Chapter 224: The Young Fang Mu

Chapter 224: The Young Fang Mu

The Great Yuan Dynasty.

One of the four border states of Yunlan Sect, located to its south.

Since the founding of the Fang clan, the dynasty had existed for hundreds of thousands of years on Xuanzhou. The Fang clan not only dominated the Great Yuan, but also held considerable influence within Yunlan Sect, being one of its four major powers.

Outside the Great Yuan Royal City, in the waters of the Longyuan River, a splash echoed loudly.

A boy, around fifteen or sixteen, surfaced from the middle of the river and quickly swam toward the shore.

The moment he climbed onto the bank, he began gasping heavily for air.

Huff... Huff...

Before he could even catch his breath, he heard the rumble of approaching wheels.

His nerves tensed instantly, and he instinctively prepared to dive back into the river—only to witness a shocking sight.

A horse-drawn carriage was moving slowly along the riverbank—without a driver.

The horse was a stunning steed, majestic and refined, and on its back stood a plain-looking golden-feathered eagle, just over a foot tall.

Before Fang Mu could fully process what he was seeing, several figures appeared in the sky, flying rapidly toward the carriage. Without hesitation, the boy dove back into the river.

Less than half a cup of tea later, those figures descended from the sky and landed in front of the carriage.

"Stop right there!"

The lead man, a burly brute, blocked the carriage's path.

"Scram."

The golden-feathered eagle on the horse's back spat out a single word.

Just one word, and the entire group trembled in fear, cold sweat pouring down their foreheads.

The burly brute trembled as he spoke, "I am a servant of the Ninth Prince of the Great Yuan Dynasty, acting under orders from Princess Qinghe to search for a demonic fugitive. May I ask if senior has seen a middle-aged man fleeing this way?"

"No."

The golden-feathered eagle responded with visible impatience in its tone, a flash of annoyance flickering through its eyes.

"We take our leave."

With that, the burly brute hurried away with his men.

Only after they had walked far off did they realize their clothes were completely soaked in sweat.

Meanwhile, the carriage rolled on, as though nothing had happened.

Back in the river, Fang Mu resurfaced, quickly waded ashore, and knelt in front of the carriage. He bowed deeply to the golden-feathered eagle atop the horse.

"Junior Fang Mu offers his deepest thanks to senior for the life-saving grace. I will never forget this great kindness. I'm willing to drive your carriage and tend your steed—please grant me this chance to repay you."

"Hahaha…"

The golden-feathered eagle suddenly burst into laughter. "Brat, this king never intended to save you. Why are you trying to climb the ladder? With your standing, you think you're worthy of handling my carriage and horse?"

Fang Mu froze.

This… this wasn't how the stories from the palace servants went.

Didn't they all say that hidden masters loved to toy with mortals, and that pleasing them could bring boundless fortune? Why was it completely different in his case?

Damn it. Those people clearly had never met a true hidden expert.

Normally, Fang Mu was a cautious and calculating person. But having just encountered what was clearly an unparalleled expert, he had momentarily lost control of his excitement.

After all, his one lifelong obsession was to grow stronger and escape the bonds of servitude.

Seeing the dazed look on the boy's face, the golden-feathered eagle looked on with great interest.

"Since you want to handle my carriage so badly, let's see what you're made of."

As the words fell, Fang Mu suddenly found himself unable to move. The eagle's eyes seemed to pierce straight through him.

After a cup of tea's time, the golden-feathered eagle chuckled and said, "Interesting. Who would've thought—a mere household servant like you actually dared to secretly study your master's martial arts. And you've even cultivated to Body Tempering Stage Five."

Fang Mu's expression changed drastically upon hearing those words. He hadn't expected the other party to see through even the memories buried deep in his mind. If the people from the royal household found out, he'd definitely be punished with a whipping.

The golden-feathered eagle watched the change in Fang Mu's expression with great interest and continued, "Just last night, you happened to profit off your Princess Qinghe. That so-called 'demonic fugitive' they were chasing—he died by your hand. And right now, you're still carrying one of his treasures."

"Please stop, senior, don't say any more. I only..."

Fang Mu tried to explain, but realized there was nothing he could say in his defense—because everything spoken was the truth.

"This one's quite interesting."

A calm, unhurried voice came from inside the carriage. At the same time, the door opened, and a young man dressed like a scholar stepped out, gently fanning himself with a folding fan.

The golden-feathered eagle glanced at him and instinctively asked, "Young master, don't tell me you've taken a liking to this brat?"

While traveling, it naturally wouldn't reveal Chu Feng's real name.

Chu Feng smiled. "It's not that. I'm simply... interested."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to the boy named Fang Mu. With just one glance, he saw a swirl of fortune above Fang Mu's head.

That aura of fate coiled like a dragon, shrouded in mist—like a hidden dragon in the abyss, hinting at a future where it would soar to the heavens.

After examining it, Chu Feng retracted his gaze and said flatly, "Not bad."

Hearing this, the Golden-Winged Eagle King's opinion of Fang Mu changed as well. This kid's luck really is something. Along the way, we've met plenty of people, but never once has this person said 'not bad'.

Fang Mu's eyes lit up. Although he didn't know who this scholar was, anyone capable of making such a terrifying being pull their carriage was clearly no ordinary figure.

"Master above, please accept me as your disciple!"

He spoke while bending his knees to kneel—but before he could drop down, he suddenly found his legs frozen in place, as if held by some invisible force.

Chu Feng's face grew serious. "No need to rush into discipleship. I don't accept just anyone. Let's see if you can pass my test first."

Fang Mu was slightly disappointed but didn't lose heart. Instead, he swore silently to himself that he would pass no matter what.

He clasped his fists and said respectfully, "Junior is willing to accept senior's test."

"Brother Eagle, return to the Great Yuan Royal City."

Chu Feng gave the command, then turned and stepped back into the carriage.

"Alrighty."

The Golden-Winged Eagle King gently patted the steed's head with its wing.

With a huff, the thousand-mile stallion turned around and began walking toward the Great Yuan Royal City.

Fang Mu followed along behind the carriage. Two hours later—

Chu Feng arrived at the royal city and turned back toward Fang Mu. "Little one, take us to the property exchange office. Find a nice standalone residence."

Fang Mu respectfully asked, "Does senior have any specific requirements?"

Chu Feng replied, "Somewhere not too far from where you live."

Fang Mu's face lit up. "Understood."

An hour later, Chu Feng's group had moved into a private residence.

Fang Mu stood nervously in the courtyard, not daring to meet anyone's eyes.

Seeing his nervous posture, Chu Feng smiled and said, "No need to be so tense. You can head back for now. Within three days, decide what you want to learn. Then come find me."

Fang Mu's eyes brightened. He bowed and said, "Thank you, senior. Junior will take his leave now."

"Mm."

Chu Feng nodded, watching the young man's figure disappear into the distance…

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