Chapter 210

Chapter 210: Mo Family’s Secret Plan

Mo Qianxun, the Clan Leader, commanded great authority. The surrounding Thunder Tribulation Immortals fell silent in his presence, sensing unspoken troubles, and soon excused themselves.

After their departure, Mo Qianxun summoned Mo Wanfang.

Mo Wanfang had already learned of Fang Lie’s new rule—the Mo family must pay tenfold to learn the Great Unity Spell. Fuming with anger and regret over his past arrogance, he approached his father with a bowed head. "Father," he said miserably, "I was wrong to provoke Fang Lie’s hatred again."

"Acknowledging your mistake is a start," Mo Qianxun sighed. "But regret changes nothing. Have you devised a solution?"

Mo Wanfang grimaced. "Fang Lie’s as stubborn as stone. Perhaps humble apologies could soften him. I’ll swallow my pride and beg his mercy."

"Unacceptable!" Mo Qianxun snapped. "Our family’s dignity can’t be trampled, even if you sacrifice your own pride."

"What choice do we have?" Mo Wanfang argued. "The Benevolence Token shields him. We can’t force him—only plead!"

"Plead wisely, then," Mo Qianxun countered. "Groveling would make us pitiful in his eyes. Even if he relents, our standing would crumble. The damage outweighs not asking at all."

"But the Great Unity Spell is vital!" Mo Wanfang protested. "Without it, our family’s strength will lag behind others!"

"Agreed," Mo Qianxun said. "We must secure the spell while mending ties with Fang Lie. Here’s the plan: Retrieve Lanyun’s Spiritual Core Wood and offer it to Fang Lie. Claim she desires his Mysterious Water Dragon in exchange."

"Father!" Mo Wanfang gasped. "The Spiritual Core Wood rivals an Eighth-Rank Treasure! Trading it for a mere Fifth-Rank Puppet is madness!"

"We’ll set a condition," Mo Qianxun explained. "All past grievances vanish. If he agrees, the Mo family pays normal prices for the spell and spirit pills hereafter."

"But that wood is Lanyun’s betrothal token from her late mother!"

Mo Wanfang froze, then exclaimed, "You intend to wed her to Fang Lie?!"

"A possibility, not a decree," Mo Qianxun said slyly. "Should Fang Lie rise to prominence, we’ll formalize it. He’s already compromised her purity and exchanged tokens—binding him without announcement. For now, tell Fang Lie the wood is an apology. Tell Lanyun it repays his life-saving favor. Neither learns the truth until Fang Lie proves his worth."

"Clever," Mo Wanfang conceded, then frowned. "But Lanyun’s a prodigy with a Three-Thousand-Mile Qi Sea! When she Advances in the Golden Pool, it may span ten thousand miles! Her future eclipses even Thunder Tribulation Immortals. Fang Lie’s a pauper—how does he deserve her?"

"Fang Lie’s past stagnation stemmed from persecution," Mo Qianxun retorted. "Since conquering the Cycle of Fire, his cultivation skyrockets. Mark my words—he may surpass Lanyun."

"Impossible! She possesses spiritual roots!"

"Roots mean little," Mo Qianxun said. "He wields the Benevolence Token and Mo Ancestor’s secret legacy. His alchemy talent, undying nature, Ninth-Rank Treasure, and future Ninth-Rank Puppet eclipse anything our family possesses. Even restored, the Blood God Puppet alone could rival dozens of Thunder Tribulation Immortals."

Mo Wanfang paled. "If the Blood God Puppet regains Ninth-Rank power…"

"It will," Mo Qianxun stated. "With millions of disciples offering blood essence, recovery is inevitable within a Hundred Years. Worse, the Benevolence Token’s rumored to be Tenth-Rank—housing a sacred forge that birthed Mechanical Cities and Passage Ships. Our ancestors hid it for reasons beyond our grasp."

"Then we must ally with Fang Lie," Mo Wanfang concluded.

"Precisely. Now fetch the Spiritual Core Wood."

*

Meanwhile, Fang Lie celebrated his victory with the Ice and Fire Poison Dragon brothers. Mid-revelry, Mo Wanfang’s voice echoed outside: "Fang Lie, we must speak!"

Laughing, Fang Lie shouted back, "If this concerns the Ancient Heroic Soul Temple rules, save your breath!"

"Another matter entirely," Mo Wanfang replied amiably.

Reluctantly, Fang Lie opened the restrictions. Mo Wanfang smiled, clasping his hands. "Congratulations on your triumph. My daughter covets your Mysterious Water Dragon. She offers this in trade."

He produced a chopstick-sized black wooden wedge—the Spiritual Core Wood.