I transformed into a cute girl and lived a carefree life in the apocalypse.

Xia Ziyun hesitated for a long time, then finally gritted her teeth, seemingly having made a great decision, and her voice trembled slightly as she spoke:

"Zi Mo, tell me, Mu Yan and his son... and Zhao Lin and his son... are they Mu'er...?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Ziming's body trembled slightly, and the panic in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Although the question wasn't answered in the end, Yan Ziming understood what it meant. She was definitely asking whether the deaths of those four scoundrels were related to them!

"Auntie, I—" Yan Ziming didn't know how to answer.

Xia Ziyun shook her head gently, and said with some heartache, "Sigh...I really thought so..."

Yan Ziming remained silent, having nothing to say.

Yes, the four people died in a very close period of time, and all of them had irreconcilable hatred towards Mu Mu. How could they not think that Mu Mu was responsible for their deaths?

Chapter Thirty-Five Negotiations

The timing of their deaths was so coincidental, coinciding with Mu Mu's return. They died without warning, leaving no trace whatsoever, and even the most sophisticated instruments couldn't find any useful evidence.

All of this points to the strongest spatial ability holder—Mu Mu!

Only spatial abilities can achieve such a clean and efficient result. Alibi and similar statements are completely inapplicable to spatial abilities, allowing one to remain completely undetected.

It's more accurate to say that they were intimidated by Mu Mu's power and couldn't hold him accountable, nor did they dare to. Otherwise, it wouldn't just be one or two people who would disappear, but an entire family.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room was eerily quiet. Yan Ziming finally mustered up her courage and said:

"Auntie, no, they started it first—"

Xia Ziyun stretched out her right hand and blocked Yan Ziming's next words with her index finger.

"It's best if we know about this, but don't tell anyone, not even Mu Bai. He's too attached to the family rules..."

"Let everything go with the wind, no matter what happens. I just hope my daughter is doing well..."

Xia Ziyun said sadly that she really didn't want her daughter to be involved in that incident from back then, as it would be bad for everyone.

Since Mu Mu's mother had said so, Yan Ziming had no choice but to give up and instead asked, "What does this matter have to do with what's happening now?"

"I can't say there's none at all; it's mostly just something I personally want to know..."

"You also know how much has changed in China recently. The defenses have been completely tightened, the Chinese government has strategically abandoned ten military administrative zones, and the businesses of various powerful families have suffered heavy losses. They want to establish new businesses in new territories, but you should know the result: it's very difficult for us to reach there..."

Yan Zimo nodded to himself.

Admittedly, the Mu family, and indeed the entire powerful family of Bei'an City, previously owned businesses in thirteen military administrative regions across the country, which served as one of their main sources of income.

However, even a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Just as the wealthy families of Bei'an united against outsiders when enterprises from other military administrative regions wanted to extend their reach into Bei'an, it was even more difficult for their own side to extend their reach into the newly recovered city.

In Yong'an City alone, they have encountered fierce resistance. Entrepreneurs and people from all over the country have united to protect this new big pie and not allow outsiders to take away even a little bit of the benefits.

Those were people from all over the country!

They want to rebuild their business here, and it's already a struggle for them to even get a slice of this pie; how could they allow outsiders to get a piece of it?

Without a doubt, all the people from the powerful families of Bei'an returned empty-handed.

However, they couldn't just ignore such a huge opportunity. With the national defense line tightening, the losses they suffered were enormous. It was simply unacceptable for them to remain indifferent.

Therefore, under the leadership of the recently risen... no, it should be said that the re-emerged Murong family, the major powerful families in Bei'an have formed an alliance and decided to attack together to seize this big piece of the pie!

However, this alliance still has some problems.

The reason lies with the Zhao family and the Mu family.

Since the deaths of Zhao Lin and his son were absolutely related to Mu Mu, the two families had a complete falling out. The top officials of both sides were practically estranged and could not stand each other.

They joined forces with several other aristocratic families who were also oppressed by the Mu family to try to contain this behemoth among the powerful families, but they were unable to act due to the current situation.

After all, the Mu family's help is indispensable for a group to invade new territory.

A rift has appeared within the alliance, and a second voice has emerged. It remains to be seen whether things will proceed smoothly from here on out.

Yan Ziming rubbed his temples, feeling a bit of a headache.

So that's the reason... She doesn't really understand these things, so even if she wanted to help, she wouldn't know where to start.

They were so determined to help, but they ran out of options after just the first step...

"That's why I hope my daughter can come back soon. As soon as she comes back, all those discordant voices will automatically disappear... Oh dear, I'm sorry to have told you so much irrelevant stuff. You must be bored, right?"

"It's alright, I've learned a lot from Auntie's explanation..."

Yan Ziming waved his hand and smiled.

Unexpectedly, even without experiencing a wave of relocation, the seemingly calm Beian Military Administrative District was already rife with undercurrents, with major families forming an alliance. This was a problem that could not be ignored.

The government's top leadership would likely not allow such a large-scale commercial contest between the two sides, as it would be detrimental to economic recovery.

Well, that's their business, it has nothing to do with me.

Just as Xia Ziyun was about to say something, there was a knock on the door.

"Speak." Xia Ziyun's amiable demeanor vanished, replaced by an air of authority.

"The clan chief wants you to go to the council hall immediately."

..........

The Mu family's council hall.

The military's eighth-ranking bigwig, Mu Chenyi, the new patriarch of the Mu family, Mu Bai, and the Mu family patriarch, Mu Hong, along with a group of other high-ranking members, were all inside. Sitting opposite them were a young man who looked to be no more than twenty-four or twenty-five years old, and a middle-aged man with an ordinary appearance.

Yet, despite these two individuals, many people dared not underestimate them and instead were on high alert.

To be precise, what they valued was the young man, not the older middle-aged man.

"Clan Chief Mu, has your sister-in-law not returned yet?" the young man asked. He had been waiting here for some time, just to have the last person arrive so that he could clarify some things.

Mu Bai frowned and called over a servant. Upon learning that Xia Ziyun had returned to the Mu residence early in the morning, his expression darkened slightly.

Since you came back so early, where are you?!

"The matriarch of Xia is entertaining a guest."

"A guest? What guest is so important! Quickly, bring her here."

Mu Bai instructed the servant to call Xia Ziyun over, and replied, "Haiyi... wait a little longer, he'll be here soon."

"Before that, let's discuss the important matter... I hope your Mu family can make concessions regarding the alliance."

The person next to Murong Haiyi spoke, causing everyone present to raise their eyebrows slightly, touching a nerve in their minds.

"What makes you say that, Brother Murong?" Mu Bai took a sip of tea and said calmly.

If it weren't for the fact that the young man beside him named Murong Haiyi was indeed quite capable, he would have already turned his back and seen him off.

Murong Haiyi, 24 years old, a seventh-level ability user, who could break through to the eighth level at any time. His ability is the metal element of the Five Elements.

It is said that he also has the experience of killing an S-rank Sandstone Dragon all by himself.

That's a sandstone dragon!

Its defense is undoubtedly among the strongest, ranking in the top three of all known mutated species except for those of the Sequence level. If it can kill someone alone, how strong must it be?

Without a doubt, he is no less popular than the most famous figures in China today. Even if the rumors are not true, we should not underestimate him.

As a declining aristocratic family, the emergence of such a genius will inevitably elevate the Murong family's status among powerful clans. In just a few years, they will become a behemoth comparable to the major aristocratic families.

That's why Mu Bai didn't turn hostile, but patiently asked. Although the Mu family had its own source of confidence, they had driven that confidence away themselves, and it was still unknown whether it would be effective.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Passing By

"Everyone knows who did what happened with the Zhao family. Now that we've formed an alliance, continuing to split up like this isn't a solution."

"Sichuan and Guangdong are too far away for us to reach, but we must take over the new cities, with Yong'an as the leader. If we delay any longer, they will begin to establish a new pattern."

"Everyone can guess how powerful the Crystal Core New Energy Application Technology is. When the new industry eliminates the old industry, we will also suffer a devastating blow. Everyone in the Mu family should understand this."

Murong Hua recounted a long story, and the faces of the Mu family members grew even uglier.

They understand the logic, but why should they make concessions? Just because Mu Mu killed the person?

It's not that they're not cooperating; the Mu family is extremely supportive of the alliance. It's just that a few families, led by the Zhao family, are causing trouble. Instead of kicking them out, they want the Mu family to make concessions?

How can this save face for them, the most prestigious and powerful family?

Mu Chenyi remained silent, while Old Master Mu Hong's eyes were half-closed, appearing drowsy. The current clan leader, Mu Bai, noted their reactions and replied:

"Don't try to pin things on the Mu family without evidence. You can't expect us to make concessions based on this one incident... It's impossible."

"Brother Mu! Please do us this favor—"

"Then who will give the Mu family face?"

"........"

The dialogue has reached a dead end, with neither side willing to make concessions, and it remains to be seen whether the alliance can continue.

Murong Haiyi stood up and said calmly:

"Since the Mu family is not willing to compromise, we will take our leave now. We look forward to resolving this matter on our next visit..."

Before he could finish speaking, the sound of footsteps came from outside the door. A woman with graceful bearing appeared; it was Mu Mu's mother, Xia Ziyun.