Chapter 307: Arrival of the Heavenly Snake Mansion, Zi Huo Emerges
In Mo City, inside the grand hall of Yuan Manor.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was both tense and oppressive. If an outsider familiar with Yuan Manor's inner workings were present, they would certainly be shocked. Nearly all the high-ranking members of Yuan Manor's seven halls, including those of the soon-to-be-established Heavenly Snake Hall, had gathered here.
For so many experts to gather in one place, something major must have happened.
"Lord, what has occurred that requires summoning all of us here for discussion?" Xiao Li stepped forward, his gaze briefly passing over Cai Lin, who stood beside Mo Yu, a flicker of awe in his eyes, before addressing Mo Yu directly.
Over the past month, Yuan Manor's reputation had continued to soar, even overshadowing the Black Alliance. Despite Mo Yu being in seclusion for training, Yuan Manor's development had not slowed down at all. Compared to a month ago, the strength of their lower and middle ranks had doubled.
The establishment of the Thousand Medicine Hall filled the final gap in Yuan Manor's defenses, and with their exclusive weapons crafted by the Hundred Weapons Hall, the number of strong warriors eager to join Yuan Manor was so large that they could form a line circling Mo City twice.
With Yuan Manor thriving, not just Xiao Li but everyone present was curious about what urgent matter had caused Mo Yu to summon them as soon as he emerged from seclusion.
Seeing the puzzled expressions around him, Mo Yu didn't keep them in suspense and went straight to the point. "The reason I've gathered everyone here today is to announce two things."
With that, he glanced at the cold and proud Cai Lin beside him and gave a wry smile. "First, this is Cai Lin. She is a Dou Zong (Dou Sect) expert, and from now on, Yuan Manor will establish a new division called the Heavenly Snake Hall. Cai Lin will be the Hall Master, and Qing Lin will serve as the Vice Hall Master.
"As for the personnel of the Heavenly Snake Hall, Cousin Xiao Li, I'll leave that to you. Ensure the hall forms combat power as quickly as possible."
As Mo Yu finished speaking, the high-ranking members of Yuan Manor stared in shock at the graceful figure behind him.
"Dou Zong!"
While they had long known that Mo Yu possessed a Dou Zong-level puppet with battle strength equal to, if not stronger than, an ordinary Dou Zong, actually facing a Dou Zong expert in person still left them shaken.
Although the Black-Corner Region boasted many powerful figures, Dou Zong-level experts were few and far between, likely no more than could be counted on two hands. And now their lord had recruited a Dou Zong to join Yuan Manor—truly an astonishing achievement.
Those from Central Plains, like Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing, had always viewed the Black-Corner Region as a backward wilderness and secretly looked down on its inhabitants. Yet Mo Yu had thoroughly earned their respect. Even in their prestigious families, a Dou Zong expert was considered an elite.
Moreover, Cai Lin's powerful aura made it clear she was no ordinary Dou Zong. While they were amazed by Mo Yu's achievement, they couldn't help but feel envious. Such a uniquely beautiful and powerful woman, along with the equally impressive Qing Lin—they realized Mo Yu was incredibly lucky.
Xiao Li, too, was astonished. Although he had learned a few details from Qing Lin, the more he learned, the more shocked he became. As someone from the Jia Ma Empire who had spent years in the Tagore Desert, he was well aware of the notorious reputation of Queen Medusa of the Snake-People Tribe.
In the past, even the top ten experts of the Jia Ma Empire had suffered defeats at the hands of Queen Medusa during their attacks on the Snake-People Tribe. Since then, the royal family had avoided provoking her.
Now, this dangerously alluring woman standing before him was none other than the infamous Queen Medusa. Cold sweat trickled down Xiao Li's face, but he couldn't help admiring Mo Yu for having the audacity to win her over. Mo Yu, my cousin, you really outdid yourself this time.
Glancing at Xiao Yu, who stood calmly behind Mo Yu, Xiao Li felt a sense of relief. To be honest, after witnessing Mo Yu's extraordinary talents, he had begun to feel that their family's marriage arrangement with Mo Yu might have been too hasty. If Mo Yu were just a normal genius, the marriage would have been mutually beneficial, but his talents were so exceptional that even among the geniuses of Jia Nan Academy, he stood out as one of the best.
Considering Mo Yu's greatness, Xiao Yu's more modest talents seemed like an overreach for their family. Even the daughters of the great clans of the Central Plains wouldn't have been out of Mo Yu's league.
For a time, Xiao Li worried that the marriage might create a rift between Mo Yu and the Xiao family. If it weren't for the current crisis with his father, Xiao Zhan, being imprisoned and the family lacking strong leadership, he might have already suggested canceling the engagement. That way, even if Mo Yu wasn't particularly pleased with the marriage, it could avoid further damaging their relationship.
However, after careful observation, Xiao Li was pleased to discover that Mo Yu wasn't the type to abandon past commitments. He didn't show any signs of rejecting Xiao Yu or resenting the marriage. This realization made Xiao Li very happy. With such a capable and loyal son-in-law, plus the talent of Xiao Yan, their family's future looked promising.
With these thoughts in mind, Xiao Li quickly responded, "Understood, my lord. A few days ago, some students from Jia Nan Academy arrived, along with a group of strong warriors from the Black-Corner Region. That should be enough to quickly build up the Heavenly Snake Hall's combat strength."
"Good." Mo Yu nodded, glancing briefly at Cai Lin, who showed little reaction, before exhaling quietly. His expression soon turned serious.
Mo Yu's sudden change in demeanor didn't go unnoticed, and the room grew tense. Everyone knew that whatever he was about to say next was the real reason for the meeting.
"Ahem, everyone," Mo Yu said, his tone heavy, "I've received some insider information. The Elder of Eagle Mountain has joined the Black Alliance."
"That old buzzard! So he's decided to oppose us after all!" Ling Feng spat, anger flaring in his eyes. As one of the few Black-Corner Region locals present, Ling Feng was well aware of Eagle Mountain Elder's reputation and felt his fury grow.
"Hmph! What does it matter if the Black Alliance has Eagle Mountain Elder? We're allied with the academy, and the Grand Elder is on our side. With him and the Fire Spirit Puppet you control, we don't need to fear the Black Alliance. But Lord, you didn't summon us just to say that, right? Is there more? Did the Black Alliance recruit other experts?" Lin Xiuya asked, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"You're right, Lin Xiuya. Lord, you might as well tell us. Are we facing a major battle soon? I just broke through to Dou Wang, and I can't wait to fight the Black Alliance for three hundred rounds!" Qian Mo said, shaking his chubby body with a grin.
Mo Yu glanced at Qian Mo and Lin Xiuya, noting the solid auras surrounding them. They had indeed broken through to the Dou Wang level. Not only them, but Liu Qing and Lin Xiuya had also stabilized their Dou Wang-level strength, with Lin Xiuya even reaching the second star of Dou Wang.
Seeing this, Mo Yu raised an eyebrow. These geniuses from Jia Nan Academy had truly earned their reputation—breaking through to Dou Wang at such a young age. In the Jia Ma Empire, they would easily challenge the top ten experts.
"It's true. We're facing a major battle, and it's going to be a tough one," Mo Yu said, his fingers tapping the table rhythmically. "According to reliable information, Bai Han, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Snake Mansion, a two-star Dou Zong, is leading a team of three Dou Huangs and five Dou Wangs into the Black-Corner Region. He has already reached an agreement with Han Feng to join forces with the Black Alliance and target Yuan Manor."
"Hiss!"
Everyone in the room drew in a sharp breath. A Dou Zong, three Dou Huangs, and five Dou Wangs—a team of such strength was allying with the Black Alliance!
They had all heard of the Heavenly Snake Mansion's fearsome reputation as one of the top factions in the northwest continent. Even though it was located far from the Black-Corner Region, the mansion had sent such a powerful force here.
Their thoughts immediately turned to the green-eyed girl, Qing Lin, standing behind Mo Yu. Over the past month, they had learned of her true identity. The Heavenly Snake Mansion was likely here for her, their young mistress.
Qing Lin's expression tightened as her green eyes filled with worry, looking up at Mo Yu's slender figure. She hadn't expected the Heavenly Snake Mansion's leaders to send such a powerful force to find her. Not only had the Grand Elder personally come, but he had also brought three Dou Huangs and five Dou Wangs—a force that represented nearly seventy percent of the Heavenly Snake Mansion's strength. The only thing missing was the mansion's leader themselves.
The combined power of the Heavenly Snake Mansion and the Black Alliance was terrifying. Everyone in the room felt a heavy weight on their shoulders. Even with Jia Nan Academy's support, Yuan Manor had only barely managed to maintain the upper hand against the Black Alliance. Now, with the Heavenly Snake Mansion's reinforcements, their advantage had vanished. The Black Alliance and Heavenly Snake Mansion combined had three Dou Zongs and seven Dou Huangs.
In contrast, Yuan Manor had only two Dou Zong-level fighters and three Dou Huangs—a huge disparity in power.
Everyone's gaze turned to Mo Yu.
Since the founding of Yuan Manor, Mo Yu had been their unshakable pillar of support. No matter the problem, as long as Mo Yu was there, it felt solvable.
Mo Yu walked over to Qing Lin, gently ruffling her hair, and smiled. "Silly girl, what's there to worry about? Don't you trust your master?"
"It's not that I don't trust you, Master," Qing Lin replied softly, her face turning slightly red. "I just feel like I'm causing you trouble."
"Hmph! What trouble? If he's really your master, then he shouldn't be afraid of these challenges. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, the Heavenly Snake Mansion won't touch a hair on your head. And if he can't protect you, come with me to the Tagore Desert. I doubt the Heavenly Snake Mansion would dare challenge my Snake-People Tribe!" Cai Lin snorted, directing her cold gaze at Mo Yu before turning to Qing Lin with a reassuring smile.
"Exactly, Qing Lin! Don't worry, Brother Mo Yu will protect you," Zi Yan chimed in.
Xiao Yu squeezed Qing Lin's hand tightly and gave Mo Yu a rare glare. It was clear that if Mo Yu even thought of handing Qing Lin over, she would never forgive him.
Mo Yu blinked in surprise at their reactions, then chuckled. Why do they all look so fierce? I never said I'd give Qing Lin up.
"Don't worry, Qing Lin. Even if the Heavenly Snake Mansion's leader himself came to the Black-Corner Region, I wouldn't hand you over. We've known each other for a long time, haven't we? You should trust your master's abilities," Mo Yu said confidently, patting her head with a smile.
Seeing Mo Yu's charming and confident grin, Qing Lin blushed, her mind flashing back to their first meeting. She softly muttered her agreement.
Even Cai Lin, with her usual icy demeanor, couldn't help but waver slightly. The defenses she had built up around her heart were beginning to crumble.
Mo Yu smiled faintly. Just as he was about to explain his plan to counter the Black Alliance and the Heavenly Snake Mansion, his expression shifted suddenly.
"Roar!"
A thunderous roar echoed across Mo City, and a palpable sonic wave swept through the area, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.
At the same time, an overwhelming and ferocious aura burst out from the depths of Yuan Manor—a Dou Huang-level aura!
Sensing this formidable energy, Mo Yu's eyes lit up. He exclaimed, "It's Zi Huo! Zi Huo has broken through to Dou Huang!"
Since the last battle, Zi Huo, who was on the verge of reaching the Dou Huang level, had gone into seclusion to complete his breakthrough. Two months had passed, and just when Mo Yu thought the mighty lion would remain in seclusion for longer, he had emerged at this critical moment.
Mo Yu's heart filled with joy. With Zi Huo's breakthrough to Dou Huang, his immense strength would make him nearly invincible among Dou Huangs.
As Mo Yu was thinking this, the sound of heavy, earthquake-like footsteps approached from outside the hall. Everyone's gaze turned toward the massive figure entering the room.
The figure was gigantic, his dark skin making him look like a human tower. Just standing there, he exuded a pressure that made it hard to breathe. His naked upper body resembled steel, radiating a powerful and imposing aura. Even Yan, a Dou Huang himself, showed a trace of respect on his face.
The hall fell silent as everyone stood and bowed in unison.
"Congratulations to Lord Zi Huo for successfully breaking through to Dou Huang!"
Mo Yu smiled and walked over to Zi Huo, playfully thumping his chest, which rang out with a metallic sound.
Ignoring the respectful glances directed at him, Zi Huo bowed his head to Mo Yu with utmost reverence and declared, "Master, Zi Huo is ready to follow you through fire and water!"
(End of Chapter)
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