The Next Day
After waking up and finishing breakfast, Mu Feng headed straight to Mu Bai's room. He knocked lightly on the door.
A moment later, it opened.
"Feng?" Mu Bai said in surprise before stepping aside. "Come in."
Mu Feng entered and glanced around the room. Everything was neat—simple, disciplined, just like Mu Bai himself.
"Why are you here so early?" Mu Bai asked. "Did something happen?"
"I'm leaving today," Mu Feng said calmly. "So I came to say goodbye."
Mu Bai froze for a moment.
"You're… leaving already?"
"Yes. Our work here is done."
Mu Bai hesitated, then spoke carefully.
"Is this related to what happened to Mu Ningxue?"
Mu Feng raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You've heard about it?"
"Uncle He told me," Mu Bai said. "They said… you crippled her. Can you tell me why?"
Mu Feng was silent for a brief moment before answering.
"You'll understand in the future," he said evenly. "But you should know this—she betrayed the Main Clan."
He met Mu Bai's eyes directly.
"It's like drilling a hole in the bowl you eat from. That kind of betrayal cannot be tolerated."
Mu Bai clenched his fists but nodded slowly.
"I understand."
Mu Feng's expression softened slightly.
"Enough about her," he said. "I'll return in a year—during your Annual Assessment. Until then, work hard."
Mu Bai straightened immediately.
"I will," he said firmly. "I won't let your investment go to waste."
Mu Feng smiled faintly.
"Good."
Then, as if remembering something, he added,
"Oh—one more thing. Keep an eye on two people for me."
Mu Bai blinked.
"Who?"
"Zhang Xiaohou and Xu Zhaoting."
Mu Bai frowned slightly.
"They're talented, but… honestly, I'm still better than them."
Mu Feng chuckled.
"Don't worry. Your position is secure."
His tone turned deliberate.
"But those two are worth nurturing. I have a different use for them."
He stepped closer.
"Tell them to cultivate properly. If they perform well in the end-of-year exam, tell them they can join me."
Mu Bai's eyes lit up with understanding.
"I see. I'll keep an eye on them."
Mu Feng nodded.
"That's all. I should go now."
Mu Bai extended his hand.
"Goodbye, Feng."
Mu Feng shook it firmly.
As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of determination burning in Mu Bai's eyes.
That was enough.
After meeting Mu Bai, Mu Feng returned to his room and quickly packed his belongings.
Once finished, he headed to meet his grandfather.
Fang Ning was already waiting outside, standing calmly beside the car. Pan Xi was there as well. Mu He and Mu Zhuoyun stood a short distance away, their expressions restrained and obedient.
"You're here," Fang Ning said, glancing at Mu Feng.
"Good. Then let's go."
He turned his gaze toward the two brothers.
"You both remember what I told you."
"Yes, Elder," Mu He and Mu Zhuoyun replied in unison.
"We will remember."
Fang Ning nodded once.
"Then that's enough. Let's leave."
They entered the car and soon arrived at the railway station. Not long after, the train began its journey—slowly pulling away from Bo City, carrying them toward the Main Clan.
Mu Feng stood by the window, watching the city recede into the distance.
Roofs, streets, and landmarks blurred together, shrinking until they became nothing more than memories.
I changed the story far more than I expected, Mu Feng thought quietly.
But it was worth it.
His gaze hardened.
'Now, I need to focus entirely on cultivation.
There are still nearly three years left before the Bo City disaster.'
His fingers tightened slightly.
'That incident… will be my debut stage.'
Sensing his grandson's silence, Fang Ning glanced at him.
"Xiao Feng," he asked calmly,
"what are you thinking about?"
Mu Feng turned away from the window.
"Nothing much," he replied.
"Just organizing my plans… and thinking about what happened over the past few days."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"We changed someone's life completely—so easily."
Fang Ning said nothing in response.
But the corner of his lips lifted slightly.
The next day, they arrived at the Imperial City.
A car was already waiting at the station. After a brief ride through wide avenues lined with towering structures, they entered the Mu Clan's territory. The vehicle finally came to a stop in front of their residence.
After getting out, Fang Ning turned to Pan Xi.
"You did well on this trip," Fang Ning said calmly.
"Tomorrow, you may come collect your reward."
Pan Xi immediately bowed, his posture respectful and sincere.
"It was my honor to serve you, Great Elder."
With that, Pan Xi took his leave.
After entering the house, Mu Feng finally asked what had been on his mind.
"Grandpa," he said, walking beside Fang Ning,
"what did you promise Pan Xi to make him give up such an important position so willingly?"
Fang Ning answered without hesitation.
"I promised him the resources necessary to push two of his elements into the Super Tier."
Mu Feng paused, then nodded in understanding.
"Oh… no wonder he was so pleased."
Fang Ning glanced at him.
"Enough idle talk," he said.
"From now on, your focus should be entirely on cultivation. I have very high expectations for you."
Mu Feng hesitated for a moment, then spoke.
"Grandpa, I have a few questions regarding my cultivation."
Fang Ning's eyes flickered with interest.
"Good," he replied.
"Come. Let's go to my study. We'll discuss everything there."
The two of them turned and headed deeper into the residence, the doors of Fang Ning's study closing quietly behind them.
Fang Ning settled into his chair and looked at Mu Feng calmly.
"Ask," he said.
"What do you want to know?"
Mu Feng didn't hesitate.
"Grandpa," he asked seriously,
"how should I cultivate from here on?"
He paused briefly, then continued.
"Should I focus on a single element—push it straight to the Intermediate Tier—and only then turn to my other element?"
"Or should I cultivate both elements simultaneously?"
Fang Ning's eyes narrowed slightly—not in displeasure, but in thought.
After a moment, he answered.
"You should cultivate both elements at the same time."
Mu Feng listened intently.
"When one element reaches Level Two," Fang Ning continued,
"bring the other element up to Level Two as well. Maintain balance."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone firm.
"If you rush one element to the Intermediate Tier first, you will awaken two new elements immediately. At that point, you'll have three Beginner-tier elements."
He shook his head faintly.
"That is inefficient. A waste of potential."
Mu Feng frowned slightly, understanding dawning.
"Too many weak elements…" he murmured.
"Exactly," Fang Ning said.
"Strength does not come from quantity. It comes from mastery."
He continued calmly:
"You must maintain equal control and depth across all your elements. Only then will you form a stable and powerful foundation."
He glanced at Mu Feng.
"Yes, this approach will take more time. It will demand greater discipline."
"But in return—"
His eyes sharpened.
"You will be far stronger than someone who rushed ahead blindly."
Mu Feng straightened, resolve settling in his expression.
"I understand, Grandpa."
Fang Ning nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Remember this lesson well."
"In cultivation, patience is not weakness—it is power."
Fang Ning paused, then added calmly,
"Oh—one more thing."
Mu Feng looked up immediately.
"When you finish connecting all the stars of your Summoning Element," Fang Ning continued,
"do not rush to contract a summoned beast."
Mu Feng blinked.
"…Not summon one?"
"Correct," Fang Ning said firmly.
"Just cultivate."
He tapped the armrest lightly.
"If, after one year, I am satisfied with your progress, I will personally arrange for a true expert to guide you in Dimensional Summoning."
Mu Feng's eyes lit up.
"Grandpa… are you talking about Pang Lai?"
Fang Ning shook his head without hesitation.
"No. Pang Lai is talented—but he is not the one."
Mu Feng froze slightly.
"…Then who?"
Fang Ning's tone grew heavier.
"He is from India. His name is Aditya Kumar."
Mu Feng repeated the name silently.
"If you list the greatest Summoning Element mages in the world," Fang Ning continued,
"that man would rank in the top three."
Mu Feng's eyes widened.
"Is he really that powerful?"
Fang Ning glanced at him.
"One of his contracted beasts is at the Emperor Level."
Mu Feng inhaled sharply.
Fang Ning continued calmly,
"India excels in Psychic and Summoning magic. Their foundations in those elements are unmatched. If you meet my expectations, I will send you to him."
Mu Feng straightened immediately.
"What are your requirements, Grandpa?"
Fang Ning raised a finger.
"First—you must reach Level Two in both of your elements."
A second finger rose.
"Second—you must be able to wield the Ice Crystal Bow fluently. Control it. Aim with precision."
A third finger.
"Third—you must gain real combat experience. You must be able to hold off a Servant-level demon on your own, even if only for a short time."
Mu Feng frowned slightly.
"But Grandpa… Ice Element doesn't specialize in direct offense. And if the demon gets out of control—"
Fang Ning cut him off calmly.
"You have an Innate Spirit Seed," he said.
"Your Ice Element is already stronger than most people's attacks."
Then he added,
"And don't worry about the demon."
Mu Feng looked up.
"I'll arrange a summoner to assist you during training. You won't be alone."
Fang Ning leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp.
"Now tell me—can you do it?"
Mu Feng didn't hesitate.
"I won't disappoint you."
Fang Ning nodded once.
"Good."
Then his expression hardened.
"Words mean nothing."
"Show me—"
"—with your actions."
After this conversation, they talked about a few more things. Soon after, Mu Feng returned to his room and began cultivating once again. Time passed quietly, and before he realized it, the day had come to an end.
After dinner, Fang Ning called him over.
"I've hired an archery instructor for you," Fang Ning said."He'll be waiting for you at eight in the morning. Once you connect your Ice Element stars and can release Level-1 Ice Magic, tell me. I'll arrange the summoner."
"Okay," Mu Feng replied.
That night, Mu Feng cultivated for a few more hours before finally going to sleep.
The Next Morning
Mu Feng woke up at five in the morning.
He went for a run for an hour, letting the cool air sharpen his senses, then spent some time at the gym strengthening his body. After breakfast, he headed to the training ground inside the clan estate.
Several targets were set up at varying distances. Bows of different sizes and weights rested neatly on a rack, with arrows placed beside them. At the center of the ground stood a middle-aged man, calmly drawing a bow and releasing arrows one after another.
Each arrow landed cleanly near the center of the target.
Mu Feng walked toward him.
The man noticed his presence and lowered the bow.
"You must be Mu Feng," the man said."My name is Chen Xiao. I'm an Olympic gold medalist in archery. I'll be your instructor. You can call me Teacher Chen."
"You can call me Xiao Feng," Mu Feng replied politely.
Teacher Chen nodded."Good. Let's not waste time. We'll begin the lesson now."
The lesson had begun.
Chen Xiao did not hand Mu Feng a bow immediately.
Instead, he walked past the weapon rack and stopped a few steps away, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Before you touch a bow," Chen Xiao said calmly, "you must learn how to stand."
Mu Feng straightened instinctively.
"Archery is not about strength," Chen Xiao continued. "It's about balance. Breath. Stillness. If your body is wrong, the arrow will never be right."
He stepped beside Mu Feng and adjusted his stance with quick, practiced movements—feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed, spine straight but relaxed.
"Your legs are your foundation," Chen Xiao said. "If they tremble, your hands will lie."
Mu Feng followed every instruction carefully. He could feel it—this was different from magic. There was no mana, no shortcut. Just the body.
"Good," Chen Xiao nodded. "Now your breathing."
He demonstrated slowly.
"Inhale through the nose. Hold. Exhale through the mouth. Your breath must finish before the arrow leaves the string."
Mu Feng mirrored him, repeating the motion again and again until it became natural.
Only then did Chen Xiao turn and pick up a bow from the rack.
It was a standard training bow—simple, unadorned, nothing like the Ice Crystal Bow resting deep within Mu Feng's soul.
"This bow doesn't forgive mistakes," Chen Xiao said, handing it to him. "That's why we start with it."
Mu Feng accepted it.
The weight was unfamiliar but not uncomfortable.
"Don't rush," Chen Xiao said. "Raise the bow."
Mu Feng lifted it slowly.
"Too tense," Chen Xiao corrected immediately. He tapped Mu Feng's shoulder lightly. "Relax here. Power flows when tension disappears."
Mu Feng adjusted.
"Better," Chen Xiao said. "Now draw."
Mu Feng pulled the string back.
The resistance surprised him—not because it was heavy, but because it demanded control. His arm muscles tightened instinctively.
Chen Xiao shook his head.
"You're pulling with your arm," he said. "That's wrong. Pull with your back."
He stepped behind Mu Feng, guiding his elbow, adjusting the angle of his shoulder.
"There," Chen Xiao said quietly. "Feel the difference?"
Mu Feng did.
The strain shifted. It became steadier, more sustainable.
"Archery is endurance disguised as precision," Chen Xiao continued. "Anyone can draw once. A true archer can draw a hundred times without their form collapsing."
Mu Feng held the string.
His arm trembled slightly.
"Release," Chen Xiao said.
Mu Feng released the string.
The arrow flew.
It missed the target by a wide margin, embedding itself into the dirt far to the side.
Mu Feng frowned.
Chen Xiao didn't.
"Good," he said.
Mu Feng looked at him, surprised.
"That miss tells me everything," Chen Xiao continued. "Your posture is decent. Your release timing is late. Your focus wavers at the final moment."
He pointed at Mu Feng's eyes.
"You looked at the arrow," Chen Xiao said. "Never look at the arrow. Look through the target."
Mu Feng nodded.
They continued.
Again and again.
Draw. Hold. Release.
Most arrows missed. Some struck the outer rings of the target. None reached the center.
Sweat formed on Mu Feng's forehead. His arms ached. His fingers burned where the string rubbed against his skin.
Chen Xiao watched silently.
Only correcting when necessary.
"Too fast."
"Too stiff."
"Don't fight the bow—listen to it."
An hour passed.
Then another.
Finally, Mu Feng loosed an arrow that struck the target cleanly—just outside the bullseye.
The sound was different.
Solid.
Chen Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly.
"There," he said. "That one was honest."
Mu Feng exhaled slowly.
"Again," Chen Xiao said.
Mu Feng raised the bow once more.
As he drew the string back, something subtle changed.
His breathing aligned.
His stance stabilized.
His mind emptied.
For a brief moment—
He felt the same stillness he felt during cultivation.
The arrow flew.
This time, it struck closer to the center.
Chen Xiao smiled faintly.
"You learn fast," he said. "Faster than most."
Mu Feng lowered the bow.
"I still have a long way to go," he replied honestly.
Chen Xiao nodded.
"Yes," he said. "But that's good."
He turned toward the target range.
"Because archery doesn't reward talent," Chen Xiao said calmly. "It rewards discipline."
He glanced back at Mu Feng.
"And discipline," he added, "is something you clearly have."
The lesson continued.
And with every arrow Mu Feng released, a new foundation—silent, precise, and unyielding—was being forged.