Chapter 41: Mo Yu Takes Action
After saying goodbye to Xiao Yu, Mo Yu returned to his small house.
Inside, his grandfather was there, looking worried.
"Yu'er, you're back," the old man said with a smile upon seeing Mo Yu.
Seeing his grandfather's worried expression, Mo Yu guessed what was troubling him. "Grandfather, are you worried about the family's business troubles?"
The old man nodded, sighing. "Recently, the family has been in conflict with the Jia Lie family over business. Profits have dropped by fifty to sixty percent, and we can barely afford to pay some of the servants."
As the family's old steward, the old man had a deep understanding of the family's financial situation and was very concerned.
Hearing his grandfather's sigh, Mo Yu shook his head. He hadn't planned to get involved in this matter, knowing that Xiao Yan would likely step in and resolve it perfectly. But now, he realized he couldn't remain uninvolved. His ties to the Xiao family were too deep, not just because of his engagement but also due to his grandfather, who had integrated into the Xiao family over decades.
Thinking of this, Mo Yu knew he couldn't hide his abilities anymore, especially for the sake of the hardworking old man in front of him.
"Grandfather, don't worry. I can solve this," the young man said calmly.
Hearing this, the old man was stunned. His cloudy eyes showed a hint of surprise. His grandson seemed to have many secrets.
...
At that moment, in the Xiao family's council hall, the clan leader and elders were furious over the increasingly dire business situation. If things continued, all the Xiao family's markets would go bankrupt, and the Xiao family would become a second-rate power.
"If only we could hire an alchemist!" someone in the hall lamented.
Hearing this, everyone shook their heads helplessly. Even a first-tier alchemist was extremely hard to hire.
Just as everyone was feeling hopeless, Mo Yu and his grandfather walked in.
"Haha, clan leader, my grandson Yu'er has a solution to our family's troubles," the old steward's low, aged voice rang out like thunder in the council hall.
"What?!"
Hearing the old steward's words, everyone in the hall, from the clan leader and elders to the younger generation, looked at the grandfather and grandson in shock.
"Old Mo, you can't say such things lightly!" the first elder, who had grown closer to the steward after the family alliance, advised cautiously.
Xiao Zhan also looked at Mo Yu with a serious expression. He didn't want the young man to speak recklessly out of youthful arrogance.
In a corner of the hall, Xiao Yu also looked at the handsome young man in surprise. When did her fiancé acquire such abilities?
Seeing the doubt in everyone's eyes, the old man wasn't offended. He took out an extraordinary black bead from his pocket.
"This is…" The second elder, responsible for the family's business, felt the bead looked familiar. Stroking his white beard, he tentatively asked, "Is this the Thunderfire Bead that's been popular in Wu Tan City recently?"
The old steward nodded proudly. "Indeed, it is a Thunderfire Bead, and it was crafted by my grandson Yu'er."
"What?!"
Everyone present was stunned. The Xiao family had been paying attention to the Thunderfire Beads circulating recently but hadn't known who was making them. Now, they found out it was Mo Yu, which was shocking.
Mo Yu stepped forward and smiled. "Some time ago, I met an old master who saw my talent and taught me some crafting techniques, including the method for making Thunderfire Beads. Now that the family is in trouble, how could I keep such skills to myself? Give me three days and enough materials, and I can produce five hundred Thunderfire Beads to solve our business troubles."
Hearing this, the Xiao family members were overjoyed. They had heard of the Thunderfire Bead's great reputation among mercenaries in Wu Tan City. Five hundred Thunderfire Beads would be worth 150,000 gold coins at market price! If the Xiao family controlled this business, their financial troubles would be resolved.
Xiao Zhan, realizing this, went from worried to ecstatic. He excitedly patted Mo Yu on the shoulder and laughed, "Excellent! Truly the dragon of the Xiao family!"
Then, thinking of something, Xiao Zhan asked uneasily, "Did that old master leave an address or something? Will it be okay for us to sell the Thunderfire Beads without his permission?"
Mo Yu, inwardly amused by Xiao Zhan's caution, shook his head with a smile. "The master left after teaching me the techniques but permitted me to sell the items I craft. I was short of money recently, so I made and sold some Thunderfire Beads."
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan relaxed and nodded. "That old master must be an extraordinary craftsman. It would have been an honor to have him stay with the Xiao family for a while."
The elders echoed this sentiment. A first-tier alchemist had caused them great pain, but having an excellent craftsman could elevate the Xiao family's status.
Looking at Mo Yu with envy, they marveled at his fortune to be guided by such a master. Even though they didn't know the depth of the master's skills, crafting Thunderfire Beads alone marked him as an exceptional craftsman.
Regardless of their envy or regret, Mo Yu's intervention had resolved the family's crisis. The Jia Lie family sold low-level healing medicines, but Thunderfire Beads were life-saving items. The mercenaries would surely see their value.
As the hall filled with relief and joy, a family guard hurried in, reporting respectfully, "Clan leader, a black-robed man outside says he has business to discuss with you."
Xiao Zhan and the elders were puzzled but quickly said, "Invite him in!"
The hall was abuzz with curiosity, while Mo Yu pondered silently.
"Hehe, no need to invite me in, Xiao clan leader. I have come uninvited," an elderly laugh echoed as a black-robed figure leisurely walked into the hall.
Mo Yu's eyebrows twitched, and a smile appeared on his lips. The mysterious Yao Lao had finally appeared...
(End of Chapter)