Chapter 684: The Next Step

This battle was truly worth it!
After this fight, everyone in the world knew Happy’s true strength, and the doubts that had lingered in many people’s minds were resolved.
The number one in the world!
The first to reach the Liberation Realm!
In possession of the Heavenly Crystal!
News about Happy spread like a tide, absorbed by countless martial artists, repeatedly striking at their minds.
In the martial world, no one questioned Happy’s strength anymore, nor did anyone doubt the Mu Family’s dominance for a long time to come.
If anyone still dared to oppose the Mu Family at such a time, it would surely not be in the Central Plains.
Before reaching the Liberation Realm, only one emperor could barely hold him back, but now that he had entered that realm, the second-ranked “One Emperor” had only 530 points of internal energy, still a long way from the 640-point mark.
Who could become Happy’s opponent during this period?
The Mu Family’s strength and Happy’s invincibility made many gangs suddenly worried.
The martial world of the Central Plains seemed to have a tradition: once the number one expert and the strongest gang were determined, slogans claiming eternal dominance over the martial world would emerge—something quite ridiculous.
Yet, the Mu Family’s strength only heightened these gangs’ fears.
Because at a time like this, Happy might very well choose to expand…
To protect their profits and precarious positions, scenes like those in Baokang County arose—entire cities adorned with red lanterns, and banquets in several restaurants generating over 20 billion taels of silver for the Mu Family.
With such substantial profits, who wouldn’t be tempted?
After calming down from their initial shock, Feng Wu Caiyi brought the conversation back to the idea of dominating the martial world.
She turned her gaze to Happy’s face:
“Previously, we stayed low-key and developed slowly because the Mu Family’s foundation wasn’t very solid and couldn’t withstand major setbacks. But now, each branch has gathered strong combat power—combined, they’re terrifying! I think… it’s time to take action against Yipin Hall now.”
“…”
Hearing Feng Wu Caiyi’s proposal, Happy frowned slightly.
But the atmosphere in the room became extremely solemn!
The people here were all high-ranking members of the original Caiyi Sect. The destruction of their sect had always been a deep wound in their hearts. Now that the time had come, Happy understood their desire for revenge, but she didn’t expect her to bring it up at this moment, especially when Xu Yao might overhear.
The only one in the room who showed shock at this proposal was her…

After calming down, he was still filled with doubt, carefully observing Happy’s reaction.
“After this battle, you should realize that the entire martial world is watching the Mu Family! They want to know if we’ll expand. Acting now isn’t about expansion—it’s about putting the Mu Family against everyone! Feng Wu, it seems you’ll need to stay in the Western Regions for a while longer.”
Happy’s words surprised everyone, yet they also seemed reasonable.
But to be rebuked in front of so many people without any regard for Feng Wu’s face was something she hadn’t expected at all; she stood there stunned.
Happy ignored her and continued to look around the room: “I understand everyone’s feelings toward the Colorful Robes Sect and their desire for revenge, but you must also know that one wrong step can lead to no turning back. I don’t want anyone to bring this up again within half a year.”
Feng Wu was about to say something when she met Happy’s unyielding gaze: “This is my decision!”
“Do you understand?”
“…”
Feng Wu stared at Happy in a daze, suddenly feeling as if a great distance had grown between them. Her heart tightened, and she nodded instinctively.
The others watching the scene felt some pity, but Happy quickly spoke up again:
“Good! After this great battle, I have a few plans designed for the development of the Mu Family.”
“…”
Another of Happy’s decisions!
Everyone in the room fell silent, listening intently.
Because every decision made by Happy seemed to help the Mu Family grow rapidly, the attention from Feng Wu’s grievance was somewhat diverted.
“First, the Heavenly Demon Secret Cavern—starting today, it will be officially sealed off and designated as a training site for the Mu Family. No one from other gangs is allowed to enter!”
“…”
Hearing this, everyone felt a sense of excitement.
Although the Heavenly Demon Branch had existed for some time, it had never declared such a strict blockade publicly. Its claim to monopoly was unfounded. But now, after the battle at Mount Tai’s summit, all nearby gangs were showing goodwill. Announcing control over the Heavenly Demon Secret Cavern at this time might provoke dissatisfaction from a few people, but it would have little impact on those gangs.
Gangs were currently only concerned whether Happy would harm their interests, adopting an ostrich mentality—less vigilant toward external resources, especially those that didn’t belong to them.
The Mu Family’s control over the Heavenly Demon Secret Cavern came at the perfect time; everything should go smoothly from here…
Although the future was uncertain, there would be no problems in the short term. The resources inside the Heavenly Demon Secret Cavern would be crucial for strengthening the Mu Family’s foundation.

Even Feng Wu, who felt somewhat aggrieved, had to admit that Happy’s approach was far more stable and clever than her own impulsive suggestions.
“The second plan is to boost the enthusiasm of the Mu Family’s disciples in practicing.”
“Hm?”
Just as everyone was stunned, Happy dropped a bombshell:
“The Mu Family has taken out ten billion taels of silver from its treasury! A reward fund will be established! For the first five hundred members to reach the Liberation Realm, each will receive twenty million taels of silver, and the top ten will each get an additional set of top-tier equipment at the 4th stage.”
“…Huh.”
Even those in the room gasped in shock at such rewards, feeling tempted.
A set of 4th-stage equipment and twenty million in rewards…
“What if experts from other gangs hear about this and join us?” someone asked.
“That’s true. What if some take the money and run?”
Happy smiled confidently:
“The rewards will still be given! There was someone in ancient times who offered a fortune for horse bones. If this reward can attract skilled experts to join us, just one person is worth it! We Mu Family can afford this amount. And… once they join, I don’t think they’ll want to leave.”
“…But what’s the reason for doing this? Is it just to urge everyone to train harder?” Bai Lang asked.
“Of course not.”
Happy shook her head and sighed:
“It’s just that I don’t want everyone to lose themselves under the influence of various gangs in the martial world. Remember, we’re not yet number one in the world… With more and more alliances like the Wind and Rain Alliance emerging, if we stop accelerating our progress and start complacent about our achievements, we’ll soon become stepping stones for others.”
“By then, not only me, but all the brothers of the Mu Family will lose everything we have now…”
With sincere tone after saying those last words, those who had previously felt sympathy for Feng Wu suddenly understood.
Happy and Feng Wu stood at completely different heights and had vastly different perspectives…