Chapter 49: Seven-Star Devourer
Tensions Diffused
As Mu Feng descended the platform amidst the murmuring crowd, his gaze locked on Mu Li. The once-brash Mu Li instinctively recoiled, his bravado completely shattered. Even Mu Cang, usually quick to provoke, kept his distance, realizing the futility of confronting someone so far beyond his league.
"Y-You... what do you want?" Mu Li stammered, his voice trembling.
Mu Feng grabbed Mu Li by his collar, his tone icy and measured:
"This is your final warning. The next time you provoke me, I won't stop at sparing your dignity."
His crimson gaze, brimming with killing intent, sent shivers down Mu Li's spine. Unable to muster any semblance of defiance, Mu Li stammered out an apology:
"S-Sorry. I was wrong..."
With a scoff, Mu Feng released him, turning to the onlookers.
"Let this serve as a lesson," he announced, his tone resolute yet calm. "Strength earns respect. Pettiness only leads to disgrace."
The crowd parted for Mu Feng as he exited with Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue. His commanding presence lingered, leaving whispers of admiration and fear in his wake.
An Encounter Above
From a lofty pavilion overlooking the scene, Mu Hai and the steward, Fu Bo, observed intently.
"Fu Bo," Mu Hai began, his brow furrowed, "Did you notice? That final punch... twelve crisp sounds. How could he possibly achieve that? The Tongmai Fist is capped at nine."
Fu Bo, equally stunned, replied:
"The twelve sounds must mean twelve fully opened meridians. But such a feat is unheard of. Could it be an advanced cultivation method hidden within the main family?"
Mu Hai shook his head, still in disbelief.
"If this is true, Mu Feng is destined for greatness. The heavens favor him... But about the stolen goods? Any progress?"
Fu Bo sighed. "None yet. The assailants left no trace. Whoever they were, they're skilled. However, the repercussions could cripple us if we don't act soon."
Mu Hai clenched his fists, the weight of leadership bearing down.
"If the family's future hinges on it, we may have no choice but to seek assistance from the main house…"
A Gift of Brotherhood
Returning to their quarters, Mu Feng addressed his companions, his tone light but decisive:
"Enough squabbling over fools like Mu Li. Focus on growth. Strength is our only true ally."
Turning to Bai Ziyue, Mu Feng's demeanor softened.
"Ziyue, follow me."
The younger boy looked up quizzically but obeyed, trailing Mu Feng to the meditation chamber. Once inside, Mu Feng produced a scroll.
"This is a cultivation manual unlike any you've seen. I'll entrust it to you, but swear—this must remain a secret."
Bai Ziyue nodded solemnly, pledging his loyalty. As he unrolled the parchment, his eyes widened.
"'Seven-Star Devourer Technique'… This is a Heaven-Tier manual!"
The mere title suggested unparalleled power, a method to draw energy from the stars themselves. Bai Ziyue's hands trembled as he read, overwhelmed by Mu Feng's trust.
"Commit it to memory," Mu Feng instructed, "and destroy the scroll after. This knowledge is too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands."
Bai Ziyue's eyes welled with gratitude.
"Brother Feng, I… I owe you everything. This life of mine is yours."
Mu Feng ruffled his hair, chuckling.
"Don't waste time on sentiment. Focus on reaching your potential."
Path of Mastery
As Bai Ziyue departed to train, Mu Feng turned his attention to Mu Lan.
"Mu Lan, your aptitude for agility is rare. I have a technique that will complement your talents."
Handing her a scroll titled "Butterfly Shadow Legs," Mu Feng explained its intricacies. The young girl's eyes sparkled with determination as she began her journey to master the technique.
Preparation for Greater Heights
With his siblings occupied, Mu Feng set off for the bustling streets of An Nan City. The market's lively chatter filled the air as vendors showcased wares ranging from exotic herbs to gleaming weaponry.
Mu Feng's destination was clear: Wanbao Pavilion, the city's premier trading house. Its towering, five-story façade exuded wealth and prestige.
Entering the establishment, he approached a reception desk manned by a young woman in a yellow uniform. Her professional demeanor faltered slightly upon seeing Mu Feng's youthful appearance.
"Good day, young master. How may I assist you?" she inquired politely.
"I wish to sell some rare materials," Mu Feng replied coolly. "Summon your manager."
The woman's smile stiffened. "Our appraisers can handle most transactions. What materials do you have?"
Without a word, Mu Feng produced a small pouch. As he opened it, three crystalline orbs tumbled out, each radiating energy.
"Beast cores!" the attendant gasped.
But before she could recover, Mu Feng withdrew another pouch, revealing two azure beast eggs. The potent energy emanating from them left her stunned.
"Pardon me, young master. I'll fetch the manager immediately."
She darted away, leaving Mu Feng alone by the counter. He gazed around the pavilion, its shelves brimming with treasures, and wondered:
What doors will these trades open for me?
Unfolding Potential
As Mu Feng awaited the manager, the weight of his ambitions pressed upon him. His journey was far from over, but with strength, strategy, and the trust of those he held dear, he was determined to carve a legacy that even the heavens would acknowledge.