Battle Through The Heavens : I Am The Thunder Emperor

Chapter 33: I'll Be the One to Break It Off!

After Xiao Yu left, Mo Yu remained alone in the hall, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on him.

"Mo Yu..." Xiao Ning approached, looking embarrassed and struggling to find the right words. In the past, he had always been older and more respected than Mo Yu, but after the recent test, Mo Yu's status within the Xiao family had undeniably surpassed his own. Now, Mo Yu was even set to become his brother-in-law.

On the Dou Qi Continent, the age difference between a husband and wife wasn't a significant issue, especially since strong practitioners could live far longer than ordinary people. Besides, Xiao Yu was only a few years older than Mo Yu. Still, this was difficult for the proud Xiao Ning to accept.

"Just call me by my name," Mo Yu said calmly, noticing Xiao Ning's awkwardness. Mo Yu was at ease with the arranged marriage and didn't view it as a life-altering event. Having died twice before, he had learned to face life's challenges with composure.

After all, the rules of the world were dictated by interests. When Xiao Yan's talent had returned, his father Xiao Zhan was not only overjoyed but also relieved that he had never given up on his son. If even a father could be so pragmatic, how could Mo Yu, who was not even a true Xiao family member, expect anything different?

In fact, Mo Yu suspected that if he rejected the marriage, the Xiao family might not give him a chance to grow stronger. If they offered an alliance and he refused, it could be seen as a threat. Despite the Xiao family's decline, they were still far from being weak and could easily eliminate him if they wanted to.

While Mo Yu was lost in thought, the Great Elder approached. The old man's sharp eyes gleamed as he patted Mo Yu on the shoulder, saying, "I'm entrusting Xiao Yu to you. Don't let me down."

Mo Yu knew that Xiao Yu's parents were often away on family business, leaving the Great Elder as her primary guardian. The weight of his words was clear. Though Mo Yu had never dealt with such matters before, he nodded solemnly.

Mo Butler, Mo Yu's grandfather, also walked over and kindly said, "Xiao Yu is smart and beautiful. You should treat her well."

Faced with these earnest reminders from the two elders, Mo Yu could only nod in agreement, feeling somewhat helpless.

At that moment, Xiao Zhan stepped in to lighten the mood, "I've watched Mo Yu grow up. I'm confident Xiao Yu will be in good hands."

He patted Mo Yu's shoulder before making a small cloth bag appear from his storage ring. "Here are five second-tier lightning-type magic cores, a small token from the family as Xiao Yu's dowry."

Xiao Zhan was always generous, and handing over five second-tier magic cores was no small gesture. The market value was substantial, even for a family like the Xiao's. These cores would help Mo Yu advance to a higher Dou Qi level, possibly reaching the second or even third star of the Dou Zhe rank in a short time. After a moment of thought, Mo Yu accepted them with gratitude.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhan smiled. The Xiao family knew how to nurture talent, preferring to foster loyalty through kindness rather than coercion. Fortunately, the Mo family had been tied to the Xiao family for three generations, so there was a strong bond of trust.

The gathering ended on a cheerful note, and after bidding farewell to his grandfather, Mo Yu left the Xiao family estate.

In the Xiao family's back mountain, the usually deserted area seemed more serene, with a beautiful figure standing alone, adding a touch of grace to the landscape.

"You're here," the graceful figure said coldly as she noticed a slim figure approaching in the darkness. Under the moonlight, the figure's beautiful face became visible—it was Xiao Yu. She had changed back into her academy uniform, her chest rising and falling slightly as she bit her lip and glared at the figure in black. "Do you know why I asked you to come?"

"Because of the marriage, right?" Mo Yu replied calmly.

"Didn't you say you would handle it?" Xiao Yu's eyes flared with anger as she looked at Mo Yu, who remained composed.

Mo Yu awkwardly scratched his nose, shrugging helplessly. "I did intend to talk to the family head about it, but I didn't expect the family elders to move so quickly. They went straight to my grandfather to finalize everything. Given the situation, I don't have the power to refuse."

At his current strength, defying the elders' decision would be risky.

Xiao Yu pressed her lips together. She knew Mo Yu was telling the truth. She herself didn't have the power to oppose her grandfather's decision either. However, despite understanding this, the anger in her eyes didn't fade.

Seeing that Xiao Yu was still upset, Mo Yu rubbed his chin thoughtfully and suggested, "Although our marriage has been arranged, it's not as if we have to marry immediately. How about this: I'm planning to leave the Xiao family soon and travel across the continent for a few years. Before I go, I'll write you a letter of divorce. That way, we'll have no ties left between us. How does that sound?"

This was the best solution Mo Yu could think of. Once he left the Xiao family, he would no longer be under their control. By the time he returned, his strength would have grown to the point where the family elders would have to respect him. However, what Mo Yu saw as the best solution was far from acceptable to Xiao Yu.

Taking a deep breath to calm her anger, Xiao Yu suddenly leaped down from the rock she was standing on and gritted her teeth. "A divorce letter? You think you can insult me like that?"

Although the Dou Qi Continent didn't have strict rules about women's chastity, a divorce letter would still be a significant disgrace for an unmarried woman. If word of this spread throughout the family or even to her academy, Xiao Yu would be humiliated.

"You think you're some big family genius, huh? Well then, let's fight! If you win, I'll marry you," Xiao Yu's cold voice broke the silence, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "But if you lose, I'll be the one to break it off!"

(End of Chapter)