Chapter 385: Agreement and Conditions, Huangji Pill
In the Lan family's main hall...
Lan Yingying, who had been staring in surprise for quite some time at the young man standing before her in simple cloth robes, finally exclaimed in shock, "Mo Yu? What are you doing here?"
Mo Yu smiled slightly. "That's a long story."
"Huh? Sis, you know Young Master Mo Yu?" Lan Bingbing was also taken aback when her sister called out his name. What a coincidence!
Lan Yingying's beautiful eyes were fixed on Mo Yu, and after a moment, she smiled brightly, a radiant smile that eased the tense atmosphere in the hall.
Her eyes swept over Mo Yu, and with a charming smile, she said, "Of course I know him. In fact, I'm his senior sister."
"Oh? So this young man is also a disciple of Elder Bing?" The middle-aged man in the ornate robe beside them was also surprised. He carefully examined Mo Yu.
What shocked him even more was that even though he was at the threshold of becoming a Douzong expert, he couldn't quite see through this silver-eyed youth's true power.
"This is my father, the head of the Lan family, Lan Yuan," Lan Yingying introduced softly to Mo Yu.
"Haha, Lord Lan praises me too much. I've only met Elder Bing once; I'm not really considered his disciple," Mo Yu said, shaking his head modestly.
"Even if it was just one meeting, my master holds you in high regard. Your skills in crafting weapons must have surpassed mine by now. Not to mention, at such a young age, you've become the ruler of Black-Corner Region. Whether it's in cultivation or weapon crafting, you're a true prodigy," Lan Yingying said with a sweet laugh, her charm captivating.
Hearing her words, the expressions of the Lan family members in the hall changed noticeably.
They were well aware of Black-Corner Region, a chaotic and notorious place on the continent, home to the mighty Canaan Academy and many other powerful figures.
For Mo Yu to dominate such a region at such a young age was astonishing. Even more surprising was that he had surpassed their own Lan Yingying, who was known as the best weapon craftsman in Xihuang City.
"Senior Sister Lan Yingying, you're too kind. My achievements are nothing in the grander scheme of things, especially in Central Plains," Mo Yu said humbly, shaking his head.
Lan Yingying smiled, noticing that Mo Yu didn't want to dwell on the topic. She then shifted the conversation and asked curiously, "So, how did you end up with Bingbing?"
At this, Lan Bingbing hurriedly chimed in, recounting the events in the desert and the incidents they had encountered on their journey.
"I see. It seems we owe you a lot, Mo Yu. If not for your help, my daughter and the Lan family convoy would not have made it back safely," Lan Yuan said, his face slightly changing as he stood up to bow deeply to Mo Yu.
"Lord Lan is too kind. If someone saves your life, it's only natural to return the favor," Mo Yu replied with a smile.
"Haha, since you're an old acquaintance of Yingying and have also saved Bingbing's life, how about calling me Uncle Lan?" Lan Yuan laughed heartily.
Hearing this, Mo Yu could not refuse, so he nodded in agreement.
"Father, has the Tang family come to cause trouble again?" Lan Bingbing asked suddenly, her brows furrowed.
"Sigh, the Tang family has always wanted to dominate Xihuang City. They've been hostile toward our Lan family for a long time. In the past, our strength was more evenly matched, and thanks to Yingying's master, things stayed balanced. But recently, Tang Ying from the Tang family has become the chief disciple of Wan Jian Pavilion, and the Swordsmith Master has advanced to an eighth-tier weapon craftsman. With that, the Tang family's influence has grown, and many neutral forces in Xihuang City have now aligned with them," Lan Yuan said with a sigh.
"Who is this Swordsmith Master?" Mo Yu asked Lan Yingying in a low voice.
"The Swordsmith Master is the chief weapon craftsman of Wan Jian Pavilion. Three years ago, after advancing to the eighth tier, his reputation spread across Central Plains. It's said that even the pavilion master's sword was crafted by him, and he also holds a high position in the Artificer Alliance," Lan Yingying explained. She then added with a solemn tone, "More importantly, the Swordsmith Master and my master have a personal grudge, which the Tang family has exploited to keep my master from helping us."
Mo Yu suddenly understood. No wonder the Tang family, with just the backing of Wan Jian Pavilion, dared to challenge the Lan family, which had the protection of Elder Bing. There was an internal power struggle within the Artificer Alliance at play.
"The Tang family's demands are not just for Bingbing to marry Tang San, but also for our Lan family to submit to theirs. It's all a scheme to annex us in the future. Naturally, I would never agree to such outrageous terms. Although the Tang family is powerful, if they try to wipe us out, they will suffer heavy losses as well," Lan Yuan said calmly.
Lan Bingbing clenched her fists and said coldly, "So that's why they proposed this challenge, asking us to find someone from our generation to compete against Tang San and Sun Wuji?"
"Yes. In our generation, you are the strongest in terms of power, and your sister is the most skilled in crafting. But you're only a five-star Dou Wang, and your sister is just a beginner fifth-tier weapon craftsman. With such a difference, it's likely we will lose both competitions," Lan Yuan said with a bitter smile. "And it's not just within the Lan family—throughout all of Xihuang City, there's no one in your generation who can match Tang San or Sun Wuji. The Tang family wouldn't have made such a proposal unless they were certain of victory. So, the Lan family is indeed facing trouble."
"Trouble, yes, but it's not unsolvable—as long as someone agrees to help us," Lan Yingying suddenly said with a sly smile.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall turned to look at Mo Yu with knowing glances. Even Lan Bingbing nodded in agreement.
"That's right! Since Young Master Mo Yu's skills in crafting are even better than my sister's, if he helps us, he'll definitely be able to defeat Tang San and Sun Wuji!" Lan Bingbing said.
Surprised by everyone's attention, Mo Yu paused for a moment before nodding slightly. "I can agree to help you."
In Mo Yu's eyes, both Lan Yingying and Lan Bingbing had helped him before, so now that the Lan family was in trouble, he wasn't going to stand by and do nothing. Besides, neither Tang San nor Sun Wuji were particularly difficult opponents for him.
Seeing Mo Yu agree, Lan Yingying's eyes sparkled with joy, and she smiled sweetly at him. "Thank you, Junior Brother Mo Yu."
She then turned to her father and said, "Father, since Tang San has declared that anyone from our generation—regardless of whether they're from the Lan family—can compete, then Junior Brother Mo Yu is definitely our best candidate."
Hearing this, Lan Yuan looked deeply at Mo Yu. Sensing the unfathomable strength within him, Lan Yuan sighed and said, "Since even Elder Bing holds Mo Yu in such high regard, I sincerely invite you, Young Master Mo Yu, to represent our Lan family!"
"Uncle Lan, there's no need to be so formal. However, before I agree, I have two conditions," Mo Yu said after thinking for a moment.
"Oh? What conditions? As long as it's within the Lan family's power, I will agree to anything," Lan Yuan said, sounding relieved.
Mo Yu's appearance had come as a solution to the crisis the Lan family was facing, so Lan Yuan was willing to be generous.
Mo Yu smiled slightly and shook his head. "It's nothing major. On my way to Central Plains, I encountered some difficulties. If not for your family's steward, Lan Lie, saving me, I might not be standing here today. So, I hope the Lan family will take care of and nurture him. I believe that someone as loyal and upright as Lan Lie will not disappoint you."
Hearing this, Lan Yuan was taken aback, and the high-ranking members of the Lan family exchanged glances. None of them had expected Mo Yu to make such a request—not for himself, but on behalf of Lan Lie.
After a moment, Lan Yuan laughed and said, "Young Master Mo Yu, you truly repay kindness. Your character is one I admire greatly. If I were younger, I'd be tempted to become sworn brothers with you."
At his last comment, Lan Yingying and Lan Bingbing playfully rolled their eyes.
Realizing his mistake, Lan Yuan chuckled awkwardly and said, "Very well. I'll grant your request. I've long recognized Lan Lie's qualities and have been meaning to promote him. Since you've mentioned it, I will appoint him as a candidate for elder. Within five years, he'll be a full elder and part of the Lan family's leadership."
Mo Yu nodded in satisfaction. He believed in repaying kindness and holding grudges. Though Lan Lie's help hadn't been life-saving, it had been substantial, so promoting him to elder felt like a fitting way to repay the favor.
"As for the second condition," Mo Yu continued, "I hope the Lan family can provide me with a quiet place to cultivate. In three days, I will come out and help you deal with Tang San and Sun Wuji."
Hearing this, the Lan family members were once again taken by surprise. Such a simple request left them somewhat baffled.
Lan Yuan let out a sigh of relief and laughed. "That's an easy request to fulfill. I will arrange a training room for you right away."
He had been prepared for Mo Yu to make far more demanding conditions, but Mo Yu's simple requests made Lan Yuan admire him even more.
Lan Yuan gave Mo Yu a meaningful look. This young man was indeed profound and mysterious.
"Bingbing, take Young Master Mo Yu to my personal training room. Make sure no one disturbs him," Lan Yuan instructed with a smile.
Lan Bingbing nodded and turned to Mo Yu with a sweet smile. "Brother Mo Yu, please follow me."
Her tone had unknowingly become much more familiar.
Mo Yu didn't react much, simply smiling as he bowed slightly to Lan Yuan and the others before following Lan Bingbing out.
…
In the Lan family's backyard, inside the patriarch's personal training room...
After sending Lan Bingbing away and closing the door, Mo Yu let out a breath of relief.
To be honest, he didn't really want to get involved in the conflict between the Lan and Tang families if it weren't for Lan Lie and Lan Yingying's involvement. However, since he had already agreed, he wouldn't go back on his word.
"As for that Tang San, I'd estimate his strength to be around a seven-star Dou Huang. That makes him a few stars stronger than me. Central Plains really is impressive—just a random genius from a small city has such incredible talent," Mo Yu muttered to himself. Though his own talent was exceptional, he had cultivated on his own, while Tang San had the support of his entire family and the resources of Wan Jian Pavilion. It wasn't surprising that Tang San had achieved so much.
Central Plains was vast, filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers, and Mo Yu knew he would encounter even more powerful opponents in the future.
However, while Tang San's achievements were noteworthy, Mo Yu wasn't overly concerned. With his current combat strength, few of his peers could defeat him. He had killed more than ten Dou Huang experts, and even Dou Zong powerhouses had fallen by his hand. A mere seven-star Dou Huang was nothing.
"As for Sun Wuji, he might pose a bit more of a challenge. Although he's only a fifth-tier weapon craftsman, his master is an eighth-tier one..."
Thinking of the Swordsmith Master, as mentioned by Lan Yingying and the others, Mo Yu's expression became a little more serious. After all, an eighth-tier weapon craftsman was a highly ranked figure on the continent.
Mo Yu knew that while the world had seen ninth-tier alchemists, there had never been a ninth-tier weapon craftsman.
"Ah, well, I'll deal with this situation first, repay my debts, and then move on. Before the upcoming Weapon Crafting Tournament, I'll aim to break through to the Dou Zong level. Although this might draw the Swordsmith Master's ire, according to Lan Yingying, Elder Bing is also about to break through to the eighth tier. That should help neutralize any threats," Mo Yu thought, his expression growing serious.
The Weapon Crafting Tournament was the most prestigious event for weapon craftsmen on the continent. Its scale was enormous, but Mo Yu wasn't after fame or glory. What he sought was the tournament's grand prize.
With that thought in mind, determination flashed in Mo Yu's silver eyes. He touched his storage ring, and a fragrant, yellow pill appeared in his hand.
"Huangji Pill!"
Looking at the pill, Mo Yu smiled slightly.
This Huangji Pill had been crafted by the Alchemy King, Gu He. Ever since Yuan Manor took control of Black-Corner Region, rare medicinal herbs had been continuously sent to Thousand Herb Hall, and Gu He, along with Qi Shan, both sixth-tier alchemists, had crafted many high-tier pills. The Huangji Pill was one of them.
Before heading to Central Plains, Mo Yu had taken several Huangji Pills from Gu He in preparation for future use.
After his life-or-death battle with Ghost Staff Elder, Mo Yu had felt his Dou Qi stirring within him, so he planned to use this Huangji Pill to help break through.
Without further hesitation, Mo Yu swallowed the Huangji Pill and closed his silver eyes, allowing his body to absorb its vast medicinal power...
(End of Chapter)
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