Chapter 79: The Return of Yang Wei, Star Disciple's Triumph and Inner Sect's Golden Child. Tea, Concerns, and Disgusting Habits.
Yang Wei strolled out of the Mu clan settlement, clad in fresh Inner Sect robes, yet to receive his Star Disciple attire which promised to come with its own distinctive features. With arms behind his back, he sauntered down a tree-lined road, greeted by guards who bowed and addressed him, "Good morning, Star Disciple Yang."
Oh, they're greeting me now... about time.
He calmly smiled, nodding appreciatively. "Keep up the good work, and some day you'll be as outstanding as I am."
As he ambled along the quiet roads, he encountered a group of four individuals eagerly awaiting him. "Hm?" He raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sun, spotting Wu Fengtian rushing towards him.
"Senior Brother! SENIOR BROTHER!!" Wu Fengtian cried out, arms outstretched for a hug. Yang Wei sighed, remarking, "Couldn't it be a beautiful woman?"
Wu Fengtian tightly embraced him. "Baaahhh! Baahh! I've missed you, Senior Brother! I'm so glad that you're still alive. I've been so worried, both for you and myself.
My life would be in constant danger if you truly were dead!"
So you were worried about yourself then? Yang Wei rolled his eyes as he thought.
He sighed, "Fengtian, get off me; these are newly sewn Inner Sect robes."
Apologetic, Wu Fengtian wiped away tears and released his grip.
Next, Huo Zhenwei and Jin Tianyu clenched their fists, bowing their heads, "Welcome back, Junior Brother Yang," they greeted.
Yang Wei smiled at them. "It looks like you guys have completely healed u..."
Suddenly, Huo Yue rushed forward, embracing him tightly. Despite not being as tall, she stood on her toes while her arms wrapped around his neck. "W... Wei Shuai..." she said, her head buried in his chest as she shed a few tears.
"Eh? Wei Shuai?" Huo Zhenwei repeated, confused.
Huo Yue kept on bawling in Yang Wei's embrace, her sobs like a soft melody, tugging at the heartstrings. Compared to Wu Fengtian's ear-piercing wails, it was like a lullaby. Yang Wei smiled softly, glancing down at Huo Yue's tear-stained face buried in his chest. "Come on, Shūjie, there's no need for you to cry anymore, please," he said, giving her a gentle pat on the head.
Huo Zhenwei observed, feeling a bit awkward, while Jin Tianyu just chuckled and gave Huo Zhenwei a reassuring pat on the back.
Mu Lingxi grimaced, "Not so good. It seems that Yang Wei has picked up some even more disgusting habits." She sipped her herbal tea.
Ling Meiyan teased, "Oooh~ Yang Wei, the new Star Disciple of the Inner Sect. Always a topic I'd like to dive into." She looked at Mu Lingxi, intrigued.
Mu Zhong remained silent, enjoying his tea, letting the ladies delve into the discussion.
Mu Lingxi scoffed, "Talking about him is just downright disgusting. Lately, his attitude is all over the place, as though he believes he's the Inner Sect's golden child."
Mu Zhong chimed in, "But isn't he, though?"
Ling Meiyan shot him a glare, and Mu Zhong wisely took a sip of his tea, deciding to keep quiet.
I can't defend you today, Junior Brother... he thought.
Ling Meiyan glanced at Mu Lingxi, conceding, "Well, Zhong-Zhong's not entirely wrong. Yang Wei's aptitude is impressive, he's excellent in almost every branch of cultivation – that dragon sword of his superseded even the one belonging to Spirit Gathering cultivators and that Foundation Establishment breakthrough of his was breathtaking.
It's been decades since anyone pulled off something so remarkable."
Mu Lingxi took a sip of her tea, raising an eyebrow, "So what's your point?"
Ling Meiyan sighed, "He's achieved a lot. Cut him some slack."
Mu Lingxi placed her teacup down, crossed her arms, and closed her eyes with a slight frown. "He could use a bit more humility, don't you think? Especially with those extravagant gifts he's about to receive."
"Gifts?"
"Yes, you heard right. He arrogantly demanded rewards as the Inner Sect's Star Disciple, which is just... irritating."
Mu Zhong interrupted his tea-sipping, "Didn't you demand that he gets the best resources from the Mu clan? And knowing father, he wouldn't say no to you."
Mu Lingxi slammed the table, exclaiming, "Outrageous! I did no such thing!" her face was already red.
Ling Meiyan chuckled sweetly, observing the siblings' heated exchange.