Chapter 161: A New Conspiracy
In the sky above the academy, two figures observed the bustling activity below.
"The two youngsters—one is Mu Feng, the Lingbone of the Nanling Mu family, and the other appears to be an unknown spiritual physique," one of the figures commented. The speaker, a man in his fifties with slightly graying hair, wore a simple white robe. His eyes shone with wisdom, and his robust vitality suggested immense power.
The other figure, a slightly portly man dressed in an opulent blue robe, was none other than Wu Yi, a high-ranking member of the academy.
A Secret Discussion
"Yes, that's correct," Wu Yi replied. "When we first scouted for recruits last term, we heard rumors that Mu Feng's meridians had been shattered. Yet this year, not only is he fully recovered, but his cultivation is also extraordinary. It seems that the shattered meridians story was a ruse by the Mu family to conceal his true potential."
"Understandable," said the white-robed elder, none other than Dean Chen Feng of Tianyun Academy. "The Mu family is struggling to survive under Nanhao's shadow. To keep Mu Feng safe, they likely needed a cover story."
Wu Yi frowned slightly. "But during this year's entrance assessment, Mu Feng injured Elder Zhao Heng, even blinding him in one eye. Zhao Heng has close ties with Nanhao and may not let this slide."
"Zhao Heng has indeed grown uncomfortably close to Nanhao," Dean Chen replied with a faint sigh. "Tianyun Academy's strength comes from remaining neutral in regional conflicts. As long as Zhao Heng doesn't cross the line, we'll leave him be."
Wu Yi hesitated before voicing another concern. "What if he targets these two students? Both are rare talents. They could secure great prestige for the academy in the upcoming Northern Yuan Martial Institute Competition."
Chen Feng smiled slightly. "A blade must endure sharpening before it can become a sword. If Zhao Heng pushes them, it might be the challenge they need to grow stronger. As long as he doesn't act too blatantly, we'll let events play out naturally."
Back to the Residence
After returning to their dormitory, Mu Feng and Bai Ziyue gave Mu Kuang a thousand credits each as compensation for missing the recent mission. Mu Kuang was still visibly disappointed at being left behind but seemed heartened by their success.
Mu Feng then made his way to the women's dormitory area, heading toward Yun Qingwan's quarters. Between the men's and women's living quarters lay a lush maple grove, often used as a rendezvous for couples.
Spring had painted the grove in fresh greens, and young couples strolled leisurely along the shaded paths.
Walking side by side with Yun Qingwan, Mu Feng gently held her hand. Her bright smile radiated warmth, and she looked at him with a contented glow.
"What's so funny?" Mu Feng asked, lightly pinching her cheek.
"I'm just happy," she replied softly. "Happy to have this life."
Mu Feng smiled and reassured her, "You'll have many more days like this."
Memories of Childhood
Squatting down, Mu Feng grinned. "Hop on."
Yun Qingwan hesitated, glancing around at the nearby couples. Embarrassed but giggling, she climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Mu Feng began walking, laughing as he spoke. "Remember when we were kids? You loved piggyback rides. Back then, you always had two runny streaks under your nose and were a chubby little girl. Now look at you—no more snotty nose, and you've grown into a stunning beauty."
"Stop it! That was ages ago! And don't you dare call me snot-nosed!" she protested, pulling his ear playfully.
"All right, fine. No more snot-nosed. But how about chubby girl?" he teased.
"You're asking for it!" she exclaimed, laughing as she smacked his shoulder.
Mu Feng took off running, carrying her through the grove, their laughter echoing among the trees.
A Shadow Lurks
Unbeknownst to the couple, a figure stood in the distance, watching their playful exchange. Silently, the observer turned and disappeared into the shadows.
A Plot Unfolds
Within the Inner Academy, in the estate belonging to Nan Ling, tension simmered.
"You're telling me that Mu Feng returned alive?" Nan Ling asked, his expression darkening.
"Yes," replied a disciple of the Northern King's faction. "I saw him today in the maple grove with Yun Qingwan."
Nan Ling clenched his fist, his voice cold. "What were Qian Xin and the others doing? They couldn't even handle two lowly Purple Palace brats?"
The disciple hesitated before replying, "Given that Mu Feng is alive and Qian Xin hasn't returned, I fear the worst."
"You're saying Mu Feng might have killed them?" Nan Ling's disbelief was evident. "Qian Xin is a Condensed Core expert!"
"It's possible," the disciple said cautiously. "But even if Mu Feng lacks the strength, someone from the Mu family or even his sister, Mu Linger, could have intervened. It's not impossible they were being secretly protected."
Nan Ling mulled this over, his face dark with anger. "So you're saying we're powerless against him? We can't touch him inside the academy, and we can't reach him outside?"
"Your Highness, killing doesn't always require a sword. A well-laid plan can do the work for us," the disciple replied with a sly grin.
Nan Ling's interest piqued. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"
The disciple leaned close, whispering his scheme. Nan Ling's initial frown transformed into a wicked smile.
"Excellent," he said. "We'll proceed with your plan. But to pull this off, we'll need a loyal pawn willing to die for the cause."
The disciple smirked. "No need for that, Your Highness. On a recent mission, I acquired a potent and undetectable poison…"