Tang Qianyu, not understanding why, followed him down.
Mo Qi released the spirit beast for testing elixirs. Tang Qianyu was startled, "This looks like a spirit beast for testing elixirs, why is it so big? I've never seen such a large one."
Mo Qi replied, "That's because you've never seen such a powerful alchemist."
At this point, Tang Qianyu was utterly impressed by Mo Qi's alchemy talent, but she couldn't stand his conceited demeanor. She shot him a sideways glance, "I've never seen someone so narcissistic!"
Mo Qi placed the refined elixir into the spirit beast's mouth. The beast swallowed it without even chewing.
Tang Qianyu exclaimed in surprise, "What elixir did you give it? Is it a shrinking elixir?"
Mo Qi said with great tension, "I refined it with that intention, but whether it will shrink, I don't know."
For years, Mo Qi had been feeding it elixirs to increase its spiritual power. Its current spiritual cultivation might be comparable to his own.
However, if its size couldn't be reduced, it could only stay in the storage bag, only to be released during fights.
But doing so would be treating it as a mere tool, and it was uncertain if it would obey him.
Thus, despite many fights over the years, he had never released it.
He wanted to wait until it became smaller, then cultivate a bond with it, making it easier to command.
After investing so many elixirs over the years, he would feel a sense of regret if it couldn't regain its original size.
However, after a moment, the spirit beast showed no reaction; there was no change at all.
Tang Qianyu poured cold water on his hopes, "The elixirs you refine aren't always effective either!"
But as soon as she finished speaking, there was a 'bang,' like something compressing.
The spirit beast vanished.
The two looked down and saw a palm-sized, plump little creature on the ground. It resembled a cat, yet also an owl, and neither.
It gently rubbed against Mo Qi's foot, as if telling him, "I'm here!"
Tang Qianyu cheered, "It's so cute." She then scooped it up with one hand. The spirit beast tilted its head and rubbed against her palm, appearing extremely docile.
Mo Qi was somewhat worried that it wouldn't be able to fight, rendering his years of effort in vain.
Fortunately, to his relief, the shrinking elixir was effective.
This brought a wicked smile to his face, and he thought with a touch of dark humor, "I have another trick to deal with men in the future."
Seeing him grinning sinisterly, Tang Qianyu instinctively felt he was plotting something mischievous.
"How about we call it 'Little Dot,' what do you think?" Tang Qianyu suggested.
"Little Dot, good," Mo Qi immediately agreed.
Little Dot also let out a squeak and floated up excitedly, as if it also agreed.
The two were stunned; the little fellow could fly.
Then, they flew away with it, heading towards the Tang family.
On the other side, the battle between the Tang Sect and the Hongdu Sect had also concluded. Most of the Hongdu Sect disciples were killed. Nangong Zhennan, Nangong Zhenxi, and Nangong Zhenbei, along with some remnants, broke through and fled like whipped dogs.
Nangong Zhenbei intended to lead the remaining troops to Xindu Mountain, but halfway there, he heard that Xindu Mountain had already been captured by the Tiandu Sect. He was now homeless.
He wanted to find a place to settle with the hundred or so remaining soldiers and re-establish their power. However, these men were originally subordinates of the Hongdu Sect and were unwilling to follow his orders, dispersing in all directions.
Nangong Zhenbei could only sigh and fly away on the clouds.
It turned out that yesterday, Mo Qi had visited the Tang Sect and the Chao family to discuss a joint attack on the Nangong family. He detailed his plan, and initially, they all disagreed, as Nangong Zhendong's cultivation was too formidable, making them hesitant.
But later, he mentioned the support of the Dugu family, stating that Dugu Sheng could restrain Nangong Zhendong, and Yuwen Yan could also restrain him. Following this, both sides agreed.
The Tang Sect naturally wanted to avenge Tang Qianyu. Chao Jing also needed an opportunity to prove himself. Although the Yuwen family had faded, half of the Tiandu Sect's members were from the Yuwen family. Even if Chao Jing temporarily obtained the position of sect leader, he couldn't command respect, facing constant disdain and obstruction.
Now, with such an opportunity to expand, if Xindu Mountain were captured, the Yuwen family's influence could be relocated, allowing him to solidify his position as the Tiandu Sect leader.
After Xindu Mountain was taken, as everyone wished, Chao Jing banished all of the former Yuwen family's influence there and appointed You Kefu as the Deputy Sect Leader of the Tiandu Sect to manage Xindu Mountain.
Although nominally under the jurisdiction of the Tiandu Sect, Chao Jing was prepared to let them fend for themselves. He believed his own ability to manage the original Tiandu Sect was sufficient.
The Dugu family reaped a great reward, acquiring the Hongdu Sect's territory with almost no effort. However, as per their prior agreement, both Chao Jing and the Dugu family ceded some of the occupied territories to the Tang Sect.
In the aftermath, the Dugu family bore the greatest pressure. Currently, Dugu Sheng (Seventh Tier Deputy Leader) of the Dugu family was sitting at a table, speaking candidly with Nangong Zhendong: "Zhendong, we are Seventh Tier officials, responsible for the security guard under the Southern Heavenly Gate. We cannot meddle in worldly affairs."
Nangong Zhendong's mind reeled with ten thousand horses galloping, thinking, "You orchestrated the entire affair, and now you're telling me not to meddle in worldly affairs? You're being hypocritical and self-serving."
However, he maintained a calm facade and said, "I understand that, rest assured, I will mind my own business."
"Yes, it's best if everyone minds their own business. If you can't stand the boredom, then perhaps I can't either," Dugu Sheng said.
After leaving Dugu Sheng, Nangong Zhendong returned to his room. Nangong Zhenbei was still waiting for him inside. They had already been talking for a while. Nangong Zhenbei recounted the Nangong family's recent experiences to Nangong Zhendong.
Nangong Zhenbei thumped his chest and wept bitterly, vowing revenge for his brothers. At that moment, a messenger arrived saying that Deputy Leader Dugu Sheng requested his presence. Then, Dugu Sheng spoke to him candidly about the aforementioned matters.
Returning to his room again, Nangong Zhendong was somewhat dejected. He looked at Nangong Zhenbei and said, "We'll have to plan this matter carefully."
"What happened? What did Dugu Sheng say to you?" Nangong Zhenbei asked, surprised by Nangong Zhendong's drastic change in attitude.
Nangong Zhendong sighed, "It was a blatant threat. The Dugu family is the mastermind behind this."
Nangong Zhenbei replied, "But the instigator is Mo Xin from the Heavenly Rank Academy. We can't deal with the Dugu family, but can't we deal with a mere academy student from the Heavenly Rank Academy?"
Nangong Zhendong shook his head, "On the surface, the matter was caused by that minor figure, but in reality, the Dugu family and the Yuwen family have been coveting us for a long time. Even without this incident, they would have made a move if the opportunity arose. Think about it, who wouldn't be envious of our Nangong family monopolizing two major sects in the Qionglu Realm? Your actions to deal with a minor figure have given them the perfect opportunity."
Nangong Zhenbei also nodded, "Second Brother was indeed a bit irrational back then regarding his son and grandson. However, in the final analysis, that fellow named Mo is the culprit. If we don't teach him a lesson, everyone will think our Nangong family has no one."
Nangong Zhendong pondered for a moment and asked, "Have you discussed this with the eldest nephew?"
"Alas!" Nangong Zhenbei sighed. "The eldest nephew seems to have been greatly stimulated. He's been staying in his room these past few days and hasn't seen anyone. I was turned away and came to you."
"Perhaps he's overcome with grief after losing his loved ones," Nangong Zhendong said.
"For now, to defeat the Dugu family, we might need the help of the Murong family," Nangong Zhenbei said to Nangong Zhendong after a moment of silence.
"The Murong family?" Nangong Zhendong rested his head on his hand, lost in thought.
After a moment, he slowly said, "Yes, all along, we thought we were unrivaled and arrogant. After this incident, we should reflect properly. Our enemies this time are not just the Dugu family, but also the Yuwen family, the Tang family, and even the Chao family. If we don't ally with the Murong family, our Nangong family might perish."
Mo Qi returned to the Heavenly Rank Academy and wandered around the campus for a few days, even attending some classes. No one bothered him.
However, he still felt uneasy, as Xing Mian had expelled him in front of so many people.
One day, after leaving class, he was preparing to return to his dormitory to pack his belongings and leave. As he walked onto the plaza, Xue Nu blocked his path.
"Why did you do that?" Xue Nu's eyes were red, filled with grievance, as if she were about to cry.
Mo Qi, not understanding, asked Xue Nu, "What are you referring to?"
Xue Nu said, "Are you still playing dumb? You and Yuwen Yan colluded to kill my grandfather. My grandfather was the person who loved me the most in this world, and you killed him just like that."
By the end, tears streamed down her face.
Mo Qi looked wronged, "I didn't collude with Yuwen Yan. She completely controlled my body; I had no idea. So many people were present at the time, they can all testify for me."
"Then tell me, why did you go to the Yuwen family then? Didn't you always have a feud with Yuwen Dong? How did you suddenly become so close? Are you coveting Yuwen Yan's beauty?"
You're lustful, I know that.
The barrage of questions made Mo Qi somewhat overwhelmed, "At that time, Yuwen Changsha was defeated by me and fled. On the road, he was killed by your father. Dugu Jun warned me that there would be a purge, and I didn't want to see a massacre, so I went. As soon as I arrived, I was possessed by Yuwen Yan. I had never met Yuwen Yan before; how could I have colluded with her to kill your grandfather? Your grandfather was also my grandfather!"
"Shameless!" Yuwen Yan cursed.
"As for coveting Yuwen Yan's beauty, that's even more baseless. I had never seen her before. And now, she's just a wisp of smoke; where is the beauty?" Mo Qi chuckled.
"Do you have to remind me so deliberately?" Yuwen Yan said displeased.