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**
A month passed by quietly, slipping away unnoticed.
During this time, everything remained as peaceful as expected. Amidst this tranquility, Mo Yu enjoyed another month of leisure, though it was likely the last bit of peace he would have for years to come—because the day of the Yao Clan's Medicinal Ceremony was fast approaching.
"For this trip to the Yao Clan, let Gu He and me go alone. Yuan Manor must always keep an eye on the Hall of Souls, and the rest of you must remain here. If anything unexpected happens, you'll be able to handle it."
Standing atop the towering main tower, Mo Yu smiled as he addressed the gathered high-ranking members of Yuan Manor.
Although he knew that the Hun Clan's attention was mostly focused on the Yao Clan right now, there was always the possibility that, due to the butterfly effect, they might choose not to make a move on the Yao Clan and instead continue monitoring Yuan Manor from the shadows. If he were to take all of Yuan Manor's elites with him, their home base would be left dangerously vulnerable.
"Take good care of Yuan Manor," Mo Yu said, turning to look at Cai Lin.
"Mm." Cai Lin nodded slightly.
With her current strength, aside from Mo Yu, no one else in Yuan Manor was her match.
"Since that's settled, let's depart." After speaking, Mo Yu turned to the middle-aged man beside him.
This middle-aged man carried an indescribable aura, his sharp and well-defined features hinting that he must have been a strikingly handsome man in his youth. Even now, despite his age, the maturity honed through years of experience added to his composure and depth.
This man was none other than Pill King Gu He, once the number one alchemist of the Jia Ma Empire.
Though his appearance hadn't changed much, his refined demeanor had become even more pronounced, fully embodying the charm of a middle-aged man.
"To be able to travel with the Manor Lord is my honor," Gu He said with a slight nod and a smile.
"Haha, old He, why are you becoming so formal?" Mo Yu chuckled and shook his head. Then, he slowly rose into the air and smiled at everyone below.
"All right, no need to see us off any further."
With that, Mo Yu turned and flew out of Yuan City. Behind him, Gu He's figure flickered as he quickly followed.
The Yao Clan – Shenglong Mountain Range
The Yao Clan was located in the Shenglong Mountain Range, at the far southern end of Central Plains. In some respects, this area could even be considered outside of the Central Plains region, making it quite remote.
However, due to the presence of the Yao Clan, the area remained lively. Additionally, this mountain range was rich in rare medicinal herbs, attracting countless alchemists from across the continent who traveled great distances in search of ingredients for refining pills. As a result, the Shenglong Mountain Range was a highly sought-after destination.
The Medicinal Ceremony was the most significant event within the Yao Clan. Unlike the Pill Gathering hosted by the Pill Tower, its timing was not fixed and could change based on various circumstances. In essence, the Medicinal Ceremony was a grand gathering of the most elite alchemists on the continent.
Through this event, the world would witness who truly held the title of the continent's number one alchemist!
Participants in the Medicinal Ceremony were not limited to members of the Yao Clan. Some alchemists with immense renown and exceptional skill across the Central Plains were also invited.
However, such invitations were rare—after all, the number of alchemists worthy of catching the Yao Clan's attention was as rare as phoenix feathers.
Gu He's invitation wasn't solely due to Yuan Manor's alliance with the Yao Clan. His exceptional alchemy skills were the true reason he had been acknowledged.
Though the Shenglong Mountain Range was far from Yuan Manor, with Mo Yu and Gu He traveling at full speed, the journey that would take ordinary people weeks was reduced to half a day.
By late afternoon, the mist-covered Shenglong Mountain Range had appeared before them.
"What dense natural energy… The Yao Clan has truly claimed an excellent location. As expected of an ancient clan." Gu He couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
The swirling mist above the mountain range was not ordinary fog but rather a condensed manifestation of natural energy. Cultivating here would undoubtedly be far more efficient than in other places.
Mo Yu also nodded in approval. He then slowly descended and landed atop a deep ravine within the mountain range.
Across the ravine, a massive stone archway, spanning hundreds of feet, stood solemnly, emanating an ancient aura.
At the center of the archway, a distorted space fluctuated—this was the spatial gate leading to the Yao Clan. At this moment, numerous figures emerged from the sky or deep within the forest, landing before the archway. After presenting jade slips to the robe-clad Yao Clan guards stationed outside, they were granted entry.
"Let's go." Mo Yu swept his gaze over the figures entering the spatial gate before speaking.
However, just as the two of them were about to step through the gate, Mo Yu's gaze shifted slightly—two familiar figures had entered his sight, and a faint smile curved at his lips.
Seeing Mo Yu suddenly stop, Gu He was momentarily puzzled before following his gaze. Soon, an elderly man and a young man appeared in his field of vision.
The young man wore a black robe, his face resolute, and his black eyes as deep as an abyss, making it impossible to gauge his true thoughts. The elderly man appeared kind and unassuming, much like an ordinary old man. However, only those with keen eyes would recognize the terrifying strength concealed beneath his humble exterior.
Recognizing these two, Gu He was briefly taken aback before a smile slowly formed on his face.
"Cousin Mo Yu!"
The two figures were none other than Xiao Yan and Yao Lao, who had traveled thousands of miles from Falling Star Pavilion!
Upon spotting Mo Yu, Xiao Yan immediately rushed over, his face full of surprise and delight.
"Haha, Xiao Yan, I knew you wouldn't be trapped by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame! It seems that in these two years, you must have already subdued that demonic flame, correct?"
Mo Yu stepped forward and patted Xiao Yan's shoulder. He could sense the terrifying, volcanic energy surging within Xiao Yan's body and couldn't help but chuckle.
From what he could tell, Xiao Yan's current strength was likely on par with the Hall of Souls Master—it seemed that the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame had indeed given Xiao Yan an incredible boost.
The future Flame Emperor was truly living up to his reputation.
"Haha, nothing escapes your eyes, cousin! With Xun'er's help, I spent two years, but I've finally subdued the demonic flame." Xiao Yan scratched his head and grinned. Then, as if remembering something, his eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at Mo Yu.
"I just left my closed-door training, and the first thing I heard was that you nearly killed the Hall of Souls Chief! That news was absolutely exhilarating!"
For Xiao Yan, who harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Hall of Souls due to their abduction of Xiao Zhan, this grudge had never faded. Now that Mo Yu had almost slain the Hall of Souls Chief, he couldn't contain his excitement.
"What a pity. That Hall of Souls Chief was just a step away from dying at my hands. But this works out too—Xiao Yan, you'll have the chance to take revenge personally in the future," Mo Yu said.
"Mm, I will." Thinking of the scene where his father disappeared and his clansmen were slaughtered, Xiao Yan nodded resolutely.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mo Yu also greeted Yao Lao. At this moment, the latter suddenly turned to Gu He and chuckled. "It seems Hall Master Gu was also invited by the Yao Clan to participate in the Medicinal Ceremony."
"Hehe, honored that the Yao Clan values me. I have come to make a fool of myself," Gu He responded with a faint smile.
"If even Hall Master Gu is making a fool of himself, then I'm afraid there aren't many alchemists on the continent who could hold their heads up high," Xiao Yan said, shaking his head with a smile as he gradually emerged from his thoughts of hatred.
Under Yuan Manor's dedicated cultivation, along with his own alchemy talent, Gu He had now reached the peak of an eighth-grade alchemist, even showing signs of breaking into the ninth grade. With such strength, he might not be able to claim the championship of this Medicinal Ceremony, but he was far from making a fool of himself.
"My achievements are all thanks to the Manor Lord's great support. When it comes to alchemy skills, however, the ones I respect the most are Mister Yao Lao and Mister Xiao Yan." Gu He looked at the two in front of him and spoke sincerely.
There was no need to say much about Yao Lao—renowned as the continent's number one alchemist, he had long been idolized by countless alchemists. Even Gu He himself had grown up inspired by Yao Lao's stories, and his respect for him was immeasurable.
As for Xiao Yan, Gu He had personally witnessed his growth, and he was acutely aware of this seemingly unassuming young man's terrifying alchemy talent. Gu He even had a vague feeling that Xiao Yan had already surpassed his master, Yao Lao.
Moreover, Gu He had another unspoken thought—perhaps this time, the championship of the Medicinal Ceremony would not, as in the past, fall into the Yao Clan's hands. Instead, it might be seized by this young man in a domineering fashion.
"Alright, alright, you top-tier alchemists can stop flattering each other. Let's head in and join the Medicinal Ceremony," Mo Yu said, feeling somewhat out of place as a weapon refiner among three pinnacle alchemists. He waved his hand impatiently.
"Heh, indeed," Yao Lao nodded slightly. Then, he turned to look at the space gate ahead with a complicated expression. This was his first time returning since he left all those years ago. With a soft sigh, his figure flickered, and he appeared outside the archway. Mo Yu and the others quickly followed.
At the same time, a few figures standing motionless like statues at the space gate suddenly cast sharp gazes in their direction. "This is the Yao Clan's sacred ground! No trespassing! Who are you?!"
"Sky Mansion Alliance, under my master Yao Chen, invited to attend the Medicinal Ceremony."
"Yuan Manor, invited to attend the Medicinal Ceremony."
"Oh? So it's Yuan Manor and the Sky Mansion Alliance."
Hearing Mo Yu and Xiao Yan report their backgrounds, the expressions of the guards shifted slightly.
Whether it was Mo Yu or Xiao Yan, their names were well-known even among the ancient clans.
Especially Yuan Manor—now allied with the Yao Clan, the Lei Clan, and the Yan Clan. Not long ago, Yuan Manor's Lord, Mo Yu, had nearly slain the Hall of Souls Chief and even captured the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's Patriach, Huang Tian, alive. His achievements were outstanding, and his reputation was immense.
"Please, enter. Someone will guide you to the clan's inner grounds."
Upon confirming Mo Yu and Xiao Yan's identities, the guards immediately became much more respectful. In this world, strength was always paramount. Mo Yu's power was comparable to some of the Yao Clan's Grand Elders, and these guards dared not offend him.
Mo Yu and Xiao Yan nodded, then, along with Gu He and Yao Lao, moved forward. Their figures flickered and instantly vanished into the distorted space.
The moment they entered, their vision blurred slightly, and the rugged mountainous terrain before them transformed into a vast, lush green plain. On this plain, there were enormous avian beasts, each spanning hundreds of meters in wingspan.
"Please, this way."
As soon as Mo Yu and the others stabilized themselves, a Yao Clan member in armor swiftly approached and led them onto the back of one of the giant birds. At this moment, several hundred figures were already scattered across the bird's back, making it quite lively.
Having experienced similar events in the Gu Clan before, both Mo Yu and Xiao Yan were unfazed by the situation. Without engaging in unnecessary conversations, they simply found a quiet spot with Yao Lao and Gu He, observing the expansive plains in silence.
After the four boarded, the giant bird flapped its massive wings, stirring up strong gales as it swiftly soared toward the depths of the Yao Clan's domain.
This flight lasted about half an hour. Eventually, the mist parted, revealing a towering mountain that stretched into the clouds.
Atop the mountain, clusters of grand halls and structures could be vaguely seen. Countless smoke pillars curled skyward, filling the air with a rich medicinal fragrance.
The giant bird circled the mountain once before descending onto a vast plaza. Mo Yu and the others stepped down, while Yao Lao stood still, staring dazedly at the familiar buildings around him.
Understanding Yao Lao's emotions, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan remained silent beside him, their hands tucked into their sleeves, eyes slightly narrowed, ignoring the curious gazes directed at them.
Gu He, after brief contemplation, also grasped the reason for Yao Lao's daze. Instead of disturbing him, he shut his eyes and pretended to meditate, reflecting on some recently modified pill formulas.
On the bustling plaza, the four of them standing motionless became particularly conspicuous. Thus, within a few minutes, a cold, familiar, mocking voice drifted into their ears.
"Who do we have here, acting so out of place? Ah… it's you, Yao Chen. I must say, I'm rather surprised that someone who was expelled from the clan actually has the face to return."
The surrounding crowd instinctively slowed their steps. Seeing the coldly smiling old man approaching, they instinctively stepped back.
"Yao Wangui."
Seeing the newcomer, Mo Yu raised an eyebrow and sneered.
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