Chapter 157 Hurry Up and Call Out

Hu Bainmei’s expression changed abruptly, and just as she was about to act as a human shield for Hu Mo, she was pulled by him and drawn straight into his arms.

With a low shout, countless runes suddenly appeared on his body. As the runes twisted and writhed, the figures of him and Hu Bainmei quickly vanished.

A rain of swords and ice descended upon their previous location, blasting out a huge crater. Within the crater, the combat energies of the metal and water attributes raged wildly, the fluctuations of power being extremely intense.

High up in the sky, several figures descended, hovering in the air, each exuding a formidable aura.

"Did we let them escape? It seems the instigator is indeed extraordinary. Brother Zhu, do you happen to know that person’s identity?" Wang Xu asked in a low voice, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Zhu Wannian didn't even spare him a glance, replying in a deep voice, "Brother Wang asks a rather strange question. How could this old man know that person's identity? Could it be that Brother Wang is suspecting me?"

Zhu Wannian’s tone carried a hint of displeasure. Everyone knew he had been in a terrible mood these past few days, acting like a powder keg that would explode at the slightest touch.

Wang Xu gently shook his head and said, "Brother Zhu speaks too seriously. How could this old man think such a thing? I am merely curious. In the Fire Sky Empire, our horizons are naturally not as broad as Brother Zhu's, wouldn't you agree?"

Wang Xu remained all smiles, seemingly unconcerned about Hu Mo’s escape. Zhu Wannian’s expression remained unchanged as he let out a light snort and said, "Brother Wang, we all arrived together, and we all witnessed the exact same scene with no difference whatsoever. Therefore, as to what was seen, Brother Wang should be very clear in his own heart."

While Wang Xu and Zhu Wannian were conversing, Duanmu Shenxu had just returned from the small grove. An expression of excitement was plastered across his face, much like a commoner who had just stumbled upon a fortune.

"Haha, truly, 'shoes worn out from searching yield no results, yet one stumbles upon the prize effortlessly.' The alien aura we have been investigating has actually left a trail right here! Your Envoy, there is the aura of an ancient teleportation array here. In the Continent of Battles, individuals capable of casually setting up ancient teleportation arrays practically do not exist. Therefore, the ancient teleportation array here was undoubtedly established by the aliens!" Duanmu Shenxu said with extreme excitement, his gaze sweeping around and occasionally falling upon Hu Yihu.

Hu Yihu frowned slightly, secretly pondering to himself, "Could this brat Mo'er truly be connected to the Profound Continent? How is that even possible?"

"Let's put aside such talk for now. The various sects, disperse and make sure to capture the person who set up this array. This individual harbors malicious intentions, attempting to instigate strife among the major sects—their crime is unforgivable! Brother Zhu, do you think we should now go ask Grand Marshal Hu for some assistance to apprehend that person as soon as possible?" Wang Xu asked in a low voice, his words carrying an unspeakable undertone.

Zhu Wannian furrowed his brows slightly and said in a deep voice, "Brother Wang, you can call the shots on this matter. Your will represents the will of the Heavenly Saint Palace; how would the likes of us dare to defy it?"

Wang Xu raised an eyebrow, nodded with a smile, and said, "In that case, let us go seek some assistance from Grand Marshal Hu. This time, even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we must root that person out!"

Back at the Hu Residence, in the courtyard where Hu Mo resided, ripples suddenly appeared in the previously calm space. Immediately following this, two figures were expelled from the ripples—they were none other than Hu Mo and Hu Bainmei.

Hu Mo’s aura was severely unstable, and the moment he appeared, he collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. He secretly congratulated himself for having prepared a backup plan, utilizing all the remaining power within the Three Treasures to activate a Saint-grade teleportation array that sent him back to the Hu Residence. If not for this, he and Hu Bainmei would likely have long since become prisoners of others, and the Hu family would have ceased to exist.

"Quickly, quickly help me to my room. They will trace us here very soon, and I must suppress my injuries!" Hu Mo shouted with utmost urgency, while Hu Bainmei, a look of worry clouding her face, helped him into the room.

"Master, sit down first, let me heal you!" Hu Bainmei’s voice carried a hint of a sob. For some unknown reason, she suddenly felt her heart ache terribly.

"No, you just need to guard me. Those old geezers are unfathomably scheming; they probably suspect me by now, and I still need you to help run interference for me. I’m just exhausted, that’s all. There’s no major problem; I’ll be fine soon, very soon," Hu Mo forced a smile, the clothes on his back completely drenched in sweat. That overwhelming sense of weakness was truly difficult to endure.

He was acutely aware of another matter: under no circumstances could he allow Hu Bainmei to touch him. He could sense that his Three Treasures had activated automatically, and the Art of the North-Scull Sage was standing by. If Hu Bainmei were to heal him at this moment, it wouldn't be healing—it would be a transfer of cultivation energy.

"What do you mean 'fine soon'? Don't lie to me, okay? Do you think I don't know your physical condition? You need a vast amount of combat energy right now. If it isn't channeled into you promptly, you might..."

"Stop talking, sigh, just listen to me. I am not suited to absorb combat energy right now; your combat energy is not enough for those three sacred treasures to consume! I... oh no, they are already close to the Hu Residence, it's too late!" Hu Mo cried out mentally. Amplified by the effects of the Three Treasures, his perception was extraordinarily sharp at this moment. However, he suddenly felt a soul-deep weakness, making even standing up an arduous task.

"Don't panic, I have a way! Master, I need your cooperation!" Hu Bainmei’s expression shifted abruptly. Without a word, she threw her arms around Hu Mo, completely ignoring his reaction, and stripped him down to a single undergarment with practiced, swift movements.

Even that final piece vanished beneath her aggressive paws, instantly sending a chill through Hu Mo's body before she tossed him onto the bed.

Hu Bainmei moved with incredible speed. In next to no time, she was entirely stripped of her clothing as well, sliding straight under the covers with Hu Mo.

"Hold me tight, and do whatever I say." Hu Bainmei grabbed Hu Mo's hand and placed it around her waist. Hu Mo's mind surged with tumultuous emotions, feeling a certain part of his body grow increasingly hard and engorged, as if it were about to burst. The previously frail and exhausted state within him unexpectedly birthed a strange, potent energy, instantly revitalizing his spirit significantly.

Outside the room, Hu Yihu’s rough voice could be heard shouting in anger. In truth, he was still unaware that Hu Mo had gone out on business tonight.

"Your Envoy, Sect Masters, what is the meaning of this? If you want manpower, this old man will naturally help, but if you intend to search my Hu Residence—pardon me, but I, Hu Yihu, am not afraid of you grand sects!" An overwhelming aura of dominance radiated from Hu Yihu as he glared fiercely at Wang Xu, showing not an ounce of fear.

Wang Xu looked at him and smiled faintly. "Grand Marshal Hu, you exaggerate. We merely wish to pay a visit to General Hu Mo; the word 'search' simply does not align with our intentions! If the Marshal does not believe me, you may ask Valley Master Zhu. His words should carry some credibility."

Wang Xu was quite direct, immediately pushing Zhu Wannian forward as a human shield. Zhu Wannian let out a cold snort. "As if he would believe my words! Brother Wang is truly joking. I wash my hands of this matter; resolve it however you please."

Zhu Wannian's words caused Wang Xu to frown. This group of people was already standing right outside the small courtyard, and if they didn't go inside now, it would be thoroughly embarrassing. If word got out that the Envoy of the Heavenly Saint Palace had been refused entry during a personal visit, the blow to the Heavenly Saint Palace's reputation would be immense. Furthermore, Hu Yihu wore an unyielding, stubborn expression, his stern face glaring as if he were looking at a band of trespassing thieves, his demeanor extremely hostile.

Hu Yihu’s expression darkened as he said in a deep voice, "Your Envoy, if you wish to pay a visit, come back at dawn. It's only a few hours away."

Duanmu Shenxu watched Wang Xu’s awkward predicament, smiled faintly, and slowly stepped forward. He produced a few Fire God Tokens and said, "Marshal Hu, may I ask if these tokens grant unimpeded passage throughout the Fire Sky Empire? It is said that anyone who obstructs these tokens shall be deemed guilty of treason. Grand Marshal Hu should understand this old man's meaning."

The moment Hu Yihu laid eyes on those Fire God Tokens, his temper flared, while Zhu Wannian was even more infuriated, nearly striking out in rage. Every time he saw those tokens, he felt as though his face had been heavily slapped—not just his, but the entire Fire Sky Empire's face had been dealt several resounding blows.

Hu Yihu’s expression flickered through countless emotions before he finally let out a silent, internal sigh. With a cold face, he said, "Since Sect Master Duanmu has produced the Fire God Token to conduct a search, this Marshal naturally has no reason to obstruct you. I'd just like to see what Sect Master Duanmu and Your Envoy are hoping to find!"

Hu Yihu stepped aside, his gaze toward Wang Xu filled with chill. Wang Xu furrowed his brow, instantly feeling quite displeased. To be honest, he truly did not wish to burn bridges with Hu Yihu. Just like last time, he had gone out of his way to win him over with medicinal pills precisely to maintain a favorable relationship. Duanmu Shenxu’s actions now were equivalent to wiping away all his previous efforts with a single stroke. If Hu Yihu harbored resentment, it would undoubtedly fall squarely upon him.

However, things had reached a point where they were riding a tiger and couldn't dismount; no matter how unwilling, it could not be changed. He gave a light cough and smiled, "Since that is the case, this old man shall intrude upon General Hu."

As they spoke, the group walked into the courtyard. The moment their leading feet crossed the threshold, an intensely rich fragrance hit their senses, immediately followed by a series of uninhibited, ecstatic groans echoing from the room. The expressions of everyone present froze instantly, especially Hu Yihu, whose complexion became truly spectacular.

"Ahem, well... Grand Marshal Hu, your grandson certainly possesses rather formidable energy and a robust physique. Not bad, not bad at all! Hehe..." Wang Xu couldn't find the right words to describe the situation, so he could only chuckle and brush it off.

Hu Yihu muttered with a bizarre expression, "This wretched brat, reverting to his old habits again! He's going to drive this old man to an early grave!"

Inside the room, Hu Bainmei cried out and wailed with utter abandon, while Hu Mo stared at her with wide eyes, wearing an expression as if he had seen a ghost.

Noticing his look, Hu Bainmei glared at him and coldly snapped, "Hurry up and make some noise! It's exhausting doing all the calling by myself!"

Hu Mo was left utterly bewildered.