Chapter 110: Return to the Capital

Chapter 110: Return to the CapitalThe Mu Family Hall

"Master Feng, are you heading back to the capital?" Mu Hai asked, his voice tinged with reluctance as Mu Feng and his companions prepared to leave.

"Yes, Uncle Hai. There's still some time before the Royal Academy's spring admissions, but I have other matters to attend to in the capital," Mu Feng explained, bowing respectfully. Behind him, Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang followed suit.

"Master Feng, you've done so much for our branch family. We're honored to have had you here," Mu Hai said, quickly helping them rise, his expression filled with pride.

Parting Gifts

Mu Feng retrieved a jade bottle from his ring, offering it to Mu Hai. Inside was a precious fourth-grade Blood Spirit Pill, refined from the blood essence of a Condensed Qi-tier expert.

"This is for you, Uncle Hai. It may help you break through your current bottleneck," Mu Feng said with a warm smile.

Mu Hai's hands trembled as he accepted the priceless pill, his voice shaky. "Master Feng, this... this is too much!"

"Uncle Hai, its true value lies in helping you. Please accept it," Mu Feng insisted.

Turning to Fu Bo, Mu Feng handed him a pouch. "And these are five spirit stones for you. Take them as a token of my gratitude."

Fu Bo's eyes reddened with emotion as he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Feng. Your kindness will not be forgotten."

Mu Feng continued, placing several scrolls on the table. "Here are one profound-grade and three yellow-grade martial techniques. These are for the family. Outstanding disciples may train in them."

The announcement caused both men to light up with excitement. A profound-grade technique was a treasure even the main family rarely shared with branch members.

A Farewell at the Cemetery

Before leaving, the trio visited the family's cemetery. Among the many fresh graves was that of Mu Zhong, their mentor and guardian, lost in the attack over a year ago.

Bai Ziyue knelt before the grave, tears streaming down his face. "Uncle Zhong, I'll never forget your guidance. I promise to make you proud. Someday, I'll become a sword immortal who makes your name shine."

Mu Feng, his voice solemn, vowed, "Uncle Zhong, rest assured. Your sacrifices will not be in vain. One day, I'll return to settle the score with Nan Hao and avenge you and the Mu family."

Together, they poured wine over the graves and swore their oaths. "Mu family disciples!" Mu Feng called out, his voice resonating.

"Stand tall in life! Never bow!" Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang echoed.

With that, they rode away from the cemetery, leaving their promises and their grief behind as they galloped toward their future.

Return to the Capital

The journey from An Nan City to the capital spanned over a thousand miles. Riding their formidable mounts—each a Purple Qi-tier beast—the group made the trip in just over a day.

By midday on the second day, the massive outline of the South Ling Capital loomed on the horizon.

"South Ling Capital…" Mu Feng murmured, his voice carrying both nostalgia and determination. Beneath his mask, his crimson eyes reflected his resolve.

The last time he had left, he had been a disgraced youth, burdened with the label of "waste." This time, he would return as a force to be reckoned with.

An Incident on the Streets

The bustling streets of the capital teemed with life as the trio entered the city, drawing only mild curiosity despite their imposing mounts. Such sights were common in the capital, a melting pot of factions and powerhouses.

As they navigated the crowded streets, a loud commotion arose behind them.

"Make way! Clear the road!" shouted a burly man, cracking a long whip as a procession of riders and a luxurious carriage barreled through.

The street cleared rapidly, but Bai Ziyue, distracted by the sights, moved a second too late. The whip lashed across his face, leaving a stinging red mark.

"Damn you!" Bai Ziyue snarled. With a quick leap, he grabbed the whip and yanked the rider off his mount. The man screamed as he hit the ground, only to be trampled by another beast.

The procession screeched to a halt, and the luxurious carriage swayed dangerously before settling.

From inside came an imperious female voice. "What's going on out there?"

Mu Feng dismounted calmly, his masked visage turning toward the commotion. As the carriage door opened, a strikingly dressed noblewoman emerged, her face sharp with anger. "Who dares disrupt my procession?"

Bai Ziyue, still seething, pointed at the woman. "Your people injured me first! Are the streets of the capital only for your use?"

The woman's guards stepped forward, hands on their weapons. "Impudent! Do you know whose carriage this is?"

Before they could act, Mu Feng's icy voice cut through the tension. "Enough."

Even behind the mask, his aura was commanding. He stepped forward, meeting the noblewoman's gaze. "Apologize to my companion, or we'll see who truly holds power here."

The street fell silent, all eyes on the confrontation between the masked youth and the noblewoman.