Chapter 27: Preparing for Intensive Training
"Silence!"
Huang Yi, still fuming, opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by his father, Huang Tai, who glared at him fiercely.
Who was Mu Tian? His name echoed throughout Nanling Country. Once a formidable Yuan Core Realm expert and a renowned general commanding armies, his reputation lingered even after his death on the battlefield. His family, the Mu clan, still stood strong, untouchable by the likes of the Huang family.
Even with Mu Tian gone and the Mu clan facing turbulent times, the strength and influence of a once-great family could not be underestimated. One wrong move from Huang Tai, and the Mu family could send a single Yuan Core Realm elder to erase the Huang family from existence.
The Huang family members, recognizing the gravity of the situation, hurriedly stood and bowed, attempting to defuse the tension.
Mu Feng observed the scene with indifference. He knew their respect was not for him personally but for the immense power behind his name. For Mu Feng, true strength would come only when people revered him for his achievements, not his family's shadow.
"Young Master Feng," Huang Tai began with a respectful tone. "My son acted rashly, unaware of your esteemed identity. Please, show mercy."
Mu Feng waved his hand dismissively. "He has already received his punishment. I see no need to pursue this matter further. Uncle Hai, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
With a courteous bow to Mu Hai, Mu Feng turned and left the hall, followed closely by Mu Zhong.
"Safe travels, Young Master!" The Mu family members stood and bowed as Mu Feng departed. Even the Huang family, despite their earlier indignation, could only watch him leave in silence.
As the door closed behind him, Huang Tai's mind raced. "The rumors claim that Mu Feng's Yuan Veins and Purple Mansion were shattered, leaving him crippled. Yet now he's here in this remote An Nan City. What could the Mu family be planning?"
Huang Yi, consumed by bitterness, clenched his fists. "How could this... this wretched boy be the Young Master of the Mu clan? Even Father fears him. My grudge... No! I cannot let this go unpunished."
Huang Tai ignored his son's mutterings and rose, addressing Mu Hai with a slight bow. "Mu Hai, we've troubled you enough for one day. We'll take our leave."
Mu Hai lifted his tea cup and nodded curtly. "Farewell."
The Huang family left the Mu residence in silence, their spirits deflated. Outside, Huang Yi seethed, but before he could voice his frustration, Huang Tai silenced him with a sharp glare.
"Enough. This matter isn't over. Mu Feng's presence here could interest Northern King. Your elder brother works under him, and I happen to know of certain tensions between the Northern King and the Mu family. Tonight, I'll send someone to deliver the news."
Huang Tai's scheming eyes glinted as he began to see an opportunity in Mu Feng's arrival.
Unbeknownst to them, two shadowy figures stood atop a high tower within the Mu estate, silently watching the Huang family's departure.
Midnight Encounter
Under the cover of darkness, a lone rider on a swift steed galloped out of the Huang family's gates, heading toward the city walls. A figure hidden in the shadows watched as the horse passed and quietly pursued.
About five or six miles from the city, the rider, a Huang family member, sped down the deserted road when—
Snap!
A hidden rope trap sprung up, tripping the horse and sending it tumbling to the ground with a loud neigh.
"Ahhh!" The rider screamed as he was thrown violently to the ground.
Before he could recover, two figures darted out from the roadside. One of them stomped down on his chest, pinning him in place.
"Who are you? What do you want?" the Huang family rider stammered, his face pale with fear.
"Shut up, or I'll kill you right here," the larger figure growled, applying more pressure to the rider's chest, leaving him gasping for air.
The second figure searched the fallen rider and quickly pulled a sealed letter from an inner pocket. He handed it to the larger man, who tore it open and scanned the contents.
"Just as the Young Master and Master predicted," the burly man muttered, his expression darkening.
He crumpled the letter and looked down at the trapped rider, a cruel smile curling his lips. "You're the first piece of the Huang family to fall. Consider this your privilege."
"W-wait! What are you—"
Crack!
Before the man could finish his sentence, the burly figure stomped down hard, snapping his neck. The rider's body spasmed briefly before going still.
"What should we do with the body, sir?" the second figure asked.
"Bury it here. Leave no trace. This matter must remain silent."
"Understood."
The two men quickly vanished into the shadows, leaving no evidence of their presence.
A Journey to An Nan Ridge
Two days later, golden wheat fields stretched endlessly to the horizon just outside An Nan City. The season's gentle sunlight and cool breeze painted an idyllic picture of autumn.
Down a dirt path cutting through the fields, four riders galloped swiftly. Leading them were three young men and a young woman—Mu Feng, Mu Kuang, Bai Ziyue, and Mu Lan.
"Haha! Ziyue, you little monster, you're already at the Eighth Yuan Vein! How did you do it so quickly?" Mu Kuang exclaimed, equal parts admiration and jealousy.
"Don't hate me because I'm gifted!" Bai Ziyue grinned smugly. "Give it time; I'll surpass you soon enough."
"Keep dreaming! I'm on the verge of opening my Purple Mansion. Once I do, I'll leave you in the dust," Mu Kuang retorted, puffing out his chest.
Mu Feng chuckled at their banter. "Ziyue, don't get too cocky. Even with eight Yuan Veins open, you haven't generated your own Yuan Qi yet. Without Yuan Qi, you're all talk. Focus on the technique I taught you and work hard to fill your veins with energy. Once that's done, you can break through to the ninth vein on your own."
"Hehe, got it, Boss!" Bai Ziyue scratched his head sheepishly, his respect for Mu Feng evident.
"Young Master Feng," Mu Lan interjected, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you sure it's wise to venture into An Nan Ridge without informing the family? There are wild beasts and even savage creatures in those mountains."
"Come on, Mu Lan. You didn't have to come if you were so scared. But don't worry; we'll protect you," Mu Kuang boasted, thumping his chest.
Beyond An Nan City lay the sprawling An Nan Ridge, a vast mountain range teeming with venomous creatures, wild beasts, and even the occasional savage or demonic beast. Danger lurked at every turn.
But for Mu Feng, this treacherous wilderness was the perfect place to hone his skills. Joined by the ever-loyal Mu Kuang and the eager Bai Ziyue, he set out on this perilous journey. Despite her initial hesitation, even Mu Lan had insisted on coming along.
Their journey into the wilds was about to begin.