Chapter 502: Persuasion and the Primeval Lion Body
"You must be the new dominant figure of the past few years, the Master of the Yuan Mansion, Mo Yu?"
In the vast hall, a man in golden armor slowly turned around, his gaze fixed on Mo Yu. His calm words were laced with an overwhelming sense of pressure.
As the man turned, Mo Yu finally got a clear look at the Lion King's face. It was a square, dignified face, emitting an imposing aura. His eyes gleamed sharply, and his presence was even more formidable than the Ghost Elder Mo Yu had faced in the past.
"A Semi-Saint!"
Sensing the man's aura, Mo Yu couldn't help but feel alarmed. The Majestic Lion Clan truly lived up to its reputation as one of the former great beast clans. Even though they had fallen from their peak, their strength was still nothing to scoff at.
"I am Mo Yu. Greetings to the Lion King."
Mo Yu cupped his hands in respect towards the middle-aged man in golden armor.
Although he didn't know much about the man's character, since the Lion King was willing to protect Zi Huo, they were now on the same side. Building a good relationship was crucial.
"I've heard of you from Zi Huo. But what brings the Prince of Yuan Mansion here today?"
The Lion King slowly descended from the hall, his golden boots making a soft ticking sound in the quiet space. He scrutinized Mo Yu with a piercing gaze.
"To be frank, I have a subordinate from the Scorpion Dragon Clan. From him, I learned that Zi Huo might be in danger, so I've come to rescue him," Mo Yu responded calmly, despite knowing the man's Semi-Saint status.
"If that's the case, then you may leave. Zi Huo may have once served under you, but now he is a candidate for the position of our Majestic Lion Clan's Young Leader. His safety is my responsibility. From today onward, Zi Huo will have no further ties with you or your mansion." The Lion King's gaze grew cold as he spoke.
Mo Yu narrowed his eyes slightly but remained silent.
Now that Zi Huo was a candidate for the Young Leader of the Majestic Lion Clan, his status had indeed changed. Continuing to serve as a subordinate in the Yuan Mansion would dishonor not only him but also the entire Majestic Lion Clan.
However, did the Lion King really think that the bond between Mo Yu and Zi Huo, forged through years of serving together, could be severed so easily?
"Hmph! I remember when the Lion Kings of the Majestic Lion Clan commanded even my clan's leader's respect. Has the current Lion King really become so narrow-minded?" Zi Yan sneered from the side.
"Little girl of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, do not be so presumptuous here." The Lion King turned his gaze to Zi Yan, a trace of embarrassment and anger flashing across his face.
He had recognized Zi Yan's true identity the moment she entered the hall. As a Semi-Saint, and given the history of the Majestic Lion Clan, he was familiar with the Ancient Void Dragon Clan.
However, since he didn't know her exact standing within the clan, he had chosen not to engage.
But Zi Yan's words had now struck a nerve, exposing the clan's long-hidden shame.
In the Majestic Lion Clan, aside from the Clan Leader, the highest authorities were the Great Elder of the Elders' Council and the Leader of the Guards.
Although their statuses were roughly equal, in terms of strength, the Leader of the Guards was superior. Therefore, the Leaders of the Guards were traditionally given the title of "Lion King."
In their prime, the Majestic Lion Clan had been as powerful as the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. The Lion Kings were figures who stood at the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent, equal to the leaders of the Eight Great Ancient Clans and the heads of the three major beast families, commanding unparalleled respect.
But as the Majestic Lion Clan declined, so did the strength of its Lion Kings. In the past, a Semi-Saint would have only ranked as a Corps Commander in the Guard. Now, the Lion King's position had been reduced to that of a Semi-Saint.
In truth, this Lion King might be the weakest one in the history of the Majestic Lion Clan.
So, when Zi Yan's words landed, they hit him like a stab to an old wound, and a flicker of anger crossed his previously composed face.
Seeing this, Mo Yu quickly waved his hand, signaling Zi Yan to stop talking. Any further and the temperamental girl might truly provoke the Lion King's wrath.
Although Mo Yu no longer feared the threat of a Semi-Saint, having the Black Thunder Talisman capable of severely injuring even a low-star Dou Saint, and with the Snake Lord expected to arrive soon, it was still unwise to provoke the Lion King unnecessarily. On the contrary, since the Lion King valued Zi Huo's potential, there was much room for cooperation between them.
"Lion King, I understand your concerns. Now that your clan's old leader has passed away, you want to promote Zi Huo to the position of Clan Leader, hoping he will restore the Majestic Lion Clan to its former glory. However, you are dissatisfied with his connection to the Yuan Mansion. It would be disgraceful for the Young Leader, or even the future Clan Leader, of the Majestic Lion Clan to serve under a human."
"How about this: as of today, I will relieve Zi Huo of his position in the Yuan Mansion. From now on, he will be fully part of the Majestic Lion Clan, with no ties to my mansion. However, given our many years of cooperation, I would like to help him through this critical time. I hope you will allow me to assist him." Mo Yu respectfully cupped his hands towards the Lion King.
"Mo Yu…" The Little Doctor Fairy standing nearby hesitated. Zi Huo was not only a powerful figure under Mo Yu but also a pillar of strength for the Yuan Mansion. Losing him would greatly reduce their power and influence.
Mo Yu smiled faintly, signaling her to remain silent. He knew what she was thinking, but he had a deeper plan. He had forged a spiritual bond with Zi Huo through a Soul Imprint, not a domineering slavery contract, but a more subtle master-servant bond. Even the Semi-Saint Lion King had not detected it.
By cutting formal ties with Zi Huo, it would seem like he was losing a major asset. However, as long as the Soul Imprint remained, Zi Huo would always be loyal to him. If Zi Huo rose to become the leader of the Majestic Lion Clan, it would far surpass the value of a mere Lion Hall Leader.
Though the Little Doctor Fairy didn't fully understand Mo Yu's plan, she trusted him enough to remain silent.
Hearing Mo Yu's proposal, the Lion King's furious expression softened.
His main concern in refusing Mo Yu's help was to ensure Zi Huo severed all ties with the Yuan Mansion. It was unthinkable for the Majestic Lion Clan's future leader to be in service to a human.
"If you can guarantee that Zi Huo will return to the Majestic Lion Clan, then I will be satisfied," the Lion King said seriously. After all, no matter how loyal Zi Huo was to Mo Yu, the man himself could surely persuade him.
Mo Yu was momentarily surprised. It seemed the Lion King had already tried to convince Zi Huo to leave him but had failed. This didn't surprise Mo Yu, given the strength of the Soul Imprint, which might have come from a higher world.
"As the Prince of Yuan Mansion, I would never lie. Rest assured, when Zi Huo returns, I will personally see to it that he leaves the Yuan Mansion," Mo Yu promised firmly.
Seeing Mo Yu's sincerity, the Lion King finally nodded in satisfaction.
Although the Lion King had received Mo Yu's promise, his face still carried a hint of gravity. "Very well. Since Zi Huo has benefited from your care over the years, from now on, you will be a distinguished guest of our Majestic Lion Clan. You will be a guest of honor at my table."
Mo Yu couldn't help but smirk inwardly at how quickly the Lion King's demeanor changed. But he kept his thoughts to himself.
"May I ask how Zi Huo is doing now?" Mo Yu inquired.
"He is currently in the Primeval Realm, the resting place of our ancestors. Though it is dangerous for ordinary clan members, I believe for Zi Huo, it is an excellent place to train. When he emerges, he may surpass even you."
The Lion King tried to sow seeds of discord, but Mo Yu remained unfazed.
"The real danger comes from the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan. The Sky Demon Phoenix blood within Zi Huo is a grave threat to them. Even with my protection, they will not let this go easily."
"Ha! Sky Demon Phoenix Clan? They're nothing to worry about. Mo Yu, don't be afraid. If they dare to come, I'll make sure they regret it," Zi Yan scoffed.
Mo Yu patted her head with a smile.
The Lion King shook his head slowly. "Though you may have royal blood, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan is on the brink of civil war. With your clan divided and its forces scattered, can they really stand against the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan now?"
Zi Yan was shocked. "How do you know this? This is a top secret within my clan!"
"Don't forget, we were once one of the dominant beast clans. And besides, it was someone from your own clan who informed me," the Lion King said calmly.
"You mean... someone in my clan is trying to recruit the Majestic Lion Clan?" Zi Yan's sharp mind quickly pieced it together.
The Lion King didn't want to dwell on this topic, and just as he was about to change the subject, a loud rumble echoed through the air.
Suddenly, a strange energy ripple spread across the Majestic Lion Clan's territory.
The Lion King's face lit up with joy as he quickly rushed outside.
Mo Yu and his companions exchanged glances and followed him.
In the sky above the Majestic Lion Clan's land, dazzling golden light swirled, forming a vortex. From the vortex, a torrent of golden energy, like liquid, surged out.
Mo Yu's expression shifted as he sensed something extraordinary. His gaze locked onto the scene below—a vast ocean of purple-gold light, filled with a type of primeval energy far superior to anything found in the Primeval Mountain Range. Even a small strand of it could easily crush a fifth-tier magical beast.
At the center of this ocean stood a colossal lion, about a hundred meters tall, radiating overwhelming power. Its purple-gold skin shimmered, and the space around it seemed to warp under its immense pressure.
This lion was the embodiment of raw strength.
"It's Zi Huo! Hahaha! He has not let me down. He has mastered the long-lost Primeval Lion Body of the Majestic Lion Clan!" The Lion King laughed in sheer delight at the sight.
End of Chapter.
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