After Xiao Yu left, Mo Yu remained alone in the hall, basking in the attention of everyone present.
"Mo Yu..." At that moment, Xiao Ning approached, looking embarrassed and stammering, unsure of what to say.
Previously, Xiao Ning had been far superior to Mo Yu in both age and status. However, after the recent events, Mo Yu's position in the Xiao family had undoubtedly surpassed his, and now he was to become his brother-in-law.
Although age differences in marriages are not as significant in the Dou Qi Continent, with powerful individuals often being much older than ordinary people, the situation was still difficult for Xiao Ning to accept, especially since Xiao Yu was only a few years older than Mo Yu.
"Just call me by my name," Mo Yu said lightly, noticing Xiao Ning's discomfort.
Mo Yu was quite calm about the marriage between their families and did not see it as a major event. Given his experiences, including facing death twice, he was accustomed to handling such situations with composure.
The world operates on interests, and Xiao Zhan, as a father, had been surprised and then relieved when he learned of Xiao Yan's returned talent. He had always encouraged Xiao Yan, and this was a family matter, not involving outsiders like Mo Yu.
Mo Yu also considered that if he refused the marriage, the Xiao family might view him unfavorably and potentially act against him. Given the Xiao family's historical resilience and influence, even his current strength as a fighter made it clear that opposing them could be dangerous.
As Mo Yu pondered this, the Great Elder approached. A gleam of light appeared in his aged eyes as he placed a hand on Mo Yu's shoulder and said, "I trust you will take good care of Yu'er. Please don't disappoint me."
Mo Yu knew that the Great Elder had raised Xiao Yu single-handedly, as her parents were frequently away. The weight of the Great Elder's words was significant.
Despite being inexperienced with such matters, Mo Yu nodded solemnly at the old man's earnest request.
Butler Mo also came over, offering Mo Yu a kind look and saying, "Miss Xiao Yu is smart and beautiful. I'm sure you will treat her well."
Mo Yu felt a bit overwhelmed by the two old men's earnest instructions and could only nod in agreement.
Xiao Zhan then stepped in, adding, "I've watched Xiaoyu grow up. You won't be wrong to entrust her to him."
With that, Xiao Zhan produced a small golden cloth bag from his ring and handed it to Mo Yu. "Here are five second-level lightning magic cores. Consider them the family's dowry for Yu'er."
Mo Yu was taken aback. The market value of five second-level lightning magic cores was substantial, amounting to tens of thousands of gold coins. Although the Xiao family was powerful, this amount of money was still significant.
With these magic cores, Mo Yu was confident he could advance to a two-star fighter or even a three-star fighter quickly. After a moment of consideration, he accepted the cores.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhan smiled, knowing that the best way to win over someone like Mo Yu was through such generous gestures. The Xiao family had long understood this strategy.
The dinner eventually concluded in a cheerful atmosphere. After Xiao Zhan's farewell, Mo Yu said his goodbyes to his grandfather and left the Xiao family estate.
**Xiao Family, Back Mountain**
The usually desolate back mountain looked more picturesque under the moonlight, especially with the presence of a graceful figure.
"You're here."
As a thin black figure approached slowly, the graceful figure spoke coldly.
Under the moonlight, the graceful figure revealed herself as Xiao Yu. She had changed out of her blue dress and back into her school uniform. Her plump chest rose and fell slightly as she glared at the black figure, saying, "Do you know why I asked you to come here?"
"Is it about the marriage?" Mo Yu responded calmly.
"Didn't you say you would resolve this?" Xiao Yu's eyes flashed with frustration.
Mo Yu rubbed his nose awkwardly and shrugged, saying, "I intended to discuss this with the clan leader, but I didn't expect them to act so quickly and discuss it directly with my grandfather. Now that the decision has been made, there's no way to reject it."
He had been too weak at the time to refuse the arrangement, which would have been risky.
Xiao Yu pursed her lips. Although she knew Mo Yu was speaking the truth and that she couldn't resist the decision made by her grandfather, she was still angry. She glared at Mo Yu with stubborn eyes.
Seeing this, Mo Yu thought for a moment and said, "Even though the marriage has been confirmed, it doesn't mean we have to marry immediately. How about this: I will leave the Xiao family for a few years to make my own way. Before I go, I'll give you a letter of divorce, so we'll have no further connection. How does that sound?"
Mo Yu considered this the best solution. By leaving the Xiao family, he would avoid suppression and, in a few years, would gain enough strength to be respected rather than dismissed.
However, this suggestion was not well received by Xiao Yu. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her anger, and leaped off the boulder, saying through gritted teeth, "Divorce? How dare you insult me like that!"
While chastity was not mandated in the Dou Qi Continent, a letter of divorce was a significant shame for a virgin girl. If this became known, Xiao Yu would face great humiliation.
"Since you're known as the genius of the family, let's settle this with a fight. If I lose, I'll marry you. If you lose, you'll agree to the divorce."
Xiao Yu's voice was cold, and a hint of mockery appeared in her eyes.