Chapter 65: Like Bristles on the Back, Like a Bone Spur in the Throat

The exchange meeting lasted almost two hours before it ended.

Some people left outright, while others lingered in groups of three or five, networking or secretly conducting dealings that could not be displayed openly.

Zhu Dan, the Symbol Master who came to the exchange meeting with Xiao Zhangqing, did not return with him.

Seeing Ruan Qingzhu heading away, he sprang to his feet impatiently and said, "Symbol Master Xiao, you go back on your own first; I still have some business…"

Then he hurriedly chased after Ruan Qingzhu.

Zhu Dan's whole mind was on Ruan Qingzhu.

Xiao Zhangqing's mind was now entirely on the Prison Dragon Bracelet; he just wanted to rush home and test the new gear's effect, having no time for anything else.

He had originally intended to talk more with the cultivators of these Yi caves, to learn high‑level circulating information—such as the current situation, the Demon Sect Evil Cultivator invasion, and some news about the Luoxia Sect behind the Lingfu Pavilion where he was…

Thus he could roughly guess the purpose behind Zhou Changkong's recent odd actions, why he suddenly squeezed the Symbol Masters of Lingfu Pavilion like a chicken‑and‑egg scheme.

Now Xiao Zhangqing temporarily had no mind to bother with it.

Let floods rage and the world tumble; better to strengthen oneself! With the Prison Dragon Bracelet's three divine techniques, Xiao Zhangqing's cultivation and strength will enter a rapid growth phase in a short time, undergoing earth‑shaking change!

Just as Xiao Zhangqing was about to slip away alone, the Mu Family Elder fixed his gaze on him again and blocked his path.

"Symbol Master Xiao, stay."

"Elder Mu, what further instruction do you have?"

The Mu Family Elder looked at Xiao Zhangqing: "Symbol Master Xiao, are you planning to go straight home without meeting anyone? If so, why not accompany me to the Mu Family, where I can introduce my niece to you and discuss a few matters."

Xiao Zhangqing: "…"

Before the exchange meeting began, Xiao Zhangqing had declined the other's invitation, saying he had already made prior arrangements with others.

But any clear‑sighted person could see that Xiao Zhangqing simply wanted to refuse and not deal with him.

As it turned out, after the exchange meeting ended, this Mu Family Elder still came looking for him.

Xiao Zhangqing glanced around, saw that most cultivators had already left, and got straight to the point: "Elder Mu, to be frank, I am solely focused on cultivation and drawing symbols; I hope to soon raise my cultivation to the Ninth Layer of Refining Qi and advance my Symbol Technique to the second rank. As for seeking a Dao Partner, I have no such plan for now. Therefore I must apologize to your niece and say I will not go to the Mu Family."

Xiao Zhangqing was not very interested in the Mu Family or this Mu Family Elder.

Nevertheless, when he spoke, he restrained his volume, trying to give the other party and the Mu Family some face.

But the Mu Family Elder's smile vanished instantly after hearing him: "Symbol Master Xiao, it seems you rely on a bit of Talisman Path talent and completely disregard the Mu Family, huh? Or perhaps because I have set aside my pride today, repeatedly inviting you, you feel even more arrogant, thinking the Mu Family must ensnare you."

Xiao Zhangqing's expression grew cold.

This Mu Family Elder had, even before the exchange meeting, a haughty, condescending demeanor.

Xiao Zhangqing did not want trouble, repeatedly yielding, yet this old fellow now turned the tables.

Not going to the Mu Family, being uninterested in his niece—so you've offended him, right? The Mu Family Elder continued coldly: "Leaving aside that you have not yet been promoted to a Second‑rank Symbol Master, even if you someday become one, what then? Do you think the Mu Family is the same as it was years ago? Go ask your family's shopkeeper Zhou about the Mu Family's current standing! Not just you, even your shopkeeper Zhou, representing the Luoxia Sect, comes to the Mu Family and should still be treated politely. I have a love‑for‑talent mindset, which is why I thought of introducing my niece to you, yet you show such ingratitude, truly believing yourself a big shot of Nanshan Fang? Too arrogant!"

Xiao Zhangqing laughed wryly.

When the Mu Family mercilessly reclaimed his cave dwelling at first, Xiao Zhangqing was not very angry, but today he was genuinely disgusted. He has always been low‑key, quietly focusing on his development, trying to avoid enmity with anyone and steering clear of danger, never having been arrogant.

The truly arrogant one is this Mu Family Elder.

After becoming the top family of Nanshan Fang, he also heard how the Mu Family's members lately act brazenly, recklessly, forcefully meddling in all trades with a very defiant attitude.

In the past few months Xiao Zhangqing had been immersed in cultivation and drawing symbols, never encountering it, and thus had no concrete notion.

Today, with this Mu Family Elder, he truly felt it.

He does not tolerate any dissent; the slightest deviation from his wishes makes him infuriated and embarrassed as if his tail were stepped on.

"Elder Mu, if you think that way, I have nothing to say." Xiao Zhangqing offered no further futile defense and turned to leave.

He had originally had a great joy today, but saying another word to such a person would sour his good mood a few points—unnecessary.

The Mu Family Elder watched Xiao Zhangqing's departing back, fire in his eyes, yet he restrained himself and did not act.

He was not angry simply because Xiao Zhangqing refused his 'kindness' today.

All along, he has held his own views.

Because several years ago, he strongly demanded that Xiao Zhangqing's cave be reclaimed, and even Mu Chunfeng's opposition was ineffective.

Facts have shown that his decision was wrong, a misjudgment.

In a very short time, Xiao Zhangqing manifested his Talisman Path talent, becoming the Symbol Master most likely to be promoted to the second rank after Lu Qiu at the Lingfu Pavilion.

Because his standing in the Mu Family is extremely high, second only to the family head Mu Renjie, no one inside the Mu Family dares to raise this matter before him or blame him.

But he knows that privately many people complain and mock him.

Especially as the Mu Family's situation has worsened daily over the past few years, his erroneous choices have become more conspicuous, painting him as senile and short‑sighted.

All these years, this matter has been his lingering anguish, like bristles on his back, like a bone spur in his throat! Fortunately, with family head Mu Renjie's emergence, he miraculously gained late‑stage Foundation Establishment strength, sweeping Nanshan Fang of all rivals, leading the Mu Family to become the top cultivation family of Nanshan Fang, its reputation now unprecedentedly mighty.

Canceling the investment in Xiao Zhangqing was only barely covered up, drawing less attention.

But in the Mu Family Elder's own heart, this matter clearly isn't easy to let go.

Therefore.

Today's invitation for Xiao Zhangqing to visit the Mu Family, even offering his niece as a Dao Partner, did not stem from his genuine intention.

It was merely Mu Family's miss Mu Chunfeng who wanted to arrange this.

And he could find no reason or excuse to oppose.

After all, Xiao Zhangqing's Talisman Path talent is well known; courting a Symbol Master talent likely to ascend to the second rank is necessary for any Foundation‑building family.

What the Mu Family Elder didn't expect was that, after humbling himself to extend goodwill, Xiao Zhangqing still dared to act arrogantly, refusing him face! "Just wait, there will be a time when you beg the Mu Family for protection!"

The Mu Family Elder watched Xiao Zhangqing's departing back, a faint smile gradually appearing in his eyes.

(End of Chapter)