The events of today could be described as twists and turnsâa hard-won opportunity has presented itself, and he is afraid of an unexpected mishap.
"Indeed, I came here for him," Mo Qingkuang did come because of Han Yan, but after listening to the Supreme Elderâs evaluation of Han Yan, he felt something was off.
"We, the Mu Family, have failed in our teaching, producing an unworthy disciple like Han Yan. I have heard a bit about what transpired between him and Young Master Yanhong; indeed, he was quite excessive. Senior Mo, rest assured, I will sternly discipline him to give the Mo Family an explanation." The Supreme Elder said impatiently.
"Did you get it wrong? I came today to speak to Young Master Mu specifically to express my gratitude for what happened the other day, not to demand any explanation," Mo Qingkuang guessed the situation and laughed heartily.
"What, express gratitude? You didnât come to seek justice?" The Supreme Elder was instantly petrified.
"Indeed, a few days ago, someone from my family went missing, and it was thanks to Young Master Muâs Star Divination Technique that we found them. So, I came here specifically to thank him. Having such a descendant is the blessing of the Mu Family, and yet you want to discipline him? Mu Rongqi, arenât you younger than me, how could you be so confused?" Mo Qingkuang said impolitely.
"Haha, I also came today to thank Young Master Mu. The Mu Family boasts such a uniquely talented individual, I am envious, indeed. If I had such a descendant, I, Zhang Moyang, would cherish them dearly. Why would you want to sternly discipline them? What reasoning is that?" Zhang Moyangâs words were more courteous, but he looked at the Supreme Elder as if he were a fool.
Even though the Zhang Family is not among the Eight Great Families, in terms of foundation and strength, far inferior to the Mu Family, Zhang Moyang has been able to single-handedly support the Zhang Family, making a mark in the Capital where talents abound. His strategy and reputation can be deemed remarkable, no less than the Supreme Elder, undeterred by his position and status.
After hearing Mo Qingkuang and Zhang Moyangâs words, the Supreme Elder was both embarrassed and infuriated, his old face turning purple like an eggplant.
Their words of praise about Han Yan were like resounding slaps, striking fiercely on his face.
"Right, I came to the Mu Family this time, apart from thanking Young Master Han Yan, I also have something to discuss with Family Head Mu, the Supreme Elder, and all the other elders," Zhang Moyang continued.
"Family Head Zhang, please speak," the Supreme Elder said with a bitter heart, unable to erupt, forcing out a smile. "Our Zhang Family has had some progress these years, but in terms of strength and foundation, still far inferior to such an ancient family as the Mu Family. Therefore, I have an earnest request to exchange and benefit mutually with the Mu Family. I wonder if Family Head Mu and the Supreme Elder would be willing?" Zhang Moyang said sincerely.
"Of course, I know our Zhang Familyâs position is not comparable to that of the Mu Family, so taking a small loss is no problem, hahaha." After speaking, afraid Mu Beichen and others might refuse, Zhang Moyang added with playful laughter.
Upon hearing these words, all the Mu Familyâs disciples below were stunned, showing surprise.
In recent years, the seven other great families of the Capital appeared united with the Mu Family but secretly guarded themselves against it, leaving the Mu Family isolated. The other slightly weaker wealthy families were afraid of offending the other major families and kept the Mu Family at a respectful distance.
Especially during the critical time before the family competition, these families dared not act rashly, fearing accidentally choosing the wrong patron and bringing disaster upon themselves.
The Supreme Elderâs earlier difficulty with Han Yan was mainly for this reason.
But now, though Family Head Zhangâs words were neither condescending nor humble, it was clear that the Zhang Family was favorably inclined towards the Mu Family, even actively seeking allianceânot the least, he made it obvious that taking a small loss wasnât a concern.
Not only were the younger Mu Family disciples amazed, but even the clan elders over a hundred years old were, for the first time in their lives, witnessing other noble families willingly turning to the Mu Family.
For a moment, everyone was thrilled.
"Family Head Zhangâs goodwill is something our Mu Family is eager to embrace. Donât worry, Family Head Zhang; since itâs a mutual exchange and mutual benefits, how could we let the Zhang Family suffer? Wouldnât that make the Mu Family seem ignorant of propriety?" Mu Beichen said without hesitation.
"Family Head Muâs words are serious. Young Master Han Yan helped my Zhang Family greatly the other day; I should be the one thankful, taking a small loss is nothing. By the way, here are some medicinal herbs and elixirs, specially prepared for Family Head Mu and the elders. Our Zhang Familyâs resources are limited and cannot offer precious Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, so I hope you donât mind," Zhang Moyang said cheerfully, presenting his prepared gifts to Mu Beichen and the Supreme Elder and others.
Mu Beichen and others opened the brocade box and were even more pleasantly surprised. Although the contents were not incredibly valuable, they were precisely what they needed for cultivation.
Itâs known that as the Mu Family eldersâ strength grows, their demands for cultivation resources become increasingly selective, particularly among those with lesser natural aptitude. Due to the exclusion by other major families, even with money, the Mu Family finds it difficult to procure appropriate cultivation resources.
Furthermore, the Mu Familyâs money doesnât come from thin air; they need to support such a large family and meet the increasingly picky cultivation resource demands of the elders and tributes, which is challenging.
Hence, for a long while, theyâve been troubled over cultivation resources.
Zhang Moyangâs prepared gifts obviously took some effort; for them, itâs like delivering strategic advantage when needed most.
"Haha, you Zhang Family are so thoughtful. I originally forgot to prepare a gift for Young Master Mu; arenât you putting me in a difficult position?" The Old Drunkard rubbed his red nose thoughtfully and said, "Letâs do this: Our He Familyâs pill workshop has some strength; if the Mu Family needs any elixirs, you can directly ask them to refine them for you. If the medicinal materials are not complete, I can help find ways."
"Then many thanks to Mr. He," Mu Beichen said unreservedly, while the other Mu Family elders were equally delighted, expressing gratitude with excitement.
Though the He Family isnât top among the Eight Great Families, their pill workshop stands uniquely apart. Besides the alchemists serving the He Family across generations, the He Family themselves have trained a few competent elixir pharmacists, and the workshopâs caliber is widely acknowledged. The He Familyâs status among the Eight Great Families is significantly attributed to the workshop.
Though the Mu Family also employs alchemists to specifically refine elixirs for Zong Familyâs disciples, their capability pales in comparison to the He Family Pill Workshop. Even when they find suitable medicinal materials, they canât create the needed elixirs; often, even when offering high prices, others may not be willing to help.