Fox Demon: The villain at the beginning

Chapter 395 Mu Family Fortress

"A royal family?"

The head of the Zhang family frowned.

"In recent years, the Dao Alliance has been investigating various cases handled by the Xiao family, but due to the obstruction of the Wang Quan family, it has not been able to thoroughly investigate them."

Elder Wen said.

"We both know perfectly well that the Wang family must be involved."

"Now that the Xiao family is weak, it is very likely that they will leak the case from back then."

“Under these circumstances, the Wang family absolutely had a reason to kill him to silence him.”

"No way! The Wang Quan family is the number one family in the Dao Alliance, with a thousand-year-old tradition. How could they do such a thing?"

The head of the Zhang family said.

"When faced with interests, titles and traditions must be set aside."

Elder Wen sneered.

"Given the Wang family's past behavior, what's so strange about them doing something like this?"

"I still don't believe the royal family would do such a thing."

The head of the Zhang family shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Elder Wen gave the Zhang family head a strange look.

As consistent neutral parties, both families have always maintained objectivity and neutrality in dealing with various matters of the Dao Alliance, never taking sides.

It was precisely through this attitude that they were able to maintain their neutrality among the royal family and other factions.

However, even after he had laid out his reasons clearly, the other party still chose to protect the royal family. There was not a shred of doubt.

It is clear that there is a bias towards the royal family.

Thinking of this, Elder Wen couldn't help but recall the list of the Masked Group.

"The Zhang family's lad is among them too!"

His gaze shifted as he looked at the Zhang family patriarch before him.

"It seems my old friend has also changed his mind and is no longer willing to remain neutral as before!"

. . . . . .

As time passed, news of the Xiao family's complete disappearance began to spread like wildfire. Even some second- and third-rate aristocratic families heard the news.

"The Xiao family has finally gotten their comeuppance!"

"The whole family has disappeared; it must mean their clan was wiped out. They deserved it!"

"These plague-ridden bastards should have died long ago!"

"The Xiao family really got off easy."

"Who acted so quickly? I'm currently gathering manpower!"

Thanks to the Xiao family's good reputation, after hearing the news of their disappearance, not a single family in the entire Dao Alliance sympathized with them; instead, they all applauded.

Some families who had grudges against the Xiao family even regretted that they had acted too late after learning the news.

After all, the Xiao family, a first-rate aristocratic family, rarely falls to such a state of decline. Opportunities to openly seek revenge are rare.

In an inn in Blackrock City, in the northern part of the Dao Alliance.

"The Xiao family has disappeared. Who did this? And so quickly?"

Upon hearing the news of the Xiao family's disappearance, Jin Renfeng also showed a look of shock.

"I don't know. It's said that the Xiao family disappeared overnight after we left."

Li Muchen said.

"Even the local residents didn't notice anything unusual."

"Is it possible that the Xiao family members fled first out of fear of retaliation from their enemies?"

Jin Renfeng asked.

"Although no bodies were left, signs of a struggle were found at the scene, and there was blood residue in the soil."

Li Muchen said.

"It's clear that a battle took place at that time."

"Was there a fight?"

Jin Renfeng frowned.

Anyone who dares to touch the Xiao family's power must have a certain degree of confidence.

With only a handful of cats and mice in the Xiao family now, they're probably really in grave danger.

"Senior brother, could it be that you secretly made the move?"

Huai Zhu patted the man's arm, looking nervous, and asked in a low voice.

"How could it be me?"

Jin Renfeng was both amused and exasperated.

"If it were me, I would have crushed the Xiao family yesterday. There would be no need for any cover-up."

"Besides, I've been with you all the whole time."

"Even if I wanted to, where would I find the time!"

The Xiao family, even if they were all combined, would be no match for him with a single sword strike. There was no need for him to bother with such calculations.

Seeing her senior brother deny it, Huaizhu patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

"If it wasn't my senior brother, then who did it?"

"There are many conflicting opinions out there, and there is no definitive answer."

Li Muchen brought up the recent rumors.

"The Wangquan family was the first to speak out, accusing Shenhuoshan Manor of being ruthless and leaving no room for retreat."

"On the other hand, Shenhuo Mountain Manor accused the Wangquan Family of erasing evidence in an attempt to clear their criminal record and evade the Dao Alliance's punishment."

"Both sides went back and forth, neither willing to give in."

"Shin-Haku Manor has also been implicated!"

Jin Renfeng sighed.

He knew that if something like this happened, his sect would definitely not escape unscathed.

"Speaking of which, if you didn't make a move, could it be that your sect sent someone to do it?"

Li Muchen asked.

"Our master didn't mention it, so it shouldn't be from our side."

Jin Renfeng said frankly.

He had indeed not heard any news.

"Besides, if we were the ones who actually did it, there would be no need to hide it at all."

In his view, they already had a grudge against the Xiao family, and if they were to take action, they could do so under the guise of revenge. This way, they could destroy the Xiao family and establish their authority.

There's absolutely no need to hide it; it only damages their own reputation.

Seeing the boy's open and honest expression, Li Muchen also came to believe him.

"If it's not you, then the royal family is the most suspicious."

"Speaking of which, the Wang Quan family has been obstructing Master's investigation of related cases over the years, and they do have the potential to erase evidence."

Jin Renfeng said.

"If it really is the royal family, then what they did was truly excessive."

Huai Zhu frowned slightly.

"They are also a prestigious family in the Dao Alliance. The Xiao family used to work for them. How can they be so ungrateful?"

The young girl also had a biased view of the major families of the Dao Alliance, believing that such families, which had been passed down for thousands of years, must be places of moral prosperity.

However, the various actions of those powerful families repeatedly shattered her understanding.

"The Daoist Alliance families, they've always had this hypocritical and sanctimonious demeanor."

Li Muchen smiled.

"Once my sister has seen more of the world, she'll get used to it."

. . . . . .

Mu Family Fortress is the home of the Mu family. Because the Mu family is passionate about battlefield combat, the family's location also leans towards a battlefield style, based on a highly defensive stone fortress.

From a distance, it looks like a city.

Jin Renfeng led Huai Zhu and Mu Chen as they flew through the air and landed on the open ground in front of the stone fortress.

"Who dares to offend my Shepherd's family?"

As they approached the stone fortress, a shout rang out in the air. Then, dozens of figures leaped from the city wall and blocked the three of them.

“Jin Renfeng from Shenhuoshan Manor has come to pay a visit. We request that the members of the Mu family show themselves to meet him.”

Jin Renfeng stopped in his tracks, his voice carrying far and wide.

"Jin Renfeng of Shenhuo Mountain Manor?"

Upon hearing this name, the disciples of the Mu family immediately became wary.

During this period, the name Jin Renfeng was widely known.

Xiao Wancheng, the dignified patriarch of the Xiao family, wielding a powerful demon king's magic weapon, was a figure of considerable importance even within the Dao Alliance. Yet, despite his strength, he couldn't even withstand a single sword strike and was slain by the person before him. Even the Xiao family was destroyed as a result.

Such a formidable opponent cannot be underestimated.

Soon, the head of the Mu family led a group of disciples out of the fortress.

Jin Renfeng looked up and saw that the leading old man had white hair and an aged face, but his body was strong and powerful, like an iron tower.

Among the crowd, Jin Renfeng also saw Mu Shenguang, who had participated in the newcomer martial arts tournament.

"Elder Jin, may I ask what brings you to my Mu Family Fortress this time?"

Upon approaching the three, the head of the Mu family bowed and asked.

"I have come here to challenge all the experts of the Mu family."

Jin Renfeng said frankly.

I would appreciate any guidance or advice you may offer.

"challenge?"

The head of the Mu family's expression changed, and he couldn't help but think of the Xiao family's affairs, which caused the wrinkles on his face to appear.

"Jin Renfeng? My Mu family has never offended you like the Xiao family has. What is your purpose in coming here to provoke us?"

"This junior has come here with no ill intentions."

Jin Renfeng laughed.

"Over the years, my cultivation has improved, but my fighting skills are still quite different."

"Therefore, I hope to challenge various powerful families, fight against various masters, and seek guidance from the elders."

"The Mu family is one of the training targets I have chosen."

Shit!

Upon hearing this, the head of the Mu family rolled his eyes.
A powerful demon king like him wouldn't need any guidance; it's clearly a show of force!
"My family is of limited talent and knowledge, and I am afraid we are not qualified to instruct Elder Jin."

The head of the pastoral family declined to comment.

Although I was resentful, given the current situation, it was better to avoid trouble.

"Senior, please don't say such things."

Jin Renfeng gave a forced, insincere smile.
"I have come here sincerely to seek your guidance. It would be too embarrassing to force me to go."

"Our Mu family has been busy with Dao Alliance affairs lately and it is inconvenient for us to receive guests. Elder Jin, please return!"

The head of the Mu family continued.

"Not accepting guests? That won't do!"

Jin Renfeng smiled slightly, his words carrying an unwavering determination that left no room for argument.

“I have come to the Mu family specifically to seek their guidance. I will not leave until I achieve my goal.”

This person doesn't even want to act anymore.

Sensing the threat in the young man's words, the head of the Mu family sighed.

He knew that if he continued to refuse, the other party would probably take forceful action.

"Patriarch, he is just one person. Our family is not without talented individuals. Why should we be afraid of him?"

A young disciple shouted.

"Yes! If you want to fight, then fight. Our Mu family is not without outstanding individuals."

Another young disciple said.

Someone stepped forward, and soon many young disciples echoed their sentiments.

"Very well! Since you wish to take on the challenge, I shall accept."

Seeing the fervor of the younger generation, the head of the herdsman had no choice but to agree.

"Patriarch Mu, please rest assured, I have come here solely for the purpose of exchanging sparring. I have nothing else to do with this!"

Jin Renfeng offered a word of comfort.

The head of the Mu family nodded.

"That's the best way."

Then, he pointed to the person behind him.
"My elders and disciples are all here. Whom do you wish to challenge?"

Jin Renfeng glanced around and had an idea.

"I know my cultivation is insufficient, so I will start with this brother!"

After saying that, Jin Renfeng turned around and pointed out a young man.

The man had red hair and a tall, strong physique, standing out like a crane among chickens among the group of strong and robust shepherd's sons.

"air?"

The head of the Mu family frowned.

Mu Shenqi is his child, with outstanding talent and great strength. He even saw some images of him at the Blue Sky Conference.

He is also an outstanding person among the young disciples.

Therefore, the clan has been focusing on cultivating him. Now he has also inherited a demon king's magic weapon.

However, in terms of strength, he is far inferior to Jin Renfeng, who is already at the peak of the Great Demon King.

"He is still young and has not yet mastered the family's inherited magic weapon. You have the Great Demon King's magic weapon, so I'm afraid he is no match for you."

The head of the shepherd family said.

"Don't worry, Patriarch Mu, I won't use any magic weapons. I'll only fight with my physical strength."

Jin Renfeng laughed.

No magic weapons needed!

The head of the Mu family relaxed.

Without using magic weapons, there is indeed a possibility of a contest.

"How arrogant, are you willing to accept it?"

"I can't wait any longer."

Mu Shenqi leaped out from the crowd, full of vigor and ambition, and said...

"Jin Renfeng, everyone says how amazing you are, I'm tired of hearing it."

"Today I'll see if you're as powerful as the rumors say."

"I have long heard of Brother Mu's great name and would like to see your abilities."

Jin Renfeng stepped forward and stood opposite Mu Shenqi.

"This exchange is for honing skills; it should be stopped when the point is reached and no one should be killed."

The head of the Mu family stood between the two and gave them a special reminder.

"Don't worry, Patriarch Mu, I know how to act."

Jin Renfeng laughed,
"It won't cost this brother his life."

"Take my life?"

Mu Shenqi was quite unconvinced.

"Without the Great Demon King's magic weapon, it's hard to say who will harm whom!"

Seeing that Jin Renfeng meant no harm, the head of the Mu family nodded and left the arena.

The crowd also stepped aside, making room for the two of them.

Opposite the stone fortress—

Looking at the two people facing off in the arena, Li Muchen couldn't help but show a worried expression.

"Without magic weapons, I don't know if that idiot is a match for that Shepherd God."

The legends of the Dao Alliance's secret teachings are so deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Even though Jin Renfeng was powerful, Li Muchen was still unsure whether he could defeat the legendary genius.

Noticing the girl's unusual behavior, Huaizhu spoke up.
"Don't worry, senior brother will definitely be fine."

After listening to Huai Zhu's advice, Li Muchen finally managed to suppress his thoughts.

. . . . . .

"Spiritual energy infusion!"

The contest officially began, but suddenly Mu Shenqi let out a loud shout. His muscles bulged up like rocks.

A vortex of spiritual energy, ten feet in size, formed out of thin air, enveloping the spiritual energy within a radius of several dozen feet and sending it into the Shepherd God's Qi.

With the infusion of spiritual energy, Mu Shenqi's body swelled dramatically, and within a few breaths, his body grew to a height of ten feet.

"A decent amount of spiritual energy."

Looking at the imposing presence on the other side, Jin Renfeng couldn't help but nod.

"Truly a genius of the Blue Sky Conference!"

Seeing Mu Shenqi channel his spiritual energy into his body, Li Muchen also showed a look of surprise.

"This Shepherd God is incredibly powerful!"

The current spiritual energy infusion is already far more extensive than Mu Shenguang's in the Newcomer Martial Arts Tournament.

"Judging by this strength, he's definitely close to the peak of the Demon King level."

(End of this chapter)