Dry leaves covered the ground, an emerald glow emanating from them. The Jade Spirit Fruits, round, verdant, and glossy, emitted a captivating aroma that made everyone's throats bob involuntarily, their eyes filled with eager anticipation.
"There are thirty fruits in total," Lei Cheng said. "Originally, we could have harvested more, but the battle with the Fire Spirit Ape King damaged quite a few Jade Spirit Fruits."
Lei Cheng smiled, then personally handed fifteen Jade Spirit Fruits to Mu Chen:
"Little Brother Mu Chen, although you said you'd only take thirty percent, you contributed the most today. You deserve these fifteen Jade Spirit Fruits. We wouldn't dare to claim such a profit."
"Three portions would have been more than enough," Mu Chen replied. "In that case, I thank you, Big Brother Lei Cheng."
Mu Chen was about to refuse, but seeing Lei Cheng's resolute expression, he could only give a helpless smile. He didn't make a fuss and accepted the fifteen fruits. He then looked at his friends and said:
"You all contributed quite a bit too. How about one fruit for each of you?"
"Heh heh heh."
Mo Ling couldn't help but let out a hearty, smug laugh. Even Jiang Li and Teng Yong were very excited. After receiving a Jade Spirit Fruit from Mu Chen, their expressions seemed to want to say something, but they hesitated, unable to articulate it well, only continuously grinning foolishly.
"Here, you get one too."
Mu Chen also gave one to Tang Qian'er. The pretty girl held the Jade Spirit Fruit in her hand, a sweet smile on her lips.
After Mu Chen finished distributing them, eight fruits remained in his hand. He couldn't help but smile. With these Jade Spirit Fruits, he should have enough spiritual energy to condense the second layer of the Senluo Purple Seal, right?
The group remained seated, resting in the forest. Having just successfully escaped, everyone was in high spirits, and their relationships had suddenly improved significantly. Disciples like Mo Ling took the opportunity to ask the members of the Raging Thunder Squad about some of their spirit beast hunting techniques. Meanwhile, Lin Zhong prattled on, his saliva flying like rain, about the dangerous feats they had accomplished, making the naive youths like Mo Ling listen with wide-eyed wonder, their excitement unceasing.
Mu Chen smiled, seeing the harmonious atmosphere. At this moment, Lei Cheng walked over. He somehow produced a bottle of strong liquor and handed it to Mu Chen, saying with a laugh:
"How about it? Can you handle it?"
Mu Chen stared wide-eyed at the purplish liquid in the cup, which he had never drunk before. He didn't refuse, however, and took a gulp. The burning sensation in his throat made the youth's face turn crimson, his eyes bulge as he gasped for air, then he coughed repeatedly.
"Don't drink too much."
Tang Qian'er, seeing this from beside him, gently patted Mu Chen's back with her delicate hand, chiding him.
"Hahaha," Lei Cheng said, laughing heartily. "I've met quite a few young people over the years, but none have been as formidable as Little Brother Mu Chen. If you're free in the future, come join our Raging Thunder Squad..."
"His father is Lord Mu of the Mu Territory," Tang Qian'er retorted. "If you drag him into being an adventurer, it'd be a miracle if Uncle Mu didn't skin you alive."
Tang Qian'er rolled her eyes at Lei Cheng, her tone reproachful.
"Lord Mu of the Mu Territory?"
Lei Cheng was stunned, then looked at Mu Chen in surprise.
"So Little Brother Mu Chen is the young master of the Mu Territory!" Lei Cheng exclaimed. "I truly had eyes but couldn't see! Hahaha, I once accompanied my big brother to meet Lord Mu Feng of the Territory. Indeed, a tiger father has no dog son!"
Mu Chen glared at Tang Tian'er. The girl stuck out her tongue, knowing she had been too quick-tongued and had accidentally blurted out something she shouldn't have.
"Little Brother Mu Chen," Lei Cheng said warmly, "we'll still be moving around in the Northern Spiritual Realm for some time. If you need any help, just come find us. Consider it us owing you a favor."
"Brother Lei, you're too kind. Since we've agreed to cooperate, it's only natural that I give my full support," Mu Chen said with a smile.
"Cooperation is cooperation, but it's also a fact that you saved the Blazing Thunder Squad," Lei Cheng replied sincerely.
Mu Chen could only shake his head helplessly, but his impression of this upright man grew even stronger.
The group chatted happily for a long time. As dusk gradually fell, Mu Chen led his companions to bid farewell to Lei Cheng, then headed towards the camp at the edge of the forest.
Along the way, Mo Ling and the others were still buzzing with excitement. Today had indeed been very dangerous, but overcoming such a thrilling peril left them inexplicably exhilarated. They talked incessantly, discussing the fierce battle in the mountain valley.
Mu Chen wasn't bothered by their excitement, but he didn't join in. Such dangers were more common than daily meals for him back in the Spiritual Road, so he remained completely calm.
There were no obstacles on the way back. After only half an hour, they were nearing the camp. Seeing the rows of densely packed white tents from afar, the youths sighed in relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
Mu Chen was also looking at the tents when he suddenly frowned. He saw over ten figures standing at the forest entrance ahead. The ones leading them were very familiar to him: Liu Yang and Chen Tong. Behind them was a group of sneering youths, clearly all disciples from the West Branch.
"It's Chen Tong and his gang." Mo Ling had also spotted them and was slightly startled, his expression turning grim. "Mu Chen, it looks like they're targeting you."
Just as Mu Chen spotted Chen Tong's group, they also noticed the returning party. They immediately advanced with hostile expressions, blocking their path.
"Chen Tong, what do you want?" Mo Ling asked, frowning at the sight.
"Hahaha, nothing much, just want to 'exchange pointers' with him a bit. Mo Ling, this doesn't concern you. I suggest you don't meddle! If you happen to offend Brother Liu, I'm afraid you won't have a comfortable time!" Chen Tong said with a laugh.
The "Brother Liu" Chen Tong mentioned was, of course, Liu Mubai. Hearing this, Mo Ling's expression changed slightly; he was quite wary of Liu Mubai.
"Jiang Li, Teng Yong, you two just stand by and watch. I know you two have some 'issues' with Mu Chen, so this is a good chance for me to help you out a bit." Chen Tong then looked at Jiang Li and spoke.
His quick assessment was quite accurate. Among the group before him, apart from Tang Tian'er, the others were mostly strangers, and Jiang Li and Teng Yong had never seen eye to eye with Mu Chen. He figured that by intimidating Mo Ling, no one else would dare help Mu Chen.
But contrary to his expectations, his calculations completely fell apart. Jiang Li, Teng Yong, and their group stared at him coldly, showing no signs of leaving. Instead, they retorted defiantly:
"—If you want to lay a hand on Brother Mu, you’ll have to ask us if we permit it first."
It was true that they had previously disliked Mu Chen, but after today’s life-and-death battle, their former prejudices against him had completely reversed. Whether it was Mu Chen helping them out of a tight spot, his actions in the valley, or even his fair distribution of the Jade Spirit Fruits, all of it had won the admiration of these proud youths. All past grievances had been completely cast aside, and the title "Brother Mu" rolled off their tongues without the slightest hint of awkwardness.
"—You guys...?"
Chen Tong and Liu Yang were momentarily stunned, their faces turning pale as they watched the others surround Mu Chen. They glared, seething with incomprehension. Mu Chen was nothing more than a newcomer who had just set foot in the Eastern Heavens Spiritual Academy. Why were these senior disciples protecting him?
From beginning to end, Mu Chen's face remained as calm as ever, without the slightest change, nor did he utter a single word. Only then did he pat Jiang Li's shoulder and say softly:
"Let's go."
He didn't bother to say anything or show any particular attitude toward Chen Tong and Liu Yang. This dismissive attitude only made Chen Tong's expression turn even uglier. He roared:
"Trying to run? You insolent brat!"
As his shout rang out, he swung his hand, intending to grab Mu Chen's collar.
"Swish!"
But the instant he moved against Mu Chen, the latter's eyes turned icy cold. He flipped his hand, revealing a black object. Just as Chen Tong's hand touched his collar, a dark, mysterious dagger, still stained with a trace of red blood, was pressed against Chen Tong's throat.
The cold sensation on his throat made Chen Tong's eyes widen. His lips trembled as he stammered:
"What... what do you want?"
"Do you think I wouldn't dare to kill you?"
Mu Chen stared intently at Chen Tong, asking softly.
Mu Chen's voice was as light as a breeze, yet it sent shivers down Chen Tong's and Liu Yang's spines, chilling them to the bone. That was genuine killing intent!
The youths behind Chen Tong were also terrified by Mu Chen's dark, mysterious, and chilling gaze, which resembled the depths of a gloomy night. For a moment, no one dared to speak.
"What are you all doing?"
A deep voice broke the tense, standoffish atmosphere. Most of the youths quickly looked over, seeing Master Mo, who had appeared out of nowhere not far away, staring sternly at them.
"Master Mo!"
Mo Ling and the others, seeing him, quickly bowed respectfully.
Seeing Master Mo appear, Mu Chen retracted his dagger. The indifferent expression he had moments ago was replaced by a gentle, innocent smile, making him seem utterly harmless.
"Master Mo, Mu Chen tried to kill me!"
Chen Tong, his face flushed with anger, indignantly accused Mu Chen.
"Do you truly think I'm so blind that I can't see anything?"
Master Mo glanced indifferently at Chen Tong and said softly.
Chen Tong flinched, lowered his head, rubbed his nose, and averted his gaze. His face pale with shame, he quickly led his group away, though not without shooting a threatening glare at Mu Chen.
"You all should return to the camp as well!"
Master Mo gave a few quiet instructions to Mo Ling, Tang Qian'er, and the others. Upon hearing his words, the group hesitated briefly before dispersing one by one.
Once everyone had departed, Master Mo walked over to Mu Chen. Looking at the youth's calm and relaxed face, the old man couldn't help but roll his eyes and shake his head.
"You brat, you actually dared to lead an exploration team into such a dangerous situation..."
"Master Mo, you knew what we were up to?" Mu Chen asked, a clever glint in his eyes.
"Tan Qingshan came back and reported it, so I rushed over immediately," Master Mo replied. "However, I stayed hidden the entire time, but I saw everything you did."
Master Mo stared at Mu Chen, a wave of shock still lingering in his heart. He had clearly witnessed Mu Chen luring the Fire Spirit Ape King all by himself, and had initially intended to intervene. But who could have anticipated that Mu Chen would then draw out a Silver-Horned Dragon Leopard, turning a crisis into an opportunity? That strategy of "driving the tiger to swallow the wolf" was so brilliant that even he couldn't help but marvel at it.
"So Master Mo was secretly protecting me all along. If I’d known that, I wouldn't have had to run for my life in such misery," Mu Chen said with a grin. He knew that with a powerhouse of the Spirit Stage secretly watching over him, he wouldn't have had to flee so desperately through the forest.
"You little rascal..."
Master Mo could only shake his head. Although Mu Chen was young, he was incredibly sharp and calculating. To dare to cooperate with the Violent Thunder Squad, he must have already anticipated that they wouldn't dare to turn on him so easily.
"Forget it, it's good that you're back safe. Go back to your tent."
Master Mo waved his hand and turned to walk back toward the camp. Mu Chen gave a lighthearted laugh and followed closely behind.
The two of them passed through the woods and entered the encampment. Mu Chen's gaze swept over the area, suddenly stopping on a group of over a dozen robust figures not far away. They carried a formidable aura, and a faint trace of bloodlust lingered around them; they were clearly no ordinary characters.
"Those people..." Master Mo also frowned slightly, staring at the unfamiliar group in the distance. Only when they drew closer and he caught sight of the emblem on their chests did he mutter under his breath, "People from the Liu Territory? What are they doing here?"