Chapter Ninety-Four: Hidden Fury

Some friends are worried that Xiao Hei is taking on too many professions. But there's no need for concern—his main professional path is the Fire Mage, the Necromancer line is a hidden thread, and the others are just auxiliary. At least, that's how it is in the Soul Continent.

At the West City Family Trading House, Xu Wen confirmed that the other branch academy students were safe. They had scattered to other towns, far from the imperial capital and the areas soon to be embroiled in fierce conflict. Without delay, he hurried to the Avian Station, boarded a Cat Eagle, and sped back to Blackwater City!

The stamina of the five-star Cat Eagle was astonishing, able to fly continuously for two days and a night without fatigue. Xu Wen was deeply impressed, and his expectations for the Blackwind Carving soared even higher. The Blackwind Carving was of even higher rank than the Cat Eagle; barring any mishaps, it would soon reach the level of a five-star Cat Eagle. Although it couldn't carry many people at once like a specialized transport bird, it could easily accommodate one or two passengers.

When Xu Wen returned to Blackwater City, the whole city was under lockdown! Clearly, the city had received word of the imperial capital’s attack and had entered a state of war readiness ahead of time. Upon learning Xu Wen’s identity, the guards on the city walls allowed the Cat Eagle to pass. Under the command of a burly officer, the bird landed in a nearby open space outside the gates.

Two groups approached from afar!

"Steward Xu!"

"Brother Xu!"

One party consisted of city guards from Blackwater City, led by a dignified middle-aged man with sharp brows and a commanding presence; the other bore the Houghton-Klein family crest upon their chests, riding three-star magical beasts. Xu Wen recognized the leader as an elder he had met at the training camp.

Xu Wen saluted him. "Greetings, Elder!"

"Thank you for your arduous journey," the elder nodded, then instructed those beside him, "Take this master to dine and rest—see to his comfort." The beastmaster from the West City aristocratic family, in status, was no less than an elder of the Houghton-Klein family.

The beastmaster nodded silently, saluted Xu Wen—"Young Master Xu, I take my leave"—and departed, leaving the Houghton-Klein family members and city guards astonished by the scene.

After half a year, Xu Wen now carried an aura of maturity and a presence that was rarely seen in someone so young—something that could only be described as status.

"Steward Xu, follow them inside. The patriarch has been informed; I’ll handle things here," the elder said, his gaze toward Xu Wen subtly changed, patting him on the shoulder before turning to meet the approaching guards.

Xu Wen nodded and obeyed, mounting behind a family steward. He inquired after Xie Zhan and the others.

"They returned yesterday with the senior steward; they should be cultivating at the Seventh Medicine Peak now."

Though they were of similar rank, the respectful treatment Xu Wen received from the five-star beastmaster of the West City family did not escape the Houghton-Klein members. Coupled with the astonishing news Xie Zhan and the others had brought from the imperial capital, they began to suspect that the stories they once dismissed as exaggerations or hearsay might not be so far-fetched. Their tone unconsciously softened.

Upon learning that Xie Zhan and the others had safely arrived, Xu Wen felt relieved and said no more.

But what surprised him next was that the magical beast did not head outside the city, but instead rushed into a grand mansion. Two rows of disciples bowed respectfully.

"What is this?"

"It's the family headquarters set within the city," someone explained.

"The patriarch and several elders are waiting in the hall—I’ll take Steward Xu over."

"Thank you," Xu Wen replied, following closely.

From a distance, he saw Mu Yuanshan and several elders standing at the entrance, including his nominal god-grandfather, Elder Xu. They all looked spirited and full of vigor. Upon seeing him, they could not contain themselves, rushing out to ask if it was true he had become a disciple of Dean Hallman. As for matters concerning the imperial capital, they had already heard from Xie Zhan and the senior steward—there was no need to repeat those.

At the mention of Dean Hallman, Xu Wen’s mood instantly grew more subdued, his expression darkening.

The Houghton-Klein family, as expected, was most concerned with their own interests.

Entering the hall, Xu Wen calmly recounted how he had comprehended the Emperor-level magic "Fiery Flame Ring" from the Divine Statue, and how he had caught Dean Hallman’s attention. He glossed over the details and the matter of his decline in rank.

Mu Yuanshan and the others suspected nothing, their faces alight with excitement and mutual admiration.

Had Dean Hallman not met his fate, the reputation and status of the Houghton-Klein family would have soared, and perhaps they might even have produced a Mage Master—the first in their history!

Alas.

Sighs echoed among the elders.

Now, they could only leverage Dean Hallman's prestige to ease Xu Wen’s path into officialdom or the military—two very different outcomes.

"Steward Xu, please accept my condolences for Dean Hallman. You must be exhausted from your journey—someone, see the steward to his quarters," Mu Yuanshan said, noticing Xu Wen’s dejection and occasional annoyance, finally realizing the elders' conversation and topics were inappropriate.

Xu Wen seized the excuse to leave, not even bothering to salute and bid farewell to the elders.

Though Xu Wen had been cautious and respectful ever since arriving in this world, he still retained his own boundaries.

Dean Hallman was his true mentor, deeply respected. The elders discussing the impact of Hallman’s death on the Houghton-Klein family’s interests, in Xu Wen’s eyes, was as ugly as arguing over inheritance gains. The fact that he did not storm out was already giving Mu Yuanshan considerable face.

"Well..."

"Elder Xu, your god-grandson has changed—he’s grown up, but he’s become rather rude," an elder complained once Xu Wen was out of earshot.

Mu Yuanshan glanced at the dissatisfied elders, and before Elder Xu could reply, spoke first: "Elders, Xu Wen is not a tool. He’s still a child, with feelings of his own. You must remember, the person you were discussing is his teacher. Compared to us, he spent more time at Hallman's side than with the Houghton-Klein family. In future, be more mindful of what you say and do."

With that, Mu Yuanshan left as well.

The remaining elders exchanged looks of sudden understanding.

"Elder Xu, your god-grandson is your responsibility now, lest he harbor a grudge."

"Me? How am I supposed to start?" Elder Xu forced a bitter smile, inwardly frustrated.

He had participated in the conversation, always using Xu Wen’s talent as leverage to boost his own status and prestige within the family, never considering Xu Wen’s feelings. That was why Xu Wen showed him no respect just now, and now he truly did not know how to speak to his god-grandson.

The precious Emperor-level magic that he once considered a bargaining chip—Xu Wen had already mastered one, three years ahead of schedule, his talent astonishing.

Only now did Elder Xu realize that Xu Wen’s talent and growth far surpassed his expectations.

Thinking of the attitude of the West City beastmaster toward Xu Wen, Elder Xu sighed, "It seems I’ll have to use that four-star Emperor-level magic!" He had to ensure Xu Wen’s heart remained with the Houghton-Klein family.