For exclusive access to 500+ advanced chapters and more, visit my Ko-fi page and support the journey:
ko-fi.com/laoyao95
Laoyao with L yeahh..thanks for the support.
or Support me at patreon for 500+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk
**
With the retreat of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, the earth-shaking battle finally came to an end.
No one had expected that a top-tier force like the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion of the Western Region would suffer such a severe loss. Not only was their reputation tarnished, but they also lost a key figure, Elder Qing Jian.
As the battle and the Refining Convention concluded, the massive crowds surrounding the square began to disperse gradually. Yet, the entire city remained engulfed in an electrifying atmosphere.
This year's Refining Convention had far exceeded everyone's expectations in intensity. The heroic act of turning the tide at a critical moment left people fired up just by thinking about it. To top it off, the fierce battle following the tournament had been utterly breathtaking.
High in the sky, as Jian Zun Zhe and his men departed, Master Zhu Jian's expression turned particularly grim.
In his calculations, even with Mo Yu under Elder Bing's protection, the presence of Jian Zun Zhe should have ensured an easy victory. But what he hadn't foreseen was Mo Yu's ability to enlist Tie Jian Zun Zhe and the formidable background the young man clearly possessed.
Mo Yu's talent, too, was alarming. To slay an old, peak Dou Zong powerhouse like Qing Jian at such a young age was unimaginable. Should he be allowed to grow, he would surely rise to the summit of the continent.
These thoughts only served to fuel Master Zhu Jian's growing killing intent toward Mo Yu. However, with the retreat of Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, he knew that eliminating Mo Yu on his own was impossible.
As a scheming and resourceful individual, Master Zhu Jian understood that staying to confront Mo Yu directly was futile. Over the years, as an eighth-grade weapon refiner, he had cultivated countless connections. So long as he survived, he was confident he would eventually exact revenge.
"Mo Yu, you got lucky today," Master Zhu Jian said coldly, his eyes filled with malice. "But we'll meet again. I refuse to believe you can hide behind others forever. One day, I will make you pay for what you did to my disciple!"
With a final venomous glare at Mo Yu, as well as at Elder Bing and Tie Jian Zun Zhe, Master Zhu Jian snorted before turning and leaving.
Watching his retreating figure, Mo Yu's silver eyes flickered, barely concealing his intense killing intent.
In some ways, Master Zhu Jian posed an even greater threat than the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion. While the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, despite being a first-rate force in the Central Plains, only had Jian Zun Zhe as a true powerhouse, the rest were hardly of concern.
Master Zhu Jian, however, was an eighth-grade weapon refiner with vast and unfathomable connections. Who knew what kind of allies he could summon next? Like a venomous snake in the shadows, he was a constant, unpredictable danger.
Mo Yu shook his head, knowing he currently lacked the strength to deal with Master Zhu Jian, just as he couldn't handle Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion.
Not only was Master Zhu Jian a highly respected eighth-grade weapon refiner, but he was also a member of the Weapon Alliance. His status and influence were not something Mo Yu could challenge for now.
At the root of it all, Mo Yu knew his strength was insufficient, and he lacked a powerful backing to rely on. This realization brought a wry smile to his face, though he quickly dismissed it.
To have achieved so much in just over a year in the Central Plains was already extraordinary. Anything more would be sheer greed.
As for the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion and Master Zhu Jian, though they were looming threats, Mo Yu believed that as long as he could get through this developmental phase, he would eventually resolve these issues entirely.
"Thank you both, Tie Jian Zun Zhe and Elder Bing, for your assistance. Mo Yu is deeply grateful," Mo Yu said, stepping forward to bow respectfully as the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion and Forgemaster departed.
"No need to thank me. This is your rightful reward." Tie Jian Zun Zhe shook his head, his rigid face showing no emotion as he handed Mo Yu a sword medallion.
"This is my token. If you encounter danger, crush it, and I will come to your aid. As agreed, you still have one more chance to request my help."
With that, Tie Jian Zun Zhe turned and left without looking back.
Mo Yu stared blankly for a moment before accepting the medallion with a wry smile.
Tie Jian Zun Zhe was indeed an eccentric old man, though his loyalty and sense of honor were admirable. No wonder he had risked his life to save Yao Chen.
"Ha! I didn't expect you to be able to recruit Tie Jian Zun Zhe," Elder Bing chuckled. "Although he is a solitary figure, he is steadfast and loyal. With his medallion, you have gained another layer of protection."
"It was pure coincidence…" Mo Yu replied, not wanting to dwell on the topic. He cupped his hands again toward Elder Bing and said, "I cannot thank you enough, Senior Bing. Though you are not my master, I promise to repay this kindness in the future."
"No need for such formality. You've won the championship of the Refining Convention, earning your place as a honorary elder of the Weapon Alliance. Naturally, I could not stand by and let Master Zhu Jian oppress you. Besides, defeating Qiu Yuanqiao brought honor to the Weapon Alliance and all weapon refiners. If anything, I owe you a favor."
Elder Bing's eyes gleamed with admiration as he looked at the young man before him.
At such a young age, not only was Mo Yu an eighth-grade weapon refiner, but he had also slain a peak Dou Zong powerhouse. Such talent was nothing short of monstrous.
The younger generation truly surpassed the old, each wave stronger than the last.
Moreover, with the mysterious figures like Mang Dian appearing to assist him, Mo Yu's background was becoming increasingly intriguing.
"It's getting late. After the tournament and the clash with the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, you must be exhausted. Go rest for now. Once you're refreshed, I will deliver your champion rewards personally," Elder Bing said with a warm smile.
Hearing this, Mo Yu's eyes lit up.
The Soul Spirit Cave and the Heavenly Profound Treasure Hall—he had been looking forward to these rewards for a long time!
Grateful, Mo Yu nodded eagerly. After the intense forging and fierce battle, he was indeed drained and needed a good rest.
As night fell, the bustling city gradually quieted under the cover of darkness. Despite the hour, the streets remained lively, with conversations revolving around the Refining Convention and the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion's battle against Mo Yu.
The name "Mo Yu," once unfamiliar, was now etched deeply into everyone's memory. It wouldn't be long before this name resonated throughout the Central Plains, making him one of its brightest stars.
Amidst the city's lingering excitement, Mo Yu returned to his residence utterly spent. Collapsing onto his bed, he fell into a deep sleep, his exhaustion finally catching up to him.
Refining an eighth-grade weapon was no easy feat, and the additional effort to forcibly enhance its spirit had drained his soul power significantly. Coupled with his battle against Qing Jian, which had required activating the second stage of his Heavenly Thunder Body, Mo Yu was utterly depleted.
Thus, he slept soundly, allowing the night to pass quietly.
The following morning, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, Mo Yu awoke to find Mang Dian, the Black Thunder Banner squad, and Qing Zhi already gathered.
Mang Dian cast a curious glance at Qing Zhi, who stood respectfully behind Mo Yu, before addressing him apologetically.
"Captain, you're awake. Apologies for failing to capture those people last night."
After escorting Mo Yu back to his residence the previous evening, Mang Dian and his team had stood guard outside without disturbing him.
Now, as they looked at Mo Yu, there was no trace of their earlier disdain. Instead, their gazes were filled with respect, awe, and admiration.
Mo Yu had already proven his strength with terrifying achievements—slaying a peak Dou Zong as a two-star Dou Zong. Such a feat would undoubtedly cause a tremendous stir if it were reported back to the clan.
The history of the Lei Clan demonstrated that a genius of this caliber, as long as they did not fall, was destined to become a great powerhouse of the clan. By then, Mo Yu would be someone others could only look up to but never surpass.
Now, while Mo Yu was still relatively weak, building a relationship with him was naturally something they eagerly sought to achieve.
Where there are people, there is a hierarchy, and factions inevitably form. If Mo Yu had the potential to become a pillar of the Lei Clan, aligning themselves with him now, becoming part of his inner circle, was not only desirable but welcomed with open arms.
Seeing the reverent gazes of the Black Thunder Banner squad members, Mo Yu stretched lazily and smiled faintly.
"The Lei Clan truly lives up to its reputation. The temperament of its clansmen is so straightforward and martial. As long as you show overwhelming strength, there's no need to worry about winning them over."
"This matter isn't your fault. If not for that Jian Zun Zhe's intervention, the group from the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion would have been dealt with by you all."
In response to Mang Dian's apology, Mo Yu casually waved his hand, showing he didn't mind.
For a squad of just over ten members, suppressing the larger group from the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion had already surprised him greatly. After all, the dozens of people in that group were all higher-ups of the pavilion, consisting entirely of Dou Zong experts, including two of the four guardian elders.
Although Mang Dian himself was at the peak of Dou Zong, the rest of the squad members were only around six or seven-star Dou Zong. To triumph despite such odds was truly astonishing.
This feat also highlighted the profound foundation of the Lei Clan. Each of its clansmen possessed strength far exceeding outsiders of the same level, and fighting against those a star or two higher was no issue.
However, raw strength was only part of the story. What truly impressed Mo Yu was how Mang Dian and the others could work together, leveraging their connection to their thunder beasts and deploying a formidable Thunder Array that overwhelmed the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion group.
If not for Jian Zun Zhe shattering the Thunder Array with a single slash, it was likely the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion's group would have been worn down to the end.
Thinking of this, Mo Yu's gaze shifted to the thunder beasts resting in the courtyard behind Mang Dian and the others. A hint of curiosity flickered in his silver eyes.
Noticing Mo Yu's interest, Mang Dian was momentarily stunned before smiling and explaining, "Captain, these are Black Demon Thunder Beasts, specially bred by our clan. They are raised from birth with Black Demon Thunder, making them imbued with immense thunderous power.
Every member who joins the Black Demon Army receives a Black Demon Thunder Beast as their battle companion to assist in combat.
It's said that a few Captains within the eight banners of the Black Demon Army have Thunder Beasts that have grown to the eighth tier, making them terrifyingly powerful. If you return to the clan, Captain, you can also apply for one suited to you."
Hearing this, Mo Yu's silver eyes glimmered with interest. This was the first time he had heard about the Black Demon Army.
These thunder beasts, nurtured with Black Demon Thunder, were highly compatible with thunder energy. Obtaining one would indeed be a significant boon.
As thoughts of the Lei Clan crossed his mind, Mo Yu rubbed his chin and suddenly asked, "Since you all live in the Lei Clan, I'm curious—what do the clansmen think of me?"
"Uh…" Mang Dian was taken aback by the question and hesitated, his expression turning awkward.
Seeing Mang Dian's reaction, Mo Yu chuckled, realizing what might be going on. Patting Mang Dian on the shoulder, he reassured him, "No need to worry, just speak freely."
Encouraged, Mang Dian cautiously glanced at Mo Yu before bitterly smiling. "Captain, regarding your feats, the clansmen don't actually know much. They only know that you're a member of the Mo Clan, one of the four vassal families, who was exiled.
Because of this, your appointment as a Captain was met with confusion. Apart from the Mo Clan's support and our Mang Clan's neutrality, the other two clans and most of the clan members feel it's inappropriate. Some even… think the patriach made a foolish decision."
"As expected," Mo Yu murmured, raising an eyebrow but not showing any anger. Instead, he smiled faintly.
His appointment as a Captain of the Black Demon Army had indeed been a spur-of-the-moment decision by Lei Ying, so controversy was inevitable.
Aside from the Mo Clan's backing, the Mang Clan's lack of opposition was likely due to Mang Ting.
"By the way, Captain, you'd better wait until you've broken through to Dou Zun before returning to the clan," Mang Dian suggested after a moment's thought.
"Breaking through to Dou Zun? Why?" Mo Yu asked with a frown.
"Well… Captain, your appointment isn't the most controversial matter among the clan. Since it was a decision made by the patriach, most ordinary clansmen can only grumble at best.
What truly stirred resentment was your engagement to Miss Lei Fei'er. Many clansmen are envious, and even within the Black Demon Army, some…"
Mang Dian hesitated, cautiously observing Mo Yu's expression. When he saw no sign of displeasure, he continued in a low voice.
"… Some believe that you are not only unworthy of your position as a Captain but also undeserving of Miss Fei'er. Among her suitors, some have openly declared that they'll teach you a lesson if you return to the clan. This includes Lei Zhen, the Captain of the Yellow Thunder Banner. His strength is one of the best among the eight banners. If you're not a Dou Zun, I'm afraid…"
Although Mang Dian left his words unfinished, Mo Yu understood their implication and could only shake his head with a wry smile.
He hadn't expected to attract a powerful rival for Lei Fei'er's affections due to this arrangement.
Dismissing these thoughts, Mo Yu refocused on the present. Looking at Mang Dian, he instructed, "We'll deal with the clan's matters later. For now, I have a task for you all."
"Please, give your orders," Mang Dian replied solemnly.
"Escort a faction back to Central Plains."
Mang Dian was momentarily stunned. "Which faction?"
"Black-Corner Region, Yuan Manor."
------------------------------------------------------------------
For exclusive access to 500+ advanced chapters and more, visit my Ko-fi page and support the journey:
ko-fi.com/laoyao95
Laoyao with L yeahh..thanks for the support.
or Support me at patreon for 500+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk