Chapter 128: Making Up with Effort

Chapter 128: Making Up with Effort

The year's recruitment ended, but Mu Feng's return became the hottest topic in the capital.

Previously, he had been the Mu family's biggest disgrace. Now, his triumphant return made him its brightest star.

Beyond his innate Spirit Bone talent, no one had anticipated that Mu Feng also possessed exceptional skill in Rune Crafting. It was a testament to the adage: Real gold endures the waves of sifting sand.

When the group returned to the Mu family estate, the entire clan erupted in celebration. Relatives came to visit Mu Feng, even those who had shunned him during the family's decline. Their sudden warmth illustrated the fickleness of human nature—what is cold for some may be warm for others, and only those who drink know the temperature of the water.

In the Mu family's grand hall, Mu Feng sat alongside Mu Kuang, Bai Ziyue, Mu Fan, Mu Wen, and other young disciples and elders. Among the juniors, only Mu Feng had the honor of sitting. The rest stood respectfully in the center.

"This time, Feng'er, Ziyue, and Mu Kuang have truly brought glory to our Mu family. Such a satisfying victory!" Mu Chen laughed heartily.

Mu Feng's accomplishments needed no elaboration—he was a dual-talent prodigy. Bai Ziyue had exhibited remarkable aptitude with his Spirit Constitution, and even Mu Kuang, though lacking extraordinary talent, displayed impressive cultivation.

"But," Mu Chen continued, his smile fading as he surveyed Mu Fan and the others, "I'm not entirely satisfied with the results of this year's assessment."

Mu Fan and the other disciples with fifth-grade Yuan Bone aptitude lowered their heads in shame, understanding that Mu Chen's disappointment was directed at them.

"The family's finances are tight," Mu Chen said. "So I've decided that only disciples with sixth-grade or higher talent will have their tuition covered for training at the Royal Academy. As for those with fifth-grade talent, like Mu Fan, you'll remain here and train within the family."

Mu Chen's tone was calm but resolute. Tuition for a single student could cost several thousand gold coins annually. For a struggling family like the Mu clan, such expenses couldn't be squandered on mediocrity. Therefore, it was customary to prioritize the most promising talents.

Though Mu Fan and the others were disheartened, they couldn't argue. In better times, the Mu family might have supported them, but with its current struggles, wasting money on students with limited prospects was unthinkable.

This year, only Mu Feng, Mu Kuang, Bai Ziyue, Mu Quan (a seventh-grade Yuan Bone), and three other sixth-grade disciples were eligible to attend the Royal Academy. The remaining eight disciples with fifth-grade talent were excluded.

"Uncle, I have something to say," Mu Feng suddenly interjected, drawing everyone's attention.

"Feng'er, what's on your mind?" Mu Chen asked. Mu Feng's voice carried weight in the family now.

With a flick of his hand, a pile of glowing Yuan artifacts clattered to the floor. Over twenty items, each radiating faint light, lay before them. These were all second-tier Yuan artifacts, each worth three to four thousand gold coins.

The crowd stared in stunned silence at the heap, then back at Mu Feng.

"Sell these artifacts," Mu Feng said. "Use the money to cover Mu Fan and the others' tuition."

"Brother Feng…" Mu Fan's eyes reddened, understanding the gesture as a show of support.

The elders, however, hesitated.

"Uncle," Mu Feng continued, "even in our family's darkest days, we cannot compromise on the younger generation's martial education. With my abilities, supporting their tuition shouldn't be a problem."

Mu Feng clapped Mu Fan and the others on the shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"But Feng'er," Mu Ye interjected, "concentrating resources on you and the other prodigies would yield better results. Our family cannot afford to be wasteful in these times."

The other elders nodded, echoing Mu Ye's concerns.

"Hard work can compensate for lack of talent," Mu Feng replied with a smile. "If we dismiss someone's potential based solely on aptitude, we risk short-sightedness. These eight may lack exceptional talent, but their cultivation progress shows they've worked hard. If even one of them rises to greatness, the Mu family will not have invested in vain."

Mu Fan and the others were moved to tears.

"Very well," Mu Chen relented, nodding. "But if they squander this opportunity and fail to improve, the family won't continue wasting resources on them."

It was a harsh truth—no one in this world could afford to invest in hopeless causes. Exceptions were rare, such as familial bonds where parents would selflessly sacrifice for their children without expecting returns. The Mu family, however, operated on pragmatic grounds.

"Brother Feng, thank you!" Mu Fan said, wiping his eyes.

"Brother Feng…" the other seven murmured, their voices choked with emotion.

"Enough with the tears," Mu Feng said, laughing. "I believe you won't let this investment go to waste. Remember my words: Talent doesn't determine a person's destiny—perseverance and an unyielding spirit do."

He patted their shoulders firmly before striding out of the hall, followed closely by Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang.

"Perseverance and an unyielding spirit…" Mu Fan and the others repeated, their gazes fixed on Mu Feng's retreating figure. Determination replaced doubt in their eyes.

"That boy," Mu Chen said, watching Mu Feng leave with a proud smile. "He's starting to sound like an old sage."

"Indeed," Mu Hua added, nodding. "Feng'er's future stage won't be limited to South Ling or even the Northern Yuan Territory."

"Third Brother," Mu Chen instructed, "personally escort them tomorrow."

Mu Ye nodded in agreement.

At the Northern King's Manor.

"Lord Nan, didn't you say that boy was dead? How is he alive and back?" Zhao Heng growled, his voice cold and resentful as he adjusted the eyepatch covering his empty socket.

Nan Hao's expression was equally grim. "The Mu family is cunning. They spread false news to mislead us. Zhao Heng, we underestimated them this time. Guards, bring the gift!"

Two exotic, golden-haired women in foreign attire stepped forward, carrying a long wooden box.

Opening the box revealed a gleaming yellow longsword—a third-tier Yuan artifact.

"This sword and these ladies are yours, Zhao Heng, as a token of apology," Nan Hao said with a smile.

Zhao Heng's lecherous eyes gleamed as he ogled the women and the artifact. Finally, he nodded.

"Zhao Heng, I want Mu Feng to suffer in Tianyun Academy. If there's a chance, eliminate him," Nan Hao said, narrowing his eyes.

"Rest assured," Zhao Heng sneered. "That brat humiliated me. I'll make him pay with his life."

With a wave of his hand, Zhao Heng stowed the sword and box in his spatial ring. Wrapping an arm around each woman, he strode out of the room, laughing uproariously.