Chapter 47: Insight into the Heart

Two mornings later.

Amidst a light haze and thin mist, Chu Feng, together with Chu Xinlian, Little Blade, and Little Li, disembarked from the swift boat and arrived at the foot of Celestial Mechanism Mountain.

“So, this is the main mountain where the Mu family of Celestial Mechanism resides? Look at this place—the mountains are covered with flowers and grasses, everywhere shaded by towering trees. Compared to the desolate and barren mountains of the Kong Sect, it’s truly worlds apart!” Little Blade was stepping into the core territory of the Mu family for the first time, and as he looked around, all he could see were hills blanketed in blossoms and verdant trees—a landscape of boundless beauty.

“Brother Feng, once we’re inside Celestial Mechanism Mountain, you’ll have to guide me! I’m not the brightest and I’d hate to embarrass you.” After his initial excitement, Little Blade grew nervous. He had never crossed the threshold of such a renowned and powerful clan.

Chu Feng smiled and gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about! Little Blade, you must have more confidence in yourself. In my eyes, you are no less than anyone else.”

Led by Chu Feng, the four made their way to the mountain gates, chatting and laughing along the path.

Chu Feng’s sharp eyes had already spotted from afar that the gatekeeper was still Mi Xinjian, Ding Wanchong’s disciple.

Mi Xinjian, sharp-eyed as well, noticed Chu Feng approaching and, after a slight start, immediately signaled to several fellow white-robed gatekeepers. They hurried over at a jog.

“Master Lin—oh, no, Young Master Chu! I was unaware of your arrival. Please forgive Mi for failing to welcome you from afar. I beg your pardon for my oversight!” Mi Xinjian hurried to Chu Feng’s side, bowed deeply, and spoke with utmost solemnity, as if he truly believed himself guilty of a great offense.

“Brother Mi, you’re being far too formal,” Chu Feng replied with a smile.

Yet facing Chu Feng’s easy smile, Mi Xinjian’s heart fluttered uneasily. When Chu Feng had last stayed with the Mu family, he had successfully crafted the Vein Needle, curing Mu Qiaoxue’s crippling pain. This alone had earned the respect and gratitude of the Mu family, and had left Mi Xinjian deeply awed.

Later, at the Autumn Trial’s arena, Mi Xinjian had witnessed Chu Feng’s martial prowess firsthand—how, in just eighteen breaths, he had so thoroughly intimidated a rampaging Vajra War Rhino that it had urinated in fear. Such strength and presence left Mi Xinjian profoundly shaken, making him realize that offending Chu Feng was a colossal mistake.

Thus, now in Chu Feng’s presence, Mi Xinjian was like a jackal before an elephant—acutely aware of his own insignificance, his respect and awe springing from the depths of his heart.

Unable to meet Chu Feng’s gaze directly, Mi Xinjian turned to the two junior disciples at his side. “Young Master Chu and his friends honor us with their presence. Why are you still standing there? Go at once and inform Miss Mu and the Lord Patriarch!”

“Yes, sir!” The two white-robed disciples saluted Chu Feng and sped off.

“Brother Mi, you’re very considerate.” Seeing Mi Xinjian so deferential, Chu Feng simply smiled and, without further ado, entered the gates with Chu Xinlian, Little Blade, and Little Li.

“Brother Feng, what have you been up to these days? That warrior named Mi shows you so much respect! He even gave me a little bow! Who’d have thought, just by following in your wake, I, Little Blade, could finally enjoy the thrill of basking in borrowed glory, ha!”

Once they were some distance from the gate, Little Blade couldn’t help but blurt this out, pride written all over his face.

“That’s right, uncle! Tell me, what is your status in the Mu family of Celestial Mechanism? Even if you’re a distinguished guest, that Mi fellow’s deference is a bit much. To me, it looked as if he was a pawn saluting a general—he seemed pretty afraid of you!” Little Li was curious too and turned to Chu Feng.

“What? Little Li, what did you just call my brother? Uncle? Did I hear that right? Why would you call him uncle?” For the first time hearing Little Li call Chu Feng “uncle,” Chu Xinlian’s eyes widened in surprise.

Chu Feng chuckled and patted Little Li’s head, not minding the appellation at all. “Little Li’s always called me uncle. Maybe she’s just used to it, or maybe it’s a custom from her hometown, North Yue’s Water City. Perhaps there, calling someone uncle feels more affectionate than calling them brother.”

As they ascended the mountain path, Mu Yuner appeared through the mist ahead, greeting them with a distant smile. “Young Master Chu, it’s been a few days—are you well? Please, come with me.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Sister Mu!” Chu Feng replied, smiling as he walked up to her. He quickly introduced Chu Xinlian, Little Blade, and Little Li.

Mu Yuner greeted each in turn and, seeing that both Chu Xinlian and Little Li were strikingly beautiful young women, praised them warmly and treated Little Blade with equal courtesy.

The route to Mu Qiaoxue’s Green Bamboo Retreat led through several gardens and courtyards—a considerable walk. As Chu Xinlian, Little Blade, and Little Li followed beside Chu Feng, they noticed that every Mu family disciple they passed, regardless of age or gender, greeted Chu Feng with a nod or even a bow.

Chu Feng had never told the three about crafting the Vein Needle from a storage pouch and curing Mu Qiaoxue’s pain.

So, while the trio felt deeply respected by the Mu family, they were also filled with curiosity, as if Chu Feng were some great patron whose presence commanded honor wherever he went in this vast household.

After passing through a grove of green bamboo, they arrived before the retreat, where birds sang, flowers bloomed, and a stream meandered past a small bridge. Mu Qiaoxue had just finished her morning exercises and welcomed them with a smile.

“Good morning, Miss Mu,” Chu Feng greeted her, and promptly introduced his sister, Little Blade, and Little Li.

“What a fine group of youths!” Mu Qiaoxue smiled, her gaze settling on Chu Xinlian. “No wonder you are Chu Feng’s own sister. Such beauty and grace—truly captivating! And I see you have a good foundation and some talent for martial arts. Why not stay by my side? I’ll teach you both martial skills and knowledge.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Sister Mu!” Chu Xinlian, a clever girl, chose the more intimate “Sister Mu” instead of “Miss Mu.”

Mu Qiaoxue’s gaze then shifted to Little Blade, and her brows furrowed slightly. The mere furrowing of her brows made Little Blade so nervous he barely dared to breathe, wondering what he had done wrong to distress this fairy-like lady.

“Miss Mu, I…” he began anxiously.

“No need to be nervous, Little Blade,” Mu Qiaoxue shook her head. “I can see the state of your body. Over a month ago, you endured several bouts of harsh torture, suffering both physically and mentally. Now you indulge daily in rich food and drink, losing yourself in excess. This is nearly self-destructive. As you begin the first stage of body refinement, you must change these habits at once.”

“Yes, yes!” Little Blade nodded quickly, amazed at Mu Qiaoxue’s keen insight—she could tell not only about his past abuse but even his recent indulgences.

Mu Qiaoxue then turned her attention to Little Li.

“Hmm?” She looked her over and paused. “Little Li, you’re from North Yue’s Water City, aren’t you?”

“Sister Mu, you have such sharp eyes and broad knowledge! You saw through my origins at a glance.” Little Li nodded, recognizing Mu Qiaoxue’s worldliness.

“From distant North Yue’s Water City to the nine mountains and eighteen veins of South Yue’s Mountain City—you must have quite a story behind you,” Mu Qiaoxue remarked. “I see in your heart a sense of unrest, as if you carry a grudge to settle. But, Little Li, you should know that when the time comes, such matters will resolve themselves. If you worry or fret prematurely, it will only hinder your progress in martial arts.”

Her words left Little Li stunned, but soon she nodded in understanding. “Sister Mu, you’re right. Thank you for your guidance.”

Chu Feng couldn’t help but smile and nod as Mu Qiaoxue’s concise, insightful teaching revealed her quality as an exemplary mentor. “Miss Mu, you are truly remarkable. With your guidance, these three have nothing to fear for their future growth.”

“You flatter me! Compared to your feat of crafting the Vein Needle and relieving my pain, my little skills are nothing more than trifles,” Mu Qiaoxue replied with a gentle smile. “Brother Chu Feng, I not only know their situations, but I also sense something weighs on your mind. Even after bringing them into the Mu family, you’re not entirely at ease, are you?”

“That’s right,” Chu Feng admitted, knowing that a martial artist at Mu Qiaoxue’s level, with her formidable mind and insight, could read his emotions as clearly as a book. Only someone stronger than her could conceal their thoughts and strength from her gaze.

What troubled Chu Feng was Ding Wanchong. If, after he left for the Wind and Thunder Martial Hall, Ding Wanchong tried to harm Chu Xinlian, Little Blade, or Little Li, there might be little Mu Qiaoxue could do. If anything happened to them, he would regret it forever.

Therefore, before heading to the Wind and Thunder Martial Hall, Chu Feng needed to resolve these worries and ensure nothing could go awry in his absence.

“My way is to inspire confidence,” Mu Qiaoxue said with a soft smile, signaling Mu Yuner, who nodded and departed.

No one knew what Mu Qiaoxue was planning, nor what exactly was causing Chu Feng’s unease.

“Uncle?” Little Li whispered to Chu Feng, “Did Sister Mu just say you crafted the Vein Needle and cured her pain? What’s that about?”

Chu Feng sighed. “Well, to be honest, your loss in the purple crystal flower trade is closely related to me. It wasn’t intentional, but because of me, your flowers couldn’t be sold.”

He could hide it no longer, so he briefly explained how he had visited the Mu family and, using his ‘strength,’ created the Vein Needle that cured Mu Qiaoxue’s pain.