Chapter 265: The Temptation of a Dou King, Vice Hall Master of the Fierce Tiger Hall

Chapter 265: The Temptation of a Dou King, Vice Hall Master of the Fierce Tiger Hall

Mo Yu was not unfamiliar with Xiao Li.

Having grown up in the Xiao Clan with Xiao blood in his veins, Mo Yu regarded Xiao Li as his cousin. In Mo Yu's original memories, this cousin, despite his cold and silent personality, was extremely protective of his loved ones.

He remembered an incident from their childhood when Mo Yu, who was weak at the time, was bullied by a younger Xiao Clan member. Xiao Li heard about it and immediately took Mo Yu to that person's home, forcing the bully to repeatedly apologize. From that day, Xiao Li left a deep impression on the young Mo Yu.

Now that Mo Yu had been reborn, he knew that Xiao Li's story was far from over. While Xiao Li may not shine as brightly as Xiao Yan, his journey was filled with twists and turns.

According to the original story, Xiao Li not only roamed the Black-Corner Region on his own but also consumed a powerful Seven-Grade Devouring Life Pill, earning a significant reputation in the region. If this story were to spread back to the Jia Ma Empire, it would be considered quite legendary.

Thinking of the Devouring Life Pill, Mo Yu's mind stirred as he looked at the pale-faced Xiao Li before him.

While Mo Yu was lost in thought, Xiao Yan finally learned from Xiao Li the full story of how he came to be seriously injured and arrived at Jia Nan Academy. As Mo Yu had expected, trouble had indeed befallen the Xiao Clan.

After the Xiao Clan relocated to the Mo Tiejun Mercenary Group, Yun Lan Sect sent people to hunt them down, causing the clan to suffer great losses. According to Xiao Li, mysterious figures clad in dark cloaks and carrying black chains also took part in the massacre.

Mo Yu's expression stiffened at this information. If his guess was correct, these figures were likely from the Hall of Souls, and their target was probably the Xiao Clan's Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade.

And this piece of ancient jade was, of course, currently in the possession of a very furious Xiao Yan.

"Xiao Li, are my parents okay?" Xiao Yu asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Heh, Yu'er, I haven't seen you in years. You've become even more beautiful," Xiao Li said with a faint smile, his previously cold expression softening. After a brief silence, he added with some guilt, "Your mother is fine, but your father lost an arm in battle. If it weren't for Hai Lao and the support of the Mittel Clan, our Xiao Clan would have been wiped out, and I wouldn't have made it to Jia Nan Academy."

Xiao Yu's eyes turned red, but thankfully, the worst scenario she feared hadn't come true. Although deeply shaken, she managed to hold herself together, nodding quietly before falling silent.

Seeing this, Mo Yu put his arm around Xiao Yu's shoulder to silently comfort her.

At that moment, Xiao Li's gaze fell on Mo Yu, a flash of surprise in his eyes. "It's you, Xiao Yu! I haven't seen you in years, and you've changed so much. I've heard that not even Xiao Yan can keep up with you now. Every time I talk with our elder brother, we feel proud of your achievements."

Xiao Li's words were sincere. Both he and Xiao Ding had been astonished by Mo Yu's rise. Unlike Xiao Yan, who was a child prodigy but later had his talent interrupted, Mo Yu had been unremarkable in his youth, with no signs of ever standing out. No one expected him to make such an explosive rise at his coming-of-age ceremony, nor for his growth to be so unstoppable.

During the battle at Yun Lan Mountain, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan's fame spread across the entire Jia Ma Empire. In fact, Mo Yu's name became even more feared by Yun Lan Sect.

Hearing Xiao Li's praise, Mo Yu smiled and lightly patted his cousin's arm. "You flatter me, Cousin Xiao Ding and Cousin Xiao Li. I'm not that impressive. I still remember when I was bullied as a child, and Cousin Xiao Li personally stood up for me. That incident is still fresh in my mind."

Mo Yu's words took Xiao Yan and the others by surprise. They hadn't expected Mo Yu to have such an embarrassing story.

Xiao Li, too, was momentarily taken aback, then he smiled wryly and said, "I can't believe you still remember that."

Even though he spoke humbly, hearing Mo Yu bring up the story made Xiao Li feel a warmth toward his younger cousin, helping to melt away any sense of distance that had grown between them over the years.

…

Due to Xiao Li's injuries, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan didn't rush back to the inner court. Instead, they stayed in the outer court for a few days. During this time, thanks to Xiao Yan's status as a Fifth-Grade Alchemist, Xiao Li's injuries healed quickly under the effect of Xiao Yan's precious medicinal pills. Not only did his condition improve rapidly, but his strength also surged, and he successfully broke through to the rank of a Da Dou Shi.

After experiencing such hardships, Xiao Li's personality grew even colder. Although he remained warm to his family, whenever he spoke with outsiders, his sharp, predatory gaze made people feel uneasy, as if they were sitting on pins and needles.

A few days later, after fully recovering, Xiao Li approached Mo Yu and Xiao Yan with a surprising decision.

"I want to go to the Black-Corner Region," Xiao Li said with a smile as he noticed Xiao Yan's shocked expression.

"I've realized that the atmosphere there suits me. In the Jia Ma Empire, no matter what, there are always restrictions. But in the Black-Corner Region, there are no rules. So, I can do whatever it takes to build something there."

"But the Black-Corner Region is too chaotic, and weaker fighters have almost no chance of survival," Xiao Yan warned, trying to persuade him otherwise.

"Don't worry. I'm now a Da Dou Shi, and that place doesn't rely on force alone," Xiao Li said with a wave of his hand. Then he took out two scrolls glowing with a brilliant silver light and smiled. "These are a set of lightning-based Dou Qi techniques and skills that Xun'er gave me. They're mid-level Xuan-rank and can be used together for an even greater increase in power. Even compared to high-level Xuan-rank techniques, their offensive power is superior."

"So, you don't need to worry about me. With my lightning Dou Qi, plus these techniques, even a typical Four- or Five-Star Da Dou Shi won't be able to defeat me."

"If Cousin Xiao Li says so, then Xiao Yan, we should support him. Life at Jia Nan Academy isn't really suited for him," Mo Yu added.

In the original story, Xiao Li was able to rally a group of people in the Black-Corner Region and even give the Blood Sect, a top-tier force in the region, a lot of trouble. This wasn't just because of the Devouring Life Pill; it was also thanks to his cold-blooded nature and cunning.

Someone like him would thrive in the chaotic Black-Corner Region, as if he were born for it.

In fact, Mo Yu was even toying with the idea of recruiting Xiao Li as part of his own plans.

"Haha! Xiao Yu understands me best. Third Brother, what do you think?" Xiao Li laughed, patting Mo Yu on the shoulder before turning to Xiao Yan.

Seeing the confidence in Xiao Li's eyes and hearing Mo Yu's words, Xiao Yan sighed deeply after a long pause and nodded.

Originally, Xiao Yan had planned to introduce Xiao Li to Jia Nan Academy. Xiao Li's talent wasn't bad, and with proper cultivation, his future prospects could have been limitless. However, Xiao Yan knew his second brother well. Once Xiao Li made up his mind, not even nine oxen could drag him back. And Mo Yu was right—the Black-Corner Region might be better suited for him.

Mo Yu wasn't surprised by Xiao Yan's agreement. The three Xiao brothers each had their own convictions and personalities, and Mo Yu knew Xiao Yan wouldn't reject Xiao Li's decision.

After a moment, Xiao Yan flipped his hand, revealing a peculiar black scroll. "This is a flight scroll called Thunder Bat Sky Wings. Once cultivated, you'll have the ability to fly, similar to a Dou Wang. But it consumes a lot of Dou Qi, so don't use it unless absolutely necessary. Also, this technique has a mysterious origin. If someone recognizes it, it could bring trouble."

Mo Yu raised an eyebrow, recognizing that this must have been one of Xiao Yan's first spoils after arriving in the Black-Corner Region. Xiao Yan's care for his family was undeniable, as he gave this extremely valuable flying technique to Xiao Li without hesitation.

"Heh, this is a real treasure!" Xiao Li said, overjoyed as he accepted the black scroll, tucking it into his robe without hesitation. His expression turned cold again as he added, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for the Blood Sect. I heard about them when I passed through the Black-Corner Region."

"You should stay here for a few more days. I'll prepare some pills for you," Xiao Yan nodded and said after a brief pause.

"Heh, fine," Xiao Li responded, knowing his brother's kind nature.

The next morning, after receiving everything from Xiao Yan, Xiao Li saw the worry in his brother's eyes. His own expression softened as he patted Xiao Yan's shoulder. "Don't worry, Xiao Yan. I'll take care of myself."

After a bit more conversation, Mo Yu chimed in with a smile. "Heh, Cousin Xiao Yan and Xun'er have already given you their best treasures, so I can't let you leave empty-handed either."

Xiao Li was startled, waving his hand. "Xiao Yu, there's no need for that. We're all family. There's no need to be so formal."

Mo Yu shook his head with a smile. "I've prepared a gift for you, Cousin Xiao Li, but it comes with serious side effects, and it could even lead to death. Whether you use it is up to you."

"Oh?" Xiao Li and Xiao Yan both looked curious. Xiao Li chuckled. "I'm curious to see what kind of gift could have such severe consequences."

Without saying a word, Mo Yu pulled out a red pill from his beast ring. The pill was blood-red and about the size of a dragon's eye. It had an unusual, mystical quality—looking at it closely, it seemed like a transparent orb filled with blood. In the center of the pill, a dark red glow pulsed like a tiny, sinister eye.

Both Xiao Li and Xiao Yan were stunned by the sight of the pill, especially Xiao Yan, whose usually calm black eyes sparkled with amazement.

"This is a Devouring Life Pill," Mo Yu said, pointing at the red pill.

"What!" Xiao Yan gasped in shock, his expression changing dramatically. As Yao Lao's prized disciple, he knew exactly what the Devouring Life Pill represented.

"What's wrong?" Xiao Li asked, surprised by his brother's reaction.

Suppressing his shock, Xiao Yan explained the effects of the Devouring Life Pill to his second brother.

After hearing Xiao Yan's explanation, Xiao Li's eyes showed a hint of awe as he gazed at the red pill in Mo Yu's hand. The thought of a pill that could help a Da Dou Shi break through to Dou Wang in a short time was undeniably tempting.

"Xiao Yan is right. I found this Devouring Life Pill by chance in the Black-Corner Region. It can indeed give a Da Dou Shi the strength of a Dou Wang for three years," Mo Yu explained.

"No wonder you said it had severe side effects," Xiao Li murmured. Although he was enticed by the pill's power, the fact that it only extended life for three years made him hesitate. At this point, Xiao Li had not yet experienced the events that would lead him to fake his death, so while he desired power, he wasn't yet willing to risk his life for it.

However, the allure of becoming a Dou Wang was strong, and Xiao Li couldn't entirely hide the heat in his gaze.

Seeing his cousin's hesitation, Mo Yu smiled. "Although the Devouring Life Pill has significant side effects, it's not without a solution. If you can break through to the Dou Huang level within three years, the pill's curse can be lifted. Plus, with Xiao Yan as a high-level alchemist and his skilled teacher, there may be ways to extend your lifespan. So, taking the pill isn't necessarily a dead end.

Of course, this is just my gift to you. Whether you use it is entirely up to you."

Xiao Li's face lit up with joy at Mo Yu's words, and he quickly turned to Xiao Yan, hopeful.

If he could take the Devouring Life Pill without suffering the life-shortening effects, he would be thrilled.

Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned but then looked at Mo Yu and smiled awkwardly, scratching his head. He didn't believe for a second that Mo Yu would want to harm his second brother. Mo Yu's character wouldn't allow for such a thing, and even if he did, there was no need to use a Devouring Life Pill to do it.

Moreover, after secretly consulting Yao Lao, Xiao Yan found that Mo Yu's suggestion was indeed feasible. Yao Lao had mentioned a pill called the Green Nether Longevity Pill, which could extend life by ten years.

With this knowledge, Xiao Yan nodded to Xiao Li.

Seeing Xiao Yan's confirmation, Xiao Li felt a surge of excitement. Licking his lips, he took the Devouring Life Pill from Mo Yu's hand. "In that case, I'll take it."

"Second Brother..." Xiao Yan began.

"Third Brother, don't try to dissuade me. I trust you, and you know that the Xiao Clan is on the brink of extinction. The family can't just rely on you and Xiao Yu to carry the burden. Now, with Xiao Yu's help, this opportunity is a gift from heaven, and I won't let it slip away," Xiao Li said, his face filled with determination.

Seeing his second brother's resolute expression, Xiao Yan paused, then sighed. "Alright, then I'll do everything in my power to make sure you live long enough to break the curse."

"Good." Xiao Li smiled, and without another word, he swallowed the Devouring Life Pill.

"Uh..."

Mo Yu was momentarily stunned by how decisively Xiao Li acted. Truly, Xiao Li was a ruthless person.

Moments later, Xiao Li opened his eyes, and a faint red glow flickered within them. At the same time, his aura grew noticeably stronger.

Compared to before, Xiao Li now radiated a much darker and colder presence. Even Mo Yu was slightly taken aback, feeling that Xiao Li now posed a greater threat than most Dou Ling experts.

"Impressive. If he fully absorbs the pill's power, Xiao Li could very well become a Dou Wang," Mo Yu thought to himself.

After a moment, Mo Yu took out a black iron token, about the size of a palm, engraved with a large "Yuan" character, and handed it to Xiao Li.

Feeling the immense power coursing through his body, Xiao Li's eyes gleamed with joy. He could sense that even an average Dou Ling wouldn't be a match for him now.

Suppressing his excitement, Xiao Li took the token from Mo Yu and asked curiously, "What's this?"

"I've established a force called Yuan Manor in Stone Rock City in the Black-Corner Region. Although it's not very large yet, it's already considered a second-tier power. This token is the manor's master command token. With it, you'll be treated as the manor master himself. If you have nowhere else to go in the Black-Corner Region, you can join Yuan Manor and take up the position of Vice Hall Master of the Fierce Tiger Hall."

"Yuan Manor?"

Xiao Li and Xiao Yan exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of surprise.

They hadn't expected Mo Yu to have already established a force in the Black-Corner Region, let alone a second-tier one!

Having been to the Black-Corner Region, they knew how powerful a second-tier force could be—it was on par with the three great clans of the Jia Ma Empire!

"Xiao Yu, our elder brother always said you were destined for great things. I never imagined you'd rise so quickly. Very well, since you've invited me, once I leave Jia Nan Academy, I'll join Yuan Manor!" Xiao Li laughed heartily.

For him, while he originally wanted to build his own force in the Black-Corner Region, Mo Yu's invitation—and the fact that he gifted him the Devouring Life Pill—made him reconsider. He had no reason to refuse Mo Yu's offer, especially since Yuan Manor was already a powerful faction, making it a perfect place for him to grow.

After that, Mo Yu pulled out another Devouring Life Pill, much to Xiao Li's surprise, and explained that this one was meant for Ling Feng, the Hall Master of Fierce Tiger Hall. Of course, Mo Yu didn't force Ling Feng to take the pill but asked Xiao Li to deliver it to him. Whether Ling Feng used it or not would be his own choice.

Given what Mo Yu knew about Ling Feng, he was certain Ling Feng wouldn't pass up the opportunity.

Xiao Li nodded, then stood up, bid farewell to Mo Yu, Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and Xiao Yu, and strode out of the academy gates, heading for the chaotic region beyond.

As Mo Yu watched Xiao Li leave, his silver eyes narrowed slightly. With Zi Huo overseeing Lion Hall, Mo Yu had no concerns there. His only weakness was Fierce Tiger Hall.

But now that Xiao Li had joined, and with the help of two Devouring Life Pills, Fierce Tiger Hall would grow stronger. Mo Yu could now focus on other matters with peace of mind.

Once the affairs at Jia Nan Academy were settled, it would be time for Yuan Manor to make its move in the Black-Corner Region…

(End of Chapter)

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