Chapter 366: The Growth of Yuan Mansion, the Arrival of the Enemy
"Mo Yu, who is she?"
As Xiao Yi Xian walked over, Xiao Yu felt a bad premonition and looked at Mo Yu, asking with a curious expression.
Mo Yu responded with a sheepish smile, stammering slightly, "This is Xiao Yi Xian, a friend I met back when I left the clan and wandered through the Magic Beast Mountain Range."
"Oh, so this is Miss Xiao Yi Xian."
Upon hearing Mo Yu's introduction, Xiao Yu's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as she gave Xiao Yi Xian a quick look up and down.
She couldn't deny it—Xiao Yi Xian's aura and beauty were both incredibly striking. Even though Xiao Yu considered herself exceptionally beautiful, she realized she was still a bit outshined by this mysterious woman. Glancing at Mo Yu with a hint of blame, she thought to herself how her fiancé, as outstanding as he was, seemed to attract women wherever he went.
Whether it was Yun Yun, the leader of the Yun Lan Sect, or Queen Cai Lin of the Snake Tribe, or even her maid Qing Lin, they all surpassed her in many ways. And now, there was this mysterious woman named Xiao Yi Xian.
Xiao Yu sighed inwardly. Although she was Mo Yu's fiancée, there were many other outstanding women around him. But since she had accepted Cai Lin, Qing Lin, and others, accepting one more like Xiao Yi Xian wouldn't make much of a difference.
"Hehe, no need to be so formal, Miss Xiao Yi Xian. If you're Mo Yu's friend, just call me Xiao Yu," Xiao Yu said with a gentle smile, glancing at Mo Yu before walking over and warmly taking Xiao Yi Xian's hand.
Xiao Yi Xian, feeling slightly uneasy, slowly relaxed. Looking at Xiao Yu's friendly expression, she smiled back, saying, "Alright, Xiao Yu. You can call me Yi Xian as well."
Seeing the two women go from a potentially tense situation to a friendly conversation, Mo Yu couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. He had to admit, even though Xiao Yu might not be the most extraordinary woman in his life, what he appreciated about her the most was her grace and maturity. She didn't nitpick or get jealous over every little thing, unlike many others might.
Mo Yu knew Xiao Yu was aware of the other women in his life, but instead of making a scene, she only lightly teased or scolded him. In that regard, he felt he was much luckier than Xiao Yan.
In the original story, Xiao Yan and Xun Er had loved each other for a long time and were deeply committed. Because of that bond, Xiao Yan's romantic life was much more restricted compared to Mo Yu's. Perhaps due to Xun Er's strong background, or Xiao Yan's sense of guilt towards her, he never officially gave a title to any of the other women in his life, except for Cai Lin.
It wasn't that Xiao Yan didn't care about the other women—he was a man who valued deep relationships. However, with Xun Er being a princess of the ancient Gu Clan, sharing her husband with Cai Lin was one thing, but accepting multiple other women might have caused discontent within the Gu Clan.
Mo Yu didn't have these concerns. Xiao Yu, as his main fiancée, wouldn't lose her status, and she was understanding enough to tolerate the presence of other women around him. It was a quiet understanding between them.
"Alright, now that everything's settled, let's head back," Mo Yu said, interrupting the conversation between the two women. He then looked at Xiao Yu and added, "I'll arrange for someone to escort the students back to Jia Nan Academy, so you don't need to worry. Come back to Mo City with me."
Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback, but then she nodded. It had been over half a year since she'd seen Mo Yu, and she missed him greatly. As for the academy, she trusted they would understand her absence.
After making the arrangements, Mo Yu and his group began their journey back to Mo City. The trip went smoothly, and after half a day, the massive and imposing walls of Mo City finally appeared on the horizon.
Standing atop the flying beasts, Gu He, who had never been to the Black-Corner Region before, was left speechless as he gazed at the towering city. He had heard of the chaos and wealth in this region, but even the grandest cities he had passed along the way paled in comparison to Mo City. Even the capital of the Jia Ma Empire seemed insignificant in comparison.
If this city was any indication of Yuan Mansion's power, it was clear that their influence in the Black-Corner Region was enormous. Gu He felt a surge of excitement. Although he had no great ambitions for power, being part of Yuan Mansion might allow him to make breakthroughs in his alchemy skills. This was a much better environment for growth than the quiet confines of the Jia Ma Empire.
"Let's go home," Mo Yu said with a smile, sensing the excitement from those around him. The people of Yuan Mansion, having been away from Mo City for over half a year, were eager to return.
As the large group approached the city, the guards on duty noticed the familiar flying beasts and immediately began shouting in excitement.
"The Lord has returned! The Lord is back safely!"
"The Lord's safe return is a cause for celebration!"
The joyous cries echoed throughout the city, and within moments, the entire population of Mo City was abuzz with the news that their leader had returned. Passersby looked up at the massive flying beasts in awe. Mo Yu's name was now legendary in the Black-Corner Region—he was the master of Yuan Mansion and the top-ranked individual on the Black List.
In this city, Mo Yu was regarded with the highest reverence. As the people cheered, Mo Yu smiled as he surveyed the bustling scene below. In just half a year, Mo City had grown even more prosperous than before. It seemed that Zi Huo had done an excellent job in his absence.
Yuan Mansion, Meeting Hall
Once Mo Yu and the high-ranking members of Yuan Mansion had returned, the once-empty meeting hall was once again filled with energy and excitement.
"Zi Huo greets the Lord!"
A towering figure, as solid as a steel wall, stepped forward from the crowd. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at Mo Yu, his voice as loud as thunder.
"Haha, Zi Huo, no need for formalities. You've done well over the past half year. You haven't let me down," Mo Yu said with a smile as he approached Zi Huo, giving him a light punch on the chest that echoed like metal striking metal. "Not only did you keep Yuan Mansion thriving, but I heard you nearly killed the Great Elder of Demon Flame Valley?"
Zi Huo scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled, "You're too kind, Boss. That old man tried to attack Mo City while you were gone, but I caught him in the act. We fought, and if he hadn't run off so quickly, I would've finished him with one punch."
Mo Yu was momentarily surprised but then nodded in approval. He had met the Great Elder of Demon Flame Valley before, and he was someone who was just on the verge of reaching the Dou Zong (Battle Sect) level. For Zi Huo to nearly defeat him showed that his strength had grown to rival that of an ordinary Dou Zong.
Impressed by the power of the Lion King's bloodline, Mo Yu couldn't help but marvel at Zi Huo's potential.
Xiao Yi Xian, standing nearby, was equally astonished by Zi Huo's strength. Despite only being at the Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) level, he exuded a subtle pressure that even she could feel. This man, who seemed as fierce as a wild beast, willingly served under Mo Yu's command. In just a few short years, Mo Yu had transformed from a small-town boy into a mighty leader.
As she recalled the events from the Magic Beast Mountain Range, Xiao Yi Xian's eyes narrowed slightly. She suddenly remembered the name Zi Huo. Could it be that Mo Yu's former magical pet, the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, had transformed into this powerful being?
Seeing the realization on Xiao Yi Xian's face, Mo Yu smiled and nodded, confirming her suspicions.
Xiao Yi Xian's usually calm expression shifted into one of surprise. The magical pet from a few years ago had not only transformed into a human form but had also undergone a massive evolution. The revelation left her in a state of awe.
Turning his attention away from Xiao Yi Xian, Mo Yu looked towards Meng Yang and Qi Shan, two of Yuan Mansion's other leaders. Sensing Mo Yu's gaze, Meng Yang, the head of the Hundred Weapons Hall, immediately stepped forward and respectfully reported, "My Lord, over the past six months, the Hundred Weapons Hall has successfully trained three new Grade-3 weapon forgers, ten Grade-2 forgers, and over thirty Grade-1 forgers. With hundreds of skilled forgers under our command, we've not only monopolized the weapon trade in the Black-Corner Region, but we've also begun trading with over a dozen empires in the Northwestern Continent. The Hundred Weapons Hall alone brings in a monthly profit of thirty million gold coins!"
Mo Yu raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected the Hundred Weapons Hall to grow into such a massive enterprise. A monthly profit of thirty million gold coins was more than what the entire Jia Ma Empire could generate in a year.
Pleased, Mo Yu smiled and said, "Well done, Meng Yang. You've exceeded my expectations. I'll make sure you're properly rewarded."
Meng Yang's face lit up with joy. The prospect of further rewards from Mo Yu, who had mentored him every step of the way, was more than he could have hoped for. Mo Yu's guidance had helped him become a Grade-5 forger and the leader of the Hundred Weapons Hall. Any reward from Mo Yu now would undoubtedly advance his forging skills even further.
After hearing Meng Yang's report, Mo Yu turned to Qi Shan, who quickly stepped forward and reported, "My Lord, over the past six months, thanks to the channels of the former Thousand Medicine House and my reputation, the Thousand Medicine Hall has successfully recruited several alchemists. However, the Black-Corner Region is home to many alchemists, and despite our strength, we haven't been able to dominate the market like the Hundred Weapons Hall. Nevertheless, with me, a Grade-6 alchemist, overseeing things, the Thousand Medicine Hall still brings in a monthly profit of around ten million gold coins."
"Only ten million?" Mo Yu frowned slightly.
Compared to the Hundred Weapons Hall, the Thousand Medicine Hall's profits were only about a third. Although the scarcity of forgers in the Black-Corner Region gave the Hundred Weapons Hall an advantage, the Thousand Medicine Hall was backed by a Grade-6 alchemist like Qi Shan. The disparity between the two still seemed too large.
Shaking his head, Mo Yu pointed to Gu He, who stood nearby. "This is Gu He, the Alchemy King from the Jia Ma Empire, also a Grade-6 alchemist. From now on, he will serve as the deputy leader of the Thousand Medicine Hall. With two Grade-6 alchemists working together, I expect you to reclaim at least half of the medicinal market in the Black-Corner Region."
Upon hearing this, the leaders of Yuan Mansion exchanged glances, surprised that their leader had brought back another Grade-6 alchemist from his trip to the Jia Ma Empire.
Yao Fang, the former head of the Thousand Medicine House, also couldn't hide her surprise. She knew full well the value of a Grade-6 alchemist, and now Yuan Mansion had two of them. This alone solidified their status as the dominant force in the Black-Corner Region.
"Yes, My Lord!" Qi Shan and Gu He exchanged a glance and then bowed respectfully in unison.
Mo Yu smiled, satisfied with their response. Just as he was about to continue, his expression suddenly changed. He quickly raised his head, his silver eyes narrowing as he stared towards the eastern sky. A large group of powerful auras had appeared in the distance, and among them was a particularly menacing presence that made his heart skip a beat.
"A strong enemy has arrived!" Xiao Yi Xian, standing beside him, also sensed the change, her face growing serious.
Mo Yu's sudden shift in demeanor caught the attention of everyone in Yuan Mansion. As they looked around in confusion, a booming, ancient voice suddenly echoed across the sky, shaking the heavens like a thunderclap.
"You brats from Yuan Mansion! Bring that Mo Yu out here! Tell him that the ancestor has come for revenge!"
Hearing the thunderous voice that rattled the skies, Mo Yu's silver eyes narrowed, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"This old man... he's come sooner than I expected."
(End of Chapter)
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