The night after Mu Yuan revealed his inheritance, the Mu family gathered quietly in the study.
The lamp burned low, and no one spoke for a long time.
Mu Qingshan finally said, "From today onward, Mu Yuan's inheritance must remain secret."
Everyone nodded.
They all understood the danger of special inheritances in Douluo Continent. Attention could destroy even strong families.
Mu Qinglin looked at his son. "You must never show your inner world to anyone outside our family. Not to classmates. Not to teachers. Not even to Spirit Hall."
Mu Yuan answered seriously, "I understand."
---
After a moment, Mu Yuan spoke again.
"My meditation feels smoother than before. Soul power flows easier. I think my talent has improved."
Mu Qingshan and Lin Yaozhi exchanged a glance.
"That is natural," Mu Qingshan said calmly. "Your martial soul mutated in a positive direction after inheritance. When people ask, say only that your martial soul improved. Do not tell your exact innate soul power."
Mu Yuan nodded.
Only his family needed to know the truth.
Mu Qinglin added, "If anyone asks about your speed, say it is because of Azure Wood Meditation and good talent. That will be believable."
Lin Yaozhi smiled. "Let others think you are lucky. That is safer."
---
Su Wanqing then spoke gently, "When you reach Level Ten, come home first. We will arrange your first soul ring ourselves. Do not go hunting spirit beasts with academy teachers."
Mu Yuan agreed without hesitation.
He trusted his family completely.
---
After the meeting, Mu Qingshan tested Mu Yuan's control.
A thin vine grew from the ground and wrapped around a wooden cup before releasing it gently.
Mu Qingshan nodded with satisfaction. "Your wood control is sharper already."
Mu Yuan felt shy hearing praise, but he understood his inheritance had truly changed him.
Meditation became easier.
Breathing felt deeper.
Cultivation became smoother.
---
From that day, Mu Yuan followed a strict routine.
Morning meditation with his grandmother. Reading herb books before lunch. Helping in the garden in the afternoon. Evening meditation with his father. Quiet reflection before sleep.
At night, he entered his inner world briefly and watched the glowing tree.
The land was still small.
But it felt a little stronger each day.
---
Two months passed quietly.
Mu Yuan's cultivation rose steadily toward Level Nine. Even Mu Qingshan was surprised.
"With your current speed," he said thoughtfully, "your talent is already close to those with very high innate soul power."
Mu Yuan only smiled politely.
He knew the truth was deeper… but he kept silent.
---
During those months, Mu Qinglin took Mu Yuan to Frostwood City several times.
The Mu Herbal Shop stood proudly near Frostwood Market. Merchants greeted them warmly. Spirit Hall buyers came often. Even city guards treated them with respect.
Mu Yuan watched carefully and learned.
Strength was not only in battle.
It was also in reputation, knowledge, and trust.
---
When autumn ended, the notice for Frostwood Junior Martial Soul Academy arrived.
New students would register soon.
Mu Yuan felt calm.
Because this was the next step in his life.
He lay beneath the willow tree that night and whispered quietly,
"I will grow carefully… and protect our family."
Inside his hidden world, the tiny tree glowed softly, as if answering him.