Chapter Fifty-Seven. The Title Lord Remains in Quarantine, the Title Lady Refuses to Come

Mu Yang let out a sigh; hoping for Elder Xuan’s help was out of the question. “Is there any way I can avoid revealing myself?” Though Mu Yang knew it was unlikely, he still wanted to try his luck.

Xu Sanshi and Bei Bei didn’t move. Mu Yang pretended as if he were about to take off his helmet, moving his hands up to it. The crowd’s attention shifted to Mu Yang’s head. In the instant everyone was focused, Mu Yang suddenly grabbed Xu Sanshi’s shoulder, used it as leverage, and vaulted himself upward, causing Xu Sanshi to stumble.

Bei Bei reacted instantly, reflexively using Tang Sect’s grappling technique to catch Mu Yang. If Mu Yang’s strength hadn’t surpassed Bei Bei’s by so much, he might really have been caught. But Mu Yang was now far stronger than Bei Bei.

Thus, Mu Yang evaded the grab and, borrowing force, leapt even higher. Seeing himself being played, Xu Sanshi revealed his four soul rings—two yellow and two purple.

The Xuanming Tremor was ready to be unleashed beneath Mu Yang at any moment, but Mu Yang, spotting this, instantly took out his eighth-level flying soul tool in midair and darted behind Elder Xuan for cover.

Elder Xuan was taken aback—he had forgotten that this kid still had a flying soul tool. Though it was troublesome to use in the air, it was still possible.

“Elder Xuan, they’re bullying me,” Mu Yang hid behind Elder Xuan.

“Enough, don’t bully Mu Yang anymore. The boy is very timid. And you, don’t make such a fuss. They just want to see your face—it’s nothing important, just let them have a look,” Elder Xuan said.

Then, as if he hadn’t heard or done anything just now, Elder Xuan’s voice turned stern: “We’re not far from the academy; there are some things I need to say beforehand. You seven from the reserve team, listen carefully. This concerns your future direction at the academy.”

Elder Xuan was usually a man of unstable moods, but it was the first time he had been so serious. The seven, including Huo Yuhao, immediately composed themselves, the previous joking vanishing, and all eyes focused on Elder Xuan—only Mu Yang and Xue Di seemed unchanged.

…

“Before we set out, we’ve already notified the Star Luo Empire’s garrison near the Mingdou Mountains. They’ll provide us with detailed maps and accurate intelligence. If there are no questions, we’ll depart at full speed. Keep your Observer Rings stowed away; you are only to wear them during the mission.”

Everyone signaled their readiness. Ma Xiaotao said, “Those of you with lower cultivation will slow us down. We can’t hold back for you. Here’s the plan: I’ll take Huo Yuhao. Dai Yaoheng, you take Wang Dong. Ling Luochen, you take Xiao Xiao. Mu Yang and Mu Xue, you both have flying soul tools—do as you see fit. Let’s go.”

From the moment Elder Xuan let Ma Xiaotao take over the briefing, he remained silent and let her command. It was both a sign of trust in her leadership and a chance for her to temper herself. A team without a leader won’t do; this was the final test before the tournament began.

“I want Senior Sister Ma to take me,” Wang Dong suddenly spoke up, rushing to Ma Xiaotao’s side with an admiring smile. “Senior Sister Ma, I admire you most. Will you take me?”

Ma Xiaotao was momentarily startled, then laughed. “Very well, I’ll take you. Dai Yaoheng, you take Huo Yuhao. Let’s go.” As she spoke, she lifted Wang Dong under the arm, leapt up, and sped off.

Mu Yang and Xue Di also set off, flying casually with their eighth-level flying soul tools.

He Caitou’s eyes lit up when he saw the flying soul tool on Mu Yang’s back. He flew over and asked, “Junior, when we’re back at the academy, may I take a look at your flying soul tool? Don’t worry, if anything happens to it, I’ll reimburse you at full price.”

Mu Yang replied, “Senior, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but you’re not yet qualified to handle a soul tool of this level. Even if you tried to reassemble it, I doubt you could manage. How about this: when you become a sixth-level soul engineer, I’ll lend you my flying soul tool.”

“If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you, junior. But tell me—what level is this flying soul tool of yours?” He Caitou scratched his head.

“Senior, this is an eighth-level flying soul tool. That’s why I can’t lend it to you,” Mu Yang responded.

“Eighth level!” He Caitou exclaimed in shock at the rank.

Naturally, He Caitou’s shout drew everyone’s attention.

“What’s the matter?” Ma Xiaotao asked.

“Oh, nothing. I was just amazed by junior’s flying soul tool,” He Caitou answered honestly.

…