Chapter 053: A Gift for Xue'er

When the family head says it’s time for tea, everyone must oblige, even the family’s venerable ancestors. This is why every outstanding youth of the clan seeks to become the family head.

As everyone sipped their tea, Little White grew anxious, leaping down from Mu Tianhen’s shoulder and crouching on the table, gazing up at him with pleading eyes.

“Little White, would you like to try some as well?”

Mu Tianhen smiled gently, instructing a servant to bring a cup and pour some tea for his companion.

Little White dearly wished to imitate the others, holding the cup to savor the taste, but unfortunately, its paws were ill-suited for such a task. So, it could only extend its tiny tongue and tentatively lap at the tea. To its surprise, the flavor far surpassed that of mountain spring water. Humans, it thought, truly know how to enjoy life.

Yet the tea was a bit too hot, and patience was needed.

Mu Tianhen reached out to stroke Little White’s head and introduced it, “This is Little White, a companion I found during my recent journey. It is now a member of our family.”

Hearing Mu Tianhen call it a companion rather than a mere beast pet, Little White was deeply touched. It nuzzled Mu Tianhen’s hand affectionately, letting out a soft bleat of delight.

In an instant, Mu Tianxue and Mu Tianxiang, the two young women present, were utterly charmed, each wishing they had such a companion themselves.

However, Mu Qianyuan remained somewhat puzzled as to why Mu Tianhen would choose such a pet. Aside from being adorable, it seemed to serve little purpose.

Understanding Mu Qianyuan’s thoughts, Mu Tianhen smiled and said, “Ancestor, I have a feeling that Little White will become an immensely powerful companion in the future.”

“If not for it, how could I have gathered all the ingredients for the Chill Poison antidote so quickly? And I found numerous other rare herbs as well.”

At these words, Mu Qianyuan’s eyes brightened, his voice trembling with excitement. “Family head, have you truly found all the ingredients and can now prepare the Ice Chill Antidote Pill?”

“Do you take me for someone who speaks without care?” Mu Tianhen asked mildly.

Mu Qianyuan hastily stood and bowed. “Forgive my words. I beg the family head’s pardon.”

Mu Tianhen waved his hand, signaling him to sit. “I know your heart is set on being cured, and in your anxiousness, it’s only natural to misspeak.”

Though he uttered no words of blame, Mu Qianyuan understood this was a subtle warning not to be careless with his words again. The next time, the consequences might not be so mild.

Of course, not everyone was so cautious. Some spoke as they pleased—like Mu Tianhen’s own sister, the true princess of the family, Mu Tianxue.

She grinned mischievously. “Brother, you’ve been gone for three months. What rare herbs did you find? Were there many? You’d better not lie to me!”

Toward his sister, Mu Tianhen could never muster the slightest irritation. He smiled, “How could I ever deceive you, Xue’er? Not only did I find the herbs, but I also brought you a weapon.”

With that, he drew the Frostblade Sword from his pack and handed it to Mu Tianxue.

Though the sword remained sheathed, the chilling aura emanating from it was unmistakable; all present could sense its extraordinary power. There was no doubt it was a remarkable weapon.

Yet, none could understand why Mu Tianhen would give such a sword to his sister. Mu Tianxue, after all, was an ordinary girl whose martial veins had yet to awaken. A regular weapon might augment her defense, but this was a true treasure—far beyond her capability to wield. Should she attempt to use it rashly, it might even backfire, with fatal consequences.

But Mu Tianxue was unconcerned. Overjoyed, she received the Frostblade, gripping the hilt and preparing to draw it.

“Xue’er, don’t!”

Mu Tianxiang called out urgently, reaching out to stop her.

Mu Tianhen smiled. “Don’t worry, Sister Tianxiang. Xue’er will be fine. Let her have her fun.”

Neither Mu Tianxiang nor Mu Qianyuan could grasp his meaning, looking at Mu Tianhen with confusion. Even Mu Tianxue herself was momentarily stunned, her wide eyes blinking, uncertain whether to continue drawing the sword. She knew little of martial cultivation, but from Tianxiang’s reaction, it must be dangerous. She decided to wait for her brother’s explanation.

At first, Mu Tianhen’s thoughts had been much like Tianxiang’s—he intended to wait until Mu Tianxue’s martial veins had been awakened, helping her become a Blood Ignition realm practitioner before gifting her this spirit-grade sword.

But he had forgotten about the little companion at his side—a nonhuman companion. Little White had secretly informed him that within the young lady lay a unique and powerful potential, one that could not be awakened by spirit medicines. If martial energy were forced upon her to awaken her martial veins, it would require Mu Tianhen himself to reach the Thunder Tribulation realm before it could be done.

Yet there was another way—a certain object could, unknowingly, help her unlock her martial veins and awaken her latent power: something embodying the essence of heaven and earth’s chilling cold. Such as this very Frostblade Sword.

Thus, gifting the sword to Mu Tianxue would not harm her, but instead have a profound effect.

Mu Tianhen trusted Little White implicitly; in the three months past, it had never spoken in error, always proving accurate.

So now, he brought forth the Frostblade and presented it to Mu Tianxue, prepared for any eventuality. Should anything go awry, he would intervene instantly, never allowing harm to befall his sister.

But these thoughts he kept to himself, saying only, “I know what I’m doing. There’s no need for concern. Xue’er, if you wish to see it, then draw the sword.”

“Alright!” Mu Tianxue’s trust in her brother was absolute, and she was truly eager to see what gift he had brought. From the moment he produced the sword, she had felt it belonged to her, that there was an indescribable connection between them.

With Mu Tianhen’s encouragement, Mu Tianxue nodded firmly, stood, and grasped the hilt, slowly drawing the blade from its scabbard.

As the sword slid free with a soft sound, its blade gleamed with a beautiful pale blue, like ancient ice hidden deep within the earth. A potent chill radiated outward, causing the air to plummet in temperature, as if the room itself might freeze.

Feeling the intense cold, Mu Qianyuan and Mu Tianxiang grew anxious, fearing Mu Tianxue would be frozen solid. They watched her unblinkingly, their concern plain.

Even Mu Tianhen held his breath.

Little White, too, paused its tea, watching Miss Xue with wide eyes.

At that moment, Mu Tianxue felt her connection to the sword deepen, the mysterious bond growing ever stronger. As the blade emerged further, a strange force coursed from the hilt, up her arm, and into her body, filling her with an unprecedented sense of comfort.

Unconsciously, Mu Tianxue closed her eyes, her face reflecting pure contentment, as she continued to draw the sword, inch by inch.