Mu Nianbing ignored the villagers and walked into the city alone.
He had no fondness for them — escorting them safely to the Ancient Capital was already the extent of his responsibility.
Just as he was about to contact Mu Bai, Mo Fan came running up from behind.
"Brother Bing, where are we going next?" Mo Fan asked cheerfully as he caught up.
"Where's Zhang Xiaohou?" Mu Nianbing asked without turning his head.
"The monkey's suffering from severe amnesia. He's clinging to that girl now, so I left him in her care," Mo Fan replied with a shrug and a grin.
"At least he's alive. As for the memory problem, I'll figure something out later."
Mu Nianbing didn't respond.
He remembered that Zhang Xiaohou still had Mu He's Forget-Me-Not Bug planted on him — but there were more urgent matters to deal with now.
The undead siege was less than a day away. Preparation couldn't wait.
"Mu Bai and the others are also in the Ancient Capital. Did you know?" Mu Nianbing said while sending a message to Mu Bai.
"Huh? Really? No idea," Mo Fan said, scratching his head. Ever since leaving Bo City, he hadn't kept track of his classmates at all.
And hearing the name Mu Bai immediately brought back memories of childhood — when he'd often ended up on the losing side after being teamed up on by Mu Nianbing and Mu Bai.
Just the thought made him grimace.
Mu Nianbing rolled his eyes slightly. At that moment, his phone buzzed — a reply from Mu Bai, complete with a location pin.
Since he'd come to the Ancient Capital, it was only natural to meet up with old classmates.
Besides, Mu Bai was still part of the Mu Family. If Mu Nianbing planned to strengthen the family in the future, Mu Bai's support might be useful.
"Mu Bai invited us to a small gathering. Are you coming?" Mu Nianbing asked after glancing at the message.
"Class reunion?" Mo Fan frowned immediately.
If it were any other group of classmates, he wouldn't mind — but being in the same room with both Mu Nianbing and Mu Bai always made things feel... awkward.
"I've sent you the location. Go if you want," Mu Nianbing said calmly.
He knew Mo Fan too well — given Mo Fan's personality, he'd show up eventually, if only to prove himself in front of his old peers.
"You're not coming?" Mo Fan asked, puzzled.
"I have other matters to handle first. I'll go after I'm done."
Mu Nianbing's destination was the Magic Association. If he could convince President Han Ji, he might prevent countless deaths when the undead attacked.
After Mu He's betrayal had come to light, the Mu Family's reputation had taken a heavy blow.
Becoming a hero of the Ancient Capital would be the best way to restore it.
Mo Fan didn't press further. Knowing Mu Nianbing, there was no point asking questions he wouldn't answer.
After parting ways with Mo Fan, Mu Nianbing headed straight to the Bell Tower Magic Association.
The Association's building dominated the skyline — even without checking his phone map, he could find it just by looking up.
Inside, the first-floor lobby was bustling with mages.
Though not as grand as the Pearl Magic Tower, it carried a unique ancient charm that suited the Ancient Capital perfectly.
"Sir, how may I assist you?"
A receptionist in a form-fitting cheongsam approached, her tone polite and professional.
The slit of her dress ran nearly to her thigh, revealing long, pale legs — clearly, the Association only hired the most presentable staff, even if they were ordinary humans.
"I'd like to make an appointment with President Han Ji," Mu Nianbing said.
At his words, the receptionist's smile froze slightly.
What kind of joke is this? she thought. If President Han Ji met every random visitor, he'd never get any real work done.
"I'm sorry, sir," she said tactfully. "President Han Ji is currently in a meeting and can't receive guests."
Mu Nianbing merely nodded and turned away, heading upstairs without another word.
Compared to the crowded first floor, the second level was much quieter — reserved for intermediate and senior mages.
As he stepped onto the landing, Mu Nianbing spotted a familiar figure accompanied by two guards in distinctive mage uniforms — the kind reserved for Imperial Court Magicians.
"I didn't expect to run into this guy here," Mu Nianbing murmured, a faint smirk appearing.
Judging by the guards and the attire, there was no mistaking it — Councilman Zhu Meng.
This was perfect. Running into Zhu Meng here could save him a lot of trouble.
He started forward, but the guards immediately blocked his path.
"Stop right there! What are you plotting against the Councilman?!" one of them barked.
Mu Nianbing's face darkened. Are they idiots? Do I look like an assassin?
Zhu Meng turned at the commotion, and when his gaze landed on Mu Nianbing, he froze for a moment.
Why is this guy here?
Just as the guards were about to move against him, Zhu Meng raised a hand to stop them.
"Mu Nianbing? What brings you to the Ancient Capital?" Zhu Meng asked, surprised.
Though he respected Mu Nianbing's talent and potential, he hadn't exactly expected — or wanted — to meet him here.
"A classmate of mine went missing near the outskirts, so I came to investigate. He's been found now," Mu Nianbing replied plainly.
There was no reason to conceal it; unnecessary secrecy would only arouse suspicion.
Zhu Meng frowned slightly. He recalled hearing about a military mage team that had gone missing recently — though such incidents were minor in his eyes.
Still, the fact that Mu Nianbing had traveled all the way here just to search for a classmate showed that he valued loyalty and friendship.
"The World University Tournament is approaching," Zhu Meng said finally. "Since your classmate's safe, you'd best return soon."
Zhu Meng knew Mu Nianbing was not only the captain of the National Team but also a favored candidate supported by several high-ranking officials — himself included.
Gaining a position like that required more than strength alone; it demanded influence and backing.
And for the captaincy, both were crucial.
It had taken more than Zhu Meng's endorsement to secure the position — only with Chairman Shao Zheng's support had Mu Nianbing fully cemented his role.
Mu Nianbing, however, shook his head. "No. There's something more important."
"More important?" Zhu Meng's brows furrowed. "What have you found this time?"
"I encountered undead outside the city — during the day," Mu Nianbing said gravely.
Zhu Meng blinked, startled. "Undead during the day? This is the Ancient Capital — the undead are everywhere, but they never appear under sunlight!"
His expression hardened as the implications sank in.
If what Mu Nianbing said was true, the coming siege might be far worse than anyone had anticipated.
...
Author's Note:
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1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
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3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
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5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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