the second and third layers emerged distinctly. Upon the fourth cycle, Hu Mo was astonished to find the previous resistance vanished entirely, replaced by a segment of luminous text that appeared like flickering sprites or wondrous forms—each a beautiful, perfect figure that stirred his soul and blurred his vision.

The fourth layer of the Lingbo Technique—

“The Wood of the Eastern Pole, root of all life, origin of fire. Endless birth, merciless death. The beginning of the Way, where all things spring forth.”

Hu Mo softly recited the words, and a subtle yet profound enlightenment blossomed within him—mysterious as if tangible yet intangible, graspable yet elusive.

He contemplated, and the Five Elements began to slowly turn. Suddenly, he sensed an additional force within—a gentle energy, like the breath of spring. For Hu Mo, this was a long-lost sensation, for the Celestial Fire Empire knew no spring. Endless vitality, unceasing life—it was as if he rolled across a vast prairie, inhaling the fresh scent of wild grass.

“So that’s it. The Lingbo Technique and the Five Elements transformation are truly fascinating. This must be the Primordial Wood,” Hu Mo suddenly laughed aloud. At his thought, plants instantly sprouted throughout the room, filling the air with a rich natural fragrance. Some of the vitality even seeped beyond the barrier, causing all vegetation it touched to grow wildly.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream echoed from outside, and the barrier on the door trembled violently. Hu Mo’s heart sank as he rose swiftly toward the wooden door.