Chapter Thirty-Four: Cooperation

Looking at Huang Sheng’s earnest expression, Hu Mo’s demeanor grew more solemn. He asked in a low voice, “What is it? Has something momentous happened?”
Huang Sheng nodded. “Young Master Hu, indeed, it’s remarkable. Our Huang family, along with the Du and Lin families, have now pledged allegiance to the Sitou faction.”
“Oh? And what does that have to do with me?” Hu Mo arched an eyebrow, asking casually.
“Young Master Hu, are you planning to hide something from me as well? Though I’ve lived a reckless life, I’m no fool. Last time at Drunken Fragrance, you weren’t possessed. If being possessed could make someone so formidable, I’d wish for it every day.” Huang Sheng spoke with a smile, his small eyes sparkling.
Hu Mo shook his head and sighed. “I never expected you’d see things so clearly. Truly…”
“Ha! Young Master Hu, don’t underestimate me. If not for my illness, my achievements in the Huang family would be unrivaled! A wastrel? Without hardship, who would choose a life waiting for death?” Huang Sheng sighed deeply. His gaze toward Hu Mo grew fervent; to him, Hu Mo was the founder of feigned debauchery, his idol.
Hu Mo was already feeling overwhelmed by Huang Sheng, and the pleading, self-deprecating look made him uneasy. He quickly stepped back several paces. “Did you take the wrong medicine today? Stay away from me.”
“Ha! Young Master Hu, I just feel for the first time that we truly share something in common, so my emotions got the better of me. We should have a real, earnest conversation,” Huang Sheng said, his eyes sharp, fixed on Hu Mo.
“Oh? Then I’m all ears for your wisdom. Ha! Huang Sheng, just be yourself, no need for such restraint. Honestly, I prefer the old, slovenly you. Sometimes I wonder if my eyesight failed me, seeing you all wrong.” Hu Mo recalled Huang Sheng’s usual shabby, sly appearance and couldn’t help laughing.
Huang Sheng paused, then burst into laughter. “Likewise! You dare mock me? Before you, I can only bow down; you’re my master, truly! Enough joking—serious matters are pressing.”
“I’m listening,” Hu Mo replied languidly.
“Young Master Hu, I must tell you, in Flame City, you are under suspicion—not a few, but many. The major powers are watching you. Sadly, the move your grand marshal made has had no effect.” Huang Sheng shook his head and sighed. “But you needn’t worry too much. They won’t act rashly. They’re waiting for an opportunity—for you to fully expose yourself. When that happens, not only you but your entire Hu family will be in danger.”
“Yes, I know. If you can see through it, those old foxes certainly aren’t blind. But what can I do? What must happen will happen, and it’s not something I can avoid by hiding.” Hu Mo spoke frankly; before Huang Sheng, he had no secrets.
“You make a fair point. But I want to ask—do you truly have the strength to stand on your own? Where does your confidence lie?” Huang Sheng asked bluntly, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a rare severity.
Hu Mo smiled calmly. “None. If I have any support, it’s only my grandfather’s protection. Beyond that, I have nothing.”
“Then, would you like to gain real strength—enough to carve out your own domain?” Huang Sheng suddenly stepped closer, his presence growing imposing.
Hu Mo paused but did not move, smiling. “Huang Sheng, are you going to gift me an army to conquer the world? That sounds a bit far-fetched.”
Hu Mo regarded Huang Sheng curiously, reflecting that perhaps this man was the true master of feigned weakness all these years.
“It’s not far-fetched at all! Young Master Hu, everything depends on effort. If you help me seize the Huang family, I, Huang Sheng, will support you unconditionally. Though the Huang clan ranks last among the four great families of the capital, if the Hu family gains our backing, you could forever suppress the Sitou family.” Huang Sheng’s excitement was palpable, his aura intensifying.
Now Hu Mo fully understood—Huang Sheng was not one to play by the rules. Power often has a magnetic draw.
Huang Sheng caught the look in Hu Mo’s eyes and snorted softly. “You must think I’m motivated by selfishness, seeking only wealth and glory. If so, you underestimate me. The reason I want the Huang family is simple: revenge. I told you before, my elder brother Huang Zong was sabotaged, and he’s been a cripple ever since. For years, this has tormented me, robbing me of peace. You don’t know—I spent much effort, secretly hiring experts to investigate, and finally learned the truth behind my brother’s downfall!”
Huang Sheng’s emotions surged, his fists clenched, his anger barely contained.
“It was my second brother Huang Kun and my stepmother who orchestrated it. To seize the Huang family, they stopped at nothing! And another thing you don’t know—my real mother didn’t die of illness, but was killed by my stepmother’s schemes. I’ve long suspected the stench on me is linked to them, but I could do nothing but endure in humiliation. If not for witnessing your hidden strength at Drunken Fragrance, I would have lost all hope. Young Master Hu, I beg you, help me.”
Huang Sheng dropped to his knees with a thud, his forehead pressed to the floor.
Hu Mo was startled, gazing in disbelief at the prostrate Huang Sheng.
“You sly fox, you hid so well! Last time you acted so convincingly before us. Thank goodness you’re not my enemy—that’s terrifying. Enough, get up. Brothers are meant to stand together, not kneel.” Hu Mo sighed and lifted Huang Sheng. He mused silently, “I don’t know if this is good or bad—am I really to help this kid seize power?”
“Still, Huang Sheng, you really have that much faith in me? Ha, I don’t even believe in myself. How am I to help you?” Hu Mo smiled bitterly, voicing his doubts.
“Young Master Hu, there are ways for the weak. If we work together, success is not impossible.” Huang Sheng’s spirit blazed, his gaze electric.
“You’ve already revealed some cards. If you keep hiding, it’ll only arouse more suspicion. So I suggest, when it’s time to be bold, be bold—better to be unruly. I believe you’ll do even better than I say.” Huang Sheng grinned, his moods shifting so swiftly that Hu Mo could hardly keep up.
Hu Mo pondered briefly, realizing the subtle trap.
This fellow had certainly drawn him in, step by step, each move connecting seamlessly, until he was caught up in it. It gave him the unsettling feeling of being sold and then helping count the profits for the seller.
Yet, even if Huang Sheng hadn’t said this, Hu Mo would have helped him. Though his character was questionable, he valued brotherhood above all. Huang Sheng’s actions in his time of crisis deeply moved him, so he regarded Huang Sheng as a true brother.
How could he swallow the pain of seeing his brother harmed so?
“All right, I agree. I’ll do my utmost to help you reclaim the Huang family’s leadership.” Hu Mo smiled, wiping cold sweat from his brow. If boarding a pirate ship was what it took, so be it.
Huang Sheng let out a jubilant howl, slapping Hu Mo’s shoulder. “I knew you wouldn’t abandon me! Young Master Hu, I love you!”
At this, Hu Mo darted dozens of meters away, shouting, “Damn, I have zero interest in you—keep your distance!”
Hu Mo fled as if escaping disaster, while Huang Sheng seemed unconcerned, laughing heartily. But as he laughed, his expression grew serious.
“Young Master Hu, there’s someone in Flame City you must watch out for!”
“Oh? Sitou Feng? Or your second brother Huang Kun?”
“Neither. It’s a woman—the Grand Princess Zhu Xinluo.” Huang Sheng’s tone was grave, tinged with anxiety.
“Zhu Xinluo? Isn’t she that notorious woman?” Hu Mo frowned, puzzled.
Huang Sheng shook his head. “Young Master Hu, if you dismiss her as nothing more than a promiscuous woman, you’ll suffer for it. She’s far from simple—even I can’t see through her. Be careful! Also, three days from now, the Divine Fire Beast Arena is holding its annual Grand Beast Festival ahead of schedule. You were injured and at home recently, so I couldn’t notify you. This festival is a perfect opportunity—don’t miss it!”
Huang Sheng smiled mischievously, making Hu Mo uneasy. Hu Mo shot him a glare. “I know what to do, no need to fuss. I’ll prepare the herbs for your treatment in the next few days, or you really might suffocate someone. Oh, and my grandfather is returning soon. If he gets a whiff, that will be a sight.”
Hu Mo’s lips curled into a smile, revealing gleaming teeth. Huang Sheng’s face changed dramatically at this, and he bolted away. If Hu Yihu saw him, he’d be in real trouble.
Hu Mo watched Huang Sheng’s retreating figure, pondering his words, his expression turning grave.
“Such limited intelligence—being passive feels terrible!”