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**
In the sky, space twisted, and under the gazes of many, an elderly figure appeared.
As soon as the figure emerged, they raised an arm, releasing a beam of dazzling lightning-filled Dou Qi that shot directly at Geng Xu below.
"You—!"
Seeing this figure attack without warning, Geng Xu's expression turned dark with anger. However, he did not shout in protest, instead retreating swiftly.
"It's you?"
Mo Yu feigned surprise as he gazed at the descending elderly figure.
"You? What 'you'? Show some respect! Call me Dean!"
The old man, Mang Tianchi, huffed, his beard flaring.
"Dean?" Mo Yu's silver eyes flickered, and a puzzled expression appeared on his face before he feigned shock. "You—you're the Dean of the Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy?"
"Obviously! Who else dares call themselves Mang Tianchi?"
The old man's beard twitched as he scrutinized Mo Yu with a grin. Then, pinching Mo Yu's arm, he chuckled. "Not bad, not bad! Who would've thought the patriach's chosen one came from my Jia Nan Academy."
Mo Yu's lips twitched at Mang Tianchi's playful demeanor.
Ordinary people might struggle to associate this eccentric old man with the mysterious dean of Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy.
"The last time we met, I didn't recognize you. It wasn't until I got back and thought about it that I realized you're the one Su Qian kept writing to me about—Mo Yu."
Mang Tianchi clapped Mo Yu on the shoulder, looking pleased. "Don't worry! Since you're a student of Jia Nan Academy and the Black Thunder Captain, I'll back you up in the future."
Hearing this, Mo Yu could only offer a wry smile and nod.
"Thank you, Senior Mang, for helping the young master," Qing Lin said with a smile, snapping out of her initial surprise.
Jia Nan Academy held a prestigious reputation across the continent, and upon learning that this old man was its dean, Qing Lin and her companion were momentarily stunned.
"Bah, it's nothing." Mang Tianchi waved his hand dismissively, his gaze sweeping over Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian before turning to Mo Yu with a sly grin.
"I must say, you're quite the lucky young man. Not only have you stolen the heart of our clan's most cherished flower, but you also have two stunning companions. No wonder those brats in the clan want to tear you apart!"
At these words, Mo Yu shook his head lightly, while Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin blushed.
"Mang Tianchi! This isn't your Mang Clan's territory!"
Geng Xu, who had been pushed back by the lightning earlier, now stepped forward angrily.
Mang Tianchi cast Geng Xu a disdainful glance and sneered, "You think you can bark at me? I could crush your Geng Clan right now, and even your clan leader wouldn't dare retaliate."
"You…!" Geng Xu's face darkened, and he nearly spat blood in anger.
Knowing Mang Tianchi's nature, Geng Xu feared the old man might actually follow through with such a threat—and his clan would be powerless to stop him.
"Scram! Come back when your Geng Clan makes it into the Four Vassal Clans—though that may never happen." Mang Tianchi waved dismissively.
Geng Xu glared with fury at Mang Tianchi's scornful expression but had no choice but to retreat bitterly.
"Tch, trying to challenge me!" Mang Tianchi snorted, turning to Mo Yu and clapping his shoulder again.
"That Geng Xu was likely used as a pawn. The Geng Clan has been expanding rapidly in recent years, making them forget their place. Ridiculous. But don't worry. As the patriach's chosen son-in-law, no one will openly target you—especially with me protecting you."
"Thank you, Dean." Mo Yu cupped his fists, genuinely appreciating Mang Tianchi's concern.
"Heh, no need for formalities. You're my student after all. By the way, I heard your cousin, Xiao Yan, is one of our top graduates. I'd like to meet him someday," Mang Tianchi said with a smile.
"My cousin Xiao Yan is the final disciple of Yao Chen, the top alchemist in Central Plains. If you wish to meet him, I'm sure the opportunity will arise," Mo Yu replied with a light laugh.
"Oh? To be recognized by Yao Chen, the best alchemist in Central Plains? Impressive! No wonder Su Qian spoke highly of both of you," Mang Tianchi said with satisfaction.
While chatting with Mang Tianchi, Mo Yu scanned the area, noting that most of those present held prominent positions within the Thunder Clan. Among them, a familiar face caught his eye. That person also noticed Mo Yu and approached quickly.
"Uncle, Black Thunder Captain, you've arrived."
The man, tall and steady, was Mang Ting, the Crimson Thunder Captain whom Mo Yu had once encountered in the Black-Corner Region.
"Mang Ting!" Mo Yu greeted him warmly, smiling at the unexpected reunion.
Although they had only met once, Mo Yu held a favorable impression of Mang Ting.
"I heard you just returned from a mission, no wonder you look so weary," Mang Tianchi remarked, brushing dust off Mang Ting's shoulder.
"Indeed, I rushed back because of the upcoming Captain Assessment. Fortunately, I made it in time. I've also heard about the Black Thunder Captain's swift action in stabilizing the Black Thunder Banner—quite impressive!"
Mang Ting bowed respectfully to Mang Tianchi before turning to Mo Yu with admiration.
When they met five years ago in the Black-Corner Region, Mo Yu was a weakling cornered by Old Mu Gu. Yet now, he had grown strong enough to defeat Geng Xiong in one move. Truly deserving of the patriach's favor as a "divine-grade bloodline."
"Haha, you flatter me," Mo Yu replied modestly, smiling faintly.
As they spoke, Mo Yu sensed Mang Ting's strength—around a five-star Dou Zun, an impressive level.
"The patriach's regard speaks volumes about your talent. However, Black Thunder Captain, I've received word that General Lei Humight target you during the competition. Be careful," Mang Ting cautioned in a low voice.
"General Lei Hu?" Mo Yu frowned, about to inquire further when commotion erupted behind him. Turning around, he saw a group of people entering the area.
Most of the people present were from the younger generation of the Lei Clan. Among them, Mo Yu spotted Mu Mang, along with a few other Black Demon Army captains like Silver Thunder Captain. At this moment, these individuals were watching him with schadenfreude-filled gazes.
Such looks made Mo Yu frown slightly. Just as he was about to look away, his eyes suddenly locked onto a certain corner at the forefront of the area.
There sat a figure exuding a sharp, murderous aura. On this person's forehead faintly shimmered a black-golden "王" character. His entire body emitted a ferocious energy akin to a peerless fierce tiger, causing anyone who glanced at him to feel a surge of brutal intent.
Mo Yu's gaze became heavy as he stared at the figure, whose back resembled that of a savage beast. He could sense an undisguised killing intent slowly emanating from the person, and the target of that intent was none other than himself!
"General Lei Hu, Lei Yin!" Mang Ting said in a low voice upon seeing this individual.
"Oh, so this is General Lei Hu, one of the four generals of the Black Demon Army?" Mo Yu's eyes narrowed slightly at Mang Ting's words.
Judging by the target of this killing intent, it was evident that from the moment Mo Yu stepped into the area, his every move had been within Lei Yin's perception. Even now, as Mo Yu stared at him, Lei Yin had likely already noticed.
"Indeed. Not only does Lei Yin hold a high rank in the Black Demon Army, but he also comes from an extremely prominent family. His grandfather is one of the Lei Clan's high-ranking elders. With both talent and a powerful background, Lei Yin was originally one of the candidates for Fei'er's husband. But then you came and disrupted things, so it's no surprise that he harbors hostility toward you.
The Geng Clan, for instance, has aligned themselves with Lei Yin's grandfather's faction. That's why Geng Xu targeted you earlier," Mang Tianshi explained.
"Again, it's because of Lei Fei'er..."
Upon hearing this, Mo Yu shook his head. He hadn't expected Lei Fei'er to be so popular within the Lei Clan. It was as if he had stirred up a hornet's nest.
"Captain Mo, be cautious of him," Mang Ting warned solemnly as Mo Yu fixated on the savage figure.
The four generals of the Black Demon Army were all top-tier geniuses of the Lei Clan. While Mang Ting considered Mo Yu's talent extraordinary, his rise had been too recent. Dealing with someone of Lei Yin's caliber would still be challenging.
Mo Yu merely nodded indifferently.
Although Lei Yin's strength wasn't weak—capable of defeating even the likes of the Hall of Souls's Nine Tianzuns—he was still no match for Mo Yu.
"Dong!"
As the attendees all gathered, an ancient bell's chime suddenly echoed across the heavens and earth, its resounding toll spreading far and wide through the vast mountain range.
"The time has come. Let the ceremony begin."
After the bell's chime, a grand, calm voice suddenly emanated from the void. The terrifying pressure embedded within the voice made many present on the plaza inhale sharply.
"Dou Sheng, a true Dou Sheng!"
Sensing the oppressive force that resonated with his soul, Mo Yu's eyes narrowed slightly. This was his first time experiencing the pressure of a Dou Sheng on the Dou Qi Continent.
As the voice faded, three imposing Lei Clan elders rose solemnly from their seats and moved toward the plaza's center.
The area was already filled with various ceremonial tools. The Lei Clan's bloodline test was exceptionally rigorous; for these ancient imperial clans, the Dou Di bloodline was of utmost importance.
"Not only is Patriach Lei Ying absent, but even the true elites of the Lei Clan haven't shown themselves."
Mo Yu's gaze swept across the special area. Apart from a few Lei Clan elders, he didn't see anyone of the patriach's rank.
Evidently, such high-ranking figures rarely appeared even on occasions like this.
"Though they haven't shown themselves, subtle presences can be felt in the sky above. It seems these prominent figures are observing the ceremony without revealing themselves," Mo Yu thought, relying on his keen soul perception.
Some of the concealed auras even briefly scanned Mo Yu, clearly intrigued by someone raised outside the clan who might possess a "divine-grade bloodline."
"The ceremony begins. Mu Mang!"
While Mo Yu pondered, the three Lei Clan elders in the plaza finished their preparations. The leading elder paused for a few seconds in Mo Yu's direction before calling out a name that Mo Yu was very familiar with.
Hearing the elder's announcement, Mu Mang immediately stood, his figure flashing confidently into the arena. He respectfully saluted the three elders.
Though the Lei Clan had many young adults, only a select few could hold their coming-of-age ceremonies at such a grand event.
These individuals were undoubtedly the elites of the Lei Clan's younger generation, which explained the trace of pride on Mu Mang's face.
In the center of the arena, a solemn Lei Clan elder waved his hand, summoning a star-disc detection device nearly a meter in size. Mu Mang stepped forward, placed his hand on the star disc, and closed his eyes.
As Mu Mang's eyes closed, the star disc emitted a dazzling light, and six thunder patterns gradually appeared.
Seeing the six patterns, the elder nodded and announced loudly, "Mu Mang, Black Demon Army Brown Thunder Banner Vice-Captain, one-star Dou Zun strength, sixth-grade bloodline level. By the decision of the Elder Council, you are granted a Xuan-level mid-grade clan mark!"
"A Xuan-level mid-grade clan mark! Truly deserving of Vice-Captain Mu Mang."
Upon hearing the elder's proclamation, many Lei Clan members in the plaza murmured in admiration.
A glimmer of joy flashed in Mu Mang's eyes as he knelt on one knee. One of the Lei Clan elders raised a lightning-infused brush and skillfully drew a series of phantom-like strokes.
A mysterious lightning-shaped Xuan-level mark soon appeared on Mu Mang's forehead, radiating thunderous energy and a unique aura.
"Xuan-level clan mark? What's that?"
Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin, unfamiliar with these terms, looked puzzled.
"Xuan-level clan marks are the final evaluations based on bloodline levels. Passed down from the Lei Clan's ancient heritage, these marks can temporarily amplify a Lei Clan member's bloodline power during critical moments, helping them overcome danger.
Clan marks are divided into five levels: Shen, Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang, distinguished by their thunder power. Mu Mang's clan mark is the fourth level, Xuan," Mang Ting explained slowly.
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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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