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**
Inside the Lan Clan's discussion hall.
A young man stood in the center, wearing a plain linen robe. His youthful, handsome face carried a gentle smile. After a long moment of silence, Lan Yingying suddenly exclaimed in shock, "Mo Yu? How are you here?"
Mo Yu responded with a faint smile, "That is a rather long story to explain."
"Huh? Sister, you know Mo Yu?"
When Lan Yingying called out Mo Yu's name, Lan Bingbing was just as startled. How could the world be so coincidental?
Lan Yingying's beautiful eyes stared directly at Mo Yu. After a brief pause, she suddenly smiled. Her dazzling smile bloomed like an ephemeral flower, instantly softening the tense atmosphere within the hall.
Her gaze swept over Mo Yu as she chuckled softly. "Of course, I know him. In fact, I can even be considered his senior sister."
"Oh? This young man is also a disciple of Senior Bing?" A middle-aged man in a brocade robe standing nearby looked surprised. His eyes carefully assessed Mo Yu from head to toe.
However, he was soon startled to realize that even with his half-step Dou Zong strength, he could not discern this silver-eyed youth's depth.
"This is my father, the head of the Lan Clan, Lan Yuan," Lan Yingying whispered as she introduced him to Mo Yu.
"Patriach Lan, you overpraise me. I merely had a brief encounter with Senior Bing and am not truly his disciple," Mo Yu said with a slight shake of his head.
"Though it was just a brief encounter, my master holds you in high regard. I dare say that your skills in forging artifacts have already surpassed mine.
Not to mention, at such a young age, you've become the ruler of the Black-Corner Region. Whether in cultivation or weapon refining, you are truly a prodigy," Lan Yingying said with a charming smile, her allure breathtaking.
Her words caused the expressions of the Lan Clan members present in the hall to shift dramatically.
They were well aware of the Black-Corner Region, a chaotic but renowned part of the continent. Not only was the Jia Nan Academy located there, but it also housed many formidable individuals.
That Mo Yu could dominate the Black-Corner Region at such a young age was astonishing. More so, his refining skills surpassing those of Lan Yingying, their clan's top weapon refiner, was beyond belief.
"Senior Sister Lan Yingying overestimates me. My accomplishments are insignificant compared to those in Central Plains," Mo Yu replied indifferently.
Lan Yingying smiled faintly. Seeing that Mo Yu did not wish to dwell on the topic, she shifted the conversation, curiosity evident in her voice. "How did you end up with Bingbing?"
Before Mo Yu could reply, Lan Bingbing eagerly chimed in, recounting the events in the desert and their journey in brief detail.
"So that's what happened. We owe Mo Yu a great debt of gratitude. Without your intervention, my daughter and the Lan Clan convoy might not have survived this ordeal," the brocade-robed man said solemnly after hearing Lan Bingbing's story.
"Patriach Lan, you are too polite. Saving someone in need is only natural," Mo Yu replied with a smile.
"Haha, since you share a past with Yingying and saved Bingbing, if you don't mind, you can call me Uncle Lan," Lan Yuan said with a hearty laugh.
Hearing this, Mo Yu could only nod politely in acknowledgment.
"Father, has the Tang Clan caused trouble again?" Lan Bingbing suddenly asked, her brows furrowing.
"Sigh. The Tang Clan has always sought to dominate Xi Huang City and has been antagonizing our Lan Clan. Previously, our strengths were evenly matched, and with Yingying's master as a deterrent, they did not act recklessly.
However, in recent years, Tang Ying, a Tang Clan scion, became the chief disciple of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion. Their Swordsmith Grandmaster also advanced to an eighth-grade weapon refiner.
With this, the Tang Clan's reputation has grown immensely. Many neutral factions in Xi Huang City have since sided with them," Lan Yuan sighed heavily.
"Swordsmith Grandmaster? Who is that?" Mo Yu asked softly, turning to Lan Yingying.
"Swordsmith Grandmaster is the chief weapon refiner of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion. Three years ago, he advanced to the eight-grade, earning widespread fame across Central Plains. It's said that even the pavilion master's sword was crafted by him.
Moreover, he holds a high-ranking position in the Weapon Alliance," Lan Yingying explained, her tone growing somber. "The most critical point is that Swordsmith Grandmaster has a grudge against my master. The Tang Clan is exploiting this to prevent my master from intervening."
Mo Yu nodded slightly, understanding the situation. It was no wonder the Tang Clan, relying solely on the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, dared to challenge the Lan Clan, who had Senior Bing's support. This was evidently tied to internal conflicts within the Weapon Alliance.
"The Tang Clan demands not only that Bingbing marries Tang San but also that the Lan Clan submits to them, clearly intending to absorb us in the future.
Such conditions and schemes are unacceptable. While the Tang Clan is strong, attacking us would still cost them dearly," Lan Yuan said slowly.
Lan Bingbing clenched her jade-like hands tightly, her tone icy. "So that man suggested we find someone of the same generation to compete with Tang San and Sun Wuji?"
"Yes. Among our peers, you have the highest combat strength as a five-star Dou Wang, and your sister excels in weapon refining but is only a novice fifth-grade weapon refiner.
As it stands, we are likely to lose both contests," Lan Yuan said with a bitter smile. "In fact, even across Xi Huang City, finding someone to rival Tang San and Sun Wuji is nearly impossible.
The Tang Clan wouldn't make such a proposal unless they were confident of victory. Thus, we are in a tough spot."
"Troublesome, indeed, but not unsolvable—provided someone is willing to help," Lan Yingying said with a sudden smile, her gaze shifting toward Mo Yu.
As everyone turned their eyes toward him, even Lan Bingbing nodded eagerly. "Yes! If Mo Yu's weapon refining skills surpass my sister's, he can definitely defeat Tang San and Sun Wuji!"
Faced with the crowd's expectant gazes, Mo Yu was momentarily stunned. After some thought, he nodded slightly. "I can help."
Both Lan Yingying and Lan Bingbing had assisted him before. Now that the Lan Clan was in trouble, he could not turn a blind eye.
Besides, in his eyes, Tang San and Sun Wuji were insignificant.
Seeing his agreement, Lan Yingying's eyes lit up with joy, her gaze fixed on him. She smiled charmingly. "Thank you, Junior Brother Mo Yu."
Turning to Lan Yuan, she continued, "Father, since Tang San said anyone of the same generation can compete, even if they aren't part of our Lan Clan, Mo Yu is undoubtedly the best choice."
Lan Yuan gazed deeply at Mo Yu. Sensing his unfathomable strength, he sighed and said, "Since even Senior Bing holds Mo Yu in such high regard, I humbly invite him to represent our Lan Clan in this challenge!"
"Uncle Lan, there's no need for such formality. However, I have two conditions," Mo Yu said after a brief pause.
"Oh? What conditions? As long as they are within our capabilities, I will agree," Lan Yuan responded readily.
Mo Yu smiled. "It's nothing significant. On my way to Central Plains, I encountered some trouble. If not for the help of your clan's steward, Lan Lie, I might not have survived.
I hope the Lan Clan will nurture and support him in the future. I believe someone as loyal and upright as Lan Lie will be an asset to the family."
Hearing the first condition proposed by Mo Yu, Lan Yuan was taken aback. He exchanged glances with the other Lan Clan elders, none of whom had expected this request.
The condition wasn't for Mo Yu himself but rather on behalf of Lan Lie.
After a brief silence, Lan Yuan chuckled and said, "Brother Mo Yu truly repays kindness with kindness. Such a character suits me well. If I weren't so old, I'd want to swear brotherhood with you."
These words immediately drew playful scolding from Lan Yingying and her sister.
Realizing his mistake, Lan Yuan laughed awkwardly before continuing, "Since this is your wish, I'll grant it. I've been aware of Lan Lie's character and abilities, and I was already planning to nurture him.
Since you've brought it up, I'll promote him to a candidate elder. Within five years, he will officially become an elder and join the Lan Clan's leadership."
Hearing this, Mo Yu nodded in satisfaction.
Repaying kindness and avenging grievances—this was Mo Yu's principle. While Lan Lie's help may not have been crucial for his survival, it had certainly been beneficial.
Thus, Mo Yu decided to repay Lan Lie's kindness. Making him an elder in the Lan Clan was the perfect solution.
"As for the second condition," Mo Yu continued, "I hope the Lan Clan can provide me with a quiet place to cultivate. Three days from now, I will emerge and assist the Lan Clan in dealing with Tang San and Sun Wuji."
This statement once again left the Lan Clan members in shock. Such a simple request was utterly unexpected.
Lan Yuan heaved a sigh of relief and laughed, "This is easy. I will arrange for you to use my personal cultivation chamber."
In his heart, Lan Yuan had anticipated Mo Yu making an exorbitant demand and had prepared himself to be heavily extorted.
Yet Mo Yu's two conditions turned out to be remarkably simple, which made Lan Yuan view him with even greater respect.
With a meaningful glance at Mo Yu, he thought to himself, This young man has an air of unfathomable depth.
"Bing'er, take Brother Mo Yu to my cultivation chamber. Ensure no one disturbs him during this time," Lan Yuan said with a smile.
Lan Bingbing nodded slightly and then turned to Mo Yu with a sweet smile. "Brother Mo Yu, please follow me." Her tone had become noticeably more familiar.
Mo Yu remained composed, clasped his fists in gratitude to Lan Yuan and the others, and then followed Lan Bingbing.
In the Lan Clan's rear courtyard, inside the patriarch's exclusive cultivation chamber, Mo Yu closed the door after Lan Bingbing left and let out a sigh of relief.
To be honest, he didn't want to get involved in the conflict between the Lan and Tang Clans if not for Lan Lie and Lan Yingying.
However, since he had already agreed to help the Lan Clan, Mo Yu wouldn't go back on his word.
"That Tang San I saw today appears to be at the level of a Seven-Star Dou Huang. He's even a few stars higher than me. Truly impressive for a young talent from a small city in Central Plains," Mo Yu muttered to himself.
Though Mo Yu's talent was exceptional, his achievements were refined through sheer effort as a lone cultivator.
Tang San, on the other hand, not only had the full support of his clan but also resources from the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion. It wasn't surprising that his accomplishments were comparable.
Central Plains was a vast land with countless hidden talents. Mo Yu knew he would face even more formidable opponents in the future.
However, while Tang San's achievements surprised him, they did not intimidate him.
With Mo Yu's current combat strength, there were few among his peers who could defeat him. He had slain no fewer than ten Dou Huang experts, and even Dou Zong powerhouses had fallen to his hand. A mere Seven-Star Dou Huang was hardly a threat.
"Sun Wuji, on the other hand, is a bit troublesome. Though he's only a fifth-grade weapon refiner, he has the backing of an eighth-grade master…"
Recalling the Swordsmith Grandmaster mentioned by Lan Yingying and the others, Mo Yu's expression turned slightly serious. Such a high-tier weapon refiner would rank among the top in the entire continent.
After all, Mo Yu was well aware that unlike alchemists, weapon refiners had never produced a ninth-grade weapon refiner expert.
"No matter. Once this matter is resolved and I've repaid my debt, I'll leave. Before the Refining Convention begins, I must strive to break through to the Dou Zong level.
Although this may provoke the enmity of that swordsmith, according to Lan Yingying, Bing Lao is also on the verge of advancing to the eight-grade. That should counterbalance the disadvantage."
Mo Yu's face grew more resolute. The Refining Convention was the most prestigious gathering for craftsmen in the Dou Qi Continent. The competition would undoubtedly be fierce.
But Mo Yu cared little for the fame and glory. What he coveted was the champion's reward.
With this thought, determination flashed in Mo Yu's silver eyes. He waved his hand over his Beast Ring, and a yellow pill exuding a faint fragrance appeared in his palm.
"The Mighty Emperor Pill."
Looking at the pill, Mo Yu smiled faintly.
This Mighty Emperor Pill was crafted by Pill King Gu He. After the establishment of the Yuan Manor's dominance in the Black-Corner Region, a constant flow of rare medicinal ingredients had been gathered at the Thousand Medicines Hall.
Gu He and Qi Shan, both sixth-grade alchemists, had refined many sixth-grade pills, including this Mighty Emperor Pill.
Before departing for Central Plains, Mo Yu had specifically obtained several of these pills from Gu He to prepare for moments like this.
After his life-and-death battle with Elder Gui Zhu, Mo Yu had felt the stirring of Dou Qi within his body and decided to use the Mighty Emperor Pill to break through.
Without hesitation, he tossed the pill into his mouth and closed his silver eyes, focusing entirely on absorbing its immense medicinal energy.
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For exclusive access to 500+ advanced chapters and more, visit my Ko-fi page and support the journey:
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