Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Plan

"Father, what do you intend to do?" Mu Chen asked.

Mu Yuanfeng's face darkened, "The news has spread, and now everyone has their eyes on me. It's unlikely I'll be able to keep the elixir for two more years. The best course of action might be to consume it."

However, one doesn't simply consume such an elixir. It requires someone experienced to oversee the process, lest the consumer risks being consumed by its power.

If their father were to intervene, he would certainly ask him to hand the elixir over to Mu Yuanhang. Mu Chen wasn't yet at the peak of Nine-Star Martial Mastery, but Mu Yuanhang had been stuck there for years. Initially, their father might have thought of this but hesitated to voice it.

Now, with this situation, for the sake of the family's future, he would certainly speak up. Yet how could Mu Chen accept this, especially suspecting that Mu Yuanhang might be behind this scheme?

But even if their father knew it was Mu Yuanhang's doing, he would still proceed. He had always prioritized the family's interest. Mu Yuanhang probably counted on this.

"I'm not sure, Chen. My chances of successfully absorbing the elixir are too low now. But to sell it... I can't bear the thought," Mu Yuanfeng sighed.

The Soul-Breaking Elixir has a market value of 300,000 spirit stones. But that's just its market price! On the black market, the price can skyrocket to millions. For Lan Ruofeng to think he could buy it for 350,000 spirit stones is ludicrous.

Mu Chen lifted his gaze and suggested, "Father, perhaps we should just consign the elixir to the auction house."

"Consign it to the auction house?" Mu Yuanfeng inquired.

Mu Chen nodded, "Yes. We're not the only ones with this information. Holding onto the elixir only attracts attention. It might be better to auction it off and use the proceeds to purchase herbs for another elixir or books to enhance your alchemy skills."

Mu Yuanfeng, with a contemplative look, replied, "You have a point. Auctioning might be a good solution. If I managed to refine the elixir once, I can surely do it again."

Mu Yuanhang has already left to summon our father. His intentions are clear. We need to act fast.

"Let's go," Mu Yuanfeng said to Mu Chen.

"Now?" Mu Chen asked in surprise.

"Time is of the essence. Don't you want to check out the auction house?" Mu Yuanfeng smiled.

Mu Chen nodded, clearly tempted, "Of course!"

"Uncle, are you going out? It's not exactly safe outside," Mu Hong said upon seeing Mu Yuanfeng and Mu Chen.

Mu Yuanfeng shot Mu Hong a cold glance, "Indeed. Must I report my whereabouts to you?"

Mu Hong gave an awkward smile and replied, "Uncle, you jest."

Without another word, Mu Yuanfeng led Mu Chen away.

"Young Master Hong, what's gotten into the second master?" A confidant beside Mu Hong inquired.

Mu Hong watched Mu Yuanfeng's retreating figure, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. What could Mu Yuanfeng do if he got angry? After all, he's merely a nine-star martial artist now. If grandfather were to emerge, he'd surely side with father.

Mu Hong remarked nonchalantly, "Who knows! Uncle seems to be in a bad mood. Perhaps it's because Mu Chen is too inept, failing to refine the elixir smoothly."

One of Mu Hong's confidants asked, "Young Master Hong, should we send someone to keep an eye on Second Master?"

Mu Hong replied dismissively, "Never mind." With Mu Yuanfeng's formidable capabilities, any surveillance would be detected. Provoking him now and driving him to desperation would be inadvisable.

No sooner had Mu Yuanfeng departed than Mu Yuanhai emerged from Mu Ke's cultivation chamber.

"Where's your uncle?" Mu Yuanhai asked Mu Hong.

"He left," Mu Hong replied.

Mu Yuanhai's eyes narrowed, a twinge of anxiety touching his heart. "Leaving at this time... What's he up to? Do you know where he went?"

Mu Hong shook his head, "I'm not sure."

"Then send someone to find out!" Mu Yuanhai exclaimed, a sense of foreboding filling him.

Mu Hong nodded and said, "Yes, father. When will grandfather come out of seclusion?"

"Tomorrow," replied Mu Yuanhang.