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**
With Ma Chao's defeat, the competition between the First and Second Houses finally came to an end.
The audience stared in shock at the silver-eyed youth on the stage. Ma Chao's name was not just well-known within the Golden Warhorse Clan but also throughout the entire Western Region of Central Plains as a top-tier genius.
Although Mo Yu had gained fame after his earlier clash with the Tang Clan, the outcome had been his hasty retreat.
Now, however, Mo Yu's overwhelming defeat of Ma Chao in front of everyone cemented his reputation as a prodigy, living up to his monstrous reputation.
High in the sky, the Grand Elder's gaze swept over the crowd before settling on the area where Mo Yu and Ma Chao had landed.
Mo Yu remained calm and composed, while Ma Chao, after a brief struggle, managed to stand. His distant gaze at Mo Yu revealed anger, unwillingness, and a trace of hidden dread buried deep in his eyes.
"The competition is over, Ma Chao. You've lost," the Grand Elder declared as he descended slowly from the sky.
Then, turning toward Ma Chen and the elder council behind him, he announced, "Based on the results, the Second House, led by Ma Teng, has won two out of three rounds and will inherit the position of Patriach."
Upon hearing this, Ma Chen nodded lightly, his tone indifferent as he replied, "Very well. From this day forward, Ma Teng will succeed me as the 78th Patriach of the Golden Warhorse Clan!"
As his voice fell, cheers erupted throughout the venue. On the stands, supporters of the Second House and neutral factions alike offered their congratulations to Ma Teng.
The Golden Warhorse Clan, as one of the most prominent forces in the Western Region of Central Plains, treated the change in its leadership as a monumental event.
From now on, Ma Teng would become a pivotal figure in the shifting tides of Central Plains.
Hearing Ma Chen's words, Ma Zhen, seated in the stands, froze momentarily before clenching his teeth in frustration.
He hadn't expected to be outmaneuvered by a younger generation member. Despite his dissatisfaction, the combined decision of his father and the elder council left him with no grounds to challenge it.
Gritting his teeth, Ma Zhen cast a resentful glance at Mo Yu, a flash of unwillingness gleaming in his eyes.
Meanwhile, after expressing his gratitude to those who offered their congratulations, Ma Teng approached Mo Yu, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Mo Yu. As per our agreement, I will deliver what I promised shortly."
Hearing this, Mo Yu let out a sigh of relief. A rare look of delight appeared on his face as he cupped his fists and said earnestly, "Thank you, Patriach Ma!"
Waving a hand, Ma Teng chuckled, "It's all thanks to your own abilities. If anything, I owe you. Without your help, I wouldn't have had a chance at the position."
The outcome of this competition, which essentially determined the fate of the two Houses, had hinged on Mo Yu. Without him, Ma Teng doubted he could have bested Ma Chao.
"Patriach Ma, you're too kind. Regardless, I deeply appreciate your assistance," Mo Yu replied with a smile.
He found Ma Teng rather likable. Despite nearing the strength of a half-step Dou Zun, Ma Teng lacked the arrogance often seen in experts. Compared to those in Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, Ma Teng seemed far more approachable.
Ma Teng smiled but didn't argue further. Just then, Ma Chen's voice rang out from the high platform.
"Mo Yu, come with me."
As his words fell, Ma Chen swept his gaze over the crowd. "Disperse!"
The Golden Warhorse Clan members surrounding the area quickly acknowledged his order, retracting the curious glances they had been directing at Mo Yu. Whispering among themselves, they gradually left.
Even from afar, gasps of astonishment could still be heard. Mo Yu's performance today had clearly left a profound impression on them.
After issuing his commands, Ma Chen turned his attention to Mo Yu, smiling as he said, "Follow me."
With that, he turned and walked toward the depths of the hall. Seeing this, Mo Yu hesitated briefly before quickly following.
The journey was silent. After five minutes of walking, the gravel path beneath Mo Yu's feet grew noticeably shorter.
Eventually, he looked up as Ma Chen stopped abruptly. At the end of the path lay a building nestled among verdant trees, partially obscured from view.
"This is where I usually retreat for secluded cultivation. Under normal circumstances, no one is allowed to enter," Ma Chen explained beside him.
Mo Yu nodded slightly, his gaze discreetly scanning the surrounding woods. He could faintly sense concealed presences, likely strong experts of the Golden Warhorse Clan.
"Take a seat. You should know why I called you here," Ma Chen said, gesturing to a stone pavilion nearby before seating himself on a stone stool and looking at Mo Yu.
Mo Yu froze for a moment, then mimicked Ma Chen's actions and sat down. In a soft voice, he replied, "If I'm not mistaken, it should be about She Lao."
Ma Chen nodded slightly, his gaze locking onto Mo Yu as he asked in a grave tone, "From what you've implied before, it seems something has happened to Old She. Tell me, what's his current situation? Don't hold back. Old She and I have been through life-and-death situations together."
Seeing Mo Yu's hesitant expression, Ma Chen paused briefly, then seemed to realize something. His eyes flashed with contemplation.
Moments later, Ma Chen brushed his right hand over his spatial ring, producing a delicate purple-gold jade pendant.
As he gazed at the pendant, a look of nostalgia crossed Ma Chen's face. He handed it to Mo Yu and said, "This jade pendant was a gift from Old She. If crushed in danger, it will summon him instantly.
"If not for his help, I would've perished in some ancient ruins in Central Plains. This pendant represents the bond between us. Now, you shouldn't doubt our relationship anymore."
Accepting the pendant, Mo Yu carefully examined it. Sensing She Lao's bloodline aura within, his furrowed brows relaxed, and he finally let his guard down.
He had initially hesitated to share information about She Lao, unsure if the latter truly had a close friend like Ma Chen. There was always the risk that Ma Chen might be a disguised enemy.
But the pendant, imbued with She Lao's bloodline power, dispelled his doubts. Without She Lao's consent, it was impossible for Ma Chen to possess such an item.
After a moment of contemplation, Mo Yu began recounting the events involving She Lao in detail under Ma Chen's watchful gaze.
While listening, Ma Chen busied himself retrieving a tea set from his spatial ring.
Before long, two cups of fragrant tea, brimming with peculiar energy, were placed on the stone table. One cup was handed to Mo Yu.
After finishing his account, Mo Yu felt a bit parched. Eyeing the extraordinary tea in his hand, he hesitated briefly before taking a sip.
As the tea entered his body, a surge of powerful energy coursed through his meridians.
"This is…"
Feeling the miraculous changes within, Mo Yu was stunned. Realizing its effects, he immediately downed the entire cup in one go.
After finishing the tea, Mo Yu felt a tremendous burst of energy erupt in his body, rapidly boosting his strength to the peak of one-star Dou Zong, just shy of two-star Dou Zong.
Seeing Mo Yu's astonished expression, Ma Chen chuckled, "Do you feel your strength improving?"
Mo Yu paused, then quickly put down the cup and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your generous gift, Elder Ma!"
Not being one to overlook such kindness, Mo Yu understood that the remarkable tea was responsible for his advancement.
Though he didn't know what kind of tea it was, its potency was undeniable. A single cup had elevated him from the beginning of one-star Dou Zong to its peak—definitely no ordinary item.
Mo Yu could sense that with consistent cultivation, it wouldn't be long before he completely stepped into the realm of a Two-Star Dou Zong.
With that thought, he understood the deep bond between Ma Chen and She Lao. Otherwise, Ma Chen wouldn't have offered such a precious item to host him.
Waving his hand, Ma Chen chuckled, "Hehe, this is Nether Spring Tea. Back when Old She and I were traveling the continent, we picked it from a place called the Nether Spring.
This tea absorbs the peculiar energy of the spring, which helps in boosting one's strength. Since I've encountered the junior of an old friend today, I can't be stingy, can I?"
After speaking, Ma Chen's expression darkened slightly. "From what you just said, Old She has exhausted his bloodline and fallen into deep slumber. If a method to evolve him into a Nine-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent cannot be found, does that mean he will perish forever?"
Hearing this, a pained expression crossed Mo Yu's face as he responded gravely, "Yes, Elder Ma, this is all my fault. If not for helping me repel a formidable enemy, She Lao wouldn't have ended up like this."
Seeing Mo Yu's guilt-ridden face, Ma Chen sighed lightly. He stood up, patted Mo Yu's shoulder, and offered comfort.
"I understand Old She's personality well—always aloof and indifferent, keeping strangers at a distance. Back then, if I hadn't saved his life during a spatial storm, I doubt someone with his cold temperament could have ever become my friend.
For him to risk his life for you means he has acknowledged you. That's no small matter."
Regaining his composure, Mo Yu nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I will never forget She Lao's kindness. Though I haven't yet found a way to help him evolve into a Nine-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent, I will revive She Lao one day!"
Seeing the resolute expression on Mo Yu's face, Ma Chen couldn't help but be moved. With a long sigh, he said, "Ever since I've known Old She, I've never seen any clansmen of the Snake-People Clan by his side.
Today, through this chance meeting, I've gotten to know you. Though you are human, I must admit Old She has a good eye—he found an outstanding junior."
Sighing softly to himself, Ma Chen began to admire Mo Yu's talent. Then, realizing that Mo Yu was now his granddaughter's fiancé, a thought crossed his mind: wasn't Mo Yu family now?
Noticing Ma Chen's contemplative expression, Mo Yu cupped his fists apologetically. "Elder Ma, there are some details about my engagement with Miss Yunlu that I should explain..."
Mo Yu then began narrating his agreement with Ma Teng in full detail.
After listening to Mo Yu's story, Ma Chen frowned slightly. Ma Teng's actions could indeed be considered underhanded.
What concerned him even more was that if this continued, wouldn't Mo Yu, his granddaughter's fiancé, slip away like a cooked duck taking flight?
Seeing Ma Chen's changing expression, Mo Yu hesitated slightly but chose not to hide the truth from a close friend of She Lao.
After a moment of contemplation, Ma Chen's furrowed brows slowly relaxed. With a helpless wave of his hand, he said, "Forget it. Considering you're Old She's junior, I won't pursue this matter.
Ma Teng has proven his capabilities. If he could think of such a method, then he can keep the position of patriarch."
Hearing this, Mo Yu breathed a sigh of relief. If Ma Chen had used this incident to remove Ma Teng from his position, Mo Yu's reward would have been forfeit, making this entire trip meaningless.
"Let's return to the matter of Old She. If you wish to revive him, there might be someone who can help," Ma Chen said as he stroked his beard, a reminiscent look in his eyes.
"Oh? Who might Elder Ma be referring to?" Mo Yu quickly asked.
"The Master of Sound Valley, Su Yao."
"Su Yao?" Hearing this familiar name, Mo Yu was stunned. He then recalled that She Lao had indeed mentioned this name before.
Moreover, there seemed to be an unknown connection between Su Yao and She Lao…
"Judging by your reaction, it seems Old She has mentioned her to you before," Ma Chen noted as he observed Mo Yu's change in expression.
When Mo Yu nodded, Ma Chen shook his head with a sigh. "I thought so. I knew there was something unusual between Old She and Su Yao. Otherwise, why would he only mention her and never bring up me?"
After a brief complaint, Ma Chen continued, "Back then, Old She, Su Yao, and I met by chance. Over time, we became friends through fighting side by side.
However, something seemed to happen between Old She and Su Yao, leading to a major conflict. After that, Old She evolved into a Seven-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent, and Su Yao, in a fit of anger, returned to Sound Valley, disappearing without a trace.
Since then, neither I nor Old She have seen her again. The next time I heard news of her, it was that she had succeeded as the Master of Sound Valley.
When Old She evolved into a Seven-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent, Su Yao played a significant role. I suspect she might know something about evolving into a Nine-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent."
Hearing this, Mo Yu's eyes showed a trace of contemplation as he began to piece together the events of that time.
Based on what She Lao had mentioned, it was likely that during his evolution into a Seven-Winged Purple-Gold Serpent, he had an indescribable encounter with Su Yao. Poor handling of the aftermath led to their estrangement.
Thinking about the misunderstanding between himself and Medusa, Mo Yu felt a wave of relief.
If not for She Lao mediating at that time, his relationship with Cai Lin might have ended in lifelong enmity.
Shaking off these thoughts, Mo Yu cupped his fists after listening to Ma Chen. "Thank you, Elder Ma, for the information. When I have the opportunity, I will definitely visit Sound Valley!"
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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
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