Chapter 5: The Monstrously Gifted Prodigy

Yun Hai gave a thumbs up, launching into his usual sarcasm. “Feiyue is really something—just returned to the capital and managed to offend two of the great families. Nangong Zhishi and Gongsun Ziyan are both treasures of their clans! You’ve just given Grandfather more trouble to deal with.”

Thud! Lady Murong struck Yun Hai on the head with her fist, the corners of her mouth lifting in a terrifying smile. “If you kept quiet, I wouldn’t mistake you for a mute.”

A lump swelled instantly on Yun Hai’s head. He rubbed it, looking aggrievedly at Lady Murong. “Fine, fine, I’ll shut up!”

At this moment, all eyes turned once more to the old Master Yun.

He frowned slightly, his white beard curling upward. After a moment’s silence, he spoke, “Yue’er, you really did wrong this time!”

Yun Feiyue’s heart skipped a beat—she was done for now! Yun Dao, you big mouth, just wait until I deal with you!

“Remember, next time you’re in this situation, make sure you beat them within an inch of their life! Yun Yi, make sure to keep everyone’s mouths shut along the way; hush money must be paid in full. Don’t let gossips ruin my Yue’er’s reputation for gentleness, virtue, grace, and beauty.”

“Huh?” Was it really this good? Yun Feiyue rubbed her ears, wondering if she’d misheard. Three years away and the old man’s temper had improved!

Yun Yi rose and nodded. “Yes, Grandfather!” He bowed to his father, Yun Hen, and mother, Lady Murong, then excused himself from the table.

Yun Feng, having finished his meal, put down his chopsticks and stood up, producing his sword and polishing it until it gleamed. “Grandfather, I’ll go deal with Nangong Zhishi right now.”

Snapping out of her shock, Yun Feiyue shook her head at Yun Feng. “Third Brother, just let it be. I can handle it myself!” For a minor character like Nangong Zhishi, there was no need for her formidable third brother to intervene.

“Indeed, with our little sister’s fierceness, which she inherited entirely from Mother, there’s no way she’ll suffer a loss outside. Third Brother, don’t go looking for trouble!” Yun Hai piped up, munching on pastries.

Yun Feng thought about it and realized it was true!

“Then I’ll go spar with some friends. The Tianwu Ranking competition is coming up, and I need more training. Yue’er, I’m off—if anyone bullies you, let me know.”

Lady Murong waved him off, then turned her gentle gaze to Yun Feiyue. “Yue’er, you’ve just come home, so have a good rest. Your mother and grandfather will take care of this. By the way, what’s his name?” Lady Murong looked fondly at the adorable little Mumu before her, growing more attached the longer she looked.

“My name is Yun Qingmu. Mother calls me Little Mumu.”

“Yun Qingmu—a fine name! Little Mumu, you must be about three years old now? Have you begun your martial training?” Lady Murong pinched Little Mumu’s chubby cheeks.

He struggled to his feet and patted his chest proudly. “Of course I have! Little Mumu wants to protect Mother!”

Old Master Yun hadn’t liked the appearance of this extra child at first, but hearing him say he wanted to protect Yun Feiyue won him over—his view of Little Mumu softened instantly.

Lady Murong was delighted to hear of his training. After all, only by studying martial arts could there be a future, and most members of the Yun family were martial elites. If Little Mumu didn’t learn, he’d surely be bullied in the future.

“Have you reached the beginner level yet?”

Just then, Yun Dao emerged proudly from a corner to boast about Little Mumu. “The young master is exceptionally gifted, inheriting the excellent bloodline of the Yun family—he’s a prodigy! He’s already at the peak of the fourth level of martial cultivation.”

Crack! The chopsticks in Old Master Yun’s hand snapped. “What?” He rubbed his ears, making sure he hadn’t misheard.

Yun Hen hurriedly stood and placed a hand atop Little Mumu’s head to test his strength. Lady Murong stared at the little boy in astonishment.

“He’s truly at the peak of the fourth level of martial cultivation,” Yun Hen’s voice quivered. Back in his day, reaching the fourth level at eighteen was already considered genius. This little fellow was nothing less than a prodigy—no, a monster!

The entire Yun family was plunged into shock.

Suddenly, Old Master Yun burst out laughing with excitement. “Ha! He truly is of Yun blood! As expected from Yue’er’s son! Ha ha… Our Yun family has gained another treasure! Come here and let your grandpa hold you.”

He stretched out his arms, and Lady Murong reluctantly handed Little Mumu over.

The fourth level of martial cultivation was something most people could never reach in a lifetime. In the Chu Kingdom, it was already considered a mark of an expert—no wonder Old Master Yun was so delighted.

Little Mumu squirmed, uncomfortable with the old man’s prickly beard, and turned his head to look pitifully at Yun Feiyue. She winked at him, signaling him to be patient. He pouted and endured the ordeal.

Just as joy filled the room, the steward burst in looking panicked. “Sir… Sir… bad news! Members of the Gongsun family have arrived, and they look furious—they say they’ve come to settle accounts with the young lady!”