Chapter 31: What Kind of Explanation Do You Want?

Three days can feel interminably long for those who wait, while for others, they pass in the blink of an eye. For people like Yang Cui in Baling City and Mu Tianxue in Shun’an City, these three days stretched on endlessly, to the point of driving them mad. Even those awaiting the Mu Clan’s succession ceremony felt as if these three days dragged on for three years. Everyone was eager to see whether Yang Cui could truly summon Mu Tianfeng back, and curious about where Mu Tianhen had gone during this time—and what changes he might have undergone. Onlookers always relish the spectacle, no matter how chaotic.

The other great families, in particular, hoped to see Mu Tianfeng return, with Mu Tianhen fully prepared to face him. If so, the two would inevitably clash, tearing the Mu Clan apart from within. Regardless of whether Mu Tianfeng claimed power or Mu Tianhen emerged victorious, the Mu Clan would be weakened, fading from prominence among the great families and struggling ever to recover.

At last, with the rising of the fourth day’s sun, the long-awaited figures appeared. A procession from Baling City arrived, led by none other than Yang Cui. She strode forward with a haughty air, chin tilted upward, eyes scanning above the crowd, utterly disregarding those around her. It was clear she was absolutely confident in her bid for the Mu Clan’s highest authority. Beside her walked Mu Tianfeng, returned after five years’ absence—a man whose power alone could overawe all of Shun’an City. His bearing matched Yang Cui’s: the same arrogance, the same disregard for those around them. No one could doubt they were mother and son.

Though the crowd was displeased by their attitude, they held their tongues. They were here for the drama, not to petition this imperious pair, so there was no need to take offense. Behind them followed several key members of the Yang family, including Patriarch Yang Jun and his foolish son, Yang Shen. They had come not only to support Yang Cui and Mu Tianfeng in seizing the Mu Clan’s power, but also to take Mu Tianxue and force her to become Yang Shen’s concubine, ensuring the Yang line endured.

Meanwhile, the Mu Clan’s martial arena was packed to overflowing, a sea of heads surging inside and out. Members of other great families squeezed in wherever they could. At the center of the arena was a circular open space, a hundred feet across, exuding the grandeur of the great clans. On one side stood a raised platform, ten feet high, already filled with seated elders. At the very center sat the clan’s patriarch, Mu Qianyuan. To either side of him were the four Supreme Elders, each at the peak of cultivation, the true core strength of the Mu Clan.

Below the platform, the inner rows were divided into sections, each for a different family branch. Yet now, only Mu Tianxue remained of Mu Tianhen’s line, making theirs the smallest contingent. Of course, Mu Tianxiang had stayed close to Mu Tianxue, although she was not of that branch by blood.

“Make way! All of you, clear a path!” At that moment, Yang Cui’s voice rang out from the back of the crowd, sharp with displeasure, prompting people to step aside and form a corridor for her party. With a dozen followers at her heels, Yang Cui advanced with an imposing presence. Mu Qianyuan’s brow furrowed at the sight of Yang Cui and Mu Tianfeng, knowing that there would be no peaceful resolution today.

Mu Tianxue, meanwhile, was gripped by anxiety; she dared not look at Yang Cui and Mu Tianfeng, instinctively hiding behind Mu Tianxiang, trembling slightly. Mu Tianxiang gently patted her arm and whispered, “Don’t be afraid, Xue’er. With the patriarch here, they won’t be able to stir up any real trouble.”

“But where is my brother? Why hasn’t he come yet?” Mu Tianxue whispered, stealing a glance at Mu Tianfeng. When she caught his sinister smile directed at her, she quickly lowered her gaze, heart pounding uncontrollably.

Mu Tianxiang knew that words brought little comfort now; only Mu Tianhen’s return could calm the girl. “Xiao Henzi, where have you gone? Why aren’t you back yet?” she thought, peering hopefully toward the rear of the crowd, searching for that familiar figure—but in vain.

By now, Yang Cui and her party had reached their clan’s section and taken their seats. Yang Cui cast a cold glance toward Mu Tianxue, her eyes flashing with malice. Then, turning her gaze to the platform, she called out, “Patriarch, isn’t it time to begin the ceremony?”

Mu Qianyuan checked the hour and waved dismissively, “There’s still half an incense stick’s time. No need to rush. Besides, you have been expelled from the clan by the acting patriarch, so—”

“Acting patriarch?” Mu Tianfeng interrupted, his voice cold. “And who is this acting patriarch? Who granted anyone the right to be acting patriarch?”

Mu Qianyuan understood Mu Tianfeng’s intentions and replied bluntly, “I did. Do you dispute it? Besides, you are no longer a member of the Mu Clan. You have no right to interfere in our affairs.”

Mu Tianfeng showed no anger, only a cold sneer. “Expelled? And who has that authority—was it you? Has the Mu Clan ever made a decision without first seeking my approval?”

“Enough!” barked one of the Supreme Elders, unable to bear it. “Mu Tianfeng, how dare you speak so disrespectfully to the patriarch! Have you no sense of propriety?”

“Propriety?” Mu Tianfeng’s expression darkened, his tone icy. “On the Martial Continent, strength is everything! Spare me your sanctimonious talk of propriety! Besides, do you act like elders at all? You turned a blind eye when my father and brother were killed; why didn’t you claim to be elders then?”

As he spoke, Mu Tianfeng’s aura surged, sweeping across the arena, sending chills through the hearts of many and deepening their fear of his strength.

Suddenly, Mu Tianfeng pointed at Mu Qianyuan and declared, “You, as patriarch of the Mu Clan, cannot tell right from wrong, and you let a useless wretch act as acting patriarch. You’re nothing but a senile old fool! How can the Mu Clan be left in the hands of an incompetent? I have returned to set things right and demand justice for my father and brother!”

“And what sort of justice do you seek?” A calm voice came from beyond the crowd, drawing all eyes in that direction.

When they saw Mu Tianhen approaching, a small white fox draped across his shoulders, no one quite knew what to think. He had been gone for three months, only to return with a mere fox cub? How could he possibly contend with Mu Tianfeng now? It seemed there would be no suspense to today’s proceedings after all.

“Brother!” Mu Tianxue cried, dashing toward Mu Tianhen with open arms for an exuberant embrace. Mu Tianhen did not disappoint her, holding her close. Then he gently stroked her hair and smiled, “Come, let’s go together.”

Mu Tianxue tugged at his sleeve, whispering anxiously, “Brother, Mu Tianfeng and the others…”

“It’s all right,” Mu Tianhen interrupted with a gentle smile. “I’m here. There’s nothing to worry about. Trust your brother.”

“Mm!” Mu Tianxue nodded vigorously, her eyes brimming with trust. She glanced shyly at the little white fox, her gaze full of affection.

Seeing Mu Tianhen approach, Mu Tianfeng snorted coldly. “To think you’d stoop to keeping such a pathetic beast as a pet—truly, you’re worthless!”

Mu Tianhen replied coolly, “And who are you calling worthless?”

“I’m calling you worthless!” Mu Tianfeng shot back without thinking, prompting a ripple of laughter from the crowd. Only then did he realize he had fallen into Mu Tianhen’s verbal trap, and his anger flared. He resolved then and there not to let Mu Tianhen die easily—he would make him suffer a hundredfold.

PS: Wishing all the esteemed readers a pleasant weekend and all the best! Special thanks to Xin Yi for recommending “I Am the Mythic Creator.” Xiao Zhe is off to work again and will be burning the midnight oil to write tonight. It’s been over three months of nonstop work without a single day’s rest—crying face (´;︵;`).