Chapter 41

Chapter 41: An Unexpected Guest

Mu Chen furrowed his brows, a shadow of gloom fleeting across his eyes. Lan Ruofeng? Why would Lan Ruofeng be here?

Yeshi looked at Muchen and asked, "Do you want to check it out?"

Muchen nodded, replying, "Perhaps I should."

Muchen, accompanied by Yeshi, entered the grand hall. Only then did Yeshi realize that Zhuang Yu was also present.

Upon seeing Yeshi behind Muchen, a hint of displeasure flashed in Zhuang Yu's eyes.

Zhuang Yu didn’t like Ye Shi, and the feeling was mutual. As Zhuang Yu's gaze met his, Ye Shi glared back intensely. He was still resentful about that half-sliced cake and naturally blamed Zhuang Yu for it.

Zhuang Yu couldn't help but frown, thinking to himself: Ye Shi really is incorrigible. Even after everything was spelled out clearly, he still chose to associate with Mu Chen. Truly, some don't learn until they face dire consequences.

Lan Ruofeng, seeing Ye Shi's glare towards Zhuang Yu, involuntarily furrowed his brow, thinking: Ye Shi truly doesn’t know gratitude.

Mu Chen held Ye Shi's hand tightly and led him to a seat nearby.

"Master Lan, enough. I can't agree to your terms," Mu Yuanfeng said with a somber face.

Lan Ruofeng, expression unreadable, remarked, "Mr. Mu, my offer is generous. Please reconsider."

Muyuanfeng coldly met Lan Ruofeng's gaze, replying, "Young Master Lan, there's no need for further discussions. I need this elixir too, and I will not sell it."

Lan Ruofeng responded solemnly, "Very well, I won't force the matter."

With his back turned and a chilly demeanor, Mu Yuanfeng said, "Please leave."

With an unhappy expression, Lan Ruofeng turned to leave. Seeing this, Zhuang Yu quickly followed him. As he chased after Lan Ruofeng, he cast a longing look at Muchen, making Muchen shiver inwardly from the intensity.

"Father, why are they here?" Muchen asked, turning to Muyuanfeng.

Mu Yuanfeng took a deep breath, "They came to buy elixirs."

"Buy elixirs? Could it be..." Mu Chen murmured with a furrowed brow.

Muyuanfeng nodded, "Yes, exactly what you're thinking."

Any elixir that enhances a cultivator's energy with minimal side effects is invaluable. To prevent the Soul-breaking Elixir from being coveted, Muyuanfeng kept its creation a secret, known to only a few within the family.

The news about the elixirs must have leaked due to a traitor.

Mu Chen pondered with a creased forehead, inhaling deeply. By all accounts, Lan Ruofeng shouldn't have appeared so soon. Did Mu Yuanhang fail and thus spread the news?

"Father, what's your next move?" Muchen inquired.

Muyuanfeng shook his head, "I'm not sure yet."

"Father, you should consume that elixir now," Mu Chen advised with a worried look.

Muyuanfeng sighed softly, "Now is not the best time to take the elixir."

He had only recently ascended to the rank of a Nine-Star Martial Master and his realm was still unstable. Mu Yuanfeng had intended to spend another year or two to peak at this rank before consuming the soul-breaking elixir. Doing so would have given him a 60% chance of ascending further, but now, his odds were no more than 20%.

Eyes closed, Mu Yuanfeng felt a surge of resentment. Over the years, he had always conceded to Mu Yuanhang. But Mu Yuanhang had always tried to undermine him. Now, Mu Yuanhang went to such extremes just to edge him out.

Yeshi sat quietly, not fully grasping the situation but sensing Muyuanfeng was in trouble.

Muyuanfeng's expression softened as he looked at Yeshi, "Stone, it's been years since our last meeting. I remember you as a tiny baby back then."

Yeshi, feeling a bit out of place, greeted, "Uncle Mu, hello."

Mu Yuanfeng patted Ye Shi on the shoulder, "You should move here. The inn isn't conducive to your cultivation. Living here will also let you get to know Chen better."

Yeshi's eyes widened in surprise, staring blankly at Muyuanfeng.

"Is something wrong?" Muyuanfeng inquired.

Ye Shi shook his head, replying, "No."

Muchen observed Yeshi, a frown forming on his face. He had invited Yeshi multiple times before, only to be ignored. Yet now, with just one request from his father, Yeshi agreed. It felt unfair.

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