Chapter 139: A Furious Strike

Chapter 139: A Furious Strike

Mu Feng walked step by step toward Chen Zhi, his snow-white hair dancing in the faint breeze. The fire in his eyes hadn't dimmed, and his blade shimmered with a sharp aura. Chen Zhi, lying on the ground clutching his chest, was filled with fear. His Condensed Qi Stage power had been shattered by a mere Zifu Stage newcomer.

The crowd around them buzzed with disbelief.

"Impossible... Chen Zhi, a Condensed Qi cultivator, defeated by a Zifu Stage Eight freshman?"

"This guy... he's a monster! What kind of training produces someone like this?"

The murmurs from the crowd only made the Mu family disciples prouder. Their eyes were fixed on Mu Feng, glowing with admiration.

Mu Feng stopped before Chen Zhi, his voice cold and calm, carrying an edge that sent shivers down the spines of those present.

"Chen Zhi, I gave you a chance to keep this within limits, but you came at me with killing intent. Let me return the favor."

Chen Zhi's face turned pale. He coughed up more blood and raised a trembling hand. "No... wait! You can't kill me. The academy's rules forbid it!"

"I won't kill you," Mu Feng replied, his blade slowly descending. "But you will leave here with a lesson you'll never forget."

Before Chen Zhi could react, Mu Feng swung the blade with precision. The sharp edge swept through the air, severing Chen Zhi's shoulder tendons without spilling unnecessary blood. Chen Zhi screamed in agony, the sound echoing through the arena.

"This," Mu Feng said, stepping back, "is for my brother Mu Fan. Remember, next time you provoke the Mu family, you'll lose more than just your pride."

The Mu family disciples cheered loudly. Mu Feng's decisive victory had boosted their morale immensely.

Chen Zhi's companions rushed forward to drag him away, their expressions a mix of anger and fear. None dared meet Mu Feng's gaze. Even those among them who outranked Chen Zhi in cultivation understood that fighting Mu Feng might lead to an even worse fate.

"Mark my words, Mu Feng," Chen Zhi rasped as his companions supported him. "You've made a powerful enemy. The Tianfeng faction won't let this go!"

Mu Feng's lips curled into a faint smile. "I'll be waiting."

As Chen Zhi and his entourage limped away, the crowd erupted into chatter.

"That freshman... Mu Feng, was it? He's no ordinary Zifu Stage cultivator."

"Did you see that final strike? Precision, power, and no hesitation. That's the hallmark of someone who's fought life-and-death battles."

"He's going to shake things up here at Tianyun Academy."

Mu Feng turned to his Mu family companions, his tone gentle yet commanding. "Take this as a lesson: strength is the only thing that commands respect. Train harder, so you never have to endure humiliation again."

The disciples nodded fervently, their eyes blazing with determination. They had witnessed firsthand what true power could achieve.

Observations from the Crowd

From the corner of the crowd, the female instructor Qin Xiu observed Mu Feng with renewed interest. Her earlier dismissive attitude had transformed into admiration and curiosity.

"This boy isn't just strong; he's a strategist," Qin Xiu murmured to herself. "That final punch wasn't just a display of raw strength. It was a calculated move, one that fully utilized his unique elemental energy. He's not just a prodigy; he's a born warrior."

A group of senior students nearby exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. Some regarded Mu Feng as a threat; others saw him as a potential ally. Regardless of their intentions, one thing was clear: Mu Feng's name had been etched into the minds of everyone present.

Aftermath

Back at the Mu family quarters, Mu Feng sat in quiet meditation, replenishing his depleted Yuan energy. Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue were busy recounting the fight to the other disciples, their animated voices echoing through the hall.

"Brother Feng, are you all right?" a soft voice asked. It was Mu Fan, who had just regained consciousness. His face was pale, but his eyes were filled with gratitude.

Mu Feng opened his eyes and smiled faintly. "Rest, Mu Fan. You'll need your strength. As for those who hurt you... they've paid the price."

Mu Fan nodded, his heart swelling with pride. His elder brother wasn't just a protector; he was a beacon of hope for the entire Mu family.

Reflections

As the night fell, Mu Feng stood on the rooftop, gazing at the starry sky. The events of the day replayed in his mind. Victory had been his, but he knew the road ahead would only grow more perilous.

"Tianfeng faction, North King's faction, and this academy filled with geniuses... It's going to be a long climb," Mu Feng muttered to himself. His hands clenched into fists, his resolve hardening. "But I will rise above them all. No one will trample the Mu family ever again."

Above, the stars seemed to shine brighter, as if acknowledging the determination of the young warrior below.