Chapter 032: The Assessment Gathering Begins

Seeing Mu Tianfeng return only to suffer at his elder brother’s hands, Mu Tianxue felt deeply satisfied. At the same time, her worry grew, fearing that this terrifying man might deal a lethal blow to her brother.

Where there is joy, there too is discontent. Yang Cui was the most displeased of all, grinding her teeth as she spat at Mu Tianfeng, “Tianfeng, you must make that useless fool suffer as much as possible—let him die in utter despair from torment!”

Mu Tianfeng glanced at Yang Cui, his face expressionless as he asked coldly, “I know what I have to do. Do I need your guidance?”

At his words, Yang Cui and those nearby were taken aback, feeling that Mu Tianfeng was going too far. After all, Yang Cui was his mother; how could he be so disrespectful?

Though there was discontent, no one dared speak out. After all, Mu Tianfeng was a disciple of the Celestial Pavilion, a man who had seen the world. He had developed the pride and aloofness of one who stands above others, and it was only natural that such habits could not be shed overnight.

Moreover, he was the strongest person present. Even if you felt wronged, what could you do about it?

Just as Mu Tianfeng had said to Mu Qianyuan earlier: in this world, everything else is an illusion—only strength is real.

Whether you liked it or not, you had to endure.

Thus, Yang Cui said nothing more, sulking on her seat and transferring her frustration into an even deeper hatred for Mu Tianhen.

At this time, Mu Tianhen brought his sister over to their seats and smiled at Mu Tianxiang, “Sister Tianxiang, thank you for taking care of Xue’er all this time.”

“Still being so polite with me?” Mu Tianxiang replied with a gentle smile. “Besides, Xue’er and I are so close. How could I let her live alone in loneliness? Of course I had to stay with her.”

“So, this has nothing to do with you. There’s no need to thank me.”

Mu Tianhen said no more, simply keeping this kindness in mind. Now was not the time for pleasantries, nor for chatting idly.

Today was the crucial day for the succession of the Mu family head, a day that would determine the fate of the entire clan. Most importantly, it was the day to deal with the troublesome Mu Tianfeng.

During their earlier approach, Mu Tianhen had probed Mu Tianfeng’s cultivation and discovered he was a true Sky-Gazing Sixth Realm master—a genuine powerhouse.

He could not be underestimated. In fact, he was a formidable problem.

Mu Tianhen’s own cultivation was only at the Sky-Gazing Third Realm, three minor realms below Mu Tianfeng. Defeating him would not be easy.

Even though he was born with a sacred physique and had inherited the legacy of the Azure Lotus Emperor, there was no guarantee he could bridge a gap of three minor realms to overcome Mu Tianfeng.

After all, Mu Tianfeng had been to the Celestial Pavilion. Even as a registered disciple, he would have received the Pavilion’s resources and cultivation techniques, far beyond what an ordinary martial artist could attain.

The slightest mistake would bring eternal doom.

Yet things had come to this; there was no turning back. The only way forward was to face it head-on, with not a trace of hesitation.

Thus, Mu Tianhen gently patted the little white creature on his shoulder and said, “Little White, go play with Xue’er and the others for a while. We’ll go home soon.”

“It’s called Little White?” Mu Tianxue gazed at the creature. “It’s so white! I love it!”

As she spoke, Mu Tianxue reached out and gently tapped Little White’s nose, almost making it sneeze; instinctively, it shrank back.

If Mu Tianhen hadn’t explained their relationship beforehand, Little White would have been angered by Mu Tianxue’s gesture and might even have attacked her.

It was, after all, a beast, with the primitive wariness of animals. It would never let someone get close so easily, much less allow them to touch it. This little girl was truly bold.

But since she was the master’s sister, it decided to let it go.

Besides, it needed to stay with these two girls as instructed by its master, and there was no need to sour that relationship.

Thinking this, Little White, which had retreated, came back again and gently nudged Mu Tianxue’s finger with its head, looking utterly adorable.

Delighted, Mu Tianxue immediately reached out with her other hand, picked up Little White, and nestled it in her arms, stroking its soft, snowy fur.

Mu Tianxiang also couldn’t resist and reached out to stroke the creature, her fondness plain to see.

Seeing that Little White was not resisting, Mu Tianhen finally felt at ease. He then turned to the stage to look at Mu Qianyuan, giving him a slight nod.

At that very moment, Mu Tianfeng, eager to teach Mu Tianhen a lesson, looked to Mu Qianyuan and said, “Are we not beginning yet? Does anyone else dare compete with me for the position of family head?”

Mu Qianyuan did not answer immediately, instead glancing at Mu Tianhen. After receiving another nod, he finally spoke: “Since everyone is here, let us begin.”

“Today is the Mu family’s succession assembly. All direct descendants whose cultivation has reached the Fifth Level of the Blood Ignition Realm or above may compete and take the assessment.”

“Whoever passes the assessment will become the new head of the Mu family! Now, those who meet the conditions, step forward and register. If no one registers, it will be assumed that there is no opposition to the acting head, and we will proceed directly to the succession trial.”

Naturally, none of the other disciples dared to speak. Never mind whether they met the requirements— even if they did, who would dare to register?

Setting aside Mu Tianhen’s current strength, Mu Tianfeng alone was an unsurpassable opponent. Anyone who stepped forward would face his ferocious attacks.

Since they all knew they had no hope of becoming family head, why risk themselves?

Thus, everyone settled into the role of spectator, weighing in their minds whether Mu Tianhen or Mu Tianfeng would triumph in the trial.

Seeing that no one dared to step forward, Mu Tianfeng revealed an arrogant, triumphant smile. Striding forth, he declared loudly, “An acting head? He’s nothing but a useless fool!”

“Today, I will show you just how worthless this fool is! Only I, Mu Tianfeng, am fit to lead the Mu family!”

“Only I, Mu Tianfeng, can guide the Mu family to glory!”

With a sudden motion, Mu Tianfeng swung his head toward Mu Tianhen and barked, “Useless one, come and accept your death! If you kneel before me and kowtow a hundred times, admitting your worthlessness, I might let you die more swiftly.”

At these words, a murmur of discussion spread among the crowd. They all believed Mu Tianfeng would use cruel means against Mu Tianhen to establish his own authority.

“My brother is not a useless fool!”

At this moment, Mu Tianxue, clutching Little White, suddenly cried out, glaring at Mu Tianfeng. “You’re not allowed to call my brother useless! He’s a genius—the greatest talent in Shun’an City!”

Mu Tianfeng sneered, “A genius? Proclaimed by yourselves? How utterly ridiculous! And who are you to speak before me?”

“Soon, you’ll be given to Yang Shen to bear his children. You’d best hope your womb is productive, or they’ll sell you to a brothel—”

Abruptly, a stone whistled through the air, flying straight for Mu Tianfeng’s mouth, so quickly that he was forced to stop speaking and swat it aside.

No longer paying Mu Tianxue any heed, Mu Tianfeng glared furiously at Mu Tianhen, his voice like ice: “So, the useless one dares to attack me? I’ll make you beg for death!”

Mu Tianhen stepped into the arena, his words as cold as frost drifting from his lips: “Whoever dares insult Xue’er faces death without reprieve!”