Chapter 001: The Scholar Asks the Way

Indeed, he is the Grand Tutor, above one person and below millions! If Mu Yuan were still here, how could the Mu family have fallen to such a state today? How could his only son have become so destitute?

A gentleman may be killed, but he must not be humiliated

They should have been driven out long ago; how dare they come to participate in the decennial baptism, I spit!

Hahaha, exactly, overestimating oneself!

What are the Dao of immortals, the Dao of Buddhism, the Dao of shamanism, the worldly Dao, the Dao that is not Dao, the many paths to the Dao? Ultimately, what is the Dao?

Amidst the mocking laughter of the crowd, Mu Qingyuan's face turned as red as liver, filled with shame and anger. He suddenly stepped forward, exuding a murderous aura, "Mu Feng, I will give you one last chance, get lost! The Blood Pool is not a place that a sinner like you can defile. Get as far away as you can. Otherwise, I will tear you apart today!"

One day, when I achieve success and hold a high official position, I will clear my father's name and settle accounts with you scoundrels

Falun Gong

Having integrity is commendable, but offending Young Master Mu Qingyuan is not a wise move. After today, he will be in trouble, and it is uncertain how long he can survive

A young man in splendid attire suddenly stepped out from the side, blocking Mu Feng's path. After sizing him up, he deliberately said in public, "Knowing full well that you cannot cultivate, you still come to join the excitement. Is it that you have a thick skin, or are you simply overestimating yourself? Hahaha, you don't even bother to look at yourself in the mirror; aren't you afraid that your filthy body and bloodline will defile the sacred blood pool?"

It is him again

The humiliation of today, one day, I will repay it double

After publicly humiliating him, the elegantly dressed Second Young Master Mu Qingyuan chuckled and stepped aside to block Mu Feng's path, clearly not intending to let the matter rest. "Isn't it said in books that a man of great stature can bend and stretch? If you want to pass, you can, but you must crawl through my legs. Then you can participate in the baptism like everyone else. Otherwise, get as far away as you can; today I am in a good mood and won't stoop to your level. If you want to pass, you can, but you must crawl through my legs. Then you can participate in the baptism like everyone else. Otherwise, get as far away as you can; today I am in a good mood and won't stoop to your level. Otherwise, I will just throw you out, hahahaha!"

A mountain does not need to be high; it is spiritual if there are immortals. Water does not need to be deep; it is spiritual if there are fish

Ah, if this foot goes down, what will happen?

Looking at the triumphant and arrogant Mu Qingyuan, with heavy breaths, it felt as if a fire was raging within, making the blood boil. Knowing that he was no match, he still charged forward recklessly!

Mufeng murmured to herself, half understanding and half confused. Seeing her mother was unwilling to say much, she did not dare to ask further. After bathing and changing clothes, she walked out of the house under her mother's watchful gaze, heading towards the training ground of the Mu family, a blood pool that had been strictly guarded in the past and was forbidden to approach. After walking for a while, she stopped to rest for a moment, drenched in sweat. Not long after, she saw that the square outside the blood pool was almost filled with family members who had rushed back from various places, a sea of heads.

The family rules of the Mu residence are strict, and the whip used for punishment is not an ordinary riding whip, but a long whip made from tiger bones.

The sound of Mu Feng's voice was hoarse, his anger had reached its peak, and the veins on his hands were bulging.

Alas, if Mu Feng's father, Mu Yuan, were still alive, who would dare to act recklessly in his presence

Mother's lesson was profound! Mufeng felt a bit ashamed, hesitated for a moment, and mustered the courage to ask, "Mother, what kind of person is my father, after all?"

The footsteps shifted slightly, and in the next moment, thinking of my mother, who had fallen ill from overwork, I had to once again forcibly suppress the anger within me in order not to add to her troubles and worries. "Your biological grandfather and my biological grandfather are brothers. Now, you say you want to be my grandfather. Then, what is your biological grandfather to you? Is he your brother? As for your father, is he your son or your nephew?" "Your biological grandfather and my biological grandfather are brothers. Now, you say you want to be my grandfather. Then, what is your biological grandfather to you? Is he your brother? As for your father, is he your son or your nephew?"

Watching the second young master Mu Qingyuan, who was dressed in extravagant clothing and deliberately causing a scene in public to embarrass himself, Mu Feng clenched his fists tightly, wishing he could rush up and break his nose, or tear out that venomous tongue of his, which was as vicious as a shrew's. However, thinking of the consequences and his mother's sorrowful gaze, he had no choice but to force himself to suppress his anger, his chest heaving rapidly. Without saying a word, he coldly walked past him.

At the entrance of the square, a row of heavily armored guards stood on either side, exuding an imposing presence. Each family member participating in the baptism bowed solemnly as they passed by, yet Mu Feng, dressed in a coarse blue robe, was deliberately overlooked by them. Although he was also a member of a family, as a fallen scholar unable to cultivate, his status was even lower than that of a guard.

This book in my hand, "Records of Guangling San," is quite interesting, encompassing astronomy and geography, and everything in between. It is said to have been written long ago by a person named Lord Guangling during his travels around the world. Not only does it document many local customs and traditions, but it also records a great deal of history, including the long-lost Witch Gate that vanished for millions of years.

Around thirty-five or thirty-six years old, wearing a somewhat shabby and simple patched cotton robe, yet it cannot conceal the delicate features of the face and the graceful figure. However, the complexion appears somewhat pale and haggard, suggesting a possible illness due to overwork

The harsh wind suddenly ceased

Mu Qingyuan's face turned ashen, and he shot a fierce glare at Mu Feng before leaving in anger, accompanied by numerous guards.

Hello!

In the eyes of some clansmen, your father Mu Yuan is a sinner, but in your mother's eyes, he is a great hero, a formidable legalist with unyielding integrity. Situ Qing stated emphatically, and when speaking of her husband who had passed away many years ago, a hint of happiness and tenderness shimmered in her eyes

Move aside

Haha!

You, seeking death! Fine, I will tear you apart and see who dares to punish me

As soon as Second Young Master Mu Qingyuan's words fell, many people began to cheer loudly, eagerly anticipating a good show. Observing this scene, some passing clansmen frowned, seemingly unable to bear it any longer, yet none stepped forward to intervene. After all, it was not worth offending the cherished disciple of the transmission elder for the sake of an ordinary disciple with no power or influence.

As Mu Qing's heavy leg loomed close at hand, the onlookers gasped in shock, yet Mu Feng, at the forefront, showed no signs of fear

Inside the window, a frail scholar sits upright, with delicate features and a slender frame, holding an ancient text in his hands. Through the window, the distant, undulating mountains are shrouded in the morning mist. A cold breeze sweeps by, bringing waves of chill, and his mind feels particularly clear. Perhaps due to the excitement of his reading, his voice rises slightly, provoking a fit of coughing. Lowering his head to take a closer look, he notices faint traces of blood on his handkerchief.

The wind, today marks the family’s decennial blood pool baptism, it is time to set out! As Mufeng pondered, a woman lifted the door curtain and entered.

What is the use of integrity? Can it be eaten as food?

Oh, your complexion looks so bad, and your gaze is so cold. Are you still not convinced by the *illustration*? Very unconvinced, aren't you?

Situ Qing's expression turned cold as he sternly looked at his somewhat disheartened son. "A man must be like your father was in his lifetime: ambitious, aspiring, and principled. Cultivate your knowledge to understand the principles, and practice martial arts to strengthen your body. As long as there is an opportunity, no matter how small the hope, you must give it a try, especially for such a significant event as the decennial baptism. If you shrink back out of concern for others' ridicule, then you might as well give up on your studies; even if you later achieve success, it will amount to nothing!"

Torn?

Although still young and having indulged excessively in wine and pleasure, leaving his body depleted, upon stepping out, Mu Qingyuan still exuded an imposing presence. His strength, at the mid-stage of the Mortal Realm, was evident enough to tear an ordinary person who could not cultivate into pieces. Even with a life of idleness, he had managed to cultivate to this level, and one could only wonder how many invaluable and precious elixirs had been wasted.

The more Mu Feng acted with firmness, the angrier Mu Qingyuan became. Having always been accustomed to arrogance, how could he tolerate being unable to deal with even a humble, weak scholar in public

Mu Feng silently vowed

Hahaha, as expected, a scholar is of no use at all, just slip through, slip through!

Mu Feng put down the "Record of Guangling San" in his hands, his expression tinged with bitterness, "Mother, the courtyard examination is approaching soon. If not, I won't go today!"

Just go through, hurry up

In a fit of rage, a furious roar erupted, and suddenly a kick flew up, directly sweeping towards Mu Feng's head with a fierce wind. As a mid-level warrior in the mortal realm, although not considered a master, his strength was astonishing. If this kick landed, it would likely split a boulder in two.

Indeed, the Tongtian Dynasty was founded on martial prowess, with a strong emphasis on martial arts. However, after its establishment, it governed through civil means, placing scholars far above military generals in status. A frail scholar who cannot cultivate, as long as he achieves success in the imperial examination one day, will undoubtedly be granted titles and positions. At that time, crushing these noisy fellows will be as easy as squashing a few ants

Upon hearing Mu Feng's words, many onlookers couldn't help but laugh. This fellow, Mu Qingyuan, is illiterate and has always been arrogant in the residence. Unexpectedly, this time he has shot himself in the foot. Always so arrogant, he doesn't even consider who is standing in front of him.

Watching Mu Qingyuan turn away from m.hetushu.com, Mu Feng clenched his fists tightly. A gentleman takes revenge; ten years is not too late. He believed that day would not be far off. After taking a deep breath, he strode forward. Not far away, the blood pool was swirling with blood energy, and faintly, the low growls of tigers and the rumble of thunder could be heard. The decennial baptism was about to begin.

Mu Feng let out a cold laugh, looking at the stern Mu Qingyuan without any fear. "According to Article 137 of the Mu Family Law, anyone who engages in private fighting within the residence shall receive seven lashes; those who cause disturbances during sacrifices, baptisms, and ancestral rites shall face severe penalties, receiving twenty-one lashes, and in serious cases, imprisonment. Mu Qingyuan, do you think that just because you are the grandson of the transmission elder, you can act with impunity? Do you think the Mu Family is your family's Mu Family?"

A frail scholar dares to confront; is this not seeking death

At the very last moment, the wicked young master Mu Qingyuan's fierce kick came to an abrupt halt

Alright, kid, I must admit you have some guts, let's go

No prospects!

Seeing Mu Qingyuan truly make a move, and with a lethal strike right from the start, showing no mercy, the onlookers gasped in unison. Everyone knows that Mu Feng has been unable to cultivate since childhood and is frail and sickly. Even a robust man would likely struggle to withstand Mu Qingyuan's kick, let alone Mu Feng, this delicate scholar

Quickly inform the presiding elder, hurry, something is about to happen

Hello!

After the arrival of spring, my health has not improved; on the contrary, it has worsened. Perhaps, as that wandering doctor said ten years ago, my time is running out. The more this is the case, the more I feel the preciousness of time, wishing I could read all the books in the Mu residence within a single day. Although I have read extensively and am well-versed in various texts, I have never truly understood what the true path is.

Oh, isn't this the little sickly ghost who can't cultivate, the little sinner? What brings you here to participate in the baptism today?

Scum

The Tongtian Dynasty was established through martial prowess, and the practice of martial arts became prevalent. Prominent families with power and influence placed great importance on nurturing the younger generation, and the Mu family was no exception. Unfortunately, Mu Feng suffered a severe illness in his childhood, resulting in significant damage to his meridians, which rendered him unable to cultivate and left him frail and sickly. The decennial Blood Pool Baptism is a turning point in the lives of ordinary family members, eagerly anticipated by many, but for Mu Feng, it held almost no significance.

Although it is only a few brief sentences, the phrase 'standing tall and unyielding, dying only after fulfilling one's duty' encapsulates the essence of the legendary Witch Sect, though it remains uncertain whether it is true or not

As they gazed at Mu Feng's steadfast and upright figure, people whispered among themselves, occasionally shaking their heads and sighing

Early in the morning, when the sky was just beginning to brighten, a clear voice reading aloud resonated from a small courtyard made of blue bricks

Since a significant setback over a decade ago, the Mu family has seen a substantial decline in power. However, in the border city of Jianning, they still have deep roots and possess considerable strength that cannot be overlooked

Before going out today, Grandfather had already sternly warned that no disturbances were to occur, otherwise, the family law would be enforced! The tiger bone whip in the hands of the elder of criminal law is not merely for show!

Mu Qingyuan has always been arrogant; if he wanted to take action, he would have done so long ago. Why would he need to fuss about for so long? Clearly, he is mindful that today is different from the past and does not dare to make a big scene during the baptism. Although he is currently aggressive, at most he is just putting on a show; he does not truly dare to take action!

Today, I truly do not dare to take action; even if given the courage of a leopard, I would not dare to do so

Behind the young man in splendid attire, a large group of family disciples and guards gathered around, laughing heartily at Mu Feng while gesturing and pointing.

You, are you seeking death!

After a quiet sigh, Mu Feng set down the "Record of Guangling San," lost in thought and silent, his expression somewhat dim.

Before Mu Qingyuan's powerful heavy leg could approach, a gust of wind rushed towards him. In an instant, Mu Feng, who stood still, felt a sharp pain on his face, and the long hair on his head suddenly flew back, as if caught in a sudden hurricane

Good, indeed has spirit, just like his father!

With a loud shout, Mu Feng straightened his chest and abdomen, exuding an air of righteousness as he faced the overbearing Mu Qingyuan head-on, "You insolent wretch, do you dare?"

With a single lash, even a master at the Mortal Realm would have their skin split and flesh torn, unable to withstand more than a few strikes. Decades ago, there was a master at the peak of the Mortal Realm who was captured by the Elder of Criminal Law for attempting to assault his sister-in-law, and he was publicly whipped to death with a tiger bone whip. Since then, whenever the topic of whipping is mentioned, everyone in the Mu residence turns pale with fear.

Looking at the foul and hard Mu Feng, one could hardly resist the urge to twist his neck and kill him. However, as Mu Feng had anticipated, he did not dare to act