"Captain of the National Team?" Mu Nujiao looked at Mu Nianbing in surprise.
No wonder he seemed indifferent to the nomination competition.
"Yeah, it was just confirmed yesterday," Mu Nianbing replied casually.
His eyes flicked toward Ai Tutu—no doubt it was Ai Jiangtu who had told her.
Mu Nujiao didn't know what to say for a moment. After a brief silence, she finally said softly, "Congratulations."
For Mu Nujiao, becoming a member of the National Team was her only chance to break free from her family's control.
Her only route there was through the nomination competition.
However, standing out in that contest was no easy feat. Even if one earned a nomination vote, becoming an official member was another challenge entirely.
Among those who entered through the competition, only one usually made it into the National Team—the rest had to settle for the National Pavilion Team.
The others who succeeded either had multiple nomination votes or were backed by powerful families or organizations.
For instance, Zu Jiming's inclusion in the National Team was largely thanks to his aunt, who served as the secretary general.
Without that backing, his Poison Element alone wouldn't have earned him even a single nomination vote.
If Mu Nujiao could advance her cultivation ahead of schedule, there was still hope she could join the National Team.
"If you want to join the National Team, I can help you," Mu Nianbing whispered, leaning close to her ear.
Mu Nujiao felt his warm breath brush against her skin. Her cheeks flushed red, and even her breathing turned slightly uneven.
Ai Tutu, sitting nearby, perked up her ears but still couldn't catch what he said.
She didn't need to think hard though—she could already imagine that this man was trying to take advantage of Sister Mu with his captain status.
"Sister Mu, don't let him fool you! It's better not to join the National Team," Ai Tutu said confidently.
To her, it didn't matter whether Mu Nujiao joined or not.
After all, someone from her Ai Family was already in the National Team. If Sister Mu really went, she'd only end up lonely and bored.
Mu Nujiao shot her an annoyed glare.
That's the National Team! Only someone like Ai Tutu, the spoiled daughter of the Ai Family, would treat it so lightly.
Still, she didn't want to rely on Mu Nianbing's help. She wanted to earn her place by her own effort.
Mu Nianbing merely shrugged, not taking her refusal to heart.
In the following days, Mu Nianbing stayed in his apartment, focusing entirely on cultivation—until grim news arrived.
"The undead in the Ancient Capital have gone berserk. The Xihong rescue team, including Patrol Officer Zhang Xiaohou, was completely wiped out!"
Mu Nianbing's expression darkened as he read the message.
"As expected… it's beginning."
The catastrophe of the Ancient Capital was about to unfold.
He didn't contact Mo Fan immediately. Instead, he reached out to Teacher Tang Yue—he needed to borrow the Black Snake.
After a few brief exchanges, Tang Yue agreed to meet at a quiet teahouse in Hangzhou. Mu Nianbing boarded the next high-speed train.
When he arrived, Tang Yue was already there, elegant and composed as always.
"I still have a task to handle," Tang Yue said, her eyes glinting playfully. "Would you like to help ease some of my burden?"
Her tone carried a faint, teasing allure that made it hard to tell if she was serious or joking.
Mu Nianbing coughed lightly to break the mood. Borrowing the Black Snake was more urgent than flirting with his beautiful teacher.
"Teacher Tang Yue, I'd like to borrow the Black Snake."
Tang Yue blinked in surprise, then quickly remembered—she had promised him once before.
"What do you need that big guy for?" she asked, her expression turning serious.
Though she trusted Mu Nianbing's character, the Black Snake was the guardian beast of the Supreme Monarch.
If it was used improperly, even the Lingyin Tribunal could be implicated.
"I'm heading to the Ancient Capital. The undead there are growing restless," Mu Nianbing said calmly. "I'd like some extra protection."
He had already prepared this excuse in advance. When the Ancient Capital calamity ended, it would make sense to have given such an explanation beforehand.
"For Zhang Xiaohou?" Tang Yue asked softly. She had also received the report of his death.
"Yeah," Mu Nianbing nodded.
After a moment's thought, Tang Yue finally said, "All right. You can borrow it—but don't make too much noise."
She understood the dangers of the Ancient Capital and knew that with the Black Snake by his side, Mu Nianbing's safety would be far more secure.
"Thank you, Teacher Tang Yue," Mu Nianbing said sincerely. Having such a beautiful and dependable teacher really did make his life much easier.
Once he had the Black Snake, Mu Nianbing called Mo Fan—only to learn that Mo Fan was already at the airport.
He had originally planned to travel with him, but it seemed Mo Fan's impatience got the better of him.
Mu Nianbing told him to find a guide at the Hunter Union upon arrival.
When Mo Fan heard that Mu Nianbing was also heading to the Ancient Capital, he was relieved and overjoyed.
With a high-level mage like him around, their safety would be much more assured.
After hanging up, Mu Nianbing went straight to the Magic City Airport. He had booked a later flight, but Mo Fan's flight had already departed.
From Xianyang, Mu Nianbing rode the Cangming Jiao directly toward the Ancient Capital. By the time he arrived, the sun was sinking below the horizon.
Before sunset, there was little danger. But once darkness fell, the land outside the city would turn into a paradise for the undead.
Though Mu Nianbing had three powerful summons and didn't fear attacks, it was still wise to stay quiet for now.
Before entering the Ancient Capital, several guards conducted inspections.
His companion, a general-level Little Snow Girl, naturally drew their attention.
When questioned, Mu Nianbing calmly presented his Hunter Master Medal and passed through without issue.
After entering the city, Mu Nianbing went directly to the hotel where Mo Fan was staying.
"Brother Bing, you're finally here!" Mo Fan exclaimed in relief upon seeing him.
"What? Not calling me godfather anymore?" Mu Nianbing asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly.
Mo Fan scratched his cheek awkwardly. Even the great Mo Fan had his pride.
Then his eyes landed on the petite figure perched on Mu Nianbing's shoulder—a delicate Little Snow Girl exuding a freezing aura so intense that even his Fire Element trembled.
"Brother Bing, what's that…?" Mo Fan asked in surprise. Was she an elemental creature like Little Flame Fairy? But something about her felt… different.
Before Mu Nianbing could answer, Little Flame Fairy flew out of Mo Fan's contract space, fluttering excitedly toward the Little Snow Girl.
"Ahyaaa~~!"
The Little Snow Girl waved her hand disdainfully, sending Little Flame Fairy tumbling backward.
Mu Nianbing was speechless. He hadn't expected Little Snow Girl to have such a temper!
...
Author's Note:
Versatile Mage: Heir of the Frozen Throne — Part 1 is now fully completed and available on my Patreon!
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1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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