Chapter 121: The Dust of the World

Chapter 121: The Dust of the World

The news of a mysterious youth from the Mu family, Mu Feng, becoming the disciple of two prominent Hall Masters—Mo Lian of the Sigil Hall and Xiao Zhen of the Alchemy Hall—quickly spread across Nanling's capital. The ripple effect was undeniable. For the Mu family, long suppressed by political schemes, this development was a ray of hope.

In the Northern King's Estate

Within his study, the Northern King, Nan Hao, lounged in a chair, clad in black casual attire. At his feet knelt a beautiful maidservant, her movements careful as she attended to him. Behind him, a woman in a crimson dress, her mature allure captivating, massaged his shoulders while updating him on the happenings in the Rune Master Guild.

"Mu Feng... A seventeen-year-old prodigy in rune arts, the adopted son of Mu Tian. When did the Mu family acquire such a figure? And why have we never heard of him before?" Nan Hao's brows furrowed.

"I've already dispatched someone to investigate. Soon, we'll have detailed information on this boy," replied Lu Chuxue, the crimson-dressed woman, her tone measured.

"Does this Mu Feng's entry into the Rune Master Guild pose any threat to us?" she inquired further.

Nan Hao waved dismissively. "The Rune Master Guild is a neutral entity; it never intervenes in political conflicts. Don't act rashly. Wait until we have all the facts before making any moves."

Lu Chuxue nodded but couldn't suppress a faint unease. "A sudden rise of such a youth... I can't help but feel there's more to it."

"Even if he's a prodigy, he's nothing but a pawn in the grand scheme. He can't change the tide," Nan Hao replied confidently, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Mu Feng's New Path

Having joined the Rune Master Guild under the Sigil Hall, Mu Feng's routine transformed. Though his primary affiliation was with Mo Lian, he had the freedom to exchange ideas and techniques across the Guild, even taking occasional lessons from Xiao Zhen on alchemy.

The two Hall Masters, driven by a mixture of genuine mentorship and competitive pride, eagerly imparted their knowledge to Mu Feng, each hoping to see their discipline dominate his future mastery.

Shaw Ziyu, Xiao Zhen's granddaughter, also grew closer to Mu Feng, following him diligently during his studies. Mu Feng's patient guidance often left her impressed, and their bond strengthened over time.

Days turned into weeks, and a month quickly passed.

The Calm Before the Storm

On the eve of the Royal Academy's spring recruitment, Mu Feng found himself atop a boulder on the Rune Master Guild's rear mountain. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of red, casting its glow over his serene, contemplative expression.

Tomorrow, the long-awaited day would arrive. The day he would step into the Royal Academy and begin the next phase of his journey.

Lost in thought, Mu Feng barely noticed someone sneaking up behind him until two hands covered his eyes.

"Guess who?" a playful voice teased.

"Ziyu, can you come up with something new for once?" Mu Feng chuckled without turning.

"Hmph! You always guess right. It's no fun," Xiao Ziyu pouted, plopping down beside him.

"It's not guessing. You always approach the same way. Plus, your perfume gives you away before you even get close."

"Humph! So, my Senior Brother is a bloodhound?" she teased, tweaking his nose lightly.

The two laughed, the easy camaraderie bringing a warm smile to Mu Feng's face.

After a while, Ziyu broke the silence. "Senior Brother, what are you always thinking about when you come here?"

Mu Feng's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "I'm thinking about my fiancée and my sister. It's been two years since I've seen them. I miss them."

Ziyu's eyes widened. "You have a fiancée?"

"Yes. It was an arranged engagement when we were children. We grew up together," Mu Feng replied with a gentle smile.

"She must be beautiful," Ziyu muttered, her tone carrying an inexplicable hint of sadness.

Mu Feng's smile deepened as he recalled familiar memories. "She's the most beautiful person in the world—kind, gentle, and radiant. Not at all like you, always causing trouble."

He reached out to pinch her cheek playfully.

"Humph!" Ziyu turned her head away, feigning annoyance.

Mu Feng suddenly stood. "I should get going. Tomorrow's a big day, and I need to be ready to leave for the Academy."

"I know," Ziyu said softly, nodding.

There was a pause before she looked up at him, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Will you remember me when you leave, Senior Brother?"

Mu Feng stopped mid-step, turning back with a reassuring smile. "Of course. You're my little sister, after all."

"Then... can I see your face? I've known you for a month, but I've never seen you without that mask."

Mu Feng hesitated but eventually reached up, slowly removing the silver mask.

Underneath, Ziyu saw a face that took her breath away—not just handsome but exuding a rugged, unyielding strength. His blood-red eyes held a captivating intensity, and the faint scar between his brows added a touch of iron resolve.

"Happy now?" Mu Feng asked with a faint smile, slipping the mask back into place.

Ziyu's cheeks flushed as she stammered, "I-I thought you wore that mask because you were ugly... but you're actually pretty good-looking."

"Thanks, I guess?" Mu Feng laughed. "I wear it to keep a low profile, not to hide my face."

"Be sure to come back and visit, okay?" she said, her voice catching slightly as he turned to leave.

"Don't worry. I will."

As Mu Feng strode into the twilight, Ziyu suddenly darted forward, wrapping her arms around him from behind.

"Don't forget me, okay?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Mu Feng gently pried her hands away and gave her a reassuring nod. "Never."

As his figure disappeared into the darkening horizon, Ziyu remained where she stood, the words echoing in her heart:

Red dust and fleeting lives, but I'll keep one soul in my heart.