Hearing the strange yet familiar name, Mo Yu frowned slightly and asked, "What kind of family is this?"
"The Mo family is one of the four major families in the northeastern province of the Jia Ma Empire. Although their power isn't as great as that of the Nalan family, they are not to be underestimated. They've been entrenched in the northeast for many years, almost like local tyrants. Few people dare to provoke them. Compared to our Xiao family, their power is overwhelming," Xiao Zhan explained with a frown.
"So what you're saying is that my Mo family in Wutan City is also related to the Yancheng Mo family?" Mo Yu guessed, connecting the dots with his knowledge of his father.
Xiao Zhan nodded and continued, "Your grandfather is from the Yancheng Mo family. He came to Wutan City after failing a mission and being punished, which resulted in the loss of his cultivation. My father took in Butler Mo, and from then on, your family has been rooted in the Xiao family for forty years."
Mo Yu's eyes flashed with anger upon hearing that his grandfather had been rendered powerless. He spoke coldly, "And my father's death—was it also related to the Yancheng Mo family?"
Seeing the deep murderous intent in Mo Yu's eyes, Xiao Zhan shook his head, as if he could already envision Mo Yu confronting the Mo family in the future. Though powerful, the Mo family was not beyond Mo Yu's reach with his talent.
Xiao Zhan looked at the bright moon and sighed. "After being expelled, your father was determined to improve his strength and did so rapidly. He reached the Grand Fighter level before turning thirty, almost matching my own strength."
Xiao Zhan's reminiscence about his past training with Mo Yu's father was tinged with sadness, reflecting on how they were once close training partners now separated by death.
Mo Yu nodded, acknowledging that his stepfather was indeed a capable individual.
"So what happened? Did my father go to the Mo family and request to return, only to be harmed?" Mo Yu speculated.
Xiao Zhan shook his head and said slowly, "No. After learning about your father's strength, the Mo family did send people to him, and they discussed matters that seemed related to your family's return to the clan. The specifics are unclear, but after that contact, your father returned to the Mo family and disappeared. Despite spending all his savings, your grandfather only learned that your father died during a mission for the Mo family, though the details of the mission were never explained."
"Mo family!" Mo Yu's eyes glinted with cold determination. The Mo family was responsible for both his grandfather's downfall and his father's death!
"How strong is the Mo family?" Mo Yu asked after a long silence, gently stroking the Magic Frost Beast Ring on his finger.
"The most powerful member of the Mo family is their Great Elder, Mo Cheng. He's well-known in the eastern part of the empire. He single-handedly defeated the notorious Black Whirlwind bandit gang, which was formidable in its own right. Mo Cheng earned a fearsome reputation for his ruthlessness and is known as 'Mo Zi Mo.'"
"A Dou Ling," Mo Yu murmured, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Yes, Mo Cheng is a Dou Ling. While his strength is formidable, his reputation also comes from another aspect," Xiao Zhan's expression darkened as he continued.
"What is that?"
"He joined the Yun Lan Sect in his youth. Although he later left the sect, he continues to pay a substantial tribute to them each year. The Mo family has a strong relationship with the Yun Lan Sect, which benefits them greatly."
As Xiao Zhan described the Mo family's connections, Mo Yu's memories began to align. He recalled that the Mo family was the one Xiao Yan had fought against to save Qing Lin.
It became clear that the Mo family had been conducting inhumane experiments involving monster limb transplants to gain power. They had targeted Qing Lin's Green Snake Three-Flower Pupil, which had provoked Xiao Yan and led to the Great Elder's death.
Mo Yu realized that the Mo family likely intended to use his father as a test subject for these experiments, promising him a return to the clan in exchange for participating.
"Such a scheme!" Mo Yu thought, feeling a deep rage toward the Mo family and an intensified desire for power. If they had wronged him, he would destroy them when he was strong enough.
"Xiao Yu, the Mo family's power is immense. After my father's death, our family's strength declined, and we were powerless to avenge him," Xiao Zhan lamented.
Mo Yu waved his hand. "The Xiao family has provided great favor to my Mo family over the generations. If I have the opportunity in the future, I will repay you."
Seeing that Mo Yu held no grudge against him personally, Xiao Zhan sighed in relief and added, "The Great Elder of the Mo family is a Dou Ling and has strong ties with the Yun Lan Sect. If you seek revenge, you'd better wait until you're stronger."
Mo Yu nodded. With his current strength, he was no match for a Dou Ling. He knew he had a long road ahead to confront the Mo family.