Chapter 3: Mu Feng's Crisis
In the Northern Martial Continent, a land of vast expanses and countless nations, countless clans vied for supremacy.
Within Nanling Kingdom's capital, a massive city of over ten million inhabitants teemed with all walks of life—nobles, commoners, and outlaws alike.
The Mu family, a lineage of military leaders and martial practitioners, held a respectable position in Nanling's army and was considered part of the capital's upper class, though far from its pinnacle.
Beneath the heavens, all lands were sovereign to the king. And in the capital, the ultimate authority was the imperial throne.
In a refined courtyard of the Mu estate, sunlight streamed through a window, casting mottled patterns on the face of a young, steadfast boy.
He lay asleep like an infant, his breathing even. His bare torso was wrapped in white medicinal bandages, while scars from blades and swords crisscrossed his defined muscles—a testament to the battles this boy, only fifteen or sixteen years old, had endured. Across his shoulder stretched the tattoo of a blood-red qilin.
An elderly physician with snow-white hair finished checking his pulse. Turning to a middle-aged man nearby, he said, "Master Mu, the third young master's injuries are no longer life-threatening. With time and care, he will recover. However..."
The man, clad in a black robe, emanated a commanding presence. His hawkish features and rugged demeanor carried the unmistakable aura of a seasoned warrior.
This was Mu Chen, the current head of the Mu family and Mu Feng's uncle.
"However, what?" Mu Chen frowned at the physician's hesitation.
The doctor sighed. "The young master's Yuan meridians are completely shattered and cannot heal. I'm afraid... his martial path is forever lost."
"What?! Impossible!" Mu Chen's voice thundered.
The room filled with shock and despair.
"Feng..."
A young girl, her features delicate and refined, began to weep. Her bright eyes shimmered like autumn waters, and her flawless skin seemed as delicate as porcelain. Gently, she caressed the boy's resolute face with trembling hands.
This was Yun Qingwan, Mu Feng's fiancée since childhood and the eldest daughter of the Yun family, another martial aristocracy.
"Physician Liu, you're lying! My Feng-ge can't have shattered meridians! He's the family's greatest genius!" shouted Mu Kuang, a burly youth about Mu Feng's age with spiky black hair and a fiery temper. He grabbed the physician's sleeve in anger.
To lose the ability to cultivate martial arts in a martial family was akin to being branded a useless cripple.
"Mu Kuang, stand down! Show respect!" Mu Chen commanded sharply.
Mu Kuang clenched his fists, stepping back begrudgingly. He looked at Mu Feng with tightly pursed lips, his frustration evident.
"Feng-ge…"
"Physician Liu, is there no way to heal him? The Mu family is willing to pay any price!" Mu Chen's voice trembled slightly.
"There is... but only with a sixth-grade spiritual pill or prolonged care from a master alchemist willing to expend vast energy. However, sixth-grade spiritual pills are virtually unattainable in the entire Nanling Kingdom," the physician explained with a heavy sigh.
Despair spread across everyone's faces. Sixth-grade spiritual pills were treasures so rare that even the wealthiest families might never see one.
"I understand. You may leave," Mu Chen said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. He dismissed the physician and everyone else, leaving only Yun Qingwan in the room.
"Qingwan, you should rest," Mu Chen suggested.
"No, Uncle Mu. I'll stay with Feng. You go rest," Yun Qingwan insisted softly.
Mu Chen sighed and left the room. Yun Qingwan gently wiped Mu Feng's face and body with a damp cloth, a faint smile on her lips.
"Feng, I know you'll wake up. You promised to conquer the world for me one day. Nothing can defeat you. No matter what happens, Wan'er will always be by your side..." She rested her head on his chest. A single tear fell from Mu Feng's tightly shut eyes.
News of Mu Feng's shattered Yuan meridians quickly spread through the Mu estate, causing an uproar.
"What? Young Master Feng's Yuan meridians are shattered? He's become a cripple? Is this true?"
"It's true. I heard it from one of his servants. Absolutely reliable."
"Such a pity. A genius lost. Twenty thousand Mu Family soldiers dead, and now this... Heaven is truly cruel."
"Yes, with Young Master Feng crippled and the Second Master dead on the battlefield, the Mu family's decline seems inevitable."
Servants whispered amongst themselves.
Once hailed as the Mu family's brightest star, Mu Feng had begun cultivating at the age of five. By twelve, he had opened all nine Yuan meridians, and by fourteen, he had entered the Zifu Realm, becoming a true innate martial artist. He was the most promising talent in the family and one of the most renowned geniuses in the capital, even personally invited to enroll in the prestigious Imperial Martial Academy.
Now, with his meridians shattered, the whispers of regret and lamentation spread far and wide. The news soon reached the ears of powerful families throughout the capital, stirring significant waves.
Under the night sky, stars glittered, and the crescent moon hung like a hook. The capital of Nanling Kingdom was aglow with lanterns and bustling with life.
In a grand courtyard, the residence of the prominent Shangguan family—a clan of bureaucrats with influence slightly surpassing the Mu family—was brightly lit.
Inside a luxurious room, a youth of seventeen or eighteen indulged in carnal pleasures with a maidservant. Their bodies entwined, lost in passion.
Knock, knock...
A sharp knock interrupted their intimacy.
"Who the hell is it?!" the youth barked angrily.
"Master, it's me. I bring urgent news!" came the voice from outside.
"What urgent news? Wait there, damn it!" The boy cursed as he got up, hastily putting on his robe and covering the maid with a blanket.
The young man's face was handsome, with sword-like brows and a proud, mischievous glint in his eyes. This was Shangguan Qianzhi, the eldest son of the Shangguan family head. He possessed a Grade Eight Yuan Bone—a mark of outstanding martial talent.
Yuan Bone determined a person's sensitivity to spiritual energy, ranging from Grade One (lowest) to Grade Nine (highest). Beyond that, there were talents exceeding the Yuan Bone standard.
Opening the door, Shangguan Qianzhi glared at the servant outside. "This had better be good, or I'll cut off your third leg."
The servant shivered. "Master, wonderful news! Reliable sources confirm that Mu Feng's Yuan meridians are shattered. He's now a cripple with no hope of cultivation."
A sinister grin spread across Shangguan Qianzhi's face. Grabbing the servant's collar, he exclaimed, "Are you sure? That brat's meridians are really shattered?"
"Absolutely. The entire Mu estate is talking about it. Soon, the whole capital will know."
"Ha! Excellent! Mu Feng, let's see how you compete with me for Qingwan now. I'll go to my father immediately and propose to the Yun family. Heaven truly favors me!" Shangguan Qianzhi's laughter echoed through the room, drawing curious glances from nearby servants.