Chapter 587: Return to the Mu Family

"Split into two?" Everyone present wore expressions of surprise. Tianxia Di Yi explained, "Brother Yun, you might not be aware, but this Tyrant Emperor Pellet is unlike ordinary treasure pills. While its ingredients are easy to come by, its refining process is incredibly difficult, and sealing its medicinal power once formed is even harder. After it's refined, it's typically advised to consume it carefully and as soon as possible. Even a slight disturbance can cause a significant loss of its medicinal properties. Dividing it into two... could very well destroy the Tyrant Emperor Pellet entirely."

The others also showed expressions of deep agreement. However, Yun Che said with a confident look, "Brother Tianxia, rest assured. I have some proficiency in pill refinement, and I am confident that I can divide this Tyrant Emperor Pellet without destroying it or causing the slightest loss of its medicinal properties."

Xiao Yun had long since placed implicit trust in Yun Che, and today's events only caused his absolute confidence in Yun Che to soar even higher. He immediately nodded and said, "If Big Brother says it's possible, then there will be no problem. And if Seventh Sister and I each use half, that would certainly be ideal... Big Brother, I'll leave it to you then."

As he spoke, Xiao Yun handed the white jade box in his hand to Yun Che.

Yun Che naturally had his own reasons for making this suggestion. After taking the Tyrant Emperor Pellet, he immediately put it away.

His calm and self-assured demeanor greatly astonished everyone from the Tianxia clan. Considering how he had cured Yun Qinghong and his wife in just a few months, and his incredible display today, it seemed nothing extraordinary happening to him would be considered an exaggeration. Tianxia Qi looked at Yun Che with sparkling eyes and said, "I also believe that since Brother Yun said he can do it, he definitely will. Brother Yun, I'm completely in awe of you now! Could you please tell me your story another day?"

Yun Che chuckled, "Of course, no problem. Once you and my brother Xiao Yun are happily married, we'll be family. By then, I'll naturally have no reason to refuse such a small request."

These words were clearly directed at Tianxia Xiongtu. Tianxia Qi, her heart brimming with delight, said with a smile, "Brother Yun, you said that yourself! It's a promise, then!"

"Cough, cough!" Tianxia Xiongtu's face immediately showed a hint of embarrassment. He pulled Tianxia Qi closer. "You're a young lady... what sort of behavior is this... *ahem*, Brother Yun, I'll take my leave now. Please be sure to notify me in advance about the day of the Venerable Demon King's burial..."

As soon as the Tianxia family group left, an urgent shout came from afar behind them.

"Grandson! Grandson... Oh, my dear grandson!"

Among the twelve clan heads, Mu Feiyan was the eldest, held the highest seniority, and commanded the most prestige. Ordinarily, he was stern and unsmiling, instilling a sense of awe and apprehension in anyone who met his gaze. Yet, at this moment, his face was flushed, and he rushed forward like an excited child, his steps clearly faltering with emotion.

Yun Che turned around and immediately knelt in a bow, "Yun Che respectfully greets Grandfather."

"Oh, oh, oh... My good grandson, get up quickly!" This cry and bow utterly delighted Old Man Mu, and tears nearly welled in his eyes. He quickly stepped forward to help Yun Che up, examining him closely. The flush on his face deepened. "Good! Good! Good!!" Saying "good" three times, Old Man Mu grasped Yun Che's hand and burst into joyous laughter. "Hahahaha! My grandson is back! This is my own grandson, Mu Feiyan's grandson, hahahaha!"

The three brothers, Mu Yubai, Mu Yuqing, and Mu Yukong, followed unhurriedly behind them. Mu Yubai, the eldest, who typically walked at the front, was inexplicably half a step behind this time, his expression thoroughly conflicted.

"Father, look at how excited you are," Mu Yurou said with a smile, tears subtly glinting in her eyes. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you?"

"Hahahaha! I'm happy today! Let anyone who wants to laugh, laugh all they want!" Old Man Mu waved his hand, erupting into another bout of laughter. "Those old rascals brag about their grandsons and great-grandsons in front of me every single day. Now that my grandson is back, let's see which one of them still dares to mention their grandsons in front of me... Compared to my grandson, their descendants can barely show their faces in public, hahahaha!"

Mu Feiyan had long dreamt of having a grandson, but his wish had never been granted until now. With a grandson finally in his life, he was naturally overjoyed. What's more, this grandson was exceptionally outstanding; among the younger generation of the entire Illusory Demon Realm, perhaps no one could compare to him. It had been centuries since he had felt such unbridled joy.

"Thank you for the praise, Grandfather," Yun Che said with a faint smile.

"Cough, cough," Mu Yuqing rubbed his chin, a smile playing on his lips. "Heh heh, good nephew, your uncle here grew up under your grandfather's stern glare. This is the first time in my life I've seen the old man praise someone so highly. But then again, you absolutely deserve every bit of that praise."

"Exactly, exactly," Mu Yukong nodded in deep agreement. "It's not just about whose nephew Che'er is. They say nephews take after their uncles. With such excellent uncles like us, it's only natural for a good nephew to achieve what he has today."

"Get out of here!" Mu Feiyan glared and waved his hand, and a gust of cold wind immediately swept Mu Yuqing and Mu Yukong far away. "You two good-for-nothing brats! When you were young, both of you combined couldn't even compare to a single one of my grandson's toes! Stop embarrassing yourselves in front of my grandson and go play in the sand!"

Mu Yuqing and Mu Yukong's faces immediately contorted into a bitter expression, and they stood there speechless, not daring to retort. Mu Yurou smiled softly and said, "Father, Che'er is here. At least give Second Brother and Third Brother, his uncles, a little face. Che'er, come and greet your uncles again."

"Yes," Yun Che nodded, then stood before Mu Yuqing and Mu Yukong, bowing as he said, "Your nephew Yun Che greets his two uncles."

"Mmm."

"Hmph!"

Mu Yuqing and Mu Yukong adopted the dignified air of elders, comfortably accepting the greeting. Yun Che's exceptional abilities were evident to everyone today. To think that such a peerless figure, who had shaken the entire Illusory Demon Realm overnight, was their own nephew filled their hearts with an unusual and profound sense of pride.

Mu Yubai had stood silently all this time, but he could no longer bear it. He leaped forward and roared, "What do you mean 'two uncles'?! Am I not your uncle?! Are you treating me as if I'm invisible?!"

No sooner had Mu Yubai's roar subsided than Yun Che could respond, when Mu Feiyan "whooshed" to stand in front of Yun Che, his eyes wide and voice like thunder. Pointing at Mu Yubai's nose, he unleashed a torrent of reprimand: "Mu Yubai! My grandson was lost for over twenty years and only returned today after enduring countless difficulties, yet you, as an elder, show not the slightest bit of warmth. Instead, you immediately start yelling and scolding! And you keep referring to yourself as 'this old man'! What great prestige you have!"

He then turned to Yun Che, his expression instantly becoming kind and amiable. "My good grandson, don't be afraid. This brat has been ignorant of common sense since he was little. If he ever dares to yell at you like that again, Grandfather will personally break his legs."

The moment Mu Feiyan fully uttered the three words "Mu Yubai," all the hairs on Mu Yubai's body instantly stood on end. Under Old Man Mu's roaring, tiger-like scolding, he dared not show the slightest hint of defiance. He stood there meekly, head bowed, not even daring to breathe loudly.

Old Man Mu's absolute authority within the Mu family was perfectly demonstrated through his control over these three young masters of the Mu family.

Mu Yurou chuckled to herself, then stepped forward to mediate. "Alright, Father, Big Brother is just excited. How could he truly bear to yell at Che'er? Che'er, quickly go and greet your eldest uncle."

Yun Che stepped forward and respectfully said to Mu Yubai, "Your nephew greets his eldest uncle."

Seeing Yun Che's respectful expression and no mention of the "sworn brothers" matter, Mu Yubai's face immediately relaxed. A huge weight lifted from his heart, and the sound of "eldest uncle" made him feel immensely relieved. He then said earnestly, "Mmm, good nephew..."

And then, at that very moment, Yun Che mischievously added, "Eldest uncle, about that sworn brotherhood matter..."

"Pfft..." Mu Yuqing and Mu Yukong instantly burst out laughing, spitting slightly. Mu Yurou covered her mouth to stifle a smile, and Old Man Mu's forehead twitched with a visible vein, his lips twitching.

Before this morning, he had been absolutely determined to become sworn brothers with Yun Che, and this matter was known to both the Yun and Mu families. When he learned that Yun Che was actually his own nephew... he almost felt like burying his head in the ground.

Mu Yubai cautiously glanced at Old Man Mu's expression, suppressing the urge to slap Yun Che away. He patted Yun Che's shoulder and laughed dryly, like a nervous wreck. "Ha... haha... hahahaha... Being uncle and nephew is certainly better than being sworn brothers, isn't it... Ha... hahaha... My dear nephew, I, your uncle, am truly delighted that you've returned!!"

Mu Yubai forced a dry smile, but inwardly, he was gritting his teeth... If this matter were to get out, his lifelong reputation, Mu Yubai's, would become a lifelong laughingstock!

Old Man Mu said, "There are too many people and too many ears here; it's not a place for a long talk. Che'er, you've been back for three months, yet you haven't been able to visit your grandfather's home. Today, no matter what, you must come back to the Mu family with me. See the place where your mother grew up, and let your grandfather have a good look at my wonderful grandson."

As he spoke, he had already taken Yun Che's arm and refused to let go. His eyes, which usually held immense pressure and a cold glint, were now filled entirely with anticipation and affection, making it impossible for Yun Che to refuse.

"Very well," Yun Qinghong pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Che'er has been back for quite some time, but he hasn't yet visited his mother's family, which is indeed improper. Yurou, Xiao'er, and I will accompany Che'er back. Our family should have a proper reunion."

"That would be wonderful, of course," Mu Yurou nodded happily. The simple phrase "have a reunion" brought a pang of emotion to everyone's hearts. Yun Che was already twenty-two years old, yet this was their first true family gathering.

"Good!" Old Man Mu's voice trembled slightly. He took Yun Che's hand and strode forward, "Come on, let's go home!"

"First Elder, please escort Father's remains back first. We will return by dusk." Yun Qinghong briefly instructed Yun Waitian and the others, then departed with Mu Yurou and Xiao Yun, accompanying the Mu family's group.