Chapter 113: You’re Not Qualified

Chapter 113: You're Not Qualified

As Mu Chen struck out with a powerful palm, carrying immense energy capable of obliterating a Condensed Qi Stage cultivator like Master Zhang in an instant, terror flashed across Zhang's face.

Just then, Lu Chuxue stepped forward, her hand glowing with red energy as she met Mu Chen's palm head-on.

Boom!

The clash of energies rippled through the hall, shattering chairs and tables. Lu Chuxue staggered back several steps, her eyes cold as she glared at Mu Chen. "Mu Chen, are you declaring war?"

Mu Chen shot her an icy look. "Get out of my way. This is a family matter."

"How laughable," Zhang sneered, emboldened by Lu Chuxue's presence. "I'm no longer part of your Mu family. I've pledged my allegiance to the Northern King."

"You—!" Mu Chen trembled with rage, unable to find words to express his fury.

"Did you hear that?" Lu Chuxue taunted, her tone dripping with mockery. "He's now under the Northern King's protection. Think carefully about the consequences of harming him."

"Ungrateful wretch!" Mu Chen's face flushed with anger. Betrayal like this would enrage anyone.

At that moment, a calm voice cut through the tension. "Uncle, let it go. What use do we have for a dog that doesn't recognize its master? If he wants to leave, let him."

Everyone turned to look at the white-haired, masked figure who had been silent until now. Both Lu Chuxue and Zhang regarded the stranger with curiosity.

Lu Chuxue extended her soul energy toward the masked figure, attempting to probe beneath his mask. However, she was immediately blocked. The mask was inscribed with energy-blocking runes, preventing any soul-level detection.

The masked man stepped forward, his crimson eyes cold as he addressed Zhang. "Remember this: everything you have today came from the Mu family. One day, we'll take it all back. You're just a second-tier alchemist. If you want to leave, then leave. We don't need you."

"You brat, who the hell are you?" Zhang snapped, his confidence bolstered by Lu Chuxue's presence. "This is none of your business. Do you even know how vital my alchemy is to the Mu family? Without me, your family will go bankrupt!"

"Bankrupt?" The masked man chuckled. "How ridiculous. Do you truly think the Mu family depends on you? If you're so confident in your skills, how about a challenge? Let's see who's the better alchemist."

Mu Chen's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to the masked man. "Feng'er, he's a second-tier alchemist. Are you sure?"

"It's fine," Mu Feng replied calmly, not sparing a glance at his uncle. He focused his piercing gaze on Zhang. "Well? Do you dare?"

Zhang laughed derisively. "A challenge? You? Do you even have an alchemist certification? Where's your badge?"

Mu Feng frowned slightly. The badge, issued by the Alchemist Guild, was a formal recognition of one's qualifications. Since he hadn't officially registered, he didn't have one.

"I don't have it yet," Mu Feng admitted.

"Hahaha!" Zhang burst out laughing, turning to Mu Chen. "Patriarch Mu, where did you find this idiot? He's not even a certified alchemist, yet he wants to challenge me? What a joke!"

Mu Feng remained unfazed. "If a badge is all it takes, then give me a few days. I'll get certified and then we'll compete."

"You talk big," Zhang sneered. "Fine. I'll even accompany you to the Alchemist Guild today. If you pass, I'll compete with you. But if you lose, your Mu family must compensate me with 100,000 gold coins."

"Deal," Mu Feng replied without hesitation. "But if you lose, I'll take your hands. Do you dare?"

The sudden boldness in Mu Feng's tone caught everyone off guard. Even Lu Chuxue and Zhang hesitated for a moment, sensing an unshakable confidence emanating from him.

Zhang hesitated briefly before glancing at Mu Chen, noting the patriarch's worried expression. His confidence returned. If this masked boy were truly capable, why would Mu Chen look so concerned? Clearly, this was all a bluff.

"Fine!" Zhang agreed. "But can you make decisions on behalf of the Mu family?"

"I can," Mu Feng said firmly.

"Feng'er, this—" Mu Chen started, but Mu Feng cut him off with a reassuring smile. "Trust me, Uncle."

Reluctantly, Mu Chen nodded, though he couldn't hide his concern. Deep down, he was already bracing for the financial loss.

Lu Chuxue watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. The white-haired youth's voice sounded young, and his confident demeanor intrigued her. Yet, she dismissed any connection to Mu Feng, whom she believed long dead.

"Let's go to the Alchemist Guild now," Zhang said with a smirk. "I'm curious to see just who you are."

Mu Feng said nothing, merely nodding toward Mu Chen. The group exited the hall, where a crowd of Mu family members had gathered, including elders like Mu Ye and Mu Hua.

The family had clearly overheard the heated exchange. Their anger at Zhang was palpable.

"Traitor!"

"Ungrateful wretch!"

As Zhang walked out with Lu Chuxue, he ignored the glares and insults from the Mu family, even mocking them. "Save your energy. Soon, your family will owe me 100,000 gold coins."

The crowd turned their attention to the masked figure. Apart from a few like Mu Chen and Mu Ye, most didn't know his identity.

"Who is he? How could he propose such a reckless challenge? Zhang is a second-tier alchemist!"

"If we lose, the family will be in even greater debt. This is insane!"

Many whispered among themselves, their doubt and resentment toward Mu Feng evident. Only a few remained silent, following the group toward the Alchemist Guild.