Chapter 148: Sister, You've Changed

Chapter 148: Sister, You've Changed

The atmosphere in the cafeteria was thick with tension. Both sides stood ready to draw blood, their killing intent palpable. The surrounding students, sensing the gravity of the situation, dared not utter a word. Silence reigned.

Chu Mang glared coldly at the opposing side, clutching his wounded chest. Though his cultivation was higher than most of them, a full-blown battle might not end in his favor—especially after Mu Feng's earlier strike, which had severely injured his internal organs.

"Enough! A small scuffle is one thing, but are you all really planning to escalate this into a full-scale brawl?"

A clear, authoritative voice rang out as a woman approached, leading a group of individuals clad in white robes, their sleeves embroidered with the characters for "Law Enforcement."

The woman's face was exquisite, framed by an oval shape with delicate features. Her almond-shaped eyes carried a frosty gaze that sent chills down spines. Clad in a pristine white martial dress that accentuated her perfect proportions, she exuded a regal and commanding presence.

"Kong Yan!"

The name was whispered among the crowd like a warning. Students who had been brimming with excitement to watch the confrontation suddenly turned as quiet as mice before a cat, their expressions filled with awe and trepidation.

Kong Yan was no ordinary student. Ranked second on the Tianyun Leaderboard, she was a prodigious talent known for her unrivaled strength and her role as the captain of the academy's law enforcement team. Her frosty demeanor was infamous, and few dared cross her.

Even Chu Mang, for all his arrogance, couldn't help but display a trace of unease as she approached. The crowd parted, allowing Kong Yan and her team to walk unimpeded to the heart of the commotion.

"Chu Mang, Yuan Hao—what is this? Are you seriously planning to turn this into a bloodbath?" Kong Yan's voice was as icy as her gaze, sweeping over both factions.

"Heh, Kong Senior Sister, you misunderstand. We were merely exchanging pointers," Chu Mang said with a forced smile, his tone dripping with insincerity.

"Exchanging pointers, were you?" Kong Yan scoffed. "I don't care what excuses you have. Large-scale brawls are strictly forbidden within the academy. If you're so eager to fight, I'll personally escort you to the Disciplinary Hall."

Her words were sharp as a blade, silencing both sides. Neither group dared to provoke her further.

After a brief silence, Kong Yan's icy gaze swept over the other students who had gathered to watch. "This isn't a show. If you're here to eat, sit down and eat. If not, leave. And if I see any more loitering, you can skip meals altogether."

The spectators scattered immediately, afraid to test her patience.

Satisfied, Kong Yan turned her attention back to Chu Mang. "You'll pay for all the damages caused here—ten times the cost of the tables and chairs you've destroyed. Now disperse."

"Yes, Kong Senior Sister," Chu Mang replied with a reluctant bow. He fished out a bag of gold coins from his storage ring and handed it over. Supporting his wounded chest, he let his sister Chu Fei'er assist him as they prepared to leave.

Before he could take more than a few steps, Mu Ling'er's cold voice rang out. "Chu Mang, this isn't over."

Chu Mang paused, glancing back at Mu Ling'er. Her killing intent was evident in her dark, smoldering eyes, but he simply smirked with disdain, saying nothing as he led his group away.

Mu Ling'er, cradling the injured Mu Feng, left with her faction as well.

Two Days Later

The soft rays of spring sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. The gentle warmth and peaceful atmosphere belied the storm brewing in Mu Feng's heart.

On his bed, Mu Feng lay shirtless as Wan'er carefully wiped away the bruises and dried blood from his body with a damp cloth. Her eyes were red and moist, betraying the deep worry she felt.

"You can still smile after what you've been through? Do you even know how badly you're hurt?" Wan'er chided, her voice tinged with anger and concern.

Mu Feng chuckled, his hand lightly brushing against her hair. "How could I not smile? Having such a beautiful woman taking care of me makes any injury worth it."

Wan'er's cheeks turned crimson, and she huffed indignantly. "You… you're impossible! Fine, I'm not talking to you anymore."

With a playful pout, she tossed the cloth at him and turned away, her arms crossed.

Seizing the moment, Mu Feng let out a dramatic groan. "Ah… the pain… it's unbearable…"

Startled, Wan'er whipped around, her face filled with concern. "Where does it hurt? Tell me!"

"Here… it hurts here," Mu Feng murmured, pointing to his chest.

Wan'er leaned closer to examine him. Just as she did, Mu Feng wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace, and stole a kiss.

Caught off guard, Wan'er froze for a moment before realizing his ploy. She blushed furiously, but instead of pulling away, she leaned into the kiss. Their tender moment deepened, with Mu Feng's hands beginning to wander.

A faint sound of footsteps interrupted them. The door opened, and Mu Ling'er stepped inside, freezing at the sight. Her face turned beet red as she quickly spun around. "Ahem…"

Startled, Mu Feng and Wan'er broke apart, their faces equally flushed.

"Uh… Sis, w-when did you get here?" Mu Feng stammered.

"I-I'll leave you two to talk," Wan'er mumbled, keeping her head down as she hurried out of the room.

Mu Feng watched her leave, a faint smile lingering on his lips. The scent of her lingered on his hands.

Mu Ling'er crossed her arms and glared at him. She marched over, grabbing his ear and twisting it mercilessly. "You little rascal! I told you to rest, and this is how you spend your recovery time?"

"Ow! Ow! I'm sorry! I was wrong! Please, let go—it hurts!" Mu Feng pleaded, his face scrunched in pain.

"Hmph!" Mu Ling'er finally released him, plopping into a chair by his bed. Her expression softened as she asked, "How are you feeling? Are the injuries healing?"

"Much better," Mu Feng replied, rubbing his sore ear. "What about Kuang and Ziyue?"

"Ziyue's injuries were minor, but Kuang's hand was severely hurt. It'll take at least a month to heal completely," Mu Ling'er said softly.

Hearing this, Mu Feng's eyes turned cold. "Chu Mang… I swear I'll make him pay."

Mu Ling'er sighed, her fingers flicking his forehead. "You're not strong enough to face him yet. Focus on recovering. As for Chu Mang, leave him to me. He won't be causing us trouble much longer."

Mu Feng looked at her, his brows furrowing. "Sister, you've changed."

Mu Ling'er froze momentarily, her face betraying no emotion. "Changed? How?"

"You've grown colder. The killing intent you showed earlier… the old you would've never been so quick to talk about taking lives."

Mu Ling'er hesitated, her eyes momentarily distant. "Maybe… But does it matter?"

"No matter what, you'll always be my sister," Mu Feng said with a soft smile.

Her gaze softened, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes—something she chose not to voice. After a moment, she asked quietly, "And if I've truly changed… what then?"