The ground trembled again, but only briefly then everything fell quiet once more.
But Lu wasn't at ease. Curious about what just happened, he made his way toward the pavilion hall, unaware that inside, the Manhuman was already having a quiet exchange with the spider.
"Mr. Spider," the Manhuman began, voice calm but serious, "I know you're the guardian of this hall. And as the warrior chosen by the great Chen Liang, I'm here because you've already seen me. You felt it. The altar shook the entire clan. The bloodline is reconnecting... which means the forgotten blood has returned."
He let out a slow breath, then added, "You saw me for a reason. That's why I'm asking, keep my presence hidden. From everyone. Even Master Lu. Understand?"
The spider smiled, visibly moved, his gaze glowing with joy. He bowed deeply and replied,
"As you wish, Young Master Chen Zhihao."
(Zhihao: supreme greatness)
The Manhuman froze at the name.
"...Why did you call me that?" he asked, "That name... it's forbidden."
The spider's voice remained respectful. "It's not forbidden. That's the title given to the new generation of Manhuman. Look for yourself, check the altar."
Without another word, he stepped toward the altar. As he reached it, the hall doors open behind him.
Lu stood at the entrance. His eyes swept across the room and for the briefest second, he locked onto the Manhuman's silhouette. But when he blinked again, he was gone.
The Manhuman had slipped away before Lu could take another step forward.
"…Was that Mu?" Lu muttered, rubbing his eyes. "Looked like him, but… it was black. Maybe I'm just tired. I did talk to Mu earlier, after all."
The spider stepped forward with a light smile.
"Mr. Lu, what brings you here?"
Lu straightened up. "Ah—sorry. My manners. I felt the ground shake and figured it came from the hall. Is everything alright?"
The spider subtly moved to block Lu's view of the glowing altar behind him.
"Oh, that? My fault. I caused a small tremor while testing myself. Wanted to see if I'm still as strong as I used to be… back when your father and I hunted beasts and chased treasures together."
Lu raised a brow, puzzled, but didn't press the issue. His stomach growled.
"Well, Mr. Zhao," he said, patting his belly, "whatever it was, I gotta run. I'm starving."
As he turned to leave, Zhao called out.
"Lu."
"Hm?"
"I heard there'll be a reopening of the Ultimate Sales in Beijing. Thought maybe you could join or collaborate. It might be a way to raise the Chen clan again."
"What? The Ultimate Sales reopening in Beijing across Northland?"
"When's it happening?"
"Looks like it's about a month away."
"That's great news. Thanks, Mr. Zhao. The Chen clan will rise again."
Lu rushed out of the tunnel.
Outside the tunnel, the palace was still noisy, people chatting, laughing, and holding cups of wine while waiting for food. But not Mu. He sat quietly, arms crossed, frowning. He was hungry. No wine. No food. Just a grumbling stomach.
Then finally, a long tray carrying ten bowls of noodles was placed on the table right in front of him.
His eyes lit up. He scanned the area, no one was paying attention. Perfect. He reached out to grab a bowl.
But then came Lu's voice.
"Silence, everyone!"
"Huh? It's Grand Lu."
"Where has he been all this time?"
"I hope he dealt with that arrogant Feng clan guy."
"Enough," Lu said, his tone sharp.
Mu froze mid-bite, torn between food and speech. He glanced at Lu, then back at the steaming noodles. In a flash, he dashed to the kitchen and came back with chopsticks.
"For the sake of our clan," Lu began, "we'll protect our name with our lives. And—"
TAP. TAP. TAP.
The clicking of chopsticks echoed in the hall. Everyone turned their heads. All eyes landed on Mu, mouth stuffed, cheeks full, and his hand still tapping.
"...Sorry," he mumbled, noodles slurping down his throat. Three bowls were already gone.
Lu sighed and continued. "As I was saying—"
TAP. TAP. TAP.
"Mu!!" Wei shouted. Mu didn't even flinch. Instead, he quietly shifted seats, carrying two extra bowls with him.
Tianyang smiled, unable to hold back a laugh. And others followed.
"Next month, we'll join the Beijing Ultimate Sales, forming alliances and showing Northland who the Chen clan truly is—especially our rivals."
The room erupted in cheers.
Lu stood proudly, watching his family rally together.
"As one, we rise. After the council meeting, we begin the treasure hunt."
The celebration continued. Music, clatter, and joy filled the hall. Mu, meanwhile, was lying flat on the floor, stuffed and struggling to breathe.
"Hey, listen," the Manhuman's voice echoed through Mu's mind via the spirit seal. "We're bonded. If you slack off, I feel it. If you're weak, I suffer too. Get up, man. We've got work to do."
Mu groaned, then slowly got up and walked out of the hall.
"Mu, where are you going?" his mom called.
"Mom… seriously? It's hot in here. I'm just getting some fresh air."
He climbed over the wall and perched himself on top. The Manhuman emerged from the seal and sat beside him.
"Mu," he said, voice calm but firm, "tough days are coming. Real tough. If we don't get strong now, this entire realm will fall. The heavenly demons, the immortals, they'll all come for us. We're the last shield. If we fail… everyone dies. Even us."
Mu lowered his head, ashamed. All he had done was eat and sleep. But now he felt the fire passing through his veins.
He stood up, eyes determined.
"For my family… for this world… I'll fight," he said, his voice filled with purpose.
They clasped hands. Flames lit up where their fists met.
Not far from them, the assassins sent by Mr. Long were already leaping across trees, closing in.
The Manhuman jumped, walking mid-air as if supported by wind. He landed softly on a tree branch.
Mu's jaw dropped. "Whoa… how did you do that?"
"Feel the air. Believe it. Focus your weight and let it lift you."
Mu nodded, taking a few steps back. He leapt. And fell with a loud thud.
"You good?" the Manhuman asked.
Mu raised a thumbs-up.
He climbed back and tried again. And again. Each time, he fell.
On the sixth try, he focused, really focused. His body moved with control. He stepped through the air like it was solid ground. Almost there.
Then—bam! He hit the ground, harder this time.
"Ouch. That one hurt," he winced. "But I'm not giving up."
Back to the wall he went. He stared at the tree branch.
"Mu, you should stop before you break your bones."
"No."
He leapt again calm, focused, trusting the air. And this time, he made it. He landed gracefully on the branch.
The Manhuman's mouth dropped. He smiled and nodded. "That's brave of you, Mu."
Then he jumped back onto the wall.
But just as Mu prepared to follow, the trees started shaking violently.
Something fast was moving through them.
The Manhuman's expression darkened as he sensed danger coming.
"Something's coming."
"Mu—watch out!"