章 116: Chapter 116: Invitation to the Banquet

Chapter 116: Invitation to the Banquet

As Mo Yu's eyes fixed on the smiling, moon-robed Nalan Yanran at the entrance, a strange expression flashed across his face. Regarding this woman who was destined to become Xiao Yan's first wife, Mo Yu could only think of her as someone who lost a watermelon while picking up sesame seeds. She could have had boundless glory, but due to her pride, she ultimately lost the chance to become the future mistress of the Endless Flame Alliance, one of the greatest powers in the multiverse.

It's important to understand that in the Dou Qi Continent, familial orders are highly respected. If Nalan Yanran had married into the Xiao family with proper rites, even the Gu Clan's princess, Xun Er, might not have been able to take her place as the first wife. As for Cai Lin (Medusa), she would have been even less of a threat.

However, on the flip side, if it hadn't been for Nalan Yanran's challenge, Xiao Yan might not have had the motivation to persist through the lonely path of cultivation, possibly giving up halfway.

These kinds of situations are impossible to predict. Xiao Yan, being the protagonist, naturally had immense potential, but a person's achievements ultimately rely on their unwavering will. In Xiao Yan's early years, Nalan Yanran was like a catalyst for his cultivation. Just thinking of the three-year agreement made the young man push himself tirelessly, leading to the legendary rise of the Flame Emperor under Yao Lao's guidance.

Mo Yu, meanwhile, began to recall other things. If everything went as expected, Yun Yun had already become his woman, and Nalan Yanran was her disciple. This meant that he was, in a way, also Nalan Yanran's master. How would she address him? As her "master's wife"? No, it should be "master's master."

Fortunately, with Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran no longer a possibility, there was no risk of this relationship becoming more complicated.

As he stroked his chin, Mo Yu found himself missing Yun Yun, the serene and gentle woman. How was she doing now...?

"Sir?" Behind Mo Yu, Ye Zhen noticed how he had suddenly spaced out, staring blankly into the distance. Ye Zhen was puzzled and hurriedly reminded him in a low voice. Despite his young age, this man had always been calm and steady, with deep scheming. What was it about this girl that made him so distracted? Even though she was Yun Yun's disciple and the daughter of the prestigious Nalan family, her identity was nothing to be ignored.

Hearing Ye Zhen's reminder, Mo Yu snapped out of his thoughts and gave him a slight nod in apology. Mo Yu naturally felt a sense of curiosity toward Nalan Yanran, an important character from the original story. Moreover, thinking about Yun Yun had led him to reminisce.

Clearing his mind, Mo Yu turned to Ye Zhen and the Mo family's middle-aged man, saying softly, "Let's go."

The middle-aged man from the Mo family hurriedly excused himself from Nalan Yanran before leading Mo Yu and Ye Zhen to their rooms. As Mo Yu's figure faded from view, Nalan Yanran blinked her long eyelashes with interest. Her gaze lingered on Mo Yu for a moment, puzzled by a sense of familiarity. It wasn't a person, but something about him reminded her of an object.

But the young man's handsome face didn't strike any familiar chords. She tried to recall if she had ever met him before, but nothing came to mind. Rubbing her forehead, Nalan Yanran dismissed the strange feeling and turned to Ling Lin beside her, smiling gently. "I assume those two are the ones who offended you earlier?"

Ling Lin nodded awkwardly. Though she was arrogant, she understood that some things were beyond her reach—especially this mysterious young man who had captured the Ye family's favor and possessed powerful means.

Seeing Ling Lin nod, Nalan Yanran turned to look at the ground where the stone had been shattered by the lightning. Her eyes flashed with surprise. After Nalan Yanran entered, an old man in a gray robe slowly walked in behind her. Ling Lin's expression froze at the sight of him. If Nalan Yanran could attend the banquet under the banner of the Nalan family, this old man was a legitimate member of the Yun Lan Sect.

But she wasn't ignorant of how the world worked. Smiling, she greeted him, "Good day, Elder Ge Ye."

"Hehe, it's been a few years, and the little girl Ling Lin has grown even more beautiful." Elder Ge Ye glanced at Nalan Yanran, a trace of awkwardness flashing across his face before he smiled and nodded. After the Yun Lan Sect cut ties with the Mo family, he had no desire to visit, but the young lady insisted, so he had no choice but to come, old face and all.

Ignoring the old man's complaining look, Nalan Yanran pointed in a direction and asked in a low voice, "Uncle Ge, what do you make of that young man?"

"Miss, I just walked in. Can't you let this old man rest for a moment?" Ge Ye smiled bitterly and shook his head before looking in the direction Nalan Yanran indicated. His sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, locked onto Mo Yu's retreating figure.

After a moment, a trace of shock appeared in Ge Ye's eyes as he sighed. "This young man is shrouded in mystery. Even with my strength, I can't quite see through him."

Nalan Yanran's delicate face showed a clear hint of surprise at this statement. Ge Ye had been present when she went to cancel her engagement with Xiao Yan two years ago. In that time, Ge Ye had advanced from a seven-star Da Dou Shi (Battle Master) to the level of a Dou Ling (Spirit Master), with the help of Elder Gu He's pills. He was now considered a strong figure.

But for him to be unable to see through the young man's strength, Nalan Yanran became even more curious about his identity.

"I came here hoping to find my teacher's lover, only to discover such an interesting person," Nalan Yanran mused to herself. Beside her, Ling Lin's face paled further. The scene of the mysterious youth nearly killing her was still fresh in her mind.

Meanwhile, the middle-aged man from the Mo family, having escorted Mo Yu, returned and politely suggested, "Miss Nalan, it's getting late. How about resting here for the night?"

"Thank you for the trouble," Nalan Yanran smiled and nodded. The middle-aged man smiled obsequiously and led the way, guiding Nalan Yanran and Elder Ge Ye up the stairs.

Watching them disappear at the top of the stairs, the lobby was soon filled with hushed conversations.

Back in his room, Mo Yu slowly closed the door.

"Sir, will the Mo family find out about your identity?" Ye Zhen asked with some concern. After all, Mo Yu shared the Mo family name and hailed from the Mo family. If they discovered his identity, it could complicate their plans.

"Perhaps," Mo Yu responded indifferently, "but let them try. The Mo family isn't capable of uncovering my identity so quickly. By the time they do, the Mo family will have already ceased to exist. For now, let's focus on getting some rest. The journey has been exhausting, and I need to prepare for tomorrow's plan. If the patriarch returns, tell him I'm resting, and we'll proceed tomorrow."

As Mo Yu spoke, he stretched and walked into the room, closing the door behind him. Watching Mo Yu's retreating figure, Ye Zhen nodded and quietly left the room, closing the door gently behind him.

Inside, Mo Yu felt his heavy eyelids closing, and he quickly fell into a deep sleep. Tomorrow would bring a fierce battle, one he needed to be ready for.

The next morning, as the first rays of the sun entered the room, Mo Yu slowly opened his eyes. After a night of rest, the weariness on his face had completely disappeared.

Straightening his clothes, Mo Yu opened the door and stepped into the living room, where he saw Ye Cong already awake, standing by the window with his hands behind his back, silently watching the bustling street below.

Sensing Mo Yu's presence, Ye Cong turned around and smiled, "You seem to have recovered well."

Smiling back, Mo Yu stretched and asked, "How is the old master? No issues?"

Ye Cong's face grew serious as he nodded, "This is the most important matter since the Ye family was founded. With the old master personally overseeing it, everything is proceeding with the utmost caution. Our forces have been hiding outside the Mo family fortress for several days. Once we create chaos inside, the old master will lead the attack from outside, crushing the Mo family from within and without!"

Mo Yu nodded, acknowledging the strength of the Ye family. As one of the four great families, their power was formidable. The several hundred elite soldiers they had deployed were no less than Dou Shi (Battle Masters), indicating that the Ye family had gone all in.

In the Qingshan Town of the Demonic Beast Mountain Range, the leader of the Wolfhead Mercenary Group was merely a two-star Dou Shi. This showed that the Ye family was pulling out all the stops.

With this in mind, Mo Yu said, "Let's go. Today, we'll let Mo Cheng celebrate his last birthday. After today, when people speak of the number one family in the northeastern region, they'll think of the Ye family!"

"Ha! Then I'll take your words as a blessing," Ye Cong laughed, his eyes filled with ambition. If they could devour the Mo family's territory and wealth accumulated over decades, the Ye family would rise to new heights. Becoming the number one family in the northeastern region would no longer be a dream. This was why the Ye family was so eager to work with Mo Yu.

Without Mo Yu's help in restoring the Void Sword and his plans, there was no way the Ye family would have committed so much.

Exiting the room, Mo Yu casually closed the door and walked down the corridor, descending the stairs. In the inn's lobby, Ye Zhen and the Ye family guards were already waiting quietly. Given their status, they couldn't stay in the luxurious rooms and had been assigned to the storeroom in the backyard.

It was ironic that they were staying in Mo family property while planning to destroy the Mo family.

At the same time, near the entrance, a young woman in a tight-fitting purple robe was standing quietly, her slender, alluring figure looking particularly captivating.

Nalan Yanran stood with a smile, chatting with Ling Lin. The gazes of the men in the lobby, full of both respect and hidden desire, lingered on her enchanting figure.

Mo Yu's gaze instinctively fell on her, and at that moment, Nalan Yanran also looked over. Their eyes met.

Noticing the deep, inscrutable look in Mo Yu's eyes, Nalan Yanran frowned slightly. For some reason, his gaze seemed to pierce through her, and there was a hint of an elder's scrutiny within it. This made her uncomfortable. As the direct disciple of Yun Yun, even the Mo family's grand elder wouldn't dare to take such liberties with her, let alone a boy of her age.

"Hehe, I am Ye Cong, patriarch of the Ye family from Black Rock City. It is an honor to meet Miss Nalan and Elder Ge," Ye Cong quickly stepped forward to greet them. He wouldn't dare to show disrespect to the direct disciple of Yun Yun and an elder of the Yun Lan Sect.

"Greetings, Patriarch Ye," Nalan Yanran responded indifferently, her eyes turning to the young man who had accompanied Ye Cong. Even though the patriarch of one of the four great families had personally greeted him, the young man seemed indifferent, standing there as if nothing had happened.

Ge Ye's old eyes flashed with surprise as well. There were few young men in the empire who could ignore the power and charm of his young mistress.

For Mo Yu, the Yun Lan Sect was insignificant. Even if he considered his relationship with Yun Yun, he wouldn't bow to someone of a younger generation.

"Yanran, I'm sorry. The family has been busy these past few days, and I almost neglected our distinguished guests," a clear voice suddenly interrupted the awkward silence. A handsome young man entered, smiling warmly at Nalan Yanran.

Mo Yu's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the young man. There was a faint resemblance between the two of them. But considering they were both from the Mo family and likely shared similar bloodlines, he quickly dismissed it.

What Mo Yu didn't know was that this young man was Mo Li, the same person who had accompanied Nalan Yanran to Xiao Yan's family three years ago.

"Brother Mo Li, you're too kind," Nalan Yanran replied with a gentle smile, showing neither special warmth nor coldness.

Seeing Nalan Yanran's reserved smile, Mo Li's eyes flickered with disappointment. Years of pursuing her hadn't warmed her heart, and now, with the Mo family's severed ties to the Yun Lan Sect, any chance seemed even more remote.

Hiding his disappointment, Mo Li smiled and said, "Yanran, why don't you join me for the journey to the Mo family? We're heading the same way, after all."

Nalan Yanran, eager to visit the Mo family and investigate her master's mysterious lover, hesitated briefly before smiling and nodding.

After greeting Nalan Yanran, Mo Li turned his attention to Ye Cong. Recalling a report from his uncle the previous day, he quickly stepped forward, his face full of smiles.

"Hehe, Patriarch Ye, what an unexpected pleasure to see you at the grand elder's birthday celebration. I've heard that my sister unintentionally offended your distinguished guest yesterday. My father sent me to personally apologize and make amends. May I have the honor of meeting your esteemed guest?" Mo Li asked, his tone sincere.

Hearing Mo Li's words, Ye Cong remembered what Ye Zhen had reported and a playful smile flickered across his face before he quickly composed himself and gestured towards Mo Yu. "This is my honored guest, whom even our old patriarch holds in high regard."

Mo Li was shocked to hear this. His family's patriarch was as powerful as their grand elder, so if the Ye family patriarch treated someone as an honored guest, even his sister couldn't afford to offend them.

Following Ye Cong's gesture, Mo Li's eyes fell on a young man with a unique presence. Upon seeing the young man's face, Mo Li was startled to notice the resemblance between them.

Quickly masking his surprise, Mo Li stepped forward and said, "Sir, it was my sister's fault yesterday. Today, I offer my apologies on her behalf. Since you're here for the Mo family's banquet, allow me to personally guide you there."

Hearing Mo Li's invitation, Mo Yu's lips curled into a faintly sinister smile as he replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Mo Li."

(End of Chapter)

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