Battle Through The Heavens : I Am The Thunder Emperor

Chapter 12: The Family Banquet

Three days later, in the main hall of the Xiao family estate.

After agreeing with Xiao Yan to attend the family banquet, Mo Yu kept his word and ended his training early. As the steward's grandson, Mo Yu had never attended such gatherings before. These banquets were exclusive, and even regular Xiao family members often didn't have the privilege to join.

However, as Mo Yu began to demonstrate his talent, he gradually earned recognition from the family elders, who extended an invitation to draw him closer.

When Mo Yu arrived, the banquet was already prepared. Seated at the head of the table was Xiao Yan's father, the current head of the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan. He sat with a solemn expression, exuding an aura of authority. His gray robes added to his dignified presence, and his thick eyebrows gave him a commanding air. Xiao Zhan was not only the Xiao family's leader but also a Five-Star Dou Shi.

On either side of Xiao Zhan were the three elders of the Xiao family and other high-ranking members. Farther down the table sat the most outstanding members of the younger generation—Xiao Yan, Xun'er, Xiao Ning, and others.

As Mo Yu entered, Xiao Zhan was the first to notice him.

"Is that you, Xiao Yu? It's been years since I last saw you, and you've grown so much," Xiao Zhan said as he stood up and walked over to Mo Yu, giving the boy a hearty pat on the shoulder.

As Xiao Zhan stood, Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and the others also rose to greet Mo Yu.

"Greetings, Patriarch," Mo Yu said with a respectful bow to Xiao Zhan. He had great respect for Xiao Zhan, recognizing his efforts to maintain the Xiao family's status after the previous patriarch's death. Xiao Zhan was not only a good leader but also a good father.

"Your mother was my sister, Xiao Yu. You should call me 'Uncle Xiao Zhan,'" Xiao Zhan said, looking at the calm and composed youth before him, a glint of appreciation in his eyes. Mo Yu had reached the eighth stage of Dou Zhi Li at such a young age and had even defeated Xiao Ning with a single move. Such talent was worth the family head's personal attention.

"Very well, Uncle Xiao Zhan," Mo Yu agreed.

"Good. Xiao Yu, sit next to Xiao Yan," Xiao Zhan said, pointing to an empty seat.

At the table, Mo Yu noticed Xiao Ning across from him, angrily shoveling food into his mouth, his face dark and brooding. Mo Yu paid him no mind. Despite being the grandson of the family's elder, Xiao Ning wouldn't dare act out in this setting.

As Mo Yu idly scanned the room, he noticed the stern faces of the family elders and turned to Xiao Yan, asking, "Isn't the family banquet usually reserved for special occasions? Has something happened recently?"

Xiao Yan paused, thinking for a moment before replying, "It seems that the Mittel Auction House in Wu Tan City is hosting a major auction soon. Some interesting items are expected to appear, so Father and the others are gathering funds to participate."

Xiao Yan left out another reason for the banquet. This gathering was initially a regular meeting, but after hearing that Mo Yu had defeated Xiao Ning, Xiao Zhan upgraded it to a more formal event to welcome Mo Yu. Xiao Yan understood his father's intentions but knew that Mo Yu, like himself, had a heart that longed for more than just the confines of a small family.

Still, bringing Mo Yu closer to the family through this gesture wasn't a bad idea.

Mo Yu's bored expression shifted to one of interest upon hearing Xiao Yan's explanation. Auctions were popular in the Shenxiao Continent as well, and Mo Yu had attended many in his past life. If one was lucky, they could find some fascinating items. His strength had stabilized recently, and he was considering attempting a breakthrough to the ninth stage of Dou Zhi Li. Attending the auction might be worthwhile—perhaps he could find something to help him with his breakthrough to the Dou Zhe stage.

The banquet concluded in a somewhat serious atmosphere. After Xiao Zhan dismissed everyone, Mo Yu politely excused himself and quickly left the hall, heading straight for his room.

Once back in his room, Mo Yu didn't go to sleep. As night fell and the world grew silent, he agilely jumped out of bed and retrieved three magic cores hidden in a cabinet, carefully placing them on the table.

These were the three remaining first-tier fire and lightning magic cores from his last purchase. Almost two months had passed since he broke through to the eighth stage of Dou Zhi Li. In that time, Mo Yu had not only mastered the basics of the Thunder Armor Body but had also solidified his cultivation level. The time was ripe for another breakthrough, and these magic cores were the key.

Without hesitation, Mo Yu summoned the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Thunder from within his body and threw one of the magic cores into the fiery lightning.

Just like before, the magic core began to melt under the intense heat, releasing its violent elemental energy, which was immediately absorbed by the surrounding red lightning.

Now that the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Thunder had grown stronger, it consumed the first-tier magic core even faster than before. Within two hours, the first lightning core was entirely absorbed.

Without pausing, Mo Yu calmly threw the remaining two cores into the lightning. The Vermilion Bird Heavenly Thunder had now grown enough to devour two cores simultaneously. As the cores dissolved, the red lightning crackled with excitement, filling the room with its electric hum.

Three more hours passed. As dawn broke, the two cores were finally consumed, and the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Thunder had grown even stronger. The terrifying power of the lightning and fire seemed almost tangible, radiating an intimidating aura.

Mo Yu smiled slightly at the sight. Absorbing the elemental energy from magic cores was indeed an effective way to enhance the Xuan Lei. Unfortunately, after this session, first-tier cores would no longer be of much use for the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Thunder's growth. From now on, only second-tier cores or higher would suffice.

But second-tier cores were worth dozens of times more than first-tier ones. Mo Yu couldn't help but feel a bit worried about the future. If it was this hard to sustain just one Xuan Lei, how would he manage all twelve?

Shaking his head, Mo Yu dismissed the thought. Whatever the future held, his priority now was to break through.

Having done this several times before, Mo Yu was no longer inexperienced.

Half an hour later, Mo Yu emerged from his room, feeling refreshed. A night spent breaking through was better than any other kind of satisfaction.

Dou Zhi Li, ninth stage!

(End of this chapter)