Chapter 457: Intimidation and Departure
"You just said that—does it still count?" Mo Yu looked at Shui Muxue, smiling faintly.
As his soft laugh echoed through the hall, the situation immediately drew everyone's attention. Countless gazes turned toward the silver-eyed young man, filled with curiosity.
Who was this man? Not only did he dare to provoke the Yuan family, one of the five great families, but he also had a Dou Zun expert as his bodyguard.
While everyone else was shocked, Shui Muxue's beautiful eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing Mo Yu's words. She nodded eagerly and said,
"Of course, it counts. If you're willing to help, the Shui family's spot for Wan Snake Island will be yours."
"Muxue, you…" Shui Muxing, standing nearby, seemed to realize something and hesitated, her delicate face showing concern.
"Sister, look at the situation! Don't get hung up on that spot for Wan Snake Island. As long as the Shui family survives, there's still hope for everything…" Shui Muxue quickly urged, sensing her sister's thoughts.
"Cough, Muxue is right. Muxing, let's go with her plan," said one of the pale-faced, blue-robed elders.
Hearing this, Shui Muxing's expression shifted, but she eventually nodded.
If they could save the Shui family, giving up their spot for Wan Snake Island wouldn't be much of a loss—it might even be a blessing.
Though cautious by nature, she didn't fully trust Mo Yu, this outsider. However, knowing that her sister had a keen ability to read people and realizing that the Shui family was at the brink of collapse, she had no choice but to place her faith in him.
"So, the Shui family has suddenly grown a backbone. Turns out you've brought in some outside help," Yuan Ling sneered as he watched Mo Yu approach.
Mo Yu looked at the young man before him, his gaze lingering for a moment on the crest on Yuan Ling's chest. His silver eyes narrowed slightly.
He hadn't planned to get involved with the five great families of the Southern Sea—avoiding unnecessary conflicts was always best. However, with Wan Snake Island being crucial to reviving Snake Elder and with Shui Muxue offering a deal he couldn't refuse, he had no choice but to step into this mess.
Even though the Yuan family was powerful, Mo Yu didn't care too much. Once Snake Elder was revived, dealing with these forces in the Southern Sea wouldn't be a problem.
"Judging by your appearance, you're not from the Southern Sea, are you? I assume you and your companion are from Central Plains and don't understand the situation here. The Shui family is on its last legs. It'd be best if you didn't meddle in their affairs," Yuan Ling said coldly, his eyes flicking between Mo Yu and Qingzhi.
Mo Yu, standing beside Qingzhi, smiled lightly and said,
"The Yuan family is quite impressive, but it still pales compared to the Three Valleys of Central Plains. I wasn't afraid to wipe out Ice River Valley, so why would I be afraid of a mere family from the Southern Continent?"
"Ice River Valley…?" The gray-robed man beside Yuan Ling, known as Black Abyss Venerable, narrowed his eyes slightly.
Though they were in the Southern Continent, people here were well-versed in Central Plains' affairs, unlike the more isolated regions. One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions all had a reputation in the Southern Sea.
Hearing that this silver-eyed young man didn't even fear Ice River Valley, one of the Three Valleys, Black Abyss Venerable was deeply shocked. Among the five great families of the Southern Sea, only the most powerful, the Xuan family, could compare with the Three Valleys. His Yuan family was far weaker.
"May I ask your names and which force you represent?" Black Abyss Venerable glanced cautiously at Qingzhi before addressing Mo Yu.
He could tell that while Qingzhi was stronger—also a Dou Zun expert—the younger Mo Yu was clearly the leader. This made him even more curious about Mo Yu's origins. After all, commanding a Dou Zun as a bodyguard wasn't something just any ordinary faction could do.
Although he had never been to Central Plains, Black Abyss Venerable knew that the political landscape there was much more treacherous than in the Southern Sea. If they accidentally offended a hidden superpower, it could spell disaster for the Yuan family.
Hearing Black Abyss Venerable's question, Mo Yu smiled and replied,
"I'm Mo Yu, and this is Qingzhi, a protector assigned by my family. As for which family I belong to, I must apologize—my elders instructed me not to reveal our name during this trip. I hope you understand."
"Oh, so it's Young Master Mo Yu and Lord Qingzhi." Black Abyss Venerable bowed slightly, but inwardly, he was surprised.
To be assigned a Dou Zun protector clearly indicated that Mo Yu came from an extraordinary background. What puzzled Black Abyss Venerable, though, was that despite his past travels in Central Plains, he had never heard of a major family with the surname Mo, nor of anyone called Lord Qingzhi.
Seeing Black Abyss Venerable's contemplative expression, Mo Yu smiled faintly. He had deliberately highlighted Qingzhi's role as his bodyguard to keep his identity mysterious and to make the Yuan family wary.
Mo Yu turned his gaze to Yuan Ling and said,
"Master Yuan, the conflict between the Yuan and Shui families is a small personal matter. Why not step back?"
Seeing the smile on Mo Yu's face, Yuan Ling's eyes flashed coldly, and he sneered,
"Step back? And how will my Yuan family explain that? When the Shui family agreed to the marriage, we announced it to the public. Now, if we fail to marry, our family's reputation will be ruined. You call that a 'small personal matter'?"
"So, you're saying you must take someone with you today?" Mo Yu took a step forward, his smile remaining calm.
Yuan Ling narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the faint pressure from Mo Yu's stance. As a proud young master, Yuan Ling wasn't used to being challenged by someone his own age. He stepped forward as well, closing the distance to only a few feet between them, and stared directly into Mo Yu's eyes.
"Mo Yu, I don't care who you are, but you need to understand—this is the Southern Sea, not Central Plains. If the Yuan family spreads the word, even your family might find itself in trouble," Yuan Ling warned coldly.
"I destroyed Ice River Valley, one of the Three Valleys. Do you really think your Yuan family is harder to deal with than Ice River Valley?" Mo Yu spread his fingers, his tone casual.
Hearing this, Yuan Ling's expression finally changed. While the Yuan family was strong in the Southern Continent, they couldn't compare to Ice River Valley, one of the Three Valleys of Central Plains.
The claim that Mo Yu had destroyed Ice River Valley—if true—was truly terrifying.
"Hmph, anyone can boast. Ice River Valley has stood strong for hundreds of years, and I've never heard of any crisis there. Why should I believe you?"
Yuan Ling, proud as ever, wasn't about to back down in front of Mo Yu. He snorted and spoke with disdain.
Although Yuan Ling didn't believe Mo Yu, Shui Muxue's expression changed slightly at his words. She had previously glimpsed that Mo Yu had indeed destroyed a powerful faction in Central Plains. Only now did she realize that this faction was Ice River Valley, one of the Three Valleys.
"Sister, what's wrong?" Shui Muxing noticed her sister's reaction and asked, her long, narrow eyes filled with confusion.
"Sister, what Mo Yu said is true. It looks like our Shui family might really be saved," Shui Muxue said, taking a deep breath and smiling softly.
"What?" Shui Muxing and the other Shui family members were shocked, their faces filled with disbelief.
They had assumed Mo Yu was bluffing, only to realize he had actually destroyed Ice River Valley—a powerful force in Central Plains. If such a mighty faction had fallen to Mo Yu, it was unimaginable.
"Sister, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, you know the nature of my abilities. This shouldn't be wrong," Shui Muxue said with a confident smile.
"Haha, if that's the case, then our Shui family is truly saved. Now we must fully support Young Master Mo Yu. With his help, our family's troubles will soon be over," the blue-robed elder on the left chuckled.
Hearing this, Shui Muxing was momentarily stunned, then nodded. Her seductive, enchanting eyes glanced at Mo Yu, flashing with newfound respect.
"It's not worth getting involved with the Shui family just to make enemies of the Yuan family. But if you're willing, our Yuan family would gladly welcome you as a friend!" Yuan Ling said, eyeing Mo Yu again.
Mo Yu chuckled and shook his head. "No thanks. I've only come to the Southern Sea to reach Wan Snake Island. Since the Shui family is willing to help, I'll resolve their problems in return."
Yuan Ling's face darkened, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.
The slot for Wan Snake Island was an incredibly valuable opportunity for the major forces of the Southern Sea. For the Yuan family, it was something they would never give up to recruit someone like Mo Yu.
Seeing Yuan Ling's reaction, Mo Yu raised his eyebrows, realizing just how important Wan Snake Island was in the Southern Sea. His resolve to help the Shui family grew even stronger—Snake Elder's revival depended on it.
With that thought, Mo Yu crossed his arms and stared directly at Yuan Ling, showing no sign of backing down.
Under Mo Yu's unyielding gaze, Yuan Ling's expression grew even darker. The gray-robed elder behind him frowned, casting a wary glance at Mo Yu and Qingzhi before whispering something into Yuan Ling's ear.
After the brief exchange, Yuan Ling's face grew even grimmer. He glared at Mo Yu and finally said,
"Mo Yu, even with a Dou Zun protecting you, the Southern Continent is no place for outsiders to meddle. My advice is to go back where you came from before it's too late."
He then turned his cold gaze toward the Shui family, saying with a chilling tone,
"Don't think that clinging to a strong backer will save you, Shui Muxing. The Crown Prince of the Two-Headed Jiao Dragon Clan has admired you for a long time. Let's see if your new ally can withstand the pressure from the Jiao Dragon Clan!"
Shui Muxing's beautiful face paled, but she coldly replied, "That's none of your concern."
Yuan Ling sneered and looked back at Mo Yu. "You'll regret getting involved with the Shui family!"
"Are you done? If so, please leave," Mo Yu said calmly, his fingers laced together, not even sparing Yuan Ling another glance.
Yuan Ling's anger flared at Mo Yu's indifferent attitude. If it weren't for the fact that Mo Yu had a Dou Zun backing him, and if Black Abyss Venerable hadn't cautioned him, Yuan Ling would have ordered an attack to teach Mo Yu a lesson.
"Since you're so eager to get to Wan Snake Island, someone will deal with you there!" Yuan Ling spat venomously. After leaving this final threat, he turned sharply on his heel and stormed out of the hall, his fury barely contained.
Seeing the Yuan family members leave in defeat, the Shui family members breathed a collective sigh of relief. Their gazes turned toward Mo Yu, now filled with gratitude and awe.
"Thank you, Young Master Mo Yu!" Shui Muxue said with a joyful smile, her beautiful eyes shining as she looked at him.
Mo Yu waved his hand dismissively. "It's just a transaction. Your Shui family offered something I'm interested in, so I won't stand idly by."
"Young Master Mo Yu, I'm Shui Muxing, now the leader of the Shui family. Your kindness toward the Shui family will never be forgotten. I can officially promise you our slot for Wan Snake Island. And if you ever need the Shui family's help in the future, just ask. Even if it's beyond our means, we'll do everything we can," Shui Muxing said sincerely, her bright eyes gazing earnestly at Mo Yu.
Hearing this, Mo Yu paused, his silver eyes showing a hint of amusement as he looked at her. Though Shui Muxing was incredibly beautiful and charming, there was no trace of weakness in her demeanor. Instead, she exuded strength and determination, a striking contrast.
Perhaps the burden of leading the family had forced her to become this strong.
"Don't worry. Since I've agreed with Shui Muxue, I won't abandon your family. In the future, you can just call me by my name," Mo Yu said with a casual smile, now in a good mood after securing the slot for Wan Snake Island.
Seeing how approachable Mo Yu was, Shui Muxing and the others relaxed slightly. Especially Shui Muxing, who had experienced the harsh realities of life, finding Mo Yu's attitude reassuring. He showed no ill intentions, despite her beauty, and had made no unreasonable demands. This earned him a great deal of respect in her heart.
After some more friendly conversation, Mo Yu asked,
"When can we depart for Snake Island?"
(End of Chapter)
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