The Supreme Asura

Chapter 42: The Green Essence Fruit

The last two enemies fled in terror, leaving behind a stunned group of survivors. Xiao Ting, Zhao Chen, and Li Dahu could hardly believe what they had just witnessed—two young men working together to take down a mid-tier Purple Mansion cultivator.

"Mu Kuang, are you alright?" Mu Feng asked, quickly moving to support his brother.

Mu Kuang rose with a sheepish grin. "I'm fine."

"Let me take a look," Mu Feng insisted, examining the wounds on Mu Kuang's chest and leg. To his relief, they were superficial, with the sword energy failing to penetrate deeply.

"Ha! Looks like all your hard work has paid off. With your defenses now, I'd say there are few in the Meridian Unblocking stage who could even touch you," Mu Feng said with a proud smile.

The defensive capabilities Mu Kuang displayed were thanks to the Burning Blood Body Refinement Technique, which had strengthened his body and formed a protective energy membrane. However, if he had been closer—within one yard—the sword energy might have inflicted much more serious damage.

Gratitude Among Comrades

"Thank you both for stepping in to save us. I'm Zhao Chen, and I owe you my life today," said Zhao Chen, walking over with his injured companions.

"Don't mention it. We couldn't just stand by," Mu Feng replied with a warm smile. "Your friend looks badly hurt. I have some medicine here."

He pulled out a white porcelain bottle from his Spatial Ring.

"A Spatial Ring!" the three exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with astonishment. This was no ordinary accessory—it was a luxury few could afford, and its presence hinted at Mu Feng's extraordinary background.

Accepting the medicine, Xiao Ting quickly applied it to the injured man. Meanwhile, Zhao Chen asked, "May I know your names, so we can repay your kindness in the future?"

"I'm Mu Feng, and this is my brother, Mu Kuang. We're here in An Nan Ridge for some training," Mu Feng explained.

"Mu? Are you by chance from the Mu family of An Nan City?" Zhao Chen asked. "Your skills are truly remarkable. Taking down a mid-tier Purple Mansion cultivator—together, no less—is no small feat."

"You're too kind, Brother Zhao," Mu Feng replied modestly. "It was only because he underestimated us and had already expended much of his energy in his earlier battles."

"We shouldn't linger here," Zhao Chen said, glancing at the blood-soaked ground. "This smell will attract dangerous beasts."

The group quickly gathered what they could from the fallen. Mu Kuang claimed a sword and they found over a hundred gold coins, but nothing else of value. The bodies were left behind for scavengers, and the group moved to a safer area near the outskirts of An Nan Ridge.

Bonds Around the Campfire

By a small creek, the group settled down. Zhao Chen started a fire while Xiao Ting tended to their injured companion. Mu Feng and Mu Kuang took the opportunity to wash away the grime and blood from their bodies downstream. Li Dahu caught a few fish, and soon the aroma of roasting fish filled the air.

As they ate, Zhao Chen's eyes fell on Mu Feng's scar-covered torso. "Mu Feng, how did you get so many scars?" he asked, his voice tinged with both concern and admiration.

Xiao Ting's eyes widened in shock. "These wounds… some are still fresh, but others seem to have been there for years. Many look like they came from blades or spears. You've been through so much for someone so young."

"Heh," Mu Kuang chimed in, puffing out his chest. "My brother grew up in the army. He may be young, but he's a seasoned warrior who's slain over a hundred enemies. These scars are his medals!"

"Is that true?" Xiao Ting asked, her admiration growing. "You're only, what, sixteen? And you've fought so many battles?"

Mu Feng, now dressed, waved off the praise. "My brother exaggerates. I've seen a few skirmishes, but it's nothing worth mentioning."

"I noticed the blood qilin tattoo on your chest," Zhao Chen said, his expression thoughtful. "That's the mark of the Mu Family Army. Were you part of that force?"

At this, Mu Feng's eyes darkened. He nodded solemnly.

"I heard about the Mu Family Army's demise on the front lines. They were true patriots. I've always admired their valor," Zhao Chen said, raising his drink in respect. "To have served in their ranks explains your impressive abilities. Let's not dwell on sorrowful matters, though. Today, you saved us, and I'll drink to that!"

The group lifted their wineskins in unison, toasting to their newfound camaraderie.

A Precious Gift

After a while, Zhao Chen reached into his pouch and produced a small, radiant fruit. It was the size of a fist, glowing with a faint green light. "This is a Green Essence Fruit. I'd like you to have it as a token of our gratitude."

Mu Feng's eyes widened in surprise. The Green Essence Fruit was a rare treasure, highly sought after by cultivators below the Purple Mansion stage. It could significantly enhance one's Yuan energy and even assist in breaking through bottlenecks.

"We can't accept this," Mu Feng said, shaking his head. "This fruit is invaluable, and you risked your lives to obtain it."

"Please take it," Zhao Chen insisted. "We still have another for my sister to use as she advances to the Purple Mansion stage. Compared to your aid, one fruit is a small price to pay."

Even Xiao Ting and Li Dahu encouraged them to accept. After some hesitation, Mu Feng finally relented, handing the fruit to Mu Kuang. "You're on the cusp of breaking through. This will help you reach the Purple Mansion stage."

Parting Ways

As dawn broke, Zhao Chen and his companions prepared to leave. They needed to return to An Nan City to complete their mission and get medical treatment for their injured comrade.

Mu Feng and Mu Kuang bid them farewell, choosing to stay in An Nan Ridge. Mu Feng still had unfinished business—hunting beasts to repair his shattered Purple Mansion.

The two brothers watched as their new friends disappeared into the forest, their hearts heavy but resolute. Together, they turned back toward the depths of the ridge, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.