Chapter 124: Are You Strong?

Chapter 124: Are You Strong?

The crowd was left in stunned silence as Mu Kuang revealed his cultivation level — Purple Palace Realm Level 7.

The young warrior stood tall on the testing platform, his presence now dominating the atmosphere. A mocking grin spread across his face as he stared down Shangguan Qianzhi, who had just moments ago taunted him with his own supposed superiority.

Tension on the Platform

Shangguan Qianzhi's expression contorted with disbelief and rage.

"Impossible! You… you were barely Purple Palace Realm when I last saw you!" His voice quivered as he tried to mask his growing unease.

Mu Kuang's smirk widened. "What's the matter? Didn't you just claim to be so strong? Now you're afraid?"

The surrounding spectators, both nobles and commoners, exchanged hushed murmurs:

"Did you hear that? Purple Palace Realm Level 7 at his age? That's extraordinary!"

"Mu Kuang's progress is shocking. The Mu family isn't as washed up as people think!"

On the high platform, the Royal Academy elders looked at Mu Kuang with newfound interest. Even Elder Zhao Heng, who had been deriding the Mu family, now found himself raising an eyebrow in surprise.

The Challenge

Shangguan Qianzhi clenched his fists, his pride taking a brutal hit. He took a step forward, his voice laced with venom:

"Level 7? So what? I am Level 6, but my techniques are refined far beyond yours! You won't stand a chance in actual combat!"

Mu Kuang chuckled darkly. "Talk is cheap, Shangguan Qianzhi. Why don't you step down here and test your theories?"

The crowd erupted with excitement. A duel was brewing, one that promised to pit raw power against polished technique.

Intervention from the Elders

Before Shangguan could respond, Elder Zhao Heng raised a hand, his voice booming with authority:

"Enough!"

The crowd fell silent as Zhao Heng stepped forward.

"This is not the time or place for personal disputes. Both of you will have ample opportunity to test your mettle once inside the academy."

Shangguan Qianzhi looked ready to protest, but a sharp glare from Zhao Heng silenced him.

Mu Kuang shrugged nonchalantly. "Fine. I'll wait. But remember, Shangguan — the next time you speak ill of my brother, you won't walk away unscathed."

Shangguan Qianzhi gritted his teeth but said nothing, retreating to his position among the academy's students.

Mu Kuang's Results

With the tension diffused, Mu Kuang returned to the Spirit Bone Stone. He placed his hand on the glowing surface, and the crowd watched with bated breath.

Hummmm…

The stone pulsed with energy, and eight radiant beams of light burst forth.

"Eight-Star Bone Grade!" the proctor announced, his voice ringing through the plaza.

The crowd erupted into applause.

White Ziyue's Turn

As Mu Kuang stepped down, his gaze fell on White Ziyue, his sworn brother and fellow Mu family disciple.

"Your turn, Ziyue. Show them what you've got."

White Ziyue grinned sheepishly and stepped up to the platform. His carefree demeanor betrayed none of the pressure he felt under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

The Spirit Bone Stone glowed as he placed his hand on it. Seconds later, seven beams of light illuminated the plaza.

"Seven-Star Bone Grade!"

While not as dazzling as Mu Kuang's result, it was still a commendable performance. The Mu family supporters cheered loudly, their spirits lifted by the back-to-back successes.

The Final Test: Mu Feng

As White Ziyue descended, the plaza grew silent once more. All eyes turned to the silver-haired, masked figure standing calmly amidst the Mu family ranks.

The proctor cleared his throat.

"Mu Feng!"

Mu Feng stepped forward, his gait steady and unhurried. The whispers began anew:

"This is the one they call Feng Ye."

"They say he's a rune master prodigy, but can he measure up as a warrior?"

"Let's see if his talent is as exaggerated as the rumors suggest!"

On the high platform, the Royal Academy elders leaned forward, their interest piqued. Even Zhao Heng, who had previously dismissed the Mu family, now regarded Mu Feng with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Mu Feng reached the Spirit Bone Stone. With a slight flick of his wrist, he pricked his finger and let a droplet of blood fall onto the glowing surface.

The Stone's Reaction

At first, nothing happened. The crowd murmured, confused by the delay. Then—

BOOOOM!

The stone erupted in a cascade of light. Nine beams of crimson, gold, and violet light shot into the sky, painting the plaza in their dazzling glow.

The proctor stumbled back, his voice trembling with awe:

"Nine-Star Supreme Grade Bone! Perfect Compatibility for Royal Realm Cultivation!"

Shockwaves in the Crowd

The plaza erupted into chaos.

"A Nine-Star Supreme Grade?!"

"This is unheard of!"

"First a rune master, and now this? What kind of monster is this Mu Feng?"

Even the Royal Academy elders were visibly shaken. Zhao Heng's face paled, and his lips parted as if to speak, but no words came.

Mu Feng's Composure

Standing amidst the storm of reactions, Mu Feng remained calm, his blood-red eyes gleaming behind his mask. He turned to the elders on the platform and spoke, his voice steady and commanding:

"I trust this result is sufficient to secure my place in the Royal Academy."

Elder Zhao Heng, regaining his composure, managed a stiff nod. "More than sufficient," he muttered.

As Mu Feng stepped down, the crowd parted like waves before him.

Behind him, Shangguan Qianzhi clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. For the first time, he felt the chilling weight of true inferiority.

A New Dawn for the Mu Family

With Mu Kuang's strength and Mu Feng's overwhelming display, the Mu family had not only regained its honor but emerged stronger than ever.

The Royal Academy's spring recruitment had just become the stage for a new legend's rise.