The Seventh Base

Lowell imagined many possibilities for this battle, but he never thought it would be so disastrous, being defeated in an instant.

To Xu Mo, fighting him seemed like… playing.

They were not on the same level.

This feeling left Lowell somewhat despairing; he was the top of this year's Mystic God Temple, fifth in the Ten Temple Alliance. How could the gap be so vast?

Lowell looked down at his torn clothes and still had blood at the corner of his mouth. He showed a bitter smile, seemingly mocking himself.

This battle completely shattered his confidence.

In the previous fight with Augustus, he at least had some power to fight back. Although he eventually lost, it didn't destroy his confidence. Instead, it made him more confident in his own combat power; he thought he might have a chance to try battling Xu Mo.

Then... there was no "then."

Lowell looked up at Xu Mo and said, "It seems I'm still far behind."

The expressions of those watching around were equally fascinating, filled with surprise, astonishment, confusion, and shock, especially many newcomers of this year's Mystic God Temple. Many of them highly esteemed Lowell, believing he was not weaker than the geniuses of the previous generation.

But the outcome was unbearable.

Xu Mo, is he really that fierce?

"Junior Brother's combat power is already quite good; the attack is strong and his speed is outstanding, stronger than the top ten of the previous Ten Temple Alliance." Xu Mo said.

"Senior Brother, you don't need to console me." Lowell said, mocking himself.

"It's not consolation. You can ask participants from the previous year. I've cultivated one more year, accessing the core cultivation resources of the Mystic God Temple, along with my abilities countering yours, which results in this outcome." Xu Mo said, "Junior Brother Lowell, don't be discouraged. With just your speed, you have few adversaries in the same realm. If the attack power strengthens in the future, you might become invincible."

"Is that so?" Lowell thought to himself. It seemed somewhat reasonable. After listening to Xu Mo's words, he started feeling capable again, and when he looked at Xu Mo, his gaze softened somewhat.

From the result of this battle, Xu Mo's talent was evidently above his; yet, he showed no arrogance of a victor, only humble politeness, willing to guide him.

He had heard that the top geniuses of the Mystic God Temple often had rather peculiar personalities, yet Xu Mo seemed different.

"Senior Brother Xu Mo, may I consult with you again in the future?" Lowell asked.

"Of course, as long as I'm not in a cultivation state." Xu Mo replied.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Xu Mo." Lowell felt somewhat grateful.

"Senior Brother Xu Mo, can I give it a try?" At this moment, a Transcendent from outside spoke up. He was also a newcomer this year, ranking quite high, among the top ten on the leaderboard.

"Yes, I happen to have some free time today." Xu Mo nodded.

"Great." The person seemed excited as he stepped onto the battlefield, for it's a rare opportunity to engage in real battle with one of the top talents from the previous year.

As a result, members continued to step forward to request real battles with Xu Mo, but all were easily defeated, with none standing a chance; furthermore, Xu Mo's targeted approach allowed them to gain insights.

Erin Uranos saw Xu Mo busy on the battlefield and showed a strange expression; how is Xu Mo so free today?

She did not understand Xu Mo's intention. In the same year, many were unconvinced about him, and people like Gisman often provoked him.

This year's newcomers were different, being a year younger, they carried some respect due to his past splendid achievements, combined with his displayed strength, leading to some amount of admiration.

This is influence, take it without question.

More and more people heard and came over; this year's newcomers arrived in succession. The relatively strong ones had generally sparred with Xu Mo; though defeated, there were no grievances, only gratitude, because even Lowell, who ranked first, was soundly defeated. They had no illusions, just pure curiosity to see how strong Xu Mo truly was.

After a big battle, the newcomers were exceptionally impressed by Xu Mo.

Strong power, without arrogance.

"If you keep going, Senior Brother Xu Mo's time might get spent entirely here." Lowell, who had been observing the fights, grew more amazed; he could also defeat others, but there's no way it could be done with such ease as Xu Mo, even when Xu Mo defeated him it was like this.

Everyone stopped; many expressed their thanks.

"Thank you for the hard work, Senior Brother Xu Mo." Lowell said sincerely.

"It's a rare opportunity to spar with you all, it's the right thing to do. Usually, everyone is cultivating, and I don't have much time either." Xu Mo said with a smile, "Cultivating together at Mystic God Temple, mutually promoting each other, progressing together."

While watching Xu Mo, Erin Uranos felt a ripple in her heart; Xu Mo's goodwill was directly maximized, combining with his Mystic God Temple true heir status and combat power, he showed subtle leadership qualities.

This led Erin Uranos to have an odd thought: is Xu Mo aiming to become a leading figure amongst the Mystic God Temple cultivators? If truly so, once Xu Mo ascends to become a Great Practitioner, he might easily rally support.

The people in Mystic God Temple all come from elite backgrounds, and when they venture out, they'll assume important positions.

But Xu Mo didn't overthink, he simply wanted to build good relationships with everyone, as they're all 'good brothers', looking out for each other in the future.

A challenge brought Xu Mo considerable fame, and the newcomers at Mystic God Temple admired this senior brother greatly.

For a while thereafter, Lowell contacted Xu Mo several times, asking about various cultivation matters. Xu Mo would chat with Lowell, and his insights benefited Lowell.

During this period, the two sparred again. Although the result was the same, Lowell wasn't bothered by the outcome but focused more on his own progress.

Unknowingly, he ceased to hope he could pose a threat to Xu Mo, realizing his own progress was sufficient.

Clearly, Lowell had found his place, acknowledging that defeating Xu Mo was impossible.

Besides Lowell, Xu Mo also sparred with other cultivators, gaining another wave of fame.

Thus, Xu Mo's reputation continued to rise within Mystic God Temple.

However, there were discordant voices claiming Xu Mo was scheming, aiming to become the leader of Mystic God Temple, intentionally garnering favor, with ulterior motives.

Currently, it's unknown where these voices are coming from.

Obviously, Xu Mo ignored them, continuing to be absorbed in his own cultivation.

On this day, Ross and his group finally arrived at Chloe Star, where Lan Qing had gone out to meet them.

Ross and the others lacked Chloe Star's transit permit and proper procedures and identity, so their entry wasn't guaranteed. Lan Qing, being the daughter of Lansiding Star's governor, could escort them in by vouching for them.

"Senior Brother Xu Mo, are you available?" Lowell wanted to spar with Xu Mo again. Sparring meant Lowell taking a beating, but he seemed addicted to it.

"Today, friends and some elders are visiting from afar, so I need to welcome them. Let's do this another day." Xu Mo replied.

Lowell was surprised. Xu Mo had friends and elders?

The relationships within Mystic God Temple were relatively simple, focused solely on cultivation without delving into other matters. Lowell had never inquired about Xu Mo's identity, but Xu Mo had stirred quite a commotion when joining Mystic God Temple without a recommendation quota, clearly lacking a background.

"Are Senior Brother Xu Mo's friends and elders coming from other planets?" Lowell asked.

"Yes." Xu Mo nodded.

"Shall I send someone to assist?" Lowell offered.

"No need for trouble. I have a good relationship with Erin's family and have already requested assistance from the Uranos Family." Xu Mo responded.

"I'm free too, so I'll join you." Lowell suggested, considering he'd troubled Senior Brother Xu Mo several times, and if he wanted to progress to being good friends, this was the opportunity to get closer to Xu Mo.

Clearly, like Lowell, Xu Mo also wished to develop their friendship.

"If you don't mind wasting time, I have no objections." Xu Mo said 'reservedly'.

"No worries." Lowell replied cheerfully.

Xu Mo also invited Erin. He met with Zero, Erin, and gathered with Lowell outside Mystic God Temple.

"Senior Sister Zero." Lowell called out upon seeing Zero. It was his first time meeting the legendary Senior Sister 'Zero', who had defeated the Ten Temple leader, Oxso.

Zero glanced at Lowell and nodded gently without speaking.

"Your Senior Sister Zero doesn't speak much." Xu Mo remarked.

"Understood." Naturally, Lowell didn't mind, and the group proceeded outside. Curious, he asked, "I've always wondered where Senior Brother Xu Mo is from?"

"I come from far away, a place not part of the O'Brian Republic." Xu Mo explained. "But specifically where, I can't tell you. Our Star Domain is quite weak, and with the intensifying interstellar wars, I don't wish to endanger my homeland."

Hearing Xu Mo's words, Lowell paused, instantly envisioning an inspirational tale.

Xu Mo's Star Domain was extremely weak, yet it produced two super-genius individuals. So, Senior Brother Xu Mo carried the hope of the Star Domain, coming to the Republic to cultivate and fight for his homeland.

Thus, Lowell naturally didn't pursue further questions.

"This time, my friends, elders, and a scientific research team have arrived. We're looking to establish a foothold in the Republic and conduct technology research. In the future, I might need your help." Xu Mo continued.

"Indeed!" Lowell felt a sense of admiration, thinking he guessed right. A weak Star Domain first sent the genius Xu Mo out, now deploying a research team for exploration and development.

It seemed that Senior Brother Xu Mo bore a tremendous mission.

"Rest assured, if Senior Brother Xu Mo ever needs help, wherever I can assist, I will." Lowell stated nobly.

Seeing Lowell's earnest expression, Xu Mo blinked, feeling somewhat spirited and courageous.

What is this situation?