After Judge Nighthawk arrived, Wei Rong handed over the captured blue-robed deacon and briefly explained what had happened.
"You've reached the high level at such a young age. Are you interested in joining the Inquisition?" Nighthawk's sharp eyes fell on Mu Nianbing.
He was an ideal candidate — talented, composed, and brave enough to face a blue-robed deacon head-on.
Such courage was exactly what the Inquisition valued most.
"This... let's forget it," Mu Nianbing replied calmly.
The Trial Council was indeed a respected organization, and even many nobles' children aspired to join.
But once you entered, there would be endless missions and responsibilities — far too troublesome for his liking.
"Whenever you change your mind, our doors will always be open to you," said Nighthawk with a smile before flying off with his captive.
Only after he left did Mu Nianbing notice the strange looks from the surrounding students.
"You actually refused an invitation from the Inquisition? If it were me, I'd drop out of school immediately just to join!"
"Ha! You? The Inquisition wouldn't even glance your way!"
"Who are you calling useless? Say that again if you dare!"
A round of pointless arguments broke out among the students.
Standing to the side, Ai Tutu nudged Mu Nujiao playfully.
"Sister Mu, he even turned down the Tribunal. Why don't you just recruit him into the Mu Family instead?"
A flicker of interest flashed through Mu Nujiao's eyes before she shook her head with a soft sigh.
"If he can reject the Inquisition, why would he ever join our Mu Family?"
Ai Tutu grinned mischievously. "Maybe he'd consider it if he could marry you, Sister Mu."
"Ai Tutu!!" Mu Nujiao glared furiously, her face slightly red. This girl was obviously teasing her — and doing it on purpose!
In truth, Mu Nujiao knew Mu Nianbing was from a side branch of the Mu Family, though his bloodline wasn't pure.
However, his talent was extraordinary — even the main family's direct descendants might pale in comparison.
If he ever decided to return to the family and reveal his full strength, his status would surely surpass most of the so-called elites.
After all, the Mu Family respected only power.
In that family, as long as one was strong enough, even an outsider could stand above direct descendants.
But Mu Nianbing understood the family's cold nature better than anyone — a place where only the strong survived, and the weak were discarded without hesitation.
Just like Mu Feiluan, whose talents were stripped away by Mu Fangzhou the moment he became "useless."
If he returned now, his ice magic talent would immediately draw the attention — and hostility — of people like Fan Ning and Mu Fangzhou.
That was why Mu Nianbing's ultimate goal was clear: break free from the Mu Family's control.
Only Mu He's efforts and his own growth could make that possible.
Once he reached the Forbidden Curse level, he could even create his own clan — or completely surpass and absorb the Mu Family itself.
In the following days, Mu Nianbing split his time between training with Ye Xinxia and cultivating his magic.
One afternoon, his phone rang.
It was Dean Xiao.
"We're currently short of a team leader for the exchange delegation. Are you available?"
"Team leader?" Mu Nianbing was stunned. "Dean Xiao, are you serious? I'm still a student!"
Dean Xiao chuckled. "That's true, but your cultivation already meets the graduation standards. You're more than qualified to serve as an acting teacher."
Mu Nianbing frowned slightly. "Even so, I'm very busy..."
"A high-level magic tool," Dean Xiao interrupted smoothly.
"Deal!" Mu Nianbing replied instantly.
Dean Xiao could only sigh helplessly when Mu Nianbing arrived at his office less than ten minutes later.
"You came running this fast just for the magic tool..."
The dean placed a set of shimmering silver-blue armor on the table.
"Considering your contribution to capturing the blue-robed deacon, I'll reward you with this Ice Scale Armor."
"Thank you, Dean Xiao!" Mu Nianbing's eyes lit up. He'd been looking for a proper armor set.
A high-level defensive artifact like this was worth hundreds of millions — a priceless reward.
"When you head to the Imperial Capital Academy, try not to cause too much of a stir," Dean Xiao warned.
Mu Nianbing nodded with a faint smile.
It had been two years since he last saw Mu Ningxue — this trip might just give him the chance.
When he arrived at the gathering spot for the exchange team, Zhao Manyan immediately called out in surprise.
"Brother Bing! What are you doing here? I thought only students from the Qing Campus were chosen!"
Mu Nianbing smiled. "I'm not one of the exchange students this time."
"Then what are you—" Zhao Manyan started, but Song Xia interrupted, her eyes sparkling.
"Could it be that Senior Mu is leading us this time?"
Mu Nianbing nodded. "Correct. I'll be your team leader."
"WHAT??" All the students froze in disbelief.
Mu Nianbing was barely older than them, and yet he was already leading their group?
At that moment, Professor Qiu Yuhua arrived and confirmed it.
"Ahem, that's right. Mu Nianbing has been appointed as the team leader for this exchange program."
With proper mentorship, a student like him could easily rise to the top of the magical world.
From the crowd, Mo Fan's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Damn it… It's only been two years, and you've already become a teacher?!"
Mu Nianbing smirked. "Student Mo Fan, please mind your attitude toward your teacher."
Mo Fan could only groan. "You've got to be kidding me..."
When he first entered Mingzhu Academy, he'd heard countless rumors about Mu Nianbing's talent.
But after experiencing his own struggles with the Black Vatican and fighting a black-robed priest, Mo Fan thought he was catching up.
Then he returned to campus — only to hear another shocking update:
"Mu Nianbing is already a high-level mage!"
Mo Fan stared at him, half impressed, half defeated.
It was as if Mu Nianbing's cultivation had taken rocket fuel.
...
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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