Chapter 11

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Chapter 11 – A Warrior’s Faith

Mu Xiaofeng met the newly appointed Grand Marshal of the Divine Race, Feng Mu, on the rooftop. Standing in front of Feng Mu, Mu Xiaofeng felt a strong sense of connection with the Grand Marshal.

Marshal Feng Mu approached Mu Xiaofeng with a smile, touched the strange object on Mu Xiaofeng’s chest, and said, “Mu Xiaofeng, the curse you’ve been hit by can’t be handled with just the Jade Ring Prince Chige gave you. The ring can only temporarily suppress the curse’s devouring power. You need to be strong yourself; otherwise, the curse will still take over.” After speaking, Marshal Feng Mu withdrew his hand and gently stroked Mu Xiaofeng’s arms again.

As Marshal Feng Mu touched Mu Xiaofeng’s arms, Mu Xiaofeng felt a tingling pain, and his arm’s clothes tore apart, revealing the Taiji pattern on his arms. He felt one arm cold and the other hot, which was very uncomfortable.

Marshal Feng Mu’s touch made the Taiji pattern gradually dim and fade, and the unpleasant feeling disappeared. He maintained a smile, nodded slightly, and said, “Mu Xiaofeng, the golden figure you saw behind you at the city gates was visible only to me. That figure represents the God of Creation. I helped channel some of the God of Creation’s power to temporarily suppress your curse until you meet the God of Creation.”

Frowning slightly, Marshal Feng Mu crouched down to be at eye level with Mu Xiaofeng. He continued, “Remember, you must become strong enough to crush your opponents completely. If you’re weak, the curse might exploit the situation.”

After saying this, Marshal Feng Mu stood up, patted Mu Xiaofeng’s head, nodded to Dean Kaga, and left the rooftop. Mu Xiaofeng watched the god-like man depart.

Once Marshal Feng Mu was gone, Dean Kaga walked over to Mu Xiaofeng. Together, they watched where Marshal Feng Mu had left, and Dean Kaga began to tell Mu Xiaofeng about him.

Originally, Marshal Feng Mu was not from the Divine Race but was an ordinary Human Race. He had no parents and had been wandering the Universe. When he arrived at Tiger Pass City and met Dean Kaga, Dean Kaga took him in. Feng Mu soon showed his talent as an erudite and became the best in the world. He traveled to the world’s center, where he found and gained the approval of the creator god. Eventually, he became the Grand Marshal of the Divine Race and the first Marshal who wasn’t a member of the Divine Race’s own race.

Mu Xiaofeng admired Marshal Feng Mu’s legendary story and remembered his advice. Determined to become the world’s number one warrior, Mu Xiaofeng realized he had a long way to go and many challenges ahead.

Time moves strangely—sometimes slowly like an old man, other times quickly like a young man.

In the blink of an eye, Mu Xiaofeng had spent six years at the academy. Now an eleven-year-old, he was taller than his peers, and his six years of rigorous training had made him very strong.

Mu Xiaofeng’s friends had grown too. Zhang Wenyu, slightly shorter than Mu Xiaofeng, looked thin and weak but still had his calm demeanor. Qin Bao Yi, the smallest, still had a baby face and hadn’t changed much in appearance.

The classroom door suddenly opened with a snap. Mu Xiaofeng, who had been chatting about vacation fun, saw Ms. Hui enter with a stern expression.

Holding a piece of paper, Ms. Hui looked at Mu Xiaofeng and said seriously, “Look at your grades. You all rank first in individual subjects, but combined, you don’t even make the top rankings. With such imbalances, you’ll face more challenges in the future.” With that, Ms. Hui huffed and threw the report card on the ground.

Mu Xiaofeng picked up the scattered report cards and saw that Qiao Zi was still ranked first in the Sacrificial Wine Division. A smile appeared on Mu Xiaofeng’s face.

Qin Bao Yi saw Mu Xiaofeng’s smile and snatched the report card from his hand, mocking, “Sister Qiao Zi is number one again, huh? Look at you grinning.”

Mu Xiaofeng’s face reddened, and he turned away from Qin Bao Yi. Zhang Wenyu walked over to Qin Bao Yi to look at the report card.

Ms. Hui shook her head and sighed, unsure of the future for these three talented but partial students.

When Ms. Hui cleared her throat, the three children quieted down. She continued, “This is your last term at the academy, and your main task is to pass the graduation exam. Before that, each of you must choose a weapon that recognizes you. This choice is a lifelong companion, so make sure you perform well to get it. Be here on time tomorrow with seven days of dry food.” With that, Ms. Hui shook her head and left the classroom.

As Mu Xiaofeng left the classroom, he saw Mu Taigu and Mu Longtian waiting nearby. He said goodbye to Zhang Wenyu and Qin Bao Yi and ran towards his dad and grandpa, surprised they hadn’t left after dropping him off.

Mu Xiaofeng approached them and asked, “Dad! Grandpa! Why are you still here? Why didn’t you go home?”

Mu Longtian looked at Mu Xiaofeng kindly, touched his head, and said, “Xiaofeng, you’re graduating soon. You need to decide the direction of your life. Tell me, what have you decided?”

Realizing that everyone makes their future choices at this age, Mu Xiaofeng smiled brightly and replied, “Grandpa, I want to become a great warrior. I’m already the best warrior in school now.”

Mu Longtian’s expression fell upon hearing this. Though he was reluctant to change Mu Xiaofeng’s mind, he sighed, “A warrior? Our family is weak in power. This path will be very difficult.” With a sad look, he turned and left.

Seeing his father leave and looking at Mu Xiaofeng’s puzzled expression, Mu Taigu explained, “Xiaofeng, if you’ve decided to be a warrior, there’s not much I can do to change that. But you’re still young, and you don’t fully understand how tough it is. While others return home with glory, a warrior wraps their body in horse leather. You’ll understand in time. If you’re determined, work hard, and take care of yourself.” Mu Taigu then hurried after Mu Longtian, waving goodbye to Mu Xiaofeng.

Mu Xiaofeng watched his father and grandfather leave. Though he was too young to fully understand their concerns, he remained steadfast in his belief of becoming a warrior.

The next morning, Mu Xiaofeng arrived early at the classroom with Zhang Wenyu and Qin Bao Yi. They found Ms. Hui waiting for them inside. She looked at them and said, “Since you’re all here, let’s go. We’re heading to the school’s forbidden area, the Weapon Forest.”

The Weapon Forest was a restricted area in the school where fine weapons were placed each year. It was surrounded by iron walls and guarded to prevent theft. Additionally, students often faced fierce competition and dangerous wild animals inside.

At the entrance of the Weapon Forest, many students had gathered. It seemed like this group was staying at the academy for the last semester. Mu Xiaofeng looked around for Qiao Zi but couldn’t find her among the crowd.

Dean Kaga’s voice rang out, “Students, please go to the front of your class number doors and prepare to enter the Weapon Forest. The door will open once everyone is in position.” The students dispersed to their respective doors.

The three friends bid farewell to Ms. Hui and went to door number 5. Mu Xiaofeng wanted to see if he could spot Qiao Zi at door number 12 but couldn’t even see the doors nearby.

The door to number 5 creaked open, signaling the time to enter the forest. Mu Xiaofeng, along with Zhang Wenyu and Qin Bao Yi, stepped through the door, hoping to meet Qiao Zi inside.

Ms. Hui watched them enter the forest, knowing that this would be a challenging and dangerous experience, a brutal test of survival.