Chapter 149 The Storm Is Brewing

Jiang Xiong took a deep look at Chen Mu, but the admiration in his heart was already mixed with heavy caution and wariness.

His talent was so extraordinary that it could no longer be described as just a Genius; he was simply a Prodigy, a monster.

This youth possessed a resilient Heart-Nature and was decisive in killing. Now that he had demonstrated such terrifying comprehension of martial arts and speed of Cultivate, if the Jiang Family could firmly keep him in their grasp, he would naturally be a Sharp Weapon that would never fail.

But, what if they could not control him?

Given the arrogance and independent Heart-Nature Chen Mu had displayed, he was definitely not something that would remain in a pond. He was not like Qi Huan, who had a natural sense of awe and belonging toward the imperial court and his superiors, nor was he like many Jianghu heroes who were easily swayed by profit and power.

He had his own principles of conduct, he had his own goals and pursuits, and his mental fortitude far exceeded that of his peers.

What could the Jiang Family offer to win over such a person?

A Cultivation Technique? Since he could quickly master the Hunyuan Wuji Calamity Body today, who was to say he wouldn't be able to master other martial arts even faster in the future?

Resources? At this youth's growth rate, he would likely soon look down upon ordinary resources.

Power? He dared to reject even Wen Jingxing's recruitment and even called for the killing of a local tyrant like Xu Changze...

If one day Chen Mu's growth rate far exceeded the Jiang Family's control, or if his path conflicted with the Jiang Family's interests...

Jiang Xiong's thoughts raced, but he didn't show a hint of it on his face; instead, he smiled even more gently and praised him sincerely.

"Brother Chen, you are too modest. To achieve such progress in a dangerous forbidden technique in such a short time is unique in the thousand-year history of my Jiang Family."

"It is just that I do not see Officer Qi. I wonder if he is well?"

Chen Mu nodded slightly.

"He is seriously injured, but his life is no longer in danger, and he is currently resting and recovering."

Jiang Xiong pondered for a moment, then took out a cerulean porcelain bottle and handed it to Chen Mu.

"This is a sacred healing Medicinal Pill of my Jiang Family. After taking this pill and recuperating for a while, he will recover as before, perhaps even turning a misfortune into a blessing with an improvement in his cultivation. Please, Brother Chen, take this to Officer Qi."

Jiang Xiong said with a faint smile. This gesture was both to show goodwill to Chen Mu and to win over Qi Huan.

Chen Mu reached out to take it and cupped his hands in thanks.

"Then many thanks, Brother Jiang."

"Brother Chen, you are too polite. Our transaction is a matter of mutual need, and since Officer Qi helped out of righteousness, I naturally must ensure his safety."

Jiang Xiong waved his hand, but his tone shifted.

"In addition, Brother Chen, for someone of your talent to remain in Yunmeng is truly a case of a pearl covered in dust. When matters here are settled, why not accompany me to the North?"

"Although my Jiang Family cannot claim to dominate the region, we do have some foundation and can certainly provide you with a better platform and resources. When that time comes, whether you are pursuing the Peak of martial arts or have other pursuits, the Jiang Family can provide assistance."

This was a direct recruitment.

Chen Mu was silent for a moment, then cupped his hands and replied.

"Brother Jiang, I will keep your kindness in mind. It is just that the matter in Yunmeng has not yet been resolved; Wen Jingxing and Xu Changze both view me as a thorn in their side, and this Karma here still needs to be settled."

"Moreover, I am accustomed to being alone and fear I would struggle to adapt to the rules of a large clan. As for the trip to the North, let us discuss it later."

It was another polite refusal.

A trace of disappointment flashed in Jiang Xiong's eyes, but the smile on his face did not fade.

"Very well, everyone has their own aspirations, and one cannot force it. Whenever Brother Chen wishes to come to the North, the doors of my Jiang Family are always open to you."

He then paused, remembered the news he had received, and shifted the topic.

"Now that the City God has been eliminated and the divine cache has been obtained, the game in Qinglin Town and even Yunmeng City has been broken in one corner."

"However, although Wen Jingxing has left, he did leave a contingency; he kept an expert by his side named Nie Feng and left him with Xu Changze. Brother Chen, you must be more careful in your future actions."

Chen Mu lowered his eyes and replied calmly.

"Nie Feng is dead."

He did not intend to hide it. Jiang Xiong had eyes and ears everywhere in Yunmeng; rather than waiting for him to find out and harbor suspicions, it was better to lay it all out now.

However, Jiang Xiong nearly dropped the wine cup in his hand. He looked up at Chen Mu abruptly, the shock in his eyes no longer concealable.

Nie Feng had actually died too? He died at Chen Mu's hands?

Last night, Chen Mu not only beheaded the Heart-Awakening Realm Late Stage City God, but also killed the Heart-Awakening Realm Middle Stage Nie Feng?!

Jiang Xiong felt his throat go dry. He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the horror in his heart.

"Brother Chen... you are truly... always full of surprises."

"With Nie Feng dead, Wen Jingxing will surely be furious. This matter will likely not end well, and Xu Changze might also be driven to desperate measures..."

Jiang Xiong lowered his head and pondered for a long time, then took out a silk pouch and handed it to Chen Mu. Inside, besides some large-denomination banknotes, there were several bottles of top-quality Medicinal Pill for assisting cultivation and healing, which were of great value.

"Yunmeng is a place of trouble. It would be best for you, Brother Chen, to lie low and avoid the limelight for the next few days."

The two chatted a few more sentences, and then Chen Mu rose to take his leave.

Jiang Xiong personally escorted Chen Mu to the door of the private room. Watching his departing figure, his smile gradually faded, and his eyes became deep and inscrutable.

"Uncle Xiong."

The delicate youth who had guided the refugees appeared behind him, not knowing when, and asked in a low voice.

"Do you need to send someone to follow him?"

Jiang Xiong was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

"No need. This youth's spiritual perception is sharp; following him would only alert the enemy."

"Send a message back. Report the detailed situation of Chen Mu, especially the abnormal progress of his cultivation of the Hunyuan Wuji Calamity Body, truthfully to the Family Head."

"Also, have all the hidden agents near Yunmeng mobilized. I want to know all the subsequent actions of Wen Jingxing and Xu Changze."

"Yes."

The youth bowed and responded, then quietly withdrew.

Jiang Xiong stood alone under the corridor, looking in the direction where Chen Mu had disappeared, his fingers unconsciously rubbing a primitive white jade thumb ring on his hand.

"Chen Mu... just how many more surprises will you bring me?"

"I hope... you will eventually become the blade in the hands of my Jiang Family, rather than a variable that must be eliminated in advance."

...

At the hour of Mao, Qinglin Town courtyard.

Candlelight flickered incessantly within the lamp shade. Xu Changze sat on the grand master's chair, his fingers tapping irritably on the armrest.

He had already faintly sensed the commotion in the direction of the City God Temple. Although he had not been there in person, the faint rumbling and the sudden dissipation of the underworld aura caused an ominous premonition to rise in his heart.

Something must have happened.

Xu Changze frowned, the hem of his bright red official robe was unconsciously crumpled in his grip.

"Nie Feng..."

He whispered this name, the Heart-Awakening Realm guard left behind by Lord Wen. He had left silently yesterday, claiming to be seeking an opportunity to deal with Chen Mu, but there had been no news of him since.

Could it be...

Impossible! Xu Changze shook his head, trying to dispel this thought.

No matter how strong Chen Mu was, he was only at the Dao Entry Realm. Even with some strange methods, how could he resist two Heart-Awakening Realm experts like Chen Jing and Nie Feng?

"Report!"

Suddenly, a trusted guard stumbled into the hall, his face as pale as paper, his voice trembling slightly.

"Lo... Lord, the City God Temple... something has happened!"

Xu Changze looked up abruptly, his eyes bloodshot.

"Speak clearly!"

"This subordinate followed your orders, Lord, to go outside the City God Temple to investigate every hour. Just now, when I approached, I discovered the temple doors were wide open, and inside, it was dead silent. Even the underworld soldiers who usually patrol were nowhere to be seen..."

The guard swallowed his saliva and continued.

"I dared to sneak in to check. The main hall was in a mess; offerings were shattered, the incense table was overturned, and the City God's golden statue... the center of the golden statue's brow was cracked, and all divine light was lost!"

"What!"

Xu Changze stood up abruptly, feeling a chill run up from the soles of his feet.

The City God's golden statue cracking and losing all divine light—he knew better than anyone what this meant.

That was the omen of a deity's fall!