Chapter 357: Four-Star Dou Huang, A Five-Year Promise
Before they knew it, almost a month had passed since the uproar caused by the Yun Lan Sect incident. During this time, after meeting with Xiao Yixian, Mo Yu secluded himself in a chamber to absorb the energy from the Xuan Yin Poison Thunder.
Thanks to Xiao Yixian's years of tireless nurturing, the Xuan Yin Poison Thunder was now just one step away from reaching its peak state. Ranked eighth on the Xuan Thunder List, its power was almost on par with that of the Vermilion Bird Flame Thunder and the Devouring Yuan True Thunder.
Both the Vermilion Bird Flame Thunder and the Devouring Yuan True Thunder had significantly aided Mo Yu's growth, providing him with the energy resources necessary to reach the Dou Huang level by the age of twenty.
Though the Xuan Yin Poison Thunder had yet to reach its peak, even its energy in its current mature state was enough to push Mo Yu, who was already at the one-star Dou Huang level, up several more ranks.
Inside the Xiao Residence's Quiet Chamber
In a secluded chamber within the Xiao Residence, the young man with silver eyes sat cross-legged on a stone bed, hands in a meditative position, his breathing steady and deep. With every breath he took, ripples of energy spread through the air, drawing visible strands of Xuan Thunder energy into his meridians and limbs.
After nearly a month of absorbing the Xuan Yin Poison Thunder's energy, Mo Yu finally opened his eyes. His silver irises flashed with a faint trace of lightning, which quickly disappeared, leaving his gaze calm and steady.
Despite his seemingly ordinary appearance, those with keen senses could tell that Mo Yu's aura had grown stronger compared to a month ago.
"Four-star Dou Huang!"
Clenching his fist tightly, Mo Yu felt a surge of immense power coursing through his body. A smile of satisfaction appeared on his lips as he relished his newfound strength.
After spending a month absorbing the Xuan Yin Poison Thunder's energy, Mo Yu had leaped three stars, reaching the level of a four-star Dou Huang.
Even without his powerful trump cards like the Golden Thunder Orb or the Black Gold Thunder Pellet, his four-star Dou Huang strength, combined with his deep reservoir of energy, made him nearly invincible at the Dou Huang level.
"These breakthroughs from the Xuan Thunder always feel incredible. Too bad such opportunities are becoming rarer," Mo Yu sighed, shaking his head.
Over time, as he continued to unlock the twelve Xuan Thunders from the Xuan Thunder List, he had already awakened nearly half of them. However, as his strength grew, the energy feedback from these Xuan Thunders had a diminishing effect on his overall progress.
Only if he could cultivate the top three Xuan Thunders to their peak states would he see significant leaps in power. Otherwise, he might only gain one or two star levels at most from the remaining Xuan Thunders.
Nevertheless, even with these limitations, Mo Yu's cultivation speed was still far faster than that of an average person. At the age of twenty, reaching the level of a four-star Dou Huang was something that would be considered a prodigy even in Central Plains.
Stretching lazily, Mo Yu left the secluded chamber and walked into the hall, where he found a golden figure standing with a commanding presence.
This person, upon seeing Mo Yu, quickly approached and respectfully greeted him, "Greetings, Master!"
This scene would surely leave anyone who witnessed it in shock because this golden figure was none other than Yan Luotian, the leader of the Jin Yan Sect and the most powerful fighter in the Jin Yan Empire!
As a Dou Zong (Dou Sect) powerhouse, Yan Luotian's reputation stretched across the entire Northwest Continent. To see him bowing before Mo Yu and addressing him as "Master" was nothing short of astonishing.
Yan Luotian still looked the same as before, except for the addition of a black lotus mark on his forehead, a sign of his enslavement under Mo Yu's control.
Mo Yu casually took a seat and closed his eyes to rest, showing no surprise at Yan Luotian's subservient behavior.
Before going into seclusion, Mo Yu had used the Black Lotus Soul Thunder to enslave Yan Luotian, ensuring that he wouldn't attempt any tricks. After devouring the souls of Yun Shan and the three elders of Mulan Valley, the Black Lotus Soul Thunder had grown stronger, now capable of controlling a low-level Dou Zong.
With a Dou Zong-level combatant now added to Yuan Manor's forces, Mo Yu felt their power would only continue to grow.
Seeing that Mo Yu was at ease, Yan Luotian respectfully retrieved a golden scroll from his storage ring and offered it to Mo Yu, saying, "Master, this is the secret technique of my Jin Yan Sect. I offer it to you as a token of my loyalty."
"Oh?" Mo Yu's eyes opened as he took the golden scroll from Yan Luotian. His interest piqued when he saw the words inscribed on it.
"Sky Swallowing Nine Movements Wings."
"Ah, a flying technique. So, it's this one," Mo Yu muttered with a hint of curiosity.
At his current level as a Dou Huang, most flying techniques were not much faster than his Dou Qi wings. However, Mo Yu knew that the 'Sky Swallowing Nine Movements Wings' was no ordinary flying technique—it was capable of transforming into tangible wings that provided extraordinary speed.
Yan Luotian noticed Mo Yu's interest and quickly explained, "Master, the Sky Swallowing Nine Movements Wings is not merely a flying technique; it's also a crafting method for creating these wings using the bones of magical beasts. My ancestor stumbled upon this technique by chance, which has since become the Jin Yan Sect's most treasured skill."
Hearing this, Mo Yu nodded thoughtfully. He was well aware of the potential of this technique. In the original story, Xiao Yan had combined this flying technique with the bones of a Sky Demon Phoenix, resulting in incredible speed.
Although Mo Yu had powerful teleportation abilities through the Void Lightning Break Thunder, he knew that it had its limitations. If he could combine his teleportation with the Sky Swallowing Nine Movements Wings, even a Dou Zong might struggle to catch him.
Determined to master the technique, Mo Yu decided to save the golden scroll until he could acquire a higher-quality magical beast bone, like that of the Sky Demon Phoenix.
Just as Mo Yu was putting the scroll away, a servant entered the hall to announce that Nalan Yanran had come to visit him with an urgent message.
Hearing this, Mo Yu was momentarily taken aback. When he met Nalan Yanran, she explained that Yun Yun wanted to see him.
After relaying the message, Nalan Yanran noticed Xiao Yan coming into the hall. Her face changed slightly, and she quickly turned to leave.
Mo Yu exchanged brief greetings with Xiao Yan and then hurried after Nalan Yanran, following her out of the capital.
As they flew, Nalan Yanran headed straight for the direction of Yun Lan Mountain, and Mo Yu noticed with some surprise that she had reached the peak of the Dou Wang level.
This sudden increase in her strength made sense to Mo Yu as he recalled the original storyline, where Nalan Yanran had undergone a life-and-death trial that pushed her to the peak of Dou Wang.
Soon, Yun Lan Mountain appeared in the distance, towering into the clouds. Mo Yu quickened his pace, arriving at the mountain's base just as Nalan Yanran reached the top.
They crossed through dense forests and arrived at a steep cliff. There, standing gracefully on the edge, was Yun Yun.
Nalan Yanran gave Mo Yu a complex look before quietly leaving the two alone. As Mo Yu approached Yun Yun, she turned around slowly, her elegant face calm and serene.
"You're here," Yun Yun said softly, her voice filled with melancholy.
"Are you leaving the Jia Ma Empire?" Mo Yu asked, sensing her intentions.
Yun Yun nodded slightly. "Yun Lan Sect is no more, and there's no reason for me to stay. I've been trapped in the Jia Ma Empire for so many years; it's time I see the world beyond."
"You're forgetting about our five-year promise," Mo Yu said suddenly.
Yun Yun's eyes widened slightly as she recalled the vow they had made. "I thought you were just boasting back then. I never imagined you would actually become a Dou Huang."
"I always keep my promises. Now, it's your turn to keep yours—be my woman," Mo Yu said, taking a step closer, his gaze unwavering.
Yun Yun gave a faint smile, her beauty shining like a fleeting blossom, captivating Mo Yu. But then she shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with both sorrow and warmth.
"I don't hate you, Mo Yu. I understand that you were avenging your family against Yun Lan Sect. But to ask me to be your woman... I just can't do it right now," Yun Yun said with a hint of sadness.
Mo Yu's face darkened slightly, his frustration evident as he stared at the woman who had always occupied a special place in his heart.
"Do you really have to leave?" he asked quietly.
Yun Yun gazed into his eyes, her own softening. "I need to leave, Mo Yu. Perhaps one day, when my heart is at peace, I'll return. And then, I will honor that five-year promise and be yours."
She reached out her hand and gently caressed his cheek, her touch soft and warm.
Feeling the warmth of her touch, Mo Yu's expression softened. He knew he couldn't force her to stay, no matter how much he wanted to.
"Take this with you," Mo Yu said, summoning a powerful fire puppet from his storage ring. "It will protect you in the dangerous lands ahead. This way, I can be at ease knowing you're safe."
Yun Yun was stunned by his gesture. She knew the puppet's strength well—it was even capable of defeating powerful foes like Yun Shan.
Looking at Mo Yu with warmth and gratitude, Yun Yun's eyes shimmered with a mix of emotions. She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips, a simple gesture that sent his heart racing.
Unable to hold back any longer, Mo Yu pulled Yun Yun close and kissed her deeply, pouring all his emotions into that moment. Though Yun Yun resisted at first, she soon gave in, embracing the moment fully.
On that cliff, under the starry sky, two hearts finally opened to each other, sharing a moment that neither would ever forget.
(End of Chapter)
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