Chapter 440: You Assist, I'll Take the Lead
"Destroy Ice River Valley?"
Upon hearing Mo Yu's words, everyone in the Sound Valley leadership, including Su Yao, was momentarily stunned. Their eyes reflected shock and disbelief. Even the two white-haired elder women, who had appeared to be dozing off, opened their eyes wide in astonishment, as if they'd just heard an outrageous joke.
Ice River Valley, being one of the top powers on the continent and one of the three major valleys alongside Sound Valley, was incredibly strong. The current leader of Ice River Valley was a renowned and powerful figure. Now, Mo Yu was suggesting teaming up with Sound Valley to wipe out Ice River Valley, which was beyond everyone's imagination.
Even Su Yao furrowed her delicate brows, looking at Mo Yu with some confusion. Though Mo Yu had repaired the Heavenly Demon Purgatory Zither, which had earned him Sound Valley's gratitude, his request was clearly beyond the limits of what could be expected. After all, Ice River Valley's strength was not inferior to Sound Valley's—it might even surpass it.
Dan Qin'er, staring at Mo Yu with her beautiful eyes, was equally astonished. She had never met someone her age who would dare to make such a bold claim. However, recalling Mo Yu's earlier impressive feats, she didn't find his words laughable but instead felt a strange sense that it might just be possible.
"Mo Yu, while Sound Valley owes you a favor, Ice River Valley is a powerful force. Even if all our strongest warriors fought, it would still be a grueling and unrewarding battle. Perhaps you should ask for something else instead," said a gentle but aged voice.
Mo Yu glanced over and saw that the speaker was one of the elderly women sitting beside Su Yao. He paused for a moment before nodding in understanding. After all, each of the Three Valleys—Blazing Flame Valley, Sound Valley, and Ice River Valley—was a formidable power, none of them easy to deal with. While Mo Yu himself was an eighth-tier refiner, his youth naturally made the Sound Valley leadership cautious about trusting him.
"I am Absolute Sound, the Second Elder of Sound Valley. Thank you on behalf of the valley for repairing the Heavenly Demon Purgatory Zither," the elder said, nodding slightly in gratitude. "However, annihilating Ice River Valley is too significant a matter. It is beyond our capacity. Perhaps you can request something else?"
Mo Yu wasn't disheartened by her words. Instead, he smiled. "It seems I spoke too hastily earlier, and my meaning wasn't clear. I don't intend for Sound Valley to singlehandedly destroy Ice River Valley. I am proposing that we join forces. Sound Valley will only need to assist me, not lead the charge. In return, all the territory and treasures of Ice River Valley will be yours. What do you say?"
"What? You want Sound Valley to just assist?"
The crowd was stunned again, their gazes now full of surprise as they stared at the slender silver-eyed youth standing before them. No one had anticipated that this young refiner, who had already demonstrated incredible skill, would have such audacity.
Though Ice River Valley wasn't among the absolute top-tier powers of the continent, it was still an immensely formidable force in the Central Plains. Initially, everyone had assumed that Mo Yu was trying to use Sound Valley to settle his grudge with Ice River Valley. While they owed him for repairing their treasured zither, his earlier request had felt excessive, like he was asking for too much.
But now, he had essentially reversed his position by suggesting that Sound Valley would only provide backup.
He had spoken of destroying Ice River Valley in one breath, then relegated Sound Valley to a supporting role in the next. In just a few words, this young man seemed to be playing the two great valleys against each other, as if he had a monumental plan.
As astonished glances filled the hall, Mo Yu remained calm, glancing at the white-haired elder and saying, "What I said is absolutely true, without a shred of exaggeration."
The white-haired elder, who was the second elder of Sound Valley, eyed Mo Yu carefully before asking, "Since you claim to lead the charge against Ice River Valley, with Sound Valley acting as backup, how many forces do you command? Can you withstand the brunt of Ice River Valley's power?"
Mo Yu crossed his arms behind his back and smiled confidently. "I don't have many forces under my command, but…" He paused, then continued with a confident grin. "I can personally take down Ice River Valley's Valley Master."
"What!"
This declaration sent shockwaves through the hall. The elders of Sound Valley looked at Mo Yu in disbelief. Could this youth really defeat the Valley Master of Ice River Valley?
Ice River Valley was one of the top forces on the continent, and its Valley Master, Bing He (Ice River), was a four-star Dou Zun (Battle Sovereign) expert. Even compared to Su Yao, the leader of Sound Valley, his strength was nearly on par. Some even claimed that Bing He possessed a special physique, allowing him to go toe-to-toe with even five-star Dou Zun experts.
For Mo Yu to claim that he could personally defeat such a strong figure was truly astonishing.
Even Su Yao's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she thought to herself… If that person were revived, this might indeed be possible. But recalling the difficulties of obtaining the Nine-Winged Golden Snake's inheritance, she sighed softly.
"Mo Yu, the Ice River Valley's Valley Master, Bing He, is one of the top experts on the continent. Even our Sound Valley leader might struggle to defeat him. Although you are an eighth-tier refiner and have connections, your claim seems overly confident," another white-haired elder remarked, shaking her head in doubt.
Mo Yu felt a bit frustrated by the elders' skepticism but remained patient. "Elders, rest assured, I am confident I can deal with Bing He. I wouldn't make such bold claims without backing them up. After all, I wouldn't risk my own life for nothing. Once I hold Bing He off, Ice River Valley's remaining forces won't pose much of a threat. All I ask is for Sound Valley to assist in holding them at bay. And remember, destroying Ice River Valley will bring Sound Valley significant benefits beyond just territory and treasures. It will also restore your reputation, which has faded over the years. It's an opportunity to rise again."
Hearing Mo Yu's persuasive reasoning, the leaders of Sound Valley exchanged glances, clearly tempted by the prospect. Though they had distanced themselves from worldly affairs for a long time, the chance to regain their former glory was hard to resist.
Seeing that his words were having an effect, Mo Yu glanced at the two white-haired elders, who still seemed hesitant. However, he paid them no mind and instead turned directly to Su Yao.
"Valley Master Su, my primary reason for coming to Sound Valley was to seek information about the Nine-Winged Golden Snake. Now that I have a lead, I am satisfied. As for the favor Sound Valley owes me, I will only ask for this one thing. If the risk is too great, I will understand. If that's the case, I'll take my leave now."
"If that's truly how you feel, then Sound Valley will be seen as stingy and selfish, with people saying Su Yao broke her word," Su Yao replied, her expression turning serious. She glanced at the two elders beside her and continued, "I've made my decision. Sound Valley will assist you, Mo Yu. Even if we can't completely destroy Ice River Valley, we aren't afraid of offending them. Though Sound Valley has been isolated for a long time, we do not fear anyone!"
"Then it's settled. Sound Valley will begin mobilizing troops immediately. We will assist Mo Yu in destroying Ice River Valley and reestablishing Sound Valley's prominence!" Su Yao's words carried a regal tone as she concluded the discussion.
Hearing this, the two elders exchanged troubled glances. Finally, the second elder bit her lip and said, "Since Mo Yu's plan is for us to play a supporting role, we'll only send a portion of our elite forces. We can't risk leaving Sound Valley unprotected."
This overly cautious elder clearly didn't trust Mo Yu completely and was trying her best to avoid risking too much.
Su Yao's expression darkened slightly, but she couldn't refute the elder's logic. After all, as the leader of Sound Valley, she had to consider the bigger picture.
"Valley Master Su, the second elder is right. Sound Valley only needs to send enough forces to keep Ice River Valley's main fighters occupied. There's no need for a full deployment," Mo Yu interjected.
Su Yao and Dan Qin'er were both taken aback by his words.
"Mo Yu, are you sure you can handle the Ice River Valley's master, Bing He?" Su Yao asked, her brows furrowing as she stared at him intently, trying to discern his true capabilities. Her words carried a tone of caution.
"Don't worry, Valley Master Su. I wouldn't make such a bold promise without the confidence to back it up. I guarantee Sound Valley won't suffer any losses. Ice River Valley will fall!" Mo Yu replied confidently with a smile.
Su Yao sighed in relief. Though she wasn't entirely sure how Mo Yu planned to take down Bing He, something about his demeanor made her trust him.
"Since you insist, take this communication flute. When you're ready, just blow it, and Sound Valley's forces will join you," Su Yao said, pulling out a long, slender green flute and tossing it to Mo Yu.
Mo Yu examined the flute for a moment before placing it into his storage ring. "Thank you, Valley Master Su, for your generous support!"
Mo Yu understood that asking Sound Valley to help him destroy Ice River Valley was a bold request. His relationship with Su Yao wasn't particularly deep, so he knew that her decision likely stemmed from her lingering feelings for Snake Uncle.
For this, Mo Yu felt genuinely grateful and gave a respectful bow.
"Don't mention it. You've earned it," Su Yao replied, her tone casual.
"Now that everything is settled, let's leave the hall," Su Yao said with a smile, leading the way out. Mo Yu and Dan Qin'er followed closely behind.
As they stepped outside, the fresh air of the valley filled Mo Yu's lungs, and he felt a sense of contentment wash over him.
"Valley Master Su, I've already stayed here for quite some time. I'll likely be leaving today. If you ever need my help in the future, don't hesitate to ask," Mo Yu said, clasping his hands together respectfully.
"You're leaving already?"
Su Yao wanted to persuade him to stay a little longer, but in the end, she sighed and nodded. "Though I don't know the full story behind your grudge with Ice River Valley, remember to prioritize your safety above all else. Don't take unnecessary risks."
Mo Yu chuckled. "Don't worry, Valley Master Su. I'm not someone who acts recklessly."
Su Yao smiled warmly. "If you have time in the future, come visit Sound Valley again."
As she said this, a look of nostalgia crossed her eyes, and she added, "Also… reviving a Dou Zun (Battle Sovereign) isn't an easy task. Be careful."
Mo Yu smiled back, knowing that her words carried not only a warning for him but also her concern for Snake Uncle.
With a parting bow, Mo Yu soared into the sky, heading swiftly toward the exit of Sound Valley.
Without wasting any time, Mo Yu sped toward Tianhuang City. Within half a day, he arrived at his destination.
Flying over Tianhuang City, Mo Yu descended into a remote area in the western part of the city. After determining the direction of the Liu family estate, he walked toward it.
About ten minutes later, he reached the gates of the Liu family's estate. Before he could speak, several guards at the entrance hurried forward, greeting him with great respect. "Are you Mr. Mo Yu?"
Mo Yu was momentarily taken aback, but he smiled and nodded. Seeing him confirm, the guards' respect deepened. One of them quickly ran off to inform Liu Qing and the others, while another led Mo Yu into the estate.
Shortly after entering, Mo Yu saw Liu Qing rushing toward him from the end of the path.
"You're finally back! I was starting to worry that something had happened to you in Sound Valley," Liu Qing said, letting out a relieved sigh as he saw that Mo Yu was safe.
Mo Yu chuckled. "Nothing happened, just took a bit of time helping Sound Valley repair a weapon."
"Good to hear. I've already informed Miss Little Doctor Immortal of your arrival. She should be here shortly," Liu Qing replied with a smile.
Mo Yu nodded before steering the conversation toward business. "Back when we were in the Black-Corner Region, you mentioned that traces of Heavenly Cold Qi had been found near Tianhuang City. Have there been any updates?"
Liu Qing's expression grew serious as he led Mo Yu to a nearby stone pavilion to sit. "Yes, we've got some news."
Mo Yu's interest piqued. "Where is it?"
"To the extreme north of Tianhuang City, in the Ice Cold River..."
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10