The younger generation below exchanged glances, but no one spoke up. They werenât foolish; they could somewhat see the manipulation between Second Elder and Mu Feng, and though initially eager, now they didnât even want to go, let alone lead the team.
"Since no one is willing to go, we will make the appointments ourselves," Second Elder said.
Everyoneâs heart hung in suspense, afraid that Second Elder might thrust the hot potato into their hands. It wasnât that they lacked a sense of kinship or were unwilling to help a dying relative; they simply lacked the strength to bear such a heavy responsibility.
"Mu Hanyan, as the City Lordâs eldest son and also the Family Headâs eldest son, you are effectively the legitimate leader of our Familyâs branch in Heishi City. You will lead the team to Heishi City this time," Second Elder pretended to ponder for a moment before he looked at Mu Hanyan and declared.
"Me?" Mu Hanyan narrowed her eyes slightly. Tasks like these had never fallen to her before, as her strength was too poor and she wasnât competitiveâno one wanted to see her spoil things.
Today was unusually differentâSecond Elder had chosen her.
"Yes, you. Iâve heard that Hanyan has significantly changed for the better lately, even causing the young ones of the Zhao and Zhou Families to suffer continuous losses at your hands. Grandpa is very pleased with you. This time, Grandpa is looking forward to seeing you demonstrate your prowess and ensure the safe return of your Fourth Uncle Zi Qing," Second Elder said with a grin that did not reach his eyes.
Of course, Mu Hanyan understood. Previously, others had overlooked her because they simply didnât respect her capabilities; they werenât even interested in setting her up. Although her notoriety had increased lately, her performance had indeed improved much compared to before, almost like a different person. Second Elder had become wary of her and was seizing this opportunity to harm her.
No matter how pleasant his words sounded, if she messed up, strict family discipline would surely await her. Accusations of failing to seize the moment or being stubborn would unhesitatingly befall her, with a beating and several months of confinement likely being the least of her worries.
"No, this is a matter for our third branch; how can we let Brother Hanyan step forward? I will lead the team instead," Mu Nan, seeing Second Elderâs sinister intentions, quickly interjected.
"You? Are you stronger than Mu Feng?" Second Elder sneered.
Mu Nan was left speechlessâhis strength as a third-tier Swordsman was his fatal flaw! The journey to Xiushui City would surely include the best of the younger generation. With his meager strength, he couldnât command respect, and leading the team would only lead to disaster.
Second Elderâs comments left even Mu Hanyan speechless. As the saying goes, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Who else but her could shoulder this burden, having defeated Mu Feng? Now that Mu Fengâs "internal injuries" caused by her hadnât healed, there was no one else who could take on this heavy responsibility.
Seeing Mu Nan unable to respond, Second Elderâs lips curled into a smug smile, as if everything was going according to his plans.
"Fine, then Iâll go," Mu Hanyan said calmly.
Watching Second Elderâs smirk, Mu Hanyanâs face remained calm, but inside she scoffed. You want to take this opportunity to deal with me? Fine, Iâll give you the chance, and weâll see who has the last laugh!
"Alright, itâs settled then. Iâll start calling names now; those I name should step forward and then go back to prepare. We leave for Xiushui City at dawn tomorrow." Second Elder finished speaking and began naming names, "Mu Ze, Mu Xitian, Mu Jie, Mu Yuying..."
As their names were called, each person lined up with a gloomy face. The task was undoubtedly fraught with difficulties; they were in no mood to be happy as they would rather avoid it altogether.