Chapter 172: Emotional People

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

Ye Mo wanted to know who harmed Mo Kang, but Mo Kang's words revealed he also came from a hidden sect.

Twenty-three years ago, Mo Kang was a Hong Kong tycoon. That year, he met Xia Rou, who was undergoing a rite of passage in the mortal world. Xia Rou belonged to the Xia Hidden Family. They fell in love and secretly pledged eternal devotion.

At the year's end, Xia Rou returned to her family for a triennial hidden sect tournament and never returned. Mo Kang immediately searched for her. Although Xia Rou had instructed him on entering the hidden sects, he failed to find her.

Undeterred, Mo Kang repeatedly searched, spending vast sums and effort before finally finding a way into the Xia Family in the sixteenth year.

He discovered Xia Rou had married another man decades earlier. Enraged, he felt trapped and longed to confront Xia Rou, demanding an explanation for her betrayal. He also learned she had been pregnant when she left and wanted to know the child's fate.

Mo Kang, an outsider in the hidden sect, lacked status within the Xia Family and worked as a laborer for four years before learning Xia Rou had married Zhang Fengzhi of the Hong Martial Hall. Before he could reach the Hong Martial Hall, he was attacked.

Hearing Mo Kang's story, Ye Mo sighed. Mo Kang was clearly emotional, while Xia Rou seemed heartless.

Suddenly remembering Qiang Wei, he asked, "Who is Qiang Wei?"

Mo Kang sighed, "Qiang Wei is Xia Rou's younger sister, widowed ten years ago when her husband died. She rarely visits the Xia Family, so I'm surprised she helped me leave."

Ye Mo sneered. He doubted Xia Rou was unaware of Mo Kang's plight. If she didn't know, how could Xia Qiangwei have released Mo Kang? Mo Kang's emotions blinded him to the truth. Xia Rou might even be implicated in his incapacitation.

Without Xia Rou's involvement, Mo Kang couldn't have lived in the Xia Family for years as a lowly servant.

Ye Mo didn't inquire about Mo Kang's confinement to the temple; it was likely Qiang Wei's decision, and he didn't need the details.

"Do you know how to enter the hidden sects?" Ye Mo asked, his primary concern.

Mo Kang shook his head. "She only showed me how to enter the Xia Family. I swore not to reveal that information, and despite her betrayal, I won't break my oath."

Ye Mo pressed, "Do you know about the triennial tournament? I heard there's one this year at Wu Liang Mountain."

Mo Kang looked at Ye Mo strangely. "You know Wu Liang Mountain?" He shook his head. "Previous tournaments were held there, but by the time I reached the Xia Family, it had moved. I heard the next one is five years later—next year—in a mortal city. I don't know where."

Ye Mo frowned. Daoist Xian had said the tournament was at Wu Liang Mountain. Why would he lie?

Seeing Ye Mo's frown, Mo Kang added, "Wu Liang Mountain is a hub for hidden sects, with many powerful ones. Outsiders rarely enter, and leaving is even harder."

Ye Mo stood. He hadn't gotten much useful information, but some.

As Ye Mo prepared to leave, Mo Kang said, "You're powerful, and your interest in hidden sects suggests a desire to enter. Do you know about the Spirit Sensing Rock?"

Ye Mo knew it—the Space Abyssal Rock. He used it to create a storage ring, but his limited power and the scarcity of the rock meant it only held three cubic meters. With more rock and increased power, he could make a larger ring.

Intrigued, Ye Mo listened intently.

Relieved, Mo Kang smiled. "You healed me; no amount of money is enough. You know the value of this stone, and I know where to find it."

Ye Mo nodded. "It's very useful. Please tell me."

Mo Kang shook his head. "I don't know the exact location, but I have a map of its whereabouts, somewhere in Wu Liang Mountain. While living as a low-level servant in the Xia Family, I learned self-defense techniques.

Once, in a training ground, I overheard two youths. The younger described a place abundant with Spirit Sensing Stones and precious herbs, explaining he needed a partner. He showed a map.

The older youth readily agreed. But as they prepared to leave, the older youth stabbed the younger one, who retaliated before dying.

I secretly took the map and memorized it. I can redraw it accurately." Mo Kang gestured for pen and paper.

Ye Mo, sensing Mo Kang's honesty, produced pen and paper.

"Where did you get this? It's unmarked," Mo Kang observed.

Ye Mo smiled, remaining silent.

Mo Kang understood. He drew the map from memory.

Ye Mo examined the map. The location, a cliff face, was difficult to reach, but his spirit sense could find the Space Abyssal Rocks.

He carefully stored the map. "Thank you. Goodbye."

Ye Mo added, "Brother Mo, I've greatly benefited if your story is true. I won't escort you, but I advise you to feign unconsciousness until Qiang Wei leaves. Goodbye."

Ye Mo's words puzzled Mo Kang. Why hide from Qiang Wei? Was she involved?

A sudden realization struck him. Qiang Wei, a high-ranking member of the hidden sects, wouldn't have released him unless someone instructed her.

Xia Rou or Zhang Fengzhi? A near-understanding flickered in his mind, then vanished. He suddenly understood Ye Mo's warning. He must remain unconscious.

If Xia Rou ordered Qiang Wei, she knew he was incurable. Why send him away? If Zhang Fengzhi had done so, it implied collusion with Xia Rou. He must not reveal his awakening.

Mo Kang understood. While much remained unclear, Xia Rou likely knew of his condition. The doctor's intelligence was evident.

Mo Ping rushed in, worried. "How is my uncle, doctor?"

Ye Mo saw Mo Ping's genuine concern. He shook his head. "The situation is difficult. I can't wake him now, but I will consider options."

Mo Ping showed extreme disappointment, entering the temple without mentioning payment.

A woman sneered. "I thought you were skilled; you're garbage."

Ye Mo ignored her and turned to leave, satisfied with his reward if Mo Kang's account was true.

"Stop," the woman called.