Chapter 322: Return to the Lei Clan?
For exclusive access to 400+ 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 400+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk
**
"Return to the Lei Clan?"
Mo Yu's expression shifted slightly, a subtle and imperceptible glint flashing through his silver eyes.
Although his original body hailed from the Mo Clan, a subordinate family of the Lei Clan, Mo Yu knew his so-called divine-grade bloodline did not originate from the Lei Clan's Dou Di bloodline. Instead, it was the result of his cultivation of the Heavenly Thunder Body.
As for why the Heavenly Thunder Body was mistaken for a divine-grade bloodline by the Lei Clan, even Mo Yu himself wasn't entirely sure.
At times, he couldn't help but wonder: could it be that the Lei Clan's Dou Di ancestor had also possessed the Heavenly Thunder Body? Regardless of the truth, following Mang Ting back to the Lei Clan filled Mo Yu with a vague sense of uncertainty.
Joining Mang Ting on the journey to the Lei Clan came with both advantages and risks. Yet, as someone who had reached the pinnacle in his previous life, Mo Yu despised the feeling of having his fate dictated by others.
The benefits were obvious. The Lei Clan, one of the top-ranking among the ancient eight clans, possessed unparalleled power, far surpassing a minor faction like Yuan Manor.
If Mo Yu were recognized as a divine-grade bloodline bearer by the Lei Clan, the prestige associated with such a status in the ancient clans would grant him immediate access to their upper echelons. He might even become a candidate for clan leader.
By then, with the Lei Clan as his backing, Mo Yu would not only wield immense influence but could also expedite the growth of the Thunder Soul within his body, reaching its peak in a remarkably short time.
With twelve peak Thunder Souls under his control, Mo Yu was confident he could shatter the constraints of the Dou Qi Continent and ascend to Dou Di.
However, the risks of returning to the Lei Clan were equally daunting, if not more so.
Firstly, Mo Yu could not be sure if his Heavenly Thunder Body truly counted as a divine grade bloodline by Lei Clan standards. Even if it was recognized, there was no guarantee that its true nature would remain undiscovered.
After all, his current Heavenly Thunder Body was only partially awakened. To fully awaken it, he would need to absorb more peak Thunder Souls. This process might expose his secrets to the powerful members of the Lei Clan.
If the Lei Clan's leaders discovered the connection between his Heavenly Thunder Body and the Thunder Souls in his body, Mo Yu could not guarantee they wouldn't develop ulterior motives.
For large clans like the Lei Clan, maintaining the family's interests always came first. If they learned that Thunder Souls, comparable to the power of Heavenly Flames, could be used to create Heavenly Thunder Bodies akin to divine-grade bloodlines—even with a high failure rate—they would not hesitate to experiment.
At that point, not only would Mo Yu's Thunder Souls be confiscated, but even his life could be in danger.
Faced with the profound heritage of the ancient clans, Mo Yu dared not gamble with his fate.
Deep down, Mo Yu felt repelled by the idea of going to the Lei Clan. He lived by the principle, "Better to be a head among chickens than a tail among oxen."
While Yuan Manor could not compare to the Lei Clan, as its master, Mo Yu held supreme authority there. His will was Yuan Manor's will, and his orders were its sacred decree.
In contrast, although the Lei Clan wielded immense power and was one of the strongest factions on the Dou Qi Continent, Mo Yu, as an outsider, would have little autonomy. His life could be controlled by others at any moment—a situation he detested.
Moreover, Mo Yu harbored grand ambitions. He wanted to use his own strength to lead Yuan Manor to become the top faction on the Dou Qi Continent!
Mang Ting, unaware of Mo Yu's thoughts, gazed at the silver-eyed youth before him with fiery anticipation, hoping for his agreement.
Mang Ting was confident Mo Yu wouldn't refuse. After all, countless strong individuals dreamed of joining one of the ancient eight clans, the most powerful factions on the continent.
Though Mo Yu might reign supreme in the Black-Corner Region, that was merely an insignificant corner of the northwest, unworthy of mention on the grand stage.
Yet, to Mang Ting's surprise, after weighing his options and deliberating the pros and cons, Mo Yu shook his head and said, "Apologies, Captain Mang. I cannot agree to return to the Lei Clan for now."
"What?!"
Mang Ting was stunned by Mo Yu's response. A flicker of disbelief crossed his thunderous eyes, and he quickly urged, "Young Master Mo Yu, as a divine-grade bloodline bearer, you are of utmost importance to the Lei Clan. Such a matter cannot be taken lightly.
"Moreover, the divine-grade bloodline can only reach its full potential within the Lei Clan. You've already achieved Dou Wang at such a young age in this remote northwest region. If you return to the Lei Clan, you'll surpass me within ten years.
"Patriach and the Grand Elder are highly optimistic about you. If you can secure the support of most clan members, you might even have a chance to contend for the position of Patriach. Please reconsider carefully!"
Hearing this, Mo Yu merely smiled faintly. Inwardly, he mused, Even without going to the Lei Clan, I will surely achieve Dou Zun within ten years.
"Hehe, Captain Mang, you misunderstood me. It's not that I refuse to go to the Lei Clan, but I have pressing matters to attend to here. I can't leave for the time being.
"Besides, I enjoy my carefree lifestyle and am not suited for the constraints of clan life. I hope you understand.
"However, I promise you this: once I reach Central Plains, I will visit the Lei Clan. What do you think?" Mo Yu smiled, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to Mang Ting.
Though Mo Yu did not completely reject the idea of returning to the Lei Clan, he felt it was not the right time.
At the very least, he needed sufficient strength to protect himself. With his current Dou Wang level, returning to the Lei Clan would be like entering a cage. Any random Lei Clan expert could easily kill him.
Moreover, Mo Yu knew that the Hun Clan had infiltrated the ancient eight clans. As recorded in the original work, even the Lei, Yan, and Gu clans had Hun Clan spies.
These spies later helped the Hun Clan steal the Tou She Ancient Jade from various clans, explaining how the Hun Clan managed to gather all the jade pieces despite the formidable defenses of the Lei and Yan Clans.
For the Hun Clan to access such tightly guarded treasures, their spies must hold significant positions of power—likely Ban Sheng or even Dou Sheng-level experts.
Given the Hun Clan's hostility toward divine-grade bloodlines, even if Mo Yu's bloodline was confirmed, he doubted he could escape assassination attempts by powerful Lei Clan spies aligned with the Hun Clan.
Reporting this to the Lei Clan's Patriach and Grand Elder would be futile. They might not believe him, and even if they did, Mo Yu couldn't explain how he, a declining clan member from the northwest, possessed such insider knowledge.
After weighing all this, Mo Yu firmly decided against going to the Lei Clan for now. The risks far outweighed the potential benefits.
With the Heavenly Thunder Body and twelve Thunder Souls, Mo Yu was confident he could reach the pinnacle of the continent even without the Lei Clan's help.
Taking the cup of tea from Mo Yu, Mang Ting was puzzled, staring into the silver-eyed youth's unfathomable gaze. Despite his vast experience and ability to read people, Mang Ting couldn't discern Mo Yu's thoughts.
In Mo Yu's silver eyes, Mang Ting saw only a sea of lightning shrouded in layers of enigmatic mist.
With a soft sigh, Mang Ting shook his head. What could possibly be more important than returning to the Lei Clan? What burden could compel someone to remain in this remote Black-Corner Region instead of going home?
Watching Mo Yu's resolute expression, Mang Ting sighed deeply and said, "I apologize, Young Master Mo Yu. It's not that I don't want to help you, but this concerns the thousand-year destiny of my clan. I cannot make this decision alone. Returning someone with a divine-grade bloodline to the clan is a mandate from the Patriach and the Council of Elders."
He continued solemnly, "Even as a captain in the Black Demon Army, I cannot disobey this command. Even the four generals, second only to the Marshal in rank, would face the punishment of Thunder Prison if they defied it." At this, the face of Mang Ting—despite being a Dou Zun powerhouse—turned grim, underscoring the terror of this so-called Thunder Prison.
Hearing this, Mo Yu froze, not expecting the Lei Clan to issue such a strict order that even Mang Ting couldn't override.
In this case, wouldn't he have no choice but to go to the Lei Clan? The only difference would be whether it was voluntary or forced.
Frowning slightly, Mo Yu sat back in his seat, a glimmer of thought flashing in his silver eyes as he asked, "Captain Mang, is there truly no other way?"
Mang Ting, noticing Mo Yu's persistence, was even more puzzled. Helplessly, he shook his head.
However, after a moment of reflection, he rubbed his chin and said gravely, "If you don't want to return to the Lei Clan immediately, there might be another option."
"Oh? What option?" Mo Yu's silver eyes lit up with anticipation as he asked eagerly.
Seeing Mo Yu's urgency, Mang Ting gave a bitter smile. "Returning you to the clan is a direct order from the Patriach. However, if you can persuade the Patriach himself, there might be room for negotiation."
"Meet the Lei Clan Patriach?" Mo Yu was momentarily stunned by Mang Ting's words, then exclaimed in astonishment.
The Lei Clan Patriach was not only the strongest individual of the powerful Lei Clan but also one of the most influential figures in the world. Moreover, he possessed the immense power of an eight-star Dou Sheng.
Few could match his status, save for the Patriachs of the Gu Clan and Hun Clan, or the legendary Xiao Xuan, the Chief of the Xiao Clan a millennium ago.
Given Mo Yu's current strength, meeting such a figure was beyond his expectations.
"Yes," Mang Ting confirmed. "As a captain of the Black Demon Army tasked with finding individuals with divine-grade bloodlines, I carry a Black Demon Stone, a device that allows me to contact the Patriach. It can summon a projection of his soul avatar. If you can convince this soul avatar, you may temporarily avoid returning to the clan."
Mang Ting then took out a black stone glowing faintly with lightning, presenting it to Mo Yu.
Hearing this, Mo Yu frowned slightly. Compared to the Lei Clan Patriach, he was like dust to a mountain. Even facing a mere soul avatar made him feel a twinge of unease.
However, determined to stick to his plan, Mo Yu eventually nodded. Regardless of the disparity, he had to try, even if the other party was a super experts eight-star Dou Sheng.
Mang Ting was momentarily stunned by Mo Yu's agreement. He had only suggested this to dissuade Mo Yu, considering the overwhelming presence of the Lei Clan Patriach.
Yet, to his surprise, Mo Yu had agreed. Did this youth truly believe he could persuade the Patriach?
Shaking his head in confusion, Mang Ting sighed. Since Mo Yu insisted, he had no choice but to summon the Patriach's soul avatar.
Under Mo Yu's watchful gaze, Mang Ting transmitted a soul message into the Black Demon Stone. Shortly after, the stone's lightning glow intensified, enveloping the entire hall in radiance.
"The Patriach's soul avatar is descending!" Mang Ting said solemnly, his expression turning serious.
As his voice fell, a terrifying pressure suddenly filled the space. Even Mang Ting couldn't compare to this aura, causing Mo Yu's breathing to tighten.
"As expected of an eight-star Dou Sheng," Mo Yu murmured, his face tense. "Even a mere soul projection carries such overwhelming power."
While Mo Yu mulled over this, a towering, illusory figure materialized in the hall.
The projection's form was massive, like a mountain. Its skin was slightly dark, exuding an overwhelming visual impact. Beneath its skin, one could vaguely see the movement of dragon-like currents. A frightening sense of power radiated outward, even from this mere projection, leaving everyone in awe.
As the projection descended, Mo Yu felt the entire space grow oppressive. A chilling, terrifying aura filled the hall.
The moment the projection appeared, Mang Ting's expression turned grave. Despite being a Dou Zun, he kneeled immediately, showing the utmost respect. "Your subordinate, Black Demon Army Captain Mang Ting, greets the Patriach!"
The towering and domineering soul avatar ignored Mang Ting's kneeling. Its thunderous eyes, like embedded lightning orbs, scanned the room, crackling with electricity.
When its gaze landed on Mo Yu, a trace of astonishment flashed in the thunderous eyes. Then, a voice like rolling thunder echoed in the hall.
"You are the divine-grade bloodline inheritor, Mo Yu, who hasn't appeared in my clan for a millennium?"
-----------------------------------------------------------
For exclusive access to 400+ 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 400+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk