The Reason

Not long afterward, inside the quiet room.

Lu Yu and Xiao Yi Xian sat facing each other, their hands forming seals. The surrounding worldly energy was drawn toward them, transforming into trickling streams that surged into Xiao Yi Xian's body. As the energy continued pouring in, her pale complexion gradually regained its color.

A moment later, they both ceased their cultivation. Lu Yu let out a long breath and asked with concern, "How do you feel?"

"I'm no longer in any serious danger." Xiao Yi Xian gently shook her head.

Lu Yu frowned slightly. "What exactly happened? How did the Mo Family end up targeting you?"

"This is all my fault..." An apologetic look appeared on Xiao Yi Xian's face as she slowly explained, "Three days ago, Qing Lin broke through to Dou Zhe. Seeing how hard she worked at cultivating, I decided to reward her, so I took her to the largest restaurant in the city for a meal. During the meal, Qing Lin's eyes suddenly began to burn, and the passing manager happened to see it..."

"I was worried about Qing Lin at the time, so I didn't pay it much attention..."

"But when we were preparing to leave, three Mo Family elders suddenly appeared and said they wanted to forcefully take Qing Lin away." A trace of sharpness flashed through her eyes. "However, they ultimately underestimated my strength. I injured them, and they failed."

"The restaurant?" Lu Yu's brows knitted tightly.

Xiao Yi Xian nodded. "Later, Big Brother Xiao Ding went to investigate. That restaurant was indeed a Mo Family business. As one of the four great families of the Northeast Province, the Mo Family's Grand Elder, Mo Cheng, is not only a Five-star Dou Ling, but is also said to have formed ties with the Misty Cloud Sect. He's an Outer Sect Steward of the Misty Cloud Sect, known as 'Executioner Mo.'"

"With the Misty Cloud Sect backing them, the Mo Family's influence is enormous. They're known as the foremost of the four great families and control a large number of businesses throughout the Northeast Province. That restaurant is merely one of them."

"Qing Lin has already broken through to Dou Zhe?"

Lu Yu pondered for a moment before asking.

"Yes." Xiao Yi Xian nodded lightly. "Her constitution seems to be very special. The Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid works far better on her than on ordinary humans. On top of that, I used the Yin Scroll of the Great Pagoda Art to nourish her meridians, so breaking through to Dou Zhe came naturally."

At this point, a strange look flashed through her eyes. "However... Qing Lin's eyes seem extremely unusual. When she broke through, her pupils suddenly glowed jade-green, and I accidentally met her gaze..."

Xiao Yi Xian's voice paused briefly. "If the Great Pagoda Art hadn't stabilized my mind, I probably would have been dazed for quite some time."

"I understand."

"For now, keep watch over Qing Lin. I'll handle what comes next."

Lu Yu's expression gradually turned cold, and his voice was unnervingly calm.

"The Mo Family's Grand Elder is a Five-star Dou Ling. Don't act rashly!"

Xiao Yi Xian's expression changed drastically. She knew Lu Yu's current appearance too well—the calmer he seemed, the more intense his killing intent became.

"Don't worry. I won't be reckless."

Lu Yu closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "But since the Mo Family has set its sights on you, they definitely won't let the matter go. Rather than waiting for them to come knocking..."

"We should strike first!"

"You..."

Xiao Yi Xian still wanted to dissuade him, but Lu Yu raised a hand and interrupted her. "I know you're worried. Come, I'll take you to meet someone."

With that, he turned and walked toward the outer hall. Xiao Yi Xian had no choice but to hurry after him.

At that moment, inside the outer hall.

Hai Bodong was leisurely reclining in a rattan chair, while Qing Lin obediently brewed tea nearby.

Seeing Lu Yu and Xiao Yi Xian walking toward him, the old man opened his eyes slightly, a sharp gleam flashing within them. "Young Lu, just say what you need."

"I'd like to ask Old Hai to accompany me to the Mo Family."

Lu Yu was completely straightforward.

"This is the third matter." Hai Bodong toyed with his teacup and said meaningfully, "An insignificant Outer Sect Steward of the Misty Cloud Sect naturally isn't worth my attention, but have you considered whether you can withstand the Misty Cloud Sect's wrath?"

Lu Yu chuckled at that. "If no one provokes me, I won't provoke them. In this world, crises and opportunities often arrive together." His gaze gradually deepened. "If I were a Dou Wang today, how could the Mo Family dare act so arrogantly? Unfortunately, I'm not one yet..."

"Fortunately." He looked at Hai Bodong, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. "Senior is."

At these words, Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian both stared at Hai Bodong in shock.

Hai Bodong's mouth twitched slightly. "Brat, let me make this clear first. Destroying the Mo Family will be easy, but if the Misty Cloud Sect comes seeking revenge..." He paused. "In my current condition, I might not be able to protect you."

A sharp glint flickered in Hai Bodong's eyes as he added meaningfully, "However, if I recover to my peak, it wouldn't be a problem. If you can find a way to speed up the process of breaking the seal..."

"Old fox..."

Lu Yu cursed inwardly, but an exasperated look appeared on his face. "I'd like to as well, but unfortunately, I'm truly powerless."

"Perhaps once my strength improves, I'll be able to speed up the process."

Hai Bodong raised his brows and waved his hand listlessly. "Forget it. I was only mentioning it in passing."

"If we kill them and dispose of the bodies, the Misty Cloud Sect might not be able to find out. When shall we leave?"

"Once I've made some preparations, we'll leave tomorrow."

"Good lad. You're decisive enough."

Hai Bodong looked at him in surprise, then immediately rose to his feet. His sleeves fluttered despite the lack of wind. "Then I'll accompany you on this trip."

Late at night, candlelight swayed.

Lu Yu sat on the bed and looked at the nervous Qing Lin before him. In a gentle voice, he said, "Don't be afraid. I just want to confirm a few things."

He took out an iron dagger and placed it before Qing Lin. "Do you remember the sensation when your eyes suddenly grew hot at the restaurant that day?"

Qing Lin nodded timidly, her small hand unconsciously reaching toward her eyes.

"Now, try focusing your attention on this dagger." Lu Yu guided her. "Imagine that it's a threat, that I'm your enemy, and use your eyes to... attack me."

"But, Young Master..." Qing Lin shook her head in panic.

"Trust me." Lu Yu's gaze was resolute. "I know what I'm doing."

Qing Lin took a deep breath, then concentrated and stared at the dagger with all her might, but she was unable to evoke that strange sensation.

"Young Master, I can't do it..."

Qing Lin looked troubled, her eyes filled with unease.

"It's very simple... like this."

A sharp glint flashed through Lu Yu's eyes. He suddenly snatched up the dagger and hurled it out the window. The cold blade carved a chilly streak through the moonlight before strangely curving around and shooting back toward him!

"Young Master, watch out!" Qing Lin cried out in alarm.

In an instant, the young girl's jade-green eyes suddenly burst with dazzling light, and three demonic patterns began to swirl within her pupils. The surrounding air twisted violently as an invisible force erupted with a thunderous boom, knocking the incoming dagger flying in midair.

"As expected!"

A hint of delight flashed through Lu Yu's eyes. He said, "The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils have truly awakened!"

He then fell into thought. "Either breaking through to Dou Zhe awakened your bloodline, or the nourishment from the Great Pagoda Art took effect."

He gently pressed down on Qing Lin's trembling shoulders. "This is an enormous opportunity. There's no need to be afraid. From today onward, I'll teach you how to control this power."

"Do you want to avenge your Sister Xiao Yi Xian?"

" I do!"

Qing Lin raised her head. An unprecedented resolve flashed through her jade-green eyes.

Lu Yu nodded in satisfaction. "Then you must master this power as quickly as possible. Starting tomorrow, I'll make a cultivation plan for you. Don't slack off."