Chapter Seventy-Nine: All Sent Flying

Hu Mo staggered over, lowered his head, and glanced at Xu Zhu, who was being pinned to the floor. He grinned, revealing a set of healthy white teeth. That smile made Xu Zhu's complexion turn even paler; instinct told him that things were likely far from simple.

"Brother Hu, leave this matter to me. He dared to insult you, so he must be prepared for punishment. I don't care who his grandfather is—if he insults you, he insults me, and I will make him pay!" Zhu Xinyue declared loudly, her expression charged with emotion.

For a girl to make such a declaration in front of so many people was no easy feat, especially considering Zhu Xinyue's sensitive status. Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, the way everyone looked at Hu Mo changed noticeably.

Zhu Xinluo, Zhu Xinshui, and Situ Feng said nothing, simply standing quietly to the side, waiting for Hu Mo's next move. Hu Mo was keenly aware of the countless gazes upon him, and he already had a plan in mind.

"Princess Xinyue, please don't interfere in this matter. Since he insulted both me and my master, he must pay the price. This is a personal grievance between us—I'd like to deal with him myself," Hu Mo said with a genial smile. On the surface, he seemed utterly drunk, barely able to stand, but those with discerning eyes could see through the ruse; this confusion of appearances would not deceive the sharp few.

Zhu Xinyue wanted to persist, but under Hu Mo's gaze, she chose to step back. She softly agreed and obediently moved to the side.

Hu Mo walked over to Cang Ling, who had remained silent, lowered his head, and asked quietly, "Master, how do you intend to deal with this fellow?"

The crowd erupted in astonishment. Moments ago, they'd been wondering who Hu Mo's master was and lamenting Xu Zhu’s lack of foresight. Now, seeing Hu Mo’s actions, everyone except Zhu Xinyue and Lin Nan was stunned.

"You’re lying! How could she possibly be your master? What proof do you have? Ha, if you truly are master and disciple, judging by your intimacy, you must be adulterous. According to the laws of the Empire of Heavenly Fire, adulterous relations between master and disciple are punishable by fire. You two—"

Smack!

A crisp slap rang out, and Xu Chun was sent flying, crashing into the wall and leaving a human-shaped hole.

"There are fools every year, but today there are especially many. Speaking carelessly can cost you your life!" Hu Mo said coldly. He had sensed Cang Ling’s murderous intent just now—had he not acted first, Xu Chun might already be a corpse.

"You... you..." Xu Bao trembled as he pointed at Hu Mo, unable to utter a complete sentence. He was genuinely terrified; the icy killing intent made his hair stand on end, and he nearly lost control of his bladder.

"Still want to spout nonsense? Let me give you some advice: mind your tongue. If you talk recklessly, your mouth will be of no further use. The Xu family may be a safe haven, but once you leave it, you'd best behave yourselves. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to break your arms and legs and leave you crippled for life." Hu Mo spoke coldly, then kicked Xu Zhu, who had been silent, sending him flying through the hole like Xu Chun, their screams fading into the distance.

Cang Ling remained silent, simply watching Hu Mo's every move. Hu Mo had no idea what expression lay beneath her veil, nor what she was thinking, or if she felt relieved.

He glanced at Xu Bao, then pointed to the hole, saying coolly, "It's your turn. You know what to do."

Xu Bao’s heart sank, his legs trembling as if he were threshing grain.

The others looked at Hu Mo as though he were a monster. Many were seeing him act so domineering for the first time—taking charge with the Xu family’s young masters, kicking them directly out. His aura alone made countless girls' eyes light up with admiration.

Zhu Xinyue gazed at Hu Mo, lost in a kind of intoxicated reverie, as if admiring a fine work of art.

Hu Mo was feeling thoroughly satisfied. This sudden display of dominance put him at center stage, and the attention he’d lost earlier was now firmly back on him.

Xu Bao trembled, mumbling, "Fine, I know what to do. I’ll go myself..."

"Go yourself? Nonsense! Fly!" Cang Ling, who had until then remained motionless, suddenly appeared in front of Hu Mo and delivered a swift kick to Xu Bao, just as he was about to leap through the hole. Another figure took flight, his cries echoing through the air.

Hu Mo secretly prayed for Xu Bao. He himself had only sent Xu Zhu and Xu Chun about ten miles away, but Cang Ling’s kick would surely send Xu Bao twenty or thirty miles at least—truly unfortunate.

Many who had initially wanted to approach Cang Ling now withdrew, and soon, the crowd had dispersed. Hu Mo seemed pleased by the outcome, reclining comfortably in a beast-skin chair, savoring his drink like a seasoned drunkard.

Situ Feng and Zhu Xinluo returned to their places—Situ Feng’s expression was grave, while Zhu Xinluo wore a faint smile, serenely sipping her wine.

"Ada, inform the Grand Worshipper and have him investigate the origins of that woman. Go quickly and return swiftly!" Situ Feng whispered to the black-clad attendant at his side, raising a cup and draining it.

"Caiyi, you know what to do?" Zhu Xinluo said with a smile to the maid beside her. The maid nodded and hurriedly left the hall.

The hall was now so oppressive it felt suffocating; everyone stayed far away from Hu Mo and Cang Ling, as though the two might devour them.

"My beloved master, have you discovered anything?" Hu Mo asked with a smile, quietly pouring her a cup of wine.

"Nothing special. Just a bunch of fools trying to accomplish the impossible," Cang Ling replied nonchalantly, sipping her wine.

Hu Mo shrugged, not denying it, smiled, and continued to lounge in the beast-skin chair, eyes closed, basking in this rare tranquility.

Zhu Xinyue, after Xu Zhu and the others had been kicked out, was summoned by Zhu Xinluo, who continued to gaze at her with a smile, scrutinizing her face directly.

"Heh, I never expected my little sister to truly fall for that young man. Tell me, when did it start? Was it... when you disappeared last time?" Zhu Xinluo’s gaze sharpened, making Zhu Xinyue uncomfortable.

"Elder sister, why are you asking these things? Brother Hu and I are just ordinary friends, nothing more. As for what you mentioned, I’ve explained before—I wasn’t with Brother Hu then, and it certainly wasn’t him who rescued me. Elder sister, can’t you figure that out? Even the elders of Fire God Valley struggled with those enemies; how could Brother Hu possibly contend with them? If not for the help of a senior, you would only be able to visit my memorial tablet now," Zhu Xinyue retorted sharply, her tone turning pointed.

"Oh? Did I mention that Young Master Hu saved you? I don’t think I asked that. Never mind, since you don’t want to say more, pressing further is pointless. Little sister, I just want to remind you: don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment. The world isn’t as simple as you imagine, and too much kindness can lead to suffering."

"You saw Hu Mo’s master, didn’t you? Do you really believe he’d have such a beautiful master? Master and disciple is just a cover—husband and wife is the truth. You’ll never be his top priority. And that handsome young man you noticed? He’s not a man at all, but a stunning beauty. Think about it: with so many exquisite women by his side, how could he possibly be devoted to just one? Sister, I’ve accepted my fate, but you’re my true little sister—I sincerely hope you find happiness, understand?"

Zhu Xinluo’s tone was heavy, and her words left Zhu Xinyue feeling a little sour inside.

Zhu Xinshui appeared beside them at some point, frowning at Zhu Xinluo and speaking gravely, "Though I hardly want to acknowledge you as my elder sister, your concern for Xinyue is genuine, and I appreciate that. Still, don’t be so discouraging. I find Hu Mo quite agreeable—he’s definitely not someone who is heartless or fickle. Moreover, his capacity is extraordinary; he’s destined for greatness, and Situ Feng may not measure up to him. Little sister, be brave and pursue what you want—second sister supports you!"

Zhu Xinyue wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, a smile appearing on her lips. Whether they supported or opposed her, it was all for her sake, filling her with an indescribable sense of happiness.

She nodded lightly, declaring with certainty, "I will strive for my happiness. I certainly will!"