Chapter 7, it has been struck, what will you do now

"Well, I will accompany you when the time comes. You can stay here with me tonight." Elder Xuanyu nodded, his attention diverted. "Mo Lang is out on business and is not in the clan; he is expected to return tomorrow. If you encounter him, with me around, he won't dare to be too reckless."

"In this less than a year, I was not in a hurry before, which is why I have come at this time," Mo Zhiyao said in a calm voice

"Mo Lang, do you really think this old man can be easily bullied!" As a fellow elder, Mo Xuanyu's age and qualifications were both superior to Mo Lang's. Being addressed in such a manner ignited a fury within him that erupted like a volcano, and a powerful surge of energy suddenly emanated, directly pressuring Mo Lang

Elder Xuan Yu, you are just in time. Yesterday, this little beast injured my son Mo Heng severely without any reason. Regarding this matter, I demand an explanation from him

At this moment, the sky had already darkened. Elder Xuanyu hurriedly instructed the servants to prepare dinner. After dining with Mo Zhiyao, they chatted about other matters before arranging for Mo Zhiyao to rest.

Mo Zhiyao suddenly realized why, after returning for nearly half a day, he had not seen Mo Lang come to provoke him; it turned out he was not within the clan.

Elder Xuan Yu also sneered coldly in his heart, within a day, the news of Mo Zhi Yao successfully condensing three Dao patterns would spread throughout the entire clan, and by then, who knows how many people would be left in shock.

Upon seeing Elder Mo Kong's demeanor, Elder Xuan Yu's face showed a hint of joy, and his eyes were filled with unabashed delight as he laughed aloud: "Elder Mo Kong, I must trouble you to register this; Zhi Yao is about to turn 13 years old, to avoid any unnecessary complications."

"Mo Lang, who are you calling!" The originally gentle smile on Elder Xuan Yu's face instantly vanished, replaced by a glint of coldness in his eyes. He stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Mo Zhi Yao, and spoke to the newcomer in a chilling tone.

Mo Zhiyao extended his left arm, rolled up his sleeve, and under the operation of his internal energy, three brilliant silver patterns clearly emerged, coming into the view of Elder Mo Kong.

Elder Mo Kong's eyes widened in surprise as he quickly stepped forward, reaching out to grasp Mo Zhi Yao's wrist, a trace of spiritual energy flowing into him. Mo Zhi Yao did not resist, allowing Elder Mo Kong to investigate.

Peng! Mo Lang quickly unleashed his protective spiritual power to withstand the overwhelming momentum of Elder Xuan Yu that was rushing towards him. The two forces collided, producing a muffled sound.

To condense the human pattern, it is necessary to simultaneously condense the magic pattern. However, to condense the magic pattern, one must absorb the essence of life through killing. Mo Zhiyao has not yet become so deranged as to kill cultivators or ordinary people.

Therefore, the best training ground is the Black Lotus Mountain Range. The endless demonic beasts there not only condense magical runes but also serve to rapidly enhance practical combat experience, achieving two goals with one action

"Beast, stop right there!"

A person clad in a red robe approached, the robe adorned with various exquisite patterns embroidered in golden thread. He had short hair resembling needles, a face full of thick whiskers, a countenance marked by a prominent jaw, and a physique that was exceptionally robust and muscular

Mo Zhiyao shook his head, indicating that he truly did not know. Of course, there were some speculations, but he could not express them yet

That mysterious senior advised me to return to the Black Lotus Mountain Range, for only there can I rapidly enhance my cultivation and advance my realm. Mo Zhiyao could only use "him" as an excuse; otherwise, he truly would not know how to explain it.

Due to the influence of the magical patterns, it is impossible for me to stay in the clan for long, unless Elder Xuan Yu has some matters to attend to. Otherwise, I can only return once a year at most, merely to pay respects to my father

This person approached with great momentum, the veins on his temples bulging, and a pair of round eyes gleaming with fierce light, glaring menacingly at Mo Zhiyao

Elder Xuan Yu frowned upon hearing this and was about to speak when Mo Zhi Yao stepped forward without any fear, looking directly at Mo Lang, and coldly said: "If a fight is to happen, then let it happen. What do you intend to do?"

The reaction of Mo Zhiyao was no less than his own, and a hint of surprise flashed in Elder Xuan Yu's eyes. However, before he could say anything, a figure as swift as lightning, accompanied by a howling sound and a roar, landed about ten zhang away from the two.

Elder Xuan Yu nodded with a smile and ascended the steps alongside Mo Zhi Yao. However, just after stepping onto the first step, both turned their heads back to look behind them.

Elder Xuan Yu, this little beast severely injured my son Mo Heng yesterday. I have come today to seek an explanation from him. In my earlier rage, I may have spoken inappropriately, and I ask for your understanding. Elder Xuan Yu's dominance was completely beyond Mo Lang's expectations. Overwhelmed by Elder Xuan Yu's imposing presence, Mo Lang's attitude changed significantly.

Elder Mo Kong." Mo Zhi Yao bowed and paid his respects, his demeanor neither servile nor arrogant

Staring! Mo Lang took a step back, his expression becoming even more unpleasant. However, Elder Xuan Yu remained completely still, as steady as a rock

As one of the four prominent families of Pancheng, the Mo family boasts a large population, with approximately ten thousand members including relatives and guards. Therefore, their residence occupies an extensive area, otherwise it would not be able to accommodate such a large number of people

Elder Xuan Yu's expression turned even colder upon hearing this, and his robes began to flutter without any wind, making a rustling sound.

"He didn't mention to you who injured him, or ask you to help him take revenge or anything like that?" Elder Xuan Yu asked in confusion. Mo Zhi Yao shook his head; indeed, "he" had not said anything about these two points.

The next day, Mo Zhiyao and Elder Xuan Yu finished their breakfast and then set out together, first heading to the clan's trial hall

The person who arrived was none other than Mo Heng's father, Mo Lang, one of the twelve elders of the clan

"Brother Xuan Yu, what brings you here today? I wonder what matters you have?" Elder Mo Kong greeted the two with a smile and inquired.

Even though it is relatively easier for beginners to condense their patterns, generally speaking, it takes two to three years to condense three patterns. However, Mo Zhiyao managed to condense three patterns in just one year, a speed that is astonishing. Moreover, the previous Mo Zhiyao was notoriously known as a waste, and it is unexpected that he would go from being silent to suddenly making a remarkable breakthrough

Elder Mo Kong cast a deep glance at Mo Zhi Yao, nodded, and said to Elder Xuan Yu: "Elder Xuan Yu, please rest assured, this is only natural. I will register Zhi Yao right away"

By the way, Elder Xuan Yu, I plan to first visit the Trial Hall tomorrow, then go to the ancestral hall to pay respects to my father, and finally head to the Treasure Hall. Mo Zhi Yao did not want to discuss this further, fearing that Elder Xuan Yu might ask other questions and expose his intentions, as it was related to the magic patterns, and quickly changed the subject.

Mo Zhiyao and Elder Xuan Yu emerged from the Trial Hall and headed towards the clan's ancestral hall in the west. Along the way, they encountered numerous patrolling guards and passing clansmen. Some were unabashed, while others were subtly concealed, all expressing disdain towards Mo Zhiyao, who walked beside Elder Xuan Yu.

Elder Xuan Yu did not wish to have a severe confrontation with Mo Lang, as Mo Cang's relics were still under the management of Mo Lang in the Treasure Hall. Seeing Mo Lang relent, he retracted his imposing aura.

"Leaving? Why? Where are you going?" The elder Xuan Yu, who was unaware of the existence of the magic runes, couldn't help but be taken aback, not understanding why Mo Zhi Yao wanted to leave the clan

"Mo Xuanyu, this matter has nothing to do with you; you would do well to step aside." Mo Lang was exceedingly arrogant, completely disregarding Elder Xuanyu, directly calling him by his name as he pointed at Mo Zhiyao. "I am looking for that little beast!"

"Not bad, it is indeed the human pattern. Zhi Yao, when were you able to condense the human pattern? Why didn't you come to me at the moment you condensed it?" Elder Mo Kong released his grip on Mo Zhi Yao's wrist and asked with a look of surprise.

When this mysterious senior took me away, I had only ten months of lifespan left, likely due to a fatal injury. Throughout these ten months of companionship, they never spoke of their identity or background, until their demise.

"Mo Kong, my younger brother." Elder Xuan Yu also greeted.

Haha, Mo Kong, there isn't really anything else going on. Zhi Yao can already condense the human pattern, so I came here to trouble you to conduct a test and make a registration.

Mo Zhi Yao, within the span of a year, has gathered three strands of the Dao pattern. Mo Kong gazed at the distant figures of the two, a glimmer of brilliance flashing in his eyes, and murmured softly to himself: It seems that the clan is about to become lively.

The Mo Clan ancestral hall is located to the west of the Mo residence, displaying the spirit tablets of descendants who possess the bloodline of the Mo family from various generations. However, some have remains or ashes, while others do not. Throughout a cultivator's life, they endure countless dangers and hardships, and there are many like Mo Cang, whose bodies could not even be recovered after death.

Elder Xuan Yu pondered for a moment, then looked at Mo Zhi Yao with a serious expression and asked, "Zhi Yao, do you know the identity of that mysterious senior? Who exactly is he? Why is he helping you?"

Mo Lang's expression changed suddenly. Elder Xuan Yu was usually easygoing and indifferent to fame and fortune, rarely expressing opinions on matters other than those concerning Mo Cang and his son. Therefore, Mo Lang did not pay much attention to him. It was only when Elder Xuan Yu became angry at this moment that Mo Lang realized this seemingly honest man was far from simple.

The term "setbacks" naturally refers to being expelled from the clan

The Trial Hall, a place specifically designed to test the cultivation levels of the clan's descendants, was where Mo Zhiyao went to register that he could now condense the Human Pattern. With less than two months remaining, Mo Zhiyao would turn thirteen years old. According to clan rules, anyone who fails to condense the Human Pattern before the age of thirteen would be expelled from the clan

Upon seeing Elder Xuan Yu disperse his energy, Mo Cang finally breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes. He then pointed a finger towards Mo Zhi Yao behind him, and his expression turned fierce once again

Hehe, then we shall not disturb you any longer, Brother Mo Kong. Today marks the anniversary of Mo Cang's passing, and Zhi Yao and I must go to the ancestral hall. We will visit you again when we have the time in the future. Elder Xuan Yu said with a cupped fist salute, and Mo Zhi Yao also paid his respects, as the two of them exited the Trial Hall together

Elder Xuan Yu furrowed his brows, a contemplative expression evident in his eyes

After approximately the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, the ancestral hall of the clan is already in sight

The affairs of the Trial Hall are managed by Elder Mo Kong, one of the twelve elders of the clan. Upon seeing Mo Zhi Yao's arrival, accompanied by Elder Xuan Yu, he couldn't help but feel a bit surprised, unsure of the purpose of their visit

In the face of these gazes, Mo Zhiyou regarded them as if he had not seen them at all, his expression calm and composed, revealing not the slightest hint of abnormality

"Mo Zhi Yao? Has he manifested a human form?" Elder Mo Kong was taken aback upon hearing this, turning to look at Mo Zhi Yao, his eyes revealing a hint of surprise

After speaking, Elder Mo Kong flipped his hand to take out a jade slip, using his finger as a pen to input spiritual energy, recording the human pattern situation of Mo Zhi Yao.

Mo Kong is still unaware that the "bustle" he mentioned had already commenced yesterday

"In less than a year, you have consecutively condensed three human patterns?" If the previous reaction was one of surprise, at this moment, Elder Mo Kong was truly shocked

Regarding the clan, Mo Zhiyao has completely lost all affection; he does not care at all about how the clan members and guards perceive him

The hall, constructed entirely of azure mountain rocks, exudes a grand and solemn atmosphere, with two rows of guards standing at the entrance. Upon seeing Elder Xuan Yu, they promptly bowed in unison to pay their respects, while the individual beside him, Mo Zhi Yao, merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment.