Chapter Eighteen: Seizing the Tang Blade (Part Two)

"We've brought the person you wanted. Hurry up and withdraw the poisonous mist," Elder Song said, his expression grim.

"Don't worry," Mu Yang replied, his face full of reassurance. "With me in control, the poisonous mist only clings to the surface of people. It won't actually poison them."

Seeing Mu Yang's expression change, Huo Yuhao spoke up, "You're the Snow Demon from the Extreme North."

Mu Yang turned to Huo Yuhao, smiling. "Do you still remember me? The big brother who tried to capture the Ice Empress in the Extreme North? Also, I'm not a Snow Demon—my constitution is just a little special. And another thing, give me back my saber."

Inside Huo Yuhao's spiritual sea, chaos had erupted. Tianmeng was shouting that they absolutely couldn't return the Tang Saber to Mu Yang. The Ice Empress, however, suggested giving it back and taking it again later if necessary. Tianmeng then said, "Let me try using a spiritual shock to scatter the Snow Demon's soul." (Note: Huo Yuhao and his companions were unaware that most people in Shrek City were already entangled by the poisonous mist.)

"It's worth a try, but think about human nature. Would this Snow Demon have come to Shrek Academy without some leverage? Besides, it already exposed my existence. That means it sensed me during our confrontation in the Extreme North; it just doesn't know why it fell into slumber after your spiritual attack," the Ice Empress explained.

"Yuhao, it's your choice. Whatever you decide, we will support you," Tianmeng concluded, leaving the final decision to Yuhao.

Yuhao hesitated. He didn't know how the Snow Demon could threaten the teachers into demanding the return of the weapon, but it must have some hidden trump card. In the end, he chose to return the Tang Saber.

Mu Yang took back the Tang Saber, glanced at Huo Yuhao, still feeling uneasy. From his spatial ring, he pulled out a bottle of Ice Spring and handed it to Huo Yuhao. (Note: The Ice Spring was taken from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The amount is left to the reader's imagination.)

"This is for you, as compensation. After all, it was I who attacked you first in the Extreme North." It was better not to make an enemy of the protagonist. After all, Tang San’s daughter liked Huo Yuhao, Tang Wutong was still the young master of the Clear Sky Sect—better not to stir trouble.

"I've given you what you wanted. Will you withdraw the poisonous mist now?" Elder Xuan asked.

"No rush. Let's discuss something first," Mu Yang replied, his tone irritatingly casual.

At the hint of further demands, Elder Xuan's face darkened and he said sternly, "Don't push your luck."

"No, no, hear me out first. I know it was wrong to ask for my weapon back this way, but there was no other option. I had to make the students of Shrek Academy give it back," Mu Yang said, waving his hands.

Hearing this apology, Elder Xuan’s expression softened just a little, though he still looked displeased.

"I have nowhere else to go. I want to become a student at Shrek," Mu Yang declared. (Note: The author admits to not wanting to follow the main plot for a while and apologizes for any inconsistencies—just chalk it up to a lapse in judgment.)

"What?" Everyone was startled by Mu Yang’s unexpected reversal.

Elder Xuan was just about to speak when Mu Yang waved him off.

"I know what you’re going to say. I don’t know my exact age, but looking at me, it’s clear I’m no older than twelve. As for my soul power level, even I’m not sure," Mu Yang said.

"If I withdraw all the poisonous mist, you’ll have to agree, right? If not, I could always do it again." With that, Mu Yang reabsorbed the poisonous mist into his body.

Elder Xuan had no other choice. Seeing how Mu Yang handled the poisonous mist, it was clear this being was a walking poison hazard. If they killed him and the mist was released again, there would be no end to the trouble. There was nothing to do but agree.

"By the way, I have an older sister who’ll be moving in with me. That’s all right, isn’t it? Don’t worry, she’s also under twelve and a soul master," Mu Yang added, patting his chest with an air of innocent bravado…

Dear readers, here’s another update for you all. If I have time today, there might be another chapter. Kindly shower this work with your recommendation votes! (A subtle hint from the author.)