Mu Feng

Mu Feng

The city of Ginkou buzzed with excitement as an increasing number of cultivators from Grand Xia converged there. Conversations all across the continent revolved around a singular topic—the upcoming Heavenly Fate Rankings.

With just three days left before the initiation of the pilgrimage to the Ancient Kingdom, the fierce contest for the Heavenly Fate Rankings was about to commence.

High above the Ginkou Continent's skyline, powerful experts and riders on demonic beast mounts cut through the air. The sheer influx of cultivators heading to Ginkou seemed endless, creating a continuous stream of visitors.

Outside the grand entrance of the Ancient Kingdom, the vast expanse of land was teeming with figures, all gazing at the imposing sight before them. Rising high like an architectural marvel were the ninety-nine azure dragon stone steps, spiraling upward and piercing the clouds. This stairway, an awe-inspiring path, marked the gateway to the Ancient Kingdom.

Among the gathered crowd were numerous young and talented individuals of the newer generation. Their eyes were fixed upon the ancient pathway, filled with an eager anticipation. The fire of ambition burned within them, and the upcoming battle seemed to promise a chance for instant fame.

How many of these aspiring cultivators had poured their sweat and effort into preparing for this day? Succeeding in this battle could secure them a place among the Heavenly Fate Rankings, propelling their future onto a path of glory and prosperity. Transcendent powers would vie to recruit such talents, showering them with attention and resources. Among the victors, a few might even rise to the position of core disciples.

Of course, not everyone's motives were the same. Some joined the fray merely to gauge their own skills against other exceptional talents, seeking to push their limits and advance without hesitation.

"It's said that the Ancient Kingdom harbors the Emperor's Destiny. A truly exceptional performance might grant one the chance to acquire this destiny, altering their future and significantly enhancing their fortune," a young man and woman conversed, their voices brimming with hope.

Yet, amid the throng of hopeful participants, there were also those with different agendas. Shu Ruanyu, hailing from the Moon Continent, stood in a secluded corner, her demeanor emanating an air of coldness.

Once upon a time, she had been engaged to Yang Fan, selected for her exceptional prowess to marry into the Star-Seizing Manor. Little did she know that her life would take an unexpected turn after being abducted by Qin Wentian. The Star-Seizing Manor cast doubts on her chastity, and even Yang Fan started avoiding her. Fueled by anger, she initiated their breakup, effectively dissolving the marriage arrangement.

In the present, the suppressed frustration within her remained unresolved. She yearned to avenge herself on Qin Wentian, but his whereabouts remained a mystery. Taking a calculated gamble, she ventured to Ginkou, hoping to cross paths with him there.

Surveying her surroundings, Shu Ruanyu spotted two figures nearby—an elder and a youth. Both emanated an air of extraordinary presence. The older man broke the silence, addressing the younger one, "Di Feng, are you prepared for the ranking battle?"

Di Feng's gaze fixed on the Ancient Kingdom ahead, an ignited fire burning within him. A confident smile graced his lips as he replied in a low tone, "I've come solely to claim the top spot."

"For years, you've stayed concealed, all for the sake of astounding Grand Xia with this singular battle. This ranking match holds immense significance for you. Winning the first place will solidify your standing and reveal your true identity," the elder murmured, his voice composed. He continued, "Remember, your opponents are no ordinary contenders this time. Chen Wang and Shi Potian have deliberately suppressed their cultivation to avoid entering the Heavenly Dipper Realm. They will be formidable adversaries."

Di Feng nodded, unyielding in his confidence.

"We'll return in three days," the old man stated softly before departing with Di Feng. Their exchange piqued Shu Ruanyu's interest. How audacious of him to declare his intent to secure the number one position. Moreover, the elder seemed utterly convinced that only Chen Wang and Shi Potian could challenge Di Feng.

Among the top contenders on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, the first-ranked Hua Taixu and fourth-ranked Jing Wu had both ascended to the Heavenly Dipper Realm. The remaining powerhouses, Chen Wang, Shi Potian, and Emperor Azure, had chosen not to surpass this realm.

Little did she know, Di Feng and Emperor Azure were one and the same—the enigmatic figure atop the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

As Shu Ruanyu's attention shifted, her eyes widened at a peculiar occurrence. Di Feng and the elder halted, both glancing to their right.

Two eccentric silhouettes emerged beside them, catching everyone's gaze.

A figure emerged from the crowd—a woman draped in tattered garments, smeared with mud and hair in disarray. Her eyes, however, sparkled with vitality, deep and lucid. Now and then, she glanced back at the person trailing behind her, anxiety apparent in her clear gaze.

Despite her youthful appearance, her eyes held wisdom beyond her years. She was currently hauling a dilapidated bamboo pallet, with a person perched upon it.

His complexion bore a sickly, blackish tinge, akin to the hue of poison seeping through his veins. Strangely, an aura of malevolence radiated from him, repelling those nearby and causing them to keep their distance.

"A cripple like him dares to enter the ranking battle?" a passerby remarked, prompting disdainful glances and mocking expressions from the surrounding onlookers.

The ragged woman's brows furrowed, anger coloring her features. "Don't speak of my brother Feng that way. He's not a cripple."

"Quite the fiery beggar girl, aren't you? Brother Feng? Quite an intimate term. How old are you, little girl? His lover, perhaps?" the mocker from earlier retorted, yet the man on the bamboo pallet remained eerily still, not reacting even slightly.

"Move aside." The girl muttered under her breath, annoyance seeping into her tone as the mocker deliberately obstructed her path.

"Hey, hey, fiery and feisty. A bath and clean clothes could do wonders for you. Want to share a bath with me?" The mocker jeered, joined by his two companions in laughter.

Then, the seemingly lifeless man on the pallet twitched his eyelids. Slowly, he opened his eyes and fixed a piercing gaze upon them.

As the mocker and his comrades continued their taunts, the eyes of the previously silent man finally flickered with movement. His gaze bore into them.

In an instant, the mocker and his companions convulsed, bodies trembling uncontrollably. Their faces darkened, their breaths ragged as white foam bubbled from their mouths. Then, they collapsed—lifeless.

A stunned hush fell over the spectators. What had just occurred?

The fallen men's bodies lay still, faces ashen and devoid of life.

A look of astonishment painted Shu Ruanyu's face. The young man on the bamboo pallet was truly terrifying—just a mere twitch of his eyes had resulted in the demise of those ruffians who taunted the girl. Could it be that they had died from his glance alone?

"Feng gege, can't you be gentler?" The girl's voice held a hint of sadness as she turned towards the young man. Witnessing the death of those men appeared to wound her deeply.

"I'm here. You can go now," the young man finally spoke, his voice an icy blade that could pierce through bone.

"I'm not going anywhere. You can't chase me away," the girl pouted, her determination evident.

"Leave," the young man's gaze turned piercing as his voice held an edge of menace. Yet, despite his threat, the girl met his gaze without a hint of fear. "No matter what you've become, I won't abandon you. I love you. Even if you kill me, I won't leave."

His eyelids twitched, his expression unreadable.

"Poison—he uses poison. He must have mastered the art of venom manipulation."

Gasps of shock reverberated through the air as the lifeless bodies turned as black as coal—an unmistakable sign of death by potent poison.

As their attention turned back to the young man, the crowd was now devoid of mockery or derision. Instead, they held a palpable fear.

"Could it be him?" A memory jolted in Shu Ruanyu's mind, causing a shiver down her spine.

Mu Feng, the infamous #7 on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. It was rumored that he was one of the youngest ever to make it into the top thirty-six. His expertise in poison was unparalleled, cultivated under the guidance of the dreaded Poison Monarch, a monstrous figure on the Heavenly Dipper Rankings.

Countless stories swirled around Mu Feng, filling the air with rumors and tales.

Rumors abounded about the man, claiming that beneath his lethal mastery of poisons lay an unexpected camaraderie. He was renowned for his heroic, straightforward character, an exemplar of uprightness. Astonishingly, he'd even defied his master, the notorious Poison Monarch, by refusing to kill as part of his poison training. Had the Poison Monarch not recognized his exceptional talent, he might have met his end at his master's hands. Everyone in Grand Xia knew the Poison Monarch as a ruthlessly ruthless man.

However, the crippled young man on the bamboo bed defied these descriptions of Mu Feng. A perpetual sinister glint lingered in his eyes, an aura of death clung to him. Allowing a girl so young to drag him all the way to Ginkou? This behavior was in stark contrast to the Mu Feng described in the tales.

Suddenly, Shu Ruanyu tensed, her gaze narrowing as she fixed her eyes on the horizon.

There he was—Qin Wentian—and that infuriating fatty who had once threatened to strip her when she was captured.

Contemplating the ancient sacred pathway, Qin Wentian felt a sense of awe. This place was exactly as he remembered from the ancient scroll the old man had left him—the Ancient Empire of Grand Xia.

Yet, something was amiss. A strange sensation compelled him to turn around, leading his gaze to meet Shu Ruanyu's. His eyes flickered with curiosity upon noticing her.

Coincidence had brought her here too. Within a year, Shu Ruanyu had reached the ninth level of Yuanfu.

But Qin Wentian sensed yet another pair of eyes upon him. Shifting his gaze, he met the chilling stare of Mu Feng perched on his bamboo bed. The intensity of that gaze was so malevolent it sent shivers down his spine.

Curiosity transformed to unease in Qin Wentian's heart. He had no prior acquaintance with this man, yet Mu Feng regarded him as if he were a mortal enemy.

"Watch out," Qin Wentian murmured, his companions also sensing Mu Feng's ominous presence.

"QIN WENTIAN!"

A voice thundered, echoing as if from the depths of hell. The sound stunned Qin Wentian. Evidently, the speaker knew him, but how? Mu Feng's eyes radiated icy hostility, blended with a sinister taint. The combined effect was ghastly.

"Who are you?" Confusion lined Qin Wentian's face.

"Pretending not to recognize me? How utterly amusing," Mu Feng's intent to kill surged, accompanied by a billowing black aura. An icy chill crept into Qin Wentian's body, as the potent poison of Mu Feng invaded his system.