Chapter 585: The Soul Clan Moves, Battle at Yuan City
The situation with the Spirit Clan caused quite a stir across Zhongzhou. However, these ancient clans were usually very low-profile. After about six months, the waves of disturbance gradually faded away.
Zhongzhou was a place where new events unfolded every day, and countless topics arose. Even something as significant as the disappearance of the Spirit Clan could not remain a hot topic forever.
As these ups and downs played out, the seasons passed—spring gave way to autumn—and another year had gone by since Mo Yu had entered seclusion. In total, it had now been nearly two years. During this time, the mountain where Mo Yu was secluded remained eerily quiet, with no signs of activity. Wild grasses had overgrown, almost completely covering the massive stone door.
Over these two years, many of the new disciples at Yuanfu had matured, becoming the old guard, while fresh recruits continually flowed into the faction, supplying it with fresh blood.
Even Mo Yu's three disciples had become vital members of the core team within these two years, gradually making a name for themselves across Zhongzhou.
On a small hill, Uncle Snake stood, gazing at the moss-covered stone door in the distance. After a long pause, he softly muttered, "Two years... I wonder how far he has progressed."
"Uncle Snake!"
While Uncle Snake was sighing, a streak of light flew over and landed behind him. The owner of the long, slender legs was none other than Xiao Yu, the Lady of Yuanfu.
Over the past two years, she had mostly remained at Yuanfu. As the Lady of the faction, Uncle Snake had spared no effort in helping her increase her strength. Yuanfu's high-ranking alchemists crafted various pills to assist Xiao Yu, and Uncle Snake himself gathered numerous treasures to support her.
Thanks to these efforts, Xiao Yu's strength had soared, going from a three-star Dou Zun to the peak of Dou Zun within just two years. Her progress was astonishing. Given her Dou Emperor bloodline, her potential was equal to, if not greater than, that of other powerhouses like Little Doctor Fairy. As long as she had sufficient resources, her power would grow rapidly. With Uncle Snake overseeing her training, her foundation remained solid.
"What is it?" Uncle Snake asked, noticing the serious look on Xiao Yu's face.
Xiao Yu's bright eyes briefly scanned the distant stone door, her expression darkening slightly. She then spoke in a serious tone, "Our spies within the Hall of Souls have learned that they've been quietly mobilizing forces. It seems like they are planning something big. Their target is likely Yuanfu and Starfall Pavilion. After all, two years have passed since the death of Blacklight Saint, and that was a major humiliation for the Hall of Souls. They are bound to make a move soon."
Hearing this, Uncle Snake frowned. "Were they able to uncover the exact timing of their action or how many experts will be involved?"
Xiao Yu shook her head. "The Hall of Souls operates with extreme secrecy, and our spies don't have high-ranking positions, so we couldn't gather too much detailed information. But given that they are mobilizing, we must prepare for the worst."
Uncle Snake nodded slightly. He knew the Hall of Souls had been watching Yuanfu closely for the past two years. Personally, Uncle Snake had uncovered at least a dozen spies within Yuanfu, sent by the Hall of Souls.
They hadn't made a move yet, likely out of caution due to the alliance between Yuanfu and Starfall Pavilion, as well as the fact that Uncle Snake, a Half-Saint, was a formidable opponent. If the Hall of Souls wanted to destroy Yuanfu, the first step would be to take him down.
However, defeating an advanced Half-Saint like him would require at least two equally powerful Half-Saints. Even for the Hall of Souls, that wasn't something they could easily arrange.
But if they were preparing to act now, it meant they were fully ready. After all, the Soul Clan stood behind them.
"Send the word—recall all the elders currently away on less critical missions. Also, instruct those guarding key cities to remain vigilant and be on high alert for surprise attacks from the Hall of Souls," Uncle Snake ordered.
"Understood." Xiao Yu nodded. She had already begun issuing some of these orders the moment she received the intelligence. After their expedition to the Heavenly Tomb, her strength had improved significantly, and as the Lady of Yuanfu, she now held considerable authority within the faction.
Xiao Yu was not a jealous or petty person. Since taking on some of Yuanfu's leadership, she had worked to unite the other women—Little Doctor Fairy, Cai Lin, and Qing Lin—making them her close allies and calling them sisters. Together, they formed a powerful support system within Yuanfu.
Not a single person in Yuanfu dared to criticize this arrangement, accusing them of meddling in affairs. After all, neither Xiao Yu, nor the others, were mere decorations. Cai Lin and Little Doctor Fairy, especially, were fierce and decisive. One was the Queen of the Snake-People, and the other possessed the terrifying Woeful Poison Body. Even many men paled in comparison to their strength and resolve.
There were even rumors outside Yuanfu that Mo Yu relied on women to build his empire! Of course, those truly in the know scoffed at this idea. Mo Yu may not have been a frequent presence in Yuanfu recently, but his importance to the faction was undeniable.
Regardless, Yuanfu was founded by Mo Yu, and its heart and soul were tied to him.
"We'll raise the alert level in Yuan City to the highest as well," Uncle Snake said with a cold smile. "I'd like to see what tricks the Hall of Souls is planning to pull this time."
Xiao Yu nodded again but couldn't help casting another glance at the tightly sealed stone door. In a quiet voice, she asked, "Still no movement from him?"
Uncle Snake paused before softly nodding. Seeing the dim look in her eyes, he smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. That kid won't have any trouble. If I had to guess, it won't be long before he comes out."
Xiao Yu smiled weakly. She had heard those words many times over the past two years. She, along with Cai Lin and the others, had been anxiously waiting for Mo Yu's return.
Even the young lady from the Thunder Clan and the leader of the Flower Sect had sent messages inquiring about Mo Yu's whereabouts. Despite Xiao Yu's generous heart, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.
Her husband, it seemed, was far too popular with women.
At least the women Mo Yu attracted were all among the most exceptional in the continent. After awakening her own Dou Emperor bloodline, Xiao Yu's talent had placed her among the elite as well.
"Come on, we still have a lot of preparations to make. The Hall of Souls won't be holding back," Uncle Snake said, gesturing for her to follow as he walked away.
Xiao Yu glanced one last time at the stone door, sighed, and then followed after Uncle Snake.
What neither of them noticed was that shortly after they left, the moss-covered stone door trembled slightly, and a tiny crack appeared on its surface...
Outside the main city of Yuanfu stood a towering structure—a colossal tower that reached for the sky. At the top of the tower was a wide, flat stone plaza, the core of Yuanfu's operations.
At this moment, many of Yuanfu's high-ranking members had gathered here. Dozens of figures stood solemnly, their powerful auras filling the air and covering the sky.
At the center of the plaza stood Uncle Snake, his hands behind his back and his expression calm. Behind him were Xiao Yu, Cai Lin, Little Doctor Fairy, Qing Lin, and several guest elders from Starfall Pavilion. This impressive lineup drew astonished gazes from those nearby.
Suddenly, all eyes turned to the sky, where the space began to tear open, revealing a gaping rift.
From this rift, a chilling, sinister energy surged forth like a monstrous beast, and along with it came eerie, mocking laughter that echoed through the heavens.
"Snake Wu Wan, it's been a long time. I hope you've been well!"
As the thunderous voice rang out, countless figures streamed from the rift, transforming into beams of light that quickly appeared above the plaza.
When the figures entered Yuan City, the elders of Yuanfu quietly activated their Dou Qi, their eyes filled with caution.
Uncle Snake looked up slowly, focusing on the figure at the head of the group. It was a man in a dark gray robe, standing in the air. His gray hair was long, and although his face was smooth and youthful, his eyes glowed with a cold, ancient light—revealing his true age.
"Old Demon Tian Ming... I didn't expect the Tianming Sect to get involved," Uncle Snake said, frowning as he recognized the figure.
"For years, Yuanfu has been on the rise, stepping on the toes of many older powers. I had no choice but to step in eventually. Snake Wu Wan, since we know each other, I'll make this simple: if Yuanfu withdraws and hands over the one who killed my sect's vice leader, and if you promise not to oppose the Tianming Sect again, I will leave you in peace," the old demon said coldly.
Many of the Yuanfu elders turned pale at this ultimatum.
"Dream on!" Cai Lin's voice was icy. Mo Yu had killed the vice leader of the Tianming Sect in the Wild Ancient Domain. Handing him over was out of the question.
"They're clearly here to provoke us," Xiao Yu said, frowning. The Tianming Sect must have known that their demands would never be met.
"What about Starfall Pavilion? Will they be able to send reinforcements?" Little Doctor Fairy asked.
"The space channels between us have been sealed off. Starfall Pavilion is likely facing their own troubles, probably under the watch of the Hall of Souls," Qing Lin replied in a serious tone.
As the group discussed the situation, Uncle Snake remained calm, locking eyes with Old Demon Tian Ming. The latter sneered, showing no intention of backing down.
"Snake Wu Wan, have you made up your mind?" Old Demon Tian Ming asked after a moment.
Uncle Snake chuckled and shook his head. At the same time, he raised his hand and made a swift motion.
Boom! Boom!
In an instant, a series of powerful auras erupted from around the tower. Columns of Dou Qi shot into the sky, converging above the tower and forming a massive protective barrier that enveloped Old Demon Tian Ming and his group.
The sudden shift surprised many of the onlookers in Yuan City, who had been watching from a distance.
It seemed Yuanfu had been prepared for this after all. Did the Tianming Sect have something else up their sleeve?
"Yuanfu... it seems you really need a lesson," Old Demon Tian Ming said, his voice turning cold as he eyed the protective barrier.
Then, with a chilling smile, he said, "But I didn't come here without support. Since you've forced my hand, I won't hold back any longer."
"Come out, my friends!" he shouted.
As his voice echoed through the air, the space beside him began to ripple. A moment later, a tear appeared, and from it, a wave of cold, oppressive energy surged forth.
From the spatial tear emerged four shadowy figures, each radiating a powerful and sinister aura. The mere presence of these figures sent a shiver down the spines of the Yuanfu elders.
Seeing the four figures step forward, Uncle Snake's expression darkened. He glared at the spatial tear, muttering, "The Hall of Souls... so they couldn't resist after all."
"Hehehe, Snake Wu Wan, I warned you long ago—Yuanfu is destined to be reduced to rubble. You should consider yourself lucky that you got an extra two years!" a sinister voice cackled from the shadows.
The swirling black mist gradually dispersed, revealing four eerie figures. Leading the group was a skeletal old man—none other than Bone You, the Second Heavenly Lord of the Hall of Souls, whom Uncle Snake had encountered in the Wild Ancient Domain.
Behind him stood three other figures, all of whom exuded an aura of Half-Saint power.
Four Half-Saints! Including Old Demon Tian Ming, that made five!
This terrifying lineup sent chills down the spines of those watching. Even some of the Yuanfu elders were beginning to pale.
Meanwhile, deep in the mountains behind Yuan City, in a certain stone chamber, a young man with silver eyes slowly opened his eyes. His aura was calm, almost indistinguishable from that of an ordinary person. However, only the most experienced experts could sense the terrifying power hidden beneath the surface.
Sensing the commotion in Yuan City, the young man's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Four Half-Saints... Soul Clan, what an extravagant move!"
(End of Chapter)
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