Clearwater City
The huge, golden sun rose over the edge of the barren world, and its rays fell on the quiet escort that was on the move.
“Mr. Mu, why do you say that Sikong Clan wants you dead? Mu Clan is no longer a threat to them, is it not?”
“They want to finish us for good. I am the only person in Mu Clan who is versed in business. My brothers are better cultivators than I am, so they do not manage the clan. If I am gone, Mu Clan will have no means of managing the business front, thereby destroying us with the least amount of effort. I did expect myself to become a target, but it came sooner than I expected.”
“Why do you not have a few Primordial Infant Realm or Golden Core Realm cultivators to join this escort?”
“My father has reassigned most of our adepts to Clearwater City in case Sikong Clan strikes there. I do not usually venture outside; I just happened to be needed this time. I was careless this time. These two insisted on coming allowing, so I let them come along.”
Mu Clan’s best cultivator was a Body Severing Realm First Layer cultivator, Mu Tianhe, who was also the current patriarch. He had four sons and two daughters; Mu Rongxuan was the third eldest. Mu Rongxuan’s two elder brothers were Primordial Infant Realm cultivators and, therefore, their clan’s future leaders. As a proponent of “might is leadership”, Mu Tianhe promised to pass on leadership to whoever could ascend to Body Severing Realm first, prompting the two to focus on cultivating all the time. By the same token, Mu Tianhe focused on developing cultivators, advocating for cultivators to polish their name and spur on the clan’s development.
Mu Rongxuan was worried his two elder brothers would object if he vied for the patriarch seat, so he steered clear of it and focused on fulfilling his shoes as a businessman. Sikong Clan saw that as an opportunity to eliminate Mu Rongxuan.
“Your father sure is a handful. Your family should be prioritised.”
“Unfortunately, we lack manpower.”
“Don’t you dare criticise my grandpa!” Mu Hao fired back.
“It’s called being honest, kiddo. If your grandpa was thinking properly, he’d realise that cultivation doesn’t make a clan. Having advanced cultivation is fantastic, but all brawn and no brain is the quickest way to be duped and not even realise it. Your father’s wellbeing should be the priority,” Mu Yu expostulated. “Mr. Mu, what about your younger brother and two sisters?”
“My two younger sisters moved out of Clearwater City after they married. As for my younger brother… sigh…”
Mu Yu chose not to pry as it didn’t impact his goals.
Mu Rongxuan was full of praise and respect for Mu Yu. Mu Hao, on the other hand, spited Mu Yu, who he was still wary of, every now and then, insisted that “Feng Mu” was undeserving of being called a hero and only Mu Yu was worthy of the title.
The escort arrived at Clearwater City after a five-day journey. The city derived its name from the fact that cultivators used some means of drawing water underground into the city, creating an oasis. It was a bustling city that resembled a stereotypical city where cultivators were present. Xiaoshuai constantly pestered Mu Yu to try out the delicacies he could whiff. Nevertheless, Mu Yu told him to deal with it for the meantime.
“Feng Mu, do you have any lodging here? If you don’t, you can stay at Mu Clan for the meantime,” Mu Rongxuan offered.
“I will not trouble you, Mr. Mu. I want to go for a stroll and get to know the city,” Mu Yu kindly rejected.
“Brother Feng Mu, you should let us show our appreciation. I can tell you all about the fun places in the city, and you won’t have to get lost in this big, big city,” Mu Xin cheerfully said.
“Do you have nice drumsticks?” Xiaoshuai inquired.
Mu Clan’s escort got acquainted with the glutton of a spirit beast. Mu Rongxuan chuckled and replied, “We certainly do. Whatever you wish to eat, just say the word. We will take care of you.”
“He says he will pay for all our expenses. Can we stay with them, Mu Yu?” Xiaoshuai pleaded with his hands clasped.
“You make it sound as if I starve you.”
“Stay with us, Brother Feng Mu,” pleaded Mu Xin, grabbing Mu Yu’s hand.
Mu Yu pinched Mu Xin’s cheek. “All right, I’ll stay for a few days.”
Mu Hao chopped down on Mu Yu’s hand and brayed, “Don’t touch my sister’s face!”
“Why are they polar opposites when they share the same father?” Mu Yu muttered.
Mu Rongxuan pulled Mu Hao behind him before his son could bite back. “It is our honour to have you at our humble abode. Let me know if you ever need anything.”
“Thank in advance,” Mu Yu responded with a propitious salute.
Given that Mu Clan was one of the biggest five clans, it came as no surprise there were sentries at their door.
“Welcome back, Young Master Rongxuan. Did work go smooth?” asked an old steward, with a bowl.
“Yes. I’ll share the details later. Uncle Mu, did anything happen at home?”
“Umm… Patriarch asked you to go see him as soon as you are back.”
“Don’t worry about it. Rongxuan, come with me to East City’s herb store. Sikong Clan is trying to take over their place,” Mu Tianhe appeared and instructed.
“Grandpa!” Mu Xin jogged over to hug Mu Tianhe.
Mu Tianhe softened his expression and smiled. He scrubbed Mu Xin’s head and stated, “Grandpa has some work to handle with your dad.”
“What is the rush, Grandpa? We almost died on our way back.”
“What do you mean?”
Mu Rongxuan sauntered over and clarified, “Sikong Clan sent One-Eyed Dragons after us in the desert.”
“Them again? Did they hurt you?” Mu Tianhe checked on Mu Hao and asked.
“Had Feng Mu not killed them, we would have lost our lives.”
Mu Tianhe interrogated Mu Yu visually. He, naturally, couldn’t read Mu Yu’s cultivation. He placed his palm and fist together. “Thank you for helping my family. This one is Mu Clan’s patriarch, Mu Tianhe.”
“This one is Feng Mu. It is an honour to meet you.”
Mu Hao didn’t like that his grandpa was courteous towards Mu Yu.
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