So-Called Dignity and Pride
“Welcome, Mr. Yan.” Mu Tianhe controlled his emotions as fast as he could and greeted Mu Yu with his palm and fist together.
Mu Tianhe was convinced that there was more than what met the eye to Mu Yu as he was able to stealthily approach them and challenged Sikong Clan openly.
“You plan to stay in a cemetery?” Mu Yu repeated.
Keeping his tone professional, Mu Tianhe explained, “Since you have arrived, the property should be yours. We will get moving soon as I promised.”
“You still haven’t found lodging after all these days?”
Mu Yu’s gaze was fixed on Mu Hao since entering, but the boy wasn’t fazed.
“We have sold all of our belongings to pay off our debts, yet we still owe some. With no money, we have no other option.”
Adamant that living in a cemetery was unreasonable, Mu Yu inquired, “How much is still outstanding?”
“Two million.”
“Two million? Why don’t you sell your cemetery to me for two million?”
Said cemetery was where Mu Clan’s family tree monument was stored.
Mu Tianhe sternly stated, “Mr. Yan, please do not offer mindless advice on our family affairs. I am already humiliated over my failure to protect our home. If I sold our cemetery, how will I answer to our ancestors?”
“The dead are long gone. The living should focus on their survival. You don’t have much longer to live, so it doesn’t matter if you move into the cemetery, but what about the kid behind you? You expect him to live with the dead from such a young age? You sure are a dutiful grandpa.”
“Don’t you dare give my grandpa that attitude.”
“Hao.” Mu Tianhe pushed Mu Hao back.
“Am I wrong? I heard you have a few other kids still wet behind the ears. You want to put them through hard times because of your problems instead of biting a bitter pill for their sake? You’re a Body Severing Realm cultivator, one of the most advanced in this city. If you were willing to offer your services as a guard, would you even have to worry about housing? Are you arguing that your pride is more important than your grandchildren?” Mu Yu snapped, reminded of his parents split.
“My grandpa won’t be anyone’s bodyguard. I’m fine with staying in the cemetery with him, beat it. You can have the property, while we go our way. We don’t need your opinion!”
“Amazing. Now you’re having your grandson deflect for your pride. Some grandpa you are.”
“I will take into consideration your advice. You might be unaware, but it is unlikely anyone in the city will provide us shelter due to Sikong Gaoming’s pressure. We will leave the city to try our luck elsewhere. We shall take our leave now.” Mu Tianhe saluted Mu Yu angrily.
“Wait.”
“What else do you want?” Mu Hao raged.
Mu Yu tossed a black jade piece onto the table. “There’s two million in here. I happened to need a steward with decent cultivation. If you’re willing to take up the post, this two million is yours.”
Mu Tianhe clammed down on his teeth.
“You decide. Given your debts, I’m willing to bet you won’t leave the city alive. I doubt you could protect your family on your own. Your pride or your family? The decision is yours.”
He’s right. I’ve never bowed to anyone, though. I don’t know if I can bow my head for my family, Mu Tianhe contemplated.
Mu Yu took his time waiting. The purpose of his proposal was to tear Mu Tianhe’s cherished reputation and pride down because it was the very thing that cost him his parents. He was willing to lend Mu Yu a hand under the condition that Mu Tianhe gave him a reason to help. Mu Tianhe just had to set aside his pride, and Mu Yu would never set foot in Mu Clan’s estate again as a means of returning the estate to them. Since there was nothing to connect them, he didn’t need to be worried about people getting back at Mu Clan.
Mu Yu intended to stir up some trouble in the city as Mr. Yan so that nobody would target Mu Clan unless they wanted to be six foot underground.
“We don’t need your stinking money. We can work something out for ourselves!” Mu Hao brayed.
“I don’t care if you take it or not. I’m not begging or forcing you.”
“I have a spine that does not flex to others. You should keep the jade piece for yourself. Farewell.” Mu Tianhe took off in the end.
“Your grandpa does have dignity,” the dragon vine remarked.
“That’s called pride, not dignity. He’s fine with throwing his son and grandson off a ship if it means he can protect his pride. Is being a steward so humiliating? Every damn cultivator clan out there has a steward. Are you telling me that none of them have a smidge of pride?
“In this world, power speaks. Can your pride protect you from a punch? All of Mu Clan’s lives hinge on his decisions, yet he’s willing to sacrifice all of them for his pride. He’s in love with his pride and power. That’s all there is to it!”
“When do you plan to help them, then? You’re not just going to watch their creditors butcher them, are you?” Xiaoshuai asked.
“Mu Tianhe has his principles, and I have mine. When he can put down his pride and prioritise his family, I’ll extend a hand to him.”
Previous Chapter l Next Chapter
