Chapter 212

Chapter 212

"Young Master Mu is remarkably talented. All three nations turn to him for guidance. It's truly commendable!" He Jingzhi said with pride.

Ye Shi scoffed lightly, "Those folks are here to collect debts. Once they leave, Mu Chen will be swamped with work. He might be overwhelmed soon."

"True," He Jingzhi agreed.

Although the three nations compensated them, if Mu Chen were elsewhere, he could negotiate better rewards. Yet, here, in the spirit of alliance, Mu Chen only symbolically charged a small service fee.

"It seems I've arrived at the right time," a hearty laugh echoed.

He Jingzhi paused, a hint of fear flickering in his eyes. The newcomer's silent approach concealed his immense power, making him truly fearsome.

"Elder Mofeng, what brings you here?" Ye Shi asked with evident surprise and joy.

Mofeng chuckled, hands behind his back, "I wanted to see if I could be of any assistance."

Ye Shi widened his eyes, slightly taken aback, "Are you sure?"

Ye Shi and Mu Chen had a duty to their nation, but Mofeng, a sixth-tier artifact refiner and a royal-level master, had no ties to the Xuanfeng Empire. He had no reason to take such risks.

He Jingzhi narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. Ye Shi addressed the newcomer as an elder, a title likely reserved for a Martial Emperor. Yet, he had never seen this particular emperor.

This unfamiliar Martial Emperor was truly a force to be reckoned with.

Mo Feng waved his hand dismissively. "I owe a great debt to Young Master Mu. It's only right to repay it. Of course, don't think I'm overly fearless, Young Master Ye. The initial stages of the beast tide aren't that perilous. I'll volunteer my services for a year, and after that, I intend to depart," he explained, a hint of regret evident by the end.

Ye Shi nodded casually and said, "One year. That's all I need. After one year, I will become the Martial Emperor. By then, no matter how many monsters come, they will perish."

Mo Feng paused briefly, then chuckled, "Ambitious, Young Master Ye."

Advancing from a Nine-Star Martial King to a Martial Emperor in just one year seems like a tall tale. However, with Mu Chen and Ye Shi, it might be plausible.

Ye Shi smiled confidently, saying, "Of course."

From behind Mo Feng, Mo Yun peeked out, remarking, "Young Master Ye, you've improved remarkably in just a few months."

Ye Shi grinned, saying, "Indeed!"

"Mo Yun, you're here too?" Ye Shi asked with a furrowed brow.

Mo Yun smiled, "I may be a Level 5 Artificer, quite inferior compared to Young Master Mu, but I believe I can still lend a hand."

He Jing looked at Mo Yun with astonishment, thinking, "This young man seems so young, yet he's a Level 5 Refining Master. Considering the elder's strength, how powerful is he?"

Mo Feng glanced at Mo Yun helplessly. He had initially been worried about Mo Yun's safety and didn't want to bring him, but he couldn't refuse his persistent son.

Mo Yun was naturally talented. In his early thirties, he was already an Eight-Star Martial King. Sadly, the Nine-Turn Luo Flame tormented him for years. His cultivation stagnated, and although the toxin has been removed, the prolonged suffering left lasting damage.

Mo Feng turned to Ye Shi, hoping that maybe, in the future, Mu Chen could assist Mo Yun. Given Mo Yun's initial potential, he had a great chance of advancing to Martial Emperor. Now, without some serendipity, Mo Yun might remain a Martial King for life.

...

As Ye Shi chatted with Mo Feng and Mo Yun, Mu Chen, accompanied by Fang Yun, Meng Qingru, and Duan Li, emerged, apparently having concluded their discussions.

Upon stepping out, Mu Chen's attention was immediately drawn to Ye Shi's group. Seeing Mo Feng and Mo Yun, he couldn't hide his astonishment.

However, more shocking than Mu Chen were Fang Yun and the others. The Martial Emperors of the Xuanfeng Empire are a rare sight, and an unfamiliar face amongst them is indeed startling.

"Elder Mo Feng, I didn't expect to see you here. I'm truly honored," Mu Chen exclaimed.

Mo Feng smiled and remarked, "I just had some free time and thought I'd help out for a bit. I'll be leaving after a while."

Duan Li suddenly inquired, "Mo Feng, are you the Level 6 Refining Master?"

Mo Feng nodded, affirming, "That's me."

"An honor to meet you," Duan Li said with respect.

Mo Feng responded to Duan Li with a neutral gesture, a stark contrast to his demeanor with Mu Chen.

Duan Li chuckled bitterly. Mo Feng's distant yet polite attitude towards him and his warmth towards Mu Chen was evident. Mu Chen had somehow managed to gain the support of a foreign Martial Emperor and Level 6 Refining Master. Impressive!

"Master Mo, your arrival is fortuitous. I was hoping for your assistance," Mu Chen stated gleefully.

"What a coincidence," Mo Feng replied with a smile.

Mu Chen looked at Mo Feng, his spirits soaring. He had been exceedingly busy lately — with pill refining, symbol crafting, and equipment refining. Everyone marvels at his talents, but little do they know he hardly gets any private time with Ye Shi.

To Mu Chen, Mo Feng appeared like a beacon of hope in desperate times.

Mo Feng, however, was a tad unnerved by Mu Chen's intense stare.

"Young Master Mu is renowned everywhere. Not just in Xuan Feng Empire, but even in neighboring countries," Mo Yun remarked with a grin.

Mu Chen responded with a wry smile, "I've merely been pushed into the limelight. Your praises are too kind."

...

After a brief stay, Duan Li and the others departed.

Aboard the flying boat, Fang Yun gave a wry smile.

"Master, what's wrong?" Fang Guyin asked.

Fang Yun smiled bitterly, saying, "It's nothing."

Knowing of the impending beast tide, many Martial Emperors from the Fran Empire evacuated. Yet, Mu Chen's charisma attracted a foreign Martial Emperor to their aid.

Fang Yun gritted his teeth. While the other nations sought Ye Shi's expertise in various areas, they had only focused on obtaining his rune scripts.

Having witnessed the power of Mu Chen's formations, Fang Yun regretted his shortsightedness. While other nations focused on the formations, they were only interested in the inscriptions.

Fang Guyin observed her master's expression and remained silent. She had always perceived the Xuan Feng Empire as insignificant. However, now, they seemed indomitable.

..................

"Brother Duan, you've returned? Have you secured the item?" Lin Luofeng exclaimed with joy upon seeing Duan Li's return.

Duan Li nodded, saying, "There might be some secrets to the Ten Thousand Sword Formation. Mu Chen didn't share it. However, he provided three Level 6 formations more suitable for us. I'll show them to Master Li later."

Unbeknownst to Duan Li, the Ten Thousand Sword Formation set up by Mu Chen and Ye Shi originates from the scriptures left behind by Ye Shi's mysterious "father". Given the scripture's uniqueness, Mu Chen only shared a few formations he had learned during his expedition.

Lin Luofeng nodded, stating, "That makes sense. The Ten Thousand Sword Formation is aggressive. Without a network of them, it can easily be breached."

"Duan Li, you've seen the defenses of the Xuanfeng Empire. Are they really that strong?" Tan Chen asked, slightly curious.

Duan Li gave a wry smile and said, "It was as the rumors described, if not stronger. Though the martial artists there are not powerful, their attacks become formidable with the aid of their formation techniques. With the 'Thousand Sword Killing Formation' in play, they can effectively fight without directly confronting the beasts. They're quite impressive."

Tan Chen and the others exchanged shocked glances.

"Moreover, they now have a sixth-level artifact master, who is also a martial emperor," Duan Li added slowly.

Tan Chen exclaimed in disbelief, "When did the Xuanfeng Empire gain such a figure? I've never heard of him before. A hidden powerhouse?"

"He's an external aid, brought in on Mu Chen's reputation," Duan Li explained.

Lin Luofeng couldn't help but say, "Even at this time, Mu Chen can still draw external support."

Duan Li nodded, smiling, "Indeed, it's surprising."

..................

"Father, where's Mu Chen?" Mo Yun inquired.

Though he had just arrived, he had heard of Mu Chen's formidable reputation. Yet, only Mu Chen was seen in the refining room.

"Mu Chen?" Mo Feng smiled, saying, "He's probably extremely busy and needed a break. He's resting with Ye Shi now."

Mo Yun nodded, smiling knowingly, "I see." It was still early evening; Mu Chen must have been truly exhausted.

Mo Feng handed Mo Yun a pill bottle, saying, "This is the Spirit Nurturing Pill. It will heal your damaged bones and meridians. Your body will gradually return to its peak, without any limitations."

Mo Yun paused, asking, "Is this from Mu Chen?"

Mo Feng nodded, commenting, "Indeed."

"Master Mu is really generous," Mo Yun remarked.

Mo Feng nodded in agreement, saying, "He truly is."

Mu Chen's reputation today isn't just due to his talent and strength but also his generosity. He never hesitates to invest heavily, proving he values gratitude and reciprocity.

With the potential Mu Chen has shown, it's only a matter of time before he becomes a martial emperor.

If Mo Yun allies with Mu Chen, her chances of advancing to a martial emperor would at least increase by thirty percent.

Mo Feng sighed lightly. He had initially planned to make some contributions before making a request to Mu Chen. However, before he could even speak, Mu Chen generously gave him the needed item. Now, he felt obligated to give his best in return for Mu Chen's kindness.

"Father, Mu Chen's artifact crafting skills are incredible! I took a walk outside earlier, and the flags used in the 'Thousand Sword Killing Formation' are of high quality. Rumor has it that they were crafted by Mu Chen," Mo Yun reported.

Mo Feng nodded, commenting, "Indeed."

He had been amazed by Mu Chen's artifact crafting abilities from the beginning. After some time apart, Mu Chen's skills seemed to have progressed even further, and Mo Feng worried he might soon be surpassed.