After getting out of the car, Mu Feng headed straight for his grandfather's courtyard. He knocked on the door and entered after Fang Ning's calm voice called out:
"Come in."
Fang Ning looked up the moment Mu Feng stepped inside.
"You're back?"
Then, noticing his grandson's expression, he added,
"You look restless. What did you find?"
Mu Feng took a deep breath.
"Grandpa… I discovered something very interesting."
Fang Ning raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? What could possibly unsettle you this much?"
"Grandpa, have you ever heard of the Dual-Element Awakening Talent?"
"Of course," Fang Ning replied without hesitation.
"It's rare, but not unheard of—one appears every four or five years. However, it doesn't make much difference at higher levels. At the Beginner Tier, sustaining two elements is extremely difficult without strong backing, so most people end up focusing on a single element and wasting that talent. Why do you ask?"
Mu Feng shook his head.
"That's not what I mean."
His eyes sharpened.
"I'm not talking about someone who awakens two elements once."
Fang Ning frowned slightly.
"Then what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about a legendary talent," Mu Feng said slowly, deliberately.
"One so rare that most people consider it nothing more than a myth."
Fang Ning straightened.
"Go on."
"The kind of talent where a person can awaken two elements at every tier."
Silence fell.
Then—
"What?"
Fang Ning's teacup froze mid-air.
This was the first time Mu Feng had ever seen his grandfather—the Forbidden Curse Mage who had weathered countless storms—look genuinely shocked.
"Two elements… at each tier?" Fang Ning repeated slowly.
"Are you certain you're not mistaken?"
"I'm about sixty percent sure," Mu Feng replied honestly.
"But we'll only be able to confirm it once he breaks through to the Intermediate Tier."
Fang Ning's gaze sharpened.
"And what makes you so confident?"
Mu Feng answered calmly.
"According to the records, people who awaken two elements only at the Beginner Tier cultivate at the same speed as single-element mages. Their cultivation time is split, so the advantage is minimal."
He paused, then continued:
"But the person I found—his cultivation speed is abnormal."
Fang Ning's pupils shrank.
"He awakened two elements… yet his cultivation didn't slow down?"
"Yes," Mu Feng said.
"In fact, his cultivation is even faster than Mu Bai's—despite Mu Bai occasionally using a Stardust Cultivation Tool."
Fang Ning's expression grew serious.
"That's impossible under normal circumstances."
"And yet," Mu Feng continued evenly,
"he has already controlled four stars, without any backing, without resources, and without guidance."
He met Fang Ning's gaze.
"Not only that—his effective cultivation time is nearly twice as long as everyone else's."
The room fell completely silent.
"Who is this person?" Fang Ning asked, his voice low but sharp.
"And how did you find him?"
Mu Feng answered without hesitation.
"His name is Mo Fan. He's Mu Bai's classmate.
He awakened the Fire Element, but hasn't controlled even a single Fire star yet. However…"
Mu Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Today, I saw him attempting to connect the fifth star of his Lightning Element."
Fang Ning's fingers tightened around the teacup.
"Fire and Lightning…" he murmured.
"The strongest Beginner-tier elements one could possibly awaken."
He looked up at Mu Feng.
"So what do you think we should do with him?"
Mu Feng didn't answer immediately. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"I believe you're thinking the same thing I am."
Fang Ning studied him closely.
"Say it."
"We take the gamble."
Mu Feng's voice was calm, confident.
"If his talent is truly what we believe it to be, then with the resources you can provide…"
He paused deliberately.
"I can reach the Intermediate Tier within two years—at most."
Fang Ning's eyes flickered.
"And if you're wrong?"
Mu Feng met his gaze steadily.
"Then nothing is lost.
We still have Mu Ningxue.
We still have our plans.
A backup will always be ready."
Silence stretched between them.
Then Fang Ning laughed softly—a deep, approving sound.
"Very well," he said.
"We'll take this gamble."
His expression hardened, turning sharp and resolute.
"But remember this, Xiao Feng—
if this Mo Fan truly possesses the legendary talent you speak of…"
He leaned forward slightly.
"Then Bo City will no longer be able to contain him."
Mu Feng's eyes gleamed.
"That's exactly why we must act before anyone else does."
"So when will we take action?" Mu Feng asked.
"Tonight." Fang Ning answered without hesitation.
"We don't have much time. Pan Xi will deal with Mu Ningxue the day after tomorrow. After that, you are to focus entirely on your cultivation."
He looked directly at Mu Feng, his gaze heavy with experience.
"Remember this—strength is the solution to everything.
All schemes and plans crumble before absolute power."
Fang Ning rose from his seat.
"Now, it's time for dinner. After that, we'll meet Mu Bai.
As for Mo Fan…" a faint smile crossed his lips,
"we will deal with him soon enough. Come—let's eat."
Mu Feng nodded.
"Alright. Let's go."
Dinner
Dinner passed quietly.
Mu Bai was present, seated respectfully among the others. He spoke little, answered politely when addressed, and carried himself with restraint—clearly aware that he was surrounded by people far above his station.
Mu Feng observed him the entire time.
Disciplined. Cautious. Hungry for opportunity.
After dinner concluded, everyone returned to their respective quarters.
As Mu Bai stood to leave, Mu Feng caught his eye and gave a subtle nod.
Mu Bai hesitated for a heartbeat—then followed.
Fang Ning's Room
They stopped before Fang Ning's door.
Mu Feng knocked once.
"Come in."
They entered.
Fang Ning was seated calmly, hands resting on the armrest of the chair. His presence filled the room—quiet, oppressive, impossible to ignore.
Mu Feng stepped aside.
"Grandpa, this is Mu Bai."
Then, turning slightly,
"Mu Bai—this is my grandfather, Fang Ning."
Mu Bai's heart skipped a beat.
He immediately straightened and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Elder. It is my honor to meet you."
Fang Ning studied him silently.
His gaze was not sharp.
Not aggressive.
It was far worse—
measuring.
Fang Ning's gaze lingered on Mu Bai for a long moment before he finally spoke.
"You are quite talented to have reached this level with so few resources," he said calmly.
"But your cultivation is only average among your peers."
Mu Bai's heart tightened.
"In a small city like Bo City, you may be called a genius," Fang Ning continued, his tone indifferent.
"But you must understand this—without resources, even a lazy person can surpass you if they are given enough backing."
Mu Bai clenched his fists slightly but did not refute the words.
Fang Ning's eyes shifted briefly toward Mu Feng before returning to Mu Bai.
"However, since Xiao Feng has shown considerable trust in you, I am willing to give you a chance."
With a flicker of light, Fang Ning reached into his dimensional space and placed a wooden box onto the table.
"Take this," he said.
"And show me results."
Mu Bai hesitated for only a moment before picking up the box. When he opened it, his breath caught.
Inside lay a familiar object—one he had only ever seen in rumors.
"A… Stardust Cultivation Tool?" he asked hoarsely.
"Elder… are you really giving this to me?"
Fang Ning's gaze turned cold.
"You may consider it borrowed," he replied.
"As long as you show results, this will be only the beginning."
He leaned forward slightly.
"But remember this clearly—never forget who your benefactor is."
Mu Bai swallowed hard, then closed the box carefully and bowed deeply.
"I understand. I will not disappoint you, Elder."
"Alright. You may leave now," Fang Ning said calmly.
"Xiao Feng, see him back to his room—then return to me."
With that, Fang Ning dismissed them.
Outside the Room
As they stepped into the corridor, Mu Bai finally let out the breath he had been holding.
"Feng… thank you," he said sincerely.
"Thank you for trusting me so much."
Mu Feng smiled faintly.
"It's nothing. I believe in you," he replied.
"Focus on your cultivation for now. I believe we'll go a long way together."
Mu Bai nodded firmly, clutching the wooden box close to his chest.
"I won't waste this opportunity."
They exchanged a few more quiet words as they walked through the dimly lit halls. Soon, they arrived at Mu Bai's room.
Mu Bai stopped at the door and bowed once more.
"I'll begin cultivating immediately."
Mu Feng nodded.
"Good."
After seeing Mu Bai safely inside, Mu Feng turned and headed back toward Fang Ning's room—
his expression calm, but his thoughts already racing ahead to the next move.
Mu Feng knocked once and stepped inside.
"Are you ready?" Fang Ning asked calmly.
"Yes," Mu Feng replied without hesitation.
"Let's go, Grandpa."
"Good. Take my hand."
Mu Feng did as instructed.
The world twisted.
Space folded in on itself—and in the blink of an eye, they reappeared on the hill behind Tianlan Magic High School. The night air was cool, the surroundings silent, moonlight washing over the cleared land.
Fang Ning released Mu Feng's hand and closed his eyes.
A faint, invisible wave spread outward.
A few seconds later, Fang Ning spoke.
"That boy is in the building just ahead.
Wait here. I'll bring him."
Before Mu Feng could respond, Fang Ning vanished.
Less than a second later—
He reappeared.
In his hand was a teenager, limp and unconscious.
Mu Feng's eyes widened slightly.
"Is this him?"
"Yes," Mu Feng replied calmly.
Mu Feng frowned.
"But Grandpa… what happened to him?"
"I used my Curse Element," Fang Ning said indifferently.
"He's in a temporary coma. He won't remember anything."
Mu Feng took a slow breath.
"And now?"
Fang Ning's gaze turned cold.
"Now," he said,
"we extract his talent—and leave."
The night grew heavier.
Something irreversible was about to happen.
Fang Ning reached into his dimensional space once more.
This time, he took out a thin black rod—a ritual tool covered from end to end in ancient curse runes. The symbols were jagged and asymmetrical, clearly not from any modern magic system. The rod was sharpened at one end, its surface gleaming with a cold, expensive sheen.
"This tool," Fang Ning said calmly, "is used only after extreme effort."
He looked at Mu Feng.
"Xiao Feng, after considerable preparation, we've finally managed to transfer that talent into this vessel."
Mu Feng's eyes stayed fixed on the rod.
"Now," Fang Ning continued, "I'll show you the final step."
He knelt beside the unconscious Mo Fan.
With precise control, Fang Ning pressed the sharpened tip of the rod against Mo Fan's forehead—just enough to pierce the skin. A thin line of blood welled up.
Immediately, Fang Ning began chanting.
The runes on the rod ignited one by one, glowing with a deep, abyssal black. The blood was absorbed instantly, vanishing into the runes as if swallowed.
Then—
Black smoke poured out of Mo Fan's forehead.
It wasn't ordinary smoke. It writhed, twisted, and screamed silently, carrying fragments of lightning, fire, and something far deeper—something structural, fundamental.
Mu Feng felt his scalp prickle.
"This is the residue of his soul framework," Fang Ning said evenly.
"The part we severed. The part that allows multiple awakenings."
The smoke was drawn into the rod, filling the runes until they pulsed violently.
"Xiao Feng," Fang Ning said suddenly.
"Come here. Extend your hand."
Mu Feng stepped forward without hesitation and extended his palm.
Fang Ning turned the rod and pressed its pointed end against Mu Feng's skin.
Pain flared—sharp, burning—but Mu Feng didn't move.
A single drop of Mu Feng's blood touched the rod.
The reaction was immediate.
The runes flared brighter than before, shifting from black to a deep crimson-violet hue, responding to a new host.
Fang Ning began chanting again—this time faster, heavier.
The air around them warped.
Invisible pressure pressed down on Mu Feng's shoulders as the rod pierced just deep enough to draw blood and lock itself to his soul signature.
The black smoke surged out of the rod and flowed directly into Mu Feng's arm.
Mu Feng gritted his teeth.
He felt it—
Something rooting itself inside him.
Not an element.
Not mana.
A capacity.
A framework being grafted onto his soul.
Fang Ning slammed his palm down onto Mu Feng's wrist.
"BIND."
The runes extinguished instantly.
The rod cracked down the middle with a sharp snap and crumbled into ash, its purpose fulfilled.
Mu Feng staggered back a step, breathing heavily.
Fang Ning caught him easily.
"It's done," Fang Ning said.
Mu Feng slowly clenched his hand.
He could feel it.
A new emptiness—but not weakness.
An openness.
A space that could be filled again… and again.
"How long… until it stabilizes?" Mu Feng asked, voice low.
"24 hours," Fang Ning replied.
"After that, your next awakening will tell us whether the gamble truly paid off."
Mu Feng looked at Mo Fan's unconscious body.
"And him?"
Mu Feng looked down at Mo Fan's unconscious body, lying motionless on the ground.
Fang Ning's eyes were cold.
"He's useless now. His elements are gone," Fang Ning said indifferently.
"I'll deal with him."
Before Mu Feng could respond, Fang Ning raised his hand.
Countless black curse threads erupted from the air itself, wrapping tightly around Mo Fan's body. The threads pierced into his chest and limbs, binding him completely.
Mo Fan's body jerked violently.
His chest convulsed, his limbs spasmed uncontrollably, and his face twisted in silent agony—as if his heart itself were being crushed from within.
Mu Feng watched without expression.
A few seconds later—
Mo Fan's body went completely still.
Fang Ning lowered his hand.
"It's done," he said calmly.
"He's dead."
Mu Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"No traces?"
"None," Fang Ning replied.
"Unless a Supreme Curse Mage personally examines him, no one will be able to tell the difference. To the world, he'll have died of a sudden heart failure."
Fang Ning bent down and lifted Mo Fan effortlessly.
"I'll return him to where he belongs."
"Wait a moment, Grandpa," Mu Feng said suddenly.
Fang Ning paused.
"What is it?"
Mu Feng crouched beside Mo Fan's body and noticed a simple pendant hanging around his neck. It looked ordinary—almost worthless—but Mu Feng knew it's worth.
Without hesitation, he removed it.
"I think this is interesting," Mu Feng said calmly.
"May I take it?"
Fang Ning glanced at the pendant briefly, then nodded.
"Take it. It no longer matters."
With that, Fang Ning vanished.
A moment later, he returned alone.
"It's done," he said.
"No one will suspect anything."
Fang Ning turned toward Mu Feng.
"Let's go. We've stayed here long enough."
Space folded once more.
In the blink of an eye, they reappeared inside Fang Ning's room at the Mu Manor.