"The crowd looked shocked at Mu's reaction. Mu turned around sharply, frustration etched on his face, and pointed at the murmuring crowd.
"Hear me, all of you! Don't let me hear that kind of filth come out of your mouths again. Do you understand?"
Silence fell like a curtain. Even the woman Mu had put in her place lowered her head in shame and quietly stepped away.
"Hmm... is this the kid we're looking for?" asked Weng Shun, one of the six cultivators, his eyes narrowing.
Yao Zhilan gave a slow nod, his gaze still locked on Mu.
The crowd instinctively parted, allowing the Chen clan to pass without resistance. As they approached the Bai family's seats, Ruoxue caught sight of Mu. Her eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks tinged with red. She hadn't looked at him properly before.
Mu, arms folded and expression stern, didn't spare her a glance. He continued walking and took a seat next to Elder Tianyang.
Moments later, the city lords entered. The hall quieted once more. Bells rang softly, carried by the breeze.
"Look! It's them, the city lords!" someone shouted from the back. Cheers followed.
The three city lords—Lin Bo, Zhao Heng, and Qin Yue—stepped onto the second floor balcony, looking over the first-floor crowd.
All three had long white beards, identical ceremonial robes, and the hardened expressions of men in their eighties.
Lin Bo, the lead among them, stepped forward, offering a warm smile.
"This council is now in session. From today onward, all inter-clan trade agreements are officially annulled."
Gasps echoed. Grandmaster Lu stroked his beard, smiling faintly.
"What?! They're cancelling everything?" "No way!"
Lin Bo continued. "Private deals among clans have caused more conflict than unity. I've even heard of grand Lu clashing with the Fengs earlier last week. That ends now."
Mo Tianlei, head of the Mo clan, raised his hand.
"Respected Lord, we understand your concerns, but cancelling all clan contracts doesn't solve the issue. Our Mo Corporation relies on these partnerships to trade with the Northland. In fact, we've been seeking alliances in the Five Province Continent."
The lords chuckled lightly.
"Mr. Mo, we value your ambition. But the trading of ranked treasures and artifacts should be focused outside the city—not within it. This is why we plan to forge alliances with cities like Beijing. And next month, the Ultimate Market Festival takes place in the capital. It's the perfect opportunity to reorganize and present your clan's full strength."
The crowd started murmuring again.
"It's not a bad idea..." "Sales could grow faster this way."
lord Ling Bo spoke again. "One last thing, next month, before the festival, there will be a tournament among the youth of all major clans. A fierce competition. The champion will be accepted into the top-ranking sect in West Land—Thousand Vein Sect."
Another explosion of chatter followed.
"For real?!" "This is our chance!"
"Not only will every participant join a sect, but the winning clan will gain direct access to major deals across the continent."
"Now then, let the celebration begin."
Music burst forth. Wine flowed. The celebration began.
Meanwhile, Ruoxue sat restless.
"What do I do? I've been feeling terrible. I can't sleep. I need to talk to him… but he's from the Chens, and we're rivals. If Father finds out, he'll lose it… or worse, Mu will. But I have to say something. Just a short talk... an apology."
Mu sat still, arms folded, eyes scanning the crowd. The six cultivators never stopped watching him.
Then, the Manhuman voice echoed in his head.
"Mu. Look at the elder's section."
Mu turned slightly. "What is it?"
"Those men. Look closely."
He followed the voice's suggestion and noticed the six robed figures still focused on him. He raised a hand and waved slightly, forcing a smile.
"Fool!" the Manhuman snapped inside his mind. "They're after you."
"After me? What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure how, but I can feel it. They're watching your every move."
Mu's face tensed.
The hall started to feel warmer. Claustrophobic. He stood and quietly slipped outside for air.
Ruoxue noticed him leave. Her heart raced.
"This is it. My chance."
She stood and calmly followed.
From the second-floor balcony, Yao Zhilan spotted Mu exiting.
"Send three of our men. Follow that boy."
Three of the six cultivators immediately rose, their expressions cold, and followed after Mu.
Four people were now after him.
Without realizing it, Mu wandered outside and walked over to a bench. He sat down quietly, stretched his arms, and let out a lazy yawn.
"Huh... Manhuman," he muttered under his breath.
"Yes? Speak."
"If I grow stronger… does that mean you'll grow too?"
"What kind of question is that?" the voice shot back. "As long as you keep growing, I will too. I'm just your reflection — whatever happens to you, I feel the same."
Mu paused. "So… if I die, would you die too?"
"Yeah, something like that. But listen — in the Chronicles, we're not supposed to die. We are the Inheritance. Still, if you don't become strong, the story could change."
A short distance away, Ruoxue stood behind a pillar, struggling to find the courage to speak.
"Why am I strong… but I'm scared to talk to a guy?" she whispered to herself. "Just go, Ruoxue. Just try."
She took a deep breath and stepped forward. Her long pink hair fell over one eye, and her face was flushed.
She slowly approached him.
Mu noticed her coming and his expression shifted. The memory of the embarrassment she caused him rushed back, and he looked away, not wanting to meet her gaze.
When she got close, she reached out and gently touched his back.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly.
Mu turned sharply and pulled her hand off.
"Sorry? Really? You made me look pathetic in front of your friends. And now you're saying sorry?"
Ruoxue lowered her head and brushed her hair back. "I know what it must've felt like… I truly do. And I'm really sorry. I feel guilty about it every day. I only did it to impress them, but I regret it. Please… forgive me."
"Impress?" Mu repeated coldly. "That's what you call it?"
Inside his head, Manhuman spoke again. "She's telling the truth. You should forgive her."
Mu let out a quiet breath and glanced at her again.
"Haa… fine. I forgive you."
Ruoxue's eyes lit up. She smiled and grabbed his arm.
"Really?"
Mu glanced down at her hand, and she quickly let go.
"Sorry… I just—thank you. You really forgave me?"
Mu nodded slightly and forced a small smile.
Then, without warning, a green, venomous arrow shot from behind aimed straight at him.