Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Admission Letter

Fearing that he might encounter Zhuang Yu due to some twist of fate set by the author, Mu Chen decided to stay indoors.

According to the original story, Lu Yao would appear in Mo City in a year to seek the Hundred Refinement Technique. Not long after Zhuang Yu obtained the technique from Mu Chen, Mu Chen, out of jealousy, tried to frame Lu Yao and was killed. Seeking revenge for his son, Mu Yuanfeng also met a tragic end.

If things went according to the plot, Mu Chen would only have a year left to live. Even though the storyline has changed, he's uncertain about the influence of the original tale on this world.

After traveling to this world, Mu Chen had many questions about the original story. For instance, how could Mu Chen, having just advanced to martial artist status, think of plotting against a seasoned warrior like Lu Yao?

According to Mu Chen's speculation, Bai Dan Lian Ti Jue must be very precious, and Lu Yao might have killed both Mu Chen and Mu Yuanfeng to protect its secrecy. This reason seemed more plausible.

Mu Chen practiced martial arts and alchemy at home. In a snap of fingers, three months passed. Within this time, he reached the five-star martial artist rank. However, Ye Shi made a breakthrough and became an eight-star martial artist, outpacing Mu Chen.

As Mu Chen emerged from his alchemy room, he saw Ye Shi.

"What brings you here, Shi?" Mu Chen asked.

Shrugging, Ye Shi responded, "I'm not sure. Your father asked us to see him."

Frowning, Mu Chen wondered, "Why?"

Again, Ye Shi shrugged, "I don't know."

...

"You've arrived?" Mu Yuanfeng greeted Mu Chen and Ye Shi with a warm gaze.

Ever since Mu Chen mended his ways, he had been making continuous progress. Friends who once bragged about their diligent and promising younger generations became humbled in front of him.

"Father, you called for us?" Mu Chen inquired.

Nodding, Mu Yuanfeng continued, "Here are two admission letters for the Sacred Star Bloodline Academy reserved for you both."

Pondering, Mu Chen asked, "Father, where did these come from? It wasn’t in the original story."

"I'm a third-level alchemist, granting me two spots," Mu Yuanfeng explained with a smile.

"Sacred Star Academy?" Mu Chen mused, feeling a sense of familiarity.

Mu Yuanfeng confirmed, "Yes, it's the largest academy in our empire. They have strict admissions, only accepting those below 15 years old with a minimum rank of two-star martial artist. Given your current abilities, you both qualify and even exceed the requirements. However, don't be complacent."

Mu Chen nodded, saying, "I understand."

What Mu Yuanfeng didn’t share was the difficulty in obtaining these letters. One was due to his status as a third-level alchemist, and the other was purchased with ten thousand stones.

Ye Shi looked at Mu Yuanfeng, hesitating to speak.

Mu Yuanfeng looked at Ye Shi, gave a slight smile, and said, "Shi, your cultivation talent surpasses that of Chen. In the academy, support each other."

Ye Shi nodded, his face flushing, and responded, "Alright."

...

"Shi Tou, what's wrong with you? You look pale." After leaving Mu Yuanfeng's residence, Mu Chen couldn't help but ask Ye Shi.

Ye Shi bit his lip, remarking, "Admission letters from the Saint Star Academy are rare. A third-level alchemist can at most obtain one."

Mu Chen looked puzzled, asking, "How did you know that?"

"I've heard rumors. Do you know why my aunt was in such a hurry to kick me out? It's because our family has a quota for the Sacred Star Academy as well. My brothers don't have the same cultivation talent as I do. She was worried I would take the admission spot, so she acted this way," Ye Shi said, grimacing.

Mu Chen inquired with a puzzled look, "Then where did the other admission letter in father's hand come from?"

"I believe he bought it," Ye Shi responded, somewhat disheartened. "One letter, a hundred thousand stones."

Mu Chen's eyes widened, exclaiming, "That much?"

Ye Shi nodded, admitting, "Yes. I... I don't deserve such consideration from your father."

"Stop talking nonsense. Don't overthink. From what I've heard, Saint Star Academy is a haven for martial artists. If we elevate our martial spirits, a hundred thousand stones will be trivial," Mu Chen consoled.

Ye Shi gritted his teeth and nodded determinedly, "I'll do my best."

"Hong'er, this is for you," Mu Yuanhang handed the admission letter to Mu Hong.

Mu Hong's face lit up as he eagerly asked, "Father, has second uncle changed his mind?"

"How could he possibly relent? Mu Chen is already a five-star warrior, ahead of you. That admission letter from Mu Yuanfeng is definitely meant for Mu Chen," Mu Yuanhang said, shaking his head.

Mu Hong frowned, reflecting on the rapid changes in just under a year. If Mu Chen had remained as he was a year ago, even with Mu Yuanfeng's reservations, the admission letter would've been his.

Recognizing Mu Chen's undeniable talent, Mu Yuanfeng began to strategically release some of Mu Chen's elixirs for sale in the family's shops, maintaining an image of exceptional, yet not over-the-top, talent.

"Two days ago, Mu Yuanfeng spent a hundred thousand stones to purchase an admission letter. I thought it was for you. To my surprise, it's for that boy, Ye Shi. That man's priorities seem to be shifting away from us," Mu Yuanhang remarked, clearly frustrated.

Mu Hong's face changed, reflecting his concerns about Mu Chen's recent meteoric rise in power and skill.

"This letter is from...?" Mu Hong inquired, clearly anxious.

"I bought it for you, spending a hundred thousand stones," sighed Mu Yuanhang.

Mu Hong hesitated, understanding the financial burden, but Mu Yuanhang cut him off, "Don't bother with unnecessary words. Now focus on your training, and don't fall behind Mu Chen or Ye Shi."

Mu Hong nodded gravely, saying, "Understood."

...

"..."

Scenic City, Lan family residence.

Lan Ruofeng responded remorsefully, "I apologize, mother. I didn't expect Mu Yuanfeng to be so intransigent."

Zheng Min squinted, commenting disdainfully, "Such a naïve third-level alchemist from a small city, truly insufferable."

Zheng Min squinted, remarking, "A third-tier alchemist from a small city, so naive and arrogant. Such a fool."

"Exactly!" Lan Ruofeng agreed enthusiastically.

Lan Ruofeng nodded, explaining, "Mother, I have my reasons."

Zheng Min narrowed her eyes, pressing, "Reasons? What reasons?"

Zheng Min narrowed his eyes, asking, "Reason? What reason?"

Zheng Min's brows furrowed, a hint of surprise in her eyes, "Sky Yin? Are you certain? Ancient texts mention that cultivating with someone of this constitution can greatly enhance one's abilities, but only with their willing consent."

Zheng Min furrowed her brow, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, "Body of Celestial Yin? You're certain?" The ancient texts mention that dual cultivation with someone possessing the Body of Celestial Yin can greatly enhance one's cultivation speed, even improving one's innate talents. However, this requires the full consent of the other.

Lan Ruofeng nodded, adding, "Absolutely. In fact, it's been... very effective. He admires me greatly now, heeding every word I say."

A confident smile appeared on Lan Ruofeng's face, "Mother, don't you trust my capabilities?"

Lan Ruofeng smiled confidently, "Mother, don't you trust my capabilities? I am already a student of Sacred Star Academy. Even there, I am quite popular."

...

Lan Ruofeng said with full confidence, "Mother, don't worry. I've considered that. I've secretly applied a concealment charm on him. Others won't be able to detect it now."

"That's good," Zheng Min nodded.