Chapter Fifty-Five: I Shall Become a Mystic Wolf!

The blazing sun was hidden behind oppressive, dark clouds—a rare sight for Fire City, where rain was almost unheard of. In this land, everything was extreme and wild: either the heat threatened to roast you alive, or the rain struck with such force it drained all your strength. The raindrops couldn’t simply be described as the size of beans; Hu Mo felt as if a whole bucket of water had been dumped over his head. Damn it, was this what they called rain? It felt more like the sky had opened up and poured out through a gaping hole!

Hu Mo had always disliked weather like this. Getting wet was no big deal, but catching a cold was a real concern. Luckily, a guest was visiting today, giving Hu Mo the perfect excuse to relax and take it easy.

Huang Sheng’s status had undergone a sudden, dramatic transformation. His infamous stench had vanished, and more and more people began to interact with him. He had shed his former slovenly, miserable appearance and become refined and courteous, especially now in his scholar’s attire, so much so that Hu Mo was tempted to exclaim, “My alloyed dog eyes are blinded by the brilliance!”

To be honest, Huang Sheng had never been ugly. It was just his reputation for foul odor that kept people away. As the saying goes, “fair skin hides three flaws,” and now it seemed “a pleasant scent hides three stinks.” With the smell gone, his confidence flourished.

“Master Hu, I’ve been tied up with private matters these past days and delayed coming to thank you. I truly feel ashamed,” Huang Sheng said, bowing respectfully.

Hu Mo shot him a sidelong glance and snorted, “Don’t act like you’re attending court before the emperor. We’re brothers here, save the formalities. So, have you been busy having fun with your wife and forgotten about me?”

Hu Mo eyed Huang Sheng lasciviously. In his estimation, this lustful devil surely wouldn’t miss the chance to indulge himself now.

“She’s dead,” Huang Sheng suddenly said, his tone unsettlingly calm.

Hu Mo’s expression froze, then darkened. “What happened?”

“Nothing much, just an accident—a slip into the well, drowned. Such a trivial matter shouldn’t trouble you, Master Hu,” Huang Sheng replied with a smile, which puzzled Hu Mo. How could anyone be happy after losing their wife? Had Huang Sheng reached some Zen-like state?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

Hu Mo’s gaze was sharp. He caught Huang Sheng’s involuntary frown, picking up on the subtleties with practiced precision.

“Huang Sheng, was it Huang Kun?” Hu Mo asked abruptly, a murderous aura emanating from him.

Huang Sheng shuddered slightly, then forced a bitter smile. “Master Hu, let’s not speak of it. Women come and go; nothing extraordinary. I—”

“How did she really die? You always said your marriage was harmonious; now your wife is gone, and you act indifferent? Don’t blame me for meddling. You’re my brother, and I don’t want to see you wronged,” Hu Mo interrupted, looking at him earnestly.

Huang Sheng shook his head. “Since you insist, I can’t keep hiding. It’s simple: the adulterer killed the unfaithful woman, dumped her body in the well, and that’s the end of it. Just that simple.”

“Adulterer? Unfaithful woman? What do you mean?” Hu Mo stared in disbelief.

Huang Sheng smiled, a helpless smile, and pointed to his head. “In plain words, Master Hu, I was cuckolded, and I’ve only just learned. But what does it matter? There’s nothing I can do now. All I can do is wait.”

“By the way, you’ve heard of the Xuan Wolf from the Coldwater Empire? Their winters are bitterly cold, unlike our own Flame Empire. Most animals hibernate, but the Xuan Wolf does not—it’s the only hunter of the icy plains in winter. It can hide in snow for seven or eight days without a trace, but when it moves, it strikes like a tempest. Now that’s a true predator!”

“I will become a Xuan Wolf!” Huang Sheng stood up suddenly, his fierce gaze so intense that even Hu Mo had trouble meeting it—an expression of raw determination from deep within.

“Good! Huang Sheng, that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard you say—exactly my style!” Hu Mo laughed, slapping Huang Sheng on the shoulder. Though Huang Sheng was a few years older, Hu Mo, having lived three lifetimes, was decades his senior in spirit, and always felt a bit of paternal authority around him.

“But talk is just talk; action matters most. Words alone won’t get a woman pregnant, right?” Hu Mo grinned, pinching Huang Sheng’s chin with an expression resembling a pair of close friends in mischief.

Huang Sheng dropped his fierce gaze and chuckled sheepishly. “True, I understand that. Master Hu, I’ve come today to ask you to—”

“Hey, what’s this about asking me? I’m not interested in you,” Hu Mo quickly withdrew his hand, rubbing his fingers vigorously.

Huang Sheng remained unfazed, moving closer and laughing. “I know, I know. How could my looks ever attract you? But I’m speaking seriously. My brother Huang Zong has agreed to your terms. If you can cure him, with our abilities, taking over the Huang family won’t be a problem. Once we secure the Huang family, we’ll have the capital to challenge the Situ family. Two tigers cannot share a mountain—that’s the ultimate truth, and you understand it well.”

“Ha, indeed. But Huang Sheng, though we’re as close as brothers, I have to say—I want to see your strength, to know what methods you’ll use.” Hu Mo’s eyes narrowed, a sharp light shining as if he could see right through Huang Sheng.

Huang Sheng showed no panic. He smiled calmly. “Rest assured, Master Hu. I’ll make my move soon. After enduring for more than ten years, I’m itching for action. I may not be able to stir up waves as grand as you, but causing some trouble is no issue for me. But my brother’s injury must be healed; otherwise, it’ll greatly affect my future plans, and that depends on you.”

“No problem there; I can afford the advance. Once things settle on your end, I’ll personally examine your brother’s injury—well, rather, his poisoning.”

“Poisoned again?”

“Yes, poisoned, and far more seriously than you.” Hu Mo’s voice remained calm, as if everything was ordinary.

Huang Sheng’s expression changed drastically. “Master Hu, do you have a solution?”

Hu Mo shook his head. “I haven’t looked closely yet, so how would I know? Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. I believe, aside from me, those quacks won’t see anything.”

Hu Mo had great confidence in his life-and-death acupuncture technique. Huang Zong’s condition was very similar to Huang Sheng’s—both were suffering from toxins accumulating in their bodies, leading to complications. With silver needles to guide the meridians, the cure was straightforward, though it might require more medicinal herbs and effort.

Huang Sheng nodded eagerly, smiling. “I have absolute faith in you, Master Hu. Your medical skills inspire my utmost admiration; anyone who doubts you, I’ll punch them! By the way, I’m not just here to discuss the Huang family. We need to talk about the Lin and Du families as well.”

“Lin Meng and Du Zhong? What’s their situation? I’ve been out of the loop and haven’t heard any news.”

Hu Mo was surprised; he’d grown used to seeing those two lively fellows around.

Huang Sheng sighed and shook his head. “Master Hu, things aren’t looking good. They’ve both been confined—they won’t be appearing any time soon.”

“Confined? Interesting. So they must be bored out of their minds. Poor kids!” Hu Mo sighed in sympathy, showing no sign of urgency.

“Master Hu, why aren’t you worried? Du Zhong and Lin Meng were probably confined because of us. Who knows if they’ll still consider us brothers when they’re released? Their families mean a lot to them.”

Huang Sheng sighed deeply, imagining himself in their place and feeling troubled.

“That depends on their choices, Huang Sheng. Don’t get caught up in appearances; we need true partners. If a few words from family make them quit, it just means we misjudged them. Wait and see when they’re released, then we’ll know their decision.”

Hu Mo smiled, sipping his tea with an air of confidence.

Huang Sheng nodded. “You’re right, Master Hu. It’s a test for them. There’s something important I suspect you’ve forgotten.”

“What is it? Another grand beast tournament? If so, count me out. Sure, there’s money to be made, but I’d rather stay alive and enjoy myself! If you want to go, go alone.”

Hu Mo had no desire to face another beast riot—that was nothing fun.

“Ha, no, you’re overthinking it. It’s a grand event, but not dangerous. In fact, it’s our first opportunity.”

Huang Sheng grinned mischievously, his true nature showing through.

“Oh? Our first opportunity? Sounds interesting, but I honestly can’t recall.”

Hu Mo laughed, feigning ignorance. Most of his memories had vanished after his last soul transmigration.

“The Flame Society’s Celebrities Gala, Master Hu. You can’t have forgotten that.”

Huang Sheng licked his lips and smiled.

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