Chapter 145: The First of Tianyun
Chapter 145: The First of Tianyun
"Damn it! These people think we're weaklings. I swear, I'll bring back the head of that bandit leader to shut them up!" Bai Ziyue gritted his teeth in anger.
"Ignore them. Let their mouths run—they'll see our strength through actions, not words," Mu Feng replied calmly, his sharp gaze directed toward the entrance of the hall. He had detected a faint scent of blood in the air.
At the door, a young man clad in azure robes stepped in, holding a blood-soaked bundle in his hand.
"Senior Wei!"
"Senior Wei!"
The hall quieted as students respectfully made way for him, awe etched into their faces.
This young man, approximately 24 or 25, was tall and lean, standing at an impressive 1.85 meters. His sharp features, piercing eyes, and composed demeanor gave him an aura of both elegance and indifference. Dressed in a flowing azure robe, he carried himself with a natural arrogance, as if dominance was woven into his very being.
He approached the stone platform near the first-tier task area, placing the bloodied bundle upon it, the air thick with a metallic stench.
The azure-robed steward opened the bundle to reveal a severed head, its lifeless eyes wide with terror. The surrounding crowd gasped in shock. Even the steward's expression betrayed surprise.
"First-tier task. I've completed the assignment to eliminate the fugitive Cold Blade," the young man said in an even tone.
"That's Cold Blade's head! Wei Yiyun truly lives up to his reputation. This fugitive was infamous for years in the Tianfeng Kingdom, a ruthless killer at the Condensed Vital Energy Grand Heaven Stage, known for his cunning. Yet Wei completed the task in no time!"
"Six years in the academy, and he's already reached the Grand Heaven Stage of the Condensed Vital Energy Realm. His dominance even suppresses students from the years before him. Truly a monster of talent."
"It's not just his strength. He's one of the principal's personally selected students. They say he may even break into the Elemental Core Realm before graduation."
The crowd whispered in awe.
Mu Feng's narrowed eyes fixed on the youth. From the murmurs, he quickly pieced together the identity of the person before him: Wei Yiyun, the top-ranked genius of Tianyun Academy's Wind Cloud List.
"Brother Feng, so that's Wei Yiyun. Looks like a big deal," Bai Ziyue murmured softly.
"In time, Brother Feng will surpass him," Mu Kuang declared with confidence.
"Wei Yiyun has indeed achieved remarkable feats in six years, mastering skills and surpassing even older students. He's a true prodigy," Mu Feng admitted gravely. "The Wei family is also the foremost clan of Tianfeng Kingdom. Without the Asura Sutra and the divine jade, I might not have the confidence to say I could one day surpass him."
The steward carefully examined the severed head, comparing it against the fugitive's portrait and probing for remnants of Cold Blade's cultivation. Confirming the target's identity, the steward handed Wei Yiyun his reward: 30,000 academy credits.
"Congratulations on yet another brilliant accomplishment, Senior Wei," the steward praised.
Wei Yiyun accepted the credits silently, turning to leave. His sharp eyes, however, briefly landed on Mu Feng, stopping him in his tracks. His brows furrowed as though recognizing something.
The crowd fell silent, watching curiously as Wei Yiyun regarded Mu Feng.
"Are you a descendant of the Mu family?" Wei Yiyun asked suddenly.
"How did Senior Wei discern my family origin?" Mu Feng replied evenly, his expression calm but his body tense.
The Mu and Wei families had clashed countless times on the battlefield.
"You resemble someone. A man from Nanling's Mu family I both respect and dream of killing. Tell me, what is your relationship with Mu Tian?" Wei Yiyun's tone turned icy.
A flicker of blood-red light flashed through Mu Feng's eyes. "He's my father."
Hearing this, Wei Yiyun's face darkened, a chilling murderous intent emanating from him as he stepped closer. His overwhelming aura surged forth, pressing down on Mu Feng.
Mu Feng grunted under the immense pressure, his body trembling as though burdened by a thousand pounds. Taking a step back, he glared at Wei Yiyun, his eyes bloodshot.
"Asura Sutra!"
Mu Feng's internal cry ignited the sutra's power. His meridians surged with energy as he resisted the crushing aura.
Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang, standing nearby, were visibly struggling, their bodies trembling under the oppressive force.
Wei Yiyun raised an eyebrow, impressed by Mu Feng's resistance, before sneering. "Let's see how long you last. Kneel before me!"
His aura intensified, raw energy surging toward Mu Feng.
Mu Feng's bones creaked under the pressure, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth. His gaze, however, remained unyielding.
"You Wei family think you can make a Mu kneel? Thunderstrike Eight Desolations Step!"
With a roar, Mu Feng stomped forward, his body enveloped in a crackling aura of lightning. His oppressive energy pushed back against Wei Yiyun's dominance, breaking free from the crushing force.
Wei Yiyun's eyes widened slightly in surprise before he smirked. "I'll give you four years. Four years from now, we'll settle this. I'll personally kill you."
Leaving those chilling words, Wei Yiyun turned and exited the hall, leaving the crowd stunned.
The onlookers gawked at Mu Feng, their expressions a mixture of shock and pity.
"Who is this kid? He dared provoke Wei Yiyun!"
"Doesn't matter who he is—going against Wei Yiyun means certain death."
Ignoring the murmurs, Mu Feng clenched his fists tightly as he watched Wei Yiyun's retreating figure.
"Brother Feng, who exactly is this Wei Yiyun?" Bai Ziyue asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"The Wei family and the Mu family are sworn enemies, both on the battlefield and beyond," Mu Kuang explained coldly.
"My father killed many Wei family generals during the war in Tianfeng. It's no surprise that Wei Yiyun holds a grudge. What's surprising is how easily he recognized me," Mu Feng said, his voice laced with icy determination.
As Wei Yiyun left the mission hall, he reflected on his encounter. The resemblance between Mu Feng and Mu Tian was uncanny. Memories of his elder brother's death at Mu Tian's hands resurfaced, fueling his hatred.
"Mu Tian's son... Fate has truly brought you to me," Wei Yiyun muttered.
The atmosphere among the three brothers remained heavy as they departed the hall. Mu Feng's expression was grim, his mind consumed by the encounter. Neither Bai Ziyue nor Mu Kuang dared interrupt his brooding thoughts.