Witch blood awakening

"Mountains are not high, but they are spiritual if a deity dwells within. Waters are not deep, but they are magical if fish swim within them…" Early in the morning, just as dawn was breaking, the sound of clear, resonant reading echoed from a small courtyard made of green bricks. Inside the window, a frail scholar sat upright, with delicate features and a slender frame, holding an ancient book. Through the window, the distant rolling mountains were shrouded in the morning mist. A cold breeze blew, bringing a chill that made the mind particularly clear. Perhaps reading with such enthusiasm made his voice louder, causing him to cough. Looking closely at the handkerchief, faint traces of blood were visible. "The Way of Immortals, the Way of Buddha, the Way of Sorcerers, the Way of the World, the Way that is not a Way, all these paths, in the end... what is the true Way?" With a sigh, Mu Feng put down the book "The Chronicles of Guangling" and fell into silent contemplation, his face showing a hint of melancholy. Since the beginning of spring, his health had not improved but had deteriorated. Perhaps, just as the wandering doctor had said ten years ago, he did not have much time left. The more this became apparent, the more he felt the preciousness of time, wishing he could read all the books in the Mu family library in one day. Despite being well-read and knowledgeable, he still couldn't understand what the true Way was. The book "The Chronicles of Guangling" was quite interesting, covering everything from astronomy to geography. It was said to be a travelogue written by a man named Guangling Jun who traveled the world long ago. It recorded not only various customs and cultures but also many historical events, including the long-lost Sorcerer Sect. Although it only mentioned a few sentences, phrases like "standing tall and proud, dying without regrets" captured the essence of the legendary Sorcerer Sect. Whether it was true or not remained unknown. "Feng'er, today is the family's once-in-a-decade Blood Pool Ceremony. It's time to head out!" As Mu Feng was lost in thought, a woman lifted the curtain and walked in. She was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, wearing a patched-up, simple robe that looked somewhat shabby but couldn't hide her delicate face and graceful figure. However, her face was pale and haggard, seemingly worn out from long-term illness. Mu Feng put down "The Chronicles of Guangling," his face showing a hint of bitterness. "Mother, the provincial exams are coming up soon. How about I skip today's ceremony?" The Tongtian Dynasty was founded on martial prowess, with a strong emphasis on martial arts. Powerful families placed great importance on nurturing the younger generation, and the Mu family was no exception. Unfortunately, Mu Feng had fallen seriously ill as a child, severely damaging his meridians, which made it impossible for him to practice martial arts. The once-in-a-decade Blood Pool Ceremony was a significant turning point for most family members, eagerly anticipated, but for Mu Feng, it was almost meaningless. "Don't be so spineless!" Situ Qing's face turned stern as she looked at her somewhat disheartened son. "A true man should be ambitious and courageous, just like your father was. Studying helps you understand principles, and practicing martial arts strengthens your body. As long as there's a chance, no matter how slim, you must try. Especially for an important event like the once-in-a-decade ceremony. If you shy away because of others' ridicule, you might as well stop studying altogether. Even if you top the imperial exams, you'll still be worthless!" "Mother, you are right!" Mu Feng felt ashamed and, after hesitating for a moment, mustered the courage to ask, "Mother, what kind of person was my father?" "To some clan members, your father, Mu Yuan, was a criminal. But to me, he was a great hero, a man of unyielding integrity!" Situ Qing said firmly, her eyes filled with a hint of happiness and tenderness as she spoke of her husband who had been dead for many years. A great scholar? Mu Feng murmured to himself, half understanding, half confused. Seeing that his mother didn't want to say more, he dared not press further. After bathing and changing clothes, he left the house under his mother's watchful eyes, heading towards the Mu family's training ground—a heavily guarded Blood Pool. He walked a short distance, then stopped to rest, his forehead covered in sweat. Before long, he reached the square outside the Blood Pool, which was already crowded with family members who had returned from various places. After a severe setback over a decade ago, the Mu family's power had significantly declined. However, in this border town of Jianning, they still had considerable influence. At the entrance of the square, rows of heavily armored guards stood on either side, looking imposing. Every family member participating in the ceremony bowed respectfully as they passed by, but when Mu Feng, dressed in a simple robe, walked by, they intentionally or unintentionally ignored him. Although he was a family member, his status as a frail scholar who couldn't practice martial arts was lower than that of a guard. "Hey, isn't this the sickly weakling who can't practice martial arts? What, you're here for the ceremony too?" A richly dressed young man suddenly stepped forward, blocking Mu Feng's path. After sizing him up, he deliberately said loudly, "Knowing you can't practice martial arts, you still come to join the fun. Are you thick-skinned or just overestimating yourself? Hahaha, you should look at yourself in the mirror. Aren't you afraid your filthy body and blood will defile the sacred Blood Pool?" "Hahaha, exactly, overestimating yourself!" "They should have kicked you and your mother out long ago. How dare you come to the ceremony? Disgusting!" … Behind the richly dressed young man, a group of family members and guards gathered, laughing and pointing at Mu Feng. It's him again! Seeing the richly dressed young man deliberately making a scene to embarrass him, Mu Feng clenched his fists, wishing he could break this guy's nose and rip out his venomous tongue. But thinking of the consequences and his mother's sorrowful eyes, he had to suppress his anger, his chest heaving. Without a word, he coldly walked around the young man. One day, when I top the imperial exams and hold a high position, I'll clear my father's name and settle accounts with you scum! Mu Feng silently vowed. Indeed, the Tongtian Dynasty was founded on martial prowess, but it was governed by civil administration. Scholars held higher status than martial generals. Even a frail scholar who couldn't practice martial arts could be granted titles and positions if he topped the imperial exams. At that time, crushing these noisy pests would be as easy as crushing ants! "Oh, look at that face, so ugly and cold. Are you still not convinced, very unconvinced?" After openly humiliating him, the gorgeously dressed young man smiled, stepped aside, and blocked Mu Feng's path again, obviously not intending to let him go. "They say that a real man can tolerate things that others can't. If you want to pass, crawl under my legs like a dog, and you can participate in the ceremony like everyone else. Otherwise, get lost as much as possible. I'm in a good mood today, so I won't bother you. Otherwise I'll throw you out right now, hahaha!" Yes, climb down there!" "Hahaha, scholars are useless. Crawl under, crawl under…"… As soon as the young man finished speaking, many people started jeering, waiting to watch the show. Seeing this, some passing family members frowned, seemingly unable to bear it, but none stepped forward to stop it. After all, it wasn't worth offending the favorite grandson of the Elder of Martial Training for an insignificant family member. "Move... aside..." Mu Feng's voice was hoarse, his anger reaching its peak, veins bulging on his hands. A gentleman prefers death to humiliation! Looking at the arrogant young man, Mu Feng's breathing became heavy, feeling a fire burning inside him. His blood boiled, and despite knowing he was no match, he was ready to charge forward recklessly! He moved his foot, but the next moment, thinking of his ailing mother, he suppressed his anger again. "Your grandfather and my grandfather are brothers. Now, you say you want to be my grandfather. So, what does that make your grandfather? Your brother? And your father, your son or your nephew?" Hahaha... Hearing Mu Feng's words, many onlookers couldn't help but laugh. The young man, who couldn't read a word, had always been arrogant in the family, but this time, he had shot himself in the foot. Always calling himself "grandfather" without considering who he was talking to. "You... you're asking for death!" Amid the laughter, the young man's face turned as red as pig liver, furious with shame. He took a step forward, filled with killing intent. "Mu Feng, I'll give you one last chance. Get lost! The Blood Pool isn't for a sinner like you to defile. Get lost as far as you can. Otherwise, I'll tear you apart today!" Although he was young and had indulged in excesses, depleting his body, his step forward was still imposing. As a mid-stage Mortal Realm warrior, he could easily tear an ordinary person to pieces. Despite his laziness, he had reached this level, wasting countless precious elixirs. "Tear apart?" Mu Feng sneered, showing no fear as he looked at the furious young man. "The Mu family law, Article 137, states that fighting within the family is punish