Chapter 112: Betrayal for Glory

Chapter 112: Betrayal for Glory

"Things look bleak," Nan Wei'er said gravely, her expression tense.

"These past years, my Third Uncle's ambitions have grown unchecked. In the court, it's almost as if he's the sole voice. Many generals and ministers have already pledged loyalty to him," she added, her delicate face turning icy.

Her so-called "Third Uncle" was, of course, Nan Hao.

"How is the king's condition? Hasn't there been any improvement?" Mu Feng asked, frowning.

Years ago, the King of Nanling suffered a severe internal injury due to a mishap while cultivating. He had been in seclusion ever since, trying to heal, which gave Nan Hao the opportunity to stir chaos in the court.

"Not only has my father not recovered, but his condition has worsened," Wei'er said bitterly. "We suspect his injuries might even be connected to Nan Hao. But suspicion alone is useless without proof."

She shook her head with a pained smile.

In the past, General Mu Tian, the loyal servant of the royal family and Mu Feng's father, had kept Nan Hao's ambitions in check. But after Mu Tian's death and the king's injuries, no one remained strong enough to counter Nan Hao.

Besides his growing political power, Nan Hao also wielded great personal strength, making him a formidable foe.

"That dog! One day, I'll kill him myself!" Mu Feng said through gritted teeth, his eyes narrowing with cold determination. Wei'er knew the depth of Mu Feng's hatred for Nan Hao, who was responsible for his father's tragic fate.

"What's your plan now? Will you go to the Royal Academy to find Wan'er?" Wei'er asked.

"Yes," Mu Feng confirmed. "What about you?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, I'll also be going to the Royal Academy," Wei'er replied.

Hearing this, Bai Ziyue's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's great! We'll all go together!" he exclaimed.

"Wei'er, keep my situation a secret for now," Mu Feng requested. "We'll meet again soon. I've just arrived in the capital and need to visit my family first."

Wei'er nodded. The group parted ways, with Bai Ziyue staring longingly at Wei'er's retreating figure until she disappeared from view.

"Stop staring. She's long gone," Mu Feng said, tapping Bai Ziyue's forehead with a smirk.

"Feng-ge, the princess is stunning," Bai Ziyue said, scratching his head sheepishly.

"Do you like her? If you do, then chase her," Mu Feng teased, taking a sip of tea.

"Me? She's a princess, and I'm just a commoner," Bai Ziyue replied, looking discouraged.

"Princess or not, so what? If you like her, then go for it. Don't be afraid. The royal family's empire was built by cultivators. My father helped them rise to power. A few hundred years ago, the Nan family were commoners too. You, Bai Ziyue, are destined to become a sword immortal—afraid to chase a princess?" Mu Feng encouraged.

Bai Ziyue's blood surged at these words. He slapped the table and declared boldly, "Fine! I'll chase her! Feng-ge, I won't embarrass you."

Mu Feng burst out laughing. "Good. When I arrange another meeting with her, you'll get your chance. Just talk to her, make her laugh, maybe take her out to eat. I'll guide you through it."

The three left the teahouse, joking and chatting as they rode their mounts toward the Mu Family Estate. At the estate gates, they were briefly stopped by guards but allowed entry once Mu Kuang presented his family token.

Returning to the Mu Family

Mu Feng's first act upon arriving was to visit his uncle, Mu Chen, in the family hall.

"Feng'er, why didn't you inform me ahead of time? I would've come to personally escort you. What if something had happened to you on the way?" Mu Chen scolded, though his tone was filled with concern.

"Uncle, I'm not a child anymore," Mu Feng said with a smile. "How is the family doing?"

Mu Chen sighed. "It's been tough. Nan Hao's oppression grows worse every day. Many of our businesses have been shut down under his orders. If not for the funds you sent last time, our family would be in an even worse state."

Mu Feng's brow furrowed. He didn't have much gold left, only a collection of spirit stones, which were more valuable but needed for his cultivation. He was reluctant to part with them.

A Sudden Resignation

"Patriarch, Master Zhang Quan Dan requests an audience," a guard announced.

"Oh, bring him in quickly," Mu Chen said, standing to greet their guest.

Moments later, a middle-aged man in a black robe embroidered with fiery patterns entered the hall. He was Master Zhang, a second-tier runic alchemist employed by the Mu family.

"Master Zhang, what brings you here today?" Mu Chen asked warmly.

However, Zhang offered an apologetic smile and said, "I've come to bid farewell."

"Farewell? What do you mean?" Mu Chen's smile froze.

"Nothing personal, Patriarch," Zhang said, his tone condescending. "Your Mu family has fallen on hard times and can no longer support me."

Before Mu Chen could respond, a voice filled with mocking laughter interrupted. "How can a family drowning in its own troubles afford to keep a master like you, Zhang Quan Dan?"

A red-robed woman appeared in the hall, her sultry smile exuding an air of danger. Her mature beauty was matched by her formidable presence—she was clearly a Condensed Core-tier cultivator.

Mu Chen's expression darkened. "Lu Chuxue! What are you doing here?"

Lu Chuxue, one of Nan Hao's elite enforcers, sauntered over and placed a hand on Zhang's shoulder. "Relax, Mu Chen. I'm not here for you. I'm here to escort Master Zhang to his new position under Lord Nan Hao's patronage."

Mu Chen's eyes burned with anger as he turned to Zhang. "Zhang Quan Dan, do you realize everything you are today is thanks to the Mu family? We discovered your talent, invested heavily in your training, and raised you to become a second-tier alchemist. And now you betray us?"

Zhang sneered. "Don't lecture me about the past. I've contributed plenty to your family. But the Mu family is a sinking ship. Why should I go down with it?"

"Traitor!" Mu Chen roared, lunging at Zhang with fury.

Betrayal and Contempt

Before Mu Chen could strike, Lu Chuxue stepped forward, her aura exploding outward to block him. Her mocking laughter rang through the hall. "Come now, Mu Chen. Surely you didn't think I'd let you harm him?"

Mu Feng, seated silently to the side, clenched his fists beneath the table. "Nan Hao's claws are reaching further and further. But this is just the beginning."