Chapter 5: Visitors from the Yun Family
In the grand hall of the Mu family estate, Mu Chen, the head of the family, sat at the central seat of honor. Beside him, occupying a secondary but prominent position, was a middle-aged man dressed in a white robe embroidered with cloud patterns. His hair was tied in a crown, and his face was pale and clean-shaven.
On either side of the hall sat the elders of the Mu family, their expressions serious and attentive.
"Haha, Brother Yun, it has been quite some time since your last visit to our Mu family," Mu Chen said warmly as a servant brought tea.
The man in white was none other than Yun Hai, the head of the Yun family and the father of Yun Qingwan.
"Ah, indeed. The recent turmoil between Nanling and Beiling has kept me occupied with family matters. As a fellow family head, I trust you understand the challenges. My apologies for the delay," Yun Hai sighed, clasping his hands in a gesture of goodwill.
Mu Chen's eyes dimmed slightly at the mention of the war. His younger brother, Mu Tian, had perished in the conflict, along with 200,000 Mu family soldiers—the backbone of their clan.
He chose not to dwell on the subject, raising his cup of tea instead. Yun Hai, understanding the delicate nature of the topic, tactfully refrained from pressing further.
After exchanging pleasantries, Yun Hai broached a sensitive subject. "Brother Mu, I've heard some troubling news about Feng'er. They say his Yuan meridians are shattered, and his cultivation is completely lost. Is there any truth to this?"
Mu Chen's expression remained stoic, but he nodded solemnly. "The news is true. Feng'er's Yuan meridians have indeed shattered, though we are actively seeking a way to heal him."
The matter had already spread through the capital and was impossible to conceal. Mu Chen saw no need for pretense.
"A cure?" A voice interrupted from the elder's seats. It belonged to a middle-aged man in a black robe—Mu Ye, Mu Chen's cousin and a long-standing rival of Mu Tian. His tone carried a mocking undertone as he said, "Unless you find a legendary elixir, our poor nephew is likely crippled for life."
Mu Chen glared at Mu Ye, whose eyes gleamed with subtle satisfaction.
Yun Hai, feigning sympathy, sighed. "I had a deep bond with Brother Tian. It's truly unfair how fate has dealt such a cruel blow to his son."
With that, he clapped his hands. Servants entered, carrying two large chests into the hall. They placed the chests on the floor with a thud, and the sound of metal clinking echoed throughout the room.
The Mu family elders stared curiously as the servants opened the chests, revealing a dazzling display of golden coins.
"So much gold…"
"This must be at least 200,000 gold coins," murmured the elders, their eyes wide with surprise and greed.
Gold coins were the universal currency of the continent. Ten copper coins equaled one silver coin, and ten silver coins equaled one gold coin. A commoner's daily wage was typically no more than a single silver coin.
The sight of two chests brimming with gold—a sum sufficient to purchase a martial technique of significant grade—was astonishing.
"Brother Yun, what is the meaning of this?" Mu Chen asked, his brows furrowing slightly.
"This is 200,000 gold coins," Yun Hai said with a smile. "Given the current difficulties your family faces, and considering the friendship between our families, I thought this could help ease your burdens."
The elders of the Mu family broke into smiles, their greed barely concealed.
"Yun Family Head, your generosity knows no bounds."
"Indeed, it's a blessing to have such allies."
Mu Chen, however, shook his head. "Brother Yun, this is too much. We cannot accept."
"Please, no need for such formalities between us," Yun Hai insisted. After some back-and-forth, Mu Chen reluctantly accepted the gold, aware that the Mu family was in dire need of resources.
But then Yun Hai's tone turned hesitant. "To be honest, Brother Mu, there's another reason for my visit today, a matter that weighs heavily on my heart."
"Brother Yun, our families share a close bond. Speak freely," Mu Chen said, still grateful for the gesture of support.
"It's about Qingwan and Feng'er's engagement. I hope we can postpone or reconsider the arrangement."
"What?!" Mu Chen's face darkened instantly. His voice carried a sharp edge as he demanded, "What do you mean by reconsider?"
Yun Hai let out a bitter laugh. "Brother Mu, the head of the Shangguan family recently visited our home to propose a marriage between Qingwan and his son, Shangguan Qianzhi. You know as well as I do that the Shangguan family is currently in the emperor's favor and backed by Prince Hao. Their rise is inevitable, and our Yun family is under pressure."
"Hmph! What does that have to do with my Mu family? Brother Yun, let me remind you that this engagement was your agreement with my late brother, not something we begged for. And now, with my brother gone and Feng'er left without his mother, you want to break this promise? How am I supposed to face my nephew or my deceased brother?"
Mu Chen rose to his feet, his expression livid.
"Brother Mu, I admit the engagement was agreed upon, but it was only a verbal agreement. There was no formal documentation. If you think the compensation is insufficient, we can add another 100,000 gold coins," Yun Hai said, his voice growing cold.
The tension in the room became palpable. Both men stood, their gazes locked. A fiery red energy swirled around Mu Chen, emanating the oppressive aura of a Yuan Dan Realm master. In response, Yun Hai's body was enveloped in a blue energy of equal strength. The two forces clashed, causing the furniture to tremble.
The elders quickly intervened, trying to defuse the confrontation.
At that moment, a boy dressed in a black robe entered the hall. His resolute face and firm stride exuded the disciplined aura of a soldier.
It was Mu Feng.
"Uncle, Uncle Yun," Mu Feng greeted respectfully. The tension dissipated as both men withdrew their energy.
"Feng'er, you..." Mu Chen's expression softened as he looked at his nephew.
"I've heard everything," Mu Feng said calmly, though a faint flicker of anger burned in his eyes.
Yun Hai sighed. "Feng'er, you know your current situation. The Mu family's position is precarious. Qingwan would only suffer if she married into your family. I hope you'll think of her and let her go."
"Enough!" Mu Chen roared, slamming the table. "You will not add to his pain!"