Chapter 125: Removing the Mask
Chapter 125: Removing the Mask
"Impossible! In just two years, Mu Kuang has managed to cultivate to the Purple Palace Realm, Level 7, surpassing Shangguan Qianzhi by an entire level!"
"Yeah! The last time he was tested, Mu Kuang was only Pulse Opening Realm, Level 9. How did he break through an entire major realm and seven sub-levels in just two years? Could he really just be a mere Seven-Star Bone Talent?"
The crowd buzzed with astonishment, many of them recognizing Mu Kuang as the loyal young warrior who had stayed behind with Mu Feng two years ago instead of joining the Royal Academy.
Now, two years later, the so-called fallen genius of Ling Bone was nowhere to be seen. Yet his sworn brother had risen to formidable heights, leaving everyone in awe.
A Proud Father's Gaze
Mu Kuang's father stood among the crowd, his eyes gleaming with pride as he watched his son dominate the stage. "Good kid! When did he grow this strong?"
Meanwhile, Mu Chen, the head of the Mu family, couldn't suppress his laughter.
"Hahaha! Patriarch Shangguan, your family boasts high talents who even entered the Royal Academy, but it seems it hasn't done much for them after all!"
Shangguan Xiong's face darkened at the taunt. He sneered, "The Purple Palace Realm is merely the beginning of cultivation. Who will laugh last remains to be seen."
Mu Chen smirked. "Well said. Let's wait and see, then."
On the stage, Mu Kuang glared at Shangguan Qianzhi, his lips curling into a wicked grin.
"Don't worry. I won't bother with you for now. Someone else will deal with you soon enough."
Shangguan Qianzhi gritted his teeth as Mu Kuang stepped down, the latter's words ringing in his ears.
A Shock to the Elders
Even the elder overseeing the tests, Elder Wu Yi, was taken aback. "That boy has made extraordinary progress. Two years in the Mu family, and he's already at Purple Palace Level 7?"
Wu Yi had vague memories of Mu Kuang, the young man who had refused the academy's invitation two years ago out of loyalty to his fallen brother. He had dismissed him back then as a foolish youth wasting his potential. Now, it seemed, he had been proven wrong.
White Ziyue's Test
Next, the proctor called, "White Ziyue."
From the Mu family's ranks, a tall and graceful young man dressed in white ascended the stage. His long hair flowed over his shoulders, and his sharp eyes exuded a cutting, sword-like presence.
"Who is he? I've never seen him among the Mu family before," murmured several spectators.
White Ziyue stepped forward and allowed a drop of blood to fall onto the Spirit Bone Stone.
The stone began to shine. One circle… two… three…
The light climbed higher and higher, leaving the crowd breathless.
Seven… eight… nine… ten!
The entire crowd erupted in shock. Ten rings!
But the spectacle didn't end there. The stone suddenly emitted a dazzling azure glow, brighter than any before.
"A Divine Physique!"
Elder Wu Yi shot to his feet, his voice trembling.
"A Divine Physique! It's a Divine Physique!"
Gasps of disbelief echoed throughout the plaza.
A Divine Physique was a legendary talent surpassing even Ling Bone, imbued with innate supernatural abilities that made its possessor a prodigy among prodigies.
Even Zhao Heng, usually composed, could not hide his astonishment.
"This boy… Where did the Mu family find him?!"
The other aristocratic families immediately began issuing orders:
"Investigate! Find out who this boy is and how the Mu family got their hands on such a treasure!"
On the platform, Shangguan Xiong's face turned pale. One Ling Bone, and now a Divine Physique? The Mu family's resurgence was a direct blow to his pride.
Mu Feng's Turn
As White Ziyue stepped down, he rejoined Mu Feng and Mu Kuang.
The crowd's attention instantly shifted to the silver-haired, masked figure who had remained calm and silent throughout the spectacle.
"Finally, it's him," whispered someone. "The famed Rune Master of the Mu family. What kind of talent does he possess?"
Mu Feng stepped onto the stage, his every movement deliberate and poised. The crowd watched with bated breath.
With a flick of his wrist, he pricked his finger, and a single drop of blood landed on the Spirit Bone Stone.
One ring… two… three…
The rings continued to appear, faster and faster.
Seven… eight… nine…
The tenth ring appeared, bathed in a deep crimson glow, leaving the crowd stunned.
"Ling Bone Talent!"
A Double Prodigy
The plaza erupted once more.
"He's a Ling Bone talent and a Rune Master?!"
"This is insane! How can one person be gifted in both cultivation and rune arts?!"
Even the Royal Academy elders were visibly shaken. Wu Yi's voice was filled with awe.
"A Ling Bone prodigy who's also a double-path Rune Master… This is the stuff of legends!"
On the stage, Mu Feng remained composed, his blood-red eyes scanning the crowd.
Suddenly, he turned and began walking toward the Shangguan family's ranks.
The spectators watched in confusion.
"What's he doing?"
"Is he heading for Shangguan Qianzhi?"
The Confrontation
Stopping in front of Shangguan Qianzhi, Mu Feng spoke, his voice cold and commanding.
"Shangguan Qianzhi, I'm here. Fight me."
The demand sent a ripple through the crowd.
Shangguan Qianzhi sneered, though unease flickered in his eyes.
"Fight you? Who do you think you are? I don't even know you!"
Mu Feng's lips curled into a thin smile. "You don't recognize me?"
Reaching up, he slowly removed his silver mask.
The crowd collectively gasped.
"It's Mu Feng!"
The face revealed beneath the mask was sharp and defined, a testament to two years of growth and hardship. Though more mature, it was unmistakably the same face etched in the memories of everyone present.
Shangguan Qianzhi froze, his face draining of color.
"You… you're… Mu Feng!"
All around the plaza, gasps and whispers grew louder.
"It's him! He's alive!"
"The fallen Ling Bone prodigy has returned!"
The Mu family cheered, while the other families looked on in shock.
Two years ago, they had written Mu Feng off as a tragedy. Now, he stood before them, more powerful and dangerous than ever.