"Alright, of course." Mo Bai replied with a gentle smile that looked kind.
He then followed the large servant with slow, calm steps, his mind constantly going over what he would say, what he had prepared and polished over the past week.
After a few minutes, the two of them arrived at a large brick building that stretched up four floors — the Clan Leader's residence. It was nearby, as Mo Bai's own house was within the same district, all considered part of the Mo Faction's territory. Everyone from the faction lived within this area.
"This young lord is the guest the Clan Leader summoned, Mo Bai. Please inform the Clan Leader of his arrival," the servant said respectfully at the gate to the two guards, who both bore insignias on their chests. Unlike those worn by lower-ranked members, theirs were embroidered in a dark black thread, featuring the image of a sharp blade with a single vertical stroke beside it — marking them as First Seal Masters.
"Understood," one of the guards replied curtly. He then turned to Mo Bai and slightly bowed with his fists cupped, a gesture mirrored by the second guard. "Please enter, young lord. The Clan Leader will be informed of your arrival immediately."
"Okay" Mo Bai said quietly as he walked into the luxurious building, filled with all kinds of furnishings and decorations. One guard held the door open while the other entered ahead of him.
"He's the guest the Clan Leader is expecting. Mo Bai. Inform him," the guard whispered to the nearest maid before returning to his post at the gate made of some rare and expensive wood.
"Welcome, young lord Mo Bai. The Clan Leader has been expecting you. I'll notify him right away. Please have a seat over there while you wait." The maid bowed and motioned toward a plush-looking couch.
Mo Bai gave a small nod and sat on the brown, comfortable seat as the maid went upstairs to the higher floor — clearly toward the Clan Leader's office.
'Two First Seal Masters just standing at the gate, acting like ornaments... well, I suppose that's normal. If someone were really going to attack the Clan Leader of the Mo Faction, would they only send First Seal Masters? Their only role is to open the door, close it, and bow all day to satisfy their masters' desire for reverence.' Mo Bai leaned back and let himself relax. The thought was just a way to kill time, a distraction from the tension building inside him.
"Young lord Mo Bai, the Clan Leader has asked for you. Please follow me."
The maid returned and addressed him directly.
"Mo Fan hasn't arrived yet, has he?" Mo Bai asked as he stood up.
"No, not yet. Would you like me to inform him that you were asking for him once he returns, young lord?"
"No need for that," Mo Bai replied lightly, following her up the stairs toward the third floor where the Clan Leader's office was located. His thoughts churned.
'Just as expected. He arranged for us to meet alone without Mo Fan. This way, he can ask what he wants without restraint. He doesn't want to risk upsetting his grandson — just in case I turn out to be someone dangerous or manipulative. This alone proves something that was already likely but not confirmed: he truly cares deeply for Mo Fan. Which means that when it comes to Mo Fan, he might not think entirely rationally… and that's something I need to exploit to the fullest.'
They stopped in front of a massive wooden door, about three meters tall. The maid bowed her head.
"This is the Clan Leader's office. I'll be taking my leave now — I am not permitted to enter with you, young lord."
Mo Bai gave a small nod, not even sparing her a glance as he placed his hand on the doorknob. He held it for a few seconds, exhaling slowly, then finally opened the door and stepped in, a faint, childlike smile on his lips.
"Mo Bai greets the Clan Leader." He bowed deeply, fists cupped in full respect to the man sitting inside a richly decorated and spacious office.
"Welcome, Mo Bai. Mo Fan has told me a lot about you. It seems you've become his closest friend in no time," the elder Mo said, his lips curled into a gentle smile. But the aura and pressure radiating from him were anything but gentle — it felt like a mountain pressing down on Mo Bai's shoulders.
"Yes, Clan Leader. Mo Fan and I are very close friends," Mo Bai replied, forcing a smile as sweat quickly formed on his face. He was barely managing to stay standing.
'He's struggling under my pressure — as expected. The gap in power is too great. Still, he remains standing, even if just barely. That shows he has strong willpower, though perhaps not the kind driven by boundless ambition. Then again, this is just a minor test. It doesn't prove much. Let's proceed.' The elder Mo continued smiling, not changing his expression.
'I think I acted well… but damn, this old man's pressure is intense. My face started sweating instantly. Still, I think I pulled off the image of barely standing. Either way, this is just the first step.' Mo Bai thought as he continued to appear unsteady on his feet.
After about fifteen seconds of crushing silence, where both men assessed each other inwardly, the Clan Leader finally withdrew his pressure.
"You may sit, Mo Bai. No need to keep standing — we have a long conversation ahead of us."
"Yes, Clan Leader," Mo Bai responded quickly, still sounding slightly tense as he sat down across from the elder, with only a simple desk between them.
"Now then… I don't know if you're aware of why I called you here today, Mo Bai, but it's an important matter — one that concerns both you and Mo Fan." The elder Mo's smile widened a little before his voice turned cold, a stark contrast to his earlier expression.
"Tell me… why did you make it look like Mo Fan was the mastermind behind the idea to rob the students, when in truth it was your plan all along? What's your goal in using him as a scapegoat while you remain the real brain behind it all?"