Chapter 59: Becoming the Asura
"Young Master Feng, the Huang family members have all been killed. Including Huang Tai, we've eliminated five Qi Condensation Realm experts and twenty-seven Purple Palace Realm practitioners. This constitutes half of the Huang family's elite forces," Mu Hai reported, his gaze lingering on the white flood dragon coiled around Mu Feng's arm.
"How many casualties on our side?" Mu Feng asked.
"Two disciples died. The others suffered only minor injuries," Mu Hai replied.
Upon hearing this, Mu Feng approached one of the fallen Mu family disciples. This young man had shielded Mu Feng from a sword attack, and his spiritual core had been pierced by sword energy. He lay lifeless, eyes wide open in unwillingness.
With a grim expression, Mu Feng gently closed the disciple's eyes and cradled him in his arms. In a low voice, he said, "Brother, rest easy on your journey to the underworld. I swear the Huang family will accompany you in death."
His voice carried a weight of sorrow, resolve, and an unmistakable aura of vengeance.
Handing the disciple's body to another Mu family member, Mu Feng ordered, "Take him and the others outside."
The group exchanged glances before silently retreating from the blood-soaked inn, leaving Mu Feng alone amidst the carnage.
The Asura Divine Jade emerged, emanating a powerful suction force. Streams of blood flowed from the corpses, converging into the jade. Even traces of golden blood were absorbed. The thirty-some corpses shriveled into dry husks—a macabre and horrifying sight.
Surveying the carnage, Mu Feng's expression was cold and indifferent. "Don't blame me for being ruthless. You chose to cross me, Mu Feng. Becoming lifeless husks is a fate you brought upon yourselves. Everyone has a choice—you simply made the wrong one."
A white flame ignited in Mu Feng's palm. With a flick, it landed on one of the corpses, quickly engulfing all of them. The inn was soon filled with the stench of burning flesh.
Sins, slaughter, years of cultivation—all reduced to ashes.
"In this life, I am the Asura. Beneath my blade lies a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood."
Stepping out of the inn, Mu Feng found the others waiting. Among them were a middle-aged man, an innkeeper, and a cook. Behind him, the inn began to burn, flames licking hungrily at the structure.
With a flick of his wrist, Mu Feng produced a large leather pouch filled with gold coins and tossed it to the middle-aged man. "Rebuild the inn. You know what to say and what to keep quiet about, don't you?"
"Y-yes, young master! Thank you, young master. Rest assured, we saw nothing and know nothing about tonight," the man stammered, accepting the pouch with trembling hands. The amount was more than enough to rebuild an even grander inn.
"Young Master Feng, what's our next move?" Mu Hai asked, now accustomed to seeking advice from this teenage boy. No one regarded the fifteen-year-old Mu Feng as a mere child anymore.
"Gather our forces tonight. We're wiping out the Huang family," Mu Feng declared calmly, though his words carried a chilling determination.
Mu Hai nodded. After killing Huang Tai tonight, reconciliation was no longer possible. The best course was to strike the Huang family before they could retaliate.
The group rode back to An Nan City under the cover of darkness. The three wagons, supposedly carrying weapons, were filled with nothing but stones.
By the time they returned to the Mu family residence, it was close to midnight.
At the estate, over sixty Purple Palace Realm disciples and two hundred high-level Meridian Opening Realm disciples had assembled. The seven Qi Condensation Realm elders, including Mu Hai and Mu Zhong, stood among them. Mu Feng stood at the forefront, surveying the gathered force.
This was the martial power of just one branch of the Mu family—a force that ranked them among the top three factions in An Nan City. Considering the Mu clan's former strength, it was no wonder they once held significant sway in Nan Ling Kingdom, with a quarter of the Mu family army composed of their kin.
Some disciples, unaware of the current situation, looked to their leaders in confusion.
"A while ago, the Mu family's goods were hijacked, resulting in the deaths of more than ten of our disciples. I'm sure many of you are aware of this incident," Mu Hai began.
"Do we know who's responsible?" one disciple asked, his tone heavy with anger.
"My younger brother was among those killed. If the culprits have been identified, I'll personally see to their end!" another cried.
Mu Hai continued, "Our young master, Mu Feng, has uncovered the truth. It was the Huang family. Tonight, they attempted another ambush on our goods, but we laid a trap. All of their attackers were slain. Now, only the Huang family remains. Tell me, what should we do?"
"What? The Huang family?"
"It must be true. Young Master Feng even killed four of their elders and Huang Tai tonight," another affirmed.
"Kill them! Avenge our fallen brothers!"
The crowd erupted into fervent cries for vengeance.
Mu Feng raised a hand, and the group quieted, their attention fixed on him.
"The Huang family must be eradicated. But remember, ordinary people are off-limits. Only their martial forces shall be dealt with. Let us avenge our brothers without harming innocents," Mu Feng declared, setting a firm boundary.
The crowd nodded in agreement.
"Good. Go back and change into proper attire. Assemble here shortly," Mu Hai ordered, dismissing the group. Stealth was essential for such an operation, as the authorities would not turn a blind eye to blatant slaughter.
The night was cold, and winter winds howled, carrying a bone-chilling frost. Snow began to fall, blanketing the ground in white.
The Huang family estate sprawled over several acres. At its entrance, four guards in heavy winter clothing stood chatting.
"Gods, it's freezing! Still half an hour until the shift ends. First thing after, I'm heading to Spring Blossom Pavilion for some warmth," one guard grumbled, rubbing his hands.
"Agreed. Winter night shifts are the worst," another sighed, blowing into his hands for warmth.
Whizz!
A sharp sound cut through the night.
Thud!
An arrow pierced the first guard's head, and he collapsed, eyes wide in shock. Before the others could react, more arrows followed, striking them down one by one. Their blood stained the freshly fallen snow.
Moments later, a group of figures in dark clothing and masks emerged from the shadows. Stepping over the bodies, they pushed open the gates and stormed into the Huang family estate.