CHAPTER 675: CHAPTER 258: WORLD VENERABLE’S DISCIPLE, A PALM TO OBLIVION

In Mu Tianrui’s eyes, is there really any difference between the collateral and the direct bloodlines?

Ten thousand years ago, our ancestor left behind two sons and one daughter. The main branch today descends from the oldest son, the bloodline heir, while the second ancestor, Mu Heshan, left the Mu Family to establish the Supreme True Buddha Sect and did not leave any descendants. Those of us in the collateral branches are the descendants of the younger daughter.

In terms of bloodline roots, our blood is the same!

Yet over the years, no matter what, these collateral branches could never surpass the main branch.

The Six Great Families of the Federation all suffer from the curse of the Wilderness Four Demons, and the Mu Family is no exception. But who has sacrificed the most for the Mu Family over the generations? The direct lineage?

Most of those in the direct lineage die before adulthood, with only a few lucky ones escaping disaster, and they mostly focus on cultivation, rarely venturing out, enjoying the tributes of the entire Mu Family.

It is us, the collateral branches, who truly guard the outside world, maintaining the Mu Family’s prestige and deterring the other noble families and dojos!

Now, in this generation, the entire direct lineage of the Mu Family has been reduced to a single Heavenly Person. Can this even be considered the Mu Family? Can it be said to be the heir of Marshal Mu?

As Mu Tianrui led the people away, they hadn’t gone far when they saw another branch setting out.

Mu Xuanying glanced at Mu Tianrui’s group and said indifferently:

"It seems there are still those in the Mu Family’s collateral branches who understand the situation."

Mu Tianrui’s expression darkened, as among the collateral branches, only half supported him; the other half had made it clear that they would sit by and watch, helping no one.

He took a deep breath, as if he could finally voice his long-hidden resentment:

"The direct lineage, enjoying all the tributes of the Mu Family, cannot carry its heavy responsibilities. With what face do they occupy this position? In terms of bloodline roots, how are we any less than the direct lineage?!"

Mu Xuanying’s demeanor remained calm, with only a dismissive retort:

"Go ask the Four Demons."

Instantly,

the scene fell into an eerie silence.

Others looked on with odd expressions at both of them, thinking that this Elder Mu Laosan was indeed a strange one, to come up with such an angle.

Even Mu Tianrui’s expression sank, unable to find any words to refute.

It is well known that the curse of the Four Demons specifically targets the core inheritance of the Seven Marshals.

Why then did the Four Demons spare the branches that do not practice World Venerable Skill and do not read the teachings of the World Venerable? Why?

Are they implying that even the Four Demons do not recognize the collateral branches as heirs of Marshal Mu!

"Mu Xuanying, you too are a member of the collateral branch. Why stand against us? Is our existence as blood heirs just to support the two juniors of this generation?!"

Mu Tianrui questioned severely.

The juniors he referred to were naturally the young Mu Juncheng and Mu Junxin of this generation of the Mu Family.

Mu Xuanying replied coldly:

"Ten thousand years ago, our ancestor set the rules. If collateral branches wish to join the direct lineage, it’s simple - practice the World Venerable Skill, study the teachings left by the ancestors, and you can join the direct lineage."

"And if the direct lineage does not practice the World Venerable Skill or read the teachings, they too will be removed from the main branch and relegated to the collateral branches."

"Aren’t the rules laid down by our ancestors clear enough?"

"I too once carried the blood of the direct lineage, survived the curse, but later gave up practicing Martial Arts and was removed from the direct lineage just the same, joining the collateral branch. Where is the slightest unfairness in this?"

"You, Mu Tianrui, wish to avoid the responsibility due to the main branch and yet enjoy the benefits brought by the name of the Mu Family. Is your face that thick?"

At this moment, Mu Tianrui’s expression returned to calm:

"This is where we differ; the family passes on blood, not the inheritance of Daoist Skill. If there is a problem with one path, why not forge another? Why must one trudge to the end on the same path?"

"Has there been anyone in the Mu Family for tens of thousands of years who cultivated the Fire House Buddha Hell and truly inherited the mantle of our ancestor?"

Mu Xuanying shook his head, sneering:

"That Heavenly Demon too was full of such expectations as yours."

"Even if you share the same blood, you’ve long since lost the will of the ancestors. What right do you have to call yourself disciples of the Mu Family?"

"What I say today is all left behind by the ancestors. You’re just making excuses for your actions, but I don’t know what you’ll say when you face the ancestors in the future."

Mu Tianrui said coldly: "Since our paths diverge, then there is no need for further words. Let’s see the truth in battle."

He looked at Mu Juncheng, saying indifferently, "Juncheng, do not deceive yourself."

Mu Juncheng furrowed his brow, confused as to why he specifically was being ’pointed’ out amidst a battle between Heavenly Persons.

"Let’s begin. You shouldn’t have brought Juncheng here. Even if the four Heavenly Persons among you have the assistance of the Divine Weapon Ancestor, we have ways to delay you. Today, I won’t kill you but suppress you deep in the ancestral lands, and let you witness how we will make the Mu Family prosper."

Mu Tianrui declared resolutely and with a cold expression.

At this point, he had no way out.

And the group of Heavenly Person Tributors behind him sighed softly. Once something is done, there’s no turning back; they hope their decision isn’t wrong.

Mu Juncheng, on the other hand, wore a puzzled look. Hearing this tone... the Divine Weapon Ancestor has not chosen Junxin?

Had Mu Tianrui’s branch believed that the Divine Weapon Ancestor had chosen them instead?

He instinctively looked towards his third uncle, Mu Xuanying.

Who really is the one chosen by the Divine Weapon Ancestor?

Mu Xuanying glanced at the group of Heavenly Person Tributors and said lightly, "I forgot to tell you, today is the day the World Venerable returns. Since you are all present, join me in welcoming the World Venerable’s return to the world."

World Venerable?

Mu Tianrui’s brows furrowed tight, exclaiming, "What madness are you spouting, delaying for time? What’s the point?"

At the same time, his gaze locked onto Mu Juncheng, who said levelly, "I had thought that the ancestor had chosen Junxin."

Mu Tianrui’s pupils dilated. The Divine Weapon Ancestor hadn’t chosen Mu Juncheng?!

Then who had the Divine Weapon Ancestor chosen?!