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**
The events surrounding the Ling Clan had stirred considerable waves in Central Plains, but the ancient clans typically kept a low profile. As such, the commotion gradually subsided after about six months.
In Central Plains, every day saw fresh spectacles, and countless topics of conversation emerged, making even a major event like the Ling Clan's disappearance fade from focus over time.
With the ebb and flow of these spectacles, the seasons changed, and another year passed since Mo Yu began his retreat—nearly two years in total.
During this period, the secluded mountain where Mo Yu cultivated remained silent, with wild grass growing unchecked, almost completely concealing the massive stone door.
Over two years, Yuan Manor's once-new disciples matured into senior members, while a fresh wave of recruits poured in, providing a steady influx of vitality to the burgeoning faction. Even Mo Yu's three disciples had grown into core members of the manor, gradually establishing their reputations in Central Plains.
On a small hill, She Lao gazed at the moss-covered stone door in the distance. After a long silence, he murmured, "Two years… I wonder how much progress he's made."
"She Lao!"
A streak of light suddenly shot through the sky and landed behind She Lao. The figure revealed a pair of long, shapely legs—it was none other than the mistress of Yuan Manor, Xiao Yu.
Over the past two years, Xiao Yu had mostly stayed within Yuan Manor. As its mistress, She Lao spared no effort in improving her strength.
Yuan Manor's high-ranking alchemists concocted pills to aid her cultivation, and She Lao himself collected rare treasures to benefit her. As a result, Xiao Yu advanced from a three-star Dou Zun to the peak of the Dou Zun realm in just two years.
This rapid progress was remarkable. With her Dou Di bloodline, Xiao Yu's talent surpassed even those of Xiao Yixian and the others. With sufficient resources, her cultivation speed was extraordinary. Moreover, under She Lao's meticulous guidance, her foundation remained solid.
"What's the matter?"
She Lao turned toward Xiao Yu and noticed her slightly serious expression. Curious, he asked, "Is there news?"
Xiao Yu's bright eyes glanced at the distant stone door, darkening briefly. She then said solemnly, "According to the spies we've planted in the Hall of Souls, they've been secretly mobilizing forces recently. It seems they're preparing for a major operation.
"Their targets are none other than Yuan Manor and the Falling Star Pavilion. After two years, the death of Hei Guang Sheng Zhe remains a disgrace for the Hall of Souls, and they are bound to retaliate."
Hearing this, She Lao furrowed his brows. "Have we discovered their exact plans or the number of strong individuals they'll deploy?"
Xiao Yu shook her head. "The Hall of Souls operates with extreme secrecy, and our spies are of limited rank, so we can't gather too much useful information.
"However, if they're taking action, they will undoubtedly strike with overwhelming force. We must be on guard."
She Lao nodded slightly. He understood well that the Hall of Souls had kept a close eye on Yuan Manor over the past two years. On several occasions, She Lao personally rooted out more than a dozen spies they had planted.
The Hall of Souls had yet to attack, partly due to Yuan Manor's alliance with the Falling Star Pavilion and partly because of his own strength. As a Ban Sheng, his presence alone was a deterrent. To destroy Yuan Manor, the Hall of Souls would first need to deal with him, She Wuwan!
However, taking down a high-ranking Ban Sheng required at least two strong Ban Shengs, which wasn't an easy task, even for the Hall of Souls.
But now that the Hall of Souls was preparing to act, they had likely made all necessary preparations. After all, behind them stood the Hun Clan itself.
"Send word to recall all elders not occupied with critical matters. Those guarding key cities must remain vigilant and prepared for any sudden attack," She Lao instructed gravely.
Xiao Yu nodded. She had already issued many of these orders upon receiving the intelligence. After her trip to the Heavenly Tomb, her shortcomings in strength had been remedied. As Yuan Manor's mistress, her authority and influence had also grown considerably.
Unlike a petty or jealous person, Xiao Yu had united the likes of Xiao Yixian, Cai Lin, and Qing Lin, treating them as sisters rather than rivals. Together, they formed a formidable inner circle often referred to as the "Mistress Alliance" within Yuan Manor.
Despite this dynamic, no one in Yuan Manor dared to criticize them for meddling in politics. After all, each of these women was highly capable and far from mere ornaments. Xiao Yixian and Cai Lin, in particular, were forces to be reckoned with—the former wielding the Woeful Poison Body and the latter being the Serpent Empire's queen. Their decisiveness and strength often surpassed even seasoned men.
Rumors even circulated outside that Yuan Manor's leader had relied on his women to achieve success.
Of course, those truly in the know dismissed such claims. Yuan Manor's founder and spiritual core would always be Mo Yu!
"Raise Yuan City's alert level to the highest state of readiness," She Lao sneered. "I'd like to see what the Hall of Souls has planned this time."
Xiao Yu nodded again, her gaze drifting toward the tightly shut stone door. With a sigh, she muttered, "Still no movement from him?"
She Lao hesitated briefly before offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. That kid will be fine. If I had to guess, he'll emerge soon enough."
Xiao Yu forced a bitter smile. She had heard this many times over the past two years.
Not only her, but even Cai Lin and Xiao Yixian eagerly awaited Mo Yu's return. Letters from the Lei Clan's heiress and the Flower Sect's Sect Master Yun Yun frequently inquired about him as well.
Despite her generosity, Xiao Yu couldn't suppress a pang of jealousy. Her husband was simply too much of a charmer.
Thankfully, Mo Yu was selective, only showing interest in the continent's most extraordinary women. Even Xiao Yu, with her awakened Dou Di bloodline, ranked among the very best in talent.
"Let's go. There's much to prepare. The Hall of Souls will undoubtedly come prepared," She Lao said, waving her along before turning to leave.
Xiao Yu cast one last glance at the stone door. After a moment's hesitation, she sighed and turned away, her long, graceful legs catching the light as she followed She Lao.
Unbeknownst to anyone, the moss-covered stone door trembled slightly after they left. A faint crack slowly appeared on its surface.
Outside the main city of the Yuan Manor stood a towering giant tower that reached thousands of feet into the sky. The structure was majestic and imposing, with its apex serving as a vast, smooth stone plaza. This place was the core of the Yuan Manor.
At this moment, the higher-ups of the Yuan Manor were gathered here.
Dozens of figures stood solemnly on the plaza, exuding formidable auras that filled the surrounding sky.
At the center of the plaza, She Wuwan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm. Behind him were Xiao Yu, Cai Lin, Xiao Yixian, Qing Lin, and several guest elders of the Falling Star Pavilion. This lineup was enough to draw astonished whispers from the onlookers nearby.
Suddenly, all eyes turned skyward as a massive spatial rift slowly tore open.
An icy, sinister aura surged out like a ferocious beast, overwhelming the area. Along with it came a chilling, mocking laughter, echoing through the skies like thunder.
"She Wuwan, long time no see. I trust you've been well!"
As the voice reverberated through the air, a large group of figures emerged from the spatial rift, transforming into streaks of light. In mere moments, they appeared above the plaza.
When this group descended upon Yuan City, all the elders of the Yuan Manor subtly activated their Dou Qi, their gazes filled with vigilance.
She Wuwan slowly raised his head, his eyes locking onto the leader of the group. This man, dressed in a dark gray robe, stood in mid-air.
The man had long gray hair, and his face was smooth and pale without any wrinkles, giving him an almost youthful appearance. However, his eyes, glowing faintly blue, radiated an ancient aura that betrayed his true age—an old monster who had lived for centuries.
"Old Demon Tian Ming, I didn't expect your Tian Ming Sect to meddle in this matter," She Wuwan said, his brows furrowing as he spoke in a deep tone.
"The Yuan Manor's rise over the years has infringed upon the interests of many old forces. In the end, I, an old man, had to step in," Old Demon Tian Ming replied, his tone calm.
"She Wuwan, for the sake of our past acquaintance, hand over the culprit who killed my Tian Ming Sect's Vice Sect Master, withdraw from this matter, and promise never to interfere with my sect again. If you do so, I will let this matter slide today."
This declaration caused many of the Yuan Manor elders to pale slightly.
"Ridiculous!" Cai Lin, standing beside Xiao Yu, spoke coldly.
The one who had killed the Tian Ming Sect's Vice Sect Master in the Ancient Wasteland Region was Mo Yu. Were they now demanding that the Yuan Manor surrender its own Manor Lord?
"These people are clearly provoking us," Xiao Yu said with a frown. It was evident that the Tian Ming Sect knew they could never agree to such terms.
"What about the Falling Star Pavilion? Can they send reinforcements?" Xiao Yixian asked after some thought.
"The spatial passage between the two places is sealed. The Falling Star Pavilion's situation is likely dire as well; they are probably being watched by the Hall of Souls," Qing Lin said gravely.
Listening to their discussion, She Wuwan remained calm, his gaze fixed on Old Demon Tian Ming, whose face wore a cold smirk as he stared back without retreating.
"Well, She Wuwan? Have you made up your mind?" Old Demon Tian Ming finally asked after a moment.
In response, She Wuwan chuckled lightly and nodded. "Do you think the strength of your Tian Ming Sect qualifies you to make such demands?"
"So, you refuse?" Old Demon Tian Ming's smirk faded slightly as his voice turned cold.
She Wuwan smiled and waved his hand.
"Boom! Boom!"
With his gesture, powerful auras erupted around the giant tower. Pillars of Dou Qi shot into the sky, intertwining and forming a massive array that enveloped Old Demon Tian Ming and his group.
The sudden development startled the many strong individuals watching from Yuan City.
It seemed the Yuan Manor had been prepared for this. But what gave the Tian Ming Sect the confidence to attack the Yuan Manor so boldly?
"Yuan Manor, it seems you really won't shed tears until you see the coffin!"
Old Demon Tian Ming sneered as he looked at the Dou Qi barrier descending from the sky. Then, his gaze shifted back to She Wuwan, his smile turning sinister.
"You've probably guessed by now. The reason my Tian Ming Sect dares to barge into Yuan City is because we have support. Since that's the case, there's no need to hide it anymore."
"Gentlemen, please reveal yourselves!"
As his voice echoed, the space beside Old Demon Tian Ming began to ripple. Under everyone's watchful eyes, a spatial rift was forcibly torn open. From within, four overwhelming, sinister auras surged forth like a tidal wave.
Sensing these auras, She Wuwan's face darkened, and he stared at the spatial rift. "The Hall of Souls... So, you couldn't hold back after all."
"Jie jie, She Wuwan, I told you long ago that your Yuan Manor would eventually be reduced to rubble. But you should feel fortunate—it's only two years late!"
From within the rift, rolling black mist surged out as four figures slowly emerged. At the same time, an eerie voice rang out.
"Gu You!"
Hearing the voice, She Wuwan's eyes turned icy.
The black mist gradually dissipated, revealing four figures. Leading them was a skeletal, elder-like figure—it was none other than Gu You, the Second Tianzun of the Hall of Souls, whom they had encountered in the Ancient Wasteland Region.
Beside him were three others, each less powerful than him but still at the Ban Sheng level.
Four Ban Shengs! Along with Old Demon Tian Ming, there were five in total!
This lineup caused many to gasp in shock. Even some Yuan Manor elders turned pale.
Meanwhile, in a stone cave on the mountains behind Yuan City, a silver-eyed young man slowly opened his eyes. His aura seemed ordinary, almost unnoticeable, but those with sharp senses could detect the terrifying abyss hidden beneath this calm exterior.
Sensing the commotion in Yuan City, the young man's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Four Ban Shengs and the Hun Clan. What a grand spectacle!"
----------------------------------------------------
For exclusive access to 500+ advanced chapters and more, visit my Ko-fi page and support the journey:
ko-fi.com/laoyao95
Laoyao with L yeahh..thanks for the support.
or Support me at patreon for 500+ advanced chapters :
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