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**
"Do you mean for me to inherit the position of clan leader?"
As Mo Cangxuan's words fell, not only was Mo Yu himself stunned, but even the numerous high-ranking members of the Mo Clan within the grand hall displayed utter shock.
Although the Mo Clan had indeed fallen into decline, teetering on the edge of being ousted from the Four Great Vassal Clans, it was still a vast and influential clan of the Lei Clan. Such a pivotal role as clan leader was not something that could fall into the hands of a young junior like Mo Yu.
Unlike the role of the Black Thunder Captain, the clan leader of the Mo Clan was a true high-ranking figure within the Lei Clan, possessing the authority to directly interact with the Patriach and manage internal clan affairs.
Such an important position clearly seemed beyond Mo Yu's grasp.
Even Mo Pan and Mo Xiao, two Ban Sheng elders of the Mo Clan, narrowed their eyes, their expressions unreadable as they studied Mo Yu.
If Mo Cangxuan were to pass away, the position of clan leader would naturally fall to one of them, as the Mo Clan had dwindled in strength, leaving only these two early Ban Shengs as its pillars.
However, the Mo Clan was in dire straits, and the position of clan leader had become a burdensome responsibility. Neither Mo Pan nor Mo Xiao felt confident about leading the clan back to its former glory.
Therefore, while they were astonished at Mo Cangxuan's intention to pass the role to Mo Yu, they didn't immediately object. They were curious to see whether Mo Yu would accept this heavy responsibility.
Mo Yu, after recovering from his initial shock, grew increasingly solemn.
While the position of clan leader was undoubtedly tempting, he knew this was not the right time to take up such a role.
"Thank you for your trust, clan leader, but as I've just returned to the Lei Clan and am not yet familiar with the clan's affairs or those of the Mo Clan, it might be better to revisit this matter in the future." Mo Yu cupped his hands and spoke respectfully.
Hearing Mo Yu neither accept nor outright refuse, a subtle glimmer of emotion flickered in Mo Cangxuan's cloudy eyes before he chuckled lightly.
"Haha, very well. In that case, I will reserve the position for you. When the time is right, I will recommend you to the Patriach to take over as the leader of the Mo Clan."
"It's rare for the clan leader to show such favor to the Black Thunder Captain—an uncommon occurrence indeed. By the way, in five days, the Lei Clan's Captain Assessment will commence. It's a grand event for the clan."
"Oh, that reminds me, Captain Mo, as the Captain of Black Thunder Banner, you likely haven't had the chance to meet your subordinates yet. Why not let Mo Tao and Mo Feng accompany you to Black Thunder Peak to familiarize yourself with your troops? It would be good to strengthen their morale before the competition," suggested Mo Pan with a smile.
Hearing this, Mo Yu nodded after a brief pause.
Until now, he had only met a small squad of the Black Thunder Banner, led by Mang Dian. He had yet to see the entire troop. Since he was now in the Lei Clan, it made sense to get acquainted with his subordinates and solidify his position as their leader.
With this thought, Mo Yu bid farewell to Mo Cangxuan and the others before departing with Mo Tao and Mo Feng to the Black Thunder Banner's base.
On the way, Mo Yu learned more about the Lei Clan's Black Demon Army from Mo Tao and Mo Feng.
The Black Demon Army wasn't as ancient as the Gu Clan's Black Abyss Army, having been established later as a response to it.
However, despite its relatively short history, the Lei Clan's martial culture and love for combat ensured the Black Demon Army's reputation rivaled that of the Gu Clan's elite forces.
The Black Demon Army was divided into Eight Thunder Banners, each consisting of three thousand soldiers, totaling twenty-four thousand men. Only those who had reached the Dou Zong realm were eligible to join.
"An army of twenty-four thousand Dou Zong… this is the terror of an ancient clan," Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian muttered in awe, their delicate faces frozen in astonishment.
In the Northwest Region, a Dou Zong expert could dominate a region, reigning as a supreme expert. Even someone like Yun Shan of the Yun Lan Sect had required twenty years of seclusion and allegiance to the Hall of Souls to achieve such a breakthrough.
Yet, within the Lei Clan, Dou Zong was merely the baseline for foot soldiers in the Black Demon Army. The contrast was dizzying, leaving both women slightly dazed.
In contrast, Mo Yu's expression remained indifferent.
After all, the Lei Realm was practically a self-contained world, housing billions of inhabitants. Combined with their Dou Di bloodline, achieving the Dou Zong realm wasn't as difficult here as in the outside world.
Thus, the Lei Clan didn't see a force of twenty-four thousand Dou Zong troops as particularly extravagant. Only those at the Dou Zun level could enter the Lei Clan's mid-tier ranks, while high-ranking positions demanded at least Ban Sheng strength. True elites, of course, were at the Dou Sheng level.
Mo Yu's calm demeanor surprised Mo Tao and Mo Feng. They had assumed someone from the outside world would be astounded by the Black Thunder Banner's might.
Shaking his head, Mo Feng added, "It won't be easy for you to take control of the Black Thunder Banner."
"Oh? Why is that?" Mo Yu raised an eyebrow.
Mo Tao's expression darkened as he explained, "The vice-captain of the Black Thunder Banner, Geng Xiong, is a member of the Geng clan. Recently, the Geng clan has been eyeing the Mo Clan's position, seeking to replace us.
"Moreover, Geng Xiong's strength, at the two-star Dou Zun level, has earned him considerable influence within the Black Thunder Banner. If not for the Patriach's intervention, he might have taken the captain position for himself."
"A two-star Dou Zun…" Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin exchanged glances, their lips curving into amused smiles.
Such a small fry posed no threat to Mo Yu.
Mo Yu's reaction to Mo Tao's words was a faint smile and a casual shake of his head.
It was clear that the Lei Realm's isolation left its people ignorant of events in the Central Plains.
Not bothering to explain, Mo Yu said calmly, "Don't worry. I'll take care of it."
Mo Tao and Mo Feng were momentarily stunned by Mo Yu's confidence. They found it hard to believe that someone so young and raised outside the clan could suppress a two-star Dou Zun like Geng Xiong.
Though skeptical, they refrained from voicing their doubts and continued leading the way.
The Lei Yang Mountain Range was a sprawling expanse of peaks, each towering like a sharp blade piercing the sky, exuding an aura so sharp it seemed capable of slicing the heavens.
Among these peaks stood Black Thunder Peak.
Nestled within was the Black Thunder Training Ground, the base of the Black Thunder Banner.
As Mo Yu, led by Mo Tao and Mo Feng, arrived outside the training ground, he saw the massive encampment forged from black thunderstone. Watchtowers and training fields stood tall, and the clashing sounds of sparring echoed constantly within.
The waves of Dou Qi surged incessantly, gathering above the training ground and forming an oppressive aura that cascaded down like a flood.
"What a fierce and condensed momentum," Xiao Yixian remarked, a trace of surprise flickering in her eyes as she gazed at the rolling killing intent above the Black Thunder Training Ground. In her perception, this oppressive aura was as if merged with the heavens and earth, carrying a sharpness that felt overwhelming and suffocating.
"Black Thunder Banner's three thousand troops act as one. They all practice the same Black Fiend Thunder Art, naturally forming a unified and seamless aura. If a one-star Dou Zun commands the Thunder Sigil Golden Seal and harnesses the power of all three thousand troops, even a high-rank Dou Zun would have to avoid direct confrontation," Mo Feng explained with a faint smile.
Mo Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, marveling at the technique. To think that with the strength of three thousand combined, a one-star Dou Zun could contend with a high-level Dou Zun. The methods of the ancient Lei Clan were indeed extraordinary.
"Let's go. The Black Thunder Banner's three thousand troops are already assembled. With the Black Demon Token in your possession, you are now officially the Black Thunder Banner Captain," Mo Feng said, leading the way alongside Mo Tao. A few swift movements later, Mo Yu and the group were standing atop a towering platform.
In front of him lay a vast training ground, its perimeter adorned with fluttering banners that snapped in the howling wind. Most striking of all were the countless figures standing silently and solemnly within the training ground, their presence exuding an intimidating stillness.
As Mo Yu stepped into view, he immediately sensed the weight of thousands of sharp gazes focused on him. Curiosity, scrutiny, and defiance filled those stares, their collective pressure surging toward him like a tidal wave.
For those of weaker resolve, this display alone would have been enough to induce fear. Yet Mo Yu remained composed, his expression serene as if entirely unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere. Such pressure, to him, was as inconsequential as a breeze brushing past.
As the master of Yuan Manor, Mo Yu had long since mastered the art of commanding subordinates. Fear and hesitation had no place within him. Be it three thousand Dou Zong or even three thousand Dou Zun, they would not so much as make him blink.
His gaze swept across the three thousand troops, finally settling on four figures at the forefront, each emanating an imposing aura. Among them, a young man clad in black robes stood out the most. With a tall, lean build and a sharp, sinister expression, he regarded Mo Yu with a scrutinizing and hostile look.
During his earlier conversations with Mo Feng and Mo Tao, Mo Yu had already identified this man as Geng Xiong, the current vice-captain of the Black Thunder Banner. He was a key figure among those vying for the position of captain and a member of the Geng Clan, which had been eyeing the position with ambition.
The other three figures were the Black Thunder Banner's division captains. Their expressions held more curiosity than hostility as they observed Mo Yu. After all, his status was anything but ordinary—appointed directly by the patriach as the captain of the Black Thunder Banner and also the patriach's son-in-law.
Mo Yu's attention eventually shifted to a more subdued corner where three individuals stood at the helm. His gaze brightened upon spotting a familiar figure—Mang Dian, whom he had not seen since their parting in the Western Region years ago.
As a division captain of the Black Thunder Banner, Mang Dian undoubtedly had the strength and background to hold his position. At this moment, Mang Dian's gaze was locked onto Mo Yu, and unlike the curiosity or hostility in others' eyes, his was filled with joy and respect.
Having witnessed Mo Yu's prowess firsthand in the Western Region, Mang Dian had been entirely won over. Now that Mo Yu had returned to the Black Thunder Banner, he was undoubtedly the most ardent supporter.
Nodding subtly at Mang Dian, Mo Yu's gaze then shifted to the young woman beside him. She was tall and slender, with slightly wavy purple hair cascading down to her curvaceous figure, and her delicate, beautiful features made her particularly eye-catching.
Based on Mo Tao's earlier descriptions, she was Lei Qingning, a popular figure within the Black Thunder Banner and a member of the Lei Clan. Her exceptional talent had earned her a place in the Black Demon Army and a promotion to division captain.
Finally, Mo Yu's eyes settled on the man at the center—a short-haired youth with an ordinary appearance yet sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to exude the aura of a sharp blade. This was Lei Shi, a talented individual from a distant clan of the Lei Clan.
Apart from Mang Dian, the expressions of Geng Xiong and the others carried traces of hostility and dissatisfaction. Their influence over the Black Thunder Banner soldiers also fueled the defiance and resentment in the gazes directed at Mo Yu.
Though the troops acknowledged Mo Yu's identity, they could not help but feel aggrieved by the sudden appointment of a captain from the outside world. In their eyes, the outside world was no different from a barren land, and while the patriach's decree could not be defied, their hearts still refused to yield.
Standing atop the platform, Mo Yu keenly sensed the doubt and skepticism from the Black Thunder Banner's three thousand troops. With a calm expression, he slowly retrieved an ancient black token from his robes.
The moment this token appeared, a collective change swept across the troops, including Geng Xiong. Their expressions turned grim and solemn as they recognized the token for what it was—The Black Demon Token, the ultimate symbol of authority within the Black Demon Army.
With the token in hand, Mo Yu cast his gaze over the gathered troops and spoke in a calm yet resonant voice, "Mo Yu, Black Thunder Captain, greets my comrades."
The field fell silent. Aside from Mang Dian and a handful of neutral soldiers, most of the troops remained stiff, their responses minimal. Behind Geng Xiong, many soldiers even looked openly indignant.
Noticing the tense atmosphere, Mo Tao whispered to Mo Yu, "If the situation becomes untenable, you can disband today's training. As the captain, Geng Xiong won't dare confront you directly."
Mo Yu paused, understanding the implication. While the clan leader could appoint him as captain, whether he could truly command the Black Thunder Banner depended on his own ability. If this stalemate continued, word would spread, and those watching from the shadows would surely ridicule him.
A faint smile crossed Mo Yu's lips. Turning his attention back to the three thousand troops, his gaze lingered on Geng Xiong for a moment before he raised his voice, its tone brimming with authority.
"It seems that many of you are dissatisfied with my appointment as Black Thunder Captain. In that case, if anyone believes they can best me, I will petition the patriach to step down and cede the position. What do you say?"
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