Master Mo’s voice was very calm, his words ordinary, yet Liu Ming clearly sensed the anger hidden within them. His expression stiffened. Master Mo was truly a powerhouse of the Divine Soul realm, and also held the position of chief instructor of the Northern Spiritual Academy. Even though the Liu Territory’s people were usually arrogant, they dared not offend him.
“Haha, Master Mo, there’s no need to get angry. It’s just that I was too impatient, but I hope Master Mo can give us some consideration. Our Liu Territory suffered heavy losses this time. Now that Blood Butcher has been killed, we naturally wish to recover the stolen items.”
Liu Ming politely clasped his hands and spoke to Master Mo in a gentle tone.
Master Mo replied indifferently:
“I understand your feelings, but you have no reason to arbitrarily search my disciple’s body. If you hadn’t chased Blood Butcher so close to the Northern Spiritual Field, Mu Chen wouldn’t have nearly lost his life like this. Now that he has fortunately escaped, you still want to make things difficult for him? I refuse!”
Liu Ming saw that Master Mo was deliberately protecting Mu Chen. His smile became even more forced, and he said:
“This matter is indeed our fault, and I apologize to student Mu Chen. However, we are willing to compensate him to his satisfaction. We only hope to retrieve that item.”
Mu Chen also put away the dagger in his hand. Facing Liu Ming, who was looking at him with a vaguely cold gaze, he still shook his head as before:
“Third Master Liu, I don’t have the item you’re talking about.”
“That’s my spoils of war…”
The thought flashed through Mu Chen’s mind. He had nearly died at Blood Butcher’s hands today; to ask him to hand over the spoils of war… how could that be possible?
“You…”
Liu Ming gritted his teeth, his gaze growing colder, but fearing Master Mo beside them, he dared not do anything further to Mu Chen.
“If you want that item, keep it, but don’t let your greed for a mere item lead to an early death!”
Liu Ming glared fiercely at Mu Chen, suppressing the rage in his heart, then waved his hand and led Liu Mubai and the others to turn and leave.
Mu Chen watched the group stomp away, seething with anger, yet he acted as if he hadn’t heard Liu Ming’s threat.
“Thank you, Master Mo.”
Mu Chen turned around, clasped his hands in thanks to Master Mo, his face filled with gratitude.
“You are a disciple of the Northern Spiritual Academy and are currently participating in the cultivation training organized by the Northern Spiritual Academy. Since I am responsible for your safety, I naturally must protect you.”
Master Mo smiled faintly, his profound gaze sweeping over him.
“Alright, let’s head back to the camp.”
Mu Chen gave a forced laugh and said nothing more, following the two instructors as they left the Northern Spiritual Field.
Master Mo and Master Xi exchanged glances, then looked back at Blood Butcher’s cold corpse. Master Xi frowned:
“Is this kid really that lucky? To just happen to be rescued by an expert…”
This situation could happen, but it was extremely rare. However, compared to Mu Chen instantly killing a late-stage Spirit Wheel realm powerhouse like Blood Butcher with his own strength, that was even harder for people to believe.
Master Mo offered no opinion, only smiled as he looked at the young man. He had also clearly seen Mu Chen use ingenious schemes to toy with the Fire Spirit Ape King until its death, and naturally understood that anyone who judged him with ordinary scrutiny would likely pay a considerable price.
Others would certainly find it unbelievable that Mu Chen personally killed an expert like Blood Butcher, but he felt that this matter was not impossible.
The young man appeared gentle, but in reality, his temperament was as sharp as those who constantly honed themselves in life-or-death situations. His methods, it was feared, were beyond the match of ordinary people.
What an interesting kid. No wonder he obtained that qualification.
When Mu Chen arrived back at the camp, it caused quite a commotion. Mo Ling and Tan Qingshan hurried over to check on him, having naturally already heard the news of Mu Chen's encounter with Blood Butcher.
Mu Chen simply smiled and waved his hand, indicating he was fine, then turned to look at the beautiful girl who was tearfully sobbing.
“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault…” Tang Qian'er said, her eyes red. If it weren't for her, Mu Chen wouldn't have been in danger when he encountered Blood Butcher.
“We’re teammates, aren’t we? Besides, traveling with such a beautiful girl, it would be a waste of my good fortune if there were no excitement…” Mu Chen teased her with a smile.
Hearing this, the girl blushed and gave a charming smile, then playfully punched Mu Chen once, her distressed expression having improved significantly.
Teacher Mo also returned at that moment, and the news of Blood Butcher's death quickly spread. Many disciples pondered for a moment, then gaped at Mu Chen's seemingly bewildered and innocent face.
“You didn’t do it, did you?” Tang Qian'er came closer to Mu Chen and whispered into his ear.
“Do you think it’s possible?” Mu Chen chuckled softly, knowing that people would find it hard to believe. And it was true; if Blood Butcher hadn't been severely wounded by the Silver-Horned Dragon Leopard and desperately expended his spiritual energy to escape, then Mu Chen wanting to kill him would have been utterly fanciful.
“Others might not be capable, but you’re cunning… who knows?” Tang Qian'er chuckled softly. She had a strange, inexplicable trust in Mu Chen. Others might think he couldn't have done it, but she didn't necessarily agree.
Mu Chen remained calm, shrugging slightly, his mind on the worn-out copper piece inside his Spatial Bracelet. It seemed he should find time to return to Mu Territory for a trip. The Liu Territory valued this item so highly, it definitely wasn't simple. He should let his father take a look at it soon…
The next day, with Blood Butcher dead, Teacher Mo significantly lowered the level of vigilance, and the disciples relaxed, continuing their cultivation. They also quietly observed the teams of disciples entering the Northern Spiritual Academy for training.
Liu Ming, after Blood Butcher's death, also led his people away the following day. But his gaze made Mu Chen understand clearly that this matter wouldn't end so simply.
Increasing his vigilance, Mu Chen was much more careful in his cultivation the following day. Although he didn't believe Liu Ming would have the audacity to act with Teacher Mo present, he still had to guard against such an unlikely event.
Maintaining maximum caution every time he went out, Mu Chen finally completed his half-month of cultivation in peace.
Inside the camp, the atmosphere today was the liveliest. All the disciples were excitedly waiting, as today was the final session to summarize their achievements.
Mu Chen stood in the front row of the East District disciples, with Tang Qian'er beside him. With the aid of the Jade Spirit Fruit, this girl had recently broken through to the late-stage Spiritual Movement Realm. Her eyes shining brightly, she was also eagerly anticipating what level of achievement their half-month of effort would yield.
In front of the assembled crowd, Teacher Mo and Teacher Xi swept their gazes over all the disciples, smiling with satisfaction. Compared to half a month ago, the abilities of the disciples below had increased considerably, making this cultivation session quite successful.
“As of today, the Northern Spiritual Academy training has concluded. Now it’s time to assess your achievements. Each team will report the number of spiritual beast essences you’ve collected. Rankings will be determined by both quantity and quality.” Teacher Mo turned to a mentor holding paper and a brush in his hand.
“Begin.”