Chapter 67: Lantern Festival

Chapter 67: Lantern Festival

Mu Feng gazed at the jade bottle in his hand, filled with gratitude and warmth.

The world might be cold and merciless, but he was not alone. He had people who loved him.

Family love is often overlooked because it feels so natural, so given, that its existence becomes almost invisible. Yet, moments like these remind us of its power to touch and heal.

"A Sixth-Rank Spirit Pill," Xiyue remarked through her spiritual connection, her voice tinged with surprise. "Such a rare item in a small place like this. How did your sister come by it?"

Mu Feng shook his head. He had no idea how Mu Ling'er had acquired such a treasure, but he could easily imagine the effort and sacrifice it must have taken.

Carefully placing the jade bottle and the accompanying letter back into the wooden box, Mu Feng stored it in his spatial ring. Though he no longer needed the pill, it represented his sister's love and care—a bond far more valuable than the item itself.

"Don't worry, Sister," Mu Feng whispered to himself. "I haven't fallen. I'm still the same genius you're proud of. When I come to the Royal Academy, I'll make sure you see me shine."

Resolving to return her kindness, Mu Feng quickly penned two letters. He also placed two jade bottles inside the parcel—one containing three Third-Rank Blood Pills and the other holding six Second-Rank Blood Pills. He handed the package to a trusted disciple for delivery to the Royal Academy.

One letter was addressed to Yun Qingwan, the other to Mu Ling'er, each expressing his gratitude and care.

With this done, Mu Feng made his way to the courtyard where Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue resided.

In the courtyard, two figures sparred fiercely. The clash of blade and sword rang through the crisp air, their movements swift and relentless.

One was a broad-shouldered youth in black, his head wrapped in a dark bandana, wielding a gleaming white blade. His attacks surged like waves, each strike unyielding.

The other was a slender youth in white, his handsome features sharp and focused. He wielded a long sword, its flashing movements ghostly and unpredictable.

Sitting nearby on a stone bench was a young girl dressed in green, her eyes fixed on the duel with rapt attention.

The trio was none other than Mu Kuang, Bai Ziyue, and Mu Lan.

Mu Feng was surprised to sense that Bai Ziyue had already broken through to the First Level of the Purple Palace Realm. His progress was astonishing.

Mu Kuang had also reached the First Level, and his physical strength as a body cultivator made his combat prowess formidable.

The two exchanged a flurry of blows, their strikes sending snowflakes scattering in the air.

With a laugh, Mu Feng drew his blade and leapt into the fray.

"Tiger Slash!"

Mu Feng's strike collided with Mu Kuang's, forcing the latter back two steps.

"Golden Finger!"

A golden streak shot from Mu Feng's hand, deflecting Bai Ziyue's sword and sending him stumbling.

"Well done!" Mu Lan clapped her hands from the sidelines, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Seeing their opponent, Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue exchanged a glance and charged Mu Feng together. The three of them fought fiercely, the snow beneath them churning from the intensity of their movements.

After fifty exchanges, Mu Feng knocked Bai Ziyue's sword aside with a flick of his finger before landing a solid kick that sent him tumbling several meters.

Turning, Mu Feng evaded Mu Kuang's punch with ease, grabbed his arm, and spun him around, delivering a sharp elbow to his armpit. Mu Kuang fell back, landing in the snow with a thud.

Standing tall in the snow, Mu Feng's black robes billowed in the breeze, his long hair fluttering as he surveyed his friends with satisfaction.

"Young Master, you're incredible!" Mu Lan cheered, her admiration plain to see.

Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue climbed to their feet, offering sheepish grins as they saluted him.

"Brother Feng!" they said in unison.

"Not bad," Mu Feng said, nodding approvingly. "You've both made great progress this month. Ziyue, your mastery of the Phantom Sword Technique has reached the Small Accomplishment stage, and you've advanced to the Purple Palace Realm. Impressive!"

"Hehe, it's all thanks to your Blood Pills," Bai Ziyue admitted with a shy laugh.

"Still, we can't match you, Brother Feng," he added with a sigh.

"Ha! I've been honing my skills on the battlefield for years. If you could beat me so easily, I'd be ashamed!" Mu Feng joked, his voice full of camaraderie.

"Young Master," Mu Lan interrupted, "tomorrow is the Lunar New Year. Tonight, there's a lantern festival in An Nan City. Let's go have some fun!"

Mu Feng considered for a moment before nodding. "Why not? A little relaxation won't hurt. Let's go."

Mu Lan beamed, grabbing Mu Feng and Mu Kuang by the hands as they set off. Bai Ziyue followed close behind.

The city streets were alive with laughter and celebration. Lanterns of every color adorned homes and businesses, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowds.

The four strolled through the streets, each holding a skewer of candied hawthorn as they sampled street food and marveled at the festive displays.

For Mu Feng, it was a rare moment of peace. After months of tension and loss, the simple joy of companionship and laughter felt like a balm to his soul.

As he watched Bai Ziyue and Mu Lan playfully bicker over a snack, Mu Feng smiled. This was the life he had missed—the camaraderie, the light-hearted fun.

But the peace was shattered by a crude voice.

"Well, well, what a pretty little thing."

Four burly, drunken men blocked their path, leering at Mu Lan with predatory grins.

"Hey, sweetheart, why don't you let me have a feel? Just a little fun," one of them sneered, reaching for her.

"How dare you!" Mu Feng's voice was icy as he grabbed the man's wrist and twisted sharply.

Crack!

The sickening sound of bone snapping was followed by a pained scream. The man fell to his knees, clutching his broken arm.

The other three sobered instantly, drawing knives from their belts and rushing at Mu Feng.