Chapter 66: Restoration of Power
Chapter 66: Restoration of Power
"Young Friend Mu, we won't keep you any longer. Do visit Wanbao Pavilion when you have time. I'll send the recommendation letter to you shortly," Elder Qian said warmly before leaving.
"Take care, Elder Qian," Mu Feng replied, personally seeing off Elder Qian and Shopkeeper Li.
As Mu Feng returned, Mu Hai turned his attention to Wang Bin, Zhou Wu, and Wang Yue, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Patriarch Wang, about those assets—how shall we divide them now?"
Wang Bin's face turned bitter. He had hoped to pressure the Mu family by leveraging his son Wang Yue's potential admission to the Inscription Hall, only to be humiliated by Mu Feng's incredible display of talent. Now, he could only swallow his pride.
"Patriarch Mu, you're joking. The Huang family's assets are yours. You decide how to allocate them," Wang Bin said with forced politeness, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Meanwhile, Zhou Wu silently cursed Wang Yue. In his eagerness to ingratiate himself with the Wang family, he had managed to offend Mu Feng—a true prodigy. If Mu Feng gained influence within the Inscription Hall, Zhou Wu's future would be bleak.
"Haha, since you insist, we won't hold back. How about an 80-20 split in our favor?" Mu Hai said with a grin, savoring Wang Bin's discomfort.
Wang Bin could only nod in defeat. "Eighty-twenty it is."
The Wang family knew resistance was futile. The Mu family's acquisition of the Huang family's vast assets would soon make them the dominant power in An Nan City.
"Well then, we'll take our leave," Wang Bin said, eager to escape his humiliation.
"Don't let us keep you," Mu Hai replied with a dismissive wave.
"Wait."
Mu Feng stepped forward, stopping Wang Yue. The younger Wang flinched, instinctively covering his face.
"Relax, I'm not going to hit you this time," Mu Feng said with a smirk, pinching Wang Yue's cheek playfully. "But let me give you some advice: never be too arrogant. Today you may be smug, but tomorrow, I might be the king. Life is long, and only those who laugh last truly win. By the way, nice cheek elasticity," he added, chuckling as Wang Yue fumed silently.
The Wang family left in disgrace, and the Mu family erupted into hearty laughter.
After the Wang family's departure, Mu Hai turned to Mu Feng. "Are you sure you don't want to train at the Inscription Hall?"
"Young Master, it's an excellent opportunity," Elder Fu chimed in.
Mu Feng shook his head, his gaze steady. "I plan to attend the Royal Academy. There's someone waiting for me there."
At the thought of that person, Mu Feng's eyes softened.
She was his childhood friend, the one who had silently supported him through every challenge. She was the one person he could never let down.
"Fine. You have your reasons. The family will support you fully. If you need anything, just ask," Mu Hai said with a sigh, choosing not to press further.
Later, Mu Feng distributed Blood Pills to Bai Ziyue, Mu Kuang, and Xiao Lan before retreating to cultivate in solitude.
A Month Later
In his training chamber, Mu Feng sat cross-legged, refining a Second-Rank Blood Pill. Pure energy flowed into his dantian, forming a third vortex of Qi.
Opening his eyes, Mu Feng smiled. His cultivation had finally advanced to the third level of the Purple Palace Realm, a milestone marking the peak of the Minor Heavenly Stage.
The Purple Palace Realm was divided into three stages: Minor Heavenly Stage (levels 1-3), Middle Heavenly Stage (levels 4-6), and Major Heavenly Stage (levels 7-9).
Not only had Mu Feng recovered his former peak, but he had grown stronger than ever.
Stretching, Mu Feng glanced at the sleeping white flood dragon beside him. Now seven meters long and as thick as a bowl, Xiao Tian had transformed into a magnificent beast.
Its snowy white scales shimmered like jade, a blood-red stripe running from head to tail. Atop its head, a small crimson horn had begun to grow.
"Xiao Tian, wake up. Let's get some fresh air," Mu Feng called.
"Raaawr," Xiao Tian growled softly, its dark golden eyes opening. The massive beast coiled affectionately around Mu Feng, its head rubbing against his cheek.
Despite its fearsome appearance, Xiao Tian displayed nothing but loyalty and affection toward Mu Feng, thanks to the master-servant sigil inscribed by Xiyue.
"Alright, alright. Shrink down a bit. You'll scare people," Mu Feng said, stroking its head.
Obeying, Xiao Tian's massive body shrank to just three feet, curling up in Mu Feng's arms like a contented pet.
Stepping outside, Mu Feng was greeted by a snow-blanketed landscape. The houses, trees, and courtyards were covered in pristine white, with snowflakes still drifting gently from the sky.
Tomorrow was the Lunar New Year, and An Nan City was alive with festive decorations.
"Young Master!"
A Mu family disciple approached, holding a wooden box. "This arrived for you from Tianyun Pavilion, sent by the Royal Academy."
"The Royal Academy?" Mu Feng murmured, accepting the box. Could it be a letter from Wan'er?
Opening the box, he found a white jade bottle containing a single, thumb-sized green pill. Its rich fragrance filled the air, and six intricate patterns adorned its surface.
"A Six-Rank Spirit Pill!" Mu Feng exclaimed, his eyes widening. This pill was worth over a million gold coins—a treasure beyond imagination.
Alongside the pill was a letter. As Mu Feng read it, his vision blurred with emotion.
Dear Xiao Feng,
This is a Six-Rank Spirit Pill. It will heal the injuries to your energy meridians. Make sure to take it.
How are you doing? Do you miss your sister? You little rascal, you never write back. I'm waiting for the day you come to the Royal Academy. Wan'er is doing well here under my care, so don't worry.
—Mu Ling'er
Tears welled in Mu Feng's eyes as he clutched the letter and the jade bottle.
In this world, there exists a love that asks for nothing in return—a bond we call family.
True, not all familial bonds are selfless. But when they are, they transcend all else. Even love, at its deepest, is an extension of this bond.
"Big Sister…" Mu Feng whispered, his heart filled with warmth and gratitude.