"It's no problem for us to move to Magic City," Mu Zhuoyun said after some thought.
"But what about Xue? She's still studying at Imperial Capital Academy. Will she transfer there too?"
He frowned slightly. If Mu Ningxue went to Magic City, it would definitely disrupt her studies.
"With the World School Tournament approaching, whether she stays on campus or not doesn't really matter," Mu Nianbing replied casually.
"She can just ask the school for a leave of absence."
Compared to the upcoming World School Tournament, school courses were trivial.
As long as she won in the tournament, graduation with top honors would be no problem.
In truth, even that wasn't very important—after all, Mu Ningxue would no longer depend on any organization in the future.
"Oh, right…" Mu Zhuoyun hesitated. "Now that we've cut ties with the Mu Clan, will Xue lose her spot on the National Team?"
"Don't worry about that," Mu Nianbing said reassuringly.
"I'll contact my mentor. Once he sees Xue'er's strength for himself, he won't dare to remove her."
Although Mu Nianbing and Feng Li had only met once, he understood the man's character well enough.
Feng Li might not be entirely upright, but he was still a teacher who knew right from wrong—and who valued true talent.
Hearing that, Mu Zhuoyun finally relaxed. He trusted Nianbing completely.
As the National Team Captain, Mu Nianbing's words carried real weight.
"Alright then. I'll inform the others and have them start packing for Magic City," Mu Zhuoyun said firmly.
As the family head, he understood the importance of taking initiative.
Since Nianbing planned to establish his own organization, moving the family closer to him was the best choice.
Even if they started small, they could build connections little by little.
After Mu Ningxue had rested for a day, Mu Nianbing brought her to meet Feng Li.
Luckily, Feng Li happened to be in the Imperial Capital, saving them the trouble of traveling further.
When Nianbing requested the meeting, Feng Li hesitated for a moment—but eventually agreed.
Previously, Feng Li had held some resentment toward Nianbing.
But after Nianbing's heroic actions during the Ancient Capital incident spread across the country, that resentment vanished instantly.
No one in their right mind would dare hold a grudge against the hero of the Ancient Capital.
They met at one of the magic arenas within Imperial Capital Academy.
Although Mu Nianbing wasn't a student there, Mu Ningxue's identity made entry effortless.
Combined with Nianbing's national fame, even the guards treated them with respect.
Inside the arena, several students were already gathered for practice.
When they saw Mu Ningxue walk in, many of them couldn't help but exclaim as if a goddess had suddenly descended among them.
Mu Ningxue's reputation at Imperial Capital Academy was legendary.
Her icy skin, graceful bearing, and aloof beauty had made her the goddess of countless male students.
But now—there was a man beside her.
And the way they stood together made it clear that their relationship wasn't ordinary.
"Damn, who's that guy with Goddess Mu? He's almost as handsome as me!"
"Get real. Look in the mirror before you embarrass yourself."
"Wait, could he be her boyfriend? He looks kind of familiar…"
"Are you crazy? Goddess Mu doesn't have a boyfriend!"
"..."
Hearing the muttering around them, Mu Nianbing couldn't help but smile helplessly.
It was inevitable—being with Mu Ningxue always drew attention.
Fortunately, after Lu Zhenghe's fiasco, no one dared to provoke her anymore.
Otherwise, Nianbing might've had to give another "lesson."
Scanning the arena, Nianbing soon spotted Feng Li standing at the far end.
"Mentor Feng Li," he greeted, walking forward with Mu Ningxue.
Feng Li remained composed, his face expressionless—until his eyes met Nianbing's.
Then, uncharacteristically, he smiled faintly.
"Judging from your performance in the Ancient Capital, the Grand Speaker made the right choice making you captain," Feng Li said, patting Nianbing's shoulder approvingly.
"From every angle, you've proven yourself worthy of that position."
"You flatter me," Nianbing said modestly. "I just did what anyone should have done."
Feng Li nodded slightly, then got to the point.
"I've also heard about your fallout with the Mu Clan. They're planning to give Mu Tingying your family's spot."
Neither Nianbing nor Ningxue looked surprised.
The Mu Clan was nothing if not practical.
Even if Nianbing's potential had been recognized, their family had already split from the clan—there was no way they'd keep the slot open.
To them, it was safer to hand the opportunity to their own people.
"Xue'er has already broken through to the Advanced Level," Nianbing said calmly.
"An Advanced Mage who controls a Domain can significantly strengthen the team's overall power."
He knew Feng Li wasn't like Song He, the lazy type who only cared about appearances.
Feng Li genuinely wanted to build a strong National Team, even if he had to compromise politically.
Feng Li studied Mu Ningxue's aura carefully.
Indeed—she had reached the Advanced Level, and her energy was stable, meaning the breakthrough wasn't recent.
"An Advanced Mage is important, yes," Feng Li said thoughtfully. "But not decisive. After all, there are already two Ice Element mages on the team."
After arriving in Venice, all National Team members would be Advanced Mages.
At that point, cultivation alone wasn't much of an advantage.
Moreover, with two Ice Element users already, adding another—even with a Domain—might be redundant.
Besides, Feng Li knew how powerful Nianbing's Ice Element was.
Even if Mu Tingying was mediocre, Nianbing alone could handle both offense and control.
Nianbing gave a small, cold smile. "Heh, so entry into the National Team depends not on strength—but on money and connections?"
His words dripped with irony.
Feng Li's expression stiffened.
He couldn't deny it outright—the influence of major families and organizations within the team was an open secret—but it wasn't something that could be admitted publicly.
"If that's really the case," Nianbing continued, his tone calm yet sharp, "then can I exchange my captain's position for two team spots?"
Feng Li froze, eyes widening in disbelief, "Exchange... your position?"
Was he serious?
If such a deal were truly possible, it might work on paper—but the very nature of the National Team would be corrupted beyond repair.
Mu Ningxue turned to look at Nianbing, her gaze soft, filled with both surprise and admiration.
Feng Li finally sighed. "It's not that I want to make things difficult for you, but the roster is already set. If Mu Ningxue is to join, someone else will have to be removed."
His tone was serious now. This wasn't something he could decide alone.
...
Author's Note:
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