Chapter 127: Apology

Chapter 127: Apology

"You...!"

Zhao Heng staggered back two steps, overwhelmed by the aura of the three men before him. He bellowed furiously, "What do you think you're doing? I'm an elder of the Royal Academy! If you dare touch me, you'll be declaring war against the Academy itself!"

Throwing the name of the Royal Academy as a shield, Zhao Heng sought to intimidate them. Though an academic institution, the Royal Academy wielded immense power in the Northern Yuan Territory, far surpassing even prominent factions like the Northern King's Manor and the royal family.

He turned to the other two elders from the Academy, calling out, "Elder Wu Yi, Elder Lan Xiu!"

Wu Yi and the woman in the blue dress exchanged glances. Left with no choice, Wu Yi stepped forward and spoke with a strained smile, "Master Mu, how about we resolve this peacefully? Apologizing is acceptable, but perhaps we can forego the matter of gouging out his eye?"

"Forego it?"

Mu Chen sneered coldly. "Two years ago, if he hadn't humiliated my nephew and made this wager, perhaps we could let it slide. But this wager—he made it himself. If it were my nephew who lost today, he would have had to kneel and apologize. Do you think this can simply be ignored? Or is the Royal Academy a haven for cowards who refuse to honor their words? That day, tens of thousands witnessed the agreement in this very capital!"

Mu Chen's stance was unyielding. He had bottled up his anger for two years, and today, it could no longer be contained.

"Indeed, Zhao Heng himself made that bet two years ago. Now he won't honor it?"

"The Royal Academy may be prestigious, but if they tolerate such a despicable elder, can we really trust them with our younger generation?"

"An eye for an eye! He must apologize!"

Voices of dissent swelled among the crowd, forming an overwhelming wave of public pressure.

Wu Yi and the others were left speechless. Zhao Heng had indeed made the bet himself two years ago. If he reneged now, the Royal Academy's reputation would undoubtedly suffer.

"An eye for an eye! Apologize!"

The cries grew louder. Some of the Mu family disciples led the chants, and soon the masses followed, demanding Zhao Heng gouge out his eye and apologize.

Zhao Heng, both furious and terrified, glanced toward a high tower, hoping for support. Yet the figure he sought had already vanished.

"Elder Zhao, if you won't act, we'll do it for you," Mu Chen said indifferently, taking a step forward with the other two men.

"I'll do it myself!" Zhao Heng roared. His eyes were filled with murderous intent as he glared at Mu Feng. This boy was the cause of his disgrace.

"When you come to the Royal Academy, I, Zhao Heng, will make your life a living hell!" he seethed inwardly.

Gritting his teeth, Zhao Heng raised a trembling hand and plunged his finger into his left eye.

Squish!

"Ahhh...!"

A scream of agony tore through the air. Blood streamed down Zhao Heng's pale face as he pulled out his eyeball, which fell to the ground with a sickening thud. Clutching his bleeding socket, his body trembled uncontrollably from the pain.

The boy on the stage watched impassively, his face devoid of emotion. Yet in his heart, the frustration of two long years finally found release.

"Mu Feng," Zhao Heng snarled through blood-streaked lips, clutching his ruined eye. "I was blind to ever think you were worthless."

With those bitter words, Zhao Heng enveloped himself in golden Yuan energy and soared into the distance. His disgrace left him no face to remain.

The crowd erupted in an uproar, their gazes shifting between the black-robed, white-haired youth and the fleeing Zhao Heng. The air was thick with awe and disbelief.

Two years ago, Mu Feng had plummeted from a pedestal of brilliance, branded a failure and ridiculed by the masses. Rumors even claimed he had perished.

Two years later, he returned stronger than ever. Now a prodigious Rune Master, he had shattered Shangguan Qianzhi's arm with a single punch and forced Zhao Heng to gouge out his own eye. His brilliance shone brighter than ever.

Yun Hai stood among the crowd, his emotions complex. He had believed Mu Feng was a fallen star, but now, the youth had returned, dazzling and indomitable. Yet it no longer had anything to do with the Yun family. They had severed ties with the Mu family.

"Mu Feng, mark my words! This isn't over. When you come to the Royal Academy, I'll make sure you're dead!" Shangguan Qianzhi, his arm heavily bandaged, spat venomously.

Mu Feng's crimson eyes glowed faintly as he gazed at Shangguan Qianzhi, his voice icy. "Oppose me again, and next time, you'll die."

The cold threat made Shangguan Qianzhi shudder involuntarily, his words catching in his throat.

"So, Mu family," Shangguan Xiong sneered, stepping down from the stage. "Was this all an elaborate scheme? Mu Feng was never crippled, was he? His death and crippled meridians—nothing but lies you fed the world. A polished stone hidden in plain sight. But this isn't over between our families."

The corners of Mu Ye's mouth curled into a cold grin. "We'll be waiting. The Mu family may have fallen, but we're no pushovers. Anyone who dares trample us, I'll make sure they pay—even if I have to take a few teeth with me."

At that moment, Mu Chen turned to Mu Feng, a proud smile breaking through. "Good, good, very good," he said, patting the boy's shoulder. In him, Mu Chen saw the shadow of his late younger brother.

"Well done," Mu Ye and Mu Hua echoed, beaming.

"Brother Feng!"

A crowd of Mu family disciples rushed forward, surrounding Mu Feng.

"Brother Feng, I knew you couldn't be dead. It's so great to see you back!" Mu Fan said excitedly.

"Yes, today's events are so satisfying!" others chimed in, their voices a cacophony of joy.

"Haha, I've survived battlefields—what's this little setback to me?" Mu Feng laughed.

"A remarkable young talent," Elder Wu Yi remarked as he and Elder Lan Xiu approached, their expressions warm.

Mu Feng cupped his hands respectfully toward them.

"Mu Feng," Wu Yi began, "the matter with Zhao Heng is settled. On behalf of the Tianyun Academy, I formally invite you to join the Royal Academy. All fees will be waived."

As a rare talent—a prodigious Rune Master with extraordinary potential—the Academy was eager to recruit him.

"I humbly accept. Thank you, Elders," Mu Feng replied with a smile.

"Excellent. The recruitment is concluded for today. Tomorrow, we'll meet here to escort you to the Academy," Wu Yi said, pleased.

Recruiting a genius like Mu Feng not only benefited the Academy but also brought rewards for the elders themselves.