Chapter 108: The Shapeshifting War Beast

Hu Mo held the pair of twins in his arms, laughing heartily as he walked toward the bustling market. The twins were remarkably docile, their pure fragrance causing a subtle nervousness to stir within Hu Mo’s heart. There was no denying it—their allure was unusually potent.

Though Wang Million often acted arrogantly and was widely despised with few friends, he and Hu Mo got along well—perhaps an example of the saying “birds of a feather flock together.”

In Hu Mo’s earlier memories, this place was a frequent haunt. The spoiled young masters had only three passions: women, gambling, and battle beasts. They lived solely to burn money and indulge in pleasure, caring little for anything else.

The outer edges of the battle beast market were lined with small vendors selling beasts of inferior quality. As Hu Mo passed by, he noted the strongest beasts barely reached the peak of level two—far beneath his standards.

Yet, these trivial matters did not concern him. His thoughts were fixated on the source of that mysterious voice—who was calling out to him?

Wang Million continued forward with enthusiasm, his ample flesh jiggling comically. Watching his eager demeanor, Hu Mo felt a flicker of curiosity and asked, “Brother Wang, can you give me a hint? What’s so interesting here? Is there a powerful battle beast?”

Wang Million grinned broadly, pulling out a golden silk scarf to wipe his face. “Brother Hu, don’t ask yet—you’ll see when we get there. I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this. It’s even more wondrous than the Golden Qilin I showed you last time. It’s really indescribable!” His face twitched with excitement, saliva flying as he spoke.

Hu Mo realized his friend was deliberately teasing him, so he said nothing more and quietly followed behind.

The twins stared wide-eyed at Hu Mo, their gazes so intense it felt as if they could see through his clothes. The sensation sent a shiver down his skin. He sighed inwardly, “Being handsome is such a curse. Alas, I’m too pure to take you in!”

The sisters’ hearts fluttered at Hu Mo’s melancholic look—there was no denying the overwhelming power of a pretty boy.

After about fifteen minutes, they arrived before a grand building. Hu Mo looked up to see three dazzling golden characters flashing in the sunlight: “Ten Thousand Beasts Pavilion.” The brilliance was almost blinding. Just these characters alone must have cost a fortune in gold, a testament to the pavilion’s extravagance.

“Ten Thousand Beasts Pavilion? Brother Wang, are you telling me the battle beasts you’re showing me are high-level, like grade seven or eight?” Hu Mo’s eyes brightened with curiosity. He had yet to see such powerful beasts. Rumor had it that aside from wild ones, only the Ten Thousand Beasts Pavilion could possess beasts of that caliber. In his memory, Hu Mo had once seen a level seven, early-stage Golden Qilin.

Still, memories were memories, and Hu Mo longed to witness such strength firsthand.

Wang Million gave a wry smile and shook his head. “Brother, those kinds of beasts aren’t easy to come by. Though I’m the richest man in Flame City, the Ten Thousand Beasts Pavilion isn’t mine. I only control the Flame City branch. The chances of seeing grade seven or eight beasts here are slim. Last time, one was brought from headquarters just to impress, then sent back after everyone admired it. Such beasts aren’t ours to command.”

He sighed as they slowly entered the pavilion. Hu Mo frowned in confusion. “But Brother Wang, you said this time’s beasts are even more wondrous than the Golden Qilin. I don’t understand.”

“They are wondrous, but not in that way. Don’t ask more—we’re going in.” Wang Million maintained his air of mystery, quickening his pace as he hurried upstairs.

Hu Mo stepped briskly after him. Feeling the battle power radiating from Hu Mo, the twins’ faces grew even more astonished. Only now did they realize that this elegant, dashing man was also a formidable warrior.

In the past, seeing Hu Mo holding such stunning beauties would have been a source of envy, for he and Wang Million were once equals. But now, many looked at Hu Mo with entirely different eyes. His recent deeds spread rapidly, washing away his tarnished reputation. Wherever he went, he received respect, admiration, and even some women who lingered nearby, hoping to win his favor.

Hu Mo relished this feeling—it was a true rebirth of the soul. A pure, unblemished self reemerging into this world, a prodigal son of the new era, showered with praise.

The first step—winning the hearts of the people—Hu Mo had done well.

Upon reaching the second floor, Hu Mo caught a refreshing, intoxicating fragrance. It was unique, penetrating even when holding one’s breath. The scent seeped into the skin, muscles, and bones, invigorating the senses.

“How delightful. Could they be using some rare incense here?” Hu Mo murmured, eyes half-closed in pleasure.

Wang Million chuckled silently and led Hu Mo to a large room. At its entrance stood two burly men, looking dazed to the point of absurdity—so repulsive that Hu Mo felt a wave of nausea.

“What are you two doing, dawdling around?” Wang Million shouted, startling them awake.

Recognizing Wang Million, the two men nearly lost their souls, immediately falling to their knees and kowtowing, “Boss, we beg your forgiveness! We were just caught up in the scent—it was so intoxicating...”

“Get lost, all of you! Scram!” Wang Million barked. The two men fled as if granted a great pardon.

Hu Mo shook his head, about to speak, when that eerie calling echoed again. This time, Hu Mo clearly sensed the voice coming from within this very room.

“Save me... save me...” The plaintive, sorrowful voice struck Hu Mo’s heart, sending a pang of pain through him.

It was the first time a voice had affected his mood so deeply. As the scent intensified, Hu Mo suddenly felt his internal Three Treasures accelerating the flow of battle energy—a harmonious, seamless fusion.

Before Wang Million could open the door, Hu Mo pushed aside the wooden barrier and darted inside like an arrow.

Startled, Wang Million shouted, “Brother, don’t rush in! It’s dangerous inside!”

His warning came too late; Hu Mo was already inside. Immediately, Hu Mo sensed danger as the Chaos Flame enveloped his body.

With a sharp swish, several arrows streaked through the air, launched from multiple hidden corners. Each arrow was imbued with a piercing golden battle power, capable of penetrating even three-inch-thick steel plates with ease.

Wang Million’s heart sank. He muttered despondently, “It’s over... it’s really over. If the grandson of Marshal Hu gets into trouble here, can I even keep my life?”

Indeed, no matter how wealthy Wang Million was, offending the military chief meant certain death. His legs trembled, barely able to support his corpulent frame.

The twins also shuddered, collapsing weakly to the ground. Their hearts seemed shattered the moment the arrows flew. To them, Hu Mo was not only their savior but also their beloved. How could they remain calm if he were in peril?

Yet soon, their expressions changed. Wang Million suddenly let out a strange shout, leaping three feet into the air. Pointing at Hu Mo in disbelief, his voice trembled, “Thank goodness! Brother Hu is safe—thank goodness!”

At the moment the arrows were fired, he had closed his eyes, but when he reopened them, Hu Mo remained standing calmly, the black glow flickering briefly around him as if nothing had happened.

The twins cheered, tears streaming, rushing to embrace Hu Mo without hesitation. It was as if they had returned from hell to heaven, their joy overflowing.

Hu Mo was momentarily stunned but quickly regained composure. Just as he was about to speak, his eyes suddenly fixed on the woman inside the enormous cage before him. A strange yet familiar sensation flooded his heart.

He couldn’t explain it—his mind seemed captivated by her presence. The flow of his battle power fluctuated rhythmically, and even his Three Treasures emitted waves of profound delight.

“Who is this woman?” Hu Mo murmured, his eyes shimmering with faint silver light.

The twins were startled by Hu Mo’s sudden state, yet they clung to him tightly, their dependence sincere and deep.

“Brother, she’s a battle beast—a shape-shifting one at that. You don’t see many battle beasts that can transform so perfectly. But strangely, she has almost no power—her battle strength is even below a level two beast. It’s very odd,” Wang Million said with a relieved smile, reassured by Hu Mo’s safety.

“I want her. Give her to me,” Hu Mo said softly, his tone suddenly chilling.