Chapter 21: A Show of Authority
The Mu clan's An Nan branch was one of the three great families in the city, with a sprawling estate covering over 100 acres. Its halls and pavilions were encircled by imposing walls ten meters high. The family numbered over a thousand, and with servants and affiliates included, their population swelled to over three thousand.
As Mu Feng entered the estate, a group of people came to greet him. At their head was a middle-aged man dressed in a white robe, his square face and lion-like nose exuding authority.
This was Mu Hai, the patriarch of the An Nan branch and a Condensed Yuan Realm expert at the ninth layer—a powerhouse in his own right.
"Ah, Little Feng! It's been years since I last saw you. Look at you now—a fine young man!" Mu Hai said warmly, his voice carrying a hearty laugh.
"Greetings, Uncle Hai." Mu Feng and the others respectfully saluted him.
"No need for formalities," Mu Hai said, clapping Mu Feng's shoulder with familiarity. "I've heard tales of your exploits. A hundred-man kill count in the army at your age—truly living up to your father's name!"
"You flatter me, Uncle," Mu Feng replied humbly, a faint smile on his face.
As they walked into the estate, Mu Hai continued chatting amiably. Behind them, whispers broke out among some of the Mu family youths.
"Is that the Mu Feng from the main branch? The one with the legendary hundred-man army kill?" one asked in awe.
"Hmph," scoffed a black-robed youth with sharp features. "Those stories are exaggerated. He probably relied on his father's position to steal credit. Do you really think a teenager could accomplish that?"
The boy was Mu Li, Mu Hai's son. His tone dripped with disdain as he added, "Besides, didn't you hear? His Yuan meridians and core were shattered in the war. He's a cripple now. Why else would a main branch heir come to our branch unless he was discarded?"
The others murmured in surprise, their admiration for Mu Feng quickly turning to skepticism and derision.
Inside the grand hall, a welcoming banquet awaited. Ten tables were set, each filled with delicacies, and Mu Hai presided over the main table with Mu Feng seated beside him.
Mu Hai raised his cup. "Today, we welcome my nephew, Mu Feng, a true talent of the main branch. Let us toast to his arrival!"
"Welcome, Young Master Feng!"
Everyone rose, cups in hand.
Mu Feng smiled and stood. "Thank you, everyone. From today onward, I am one of you. If I offend in any way, I hope you'll forgive me."
He drained his cup in one go, earning a round of applause as everyone returned to their seats.
As the banquet continued, whispers spread among the guests. News of Mu Feng's injuries and supposed fall from grace had reached many ears, and they eyed him with a mixture of pity and scorn.
"Little Feng, I heard about what happened to your father," Mu Hai said gently. "It is a soldier's duty to die on the battlefield. Don't let it weigh on you."
Mu Feng's eyes flickered with pain but remained composed. "Thank you, Uncle. I understand."
"By the way," Mu Hai continued, "rumors say your Yuan meridians and core were shattered. Is it true?"
Before Mu Feng could answer, a mocking voice cut through the air.
"Feng, the so-called genius of the main branch! I, Mu Li, humbly request a spar to learn from your wisdom," said the black-robed youth, stepping forward with a smirk.
The hall fell silent.
Mu Feng looked up, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Mu Li, behave yourself!" Mu Hai snapped. "This is a banquet to welcome your cousin, not a place for your antics."
"Father, I only wish to exchange pointers with Cousin Feng. Didn't you always encourage us to grow through competition?" Mu Li replied, feigning innocence.
"Come on, Young Master Feng! Show us the skills of the legendary main branch!" someone jeered from Mu Li's table.
"Yeah, give us a glimpse of your talent!"
The atmosphere grew tense as laughter and taunts spread through the hall.
"Uncle Hai," Mu Feng asked calmly, "is this your son, Mu Li?"
Mu Hai sighed. "Yes, but—"
"Let me handle it," Mu Feng said, rising from his seat.
"Feng-ge, let me deal with him!" Mu Kuang shouted, slamming his hands on the table.
"Who are you? I'm challenging Mu Feng, not some lackey," Mu Li sneered.
"You—!"
Mu Kuang lunged forward, but Mu Feng held up a hand to stop him.
"Very well, Cousin Mu Li," Mu Feng said, his tone icy. "If you want to spar, I'll oblige. But remember—you asked for this."
The hall buzzed with excitement as tables were cleared for the duel.
"Looks like the main branch genius isn't as meek as we thought," someone murmured.
"Let's see if the rumors of his downfall are true."
Mu Feng stepped into the center of the hall, his expression calm but his eyes sharp as blades.
"Show me what you've got, Cousin," he said, motioning for Mu Li to make the first move.
A hush fell over the room as the air grew heavy with anticipation. The duel was about to begin.