The Supreme Asura

Chapter 18: The Future in Hand

"Steward Wang!"

The group of servants cried out in shock as they rushed to help the burly man to his feet.

Enraged and humiliated, Steward Wang bellowed, "Get him! All of you, attack together!"

At his command, the remaining men surged forward, brandishing their iron rods and rushing toward Mu Feng.

"Heh, let me join the fun too!"

Standing tall and broad, Mu Kuang stepped forward to shield Mu Feng, launching himself into the fray alongside his companion.

A steel rod swung viciously toward Mu Feng's head. With a sidestep, Mu Feng dodged it gracefully, grabbing the weapon mid-swing and delivering a crushing punch to the wielder's face.

Crack!

The man's nose broke audibly as teeth flew from his mouth, blood spurting as he tumbled backward.

"Watch out!"

Two attackers came at Mu Feng from both sides, but he remained composed. With a quick retreat and a firm grip, he caught both rods and executed a whirlwind kick, sending the attackers sprawling on the ground, unable to rise.

Meanwhile, Mu Kuang, a Tongmai Ninth-Level cultivator, effortlessly overpowered his opponents. A single punch to one man's chest sent him flying over ten meters, his ribs audibly breaking as he hit the ground, coughing blood.

Within moments, the gang of more than ten men lay groaning on the ground, utterly defeated.

"Impressive!"

"Such strength! They're just boys—must be 15 or 16. What talent!"

"Judging by their attire, they're not locals. Likely young scions of a powerful city family."

Onlookers spilled out from the inn to witness the spectacle, murmuring their admiration. The black-clad boy who had been the original target of the gang gazed at Mu Feng and Mu Kuang with awe and envy.

"Y-you'll regret this!" Steward Wang stammered, his voice trembling with fear as he left a hollow threat. He and his men fled, dragging their battered comrades behind them.

"Feng-ge, your strength…"

Mu Kuang turned to Mu Feng, shock evident on his face.

Mu Feng smiled calmly. "Did you really think I'd make that two-year wager if I were a helpless cripple?"

"Ha! I knew it. Those fools were all wrong!" Mu Kuang grinned broadly, a newfound pride swelling in his chest.

"One day, Feng-ge, you'll return to the capital in triumph. I believe in you!"

"Not just me," Mu Feng corrected, clapping a hand on Mu Kuang's shoulder. "We'll do it together—brothers side by side."

The two shared a hearty laugh, their bond as unshakeable as ever.

"Th-thank you!"

The black-clad boy stepped forward, his expression a mix of gratitude and admiration. Standing before the well-dressed and powerful Mu Feng and Mu Kuang, he couldn't help but feel a pang of inferiority.

"You're young. Why resort to stealing?" Mu Kuang asked, his tone tinged with disapproval.

"What do you know?" the boy shot back bitterly. "It's either steal or starve. War orphans like me don't have the luxury of choice. You rich kids wouldn't understand."

Hearing this, Mu Feng's gaze softened. He, too, was an orphan now. Though his circumstances were far better, the boy's words struck a chord.

"What's your name?" Mu Feng asked.

"Bai Ziyue," the boy replied.

"Bai Ziyue…" Mu Feng murmured, pulling out a money pouch from his spatial ring. He handed it to the boy. "Take this. Don't steal again."

Bai Ziyue stared at the heavy pouch in shock.

Mu Feng continued, "I'm like you—an orphan. But our beginnings don't define us. Our future is in our hands. As a man, never degrade yourself to being a common thief. Strive to stand tall."

Mu Feng patted the boy's shoulder, smiling before turning back to join Mu Kuang at their table.

"Uh… sorry for what I said earlier," Mu Kuang added sheepishly, tossing his own money pouch to Bai Ziyue. "This is for you too."

The boy clutched the two pouches, his fingers trembling. Opening them, he found a fortune in gold coins—more money than most could earn in years.

"Your future is in your hands…"

Bai Ziyue repeated Mu Feng's words to himself, his gaze locked on the retreating figure of the two brothers. Determination flickered in his eyes. Clenching his fists, he ran after them.

"Poor kid," Mu Kuang muttered as they reentered the inn.

"This world is full of suffering," Mu Zhong remarked, sipping his wine. "If we don't work hard, we might end up just like him."

"I want to follow you!"

The words startled Mu Feng and Mu Kuang. They turned to find Bai Ziyue standing before them, his expression resolute.

"Follow me?" Mu Feng raised an eyebrow.

"I want to be strong like you. Teach me. I'll do anything—carry your bags, clean your boots, whatever it takes. Please!"

Mu Feng studied the boy's face. "Becoming strong isn't easy. It's a long road of hardship. Are you ready for that?"

"Yes!" Bai Ziyue knelt on one knee, mimicking the ancient gesture of loyalty. "I'll do whatever it takes. I want to control my destiny."

"Let's see if you're worthy first," Mu Feng replied. "Uncle Zhong?"

Mu Zhong placed a hand on Bai Ziyue's head, sending a stream of energy into the boy's body.

Moments later, his eyes widened. "This boy… He has a Yuan Bone!"

"A Yuan Bone?" Mu Feng repeated, intrigued.

"Yes, but… this is unusual." Mu Zhong furrowed his brow. "My energy was partially absorbed by his body. It's faint, but it's there."

"What does that mean?" Bai Ziyue asked, confused.

"It means you're not ordinary," Mu Zhong replied, his tone grave.

Mu Feng grinned. "Alright, you can follow me. But remember—this path demands effort and sacrifice."

"I'm ready, big brother!" Bai Ziyue beamed, his loyalty and enthusiasm evident.

And thus, the first piece of Mu Feng's formidable future began to fall into place.