Chapter 78: Bridging Gaps in the Hall: Promotion to the Inner Sect for a Star Disciple's Necessary Resources; Clan Elders in Panic, The Near-Clash in the Mu Clan's Hall.

In the center of a huge hall, Yang Wei stood before Mu Zhihao.

Mu Zhihao was seated in a fancy chair, with Mu Zhong standing behind him.

Yang Wei only recently figured out where he actually was – this was the Mu clan settlement, his refuge after getting hit by the lightning of the tribulation clouds.

Thanks to the clan's servants and top-notch healing elixirs, his cultivation base was properly stabilized while he'd been unconscious for the past two months.

Strumming his fingers on his small black beards, Mu Zhihao visually sized up Yang Wei—it was the first time he was seeing him up close. "Impressive, Yang Wei. In less than two months and with no significant help, you were able to achieve Foundation Establishment. Quite the feat," he congratulated, the admiration in his voice was genuine.

Yang Wei rubbed his chin with his trademark self-assured grin, then responded, "Well, I'm quite talented, so something like this shouldn't come as a surprise."

Mu Zhihao cracked a subtle smile, acknowledging the truth in those words with a calm nod. "Indeed, with just your magic, you've already proven yourself to be a nightmare even for respected 2nd Path Cultivators like my sweet Lingxi."

Leaving his throne, Mu Zhihao descended the steps, gallantly striding along the hall's length covered in an opulent carpet. Silent Clan Elders observed, not out of deference to hierarchy, but out of fear that any spoken word might trigger Yang Wei's wrath. After all, some had heard either the right or wrong rumors about him... and it terrified them.

In the Dragon Blossom Sect, quite a number of people were in the loop about Yang Wei's actual status. All the Matriarchs, a handful in the Elders Assembly, a select few in the Mu clan, and a few from all the clans tied to Grandmaster Lin Feng's bloodline— that's the scoop. Indeed, even some Peak Chiefs didn't have details on his true strength or status.

In front of Yang Wei, towering over him, Mu Zhihao placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I've never witnessed a Spiritual Domain awakening like that before; it truly elevated Spirit Harmony Peak to the caliber of Thundercloud Summit and Profound Blossom Peak. Your dedication and positive representation of our Peak haven't gone unnoticed.

I talked it over with the Sect Master, and even Matriarch Blossom Dragon Sun insists that you become a Star Disciple of the Inner Sect, a position held by only a few who've made exceptional contributions to the Sect."

A proud smile appeared on Mu Zhihao's face as he delivered this news.

He looked like a father proud of his accomplished child.

However, Yang Wei was a tad... confused.

What's he blabbering about, awakening my Spiritual Domain? What I did was just strengthening it... hasn't anyone in this Sect ever done that before, or is this some gender thing? Like, a male cultivator can't do it?

Yang Wei nonchalantly responded, "Okay," showing no signs of being impressed.

Mu Zhihao sighed, "I'll talk with the Clan Elders, so they can prepare some gifts, and send them to his courtyard."

Yang Wei chimed in, "Now that's the treatment a Star Disciple deserves," nodding approvingly—almost like he was doing them a favor by accepting their "charity".

"Insolent Brat!"

Mu Zhihao shouted through gritted teeth as he seemed ready to attack Yang Wei again.

"Clan Head, NO!"

"We're all dead!"

A Clan Elder, fearing the outcome, grabbed another Elder's robes, holding himself from convulsing—his life was already flashing before his eyes.

Saving the day, again, Mu Zhong intervened, standing in the way. He chuckled as he massaged his father's shoulders, his own means of calming him down.

Mu Zhong is smart, the Chief Mu, not so much... I mean, I wouldn't kill him though, but only because of his daughters. *mental nod* If not...

Dismissing his thoughts, Yang Wei gave Mu Zhong one casual wave and said, "Thank you for everything again, Mu Zhong. I'll make sure to repay you... one of these days."

Turning a bit to look at Yang Wei, Mu Zhong smiled mildly as he said, "I'll hold you to that, Wei." Then, he suggested, "You should return to your fellow disciples; many have come to visit, hoping you'd wake up."

Unsurprised, Yang Wei nodded and rubbed his chin. "I would expect that they did. If not, I'd be deeply disappointed and more than that..." he paused his constant thoughtful nods and smiled, "...my day would be ruined," he resumed.

Turning to the Clan Elders to just offer a slight wave to pay his respects, what he heard next was...

"I told you he'd attack!"

"I have a life-saving treasure!"

His small wave made a few Clan Elders squeak, and some of the others had already vanished from the hall like they were never there.

Yang Wei, with a plain and confused face, uttered, "Eh?"