Chapter 96: The Looming CrisisThe Plot Unfolds in the Northern King's Mansion
In the capital's Northern King's Mansion, Nan Hao, the Northern King, sat on his throne, sipping tea as he listened to the report of a kneeling young man before him.
"My Lord, we've confirmed that Mu Feng is currently residing at the Mu family's branch in An Nan City. Additionally, my investigation revealed that Mu Feng's shattered meridians have seemingly been restored," Huang Bing reported respectfully.
"What?!"
Nan Hao's eyes flashed with sharp light, and a murderous intent emanated from his expression.
To his side, Duan Qianmou quickly questioned, "Huang Bing, are you certain? Has Mu Feng really recovered his cultivation?"
Huang Bing nodded. "I spent considerable time investigating in An Nan City. Mu Feng even fought with Wang Yue, the eldest son of the An Nan Royal family, demonstrating undeniable strength."
Duan Qianmou furrowed his brows and spoke in a low tone. "Could it be that the Mu family found some rare elixir to heal the boy's shattered meridians?"
Nan Hao's eyes narrowed, his tone icy. "Healing shattered meridians would require a sixth-grade elixir. The Mu family has no access to such resources. I suspect they've deceived us all."
A dangerous glint appeared in his eyes as he continued, "Perhaps Mu Feng's meridians were never broken at all. If that's the case, his talent as a spiritual bone prodigy makes him a threat we cannot allow to exist."
Duan Qianmou gasped, his expression filled with shock. "Are you suggesting that the Mu family spread false information about his meridians to hide his extraordinary talent?"
Nan Hao nodded grimly. "Regardless of the truth, this boy must not be allowed to live. Duan, send Yang, along with the Earth Group Four, to the Mu family's branch. Ensure Mu Feng is eliminated."
Slamming his hand on the armrest, Nan Hao radiated killing intent. Huang Bing's eyes gleamed with delight at the mention of Yang, confident that with this enforcer, Mu Feng and the Mu family were as good as dead.
A Rising Talent in An Nan City
Nearly six months later, at the Mu family's branch in An Nan City, Mu Feng's cultivation room was filled with palpable energy.
Sitting cross-legged in a black robe, the resolute young man refined several Blood Pills, condensing them into pure energy. This energy coalesced into his sixth energy vortex.
Now, Mu Feng had officially stepped into the sixth level of the Purple Mansion Realm, a mid-level powerhouse within the realm.
After completing his cultivation session, Mu Feng took out a carving knife and dipped it in spiritual ink. With meticulous precision, he began engraving lines onto a piece of talisman paper.
Each stroke of the knife was deliberate, maintaining the talisman's integrity—a task requiring immense control. A single mistake would render the talisman useless.
Despite the challenge, Mu Feng's movements were skilled and confident, and a golden glow emanated from the paper as he completed his work.
"Golden Sword Talisman—complete!"
Mu Feng smiled triumphantly, holding the glowing talisman. He immediately went to the courtyard to test its power. Channeling energy into the talisman, he activated it and aimed at a training target.
"Boom!"
A dazzling golden sword light shot out, slicing the target cleanly in two.
"Hahaha! It worked!" Mu Feng laughed, exhilarated by his success. The Golden Sword Talisman was a second-tier attack talisman with power equivalent to a Condensation Realm cultivator's attack. With this success, Mu Feng had officially advanced as a second-tier talisman engraver.
Eager to capitalize on his momentum, he spent the day crafting additional Golden Sword Talismans until he was mentally drained. Knowing these talismans could be life-saving in dire situations, Mu Feng meticulously prepared his arsenal.
Later, he sparred with Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue. Over the past six months, both had progressed rapidly. They had reached the fifth level of the Purple Mansion Realm, their strength nearly on par with Mu Feng's.
However, none of them were aware that danger was rapidly closing in on the Mu family branch.
The Assassins Arrive
Outside An Nan City, a group of fifty black-clad figures marched along the main road, their faces hidden beneath dark hoods. At the forefront was a middle-aged man riding a massive black panther. His cold eyes and the potent energy emanating from him made his presence intimidating.
Beside him rode Huang Bing, who spoke respectfully. "Master Yang, the city ahead is An Nan, where the Mu family's ancestral branch resides."
The man, addressed as Yang, looked toward the city. "Mu Feng is there as well?"
"Yes, Master Yang. He resides in the Mu family branch," Huang Bing confirmed.
Yang's eyes gleamed with murderous intent. "Let's go."
The group advanced toward the city gates. Their mysterious attire drew the attention of the guards, who stepped forward to intercept them.
"Halt! Who are you? Why are you dressed so suspiciously?" one guard demanded.
Huang Bing sneered and produced a golden token, tossing it to the guard. Recognizing the token, the guard's expression changed to one of fear. Bowing respectfully, he returned the token and stepped aside.
"Make way for the esteemed guests! Do not draw attention!" Huang Bing ordered coldly.
The guards hurriedly cleared the path, and the group entered the city unimpeded.
As the figures disappeared into the streets, one curious soldier asked his superior, "Who were those people? They looked dangerous."
The sergeant whispered urgently, "Keep your voice down! They're from the Northern King's faction. We can't afford to provoke them."
The Infiltration Begins
By nightfall, the black-clad figures had taken over an inn near the Mu family estate. At the stroke of midnight, when the streets were deserted under the city's curfew, they moved silently under the cover of darkness.
At the Mu family's gates, four young guards stood vigil, lanterns illuminating the quiet night.
Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared down the street. Though initially distant, in the blink of an eye, the figure was right before them.
The guards froze in shock, unable to react. The intruder raised his hand, and four yellow streaks of energy shot from his fingers, piercing their foreheads. The guards fell lifeless to the ground, their blood pooling on the cobblestones.
Moments later, the rest of the black-clad group emerged from the shadows and stormed through the gates.
The night had only just begun, but the Mu family was already in grave danger.