Chapter 493: Chapter 491: Operation to Rescue Yao Lao
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Xiao Yan, has arrived in the Western Region?"
Hearing Xiao Li’s words, Mo Yu paused briefly before bursting into laughter. "Well, what are you waiting for? Invite them in!"
As Mo Yu’s words fell, a light-hearted voice echoed from the grand hall moments later.
"Haha, Cousin Mo Yu, Second Brother, it’s been a long time!"
As the voice trailed off, several figures slowly entered the hall.
At the forefront was a tall and slender young man dressed in a black robe. While his face was not exceptionally handsome, his dark eyes radiated determination.
This man was none other than Xiao Yan, who had been away for years!
Seeing Xiao Yan again, Mo Yu couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia, as if an entire lifetime had passed. In just a few short years, Xiao Yan’s aura had grown immensely profound. The youthful naivety of the past was now completely shed, replaced by the demeanor of a rising powerhouse.
"Second Brother, Cousin Mo Yu..." Xiao Yan took a deep breath as he gazed at the two before him. His usually composed voice trembled with emotion.
"Haha, Third Brother! I didn’t think you’d find your way here!"
Xiao Li’s face lit up with unrestrained joy as he stepped forward quickly. Gone was his usual grim expression, replaced by a bright smile. He gave Xiao Yan a firm hug and patted his shoulder enthusiastically.
"Yes, the three of us brothers are reunited once more. Now, we’re only missing Eldest Brother Xiao Ding..." Mo Yu stepped up as well, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder, his voice filled with sentiment.
Although Mo Yu was originally just the grandson of the Xiao Clan’s steward, Xiao Yan and his brothers, as the sons of the clan leader, had never concerned themselves with hierarchy or formalities. They grew up together as if they were real brothers.
Though they had long since grown up and were now scattered across different regions, the bond of brotherhood remained as strong as ever.
"Haha, it’s fine. Eldest Brother’s legs are inconvenient for travel. When we return to the Jia Ma Empire in the future, there will definitely be a day when we all reunite," Xiao Li laughed heartily as he released Xiao Yan.
"Mm," Xiao Yan nodded with a smile.
"Hmph, you brothers are having your reunion. Am I just invisible?" A cold snort interrupted the joyful atmosphere. The pouty voice came from a petite girl dressed in purple beside Xiao Yan, her expression full of dissatisfaction.
Mo Yu turned his gaze to the petite yet curvaceous young girl and was momentarily stunned. Then, his brows raised slightly. "Zi Yan?"
"Hmph, so you still remember me! You promised to help me find my clan members, but you disappeared for years without a trace!" Zi Yan’s large, sparkling eyes glared at Mo Yu ’menacingly,’ though her petite demeanor made it impossible to take her seriously.
Mo Yu awkwardly rubbed his nose and chuckled sheepishly. "Haha, I didn’t forget. I’ve already located your clan members. I was just waiting for the right time to take you to them."
In truth, Mo Yu had long known about Zi Yan’s true identity as a magical beast. However, he hadn’t had the chance to explain it before. Now, years later, it seemed like the time was right.
To his surprise, Zi Yan pouted even more upon hearing this. "I’ve already found my clan members since coming to the Central Plains. I don’t need your help anymore."
"Uh..." Mo Yu’s awkwardness deepened, but his years of experience helped him quickly regain his composure.
Seeming to remember something, Mo Yu’s gaze turned thoughtful as he looked at Zi Yan. "Since you’ve found your clan, congratulations. But I’ve heard that your clan hasn’t been peaceful lately. If you ever need my help in the future, just say the word. Don’t hesitate. Consider it my compensation."
Zi Yan’s large, watery eyes widened with surprise.
She hadn’t expected Mo Yu to know about the recent turmoil within the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. Indeed, the clan was on the verge of a major split.
This was supposed to be a closely guarded secret, one even most factions in the Beast Region were unaware of.
Zi Yan’s gaze flickered. Although she couldn’t quite pinpoint why, she had always harbored a faint sense of awe toward Mo Yu. This inexplicable feeling grew stronger now that he had casually revealed a clan secret.
"Mm, I will. Thank you, Brother Mo Yu," Zi Yan replied softly with a smile, tugging at Mo Yu’s sleeve in gratitude.
Somehow, she felt that when the clan’s internal strife escalated into full-blown chaos, Mo Yu might be the key to tipping the scales in her favor.
Mo Yu patted Zi Yan’s small head and smiled gently. Then, his gaze shifted toward the elder who had accompanied Xiao Yan into the hall.
The elder was dressed in a green robe, with long hair draped over his shoulders, exuding an air of freedom. Despite his age, his face retained a hint of handsomeness, suggesting that he had been quite striking in his youth.
Perhaps due to cultivating wind-element Dou Qi, his aura felt elusive and unpredictable, giving him an almost otherworldly presence.
"This must be Feng Zun Zhe?" Mo Yu remarked, raising an eyebrow as he examined the elder.
Mo Yu was no stranger to Feng Zun Zhe. The elder was the famed lifelong friend of Yao Zun Zhe and the master of Falling Star Pavilion, one of the Four Pavilions. Among the four Pavilion Masters, Feng Zun Zhe was the strongest.
"Junior Mo Yu greets Feng Zun Zhe," Mo Yu said respectfully, his tone polite despite his strength being comparable to or even exceeding the elder’s.
"Haha, no need for such formality. Who in the Central Plains doesn’t know of Mo Yu, the Manor Lord of Yuan Manor? Your greeting humbles this old man," Feng Zun Zhe chuckled warmly, his eyes filled with curiosity as he studied Mo Yu.
The elder couldn’t help but marvel at the young man before him.
Mo Yu’s reputation had spread far and wide. Even as a veteran expert, Feng Zun Zhe couldn’t help but feel a twinge of awe.
A year ago, Mo Yu had slain Jian Zun Zhe, a peer of Feng Zun Zhe’s, and broken through to Dou Zun at the age of twenty-something—a feat that could only be described as monstrous.
Feng Zun Zhe sighed inwardly. The Xiao Clan of Wu Tan City in the Jia Ma Empire truly seemed blessed to have produced two such prodigies.
After a brief exchange, Mo Yu and Feng Zun Zhe became much more acquainted.
Feng Zun Zhe lived up to his reputation as Yao Zun Zhe’s lifelong friend. His personality and manners were both impeccable, making him a joy to interact with.
As they talked, Mo Yu learned about Xiao Yan’s journey over the years, which wasn’t too far off from what he remembered of the original timeline.
After breaking through to Dou Huang, Xiao Yan had come to the Central Plains, sought out Feng Zun Zhe, and worked tirelessly to prepare for rescuing Yao Lao. His growth had been nothing short of astonishing, and he had already begun carving out a name for himself.
Without Mo Yu’s influence, Xiao Yan’s progress might have been the fastest in the entire continent, fully deserving of his future title as the Flame Emperor.
Compared to Mo Yu, the gap between him and others had significantly widened. Though on the surface, a single rank separated a nine-star Dou Zong and a one-star Dou Zun, the reality was starkly different. Only by stepping into the realm of Dou Zun could one truly enter the halls of power and be considered a true expert on the continent; a nine-star Dou Zong was still merely a Dou Zong.
"Cousin Xiao Yan, your visit this time must be for something important, right?" Mo Yu asked after their casual conversation paused. His sharp gaze turned toward Xiao Yan.
After all, even Feng Zun Zhe, the esteemed leader of the Falling Star Pavilion, had personally accompanied Xiao Yan on this visit. Without a pressing matter, it was unlikely Mo Yu could command such a favor.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s expression became visibly heavy, and a trace of pain flashed in his dark eyes. His voice was hoarse as he replied, "I do have something I need my cousin Mo Yu’s help with."
Mo Yu’s heart stirred upon seeing Xiao Yan’s demeanor. He had a guess but kept his composure and nodded. "Rest assured, Cousin Xiao Yan. As your brother, I’ll gladly assist with whatever you need."
Xiao Yan was deeply moved by Mo Yu’s straightforward agreement. Taking a deep breath, he spoke solemnly, "To be frank, my master has been captured by the Hall of Souls. My purpose in coming here is to seek Cousin Mo Yu’s assistance in rescuing him!"
As the words fell, Xiao Yan’s gaze fixed tightly on Mo Yu, his breathing slightly quickened from the emotional weight.
It had been four or five years since Yao Lao was captured. Although his life was not in immediate danger, Xiao Yan knew his master must have endured unimaginable suffering. Everything Xiao Yan had achieved was due to Yao Lao’s guidance, so anything concerning his master stirred his emotions deeply.
Moreover, Xiao Yan had always admired Mo Yu. Upon learning of his cousin’s remarkable feats—defeating the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion and establishing Yuan Manor as a dominant force in the Central Plains—he had discussed the matter with Feng Zun Zhe and decided to seek Mo Yu’s help.
"Little one, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. Rescuing Yao Chen is no simple task. Any misstep could lead to disaster," Feng Zun Zhe sighed softly from the side.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, taking deep breaths to calm his turbulent emotions. His gaze returned to Mo Yu, filled with hope.
Mo Yu was momentarily stunned, reflecting on how some events seemed inevitable—Yao Lao’s capture by the Hall of Souls remained unchanged even in this timeline. After a brief internal sigh, he met Xiao Yan’s hopeful gaze and nodded.
"So that’s the situation. Since Senior Yao has been captured by the Hall of Souls, he must have endured considerable suffering. Cousin Xiao Yan, given our bond, you can count on me.
Moreover, Senior Yao once did me a great favor. Rescuing him is not just your request—it’s something I must do as well!"
Mo Yu recalled how Yao Lao had informed him about the Nine-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent in the Southern Region. This favor was etched in his memory, and Mo Yu had always repaid kindness. Even without Xiao Yan’s request, he would have taken action upon discovering Yao Lao’s location.
"Thank you, Cousin Mo Yu..." Xiao Yan was both relieved and deeply moved by Mo Yu’s agreement.
Feng Zun Zhe, standing nearby, couldn’t hide his surprise. Although Xiao Yan had confidently assured him beforehand, Feng Zun Zhe had remained skeptical.
After all, the Hall of Souls was a colossal force, comparable to the Pill Tower. Even if Yuan Manor had conquered the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion and ruled over the Western Region, it was still like an ant before the Hall of Souls. Few would dare provoke such a power.
But witnessing Mo Yu’s willingness to risk offending the Hall of Souls, Feng Zun Zhe couldn’t help but admire him. "Truly a man of loyalty and integrity—he’s someone I can respect," he thought.
With Mo Yu agreeing to help, Feng Zun Zhe retrieved a map from his storage ring and spread it across the table. Pointing to the northwestern region of the Central Plains, he said, "The Hall of Souls has many hidden branches throughout the Central Plains, making them nearly impossible to locate. However, in the northwestern region lies the Death Soul Mountain Range. Hidden there is one of their branches."
"Is that where Senior Yao is being held?" Mo Yu asked, his eyes flashing.
"Yes," Feng Zun Zhe nodded solemnly. "The Death Soul Mountain Range is a perilous place, shrouded in dense cold mist and infested with bloodthirsty magical beasts. It’s easy to lose one’s way and fall victim to the dangers. The Hall of Souls likely chose this location for its natural concealment."
"Death Soul Mountain Range..." Mo Yu murmured. The area, located in the northwest, was not far from the Western Region. However, its treacherous reputation had kept even the once-thriving Western Alliance at bay, let alone Yuan Manor.
"How many experts guard this branch? How many Dou Zuns?" Xiao Li, a key general of Yuan Manor, asked sharply, pinpointing the critical issue.
"The Hall of Souls values Yao Lao highly, so their defenses won’t be weak. According to our intel, there are likely five Dou Zuns stationed at the Death Soul branch," Feng Zun Zhe said, his expression grim. Five Dou Zuns constituted a formidable force, even by the standards of the Central Plains—a level that could make many top-tier factions tremble.
"Five Dou Zuns..." Mo Yu murmured. Exchanging glances with Xiao Li, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"If it’s just five Dou Zuns, leave it to Yuan Manor."
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