Chapter 90

"Uncle Xiong was killed?!"

Upon hearing the guard's words, Mu Chen's breathing paused for a moment. He tightly clenched his fists. The five city lords of Mu Domain, Duan Wei, Chen Xiong, and the others had almost loyally followed Mu Feng in establishing his territory. They had eventually carved out Mu Domain in the Northern Spirit Region. When Mu Chen was young, he had also received much care from them, and they had a deep bond. Now, hearing of Chen Xiong's death, his face turned pale with anger.

"Huff."

Mu Chen took a deep breath, suppressing his anger and the urge to kill. With a grim expression, he rushed to the council hall. No matter who had done this, he would not let them off easily!

When Mu Chen arrived at the council hall, it was already surrounded by people, all of whom had anger on their faces. Chen Xiong was known for his rough and generous personality, and he was well-liked in Mu Domain. As an old general, he was respected by everyone. His sudden death had enraged everyone.

"Master has arrived!"

Seeing Mu Chen, everyone hurriedly bowed and made way for him. Many looked at him with admiration. In the quota battle, Mu Chen had defeated Liu Mubai, showcasing his astonishing strength. His combat power was even a notch above that of Duan Wei and the other city lords of Mu Domain.

Mu Chen nodded and entered the council hall. The atmosphere inside was oppressive, filled with a sense of rage. Mu Feng sat at the head of the table, his eyes fierce as if ready to devour someone. Below him, Zhou Ye's face was terrifyingly stern.

"Duan Wei, what exactly happened?" Mu Feng glanced at Mu Chen as he entered but said nothing. His dark gaze turned to Duan Wei, whose face was ashen, and asked.

Duan Wei gritted his teeth and said, "According to our intelligence, it was likely done by the Mangyin Mountain."

"Mangyin Mountain?"

Mu Chen frowned. In the Northern Spirit Region, apart from the Nine Domains, there were many other forces, and the Mangyin Mountain was one of the best among them. Its strength was considered the strongest in the black market of the Northern Spirit Region, not far behind the Nine Domains.

"We have no conflict with the Mangyin Mountain. Why would they suddenly attack us?" Zhou Ye's eyes flashed with intense killing intent.

"The Mangyin Mountain has been secretly in contact with the Liu Domain. This incident is likely related to the Liu Domain," Mu Feng said, his eyes narrowing coldly.

"Liu Domain? These scoundrels again! Do they really think we Mu Domain are afraid of them?!" Zhou Ye slammed his hand on the table, furious.

Mu Chen's eyes were also filled with coldness. If it was the Liu Domain, it might be related to the seed quota he had won. With Liu Qingtian's character, he would definitely do something.

"What should we do now? The Mangyin Mountain has already attacked us and killed one of our city lords. If we don't act, it will greatly damage our reputation," Zhou Ye said solemnly.

Mu Feng slowly placed his hand on the teacup on the table and then pressed it down, turning it into powder. His voice was as cold as a blade, "How can we sit idly by? We will definitely destroy the Mangyin Mountain!"

"The leader of the Mangyin Mountain, Yang Gui, is at the initial stage of the Divine Soul Realm. He has two subordinates at the late stage of the Spirit Wheel Realm. If we are to take action, I will lead the team myself," Zhou Ye said.

Mu Feng hesitated for a moment and nodded. He wanted to lead the team himself, but since the Liu Domain had already set their sights on Mu Domain, he needed to stay in Mu City to keep an eye on them, to prevent the Liu Domain from taking advantage of their absence.

Zhou Ye's strength was also at the initial stage of the Divine Soul Realm. With a team of elite forces, he was not afraid of the Mangyin Mountain.

"Father, I want to go with Uncle Zhou," Mu Chen, who had been listening, said at this moment.

Mu Feng frowned and said, "It's too dangerous."

"Father, with my current strength, unless a Divine Soul Realm expert personally attacks me, no one can pose a threat to me," Mu Chen said with a faint smile.

Mu Feng was taken aback, then remembered that Mu Chen was now a capable fighter. In the entire Mu Domain, apart from himself and Zhou Ye, no one could match him.

"Since Xiao Mu has the heart, let him come. His strength is already quite good, and he is proficient in spirit arrays, which will be a great help," Zhou Ye smiled and said.

Mu Feng thought for a moment and nodded. Indeed, Mu Chen's combat power was not weaker than Duan Wei's. If he went, it would be a significant boost.

"You can go, but remember, follow Uncle Zhou's arrangements. If you act recklessly, I won't forgive you!" Mu Feng warned solemnly. The Mangyin Mountain was a tough opponent, and if they underestimated them, they might suffer a setback.

"Understood."

Mu Chen nodded, his eyes filled with a cold light. Mangyin Mountain, since you dared to attack us, prepare to be wiped out!

Zhou Ye was decisive. Once he made a decision, he acted immediately. In less than two hours, he had gathered hundreds of elite forces, then led Duan Wei, Tie Lang, and Mu Chen out of Mu City, heading straight for the western part of Mu Domain.

The Mangyin Mountain was located in the Mangyin Range, bordering the western part of Mu Domain. The city of Xiong, guarded by Chen Xiong, stood there, protecting the edge of Mu Domain. Due to its proximity, Xiong City became the first target of the Mangyin Mountain, and Chen Xiong was personally killed by Yang Gui, the leader of the Mangyin Mountain.

When Mu Chen and the others arrived at Xiong City, it was almost dusk. The once bustling city now had a broken city gate, and the guards at the gate looked panicked and alert.

Zhou Ye led the team directly into the city, the solemn atmosphere drawing many curious glances. When they saw Zhou Ye leading the group, everyone's hearts skipped a beat. It seemed that Mu Domain was truly enraged, even sending a Divine Soul Realm expert.

Zhou Ye and the others headed straight for the city lord's residence. There, a middle-aged man was already waiting. Seeing them, he hurriedly ran up.

"Lord Zhou, Young Master."

The man was the deputy city lord of Xiong City, Cheng Yong. With Chen Xiong's death, he was temporarily managing the city. His body was wrapped in bandages, clearly having been injured in the Mangyin Mountain's attack.

Zhou Ye waved his hand and sat down in the living room, his eyes dark. "Is there any movement from the Mangyin Mountain?"

"We have been monitoring them, but after they killed the city lord, they retreated to the Mangyin Mountain and have been quiet since," Cheng Yong replied quickly.

"It seems Yang Gui knows we won't let him off easily and is now playing the coward," Zhou Ye said coldly.

"Lord Zhou, the Mangyin Mountain is extremely steep, and they have secured all the key points. If we attack directly, the casualties will be significant," Cheng Yong said.

The Mangyin Mountain was towering, and even a Divine Soul Realm expert like Zhou Ye could not leap over it. Only someone like Mu Feng, who had refined a spirit beast with flight capabilities, could do so, but even then, it would be impossible to bring so many people.

"Moreover, the most troublesome thing is that the area around the Mangyin Range is the most active place for the black market in the Northern Spirit Region. Besides the Mangyin Mountain, there are other black market forces. They have always been wary of the Nine Domains. If we barge in, they might unite against us, which would be a significant problem for us," Cheng Yong sighed.

Hearing this, Mu Chen frowned. It seemed the situation was not as easy as he had thought.

"Besides the Mangyin Mountain, what is the strongest black market force here?" Zhou Ye asked, pondering.

"It's the Nine Dragon Gang. Their strength is second only to the Mangyin Mountain, and they have considerable influence in the black market. If they help us, we can cross the Mangyin Range and directly attack the Mangyin Mountain's base," Cheng Yong thought for a moment and said.

"Who is the leader of the Nine Dragon Gang?"

"Lei Shan, also at the initial stage of the Divine Soul Realm."

"Lei Shan, huh." Zhou Ye nodded slightly, having a vague memory of the name. He was a well-known expert in the Northern Spirit Region, but they were only acquaintances, not close friends.

"Tomorrow, I will lead a team to the Nine Dragon Gang," Zhou Ye said, thinking. The current situation was complicated, and if they could secure the Nine Dragon Gang's support, things would be much easier. Otherwise, it would be a headache.

The next morning, Zhou Ye led Mu Chen, Duan Wei, and others to the Nine Dragon Gang. They did not bring too many people, as the black market forces were particularly cautious, and a large group might raise suspicion.

The Nine Dragon Gang was located to the north of the Mangyin Range, controlling several key traffic routes. Most passing merchant caravans would voluntarily pay a toll, and the Nine Dragon Gang would not cause them any trouble, adhering to the principle of "harmony brings wealth."

Zhou Ye and the others headed straight for the Nine Dragon Gang. Two hours later, they arrived at the base, but they were greeted by a closed gate and wary eyes from the shadows.

Zhou Ye frowned at the closed gate. It seemed the Nine Dragon Gang had anticipated their arrival and was not willing to help.

"Friends of the Nine Dragon Gang, please inform Chief Lei that Mu Domain's Zhou Ye is here to pay respects!" Zhou Ye sat on his horse, cupped his hands, and shouted. His voice, amplified by his spiritual energy, echoed in the air.

"My father is in seclusion and cannot see guests, so please return," a cold, delicate voice replied from the top of the gate. Everyone looked up to see a slender figure in green clothing. The girl was tall and slender, her well-fitted clothes accentuating her graceful figure. She was quite beautiful, but her short hair gave her a more spirited appearance. She stood with her arms crossed, looking down at Mu Chen and the others with a slight pout.

Zhou Ye smiled faintly and said, "I apologize, but if I don't see Chief Lei today, I might not leave easily. Please open the gate, Miss."

"Do you want to force your way in? Let's see if I agree!"

The girl's delicate eyebrows arched, and she coldly snorted. Her hand clenched, and spiritual seals appeared on her slender fingertips.

Seeing the spiritual seals, Mu Chen's eyes widened in surprise. This girl was also a spirit array master?

(To be continued)