Chapter 062: All of You, Come at Once

However, the leader of the Dai family’s entourage was not their family head, nor was it their patriarch, but rather their Grand Elder, an old man named Dai Xiang. Dai Xiang wore a genial smile as he led his group to the innermost circle.

He cupped his hands toward Mu Tianhen and said with a laugh, “I am here on behalf of my family head to offer our apologies to the Mu family.”

At these words, confusion swept across the crowd—they had no idea what Dai Xiang meant. Why would the Dai family owe the Mu family an apology?

Mu Tianhen understood the reason, but feigned ignorance. “Elder Dai, what brings you to say this? You make me feel rather uneasy.”

Dai Xiang, aware that Mu Tianhen was deliberately asking, showed no displeasure and replied, “Three days ago, due to matters within the family, we were unable to attend your inauguration as family head. Naturally, we must apologize for this slight.”

“It’s of no consequence, truly,” Mu Tianhen answered with a smile. “I understand that matters of the family are demanding. Please, relay to your family head that there is no need for concern.”

With that, Mu Tianhen swept his gaze across the assembled crowd, raising his voice slightly, and continued, “Thank you all for honoring me with your presence. Every family has arrived, and I am deeply grateful.”

“At the same time, if you have any advice or criticism for me, please do not hesitate to share it.”

Upon hearing this, many began whispering among themselves, speculating on how the thirty-odd families would make their move, and wondering where the Dai family would stand.

Yet most were certain that this time, the Dai family would side with the others against the Mu family, against Mu Tianhen.

No one truly believed that Mu Tianhen, by his strength alone, could sweep through the great families and carry out a massacre across the city as he had in the illusion.

Of course, whatever the outcome, it was irrelevant to the lesser families present—they were merely spectators, here to witness the spectacle.

The fate of Shun’an City had never involved them.

Gu Yiming glanced around at the gathering, then rose and bowed with clasped hands. “I have heard tell of Family Head Mu’s unfathomable cultivation, though I know not the truth of it.”

“Today, with all the families present, I believe we all share my curiosity and would very much like to witness Family Head Mu’s profound abilities. Might you be willing to enlighten us?”

“What say you all?”

At his words, the members of the thirty-some families raised their voices in agreement, the sound rolling like thunder.

“Yes! We would very much like to witness Family Head Mu’s profound cultivation!”

“Please, let Family Head Mu broaden our horizons!”

“Family Head Mu, so young and promising—please do not disappoint us!”

Wave after wave of voices rose, their meaning clear—they wanted to see for themselves if Mu Tianhen’s abilities were truly as terrifying as those displayed in the illusion.

Mu Tianhen maintained his smile, and waited until the troublemakers quieted before looking at Gu Yiming and asking, “My skills are shallow; how dare I boast among so many formidable figures?”

“However, since all of you are so eager, it would be pretentious of me to refuse. Therefore, I humbly invite all the esteemed elders present to give me your guidance.”

“Of course, my cultivation may be shallow, but I have no desire to spar with just anyone. Thus, I ask that only the patriarchs of each great family honor me with their instruction.”

At these words, many thought him unbearably arrogant.

Though he spoke with humility, the implication was clear—no one else had the right to challenge him, not even the other powerful figures of the great families. Only the patriarchs themselves were worthy.

This, in turn, subtly told everyone that his cultivation was indeed formidable.

At the very least, it surpassed the sixth level of the Heaven-Seeking Mirror. Otherwise, he could not have slain Mu Tianhua.

Gu Yiming laughed heartily. “Family Head Mu is indeed a hero among men—I am truly outmatched. The younger generation is not to be underestimated!”

“Since Family Head Mu has spoken so, of course we have no objection. Otherwise, it would be a sign of disrespect. In that case, I propose that Patriarch Huang Kun spar with Family Head Mu.”

“Of course, it will be a friendly match—just an exchange. But we cannot rule out the risk of accidental injury, as fists and feet can be blind. Thus, should anyone be hurt in the process, none shall pursue the matter.”

“Family Head Mu, what do you think of this proposal?”

Having heard Gu Yiming’s words, everyone understood their plan.

They intended for each patriarch to challenge Mu Tianhen in turn, to test his true strength and, in the process, exhaust his vital energy.

When Mu Tianhen’s reserves were depleted, he would no longer be a threat.

Even with Mu Qianyuan still at his side, he would be of little concern. By then, the patriarchs would have regained their strength and easily deal with Mu Qianyuan.

With the combined core strength of more than thirty families, the Mu family could be wiped out—utterly and completely.

The plan was not only perfect, but vicious in the extreme.

Yet it seemed the fool Mu Tianhen had not realized this, for he remained at ease, wearing his habitual smile. The Mu family’s prospects looked grim.

There were even rumors that these families had pooled their wealth to hire powerful reinforcements.

This time, they meant to leave nothing to chance.

All eyes turned to Mu Tianhen, waiting to hear how he would respond to Gu Yiming’s proposal.

Mu Tianhen’s smile did not waver. He glanced at the crowd below and finally spoke lightly, “Since everyone is so eager, how could I refuse?”

“However, I have a suggestion of my own. There’s no need to come at me one by one—that would be tedious for everyone, and a waste of time.”

“I may be overestimating myself, but I invite all the patriarchs present to come at me together. Would that be agreeable?”

At these words, even those who had felt a shred of sympathy for Mu Tianhen or his family now regarded him with contempt. They thought him mad with arrogance—to challenge so many patriarchs at once.

There were, after all, thirty-five family patriarchs present today—a force representing the pinnacle of Shun’an City’s power.

In other words, Mu Tianhen was challenging the very elite of the city single-handedly. This was not just arrogance, but outright lunacy.

With such a family head, such a family, what hope of survival could there be?

Originally, the plan had been to keep the patriarchs ready to join forces against Mu Tianhen and Mu Qianyuan at the crucial moment, preventing them from protecting their kin and, in the chaos, slaughter the Mu family, disturbing their composure.

But it would have been difficult to justify such an action from the outset.

Now, however, with Mu Tianhen himself making the proposal, how could they refuse?

Gu Yiming burst out laughing. “Truly a dragon among men—worthy of being called the foremost of the younger generation. I am full of admiration! Since Family Head Mu is so confident, let it be as you wish.”

With that, he cupped his hands to those around him and called out, “Esteemed elders, please, step forward!”

Swish, swish, swish—

Even as his words died away, dozens of figures launched themselves into the air, landing in the open space at the center of the square, their faces cold and impassive as they stared at Mu Tianhen.

Step. Step. Step…

Mu Tianhen descended slowly from the platform, his customary smile never leaving his face.