Chapter 12: The Grand Drama Has Only Just Begun

Four years ago, Mu Tianhen was universally acknowledged as the foremost genius of Shunan City, his cultivation far surpassing that of other prodigies like Huang Xiaoshan, utterly unrivaled in every contest. Because of this, an unspoken sense of pressure had long since taken root in the hearts of others. Even after four years of ruin, his return was enough to make Huang Xiaoshan wary, unwilling to underestimate him or act rashly.

Thus, she first sought to probe his strength through sheer presence, to gauge just how formidable Mu Tianhen remained. After all, many had witnessed Mu Tianyou struck down by his fist—a blow so heavy that Mu Tianyou could not even attend the family patriarch’s birthday celebration. This alone proved Mu Tianhen’s cultivation was anything but low.

Though Huang Xiaoshan doubted Mu Tianyou had truly awakened the bloodline of a battle general or reached the second tier of the Blood Ignition Realm, it was indisputable that he had made a breakthrough to that realm. For Mu Tianhen to fell him with a single punch, and injure him so severely, spoke to considerable strength.

It was imperative to confirm his power before engaging, lest she suffer a humiliating loss. Each step Huang Xiaoshan took toward him, her aura intensified, wave after wave crashing onto Mu Tianhen, the pressure so great that dust swirled violently around him. Yet Mu Tianhen remained unmoved, utterly unperturbed. Not even a strand of hair or a fold of his garments stirred.

This left Huang Xiaoshan inwardly alarmed; her face darkened as she poured even more pulse force into her pressure, amplifying her presence. Yet no matter what she tried, Mu Tianhen was as immovable as a boulder, standing tall and unyielding.

The onlookers, oblivious to this silent contest, eagerly awaited a grand battle between the two, hoping not only for spectacle but to measure the chasm between themselves and true prodigies. But not everyone felt this way. A select few who had reached the Blood Ignition Realm—Dai Linger, Gu Lingyun, and others—could sense the force Huang Xiaoshan exerted and understood her intent.

They too yearned to see just how powerful Mu Tianhen remained after four years of obscurity. When they saw him standing there, unruffled, a gentle smile on his lips as if this were all effortless, waves of disbelief rippled through their hearts. They hardly dared believe what they saw.

All cultivated the martial path, all wished to stand atop the summit. While many had pitied Mu Tianhen’s past misfortune, they could not help but feel a measure of relief—one less formidable rival to contend with. Yet now it appeared that not only was Mu Tianhen not ruined, he might be even stronger than before.

Huang Xiaoshan was their strongest, already at the fourth tier of the Blood Ignition Realm. The force she now unleashed, even other cultivators of the third tier would find difficult to withstand—at the very least, they would break out in a sweat. Yet Mu Tianhen was utterly unaffected, calm as a gentle breeze.

Could he too have reached the fourth tier?

This thought made Huang Xiaoshan even more apprehensive, unwilling to attack recklessly. If a real fight broke out, there was no telling who might prevail. Yet she could not simply back down; to do so would invite ridicule.

She quickly devised another solution. Halting a pace away from Mu Tianhen, she spoke in a cool, clear voice, “Since we are here today to bring joy to Master Mu’s birthday, there’s no need for a true contest. Let us exchange techniques only, without using pulse force, so as to avoid any ill will or breaking the celebratory mood. What say you, Young Master Mu?”

Mu Tianhen had no wish to confront Huang Xiaoshan so soon, especially not on such an occasion. He nodded with a smile, replying, “That would be best. Please, Miss Huang, show your move!”

“Then please instruct me, Young Master Mu!” Huang Xiaoshan called out sweetly, launching herself at him with a raised fist, true to her word not using the slightest hint of pulse force. Even so, her status as a prodigy was evident; her techniques were exquisite and her speed undiminished, making the contest thrilling to watch.

Mu Tianhen did not remain still. The instant Huang Xiaoshan struck, he responded in kind. In the blink of an eye, two geniuses were exchanging blows—attack meeting defense, offense met with riposte—in a dazzling display that drew rounds of applause.

Their spar grew ever more spirited and swift, soon becoming too fast for most to follow. Many had hoped to glean insight from witnessing two prodigies duel, to elevate their own cultivation, yet by the end, they could barely discern a single move.

After a time, the combatants separated, returning to their starting positions, both unscathed—a relief to all.

At that moment, Huang Xiaoshan was inwardly even more shocked. She had never imagined Mu Tianhen’s techniques would be so refined, perfectly countering her newly learned fist style, preventing her from landing even a single blow, let alone causing harm. In other words, Mu Tianhen matched her in both cultivation and technique—a realization that left her stunned.

Fortunately, their match ended in a draw. Neither gained the upper hand, and so neither lost face.

Huang Xiaoshan raised her hand in salute to Mu Tianhen. “Thank you for your instruction, Young Master Mu. Our match ends in a draw.”

Yet inside, she seethed with resentment, wishing Mu Tianhen would simply drop dead, so that her reputation as the strongest of the younger generation would be secure. She could not know that Mu Tianhen had deliberately held back. Had he truly fought with intent to win, victory would have been his with ease. But Mu Tianhen had his own plans for not defeating her outright.

The crowd was left in disbelief, staring at Mu Tianhen with questions swirling in their minds. To fight Huang Xiaoshan to a draw was astonishing, even if no pulse force was used—not just anyone could achieve it. It seemed the first genius had truly returned.

Huang Xiaoshan returned to her seat, her spirits low and a new idea forming in her mind—one that could prove crucial to her cultivation and future prospects.

Next was supposed to be Mu Tianhen’s match with Gu Lingyun, but Gu Lingyun voluntarily withdrew. If even Huang Xiaoshan could only manage a draw, what chance did he have? Pride aside, he feared the pain more—and needed to inform his father, so they could adjust their plans for the upcoming Heavenly Pavilion selection.

Thus, what should have been a much-anticipated contest ended swiftly.

Mu Qianyuan raised his cup, drinking with the guests and thanking them for their company. After three rounds, the gathering shifted to casual mingling as steaming dishes were served to all the guests.

Many people came to toast Mu Qianyuan, offering congratulations and making conversation, some even forging new alliances to mutual benefit.

The Mu family members busied themselves with hospitality, refraining from eating, knowing that a private family banquet would follow.

After a time, when the guests were sated, they took their leave, allowing the family the remainder of the evening together. The servants quickly tidied the hall, while Mu Qianyuan summoned his kin to his residence for their private feast.

The clansmen were all in high spirits, each secretly hoping to make an impression on the patriarch and thus secure their future standing.

Only Mu Tianhen remained vigilant, knowing that the true drama had only just begun.