Three days later, in the main hall of the Xiao Clan.
After agreeing to attend the family banquet, Mo Yu did not break his promise and ended his cultivation early.
As the grandson of the steward, Mo Yu had never attended the clan's internal banquets before, since even ordinary Xiao Clan members weren't qualified to participate.
However, after gradually revealing his talents, Mo Yu started gaining recognition from the clan's upper echelon, who sought to win him over.
Upon Mo Yu's arrival, the banquet had already been prepared. Sitting at the head of the table was Xiao Yan's father, the current patriarch of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan, with a stern expression.
To his left and right were the three current elders of the Xiao Clan, and behind them sat the outstanding younger generation members—Xiao Yan, Xun'er, Xiao Ning, and others.
Xiao Zhan, dressed in a dignified grey robe, exuded authority as he sat upright, his thick eyebrows adding a hint of boldness to his demeanor. As the current patriarch and a 5-star Da Dou Shi, he immediately noticed Mo Yu's entrance.
"Is that Xiao Yu? It's been years, and you've grown so much," Xiao Zhan said, smiling as he stood and walked over to greet Mo Yu, placing a hand on the youth's shoulder.
Following Xiao Zhan's lead, Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and the others also rose to greet Mo Yu.
"Greetings, Clan Leader," Mo Yu said, respectfully cupping his fists.
Xiao Zhan had maintained the clan's strength after the passing of the previous patriarch, earning Mo Yu's respect as both a great clan leader and a good father.
"You're my sister's son. You should call me Uncle Xiao Zhan," Xiao Zhan said, eyes shining with admiration as he looked at the composed youth before him.
To have reached the 8th stage of Dou Zhi Qi at such a young age and to defeat Xiao Ning with a single strike, Mo Yu's talent had gained the patriarch's personal interest.
"Very well, Uncle Xiao Zhan," Mo Yu replied without hesitation.
"Good, take a seat next to Yan'er," Xiao Zhan said, gesturing to an open spot beside Xiao Yan.
As Mo Yu sat, he glanced at Xiao Ning, who was angrily biting into his food, clearly in a foul mood, but Mo Yu paid him no mind.
Mo Yu's gaze wandered around the room, landing on the stern faces of the clan's elders. Turning to Xiao Yan, he asked, "Aren't family banquets usually held only on special occasions? Did something happen recently in the clan?"
Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It seems the Mite-er Auction House in Wu Tan City is hosting an auction soon, and some interesting items will be available. Father and the others are gathering funds to participate."
There was another reason for the banquet that Xiao Yan hadn't mentioned. Originally, the gathering was just a regular clan meeting, but after learning of Mo Yu's victory over Xiao Ning, Xiao Zhan had raised the banquet's status to welcome Mo Yu.
Xiao Yan wasn't entirely on board with his father's decision, knowing that Mo Yu, like him, had ambitions far beyond the Xiao Clan.
Still, Xiao Yan figured that strengthening ties with Mo Yu wasn't a bad idea.
Hearing Xiao Yan's explanation, Mo Yu's bored expression brightened with interest.
On Shen Xiao Continent, auctions were also quite popular, and Mo Yu had attended many in his past life. Sometimes, one could indeed come across valuable items by chance.
Since his cultivation had stabilized recently, it might be a good time to try breaking through to the 9th stage of Dou Zhi Qi.
Going to the auction wouldn't hurt either—he might even find something that could help him break through to the Dou Zhe level.
The banquet continued in a rather solemn atmosphere, and when Xiao Zhan waved for the gathering to end, Mo Yu politely excused himself and quickly headed back to his room.
...
Back in his room, Mo Yu didn't immediately sleep.
As midnight approached and the world quieted down, Mo Yu nimbly leapt from his bed and took out three magic cores hidden in his cabinet, carefully placing them on the table.
These three magic cores were the remaining first-tier fire and thunder elemental cores from before.
It had been nearly two months since Mo Yu had broken through to the 8th stage of Dou Zhi Qi. During this time, not only had he mastered Thunder Body, but he had also stabilized his cultivation. It was now time for another breakthrough.
And the magic cores on the table would be the key to that breakthrough!
Without hesitation, Mo Yu summoned his Vermilion Burning Sky Thunder, then tossed one of the magic cores into it.
Just like before, under the burning of the thunderfire, the outer layer of the magic core began to melt, releasing the violent energy within. However, before it could spread, the surrounding scarlet lightning absorbed it.
Now that Vermilion Burning Sky Thunder had grown stronger, it devoured the energy from the first-tier core more quickly. In just two hours, the thunder element core was completely consumed.
With no change in expression, Mo Yu tossed the remaining two magic cores into the flame.
At this point, the thunderfire had grown large enough to consume two magic cores simultaneously.
As the two cores melted, the crimson lightning crackled incessantly, continuing to absorb their power.
Another three hours passed, and just as dawn approached, the final two magic cores were fully consumed.
Now, Vermilion Burning Sky Thunder had grown once again, its terrifying power radiating a tangible sense of oppression.
Seeing this, Mo Yu smiled.
Devouring magic cores was proving to be an effective way to enhance his Thunder Soul. However, after this breakthrough, first-tier cores would no longer be useful for its growth.
From now on, at least second-tier cores would be necessary.
Second-tier magic cores, though, were dozens of times more expensive than first-tier ones.
Thinking of the high cost, Mo Yu couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. Supporting one Thunder Soul was already difficult, let alone the others eleven lying dormant in his body.
Shaking off the thought, Mo Yu focused on the present—his strength was about to rise again.
With experience from previous breakthroughs, Mo Yu was no longer a novice.
Half an hour later, Mo Yu stepped out of his room, feeling refreshed. A full night's breakthrough was better than any rest.
Dou Zhi Qi, 9th Stage!