Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Deputy Leader of the Night Shadows

After carefully setting up the concealment array, Rou’er retreated into the bedroom to begin refining the Essence Consolidation Pill for Chen Mu, while Chen Mu himself started cultivating the “Nine Tribulations of the Desolate Age.” Seated cross-legged in meditation, he placed the freshly acquired blood vitality spiritual herbs beside him. As he circulated the technique, he absorbed the surrounding vital energy, gathering it in his Divine Scarlet Palace before dispersing it throughout his flesh and skin.

He took a stalk of the blood vitality herb and swallowed it whole. With the combined effect of its power and the vital energy, his flesh was thoroughly tempered and nourished. At first, Chen Mu’s physical strength depleted rapidly during cultivation, but once the spiritual herb entered his stomach, the situation markedly improved.

His body underwent visible changes; not only did his physique subtly grow, but his muscles became more refined. After absorbing an entire stalk, he finally crossed the threshold into the Skin Tempering Realm, reaching its initial stage.

Riding this momentum, he consumed a second herb. The power of blood vitality and vital energy contracted and expanded within his Divine Scarlet Palace, continuously transmitting energy to his flesh and skin.

Chen Mu felt an unprecedented physical strength, surmising that ordinary weapons of mortal iron could no longer cut into his body. With ongoing nourishment, his skin became increasingly fair and flawless, with faint strands of vital energy shimmering beneath the surface.

By morning, after consuming more than twenty stalks of blood vitality herbs, Chen Mu had attained the late stage of the Skin Tempering Realm. Weapons and magical implements of the Foundation Realm could no longer harm him in the slightest. He clearly felt his strength had grown, though not dramatically, since most of the vital energy and blood vitality had infused into his skin and flesh rather than his muscles.

At dawn, Rou’er handed him the freshly refined Essence Consolidation Pill, yawning sleepily before disappearing into the Spirit Beast Bracelet.

After washing up, Chen Mu remembered he needed to report to the Nightshade Organization’s main base today. He tidied his appearance and went out.

Following the route given to him by Xu Changye yesterday, Chen Mu arrived at the Nightshade Organization’s main base. The plaza was already crowded with Nightshade members, all seemingly waiting for him, their gazes fixed upon him.

Chen Mu thought to himself, “Are they waiting for me? Did I arrive late?”

With no alternative, he steeled himself and walked forward.

Xu Changye grinned and said, “Chen Mu, you’re here! These are the young elites of my Nightshade Organization—all of them at the late stage or peak of the Foundation Realm. Originally, there were four Nightshade sons at the initial stage of the Essence Pill Realm, but due to their missions, they’re not here.”

These hundred or so individuals were the Shadow Corps of the Nine Nether Sacred Land, specializing in infiltration, tracking, assassination, covert protection, intelligence gathering, and eliminating enemy infiltrators to safeguard the sacred land. Nightshade was the nightmare of enemy agents at night.

Xu Changye turned to address the assembled members, “This is Chen Mu. From today forward, he’s your deputy leader.”

Apart from those who had previously met him—Shadow Three and Shadow Five—the crowd erupted in disbelief. To appoint a young man who appeared to be merely at the early Foundation Realm as deputy leader seemed utterly absurd.

Xu Changye read their thoughts but made no mention of Chen Mu’s true strength. He wanted these proud Nightshade members to learn a lesson. “If you have any concerns, speak up directly.”

A proud youth, without even glancing at Chen Mu, challenged, “Leader, isn’t it farcical to make a mere early Foundation Realm kid our deputy leader? We do not accept this.”

Another youth, equally defiant, added, “We are the elite of Nightshade. How can an inexperienced youngster be our deputy leader? If word gets out, won’t we be the laughingstock of the Nine Nether Sacred Land?”

Xu Changye smiled mysteriously. “You think Chen Mu is too weak to be your deputy leader? How about a wager? You can challenge him—choose any five among you, whether one-on-one or all together. If you win, I’ll request the Lord to revoke Chen Mu’s appointment as deputy leader.”

The troops stirred restlessly. The implications were enormous: this Chen Mu, who had appeared out of nowhere, was personally appointed by the Lord? And the wager allowed for a group attack, suggesting even together they might not defeat him—wasn’t this an insult? Dissatisfaction spread like wildfire.

“Leader, if you want to promote the new deputy, you shouldn’t do it this way. Letting us gang up on a kid at the early Foundation Realm is humiliating. I alone could beat him until he begs for mercy.”

Xu Changye smiled enigmatically. “Don’t underestimate Chen Mu. The consequences of doing so are dire.”

“Hmph, what can a kid at the early Foundation Realm do to us? If it’s a challenge, let’s get it over with—I won’t let you make a mockery of us.”

Turning to Chen Mu, Xu Changye said, “Give them a lesson. They’ve grown arrogant over the years, forgetting there’s always someone stronger, always a higher mountain.”

Chen Mu smiled wryly, realizing Xu Changye intended him to help discipline the Nightshade Organization.

He stepped forward. “Who are your five strongest? Come at me together—if the match ends too quickly, it’ll be no fun.”

“How arrogant! Kid, be careful not to bite your tongue. You don’t need the top five; I alone can knock you flat.”

Chen Mu mocked, “What’s wrong? Afraid the top five might lose and disgrace you all, so you’re sending anyone just to save face?”

“Sharp-tongued!” The challenger launched a punch at Chen Mu, who responded casually with a punch of his own. The challenger was sent flying, skidding across the ground and passing out.

Chen Mu lazily remarked, “That didn’t count. I’ll give you another chance. Let your five strongest come at me together, or you won’t have a chance.”

Witnessing the scene, the crowd’s pupils contracted—Chen Mu was no ordinary person.

Shadow Three and Shadow Five smiled bitterly, having witnessed Chen Mu’s strength firsthand. They quietly hoped to remain bystanders.

Yet, Chen Mu specifically called for the top five to step forward. In Nightshade, rank signified strength, with the order changing annually; this year, Shadow Three and Shadow Five were ranked third and fifth.

After they stepped forward, three others joined them: Shadow One, Shadow Two, and Shadow Four.

Shadow Three and Shadow Five spoke helplessly, “Deputy leader, please show mercy. We just wanted to stay out of the fray.”

Shadow One frowned. “What do you mean, Shadow Three and Shadow Five? You think we’ll lose? You’re disgracing Nightshade.”

Shadow Three replied indifferently, “You don’t know the true strength of Deputy Leader Chen Mu. Once you’re beaten, you’ll see how wise we were to ask for mercy in advance.”

“Cowards,” Shadow One snorted.

Shadow Four interjected, “Since Shadow Three and Shadow Five aren’t leading, I’ll go first. I won’t be as careless as Shadow Fifty-Seven.”

With that, Shadow Four launched his attack at full strength, a set of Shadow Demon Claws whistling through the air.

Chen Mu glanced at him and threw a punch. Shadow Four was sent flying a dozen meters before being caught by Shadow Two.

Blood trickled from Shadow Four’s mouth as he stared in disbelief at his swollen arm. He had used a magical technique, yet Chen Mu had sent him flying with a simple punch, nearly breaking his hand.

Little did they know Chen Mu had held back. His skin was as tough as a Foundation Realm magical artifact; had he not restrained himself, Shadow Four’s hand would have been ruined.

Shadow Two said in disbelief, “His pugilistic skills are formidable. If close combat doesn’t work, we’ll attack from a distance. Now’s not the time for pride—everyone, attack with full force. Shadow Three, Shadow Five, are you joining?”

Shadow Five replied, “Of course. We’re a team, after all. Besides, I want to test Deputy Leader Chen’s true strength.”

Shadow One’s expression was complicated. He’d claimed he could handle Chen Mu alone, but now had to join forces—where could he hide his face?

The five unleashed their most powerful ranged attacks. Brilliant magical screens erupted, pounding Chen Mu.

The crowd gasped—Chen Mu didn’t even try to evade.

Dust and smoke blanketed the plaza, and even Xu Changye began to worry that Chen Mu might have been overconfident.

But as the haze cleared, Chen Mu stood in place, clothes torn but otherwise unscathed.

The crowd drew a sharp breath; to emerge unharmed after such a barrage?

The five collapsed in defeat—how could they continue?

Chen Mu grinned. “Now it’s my turn.”

With a punch, a palm, and a flying kick, Shadow One, Shadow Two, and Shadow Four were sent flying.

Chen Mu was considerate to Shadow Three and Shadow Five, as promised. He simply flicked their foreheads and let them be.

He spoke calmly, “So, do I now qualify as your deputy leader?”

The crowd felt bitter. Where had this freak come from? He looked like an early Foundation Realm cultivator, but his strength clearly matched the Essence Pill Realm.

They straightened and cupped their fists. “We congratulate Deputy Leader Chen Mu on his appointment and vow to follow Leader Xu and Deputy Leader Chen to the death.”

Xu Changye roared with laughter, “You rascals, finally your pride has been checked! Now we’re all family—let’s support one another and unite.”

At that moment, Chen Mu approached the Nightshade members he’d injured. He produced some Muscle Regeneration Pills. “Take these—they’re healing medicines.”

Though skeptical, seeing that they were clearly fasting pills, they dared not disobey their superior. Thus, all who had challenged Chen Mu took the pill.

Instantly, their injuries healed completely, and everyone was ecstatic; they had never seen such an effective healing medicine before.