Chapter 396: An Unexpected Request
"Lord of the Golden City, Ma Teng!"
Watching the elite centaur guards exit the city gates in an orderly fashion, led by a middle-aged man in a golden robe, Mo Yu raised his eyebrows slightly and muttered to himself.
Before arriving, he had heard from the Black Bat King that the current strongest member of the Golden Warhorse Clan was the old clan leader, a Tier 8 magical beast. However, it was said that the old leader had grown too old and had handed over the clan's power to his two sons.
Among them, this Golden City was under the control of Ma Teng, the second son of the old clan leader.
As soon as the Lord of the Golden City appeared, the surrounding crowd erupted in excited cheers.
"It's the Lord himself! I didn't expect him to show up."
"Haha, the Lord is always so elusive, and yet today we are fortunate enough to see him..."
The constant murmuring around Mo Yu made his brows twitch slightly. A magical beast lord enjoying such prestige among humans was proof enough of the man's cunning and wisdom, showing he was indeed extraordinary.
"Heh, everyone, as the saying goes, 'Guests are friends.' How about we turn hostility into friendship?"
At that moment, Ma Teng smiled warmly as he looked around. When his gaze swept over Mo Yu, his golden eyes paused briefly before he glanced toward the Black Bat King and Tang Ying, chuckling lightly.
Noticing Ma Teng's gaze, Mo Yu was startled. He had a faint feeling that this Lord of Golden City had somehow figured out his identity.
On the other side, Tang Ying was equally surprised to see Ma Teng personally stepping in. As the chief disciple of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, Tang Ying's swordsmanship was on par with some of the elders, even achieving unity between man and sword. Earlier, when Mo Yu appeared, Tang Ying had felt a warning from his Tianquan Sword, indicating that this cloaked man must have slain many of his Tang family members, hence triggering the sword's reaction.
This led him to stop Mo Yu, suspecting him to be the very person who had wiped out most of the Tang family, whom the pavilion had been hunting relentlessly. Despite having little personal attachment to his family, the widespread praise for Mo Yu had filled Tang Ying with a desire to challenge him.
However, the sudden appearance of the Black Bat King—and now even the Lord of Golden City, Ma Teng—had complicated matters.
Realizing this, Tang Ying furrowed his brow, then bowed slightly to Ma Teng.
"I didn't expect Lord Ma to intervene personally. In that case, I shall step aside for now," he said respectfully.
The Golden Warhorse Clan was no weaker than the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion. Even Tang Ying, and likely the four Sword Guardian Elders, would not dare to act recklessly here. Still, Tang Ying resolved to report Mo Yu's possible presence in Golden City to the pavilion upon his return.
Before leaving, Tang Ying shot a deep glance at Mo Yu, then, holding his Tianquan Sword, walked back into the city.
As Tang Ying's figure disappeared, Mo Yu's silver eyes under the cloak narrowed slightly. Though he wasn't sure how his identity had been exposed, it was clear that Tang Ying had recognized him. This meant that a renewed manhunt by the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion was imminent.
Mo Yu frowned slightly. For now, he could only prepare to defend himself, dealing with attacks as they came. At least within Golden City, the situation wouldn't escalate to the worst scenario. The Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, out of respect for the Golden Warhorse Clan, wouldn't dare make a move here.
Once he left the city, however, his Void Flash Thunder would have likely reached its peak, allowing him to escape even if the four Sword Guardian Elders came after him—unless they had a space-controlling Dou Zun expert.
With that thought, Mo Yu took a deep breath. It was now more important than ever to ensure that his Void Flash Thunder reached its pinnacle. Otherwise, he'd be in serious trouble.
Just as he was about to leave, Ma Teng's voice suddenly rang in his ears.
"Haha, Black Bat King, why aren't you ruling over your mountain? What brings you to my Golden City?"
Mo Yu stopped in his tracks and turned his head, seeing Ma Teng approaching. Behind him, the elite centaur guards followed closely, keeping the crowd at bay.
Mo Yu kept a close watch on the golden-robed man. Although he seemed all smiles, like a human merchant, the terrifying aura hidden beneath the surface was no less than that of the Black Sword Elder—perhaps even stronger.
"Peak Dou Zong!"
Sensing Ma Teng's strength up close, Mo Yu's heart tightened. The Golden Warhorse Clan truly lived up to its reputation as one of the top powers in the Western Region. Besides their reclusive Tier 8 magical beast patriarch, they had many other formidable members. Ma Teng's aura was even stronger than Qing Zhi's, another powerful figure close to becoming a Dou Zun.
"Greetings, Lord Ma. I've come to Golden City to accompany my master, who has some important matters to handle."
The Black Bat King, retracting his wings, stood beside Mo Yu like a loyal guard. After seeing that Mo Yu remained silent, the Black Bat King hesitated for a moment before cautiously answering Ma Teng's question. His previous arrogance was gone, replaced by a respectful demeanor. After all, the soul bond he shared with Mo Yu did not change his thoughts, and in front of a stronger magical beast, he couldn't help but show respect.
"Oh, your master..."
Hearing this, Ma Teng smiled slightly and glanced at Mo Yu, his golden eyes gleaming as if seeing through everything.
As Ma Teng's gaze fell on him, Mo Yu suddenly felt an unsettling sensation, like being stared at by a predator. Clearly, Ma Teng had already set his sights on him, and speaking with the Black Bat King was just a formality.
While Mo Yu pondered, Ma Teng's eyes remained on him as he chuckled, "Judging by your aura, you don't seem like a magical beast. A human who could make the Black Bat King submit—now that's quite surprising. Although I'm a magical beast, I've always enjoyed befriending humans. If you don't mind, how about we meet as equals and become friends?"
Mo Yu was taken aback. He hadn't expected Ma Teng, the future leader of the Golden Warhorse Clan, to extend such a friendly gesture toward him, an unknown wanderer.
Although he couldn't fully understand Ma Teng's intentions, Mo Yu could sense no hostility from him. After a brief moment of thought, he took off his cloak and said calmly, "I am Mo Yu. It's an honor to meet you, Lord Ma."
"Haha, so it really is you, Mo Yu. My golden eyes didn't deceive me."
Seeing Mo Yu reveal his identity, Ma Teng showed no surprise. His golden eyes sparkled even more brightly in the sunlight, as he smiled lightly.
While Ma Teng had expected this, the surrounding crowd was stunned by the name "Mo Yu."
"Mo Yu? He's the one who killed the Sword Master's apprentice and fought off the Black Sword Elder?"
At the busy city gate, many astonished gazes fell upon the young man standing in the middle of the elite centaur guards.
Mo Yu's name had been the subject of much talk recently. Among the younger generation, few had pushed someone as powerful as the Black Sword Elder into action. What was more shocking was that Mo Yu had managed to escape from such a formidable opponent.
Though rumors suggested that Mo Yu had a powerful protector and a strong background, his provocations toward the Sword Master and the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion had become some of the most infamous stories in the Western Region of Central State in recent years. The four Sword Guardian Elders, in particular, were figures of near-mythical terror.
Despite the crowd's shocked whispers, Mo Yu's expression remained unchanged. Since Tang Ying would inevitably report his presence here, there was no need for further concealment.
What Mo Yu found most curious, though, was why Ma Teng seemed so interested in him.
Noticing Mo Yu's confusion, Ma Teng didn't explain his motives right away. Instead, he smiled warmly and said, "There are too many eyes and ears here. Would you join me at the Lord's Mansion for a more private conversation? I promise, on the honor of the Golden Warhorse Clan, that I will do nothing to harm you. Although the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion is powerful, in the Western Region, the Golden Warhorse Clan has nothing to fear. Posting a wanted notice is one thing, but arresting someone for them? That's a fool's dream."
As he spoke the last words, the lord's previous friendly demeanor vanished, replaced by a fierce and commanding aura, sending chills down the spines of those present.
Mo Yu was once again reminded that no ruler of a major power could ever be considered simple.
Seeing that Mo Yu was still hesitant, Ma Teng remained patient and continued, "You didn't come all this way to Golden City for a casual visit, did you? I'm sure you have your reasons. And as the Lord of Golden City, perhaps I can help with something—anything except handing over the city itself, of course."
Hearing this, Mo Yu's expression shifted slightly.
He had come to the Golden Warhorse Clan seeking their space-related treasures, hoping to use the spatial power contained within them to push his Void Flash Thunder to its peak. With Ma Teng's help, this task would become much easier.
"In that case, I will humbly accept your invitation. And please, Lord Ma, feel free to call me by my name."
Sensing no malice from Ma Teng and needing his assistance, Mo Yu nodded in agreement. Besides, even if Ma Teng harbored hidden motives, Mo Yu wasn't afraid. With his Black Thunder Talisman for protection, not even the old patriarch of the Golden Warhorse Clan could take him down easily.
Seeing Mo Yu agree, Ma Teng smiled and waved his hand, signaling the elite guards to clear a path through the crowd.
"Haha, please follow me, Mo Yu."
...
At the center of the city, within the luxurious Lord's Mansion.
"Father, you're back!"
As Ma Teng stepped into the grand hall, a clear voice echoed in Mo Yu's ears. A flash of gold sped past him, and a figure clung to Ma Teng's arm.
The figure was a beautiful young woman dressed in gold. With her slender waist wrapped in a purple silk belt that accentuated her figure, she exuded both elegance and spirit.
The young woman's face was striking, with delicate features and a hint of heroism in her expression. Dressed in her golden attire, she looked both fierce and graceful, creating a unique charm.
"Haha, Mo Yu, this is my daughter, Ma Yunlu. She's a bit mischievous, so I hope you won't mind," Ma Teng said with a doting smile as he introduced the young woman beside him.
"Not at all. Lady Ma is lively and charming. You are truly blessed, Lord Ma," Mo Yu responded with a smile, though his eyes flickered with curiosity as he sensed her aura. The young woman was about a seven-star Dou Huang, which was impressive for her age, but she wasn't human—she belonged to the Golden Warhorse Clan. Could it be that...
Noticing Mo Yu's curiosity, Ma Teng explained with a chuckle, "My daughter took a shape-shifting pill a few years ago, so she can take human form even before reaching the seventh tier."
Mo Yu nodded, impressed by the clan's wealth. A Tier 7 pill was a rare and expensive treasure, and Ma Teng must have paid a hefty price to acquire it for his daughter. It seemed that Ma Teng was quite the doting father.
Standing beside Ma Teng, the golden-clad young woman, Ma Yunlu, gazed curiously at Mo Yu. She knew her father's character well—though he appeared warm and friendly, as the son of the clan leader, he was highly selective about whom he associated with. Yet he treated this silver-eyed young man with such respect, piquing her interest.
Mo Yu, however, paid no mind to her scrutiny and looked directly at Ma Teng, asking, "Lord Ma, may I ask what you brought me here for?"
Taken aback by Mo Yu's straightforwardness, Ma Teng hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
"I'd like to ask for your help with something."
"What kind of help?" Mo Yu asked, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Help me become the leader of the Golden Warhorse Clan!"
(End of Chapter)