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**
In the Black-Corner Region, Mo City.
Ever since Yuan Manor defeated the Di Yan Sect, it took full control of this city and moved its headquarters here. As one of the most prominent cities in the Black-Corner Region, Di Yan City was superior to Shi Yan City in both geographic location and population scale.
After crushing the Di Yan Sect, Yuan Manor naturally claimed the city and renamed it Mo City. Following the intense battle between Yuan Manor and the Di Yan Sect, the various powers within Mo City accepted the change in leadership without resistance.
Taxes and tributes that were once handed to the Di Yan Sect were now dutifully submitted to Yuan Manor. Given that nobody wanted to provoke this new dominant force fresh from its victory, especially with Yuan Manor's terrifying strength far surpassing the Di Yan Sect, the residents of Mo City found the transition unchallenging.
After taking over, Yuan Manor made no other major moves, which reassured many smaller factions within the city. However, under the surface, it soon became evident that Yuan Manor was gradually extending its reach across Mo City to establish full control.
This shift caused many who once doubted Yuan Manor's foundation to change their views, especially given that Yuan Manor's leader hailed from the esteemed Jia Nan Academy. Many speculated that Yuan Manor's rise was linked to Jia Nan Academy's support—though this was neither entirely accurate nor completely wrong.
At that moment, in a grand council hall, Mo Yu sat facing an imposing elder—Su Qian, the Grand Elder of Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy.
"Are you looking to expand your influence in the Black-Corner Region?"
In the council hall, Su Qian, who had traveled from the Inner Academy after receiving information from Xiang Lie, looked at Mo Yu with a slight frown.
"Grand Elder, I understand that the Black-Corner Region has always been a thorn for Jia Nan Academy. However, given the nature of this environment, it will always retain a highly aggressive atmosphere.
Trying to control it with force would only backfire; instead, redirecting that force might be more effective in curbing trouble. If I can expand my influence in the Black-Corner Region, it would spare the Inner Academy some headaches, allowing us to monitor and even counter hostile forces against the academy," Mo Yu said with a slight smile, fully expecting Su Qian's reaction.
Su Qian's brows gradually relaxed. As a man of experience, he could easily see the benefits of Mo Yu's plan.
"Moreover, Grand Elder, you're aware of my background. My enmity with the Yun Lan Sect runs deep, and seeking vengeance requires a significant power base. The Black-Corner Region provides an ideal setting for this purpose," Mo Yu continued with a calm smile.
"Even as my influence grows, I pose no threat to the Inner Academy. You may not trust me, but you should at least have confidence in my ambition. The Black-Corner Region, though famous on the continent, will not be the end of my journey. My true aim lies in Central Plains."
After tapping his finger on the table for a while, Su Qian finally nodded. "You're not wrong. The Black-Corner Region has always been a grave concern for Jia Nan Academy. If we could have an allied faction here, it could indeed bring unforeseen benefits.
Recently, our academy's high-level intervention failed to deal with Han Feng, leaving us in a humiliating position. It was your intervention that restored our reputation. I hear Han Feng has since rallied a powerful coalition of Black-Corner factions under the name Black Alliance. Having your Yuan Manor as an ally would be quite advantageous."
"Does this mean the Grand Elder agrees?" Mo Yu's face brightened with a smile.
"Of course. You've made impressive strides. I'm amazed that your subordinates even managed to defeat the Di Yan Sect's master. I'd like to know where you found such capable people," Su Qian remarked, looking at Mo Yu with a curious smile.
"Grand Elder must be referring to Zi Huo. He's a close friend I met during my travels, and we've known each other for a long time," Mo Yu replied somewhat vaguely.
Zi Huo's identity as a member of the Abyssal Lion Clan made Mo Yu cautious. Although the clan had declined, it was once a family of legendary magical beasts, and Mo Yu knew better than to underestimate its influence.
"Haha, you're as mysterious as ever; even I can't fully grasp you," Su Qian chuckled, stroking his beard. His interest in Mo Yu stemmed not only from his strength and talent but also from the hint of mystery surrounding him.
"Very well, carry on. The Black-Corner Region is chaotic, and if you can bring some order to it, it will benefit Jia Nan Academy. As for the Inner Academy students you requested, they will arrive soon.
Your reputation in the Black-Corner Region has grown, and with Yuan Manor now a top faction, many Inner Academy students may wish to join you. Just recently, your fiancée volunteered to visit, but I declined due to the uncertain situation. Now that you've secured a foothold, I'm reassured to send our students your way," Su Qian said with a wave and a smile.
"Thank you, Grand Elder!" Mo Yu stood up and gave a respectful bow to Su Qian.
With this arrangement, the Inner Academy would effectively become a talent pool for Yuan Manor. With a steady supply of academy prodigies, it wouldn't take long before Yuan Manor was powerful enough to dominate the entire Black-Corner Region.
"There's no need for formalities. You're a Jia Nan Academy alumnus, after all; Yuan Manor and the academy shouldn't be estranged."
At this point, Su Qian seemed to remember something and looked at Mo Yu with a slight smile. "I nearly forgot—due to your exceptional contributions, the Inner Academy's high council has decided to reward you with an item from the academy's treasure vault."
"Oh? What is it?" Mo Yu's silver eyes gleamed with interest.
If Su Qian himself was delivering it, it surely wasn't an ordinary item.
Seeing the anticipation in Mo Yu's eyes, Su Qian smiled and, with a swipe of his finger across his ring, produced a small green stone.
"What's this?"
At first glance, the green stone appeared unremarkable, but up close, it revealed intricate patterns across its slightly translucent surface. When held to strong light, one could vaguely see a viscous fluid within.
Mo Yu's gaze lingered on the green stone before he carefully accepted it from Su Qian.
The cool touch of the stone sent a gentle sensation through his hand, and with a slight shake, he heard a faint liquid sound from within.
"This is a Celestial Jade Essence Stone—a rare find the Headmaster acquired on one of his journeys. Since it wasn't of use to him, it was stored in the academy's vault," Su Qian explained.
"A Celestial Jade Essence Stone?" Mo Yu's eyes widened in surprise.
"By the look on your face, you seem familiar with its purpose. This stone has special properties that can aid in the enhancement of soul power. Given your strong soul, this item should suit you well," Su Qian said with a smile.
Hearing Su Qian's explanation, Mo Yu nodded. He couldn't help but think of how this stone could aid Xiao Yan in reaching the eighth rank in the future. To acquire this rare and valuable treasure from Jia Nan Academy was truly an unexpected boon.
This stone also made Mo Yu eager to implement his upcoming plan.
"Take it; with your current strength, you might not need it right away, but it will certainly come in handy in the future," Su Qian said. Though the Celestial Jade Essence Stone was potent, its unique properties made it difficult even for him to absorb.
"Thank you for the academy's generosity," Mo Yu replied with a polite bow.
Despite Su Qian's advice, Mo Yu was confident that what others couldn't achieve, he just might.
After exchanging a few more words, Su Qian, burdened with academy affairs, didn't linger. He issued Mo Yu a few more instructions before bidding farewell and departing.
After seeing Su Qian off, Mo Yu toyed with the Celestial Jade Essence Stone in his hand, seemingly lost in thought, before he slowly made his way into a hidden chamber.
In a corner of the chamber lay a figure in ragged clothes, bound by massive, serpent-like silver chains. Despite his weakened aura, the occasional burst of pressure he emitted made the whole chamber feel ominous and menacing.
"Heh, Sect Master Yan, how have you been here?" Mo Yu smirked, looking at the battered figure in front of him. This man was none other than Yan, the Di Yan Sect's Master, captured alive after being severely injured by the Purple Fire and thought by the outside world to be dead or alive.
"Hmph, you brat! If you've got the guts, kill me! Torturing me like this means nothing!" Yan's blood-red eyes snapped open as Mo Yu entered, his gaze like that of a wild beast, lunging at Mo Yu with ferocious intent. Were it not for the thick chains restraining him, he would have likely torn Mo Yu apart on the spot.
"It seems the Sect Master Yan still has some spirit left," Mo Yu commented, his silver eyes turning cold as he flicked his fingers. A crimson thunder shot forth, coursing down the iron chains and surging into Yan's body.
"Ah!" A blood-curdling scream erupted from Yan as his entire body convulsed, his aura growing considerably weaker.
As the electric current faded, Yan looked at Mo Yu with despair in his eyes and muttered weakly, "Mo... Manor Lord Mo, I agree to your terms... I'll join Yuan Mansion. Spare my life..."
"Oh? Really?" Mo Yu sneered, looking at the beaten-down Yan like a lifeless dog.
"I... I swear," Yan pleaded, burying his hatred deep within his heart.
Noticing the insincerity in Yan's tone, Mo Yu smirked. "Too late, Sect Master Yan. I have a gift for you that I think you'll appreciate."
"A gift?" Yan's bloodshot eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
Ignoring him, Mo Yu stretched out his hand, where a pitch-black, eerie thunder rose, twisting into the form of a sinister black lotus. The dark thunder's aura wasn't overwhelming, but it radiated a power that sent chills deep into one's soul.
"W-What is that?" Yan's heart filled with dread as he sensed the disturbance in his soul.
"No harm in telling you. This is the Black Lotus Soul Thunder, a Thunder Soul capable of controlling one's spirit and soul. Soon, it will render the Sect Master Yan's soul my obedient servant."
As he spoke, Mo Yu extracted the Celestial Jade Essence Stone, letting it approach the Black Lotus Soul Thunder. The black thunder pounced eagerly, a dark hunger flashing in its energy as it struck the obsidian stone.
With a sharp crack, fragments of stone fell, revealing a faint white essence within. The black thunder greedily absorbed this energy, which even Dou Zong cultivators would hesitate to refine.
With the essence consumed, the aura of the black thunder surged, radiating a soul pressure that brought cold sweat to Yan's forehead.
"You… you're really going to enslave my soul?" Yan's voice trembled with a mix of anger and terror as he looked at Mo Yu.
"Of course. Do you think I spared you because I believed you would be loyal? People from the Black-Corner Domain? I never trust them," Mo Yu scoffed, clenching his fist as the Black Lotus Soul Thunder expanded into a formless web that shot towards Yan's mind.
Realizing the impending threat, Yan's soul instinctively recoiled in terror. Even though it was still bound to his body, he sensed that this net could deal him irreversible damage.
As the black thunder wrapped around him, Yan's soul power resisted desperately, his agonized screams echoing through the chamber. Despite his struggle, he was no match for the net's tightening grip.
The process was slow and grueling, but it went without a hitch. Before long, a full day had passed.
"It's over," Mo Yu said tiredly, looking at the weakened Yan whose body was now fully enveloped by black thunder. He sensed that the soul net had firmly encased Yan's spirit.
"No, Mo Yu, I submit—" Yan's terrified eyes darted around, sensing his fate. Yet, before he could finish, Mo Yu waved his hand indifferently, and the Black Lotus Soul Thunder surged forward, consuming Yan's soul entirely. Within moments, Yan's spirit was completely refined by the thunder.
As Yan's soul dissipated, a sinister black lotus mark appeared on his forehead.
The next moment, Yan opened his eyes, staring blankly. When his gaze fell upon Mo Yu, an instinctive urge to kneel took over, though a hint of defiance remained due to his pride as the Sect Master Yan.
"Oh? As expected of a Dou Huang, it seems I haven't fully controlled you yet," Mo Yu murmured, stroking his chin, before snapping his fingers.
At the sound, the black lotus mark on Yan's forehead pulsed with dark light, and pain contorted Yan's face. Unable to resist, he finally dropped to his knees before Mo Yu, his head bowed reverently.
"Yan greets his master!"
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