"The Mu Family?"
Xiao Yan raised his brows slightly.
"One of the Three Great Families of the Jia Ma Empire, alongside the Nalan Family and the Mittel Family. Most of its members serve in the military, and its influence is immense."
"That's right."
Ya Fei nodded, a trace of bitterness appearing on her alluring face.
"The leader of the Mu Family's younger generation, Mu Zhan, is now a Core Disciple of the empire. What's more, he is... one of those mysterious [Inheritors] from the rumors."
She paused, her voice carrying an indescribable worry and deep helplessness.
"Mu Zhan already had his eye on me. After obtaining his inheritance, his cultivation soared, and he became even more wilful and overbearing. He actually..."
"He actually began pursuing me openly, declaring that if any young lord in the Imperial Capital dared lay a finger on Ya Fei, he would kill him!"
Xiao Yan's gaze darkened slightly.
"I heard that the Mittel Family's Ice Emperor Hai Bodong returned to the Imperial Capital recently after being missing for years. With Patriarch Teng Shan, another Dou Wang, there as well, would the Mu Family really dare openly force you, however powerful they might be?"
"Elder Hai?"
Ya Fei shook her head with a bitter smile.
"Elder Hai spent years away from the family and has little attachment to the younger generation. He only left a few items with the family to auction before entering seclusion, preparing to break through his bottleneck. As for Patriarch Teng Shan..."
She bit her red lip, her voice growing softer.
"Mu Zhan's talent is exceptional. Even Elder Hai praised him highly. The patriarch feels... a marriage alliance with the Mu Family would greatly benefit the Mittel Family."
"And my talent for cultivation... is truly ordinary. All I have is this fleeting,