Chapter 399: The Main Family, an Old Friend of Uncle Snake
Western Region, Dikun Mountains.
As one of the most dominant forces in the area, the Golden Warhorse Clan's actions inevitably attracted the attention of countless people. So, when news spread that the clan was about to begin selecting their next leader, it caused a huge stir among the surrounding factions.
Many of the vassal forces loyal to the Golden Warhorse Clan immediately dispatched their leaders to the Dikun Mountains upon hearing the news. These leaders weren't just attending to witness the significant moment but also to be among the first to congratulate the new clan leader and pledge their loyalty.
What was once a quiet Dikun Mountain range was now buzzing with activity as Dou Zong experts and Tier 7 magical beasts, some in human form, began arriving in droves for the Golden Warhorse Clan's leadership election.
At the same time, with the election approaching, Mo Yu, along with Ma Teng and other high-ranking members of Golden City, set off for the Dikun Mountains.
The Dikun Mountains, being the direct domain of the Golden Warhorse Clan, served as its headquarters. Though not as prosperous as Golden City, it was the heart and soul of the Golden Warhorse Clan.
Over the past few days, Mo Yu had been staying at the City Lord's Mansion. Although he spent most of his time cultivating, he had also learned much about the internal workings of the Golden Warhorse Clan.
In short, the competition for the clan leader position had divided the Golden Warhorse Clan into two factions. One faction, led by the first branch, was represented by Ma Fu, who controlled the Dikun Mountains. The second faction, led by the second branch, was represented by Ma Teng, who controlled Golden City.
Since Golden City housed many Tier 7 Golden Warhorses who had taken human form, Ma Teng had managed to rally most of these top-tier warriors to his side, giving him a significant advantage in terms of high-level combat strength. However, the first branch was not to be underestimated. The Dikun Mountains, as the clan's ancestral home, housed many powerful warriors in seclusion, whom Ma Fu had gathered to his cause.
Moreover, the Dikun Mountains were home to a large population of Golden Warhorses. Although most of them were of average talent, the sheer number of them meant that the first branch had managed to find and nurture many talented individuals over the years, further strengthening their power.
As a result, the balance of power between the two branches was quite even, and even within the clan, no one could say for sure who would ascend to the position of clan leader.
The Dikun Mountains were not far from Golden City, so after about two hours, Mo Yu and Ma Teng's group arrived at their destination.
"The headquarters of the Golden Warhorse Clan is located within the Dikun Mountains. Hehe, it's a rather special place. Without the proper method of entry, even a Dou Zun expert wouldn't be able to enter," Ma Teng said with a smile, turning to Mo Yu as they approached the lush mountain range.
Hearing this, Mo Yu narrowed his silver eyes slightly. He could sense the spatial intricacies within the mountains. It was clear that the Golden Warhorse Clan, with its ancient heritage, possessed some remarkable secrets.
"Let's go. I'm sure my elder brother is already waiting for me," Ma Teng said, glancing meaningfully at the endless expanse of mountains ahead.
As his words fell, the expressions of Ma Yunlu, Elder Ma You, and the other high-ranking officials from Golden City grew more serious. As supporters of the second branch, if Ma Teng were to fail in the leadership contest, they would likely be sidelined and lose all hope of future influence.
"Hehe, don't worry. With young friend Mo Yu's help, the position of clan leader will undoubtedly fall into my hands!" Ma Teng laughed, noticing the heavy atmosphere among his group. He turned and gave Mo Yu a confident smile.
Hearing this, Ma You and the others recalled how Mo Yu had easily defeated Ma Tie just a few days ago. Their spirits lifted as they became more optimistic.
Seeing this, Ma Teng smiled and patted Mo Yu on the shoulder before leading the group deeper into the mountains. Mo Yu and the others quickly followed.
After about ten minutes of flying through the mountains, Ma Teng finally slowed down and came to a stop.
Mo Yu looked around in confusion. All he could see was a dense forest with no buildings or peaks in sight—just an endless sea of trees. It looked like an ordinary woodland.
But Mo Yu quickly realized there was something unusual about this place.
"Hehe, this is the Pegasus Grand Array, created by our ancestors. Only those with Golden Warhorse blood can enter," Ma Teng explained with a smile. His aura surged, and his golden eyes glowed brightly. A strange golden light emanated from his eyes.
As the golden light expanded, the space before them began to warp. Under Mo Yu's astonished gaze, a spatial gateway gradually appeared.
"Let's go. This is the true headquarters of the Golden Warhorse Clan," Ma Teng said, stepping into the gateway. Ma You and the others followed.
Seeing this, Mo Yu didn't hesitate and entered as well. As the last of them passed through, the spatial gate disappeared.
Upon entering, Mo Yu felt a brief flash of dizziness, and the world around him seemed to shift. When his vision cleared, the endless forest was gone, replaced by a towering mountain. Atop the mountain stood several grand buildings, and faintly, Mo Yu could hear the sounds of people sparring.
"This place was constructed using the power of our ancestors' bloodline. Of course, it's nowhere near the vast spaces created by Dou Sheng experts. The area here is only about the size of a city. Our regular clan members live around the outskirts of the Dikun Mountains. Only upon entering here have you truly arrived at the core of the Golden Warhorse Clan," Ma Teng explained with a smile.
Mo Yu nodded slightly.
At the same time, he grew more alert. In this space, Mo Yu sensed a powerful presence, one that was comparable to the Bone Elder he had encountered in the Black-Corner Region.
"It seems the Golden Warhorse Clan's Tier 8 patriarch lives here…" Mo Yu thought, his heart tightening.
A Tier 8 magical beast was equivalent to a Dou Zun human expert. Without the Black Thunder Talisman, Mo Yu doubted he could escape the grasp of such a powerful being.
While Mo Yu was on guard, a calm, emotionless voice of a middle-aged man came from not far away.
"Second brother, you're here."
As Mo Yu's group hovered in the air, about a dozen figures flew over from a distant mountain.
Leading the group was a middle-aged man in black robes, whose features bore some resemblance to Ma Teng. He arrived in front of them with a cold look in his golden eyes.
Sensing the man's aura, Mo Yu's expression shifted slightly. This man, like Ma Teng, was a peak Dou Zong, only a step away from becoming a Dou Zun.
"Elder brother..." Ma Teng's face grew serious. His golden eyes narrowed slightly as he gave a half-smile and said, "I didn't expect you to welcome me personally. I'm truly flattered."
"Haha, we're brothers. There's no need to be so formal. Besides, Father has been waiting for you," the black-robed man, Ma Fu, replied with a shallow smile, his gaze briefly sweeping over Ma Teng's group.
When his golden eyes landed on Mo Yu, they paused. His eyes narrowed as he stared at him.
"Second brother, is this your new son-in-law? I've heard quite a bit about him. Not only is he human, but he's made quite a name for himself in the Western Region. I must congratulate Yunlu for finding such a husband. However, I also heard that he's gotten himself into trouble with the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion. While our Golden Warhorse Clan doesn't fear the Four Great Pavilions, bringing such a major problem into the clan might not sit well with Father."
Hearing this, Ma Teng's expression darkened. He stared directly at his elder brother, clearly displeased with his attempt to stir trouble.
As the tension between Ma Teng and Ma Fu grew, their respective supporters began to size each other up with hostility.
After a long moment, Ma Teng waved his hand and smiled coldly at Ma Fu. "I'll explain everything to Father. Although Mo Yu may have had some run-ins with the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, his talent is immense. Bringing him into the Golden Warhorse Clan is a worthwhile investment."
"Hmph, he's just a human. What's so impressive about him?"
Before Ma Teng could finish speaking, a proud and cold voice interrupted. The speaker was a young man dressed in golden armor, looking every bit like a general ready for battle. His arms crossed, he glanced at Mo Yu with disdain.
"Chao'er, mind your manners!" Ma Fu scolded the youth, though his tone lacked any real severity, carrying more of a sense of indulgence.
Seeing this, Mo Yu narrowed his silver eyes and glanced at the arrogant young man.
"That's Ma Chao, my uncle's son," Ma Yunlu whispered to Mo Yu.
Hearing this, Mo Yu nodded in understanding.
In the brief time they had been face-to-face, Mo Yu could already sense the deep animosity between the first and second branches of the clan.
As for Ma Chao's scorn, Mo Yu remained indifferent. His face betrayed no emotion. Useless anger would only waste his energy. Mo Yu's focus was simply to defeat Ma Chao in the upcoming competition, helping Ma Teng win the position of clan leader. After that, he would claim his reward and leave.
Mo Yu had no interest in getting caught up in the petty squabbles between the two branches.
Noticing Mo Yu's calm demeanor, Ma Fu was momentarily surprised. His goal in coming here had been to size up the second branch's forces and get a better sense of Mo Yu, the man Ma Teng had chosen to fight in Ma Yunlu's place during the competition.
He had already figured out that Mo Yu would be Ma Chao's opponent. Given Ma Yunlu's strength, she wouldn't stand a chance against Ma Chao, so the second branch would need someone else to step in.
Ma Fu had been hoping to provoke Mo Yu and test his abilities, but to his surprise, Mo Yu remained completely unfazed, leaving Ma Fu with nothing to go on.
"Brother, Father has been waiting long enough. We should go," Ma Teng said, cutting off the conversation and avoiding further confrontation. He had forbidden any word of Mo Yu's defeat of Ma Tie from leaking out. He was confident that Mo Yu's strength would give his elder brother a surprise during the competition.
With a cryptic smile, Ma Teng waved his hand and led his group toward the central hall.
Seeing Ma Teng's mysterious smile, Ma Fu's heart sank slightly. Watching Mo Yu's departing figure, he let out a cold snort and waved his hand, leading his own group toward the hall as well.
Five minutes later, following Ma Teng, Mo Yu passed through the heavily guarded gates of the grand hall. Gently pushing open the large doors, they entered.
Creaaak
As the doors opened, the majestic and awe-inspiring interior of the hall came into view.
The moment the doors opened, Ma Teng stepped forward and bowed to the figure seated at the head of the hall.
"Father, your son Ma Teng has returned."
Inside the hall sat nearly a dozen figures, most of them dressed in golden robes. Their faces were calm, their auras powerful—some even stronger than the Devil Elder Mo Yu had encountered in the Black-Corner Region.
These individuals were clearly the high-ranking members of the Golden Warhorse Clan.
At the head of the hall sat a small, elderly man with white hair, dressed in simple clothing. Despite the kind smile on his face, everyone in the room knew exactly how powerful this old man was in the Western Region.
Seeing the elder, Ma Yunlu cheerfully ran over, calling out "Grandfather!" as she affectionately took his arm.
"Haha, Yunlu, why did you come so late?" the old man chuckled. Then, turning his gaze to her, he said, "I've heard you've found yourself a husband. Why not introduce him to your grandfather?"
Upon hearing the elder's words, Ma Yunlu's face flushed red with embarrassment. At this moment, Ma Teng turned to the doorway and said, "Mo Yu, come in."
As soon as his words fell, a slender figure walked in from outside. The moment Mo Yu's handsome face appeared, the hall fell into a brief but noticeable silence.
"Mo Yu greets the clan leader."
Unfazed by the curious stares, Mo Yu respectfully greeted the white-haired elder seated at the head of the hall.
The moment Mo Yu entered the hall, he felt a faint pressure. The source of this pressure was none other than the seemingly unassuming elder in front of him.
As the elder saw Mo Yu, he froze for a moment. His eyes lingered on Mo Yu for a few seconds before he said in surprise, "Huh? Why do I sense a trace of my old friend Snake Wuwan's aura on you?"
(End of Chapter)
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