Battle Through The Heavens : I Am The Thunder Emperor

Chapter 344: Recruiting Gu He, The Coming Battle

As soon as Gu He mentioned those two names, Mo Yu's face instantly darkened. A regal figure flashed in his mind, and a hint of anger flickered in his silver eyes.

"Is this true?" Mo Yu asked, trying to suppress the rage building within him.

"You have ties with the Mitre Clan, right? With their intelligence network, I'm sure you'll soon confirm the news," Gu He said gravely.

Hearing this, Mo Yu's expression grew even gloomier, and he became more certain the information was accurate. After all, in the original story, at this stage, Yun Yun was almost forced to marry by that old scoundrel Yun Shan. The only difference was that, in the original version, her groom was not the Beast Prince but Gu He himself.

Mo Yu could guess why things had changed. In the original story, after Yun Shan returned to power and reclaimed control over the Yun Lan Sect, Yun Yun was placed under house arrest, and Gu He began distancing himself from the sect. To win Gu He, a powerful sixth-tier alchemist, and fend off pressure from Xiao Yan, Yun Shan had planned to marry Yun Yun to Gu He.

But now, with Mo Yu's influence in the mix, the Yun Lan Sect had allied itself with the Mulan Valley instead, as it was a more valuable partner. After all, while a sixth-tier alchemist could gather a few Dou Wang (Battle King) and Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) experts, the Mulan Valley had the Mulan Elders, who were comparable to Dou Zong (Battle Sect) powerhouses. Marrying Yun Yun to the heir of the Mulan Valley not only solidified their alliance but also ensured the sect's support in future battles against Mo Yu.

"That shameless old dog!" Mo Yu cursed in anger, disgusted by Yun Shan's willingness to treat his disciple like a commodity to trade for power.

After venting his frustrations, Mo Yu's expression softened slightly. He looked at Gu He with a bit of pity, now understanding the resentment that had driven him to seek him out. Gu He had been greatly humiliated.

When Gu He joined the Yun Lan Sect, Yun Shan had not yet returned, and the most powerful figure in the sect was Yun Yun, a Dou Huang expert. Although the Yun Lan Sect was the top power in the Jia Ma Empire, it was still considered a minor force in the broader Northwest Continent. On the other hand, Gu He, a sixth-tier alchemist, would be highly valued by even mid-tier powers in the Central Plains. The reason he had joined the Yun Lan Sect was purely out of his love for Yun Yun.

Unfortunately for him, Yun Yun only saw Gu He as a friend and had no romantic interest in him. Even so, in the original story, Gu He had almost managed to marry Yun Yun, though he never won her heart.

But with Mo Yu now in the picture, the alliance with the Mulan Valley had taken priority, and Gu He was left with nothing after years of devotion.

Shaking his head, Mo Yu set those thoughts aside and thanked Gu He. "Thank you for this information. I won't let Yun Yun marry the Beast Prince."

"No need to thank me. I don't want Yun Yun to marry someone she doesn't love either," Gu He replied, shaking his head.

Seeing the look on Gu He's face, Mo Yu felt a sense of empathy. Then, as an idea crossed his mind, he extended an invitation. "Since you've come to warn me, you've likely turned against the Yun Lan Sect. Once they discover what you've done, they won't spare you. I have a force in the Black-Corner Region called Yuan Mansion. How about you join me there?"

Mo Yu was tempted by the thought of recruiting a sixth-tier alchemist like Gu He, especially knowing that Gu He had the potential to reach the seventh or even eighth tier in the future. If Mo Yu could bring Gu He into Yuan Mansion, the combined influence of two sixth-tier alchemists would attract even more powerful experts.

"Join your faction?" Gu He was momentarily stunned, surprised that this young man, much younger than himself, was inviting him to join his ranks. However, after sensing the powerful auras surrounding him, Gu He realized how strong Mo Yu's forces really were. He had sought out Mo Yu because of his power, after all.

After thinking for a moment, Gu He replied, "If you can save Yun Yun from this marriage, I'll agree to join Yuan Mansion."

Hearing this, Mo Yu's expression shifted slightly, and he felt a bit of admiration for Gu He's deep feelings for Yun Yun.

But Mo Yu shook his head and said, "I'm inviting you to join Yuan Mansion because of your skill in alchemy, not for any other reason. Whether you join or not, I won't let Yun Yun marry the Beast Prince."

Gu He had genuine feelings for Yun Yun, but did Mo Yu not also care for her? Unlike Yun Shan, Mo Yu wouldn't treat Yun Yun as a tool for political gain.

Gu He was taken aback by Mo Yu's words. After silently gazing at him for a few seconds, he sighed and said, "It seems Yun Yun made the right choice."

Gu He had always been confident in his abilities as an alchemist, knowing that, as a sixth-tier alchemist, he was among the most valuable people in the Northwest Continent. If Yun Lan Sect wasn't desperate for powerful allies, Yun Shan would likely have supported his marriage to Yun Yun instead of this "Beast Prince."

Seeing that Mo Yu was determined to protect Yun Yun regardless of his decision, Gu He realized that Mo Yu truly respected her.

"Yun Yun is lucky to have a friend like you," Mo Yu said with a hint of admiration. Even though Gu He had been after the same woman, Mo Yu respected his genuine feelings.

"Heh…" Gu He let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh, unsure whether it was directed at himself or Mo Yu's use of the word "friend."

"No matter what, if you can stop this marriage, I'll join your faction," Gu He reiterated. He gave Mo Yu one last deep look before donning his black robe and walking out of the study.

Just as he was about to leave, Gu He paused at the door and said solemnly, "Remember, the wedding is in two days. Don't be late."

"And… don't let her down."

With that, Gu He left the study and disappeared from Mo Yu's sight.

"Pill King… Gu He, huh?" Mo Yu murmured to himself as he watched Gu He leave. A slight smile appeared on his face as he stored away the memory of this interesting man.

As Mo Yu was lost in thought, a member of Yuan Mansion approached the door, knocked, and respectfully reported, "Master, Captain Fu Ao has reported that Young Master Xiao Yan has healed the injuries of the Youhai Flood Dragon, and the royal family, along with the other factions, have pledged their support for Yuan Mansion in the battle against the Yun Lan Sect!"

"Well done, Cousin Xiao Yan," Mo Yu nodded with satisfaction. "Notify him that we'll begin our attack on Yun Lan Mountain in two days."

"Yes, sir!" The man bowed and left.

Following Mo Yu's orders, the royal family, the Alchemist Association, the Mitre Clan, the Nalan Clan, and the Wood Clan all began mobilizing their forces, summoning their experts in preparation for the battle in two days.

The large-scale movements of these powerful factions did not go unnoticed by outsiders. Many people felt an impending storm brewing, and those with sharp instincts began piecing together the situation. Although most dared not speak of it publicly, fearful of inviting disaster upon themselves, rumors began to swirl.

However, while the outside world was buzzing with activity, the Yun Lan Sect remained eerily quiet. It was as if the storm raging outside had nothing to do with them. But those with keen senses could detect the arrival of wave after wave of powerful experts on Yun Lan Mountain. In fact, there were even more than usual.

This led many to think of the Yun Lan Sect's ally, Mulan Valley. It seemed that the two superpowers had fully joined forces to deal with the Xiao Clan's Twin Dragons. Their combined strength was a terrifying force to be reckoned with, even by the standards of the Northwest Continent.

As rumors spread throughout the city, the night before the battle quickly approached.

In the Xiao Clan's estate, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan stood atop a tall building, gazing out at the brightly lit city. Their eyes eventually turned toward the distant, shadowy mountain in the night. The two exchanged a smile.

Tomorrow was the day of the final battle. Last time, they had been forced to flee like beaten dogs. But this time, the outcome would be entirely different.

Both Mo Yu and Xiao Yan were filled with confidence.

In this battle, Yun Shan would die, and the Yun Lan Sect would be destroyed.

Yun Shan's death was the only way to bring peace to Mo Yu's grandfather, Mo Butler, in the afterlife, and the destruction of the Yun Lan Sect was the only way to avenge the hundreds of fallen members of the Xiao Clan.

At the royal palace:

"Great-grandfather, the ten thousand elite royal troops have been stationed near Yun Lan Mountain. As soon as the battle begins tomorrow, they will seal off the entire mountain. Additionally, aside from you and the Youhai Flood Dragon, we have three Dou Wang experts who have been nurtured by the royal family. This is the best we can muster," Yaoye reported quietly to Jia Xingtian under the dim lights.

Jia Xingtian nodded slightly. Even this seasoned old man couldn't help feeling a bit anxious. The stakes in this battle were too high. A single misstep could mean the downfall of the entire royal family.

"What do you think our chances are?" Jia Xingtian asked after a long pause.

"Don't worry, Great-grandfather. Our alliance is at least as strong as the Yun Lan Sect and Mulan Valley combined. Also, I've been asking around about Mo Yu's Yuan Mansion. It's a top-tier power in the Black-Corner Region. Mo Yu even commands a Dou Zong-level puppet, and the Queen Medusa follows his orders. With all that, our victory is almost certain," Yaoye said, though her smile was slightly forced, betraying her own anxiety.

"Sigh… I hope you're right. This time, I've bet everything on this battle," Jia Xingtian sighed deeply.

At the Mitre Clan:

"Old Hai, the clan's elite forces are fully gathered. We're ready to join the other factions tomorrow for the life-and-death battle with the Yun Lan Sect!" Yafei said, smiling at the elderly man standing by the window.

Hearing Yafei's words, Hai Bodong turned around with a smile and nodded. Then, he let out a long sigh. "Everything is in place. Now, we'll just have to see whose side fate is on in this battle."

Yafei nodded silently. This battle would determine the life and death of two major forces. Whoever lost would face utter destruction, a fate far from a mere game.

As she gazed out the window toward the Xiao estate, Yafei smiled faintly. She had an unshakable confidence in that young man.

At the Alchemist Association, the Wood Clan, and the Nalan Clan:

Tonight, no one slept.

When the first rays of dawn broke through the clouds and bathed the capital city in light, the empty streets began to fill with people.

In the Xiao estate, Mo Yu, who had been sitting cross-legged on his bed, suddenly opened his eyes. With a flash of movement, he disappeared from the room.

In the front courtyard of the estate, a group of over a hundred black-clad figures, led by Fu Ao, stood silently. The thick scent of blood hung in the air, and just a glance at these people would strike fear into the hearts of the timid.

Standing before them were Yin Gu Lao, Lin Yan, Zi Yan, and other powerful figures. A tense, oppressive atmosphere hung over the courtyard.

"Is everyone ready?" The silence was broken by a calm voice, and a silver figure suddenly appeared on the steps. It was Mo Yu, smiling as he addressed the group.

Boom!

The hundred black-clad figures dropped to one knee in perfect unison. Though they didn't speak, the force of their gesture was overwhelming.

Seeing this, Mo Yu smiled with satisfaction. His silver eyes began to glow with a fierce determination.

Today, it would be a fight to the death!

With a surge of battle intent rising in his chest, silver thunder wings unfurled from Mo Yu's back. With a slight tremor, he floated into the air, looking every bit like the God of Thunder himself.

Electricity crackled around his wings, sending out terrifying sparks of energy that lit up the sky and drew countless gazes from the city below.

Not long after Mo Yu took to the sky, a young man with green flames sprouting from his back followed suit. It was none other than Xiao Yan.

As soon as Xiao Yan appeared, several loud cries echoed from various parts of the imperial city. Wrapped in Dou Qi, the voices reverberated throughout every corner of the city.

"The Yun Lan Sect is arrogant and seeks to overthrow the kingdom. The royal family will assist Yuan Mansion and the Xiao Clan in eradicating these rebels!"

"The Mitre Clan pledges its support!"

"The Alchemist Association pledges its support!"

"The Wood Clan pledges its support!"

"The Nalan Clan pledges its support!"

(End of Chapter)

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