Led by the guard, Mu Nianbing soon reached the top floor of the Bell Tower.
At that moment, many figures were already gathered there — including Councilman Zhu Meng and Lu Xu, who were in the middle of a heated argument.
"Councilman, Mr. Mu has arrived," the guard reported respectfully before leaving quietly.
This was not a place where he had the right to linger.
"Good lad! You're the Ancient Capital's great hero this time!" Zhu Meng strode over, laughing heartily as he gave Mu Nianbing a strong pat on the shoulder.
If it had only been about suggesting the evacuation, Mu Nianbing would merely have been considered a contributor.
But he had gone far beyond that — single-handedly holding back a million undead with the Totem Black Serpent.
That kind of courage commanded respect.
"Hiss—!" Mu Nianbing winced in pain. Zhu Meng really didn't know his own strength — it felt like his shoulder had cracked.
Seeing his expression, Zhu Meng awkwardly withdrew his hand and scratched his head.
Just then, an elder with a calm presence approached, smiling warmly at Mu Nianbing.
"This must be Little Brother Mu. Fortunately, you discovered the undead anomaly early and proposed the evacuation. Otherwise, the Ancient Capital would've suffered another calamity."
"You flatter me, Elder," Mu Nianbing replied politely.
He immediately recognized this man as Han Ji, President of the Magic Association and one of the true leaders of the Ancient Capital.
"My young friend is too humble," Han Ji said with genuine warmth.
Without Mu Nianbing's foresight, the losses this time would've been beyond imagination.
Mu Nianbing smiled modestly. "It was just a suggestion. Without Elder Han's quick decision, the evacuation wouldn't have gone so smoothly."
Han Ji's eyes gleamed with approval. Young, powerful, courageous, and humble — a rare combination indeed.
The other elders and officials — including the Li Family Head and the Hunters Union Elder — each took a turn to praise him.
As the current National Team Captain, Mu Nianbing's position already stood on equal footing with many of them, and his future prospects were limitless.
However, Mu Nianbing paid little attention to their flattery. His gaze shifted toward a middle-aged female mage standing quietly among the crowd.
Though a bit older, her beauty and poise were striking — mature yet dangerous.
Ling Xi — or rather, Salan — noticed his gaze and offered a gentle smile. But deep in her eyes, there was a glint of resentment.
Her perfect plan had been disrupted by this man.
Although the undead had breached the outer city, the casualties were far below her expectations — barely a tenth of what she'd intended.
Still, she remained calm. Once the inner city barrier fell, all these people would die regardless.
"Salan…"
Even knowing exactly who she was, Mu Nianbing didn't act.
Killing her here would accomplish nothing — it would expose him, and he had no evidence to prove her identity.
The better move was to wait. When the expedition to the Evil Abyss began, Salan might make her own move.
After some brief discussions with Han Ji and the others, Mu Nianbing left the Bell Tower.
He planned to rest and recover his magic energy before taking any further steps.
Later, Zhu Meng sent word, and Mu Nianbing arrived at the meeting point. Mo Fan, Zhang Xiaohou, Mu Bai, and others were already there.
When Mu Nianbing saw Zhang Xiaohou being treated by Han Ji, he frowned slightly.
So the Forgetfulness Bug had appeared — which meant Mu He's identity had likely been exposed.
That was bad news for the Mu Clan, but for Mu Nianbing, it was actually good.
Once Mu He's treachery was revealed, the Mu Family would be expelled from the clan, freeing him from their shadow.
He glanced at Mu Bai, who was deep in thought, likely already planning how to confirm Mu He's identity and capture him.
"Little Mu, you're not Salan, are you?" Zhu Meng suddenly whispered.
Mu Nianbing's expression froze. "…Are you having another brain cramp?"
He rolled his eyes in irritation. If he were Salan, why would he have risked his life saving civilians and fighting the undead?
Zhu Meng gave a sheepish smile.
He knew it was absurd — Mu Nianbing's power was extraordinary, and with Mu He's betrayal, his mind had simply gone astray.
With Mu Bai's help, they soon captured Mu He.
Though treacherous, Mu He's trust in Mu Bai was absolute. Even with suspicions, he still walked willingly into the trap.
From Mu He's confession, everyone learned that the Ancient King's Tomb was located in the Evil Abyss.
The mysterious gray-white man then revealed that only descendants of the Ancient King could safely enter the Evil Abyss.
Zhang Xiaohou, Su Xiaoluo, and Fang Gu all volunteered to go. After a moment of hesitation, even Mo Fan agreed.
Rather than waiting to die behind the barrier, they would seek hope in the depths.
"I've also absorbed the Earth Holy Spring," Mu Nianbing said firmly. "I'll enter the Evil Abyss too."
"No, you can't!" Zhu Meng immediately stood up, his voice sharp.
In his eyes, Mu Nianbing was the future of the nation — the National Team Captain and a symbol of hope. Losing him would be an unbearable loss.
Han Ji nodded gravely. "Little Friend Mu, you've already done enough for the Ancient Capital. We can't allow you to risk your life again."
Mo Fan couldn't help but twitch his lips. Why didn't they try so hard to stop him from going?
Mu Nianbing smiled faintly. "This disaster has already dragged my family into it. I'm doing this for myself — and for them."
His tone was calm but resolute.
The decision had been made. The path into the Evil Abyss awaited.
...
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
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5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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