Chapter 15: No Sympathy for the Simp

Unable to communicate with Mo Fan, Mu Ningxue turned around and left.

Watching her leave, Mo Fan was now certain: Mu Ningxue no longer had any feelings for him. Perhaps the only reason she wanted to protect him was due to their past—because her actions had caused them both to suffer the wrath of Mu Zhuoyun.

Mo Fan shook his head and dismissed these thoughts. As long as Mu Ningxue was tied to the Mu family in the capital, there was nothing he could do. In her mind, they were now people from two completely different worlds.

Ironically, Mo Fan had actually already surpassed her in ways she couldn't even imagine.

Did he still have feelings for her? Not really. If anything, he was just attracted to her beauty. But even so, he realized he needed to change his attitude toward her.

Sure, he could continue to pursue her, hoping she'd eventually come around. But could Mo Fan—the Mo Fan—really reduce himself to being a Simp?

.......

That day finally arrived. Early in the morning, while staying at his aunt Mo Qing's house, Mo Fan could already hear the celebrations coming from the nearby Mu family estate.

Even Xin Xia, who had woken up early, was still hoping he wouldn't go. But Mo Fan went anyway.

After entering the Mu family estate, Mo Fan spotted a familiar face: Guo Caitang.

Because he hadn't joined the demon-hunting team, there wasn't much interaction between them. He didn't feel particularly familiar with anyone there.

Guo Caitang, on the other hand, still harbored animosity towards him. Understandable, considering he had seen her naked once.

"Hmph, so you showed up?" Guo Caitang glared at Mo Fan with a haughty expression.

"I'm hungry, here for breakfast." Mo Fan replied nonchalantly.

Guo Caitang was furious. Did this punk think the Mu family estate was some free buffet?

"If you apologize now, I'll tell Yu Ang to go easy on you." Guo Caitang snorted coldly.

"Or how about you let me take another look at you, and I'll make sure he hits harder?" Mo Fan shot back.

"You're shameless!"

Ignoring her, Mo Fan strolled further inside.

Walking into the grand banquet hall of the Mu family estate, he was greeted by the sight of countless delicious dishes. Although he hadn't lacked money since becoming a demon hunter, he spent it all on training, so he hadn't indulged himself in a long time. So, naturally, he decided to make the most of the Mu family's lavish spread.

Unexpectedly, Mo Fan ran into a familiar face—a rugged man with a scruffy beard surrounded by a group of elegant women. It was none other than his old instructor, Zhan Kong.

"Good to see you, kid. I can't believe you actually showed up to the party!" Zhan Kong's eyes widened in surprise.

"Chief Instructor, are you here for the free food too?" Mo Fan grinned.

"Watch your mouth!" Zhan Kong's face twitched. Breaking away from the group of women, he pulled Mo Fan aside and raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the plan? After graduation, you're coming to my unit, right? If you manage to get into a top magic university, I'll make sure our department covers all your expenses. I know you're a troublemaker, and with us backing you, you can pick fights with any spoiled brat you want, and we'll clean up the mess!"

"Chief, thanks, but no thanks. I'm not interested in joining the military. I prefer the city life—lots of pretty girls to look at." Mo Fan said with a smirk.

"Can't you be a bit more ambitious?" Zhan Kong sighed in frustration.

Mo Fan glanced over at the group of women Zhan Kong had been talking to and raised an eyebrow suggestively. The meaning was clear.

Zhan Kong rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

Zhan Kong sighed, realizing what Mo Fan was thinking. "Hey, this is just socializing, nothing more."

"Instructor, you sure you don't have some special tastes?"

"Get lost, kid! But seriously, you sure you don't want to join my unit?"

"Nope, I'm good."

"Fine, have it your way. But remember, if you ever get into real trouble, don't come crying to me! And if Yu Ang beats you half to death, don't expect me to help either!"

Zhan Kong was clearly frustrated. Any young mage would jump at the chance to join his unit, yet here was Mo Fan, brushing him off like it was nothing.

Just as Mo Fan was about to leave, Zhan Kong put a hand on his shoulder.

"Chief, what's this about? You're not going to force me to join, are you?" Mo Fan asked, confused.

Zhan Kong dropped his carefree demeanor and, lowering his voice, said, "Alright, fine. You don't have to join, but I need a small favor."

"What kind of favor?" Mo Fan asked, puzzled.

"During your duel with Yu Ang, keep an eye on him." Zhan Kong said.

"Why? Is there something wrong with him?" Mo Fan asked.

Zhan Kong hesitated. Some things couldn't be easily disclosed.

"If you can't tell me what to look out for, how am I supposed to notice anything?" Mo Fan rolled his eyes.

Zhan Kong realized he couldn't push the matter further and let it drop. He spotted someone he knew and excused himself to greet them.

As Zhan Kong left, Mo Fan thought to himself, "So, they suspect something's off with Yu Ang too, huh?" But in the end, what did it matter? Right now, he was just a small fry. Worrying about these things was pointless. With that, he returned to his feast, devouring everything in sight.

Etiquette? Who cares? He was just here for a free meal.

After he'd eaten his fill, more people started to arrive. Soon, the likes of Principal Zhu, Deng Kai, and Yang Zuohe appeared—some of the most influential figures in Bo City. Each of them was personally welcomed by Mu Zhuoyun and Yu Ang.

Principal Zhu represented the magic school, a towering figure in Bo City's magical education system. Deng Kai was the head of the Hunter Alliance, a position of considerable power. Yang Zuohai, representing the Magic Association, had nearly as much influence as the other two.

And then there was Zhan Kong, the chief instructor, arguably the most powerful mage among them and the true guardian of Bo City.

In this small city, these people were the big players. Maybe they weren't much in the grand scheme of the country, but here, they were the top dogs.

Mo Fan, uninterested in all the socializing, just kept eating and drinking.

After he'd had his fill, the important figures had all arrived. Mu Zhuoyun gave a long, passionate speech about the Mu family's grand ambitions and future glory. But once that was over, it was time for the main event—today's big magic duel!

Many people hadn't come for Mu Zhuoyun's speech. They were here to see who would win the Underground Holy Spring.

Mo Fan was quickly brought to the arena, but Yu Ang was nowhere to be seen. Clearly, Mu Zhuoyun wanted to give him a grand entrance.

Mo Fan couldn't help but feel like he was being put on display like a circus monkey, and that seriously annoyed him.

(End of Chapter)