"What?"
Although Mu Nianbing heard it clearly, he couldn't quite believe Xin Xia had said such a thing.
Was this still the Xin Xia he knew?
Even though they were already close—almost like a married couple—she usually maintained her gentle, shy demeanor when it came to intimacy.
Sometimes she would feign resistance, yet still carried that soft, graceful aura.
But now, she was being far more forward than usual.
Could it be that because he hadn't "submitted his homework" in a while, she'd grown impatient?
"Brother Nian~~"
Xin Xia didn't explain anything. Instead, she reached out and pulled him closer.
"Hiss~~"
Feeling his body tremble, a hint of triumph flickered in Xin Xia's eyes.
He had gone to the Ancient Capital behind her back—she was definitely going to give him a good lesson for that.
Sensing the faint resentment in Xin Xia's heart, Mu Nianbing didn't argue. He simply lay back on the sofa and let her continue her massage.
After a while, Xin Xia's initial irritation faded. Her hands softened, her movements slower and gentler.
Eventually, she even sat on his lap, focusing all her attention on massaging his shoulders and neck.
But Xin Xia's stamina was limited. Soon, her arms began to tremble from fatigue.
Mu Nianbing smiled, effortlessly picking her up and continuing to move with her resting in his arms.
Before long, the only sound left in the room was Xin Xia's soft, exhausted breathing.
She had intended to punish him, but in the end, she was the one left powerless and teary-eyed in his embrace.
Imperial Capital, Mu Family
"Bastard! How could you hide it from me all this time!"
Mu Zhuoyun's eyes were bloodshot with fury. His anger had reached a breaking point.
Just yesterday, the Judgment Association had come again to investigate the Mu Family. First it was Mu Yuang, and now a Tiger Jin High Priest.
Who could guarantee there wasn't a third member of the Black Vatican within their ranks?
Although Mu He was already dead, the damage he caused to the family's reputation was enormous.
Just then, Mu Zhuoyun's phone rang.
"Mu Zhuoyun, from this moment on, your Mu Family will have absolutely no relation to the Mu Clan."
The voice on the other end was cold and authoritative—full of disdain, leaving no room for argument.
Then, the call was abruptly disconnected.
It wasn't a discussion. It was a decree.
The fallout from Mu He's exposure had ignited national outrage. Even the prestigious Mu Clan wanted to cut all ties to avoid being dragged down with them.
Mu Zhuoyun's pupils shrank, and his legs gave out. He collapsed to the floor.
"Father, are you alright?" Mu Ningxue, who had just descended from the second floor, rushed forward to support him.
Mu Zhuoyun was still in shock. He took several deep breaths before regaining his composure.
"Nianbing was right… The Mu Clan can't be trusted at all."
He sighed deeply. Ever since learning Mu He's true identity, he had anticipated this day.
Still, he had held onto a sliver of hope that the Mu Clan might spare them for Ningxue's sake.
But the Mu Clan's reaction proved him wrong. To them, even a rare Spirit Seed meant nothing compared to public condemnation.
"Cousin…"
A trace of longing flashed in Mu Ningxue's eyes. Had he foreseen this outcome a year ago?
Now that the Mu Clan had formally severed ties with their family, her position on the National Team would likely be given to another clan member.
However, she had already broken through to the High-Level, and with her current strength, remaining on the team shouldn't be difficult.
All of this progress had been possible thanks to Nianbing.
If he hadn't left her enough resources and money, breaking through this early would have been impossible.
Since they were now completely cast out by the Mu Clan, perhaps she could move to the Magic City in the future…
That way, she could live with her cousin again.
"The Mu Clan acted faster than I expected."
Reading the message from Mu Zhuoyun, Mu Nianbing's expression turned cold.
The incident had only been fermenting online for a few days, yet the Mu Clan was already desperate to kick the Mu Family out to protect themselves.
No hesitation. No emotion.
Still, that was the Mu Clan's nature—cold, calculating, and ruthless.
In that family, only strength determined one's worth. Even direct descendants could be sacrificed without a second thought.
Nianbing sent a message back to Mu Zhuoyun, advising him not to worry.
If the family couldn't remain in the Imperial Capital, they could move to the Magic City instead.
He didn't have endless savings, but supporting a few relatives was hardly an issue.
After that, Nianbing contacted Han Ji, asking him to make his contributions in the Ancient Capital public.
The main reason he had gone there in the first place was to save lives—and to ensure that his Mu Family wouldn't be condemned because of Mu He.
If public outrage continued unchecked, it might even threaten his position as National Team Captain.
Although delaying the announcement might have produced a greater effect later, Nianbing decided to act now.
Losing his captaincy before that would make regaining it nearly impossible.
Han Ji quickly understood his reasoning and didn't hesitate. Two hours later, a bombshell announcement swept across the nation.
Mu Nianbing's heroic deeds in the Ancient Capital were officially recognized and praised.
In an instant, public opinion flipped.
While some people still criticized the Mu Family, their voices were drowned beneath an overwhelming wave of admiration for the "Hero of the Ancient Capital."
Meanwhile, at the Mu Clan headquarters, chaos erupted during the clan meeting.
"Grand Elder, shouldn't we invite Nianbing to join our Mu Clan? He's the National Team Captain this year! His joining us would greatly enhance our prestige!"
"Are you out of your mind? We just expelled his family and publicly cut ties! If we go back now, won't we be slapping ourselves in the face?"
"What does that matter? Nianbing is a rare genius! If he joins, the Mu Clan will gain even more influence!"
The elders argued endlessly—some for, some against, and a few maintaining neutrality.
Finally, the Grand Elder, Fan Ning, raised his hand, silencing the room.
"That's enough. Mu Nianbing is a prodigy and a hero of the Ancient Capital. Our clan needs someone like him. Begin the arrangements."
A calculating gleam flashed in Fan Ning's eyes as he spoke.
To make the separation between the Mu Family and Mu Clan clear once and for all, Mu Nianbing traveled to the Imperial Capital in person.
"Nianbing, I never thought you'd accomplish so much—becoming the great hero of the Ancient Capital! Truly remarkable!"
Mu Zhuoyun smiled proudly as he patted Nianbing's shoulder.
"Uncle Yun, you flatter me," Nianbing replied with a faint smile, though his gaze soon shifted toward Mu Ningxue.
From the moment he entered, Ningxue's eyes had been on him. The instant he met her gaze, she flushed, quickly turning her head away.
Seeing this, Mu Zhuoyun tactfully excused himself and left the room.
"Xue'er, did you miss me?" Nianbing stepped forward, wrapping his arm around Mu Ningxue's slender waist.
He lowered his face to hers, feeling the cool, soft touch of her skin.
Mu Ningxue's cheeks turned crimson, and a mist of shy tears began to gather in her eyes.
...
Author's Note:
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