Chapter 10: The Palace Coup

As the time of a half stick of incense passed, an exquisite jade box was born from Mu Xian's hands

Although the Flame Demon Tiger did not speak, Mu Xian was able to understand the meaning that the Flame Demon Tiger wished to convey through its eyes

Ling Zhan had a broad nose and disheveled hair, his appearance was extraordinarily ugly; however, his physique was particularly impressive. Ling Tian was already quite tall and robust, but Ling Zhan was a head taller than Ling Tian and his build was significantly more muscular.

Soon, Mu Xian came to a halt.

Mu Xian did not place the divine blood jade into his bosom himself; instead, he crouched down, picked up a relatively large piece of jade, and began to carve on it with a black iron sword

Mu Deyu watched as his men were killed one by one. In a fit of rage and humiliation, he attempted several times to intervene and save them, but each time he was intimidated by Ling Tian's desperate fighting style, and he was unable to save a single person

In a single sentence, Mu Deyu unleashed a fierce sword aura that rapidly spread from the sword in his hand, a menacing presence erupting from his body, slicing through the clouds and directly pouring towards Ling Zhan.

After inadvertently receiving a generous reward from the Flame Demon Tiger, Mu Xian was deeply moved and silently resolved that no matter how powerful he became in the future, he could not abandon the Flame Demon Tiger

"Elder, what the Fourth Elder said is indeed correct. Ling Tian has already killed so many of us, and the grievances between us cannot simply be overlooked. Currently, Ling Tian is merely at the end of his strength and poses no threat. His ugly son possesses only a bit of brute force and has not even stepped into the Condensation Realm, making it even less likely for him to escape from our grasp." Seeing that Mu Deyu was slow to make a decision, another elder could not help but speak up from the side.

Mu Deyu could not afford to underestimate Ling Tian. He originally believed that his cultivation level surpassed Ling Tian by one tier, and that he would surely be able to secure a victory over Ling Tian. However, when the actual battle commenced, it turned out to be entirely different.

It is possible that the guards of the Mu family were drawn away by the commotion in the North Courtyard, allowing Mu Xian to enter the North Courtyard smoothly as if it were an unguarded realm

A large hole was torn in Ling Tian's waist and abdomen, with a section of intestine protruding from it, which Ling Tian was desperately pressing down with his left hand.

At this moment, it was indeed difficult for Ling Tian to even stand upright. The reason he had not fallen was that an ugly boy beside him was holding him up tightly

Beside Mu Deyu lay more than twenty individuals, some with long swords embedded in their bodies, while others had already been severed in two. They shared a common characteristic: none of them were breathing

Mu Xian originally only had a restless desire to concoct potions, and thus casually assisted the Flame Demon Tiger in enhancing its strength, without any other intentions in mind

The favor they owe me is as heavy as a mountain? What a doggone fart! The reputation of Mu Yuanshan for being stingy is known to everyone in Shitang Town, and similarly, Tang Qiluo's reputation for being calculating is also well-known. Given the miserly nature of this couple, could they possibly owe me a favor as heavy as a mountain? Why don't you say that they want to buy me and my family to amass wealth for themselves?

A sense of unease surged in Mu Xian's heart. He frowned, no longer heading towards the main door, but instead directly circled around to the outside of the northern courtyard's wall. After confirming that no one was around, he swiftly climbed over the wall and entered.

As Mu Xian was still staring blankly at the Divine Blood Jade, he suddenly noticed that the Divine Blood Jade had unexpectedly flown up, ultimately landing directly on his chest, where it then hovered motionless.

Mu Xian immediately placed the divine blood jade and the books into the jade box, and the dense spiritual energy in the stone cave instantly dissipated, until it vanished completely. Only then did Mu Xian let out a sigh of relief

The old man speaking is named Mu Deguang, the younger brother of Mu Deyu, and also the Fourth Elder of the Mu family, possessing initial-stage cultivation in the Ningyuan realm. Although Mu Deguang is quite old, he is notoriously lecherous, and his body has long been depleted by indulgence in wine and women. In terms of actual combat ability, he is even inferior to a martial artist at the Great Perfection of the Physical Body realm.

Ling Tian, you and your father are not members of the Mu family, and there is no need for you to interfere in our affairs. If you are wise, you will quickly clear the way for me; otherwise, this day next year will be the day of your father's and your memorial service. In the end, Mu Deyu cast a wary glance at Ling Tian and sternly reprimanded him.

Ling Tian spat out a mouthful of foul blood, his eyes darkly fixed on the dozens of figures standing ahead. He coldly said: "Mu Deyu, your elder brother and sister-in-law have treated you with great kindness, so why must you push matters to the extreme?"

As soon as Ling Tian finished speaking, an old man in a gray robe angrily spat out a curse.

However, compared to the North Gate where only Ling Tian and his son Ling Zhan were able to stand, there were still over forty people standing here with Mu Deyu

Although the broad-bladed sword was right beside Ling Tian, at this moment he did not even have the strength to bend down and pick it up, which was undoubtedly a great humiliation for someone like him who was accustomed to never parting with his sword

Jian Muxian accepted the gift, and the Flame Demon Tiger revealed a look of joy in its eyes, emitting a series of snorting sounds from its nose

Ling Zhan stood at the entrance of the northern courtyard, firmly gripping a three-zhang long fine steel halberd, exuding an imposing presence akin to that of a gatekeeper, as if no one could pass him.

Mu Xian quickly spotted Ling Tian in the crowd at mhetushu.com. However, upon seeing the tragic state Ling Tian was in, Mu Xian couldn't help but feel his heart ache, and his eyes instantly turned blood-red.

"Xiao Huo, I am currently surrounded by crises and urgently need to enhance my strength. This divine blood jade is extremely timely for me, so I won't be coy with you." After pondering for a moment, Mu Xian reached out and held the divine blood jade.

At this moment, Ling Tian's entire body was covered with countless wounds, making it nearly impossible to find a single intact area. His right arm was severed at the shoulder, and the broad-bladed long knife lay desolately at Ling Tian's feet.

"Old dog, our lives are here. If you want them, just come and take them. If my son and I even blink, we are not good men." Ling Tian scoffed upon hearing this and said sternly, "As for making us voluntarily step aside, you might as well dream on."

In Mu Deyu's eyes, Ling Tian had already become a madman. Even though Ling Tian seemed to be on the verge of collapse, Mu Deyu did not dare to use force against him, fearing that this madman might drag him down with him in his final moments

Hearing the shameless words from those around Mu Deyu, the people from the North Courtyard were infuriated, their faces flushed with anger. However, at this moment, apart from the father and son duo of Ling Tian and Ling Zhan, who still had the strength to fight, the others in the North Courtyard looked pale, clearly exhausted of their elemental energy. Even though they were filled with rage in their hearts, they found themselves at a loss for words.

After Mu Xian descended the mountain, he first returned to the location of the carriage, only to find that Ling Tian was not there waiting for him. Mu Xian then promptly changed direction and sped straight towards Shitang Town.

As it watched the rapidly disappearing figure of Mu Xian, the Flame Demon Tiger did not pursue him, but instead sent him off with a reluctant gaze. It was only after the figures of Mu Xian and the book vanished from sight that it let out a long howl towards the sky

"It is what it is; ultimately, one must face what needs to be faced, and I hope no flaws are revealed." Remembering the shrewdness of her former master’s mother, Tang Qiluo, Mu Xian sighed and then steeled herself to walk towards the Mu residence

As Mu Xian approached the Mu family residence, he heard the sounds of intense scuffling coming from the courtyard. At the same time, a strong smell of blood wafted towards him, clearly indicating that the Mu family was far from peaceful at that moment

"Mu Deyu, do you still have any shame? You are already over fifty years old, yet you actually laid hands on a child. If there is something, come at me instead." Just as Mu Deyu was about to strike, the gate of the North Courtyard creaked open, and a clear voice resonated from within the courtyard.

At this moment, Ling Zhan's clothes were tattered, his face was covered in blood, and his eyes were filled with tears of hatred

Ling Tian, since you do not know what is good for you, I can only send your son on his way first. After being repeatedly rejected by Ling Tian, Mu Deyu's face revealed a trace of anger and humiliation. He knew that if he did not take action soon, his reputation would be completely lost.

This gray-robed elder is none other than Mu De Yu, the Grand Elder of the Mu family, and he is another martial artist at the Great Perfection of the Condensation Realm, aside from Mu Gui Tu.

Mu Xian looked at the Flame Demon Tiger with confusion, only to find that the Flame Demon Tiger was nodding at him repeatedly, its eyes filled with anticipation.

"Elder brother, why waste words with this madman? At this moment, he can barely stand, and with a single sword strike, I could easily end his life. As for his ugly son, he is even less of a concern." As soon as Ling Tian finished speaking, an old man behind Mu Deyu could not help but urge.

Behind Ling Tian and Ling Zhan, more than ten individuals lay sprawled in disarray, some already lifeless, while others, with severed limbs, clung to the last remnants of breath. A strong smell of blood emanated from their bodies, permeating the entire courtyard

With the voices of Mu Deguang and another elder, those behind Mu Deyu also began to echo in agreement

The Mu family is located in the southwest direction of Shitang Town, bordering the Shenduan Mountain. As Mu Xian just stepped out of Shenduan Mountain, the courtyard of the Mu family had already appeared before him

As he was about to reach home, a trace of fear arose in Mu Xian's heart, making him feel somewhat unable to take a step forward

Upon hearing this sound, Mu Deyu's body froze momentarily, and then his gaze instinctively turned towards the direction of the northern courtyard gate

From the fused memories, Mu Xian knows that this ugly boy is named Ling Zhan. He is the son of Ling Tian and also Mu Xian's best companion, without exception

The sounds of commotion were coming from the direction of the Mu family's northern courtyard, where usually only Mu Xian's parents resided. At this moment, Mu Xian's father, Mu Yuanshan, was away, leaving only Mu Xian's mother, Tang Qiluo, alone inside. Seeing that someone had the audacity to cause a disturbance in the northern courtyard, Mu Xian's expression turned extremely grim.

"Little Fire, I am heading home first. Once the family crisis is resolved, I will come to the mountains to find you for some fun." After placing the jade box containing the divine blood jade essence into his bosom, Mu Xian could not help but stroke the head of the Flame Demon Tiger once more, and then resolutely turned to leave

Ling Tian's swordsmanship is entirely a method of killing; with every strike he delivers, a life is inevitably taken. Ling Tian unleashed over twenty strikes, directly bringing down more than twenty individuals. Among these twenty or so people, not only were there practitioners at the Fleshly Body Realm, but there were also many at the Condensation Realm, including those who, like Ling Tian, were also high-level practitioners of the Condensation Realm.