Essence Devouring Art

Houxi Street, Dragon Gate Town.

After crossing the mossy stone bridge over the gurgling stream, the hustle and bustle faded away, giving way to the town’s purely residential area.

Stinging Dragon Lane.

The deep, winding lane resembled a coiling, dormant dragon.

The terrain sloped steadily upward.

Trees cast swaying shadows on either side, where courtyards stood in neat rows.

Wu Dao followed Mo Chen into Stinging Dragon Lane. His gaze was drawn to the plaques on the courtyards along the way, all of which were hung high on gatehouses.

The gatehouse plaques were inscribed with phrases like "Violet Qi from the East," "Auspicious Light Blessed Land," "Spirit Piercing the Heavens," and "Eternal Good Fortune"...

...and other such auspicious words.

Very few actually displayed a family name.

Even with the naked eye of a mortal, one could tell that the positioning of these courtyards and the orientation of their gatehouses...

...all subtly followed the principles of feng shui. Walking past them evoked a sense of tranquility and ease, a feeling of blessings coming to mind.

Perhaps noticing Wu Dao’s gaze,

Mo Chen, carrying a food container, explained, "Uncle Wu, don’t be fooled by Dragon Gate Town’s small size. There are quite a few prestigious households here in Stinging Dragon Lane."

As you’ve seen along the way,

"those with gatehouse plaques have all had many capable people and True Dragons in their ancestry. They hold considerable prestige in all aspects of Dragon Gate Town."

’Only in Dragon Gate Town?’

Wu Dao withdrew his gaze, a guess forming in his mind about those prominent households.

’Presumably, every single one of them...’

’...represents an Overlord-class Extraordinary Influence from one of the four corners of the outside world of Hongyuan.’

’The fortune of an entire world.’

’Where some get to eat the meat, others naturally get to drink the soup.’

These long-established, prominent families in Dragon Gate Town were most likely the soup-drinkers who followed the world’s true leaders.

’As for those who truly eat the meat...’

Wu Dao glanced at Mo Chen, who was leading him toward the highest point in Dragon Gate Town.

He had a new appreciation for the lofty position of the power behind Mo Chen—

’a view that makes all other mountains seem small.’

"Not for sale, not for sale! Go on, get! Don’t keep this old man from his fields."

At the end of Stinging Dragon Lane,

a dismissive shout made Wu Dao and Mo Chen stop and look.

Wu Dao raised an eyebrow slightly.

In front of a courtyard that lacked a gatehouse,

"My apologies, old sir. This junior has been impolite."

Zhou Chen, whom they had just parted with not long ago, gave a wry sigh. He wasn’t angry, and he bowed respectfully with hands clasped to an old farmer who had his trouser legs rolled up and a hoe on his shoulder.

The old farmer, however, just waved his hand dismissively.

Ignoring Zhou Chen, he closed his door, shouldered his hoe, and walked off down the lane.

Zhou Chen straightened up. Seeing Wu Dao nearby, he looked slightly surprised, hesitated for a moment, and then walked over.

"Any luck, Zhou?"

Wu Dao asked calmly.

"Some gains, but still missing one piece."

Zhou Chen nodded slightly, then glanced at the curious Mo Chen beside them and asked with a friendly smile, "And who might this be?"

"An interesting little fellow."

Wu Dao didn’t bother with introductions. Thinking of Mo Chen’s identity, he added to Zhou Chen, "This little fellow’s family has quite a few treasures. If you haven’t had your fill yet, Zhou, why not come along?"

’After all...’

’...with the luck of a child of Celestial Mandate...’

’Heh...’

’...how could there be a shortage of good things?’

"Uncle Wu, you exaggerate. They’re just some worthless trinkets..."

Mo Chen scratched his head in embarrassment, then gave Zhou Chen a humble junior’s bow. "This humble one is Mo Chen. Greetings, Mr... Uncle Zhou."

He had originally intended to call him ’Senior’.

However, since Zhou Chen seemed to be on good terms with Wu Dao, likely a friend of the same generation, he changed it to "Uncle Zhou."

Seeing that Wu Dao’s attitude toward Mo Chen was unusual, Zhou Chen’s interest was piqued. He couldn’t help but study the young man for a moment.

His eyes were bright and lively, his expression resolute.

Though his clothes were old and worn, he held his back ramrod straight. He showed neither sorrow nor subservience, possessing the vibrant aura of a carp about to transform into a dragon.

"Mm, not bad. Brother Wu has quite the Eye Power."

Zhou Chen nodded in approval. He didn’t refuse the offer and prepared to continue on with Wu Dao for a while.

Although the Dragon Mud Cave Heaven suppressed the Extraordinary,

making it hard to discern one’s status with the naked eye,

those favored by fortune,

always had a different kind of bearing.

Zhou Chen had met many young people in Dragon Gate Town on his journey, but those with a unique aura like Mo Chen were almost all disciples from the great, prominent households.

But those prominent households

had ways of recognizing visitors from the Divine Wilderness and would never give them any opportunity.

Only Mo Chen...

...seemed to have an unusual status.

He wasn’t being closely guarded by his elders.

Perhaps he really could tag along with Wu Dao and get lucky, finding some overlooked treasures.

At the end of Stinging Dragon Lane,

at the highest point of the terrain,

the prominent manors on either side gave way to an empty stretch. Looking up the stone steps, one could see a flat, open summit, occupied by a single, magnificent mansion that stood out like a crane among chickens.

The mansion’s location was superb.

It sat at the very center of the lane’s end, overlooking the grand gates on both sides, like an Emperor on his throne, gazing down upon his court officials.

’Lofty Pavilion Piercing the Clouds...’

When Zhou Chen saw the auspicious words on the mansion’s plaque, he couldn’t help but glance sideways and take a long, hard look at Mo Chen.

’Within Dragon Gate Town...’

’the location of every residence aligns with the rules of fortune in this Grotto Heaven.’

’A place that sits high above, overlooking the entire town...’

’...it goes without saying that they are the greatest beneficiaries of Hongyuan’s fortune, a fact no one in the four corners of the world would dare to question.’

’This Mo Chen’s identity...’

’...is truly difficult to imagine.’

His curiosity piqued,

Zhou Chen turned to Wu Dao with a grave expression.

But Wu Dao simply gave him a slight shake of the head, indicating that there would be no problem and that he should just act normally.

CREAK~

Just as the three were about to ascend the steps,

the door to a rather shabby courtyard at the end of Stinging Dragon Lane opened, releasing a strong stench of cheap alcohol.

A stooped, scrawny old man with a red nose, messy white hair like a bird’s nest around a bald spot, and a long, filthy white shirt leaned against the doorframe, his eyes bleary with drink.

In his hand, he dangled a red-skinned wine Gourd.

His murky eyes glanced at Wu Dao and Zhou Chen, and his eyelids narrowed slightly. Then, he drunkenly slurred to Mo Chen, "Mo Family kid... HIC... can’t be sold... Don’t you go doin’ somethin’ stupid..."

"Grandmaster Qing, how did you get so drunk again?"

Mo Chen, however, gave Wu Dao and Zhou Chen an apologetic nod before rushing forward to help the completely plastered old drunkard into the small courtyard.

From time to time, the old drunkard’s muttering could be heard:

"Some things can’t be bought with money... Just follow your heart... What you don’t want to give... no one can take..."

Zhou Chen and Wu Dao exchanged a look.

They both understood.

’He’s most likely one of Mo Chen’s Guardians.’

’And...’

’...his residence is second only to the Mo Family’s.’

’His status in the outside world must be that of a Great Power from some region.’

"This man... he could be one of the Tribulation Descenders in the future."

Zhou Chen leaned closer to Wu Dao and whispered,

"The reason the Divine Wilderness failed all Nine Tribulations is largely because, in addition to the Celestial Prides from every corner of the world, you also have these old monsters personally taking the field to hold the line."

"Whether it’s an Incarnation or their Main Body is unknown,"

"but the heights each of them stands at are unimaginable for a Tribulation Experiencer from the Divine Wilderness. Even if suppressed to the same level, their methods are far beyond what any Divine Desolate Cultivator can compare to."

’Is that so...’

Wu Dao nodded slightly, a hint of solemnity appearing in his eyes for the first time.

The principle was very simple.

A Grand Scholar and a Scholar Tong.

If they competed on a level playing field,

no matter how much of a genius you were,

the outcome would only be a merciless crushing by the Grand Scholar. The foundation and reserves of the two were on completely different levels.

Take the same Swordsmanship manual.

A child would only be able to draw a cat while looking at a tiger—a poor imitation.

But in the hands of a master who had long ago become a Sword Dao Grandmaster, it would have both form and spirit. From their lofty perspective, they could perform at a transcendent level.

Once they fought,

the outcome would be self-evident.

’The only chance of victory...’

’...is to become unparalleled through all of history in that same field.’

’Then it wouldn’t matter if a Great Emperor or Saint descended to the mortal world.’

’You could still sweep them aside, invincible!’

’All Paths Perfection...’

A glint flickered in Wu Dao’s eyes.

If he could achieve 100% Potential Release, master Soul Cultivation and Transverse Cultivation, and bring all his Great Divine Techniques to the stage of Nine Transformations Limit Perfection...

’...would he be qualified to be called unparalleled through all of history?’

CREAK~

The courtyard door closed again.

Mo Chen wiped the nervous sweat from his forehead and turned to Wu Dao and Zhou Chen. "My apologies, Uncle Wu, Uncle Zhou. Grandmaster Qing is a good person; he meant no harm."

"One can’t be too careful of others. He is right."

Zhou Chen shook his head with a faint smile.

Wu Dao, however, paid no mind to the small interruption.

They continued up the steps.

In front of the Mo Family Mansion,

Mo Chen stopped and turned to Wu Dao and Zhou Chen with a dry cough. "Ahem, the mansion is too big... I’m not used to living there, so..."

Wu Dao looked up.

The gates of the Mo Family Mansion were shut tight and latched, looking as if they hadn’t been opened in a long time. Or perhaps there was no money for its upkeep?

After a complicated glance at the great mansion,

Mo Chen led Wu Dao and Zhou Chen around a small bluestone path outside the perimeter wall, arriving at the highest point of the hill behind the mansion.

It was a simple, small courtyard with a wicker fence.

A wooden house.

A main hall, bedrooms on either side, a kitchen, and two vegetable patches in front of the door—the entire yard could be seen at a glance.

"You damn brat, my vegetables!"

Before they had even entered the yard,

Mo Chen cursed through gritted teeth.

He quickly opened the wicker gate.

Dejectedly, he fell to the ground, staring at the two vegetable patches, which were covered in tiny footprints and completely devoid of seedlings. He felt the urge to draw a blade and cut someone down.

"HOO~ SHOO~"

"HOO~ SHOO~"

GRIND GRIND...

Just then,

a childish snore loud enough to blow the roof off, accompanied by the sound of grinding teeth, echoed through the small yard. Even Wu Dao and Zhou Chen, who were outside the gate, could hear it clearly.

THUMP-THUMP~

Listening to that unrestrained snoring, Wu Dao’s eyes narrowed slightly, and his heart began to beat uncontrollably.

That strange sense of attraction and longing had become even clearer

after arriving at the small courtyard.

’Could it be...’

Zhou Chen, meanwhile, gave Wu Dao a peculiar look, noticing his strange expression.

’As expected of Alliance Leader Wu.’

’Even his opportunities are so unconventional.’

"Hoo... shoo... Hmm... Meat?!"

While the three were lost in their own thoughts,

the sound of snoring and teeth-grinding suddenly stopped.

Then...

...the sound of a short sprint rang out.

BANG!

The wooden door of the bedroom to the left of the main hall was brutally kicked open from the inside, nearly breaking off its hinges.

A...

Er.

A... creature?

A... thing?

Running on all fours, a white-haired, bizarre creature slobbered as it leaped several meters, baring its teeth and claws.

It landed with facehugger-like precision on the food container next to Mo Chen. Its small hands rudely tore off the lid, splashing sauce all over him.

"You damn brat, you have no mann—AH!"

Mo Chen’s face was a mask of indignation. He scrambled on all fours, trying to snatch the food container back.

But the ’bizarre creature’ was extremely fierce. It bit down hard on Mo Chen’s arm, making him cry out in pain.

"Get lost! It’s all Yaya’s!"

What was worse,

the ’bizarre creature’ was also extremely protective of its food.

It stuck out a small foot and kicked Mo Chen viciously in the butt.

After kicking Mo Chen over into the vegetable patch,

it sat down in the dirt and began to gorge itself, cheeks puffing out. It shoveled down the dishes like someone tossing dumplings into their mouth, swallowing them whole like a starving beast, without a care for manners or decency.

"This..."

At the courtyard gate,

Zhou Chen looked at the little girl, who was eating like a reincarnated hungry ghost, then glanced at Wu Dao beside him. As if comparing something, he teased,

"Alliance Leader Wu, are you here for a family reunion today?"

"Heh, perhaps."

A slight smile touched Wu Dao’s lips. His gaze was fixed on the white-haired little girl gorging herself like a young beast in the vegetable patch, and the more he looked, the more satisfied he felt.

To call her a girl wasn’t quite accurate.

To be precise, she should be a young woman.

Because according to Mo Chen,

she should be fourteen years old this year.

But to an unknowing observer,

she would only be mistaken for a seven or eight-year-old child.

Because she was just too small.

In Wu Dao’s eyes,

she was a meter tall at most.

But she wasn’t malformed or underdeveloped.

It was as if time had frozen for her.

Her skin was tender and still held a childish innocence; her hands and feet were milky-white and plump; her cute face still had a bit of baby fat.

Her body was covered only by a black garment that had clearly been shortened. A mane of white hair, like the finest silk yet somewhat frizzy and messy, cascaded down to her ankles, obscuring most of her face.

As her white hair swayed,

one could glimpse a pair of dreamy, ruby-like eyes.

She was delicate and exquisite,

like an elf that had wandered into the mortal realm.

Of course,

that was assuming one could ignore her terrible personality.

And...

...the two rows of neat, interlocking, blood-jade-colored, triangular shark teeth in her Taotie-like mouth!

It was because of this

that Zhou Chen had teased Wu Dao about being here for a family reunion.

Because, aside from Wu Dao, she was the only other

being in whose mouth he had seen such inhuman, ferocious teeth, like those of a Fierce Beast.

There were no signs of them being artificial;

it seemed they were Innate.

Connecting this to the special nature of the Dragon Mud Cave Heaven,

Zhou Chen was certain.

This little girl was definitely not human.

She was very likely the cub of a great and terrible beast!