Chapter 69: A Fiery Youth

Chapter 69: A Fiery Youth

"So, just moments ago, you were loudly proclaiming what kind of fate you had in store for me, Mu Feng. I came, Wang Yue. Now, why are you cowering?" Mu Feng smirked coldly, his tone dripping with mockery.

"Who the hell are you to talk so big, kid? Yue-ge, we'll teach him a lesson for you!" one of the Wang family boys snarled, clearly unfamiliar with Mu Feng.

At once, seven Wang family youths surrounded Mu Feng, their expressions filled with hostility.

"You think you're qualified to lay a hand on my Feng-ge? You lot are nothing but trash!" Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue stepped forward, their voices filled with disdain as they shielded Mu Feng.

"Hah! Afraid of you? Brothers, attack! Let's beat them down!" one of the Wang family boys shouted, rallying his companions. The seven of them charged as one.

A Display of Strength

Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue stepped forward in unison, white energy rippling outward as their Purple Palace Realm auras filled the air. With a burst of speed, they closed the distance between themselves and their opponents.

Two Wang family youths targeted Mu Kuang, launching simultaneous punches. But instead of dodging, Mu Kuang stood his ground. Their fists connected with a shimmering white energy barrier that surrounded him, their force deflected harmlessly.

Mu Kuang sneered. Grabbing both of their wrists, he lifted the two men with a display of overwhelming strength. With a roar, he slammed them into the ground, leaving them dazed and bleeding.

Turning to another opponent, Mu Kuang's leg shot out in a devastating kick. The unfortunate recipient was sent flying seven or eight meters before crashing to the ground, clutching his ribs in agony.

Bai Ziyue, meanwhile, fought with precision. Using his sheathed sword, he unleashed a flurry of strikes. The scabbard's impact left two of his opponents reeling, their faces swollen and bloodied.

Even Mu Lan, unwilling to be outdone, entered the fray. With a graceful leap, she delivered a spinning kick that struck one of the Wang youths squarely in the face, sending him flying into a nearby food stall. The boiling soup and burning coals on the stall ensured his screams echoed long after the fight was over.

Victory

In mere moments, the seven Wang family boys lay sprawled across the street, groaning in pain. The onlookers were stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Such strength!"

"Who are these young masters? Their talent is incredible!"

Even Mu Li and Mu Cang, who had been beaten by Wang Yue's gang earlier, were in awe of the display. They hadn't realized how powerful Mu Feng's companions were, nor how much Mu Lan had grown under Mu Feng's guidance.

Wang Yue, now standing alone, looked around at his fallen comrades. His face turned pale as he watched Mu Feng approach, his fear palpable.

"Mu Feng, there's no need to go too far. Let's leave some room for reconciliation in the future," Wang Yue stammered, trying to maintain a facade of confidence.

Mu Feng chuckled. "Oh, now you're afraid? Weren't you the one who refused to show me respect earlier? Respect is mutual, Wang Yue."

Realizing he was cornered, Wang Yue's pride and fear clashed. His face twisted with rage as he drew his sword, roaring, "Damn it, I'll fight you!"

A One-Sided Duel

Wang Yue's sword glinted as he slashed toward Mu Feng. But Mu Feng sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid. Before Wang Yue could react, a golden flash erupted from Mu Feng's fingers.

Thwack!

The energy pierced Wang Yue's arm, leaving a bloody hole. With a scream, Wang Yue dropped his sword, clutching his injured arm.

In a flash, Mu Feng closed the distance. He grabbed Wang Yue by the throat and lifted him off the ground. Wang Yue's face turned red as he clawed at Mu Feng's grip, his legs flailing helplessly.

"Listen, Wang Yue," Mu Feng said, his voice icy. "I told you before—stay humble. You're not my equal in the Way of Inscription, and you're even less of a match for me in combat."

Wang Yue gasped, tears forming in his eyes. "P-please, I'm sorry! Forgive me, Feng-ge!" he croaked.

With a dismissive snort, Mu Feng released him, letting Wang Yue collapse onto the ground, coughing and gasping for air.

A Lesson in Humility

As Wang Yue tried to crawl away, Mu Feng called out, "Wait."

Wang Yue froze, his shoulders trembling. "Y-yes, Feng-ge?"

"You're not leaving until you apologize to my brothers," Mu Feng said, gesturing toward the injured Mu Li and Mu Cang.

Wang Yue clenched his fists but had no choice. He turned to the Mu family disciples, bowing low. "I'm sorry!"

"Louder," Mu Feng demanded.

"I'M SORRY!" Wang Yue and his remaining companions shouted in unison, their voices echoing down the street.

Satisfied, Mu Feng waved them off. "Good. Now, go reflect on your behavior. And remember, stay humble."

The Wang family youths fled, their tails between their legs, while the crowd murmured in admiration for Mu Feng's dominance.

Reconciliation

As Mu Feng turned to leave, Mu Li called out hesitantly, "Feng-ge!"

Mu Feng paused, glancing back. "What is it?"

Bowing his head, Mu Li said, "Thank you. And… I'm sorry for the past. Please don't hold it against us."

Mu Cang and the others followed suit, their voices filled with sincerity. "We're sorry, Feng-ge."

Mu Feng smiled, his expression softening. "We're family. Arguments happen. Let's leave it in the past."

He clapped them on the shoulders, his warmth dissolving the lingering tension. "Now, let's celebrate the new year together. Drinks are on me!"

The group erupted in cheers, their voices carrying through the snowy streets. Together, they disappeared into the bustling city, their laughter a testament to the bonds they shared.

In the end, Mu Feng's strength was not just in his power but in his ability to lead, unite, and inspire those around him.