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**
"So, you're Mo Yu, the new rising overlord of the Western Region of Central Plains and the Manor Lord of the Yuan Manor?"
Within the vast hall, a man in golden battle armor slowly turned around, his gaze fixed on Mo Yu. His calm words carried an overwhelming sense of authority and pressure.
As the man turned, Mo Yu finally caught sight of the Lion King's face. It was a square, majestic face, radiating an imposing aura. His eyes sparkled with sharp light, and his overwhelming energy surpassed even the Elder Gui Zhu from back then.
"A Ban Sheng expert!"
Sensing the man's aura, Mo Yu's heart couldn't help but grow heavier. The Abyssal Lion Clan indeed lived up to its reputation as one of the former super clans of the Beast Region. Even though they had declined, their strength was still formidable.
"This one is Mo Yu, greeting the Lion King."
Mo Yu cupped his hands respectfully toward the middle-aged man in golden battle armor standing in the great hall.
Although he didn't know the man's temperament, since the Lion King was willing to protect Zi Huo, they were currently on the same side. Building a good relationship was undoubtedly necessary.
"I've heard of you from Zi Huo. But tell me, Manor Manor Lord of Yuan Manor, what brings you here today?"
The Lion King slowly descended from the hall, the sound of his golden boots echoing softly in the silent chamber. His gaze scrutinized Mo Yu as he spoke.
"Not to hide from the Lion King, but I have a subordinate who hails from the Dragon Scorpion Clan. From him, I learned that Zi Huo might be in danger, so I came to rescue him."
Although the opponent was a Ban Sheng, Mo Yu remained calm and composed.
"In that case, Manor Lord of the Yuan Manor, you may leave now. Zi Huo may have been your subordinate in the past, but he is now a candidate for the Young Clan Leader of my Abyssal Lion Clan.
His safety is under my protection. From today onward, Zi Huo will have no ties to you or your esteemed Yuan Manor."
The Lion King's gaze locked onto Mo Yu as he spoke slowly.
Hearing this, Mo Yu narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't say anything.
Now that Zi Huo was a candidate for the Young Clan Leader of the Abyssal Lion Clan, his identity was indeed extraordinary. If he were to continue serving as a hall master under Yuan Manor, it would undoubtedly be beneath him, potentially bringing ridicule to the Abyssal Lion Clan as well.
Although the Lion King's reasoning was sound, did he truly think that Mo Yu's bond with Zi Huo, forged through a master-servant relationship, could be severed so easily?
"Tch, back in the day, the Lion King of the Abyssal Lion Clan was so mighty that even my clan leader respected them. Who would've thought that the current Lion King of the Abyssal Lion Clan would be so narrow-minded?" Zi Yan snorted from the side, her tone laced with disdain.
"Little girl of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, do not act recklessly here."
The Lion King's gaze shifted to Zi Yan, a trace of shame and anger flashing across his face.
The moment Zi Yan entered, he had already recognized her true form. After all, as a Ban Sheng and a member of a former powerhouse in the Beast Region, he was no stranger to the Ancient Void Dragons.
However, since he was unaware of Zi Yan's exact status within the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, he had refrained from speaking to her.
Yet, the moment she opened her mouth, she struck a nerve, exposing the declining status of the Abyssal Lion Clan.
Within the Abyssal Lion Clan, apart from the Clan Leader, the most powerful figures were the Grand Elder of the Elder Council and the Leader of the Royal Guard Corps.
While their statuses were comparable, the Leader of the Royal Guard Corps clearly surpassed in strength. As such, the Leaders of the Royal Guard Corps were traditionally bestowed the title of "Lion King."
Back when the Abyssal Lion Clan was a powerhouse in the Beast Region, their Lion Kings were figures who stood at the peak of the Dou Qi Continent, on par with the leaders of the Eight Ancient Clans and the leaders of the three super Magic Beast clans.
Unfortunately, with the clan's decline, the strength of the Lion Kings also waned over generations.
In the clan's heyday, a Ban Sheng would have been no more than a corps commander. Now, however, such a figure had risen to claim the title of Lion King.
Indeed, he might just be the weakest Lion King in the clan's history.
Thus, Zi Yan's words were like reopening an old wound, causing a flicker of rage to appear on the Lion King's calm and dignified face.
Seeing this, Mo Yu quickly waved his hand, stopping Zi Yan from saying more.
If this conversation continued, the Lion King might truly be provoked beyond reason by this young lady.
Though Mo Yu wasn't overly concerned about the threat of a Ban Sheng—his Black Thunder Talisman could severely wound even a low-star Dou Sheng, and She Lao's return to the Central Plains was imminent—there was no benefit in falling out with the Lion King. On the contrary, as someone who valued Zi Huo's talent, the Lion King still presented significant opportunities for collaboration.
"Lion King, I understand your concerns. Now that your clan's old clan leader has passed, you hope to elevate Zi Huo to the position of Clan Leader, expecting him to lead the Abyssal Lion Clan back to its former glory.
However, Zi Huo's affiliation with Yuan Manor displeases you. After all, having the Young Clan Leader—or even the Clan Leader—of the Abyssal Lion Clan serve as a subordinate to a human would indeed be a source of ridicule.
So how about this? From today onward, I will resign Zi Huo from his position as hall master. From now on, he will be solely a member of the Abyssal Lion Clan, with no ties to Yuan Manor.
Still, having spent years together, I wish to help Zi Huo through this critical juncture. I hope the Lion King will allow it."
Mo Yu cupped his hands toward the Lion King as he spoke.
"Mo Yu…"
At this moment, Xiao Yixian beside him couldn't help but speak up, but her words were cut off midway.
Zi Huo was one of Mo Yu's top generals—not only powerful but also a pillar of Yuan Manor. Losing him would undoubtedly weaken the manor's strength and deterrent force.
Mo Yu naturally understood Xiao Yixian's concerns but smiled faintly, waving her off.
He and Zi Huo were bound by a Soul Imprint. This mark was not a domineering slave contract but a subtle master-servant bond. Thus, even a Ban Sheng like the Lion King had failed to notice it.
Though Zi Huo was now officially leaving Yuan Manor to fully join the Abyssal Lion Clan, Mo Yu knew that as long as the Soul Imprint remained, Zi Huo would forever be his most loyal subordinate.
If Zi Huo could ascend to the position of Clan Leader, then what did it matter if the Lion Guard was disbanded?
The vast resources and influence of the Abyssal Lion Clan were far more valuable than the Lion Guard alone!
While Xiao Yixian was unaware of Mo Yu's plan, her faith in him ultimately prevailed. Seeing his composed demeanor, her beautiful eyes flickered before she chose to remain silent.
Hearing Mo Yu's words, the Lion King's angry expression finally softened slightly.
His earlier refusal had stemmed from a desire to sever Zi Huo's ties with Yuan Manor completely. After all, having the Clan Leader of the Abyssal Lion Clan as a subordinate to a human was utterly unacceptable.
Previously, he had also tried persuading Zi Huo to renounce his position as hall master and his allegiance to a human. He had even promised to elevate Zi Huo to the position of Clan Leader if he agreed!
Although the Abyssal Lion Clan had declined, the prestige of a fallen giant still endured. Even now, they commanded the allegiance of dozens of subordinate clans, retaining their status as a formidable power in the Beast Region.
He firmly believed that as long as Zi Huo was a normal person, he wouldn't refuse such an enticing offer.
However, the result that followed left the mighty Lion King stunned—Zi Huo's response was a resolute "No!"
This naturally enraged the Lion King. After searching for so many years and finally finding a clan member perfectly compatible with the primal aura, it turned out to be someone absurdly loyal to humans. How could he not be furious?
"Can you promise to return Zi Huo to my Abyssal Lion Clan after this?"Thinking of the frustrations he'd endured over the past year regarding Zi Huo, the Lion King looked at Mo Yu solemnly and asked.
If Mo Yu personally gave the command, no matter how loyal Zi Huo was to humans, he would surely recognize who his true kin were and who was closest to him.
Hearing this, Mo Yu was slightly taken aback. Judging by the Lion King's words, it seemed he had already tried persuading Zi Huo to leave but failed.
Mo Yu wasn't surprised by this. The Soul Imprint technique was no mere gimmick. When he first obtained it, he had felt it was very likely from the Great Thousand World...
"As the Manor Manor Lord of Yuan Manor, I, Mo Yu, naturally would not resort to deceit. Rest assured, Lion King. Once Zi Huo comes out of seclusion, I will personally see to it that he leaves Yuan Manor." Mo Yu spoke with apparent sincerity.
Seeing that Mo Yu didn't seem to be lying, the Lion King nodded in satisfaction.
Yet, even after receiving Mo Yu's promise, the Lion King's expression remained heavy as he spoke.
"Since that's the case, Zi Huo has benefited from your care over the years. From now on, the Manor Lord of Yuan Manor shall be a distinguished guest of my Abyssal Lion Clan, a VIP of the Lion King himself."
Hearing this, Mo Yu couldn't help but silently smirk.
The mighty Lion King—his ability to switch faces was faster than flipping pages in a book. How amusing.
"May I ask, Lion King, what is Zi Huo's current situation?" After quietly ridiculing him in his heart, Mo Yu asked.
"Well... Zi Huo is currently in the Desolation Realm, the resting place of my clan's ancestors across generations. While it's fraught with danger for ordinary clansmen, for Zi Huo, it's undoubtedly a sacred land for cultivation. By the time he comes out, his strength may very well surpass yours."
The Lion King subtly tried to sow discord between Mo Yu and Zi Huo, but upon seeing Mo Yu's calm demeanor, unaffected by his words, he quickly lost interest and continued.
"However, Zi Huo's greatest threats come from two sources. Regarding the Grand Elder within the clan, as long as Zi Huo successfully emerges from the Desolation Realm, I can convince the Grand Elder's faction to support him.
The most dangerous threat, however, comes from the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. The Heavenly Demon Phoenix bloodline within Zi Huo is a great taboo for them. Even if I protect him, the Heavenly Demon Phoenixes will not let it go.
Hmph, even the old geezers within the clan want to hand over Zi Huo to seek the Phoenix Clan's forgiveness. How utterly disgraceful for my Abyssal Lion Clan!"
By the end of his words, the Lion King's face was filled with anger.
Back in the days of the Abyssal Lion Clan's prime, their influence was not inferior to that of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, even surpassing the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan.
But as time passed, the Abyssal Lion Clan was now being oppressed by the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, with most of their own clan willing to compromise and avoid trouble. It was truly infuriating!
Understanding the Lion King's anger, Mo Yu nodded in acknowledgment. Just as he was about to say something, Zi Yan, who was standing to the side, suddenly scoffed, "Tch, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan is nothing. Mo Yu, don't be afraid. With me here, if they dare come, they won't be leaving alive."
Hearing this, Mo Yu was momentarily stunned. He gently patted Zi Yan's little head, smiling as he nodded.
The Lion King observed Zi Yan, his fierce eyes scrutinizing her for a moment before slowly shaking his head. "Though I don't know which royal bloodline you hail from, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan is currently on the verge of splitting apart. Even your main base, the Dragon Island, has been divided into four factions, each ruling independently.
If your clan could unite, suppressing the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan would naturally be easy. However, given the current state of internal strife within the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, I fear that relying solely on the power of the faction supporting you will not be enough to deter the Phoenix Clan."
Hearing this, Zi Yan was taken aback, her expression filled with astonishment. "This is a top-secret matter within my clan. How do you, an outsider, know this?"
"Don't forget, my Abyssal Lion Clan was once a dominant force in the magical beast world. Besides, this information was disclosed to me by someone within your clan."
"You mean to say that one faction of my clan is trying to ally with you and the Abyssal Lion Clan?" Zi Yan, quick-witted as ever, immediately pieced together the implication and frowned.
The Lion King clearly didn't wish to delve into the internal affairs of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. Just as he was about to change the subject, a thunderous rumble echoed through the air.
Following the sound, a unique wave of energy spread throughout the Abyssal Lion Clan's territory.
Sensing this wave, the Lion King froze momentarily before a look of immense joy appeared on his face. Without hesitation, he bolted out of the grand hall.
Seeing this, Mo Yu and the others exchanged glances before quickly following the Lion King to the skies above the grand hall.
They saw the sky above the Abyssal Lion Clan's territory erupting with dazzling golden light. This golden light swirled into a vortex.
Next, Mo Yu was stunned to see torrents of primal aura, resembling golden liquid, surging like an endless flood from within the vortex.
Frowning slightly, Mo Yu's gaze fixated on the scene before him, and a familiar feeling began to stir within him.
His focus landed at the center of the golden vortex, where a massive figure, about a hundred meters tall, stood majestically.
It was a lion with skin of purple-gold, exuding a terrifying aura. Around its body, space appeared distorted, and Mo Yu even suspected that a mere movement from this lion might cause the entire space to collapse...
This lion was the embodiment of raw power!
"Zi Huo! It's Zi Huo! Haha, he didn't disappoint me after all. He actually refined the long-lost Primal Lion Body of my Abyssal Lion Clan!"
At this moment, seeing the sight before him, the Lion King burst into ecstatic laughter.
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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 :
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