Chapter 005: Taking Over the Family

Through the flow of his energy, Mu Zihao discovered that Mu Tianyou’s internal organs had all been violently displaced and were riddled with cracks. Had he not acted in time to protect him, Mu Tianyou would have been bedridden for more than half a year, if not dead outright. Even so, it would take at least a month of rest for Mu Tianyou to fully recover. After all, three broken ribs—even with the bloodline of a battle general—could not heal in just a few days.

Mu Zihao’s killing intent toward Mu Tianhen deepened even further. He was now certain that Mu Tianhen must have stumbled upon an extraordinary opportunity to return with such strength. He must be removed as soon as possible to prevent future trouble—and, in doing so, Mu Zihao could seize his fortune to strengthen his own side.

After handing Mu Tianyou over to the servants who had rushed over, Mu Zihao rose with a whoosh and advanced step by step toward Mu Tianhen. A suffocating murderous aura erupted from him, enveloping the space and making everyone feel as if they had fallen into an ice-cold abyss—they could not help but shiver.

In his rage, Mu Zihao’s oppressive force was several times stronger than before, surging toward Mu Tianhen in relentless waves, layer upon layer like towering mountains. Although the pressure was almost unbearable, Mu Tianhen gritted his teeth and bore it, sweat beading on his brow and veins standing out on his face.

“Kneel and accept your death!”

Mu Zihao thundered, his momentum unchecked, determined to force Mu Tianhen to kneel in public under the immense pressure before finally destroying him—thus warning all present that Mu Zihao was not to be trifled with.

Buzz!

Mu Tianhen felt as if a heavy hammer struck his mind, a buzzing ringing in his ears, followed by searing pain that nearly made his knees give way. Fortunately, years of hardship had forged his will, and he managed to endure, jaw clenched tight.

Seeing this, Mu Zihao was momentarily stunned, then became even more murderous. This youth could not be allowed to live.

He continued to advance, saying, “I’d like to see how long you can withstand this. Kneel for me!”

As he spoke, Mu Zihao once again increased the pressure, sending even greater force crashing toward Mu Tianhen.

“Enough!”

At that moment, a low voice exploded in the air, accompanied by a surge of even stronger might, which instantly dispelled Mu Zihao’s oppressive force, erasing it completely.

Whoosh!

A figure flew down from the mountains, landing gracefully in the open space among the crowd. This man’s hair and beard were snow-white, his age indiscernible, but his ruddy complexion and extraordinary bearing marked him as a figure of great power. He was no stranger to most present—everyone recognized him as the Mu clan’s patriarch, Mu Qianyuan, a true powerhouse at the fifth tier of the Sky-Gazing Mirror.

In Sky Association City, only the patriarchs of the other great clans could compare to him.

“Patriarch!”

Though Mu Zihao was unwilling, before Mu Qianyuan he dared not show any disrespect and bowed deferentially.

“Greetings, Patriarch!” The rest of the Mu clan hurried to salute, not daring even to think of defiance.

Mu Tianhen led his sister forward and also paid his respects to Mu Qianyuan, not neglecting a single courtesy.

Mu Qianyuan nodded to his family, then looked at Mu Zihao, who seemed about to speak, and said, “There’s no need for words—I am already aware of everything.”

With that, he turned to Mu Tianhen and asked, “Little Hen, tell your patriarch—how do you intend to handle this matter?”

Mu Tianhen did not hesitate. “I am Tianxue’s elder brother; her marriage must have my consent. No one else has the right to decide! Moreover, I am now sixteen and eligible to formally take charge of the family—”

“Impossible!” Mu Zihao interrupted loudly. “For the past four years you’ve ignored family affairs and know nothing of governance—how can you be clan head?”

Mu Tianhen shot him a cold glance. “Ignored family affairs? Was it I who ignored them, or you, Grand Elder, who denied me any involvement? Or perhaps you desire the position for yourself?”

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Mu Zihao hurriedly retorted. “As the Grand Elder, I naturally have the family’s best interests at heart, striving to make us ever stronger, to make—”

“Enough!” Mu Qianyuan waved his hand. “There’s no need to revisit the past—each of us knows what lies within our hearts. Now, I announce that from this moment, Mu Tianhen will take over the family as acting clan head. If he passes the family’s appointment assessment three months from now, he will formally become clan head and have final say in all matters. Anyone who objects may take it up with me!”

At these words, Mu Zihao was instantly crestfallen, feeling as though everything had been lost—deeply dejected. After so many years of painstaking effort, victory was within reach, yet he could only watch helplessly as Mu Tianhen became clan head. How could he accept this? How could he be content?

But with Mu Qianyuan present, he dared not utter another word. If even Mu Zihao fell silent, how could the other family members dare voice their dissatisfaction? All they could do was obey the patriarch’s command.

Mu Qianyuan then turned to Mu Tianhen once more. “Continue—today’s matter must have an outcome.”

Mu Tianhen nodded, then announced clearly, “Because I was absent before, Xue’er was coerced into today’s situation. I hereby declare: the marriage between Mu Tianxue and the Yang family is annulled!”

This outcome was expected; no one found it abrupt. Even the Yang family could only accept it, for the reasons were clear to all. Only Yang Shen, ever the fool, raised a ruckus, insisting he must marry his bride and take Mu Tianxue home.

But his protests changed nothing; he was forcibly dragged away and returned with his group to Balin City.

Afterward, Mu Tianhen led his sister home, not even pausing for Mu Qianyuan. He knew well that the patriarch was fully aware of all the family’s affairs—including the bullying he and his sister had suffered. Only, while he was a cripple, Mu Qianyuan had turned a blind eye. Now, having returned with new strength and suppressing Mu Tianyou on the spot, he showed even greater potential. Thus, Mu Qianyuan finally stood up for him.

In the end, Mu Qianyuan’s intervention amounted to a few words—the true change was forged by Mu Tianhen himself. Of course, he was still grateful, for he did not yet have the strength to contend with Mu Zihao alone.

Because of this, as Mu Tianhen passed by Mu Qianyuan, he quietly murmured, “The Winter Chill Poison can be cured.”

Shortly after the siblings departed, Mu Qianyuan dismissed the crowd, sending everyone home. He himself quietly repeated Mu Tianhen’s parting words, then slipped into the forest, his figure vanishing swiftly.

Mu Tianhen escorted his sister back into the city, heading straight into the main building and returning to this familiar home. Naturally, no one dared stop them now.

“Brother, I’ll go boil water for your bath,” Tianxue said, not even caring about the mud on her own dress, her face radiant with happiness. As long as her brother was safe, that was all she wished for.

Mu Tianhen stopped her, gently stroking her hair. “Does it still hurt?”

“Not anymore,” Tianxue smiled. “Now that I’ve seen you, the pain is gone.”

“Silly girl,” Mu Tianhen smiled, motioning for her to sit. “From today, I won’t allow anyone to bully you again. Whoever dares, I’ll destroy them!”

Hearing this, a worried look crossed Tianxue’s face. “Brother, you killed that man and injured Mu Tianyou. Grand Elder won’t just let this go, will he?”

Mu Tianhen chuckled. “Look at you, little Xue’er, you’ve grown up and think things through so well.”

He put away his smile, gazing out the door, his voice drifting softly. “Of course they won’t let it go. They’re sure to scheme in secret. But now that I’ve returned, they won’t be able to stir up any real trouble.”

PS: Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend! Though I still have to work, I’ll keep writing in the evenings. I have some drafts ready, so updates won’t be a problem.