Chapter 427: Rival in Love, The Mission
With the retreat of the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, the intense battle finally came to an end.
No one could have predicted that one of the top powers in the Western Region, the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, would suffer such a devastating loss. Not only had they lost face, but they had also lost Elder Green Sword, a key figure in their ranks.
As the excitement of the Forging Tournament and the fierce battle against the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion settled, the massive crowd around the square slowly dispersed with the end of the conflict.
However, despite the dispersing crowd, the entire city still buzzed with an atmosphere of excitement. The intensity of this year's Forging Tournament had far exceeded everyone's expectations. Just thinking about Mo Yu's ability to turn the tide filled people with excitement.
And the battle that followed the tournament left the audience breathless.
High above in the sky, as Sword Master and his forces retreated, Master Swordsmith's face turned extremely grim.
In his original plan, even with Elder Bing there to protect Mo Yu, the appearance of Sword Master should have made dealing with Mo Yu a simple task. But he hadn't expected Mo Yu to gain the support of Iron Sword Master, and there was clearly more to Mo Yu's background than it seemed.
Beyond that, Mo Yu's natural talent shocked him deeply. To be able to kill a seasoned, peak-level Dou Zong like Green Sword at such a young age was terrifying. If Mo Yu continued to grow, he could easily become one of the strongest individuals on the continent.
Thinking this, the killing intent in Master Swordsmith's heart grew rapidly. However, now that the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion had left, he knew that he alone didn't have the power to kill Mo Yu.
Being a shrewd man, Master Swordsmith knew better than to stay and waste his strength fighting Mo Yu. As a famed blacksmith, he had connections far and wide, and he was confident that one day, he would kill Mo Yu to avenge his disciple.
"Mo Yu, you were lucky today, but we'll meet again. I don't believe you'll always have someone protecting you. One day, I will make you pay for my disciple's death!" Master Swordsmith cast a cold, venomous glare at Mo Yu before his eyes swept over Elder Bing and Iron Sword Master. With a cold snort, he turned and left.
Watching the swordsmith leave, Mo Yu's silver eyes flashed, and he didn't bother hiding his own killing intent.
In some ways, Master Swordsmith was even more dangerous than the entire Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion. The pavilion might be a powerful force, but its real strength lay in Sword Master alone. The rest weren't much of a threat.
However, Master Swordsmith was an eighth-rank blacksmith with a vast and deep network of connections. There was no telling who he might call upon next. He was like a venomous snake, lurking in the shadows, impossible to guard against.
But Mo Yu quickly shook his head. Just like with the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, he simply didn't have the strength right now to take down Master Swordsmith.
Not only was Master Swordsmith an eighth-rank blacksmith, but he was also a respected elder within the Blacksmith Alliance. Mo Yu knew that he couldn't afford to provoke such a figure just yet.
In the end, it all came down to the fact that Mo Yu's current strength wasn't sufficient. He also lacked a powerful and reliable backing.
Realizing this, Mo Yu let out a wry smile, but quickly pushed the thought aside. After all, considering he had only been in Zhongzhou for just over a year, his accomplishments were already terrifying. If he still wasn't satisfied, that would just be greedy.
As for the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion and Master Swordsmith, while they were lurking dangers, once Mo Yu had more time to grow and strengthen himself, he would be able to deal with them once and for all.
"Many thanks to Elder Iron Sword and Elder Bing for your help. I am deeply grateful," Mo Yu said as he approached the two, bowing in thanks as the tense atmosphere began to ease with the departure of the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion and Master Swordsmith.
"No need for thanks. This was the reward you earned," Iron Sword Master said, shaking his head. His rigid face showed no emotion as he handed Mo Yu a small sword token.
"This is my token. If you're ever in danger, crush it, and I will come. As agreed, you have one more chance to call on me."
With that, Iron Sword Master turned and left without another word.
Mo Yu was stunned as he received the token, then smiled wryly as he shook his head.
Iron Sword Master really was a strange old man, with such an eccentric temperament. It was no wonder he had once risked his life to save Yaochen.
"Heh, I didn't expect you to be able to enlist Iron Sword Master. That man may be a loner, but he values loyalty and honor. With his token, you have an extra layer of protection," Elder Bing said with a chuckle after Iron Sword Master had left.
"It was just a coincidence…" Mo Yu replied, not wanting to talk much about Iron Sword Master. He then bowed again to Elder Bing. "You've done me a great favor, Elder Bing. Although you are not my master, I will repay this kindness in the future."
"You're too kind. By winning the Forging Tournament, you've already become an elder of the Blacksmith Alliance. I couldn't stand by and let Master Swordsmith bully you. Moreover, you defeating Qiu Yuanqiao gave both the alliance and all blacksmiths a sense of pride. In a way, I owe you a favor."
Elder Bing smiled as he spoke, looking at the young man before him with surprise and admiration in his old eyes.
Not only was this young man an eighth-rank blacksmith, but he was also strong enough to kill a peak Dou Zong. Such talent was nothing short of extraordinary.
The younger generation was indeed surpassing the old.
Additionally, the sudden appearance of Mang Dian and the others had made Elder Bing even more curious about Mo Yu's mysterious background.
"Night is falling. After the Forging Tournament and the conflict with the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, I'm sure you must be tired. Go and rest for now. I'll let you know when your champion's rewards are ready." Elder Bing smiled.
Hearing this, Mo Yu's eyes lit up.
The Soul Spirit Cavern and the Heavenly Mystical Palace—he had been looking forward to these for a long time.
Thinking of this, Mo Yu nodded gratefully. After all the forging and battling, he was indeed exhausted and in need of rest.
As night fell over the bustling city, the streets remained lively, with people constantly coming and going. Conversations everywhere revolved around the Forging Tournament and Mo Yu's battle with the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion. And most of the buzz focused on the tournament champion—the young man named Mo Yu who had killed Green Sword.
The once unfamiliar name was now etched into everyone's minds. They knew it wouldn't be long before this name would resound throughout all of Zhongzhou.
At that time, Mo Yu would be one of the most dazzling young stars in the land.
While the city was still buzzing with excitement, Mo Yu collapsed onto his bed the moment he returned to his residence, falling into a deep sleep like a dead dog.
After all, forging an eighth-rank weapon was far from easy. To forcibly enhance the weapon's spirit, Mo Yu had exhausted nearly all of his soul power. The toll it took was immense.
And though his battle with Green Sword had ended quickly, activating the second stage of his Thunder Body had drained a lot of his energy. It wasn't as effortless as it had appeared on the surface.
So, after the Forging Tournament, Mo Yu returned to his room and fell asleep almost immediately, as night completely enveloped the city.
"Captain, you're awake! Apologies for not finishing off the remaining enemies yesterday."
The next morning, when Mo Yu awoke, Mang Dian, along with the Black Thunder Banner squad and Qingzhi, approached him.
Mang Dian gave Qingzhi, who was standing firmly behind Mo Yu, a curious glance before bowing in apology.
After Mo Yu had returned to his residence the previous day, Mang Dian and the others had followed him. However, Mo Yu had been too tired to deal with anything and had simply left a word with Qingzhi before falling asleep.
Mang Dian and his men had respectfully guarded the courtyard, not disturbing Mo Yu's rest.
Now, as they looked at Mo Yu, there was no longer any trace of the previous indifference or disdain in their eyes. Instead, they were filled with reverence, respect, and admiration.
Mo Yu had proven his strength through an astonishing display of power—defeating a peak-level Dou Zong as a mere two-star Dou Zong. Such an achievement would cause an uproar even if it reached their tribe.
In the Thunder Clan's history, it had been proven that geniuses like this were destined to become great figures within the clan, provided they didn't fall along the way. By then, Mo Yu would be someone beyond their reach.
For now, they were eager to strengthen their relationship with him while he was still rising.
Wherever there were people, there would be factions. If Mo Yu truly had the potential to become a giant within the Thunder Clan, they were eager to attach themselves to him.
Seeing the reverent gazes of the Black Thunder Banner squad, Mo Yu stretched and smiled faintly.
The Thunder Clan certainly lived up to its name. Their people were direct and valued strength above all else. Once someone displayed overwhelming power, they would naturally submit.
"This isn't your fault. If it hadn't been for Sword Master's intervention, the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion would've been wiped out by you all."
Mo Yu waved off Mang Dian's apology.
Considering that the Black Thunder Banner squad had managed to suppress the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion's forces, he was already impressed. After all, the group they had faced consisted of high-ranking members, all Dou Zong-level experts, including two of the Four Sword Protectors.
While Mang Dian was a peak-level Dou Zong, the rest of his team was only at the six or seven-star Dou Zong level. Yet, they had managed to suppress the pavilion's forces with far fewer numbers. It was terrifying.
This showed the incredible strength of the Thunder Clan. Their warriors were far stronger than those from the outside world and could typically fight across a star or two in rank.
Additionally, the squad had been able to work together, using their thunder beasts to unleash powerful lightning formations that had crushed the pavilion's forces.
If not for Sword Master shattering their lightning formation, they could've likely worn the pavilion's forces down completely.
Thinking of this, Mo Yu's silver eyes glanced curiously at the thunder beasts resting in the courtyard behind Mang Dian and his team.
Noticing Mo Yu's gaze, Mang Dian smiled and explained, "Captain, these are Black Demon Thunder Beasts, specially bred by our clan. They are raised on Black Demon Lightning and contain immense thunder power.
"Every member of the Black Demon Army receives a Black Demon Thunder Beast as a battle companion to assist in combat.
"I've heard that some of the captains in the Eight Banners have Thunder Beasts that have reached the eighth rank, making them incredibly powerful. If you return to the clan, you'll be able to apply for a beast that suits you."
Hearing this, Mo Yu's eyes lit up. This was the first time he had heard such details about the Black Demon Army.
These Thunder Beasts were nourished by Black Demon Lightning, perfectly suited for thunder-related power. Getting one would definitely be a great boost in combat.
As he thought about the Thunder Clan, Mo Yu rubbed his chin, then suddenly asked, "You all grew up in the Thunder Clan. What do people there think of me?"
"Uh…" Mang Dian hesitated, his face showing a trace of unease.
Seeing his expression, Mo Yu understood something but remained calm, patting Mang Dian on the shoulder. "Go ahead, tell me."
Mang Dian glanced at Mo Yu cautiously before letting out a bitter smile. "Captain, to be honest, not much is known about you within the clan. All they know is that you're a member of the Mo family, one of the four subsidiary families, who was exiled.
"As for you being appointed as a captain of the Black Demon Army, other than support from the Mo family and our Mang family remaining neutral, the other two families and most of the Thunder Clan are quite puzzled by it. Some even think… that our clan leader has made a foolish decision."
"As expected," Mo Yu raised an eyebrow, not angry but rather smiling slightly.
His appointment as a captain had been on a whim by Lei Ying, so it wasn't surprising that it caused some controversy.
Apart from the Mo family, the Mang family's neutrality was likely due to Mang Ting's influence.
"Oh, and Captain, I recommend you wait until you've broken through to Dou Zun before returning to the clan," Mang Dian added.
"Breaking through to Dou Zun? Why is that?" Mo Yu asked, frowning.
"Well, Captain, your appointment as a captain isn't what has the clan most concerned. After all, it's the clan leader's decision, and ordinary people are just grumbling.
"What really caused a stir is the fact that you're engaged to Miss Lei Fei'er. That has sparked a lot of jealousy in the clan, and even within the Black Demon Army, some people…"
Mang Dian hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and continued, "Some people think you're unworthy of your position as captain, and that you're not qualified to marry Miss Fei'er. In fact, some of Miss Fei'er's suitors have even vowed to teach you a lesson when you return to the clan!
"One of these suitors is none other than Lei Zhen, the captain of the Yellow Thunder Banner. He's one of the strongest in the Eight Banners. If you don't have the strength of a Dou Zun, I'm afraid…"
Mang Dian trailed off, but Mo Yu understood the implication and couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
Who would've thought that he would attract a powerful rival in love over this?
Shaking his head, Mo Yu pushed the thought aside and looked at Mang Dian.
"We can deal with the clan later. For now, I have a task for you."
"Please, give your orders," Mang Dian replied, his expression turning serious.
"Escort a faction back to Zhongzhou."
Mang Dian was taken aback, then quickly nodded. "What faction?"
"Black-Corner Region, the Yuan Manor."
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10