After Xin Xia left, Mu Ningxue visibly relaxed a lot.
Sometimes, she even let her guard down while moving about the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was the day for the National Team to assemble.
Mu Nianbing and Mu Ningxue packed a few simple belongings before boarding a plane to the Imperial Capital.
Upon arrival, they went straight to the National Team's designated assembly point.
As soon as they entered, Mu Nianbing spotted mentors like Feng Li and Song He, along with a few young mages who had already gathered.
It seemed they were early, as not everyone had arrived yet.
Just after Mu Nianbing finished greeting Feng Li, a bespectacled student walked over.
"Captain, my name is Jiang Yu. I specialize in the Summoning Element."
"Hello," Mu Nianbing replied with a nod.
Even if Jiang Yu hadn't introduced himself, his appearance made him easy to recognize.
A moment later, Ai Jiangtu, Nan Jue, and Guan Yu also came forward to greet him.
Only one woman stood apart, her face full of arrogance and disdain as she looked at Mu Nianbing and Mu Ningxue.
Undoubtedly, this was Mu Tingying.
No one else could glare at them with such hostility.
Initially, Mu Tingying had only been displeased with Mu Ningxue.
But upon seeing her arrive with Mu Nianbing, she extended that resentment toward him as well.
Mu Nianbing wasn't interested in dealing with such a jealous woman.
However, if she truly insisted on causing trouble, he wouldn't hesitate to find a way to have her removed from the team.
After a short while, Jiang Shaoxu and Zhao Manyan arrived.
"Brother Bing, long time no see!" Zhao Manyan greeted with a grin.
As long as he kept good relations with Mu Nianbing, his time on the team would be much smoother.
"As expected of a substitute — still knows how to butter up the captain," Jiang Shaoxu teased.
"Who says otherwise? Some substitutes don't even know how they got in," Mu Tingying sneered coldly.
Her words were clearly aimed at Mu Ningxue, who had once been expelled from the team.
Mu Ningxue, however, remained calm and indifferent, which only made Mu Tingying more furious.
Just as she was about to lash out, Mu Nianbing's cold voice cut through the tension.
"In a team, strength is what matters most. As a Middle-Level Mage, don't act so shamelessly. You should know exactly how you got in."
Mu Tingying's expression twisted in embarrassment, as if she had swallowed a fly.
Even the few Middle-Level Mages nearby looked uncomfortable, feeling indirectly insulted.
"Why pick a fight with Brother Bing of all people?" Zhao Manyan shrugged. He was already used to being the butt of jokes and didn't take offense.
At that moment, Feng Li's displeased voice broke in.
"Why hasn't the last person arrived yet? How long has he been late?"
Not long after, Mo Fan finally showed up — late as usual.
Feng Li's expression darkened immediately. If Song He hadn't intervened, Mo Fan would've been severely scolded on the spot.
Once everyone had assembled, Feng Li began explaining the training rules.
Mu Nianbing had long memorized them, and most of the team understood as well.
This briefing was mainly for "special cases" like Mo Fan…
When training officially began, the mentors abruptly threw everyone out near a remote fishing village — freezing their identities and bank cards.
They would have to find their own way to reach the island nation where the tournament was being held.
"Captain, what should we do next?" asked Nan Jue, calm as ever.
Unlike Mo Fan, who was grumbling incessantly, she and Ai Jiangtu—both Military Mages—were unfazed by the challenge.
"Let's move forward first. If we're lucky, we'll find a port nearby," Mu Nianbing said.
"Hm. Since we're heading for the island nation, taking a boat would be our best option," Nan Jue agreed.
"But our identities are frozen," Guan Yu pointed out. "We're technically unregistered. How do we even get on a boat?"
Others nodded in concern. If their fake identities were exposed, the training would be deemed a failure.
"We'll figure it out when the time comes. Don't waste energy worrying about trivial problems. Finding a port comes first," Mu Nianbing replied firmly.
After walking for a while, they came across a small, remote fishing village.
"Mo Fan, Guan Yu — go in and ask if there's a port nearby," Mu Nianbing instructed.
Sending just two people would avoid drawing attention.
A few minutes later, the two returned.
"Brother Bing," Mo Fan reported, "the villagers said if we follow the reefs straight ahead, past the large bay, we'll reach the Port of Feiniao City."
"Good. Then let's keep moving. We need to get there before dark."
After several hours of trekking, the group finally saw the Feiniao City port in the distance.
There, with Zhao Manyan's mix of charm and clever persuasion, they managed to meet Lin Junxian, a local contact.
"Can you really handle those sea monsters?" Lin Junxian asked, eyeing the group skeptically.
They looked young — students on an excursion, perhaps. Hardly the seasoned Hunter types he'd hired before.
"We guarantee to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," Mu Nianbing replied calmly.
"I've already hired Hunters before, but it was useless. If anything happens to you, I won't take responsibility," Lin Junxian warned.
"Of course," Mu Nianbing said indifferently.
He already knew what was plaguing the port — a group of Crimson Raptor Demons.
To ordinary Hunters, they were dangerous. But to National Team members, they were little more than pests.
As for the Commander-level Scarlet Rift Demon, Mu Nianbing didn't even take it seriously.
His Ice Element had already reached High-Level Tier 3.
Even without the Ice God Blessing or Snow Empress Blessing, he could easily annihilate a Commander-level creature.
And with both blessings activated, his power rose severalfold — enough to crush even a Great Commander-level sea monster.
Seeing Mu Nianbing's calm confidence, Lin Junxian's skepticism faded.
For the first time in weeks, he felt a glimmer of hope.
"Alright, then. Get some rest tonight. I'll prepare everything you'll need for the hunt tomorrow," Lin Junxian said.
Mu Nianbing nodded. It was already late — there was no need to rush out to sea tonight.
...
Author's Note:
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