Chapter 311: Clash of Powers, Cai Lin Takes Action
Three days later, Mo City, Yuan Mansion.
"Master, everyone is assembled and ready. We're just waiting for your order." Xiao Li respectfully reported to Mo Yu as he stood by his side.
Hearing this, Mo Yu nodded, his gaze sweeping slowly over Zi Huo, Ling Feng, the three Lin Yan brothers, and the elite squads of the various halls.
Except for Bai Bing Hall and Qian Yao Hall, the Yuan Mansion had sent out all its elites for this battle.
If they couldn't win, the Yuan Mansion would suffer significant losses.
Thinking of this, Mo Yu's expression grew heavier. He looked at the large group of people behind him and waved his hand, saying in a deep voice, "Let's move!"
As soon as Mo Yu gave the command, a giant scarlet flag with the character "Yuan" slowly rose from within the ranks. The blood-red character seemed to be condensed from the essence of thousands of beasts, exuding a chilling and murderous aura.
When the flag was raised, the people of Mo City immediately noticed the scene. As they saw Mo Yu leading the high-ranking members of Yuan Mansion out in full force, the whole city erupted in astonishment.
"What is Yuan Mansion planning? The Lion Hall, Tiger Hall, Wolf Hall, and all the other major halls are mobilizing. Are they going to war with another faction?"
"The Master of Yuan Mansion, Mo Yu, is truly extraordinary. To think he has gathered such a powerful force. Truly a hero born in youth."
"I've heard that the Black Alliance has also been recruiting soldiers lately. Even the Medicine King, Han Feng, has personally recruited many strong fighters. Could it be..."
As whispers filled the air and eyes were fixed on the blood-red flag and the iron-blooded soldiers, the entire Mo City was enveloped in shock.
Facing the curious and complex emotions from the surrounding people, the Yuan Mansion's troops remained silent, like a giant black dragon lying in wait, slowly moving toward the horizon.
After speeding along for about an hour, the massive group gradually slowed down. Mo Yu looked up, gazing at the desolate plain in front of them.
At the center of the plain stood a dense, looming mountain range. From within the mountains, faint beast roars could be heard. This was a gathering place for magical beasts, and only factions as powerful as the Yuan Mansion and the Black Alliance would dare choose such a dangerous place for their decisive battle.
"Head up the mountain!"
Using his powerful soul sensing abilities, Mo Yu faintly sensed several strong auras within the mountain. It seemed that the Black Alliance had already arrived.
Without further delay, Mo Yu swiftly darted into the depths of the mountain, followed closely by the serious-looking members of Yuan Mansion. The sound of rushing wind echoed continuously through the forest as they sped forward.
Just as Mo Yu and his group reached the top of the mountain, the creaking sound of magical crossbows being drawn back echoed around them. Sensing the danger, the Yuan Mansion forces immediately went on high alert, and the atmosphere grew tense and ominous.
Mo Yu's gaze fixed on the mountain peak, where a large group was already positioned in battle formation. It was none other than the Black Alliance.
"Mo Yu, you're quite late..."
At the forefront of the Black Alliance, Han Feng stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the Yuan Mansion forces, finally stopping on Mo Yu. His face twitched slightly, and his dark, sinister voice echoed across the mountaintop.
"Heh, after hiding like a coward for half a year, you suddenly come out showing off. I wonder who gave you the courage to dare challenge my Yuan Mansion!" Mo Yu looked at the grim-faced Han Feng, smirking playfully. "You were lucky to escape with your life last time. Do you think you'll be that lucky today?"
Infuriated by Mo Yu's sarcastic words, Han Feng let out a cold laugh and said, "Arrogant brat! Back then, you only managed to oppose me by borrowing power. What's there to be proud of?
Today, I will return the favor, with interest. After today, there will be no Yuan Mansion left in the Black-Corner Region!"
With his Dou Zong-level senses, Han Feng had detected that Mo Yu was borrowing strength from someone else during their last encounter. After months of careful planning, Han Feng had figured out how to counter Mo Yu's tactics, and a glint of malice flashed in his eyes as he thought of his revenge.
"Then let's see! After today, only one of us will remain—Yuan Mansion or the Black Alliance!" Noticing the strange gleam in Han Feng's eyes, Mo Yu narrowed his brows and sneered.
"Heh, then most likely it will be the end of your Yuan Mansion," Han Feng sneered coldly before clapping his hands and calling out, "Elder Bai Han, it's time for you to make an appearance."
As Han Feng's words fell, several powerful auras erupted from halfway up the mountain. Moments later, several formidable figures appeared, led by none other than Bai Han, with whom Mo Yu had crossed paths before.
Behind Bai Han followed three Dou Huang-level experts and five Dou Wang-level fighters, their presence intimidating.
"Oh? So the Heaven Serpent Mansion has allied with the Black Alliance. Does this mean you're willing to become enemies of my Yuan Mansion?" Mo Yu's face darkened slightly, even though he had anticipated this.
"Hmph! Mo Yu, you abducted our Young Master from Heaven Serpent Mansion, making you our mortal enemy. Today, our Heaven Serpent Mansion joins forces with Alliance Master Han to annihilate Yuan Mansion!" Bai Han's eyes narrowed as he glared at Mo Yu, his voice cold and filled with venom.
"What big talk! Do you think the Black Alliance is the only one with allies? Does Yuan Mansion have none?" Mo Yu smiled faintly before calling out to the sky behind him, "Elders, Chiefs, it's time to show yourselves!"
As Mo Yu's voice fell, the sound of rushing wind echoed from the distant sky. Soon, countless black dots appeared, swiftly transforming into figures dashing across the sky.
The immense pressure created by the high-speed approach caused the grasslands below to ripple like water, and the aura unleashed by this large group of experts made the Black Alliance members' faces darken.
"Swoosh! Swoosh!"
In the distance, shadows streaked through the sky like shooting stars, rushing toward Mo Yu's position. The overwhelming aura they released was not hidden, and even before they arrived, their presence had enveloped the entire northern plains.
"Jia Nan Academy, Tianyin Sect, Kuangshi Gang, Luocha Sect? It's you?"
Seeing the figures appear in the sky, particularly Yin Gu Lao, Tie Wu, and Su Mei, Han Feng's face grew grim as he coldly spoke.
"Han Feng, you attacked the inner academy back then. Today, it's time to settle this once and for all."
Before Han Feng could reply, a booming voice rolled in from the distance. Moments later, one by one, the figures finally appeared under the gazes of countless onlookers.
"Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!"
Figures flashed through the sky, finally hovering in mid-air. A massive, oppressive aura spread out, covering the entire heavens and earth.
"Heh, my apologies, Alliance Master Han. We made an agreement with Master Mo to stand together in battle, so forgive us," the elder from Tianyin Sect said with a slight bow, but a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes as he glanced at the Heaven Serpent Mansion members.
At this point, they realized that Mo Yu had kept them in the dark. The Black Alliance had joined forces with Heaven Serpent Mansion, forming a combination of forces that could rival Jia Nan Academy and Yuan Mansion.
However, since they had already accepted Mo Yu's terms, backing out now was not an option.
Of course, they had no intention of dying for Mo Yu either. If the battle turned unfavorable, they would be the first to retreat.
Mo Yu was well aware of this, so he had prepared several contingencies.
"Hmph, you three refused my invitation to join the Black Alliance and chose Yuan Mansion instead. Do you look down on me, Han Feng?" Han Feng coldly demanded.
Hearing this, Su Mei and the others exchanged awkward glances before sheepishly bowing to Han Feng.
They hadn't really wanted to side with Yuan Mansion, but Mo Yu had offered too much to refuse.
Seeing this, Han Feng's face grew darker. Initially, with the addition of Heaven Serpent Mansion, his side had an advantage over Yuan Mansion, even with Jia Nan Academy as their ally.
But now, with these three factions joining, the balance had shifted back to even, if not tipping slightly in favor of Yuan Mansion.
"I've heard much about Jia Nan Academy's reputation across the northwest. I didn't expect even the Academy's Grand Elder to show up today," Bai Han said, his eyes narrowing as he addressed Su Qian, the leader of the newly arrived forces.
"You must be the Grand Elder of Heaven Serpent Mansion. This matter is between Jia Nan Academy and the Black Alliance. Your mansion would do well to stay out of it," Su Qian replied, frowning slightly.
"I'll give Jia Nan Academy some face. If Mo Yu hands over our Young Master Qinglin, Heaven Serpent Mansion will withdraw immediately," Bai Han considered for a moment before replying.
Even the powerful Heaven Serpent Mansion was cautious of angering Jia Nan Academy, given its formidable reputation.
"Grand Elder Bai Han, you..." Han Feng's expression changed at Bai Han's words. The two sides had agreed to fight Yuan Mansion together, but now Bai Han was backing out.
"Apologies, Alliance Master Han. We came only to retrieve our Young Master, not to engage Jia Nan Academy in battle. I hope you understand." Before Han Feng could say anything, Bai Han spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Han Feng's face froze, and he swallowed his words. At the same time, he cursed Heaven Serpent Mansion inwardly for being unreliable.
As Bai Han's words settled over the battlefield, all eyes turned to Mo Yu, waiting to see how he would respond.
Unmoved by the attention, Mo Yu shook his head lightly, his face calm.
Seeing this, the cold light in Bai Han's eyes intensified, while a silent smile spread across Han Feng's lips.
"Mo Yu, I didn't expect you to grow so much in just a few short years," a soft, complex voice suddenly spoke from behind Bai Han. A green-clad woman looked at Mo Yu, her expression conflicted.
"You... you're Lu Man." Seeing the familiar figure, Mo Yu was slightly stunned. He shook his head and said, "I didn't expect you to come. You shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess."
"For decades, our Heaven Serpent Mansion has searched for the Three-Flowered Green Snake Pupil. Now that we've found Qinglin, we will never let her go," Lu Man said bitterly.
"But you shouldn't force her to marry someone she doesn't love!" Mo Yu's silver eyes narrowed as he snorted coldly.
Hearing this, Lu Man's face tightened, and she cast a glance at Bai Han, a trace of helplessness flashing in her eyes.
Originally, Lu Man had opposed the arranged marriage. After all, she was the one who had brought Qinglin back to the mansion and naturally didn't want her to marry just anyone.
However, it was a command from the mansion's leader and elders. Her objections were futile, and she had never expected this decision would lead to such consequences.
What surprised her even more was that the boy who had once been hunted by the Mulan Empire had grown so powerful that his forces now rivaled Heaven Serpent Mansion.
Perhaps Qinglin had truly seen something special in him. Her young master was indeed extraordinary.
"Hmph, this matter concerns Heaven Serpent Mansion's internal affairs. It's none of your business, boy. Out of respect for Jia Nan Academy, I was willing to back down, but since you refuse to accept a toast, you will drink the forfeit instead." Bai Han's eyes blazed with fury as he turned to Su Qian and said, "Elder Su, forgive me, but I can't give Jia Nan Academy face this time."
"In that case, we have no choice but to fight," Su Qian said with a sigh. However, he didn't blame Mo Yu. After spending so much time together, Su Qian had come to understand Mo Yu. He knew that for Mo Yu to make such a stand, Qinglin must be very important to him.
"Heh, Elder Su, bringing so many men to trouble the Black Alliance again? Aren't you afraid of repeating the same mistake as last time?" Han Feng shifted his gaze from Mo Yu to Su Qian, laughing coldly.
"Hmph, Jia Nan Academy has stood strong in the Black-Corner Region for many years. We've faced countless challenges. The Black Alliance is just a grasshopper after autumn; you won't be able to jump around for long," Su Qian replied impassively, wasting no more words. He took a slow step forward, and the terrifying aura of a Dou Zong expert burst out from his body, engulfing the Black-Corner Region's experts in a dark cloud.
"Kekeke, Elder Su is truly formidable. But I'm afraid you'll be trying to fill a basket with water again today," a sinister laugh suddenly rang out, as two figures—one in gold, one in silver—flashed across the sky like lightning, standing opposite Su Qian.
The two forces' massive auras clashed and intertwined, surging together into the sky. Besides the so-called Golden and Silver Elders, there were few in the Black-Corner Region capable of standing up to Su Qian.
"If Elder Su insists on troubling the Black Alliance, then don't blame us for not showing any courtesy," Han Feng sneered coldly before turning his malicious gaze to Mo Yu. He laughed darkly and said, "Since you've come right to my door, Old Eagle, give our young Master Mo a proper welcome."
As soon as Han Feng spoke, a pair of claws shot out from the horizon, reaching for Mo Yu's throat. But just as they were about to close in, the space around them trembled, and a slender, jade-like hand appeared out of nowhere.
The jade hand was pure and flawless, with fingers slightly curved into a mysterious arc. With a simple flick, a terrifying force shot out, slamming into the incoming claws. The strength behind the strike was so immense that it caused Old Eagle's body to tremble slightly.
"Who is it?" The failed attack made Old Eagle's face darken instantly. He raised his head and saw a stunningly beautiful, bewitching woman standing there.
Cai Lin glanced coldly at Old Eagle, her red lips parting as she said calmly, "You can't touch his life."
(End of the chapter)
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