Chapter 111: The Southern Ling Princess
Chapter 111: The Southern Ling Princess
The luxurious carriage adorned with the Black Tiger Totem, symbolizing the royal family of the Southern Ling Kingdom, had come to an abrupt stop.
A melodious yet commanding voice emerged from within. "What's going on out there?"
The dozen guards quickly encircled Bai Ziyue, their weapons at the ready.
Mu Feng sighed inwardly. Why must trouble find us the moment we enter the capital?
The tension heightened as a burly man, the one Bai Ziyue had dragged off his mount, struggled to his feet, his face flushed with rage. "You dare lay a hand on me, boy?"
Bai Ziyue's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, his eyes flashing with cold determination. Before he could act, Mu Feng stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Bai Ziyue's shoulder and delivering a swift kick to the burly man's chest.
The man flew back several meters, crashing into the ground with a thud.
The guards shouted angrily and unsheathed their weapons. "You're courting death!"
The Appearance of a Princess
The commotion was interrupted by the arrival of a stunning young woman stepping gracefully from the carriage. Her noble aura commanded immediate attention.
With her delicate features, peach-like complexion, and a flowing violet gown, she carried herself with a poise that left no doubt about her identity.
The guards saluted her, bowing deeply. "Your Highness!"
This was Princess Nan Wei'er, the third daughter of the Southern Ling King.
Bai Ziyue froze, captivated by her ethereal beauty. His face flushed as his heart raced uncontrollably.
Mu Feng, however, observed her with a hint of amusement behind his silver mask.
"What happened here?" Nan Wei'er asked, her sharp gaze scanning the scene.
"Your Highness, these insolent commoners blocked the road and caused trouble," one of the guards explained, pointing accusingly at Bai Ziyue and Mu Feng.
Nan Wei'er's eyes flicked over the group, pausing briefly on Mu Feng's silver mask and snow-white hair. She frowned slightly but dismissed the thought.
"Whoever is responsible, drag them out and break their legs," she ordered coldly, turning to leave.
A Familiar Voice
Before the guards could act, a calm yet playful voice reached her ears.
"Little lass, it seems your temper has grown quite a bit in the past two years."
Nan Wei'er froze mid-step, her body trembling slightly. She turned slowly, her wide eyes scanning the crowd. "Who said that?"
The masked figure stepped forward, his tone laced with mockery. "What's this? Has the royal princess learned to flaunt her power by ordering broken legs for trivial matters?"
Her gaze locked onto him, and her voice wavered. "You… Who are you?"
Mu Feng chuckled softly and strode closer. The guards moved to block his path, but an overwhelming aura radiated from him, forcing them to step back instinctively.
This wasn't Mu Feng's power—it was the intimidating aura of his white serpent companion, Xiao Tian, a Condensed Qi-tier beast.
"Stand down," Nan Wei'er commanded, her voice trembling. The guards reluctantly obeyed.
As Mu Feng approached, he reached out and did something that stunned everyone present—he pinched Nan Wei'er's cheek and gave it a playful tug.
"You've gotten bolder, little lass. But this face of yours—still as delicate as ever," he teased.
Recognition and Reconciliation
Nan Wei'er stared at him, her emotions swirling. Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, "You… You're not dead!"
"No, but it was close," Mu Feng replied, a faint smile playing on his lips beneath the mask.
Her eyes turned red, and she punched his chest lightly. "You fool! You disappeared without a word. Do you know how worried I was?!"
Before anyone could react, she threw her arms around him, sobbing quietly.
The guards and onlookers were left speechless. The princess is hugging a man in public?!
Mu Feng sighed. "Alright, alright. You're a princess, remember? Crying in the middle of the street will only invite gossip."
Nan Wei'er wiped her tears and glared at the gawking crowd. "If anyone dares to spread rumors, I'll have their eyes gouged out!"
The bystanders quickly averted their gazes, feigning ignorance.
Old Friends Reunited
"This is… unexpected," Bai Ziyue muttered, finally breaking the silence. His eyes lingered on Nan Wei'er with undisguised admiration.
Mu Feng chuckled and introduced her. "Wei'er, meet my friends: Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang. You already know Mu Kuang."
The two bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Princess Wei'er."
Nan Wei'er offered a polite nod but kept her focus on Mu Feng. "You have a lot to explain," she said firmly.
"Let's find a quieter place," Mu Feng suggested.
At the Teahouse
The group relocated to a private room in a nearby teahouse. After they settled in, Mu Feng shared an abbreviated version of his experiences over the past two years, omitting sensitive details.
When he revealed that his spiritual veins had been restored, Nan Wei'er's expression lit up with joy. "That's wonderful! The Mu family has always been loyal to the royal family. Your recovery is a blessing for us all."
Her tone shifted as she sighed deeply. "But things haven't been easy for the royal family lately."
Mu Feng leaned forward. "What's going on with the royal court?"
Nan Wei'er's face darkened. "The court is divided. Several factions are vying for power, and some nobles have begun openly challenging the authority of the royal family. My father is trying to maintain order, but…"
Her voice trailed off, her worry evident.
Resolving to Act
Mu Feng's crimson eyes burned with determination. "The Mu family owes its rise to the royal family's support. If the court is in turmoil, I'll stand with you when the time comes."
Nan Wei'er smiled faintly, her expression softening. "Thank you, Feng. I knew I could count on you."
Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang exchanged glances, silently resolving to support Mu Feng in whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the tea cooled, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the weight of the royal court's troubles lingered in the air. Mu Feng knew that his return to the capital was just the beginning of a much larger battle.