Chapter 354- Fierce and Ominous Top VS Pretend Weak but Actually a Big Boss (20)
Seeing Mu Jin’s pitiful expression and hearing how much his son had wanted to return to the tribe—and that he had even thought of him—Mu Shan felt slightly better.
He hadn’t expected that Mu Jin’s runaway adventure would lead him alone into the forest, where he suffered so much hardship. Mu Shan’s heart ached a little as he glanced over his son’s current appearance.
However, as he listened to Mu Jin’s story and looked more carefully at his now soft, smooth complexion, Mu Shan couldn’t help but think his son didn’t look like someone who had endured much suffering…
Mu Jin noticed the doubt in Mu Shan’s eyes and immediately explained, “Father, my appearance now is because, back in the forest, I was starving for days and accidentally ate some strange-looking grass out of desperation.”
“After I ate it, I felt excruciating pain all over my body and passed out. I don’t know exactly what happened, but when I woke up, I looked like this—my scar was gone, too.”
“After that, whenever I fell asleep, I would see all sorts of knowledge appear in my mind. Sometimes, in my dreams, I’d also see the blurry figure of a person. I believe it’s a gift from the gods.”
“Father, the person I saw in my dream is Wu Po. In the dream, we were together. I think this might be the will of the gods, which is why I chose to stay with Wu Po. But it’s not just that—he’s been so good to me. Father, I truly care for Wu Po now!”
Mu Jin’s explanation sounded fantastical, but Mu Shan couldn’t bring himself to doubt it. After all, his son’s transformed appearance, especially the disappearance of his scar, was not something that could be easily explained. Moreover, Mu Jin mentioned gaining knowledge in his dreams.
Over the past few days at the tribal gathering, Mu Shan had paid close attention to the offerings from various tribes, including the Pingshan Tribe, which he’d gone to see personally. That tribe had presented a new type of plant that caused quite a stir due to its abundance and ability to satisfy hunger.
This plant, called sweet potato, was easy to store, tasted good, and filled people up quickly. If the tribe could store a large amount of it for the cold season, they would no longer have to worry about a shortage of game.
Not only that, the Pingshan Tribe was also selling a variety of medicinal herbs. While it’s true that herbs can be found in the forest, they are far from abundant. Yet the Pingshan Tribe somehow managed to bring out such a large quantity all at once.
If any tribe truly had access to such an extensive supply of medicinal herbs, their hunters injured in the wild could receive timely treatment. This would be an incredible advantage for any tribe.
Although gatherings like this only happen once every five years, Mu Shan clearly remembered that five years ago, the Pingshan Tribe didn’t have anything nearly as impressive as these offerings. However, if these remarkable changes were related to divine blessings, then everything would make sense.
Thinking about this, Mu Shan felt a little annoyed. He glared at Mu Jin and said with dissatisfaction, “With such good things, instead of bringing them back to benefit your own tribe, you’re sharing them with outsiders!”
Hearing this, Mu Jin chuckled, fully understanding the reason behind Mu Shan’s displeasure. He quickly attempted to smooth things over, saying, “It’s not like that, Father. Wu Po and I are about to become partners. Our union isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a union of two tribes.”
“In the future, the Pingshan Tribe and the Pingyuan Tribe will undoubtedly strengthen their relationship. What I know, he’ll know too. Benefiting both tribes and forming an alliance is a good thing, isn’t it?”
Upon hearing Mu Jin’s reasoning, Mu Shan reluctantly nodded, grudgingly accepting his explanation.
Looking at Mu Jin’s smiling face, Mu Shan let out a helpless sigh. Ever since his son had run away from home, Mu Shan had been in a state of depression, fearing that something terrible had happened to him.
Mu Shan only had this one child, whom he deeply cherished. Night after night, he had been filled with regret. If only he hadn’t forced Mu Jin to find a woman to carry on the family line, perhaps his son would never have left.
So now, Mu Shan no longer had any insistence on Mu Jin being with a woman. When he first saw Mu Jin with Wu Po, he was indeed angry. But if this union was ordained by the gods, there was nothing he could do to stop it.
Moreover, according to Mu Jin, Wu Po had treated him exceptionally well. Without even knowing Mu Jin’s true identity and believing him to be weak, Wu Po had still gone out of his way to care for him. This seemed to show genuine affection for his child.
Mu Shan had also noticed Wu Po’s protective behavior toward Mu Jin earlier. Wu Po was carrying numerous heavy bags in his hands, while his son had nothing at all in his.
Even if his son was determined to choose a male partner, it was always good to find someone who would treat him with kindness and care. Thinking this, Mu Shan’s heart began to soften.
However, he didn’t feel the need to meet Wu Po just yet. As he collected his thoughts, he smirked with a hint of mischief and said to Mu Jin, “That young man doesn’t know you’re the heir to the Pingyuan Tribe, does he?”
Mu Jin’s expression instantly fell at these words.
Despite this, Mu Jin wasn’t overly worried. While he had indeed concealed this fact from Wu Po, he believed that once he explained everything, Wu Po would understand and forgive him.
Seeing his father’s rare expression of satisfaction at having the upper hand, Mu Jin couldn’t bring himself to dampen his mood. Instead, he sighed theatrically and said to Mu Shan, “Alright, Father, I’ll explain everything to him. But when I bring you to meet him, you must treat him kindly.”
“Wu Po is my savior and incredibly strong. Winning his favor for our tribe would only be beneficial.”
To Mu Jin’s surprise, Mu Shan snorted coldly and retorted, “That’s not necessarily the case. Don’t forget, you’re the heir to the Pingyuan Tribe. The future of this tribe will rest in your hands.”
“I don’t care whether he’s someone blessed by the gods or not. What matters to me is that he’ll be your partner. I need to see for myself whether he’s worthy of you.”
Hearing this, Mu Jin could only nod helplessly. He recognized his father’s insistence on this matter. However, in a world where everyone believed so devoutly in the gods, Mu Shan’s priority was still Mu Jin’s happiness, which touched him deeply.
When Mu Jin and Mu Shan exited the Pingyuan Tribe’s tent, they found Wu Po waiting outside, clearly anxious after what had felt like an eternity. Mu Jin nodded to the other tribe members and walked toward Wu Po.
Upon seeing Mu Jin emerge, Wu Po finally relaxed a little. But as he considered Mu Jin’s newly revealed identity, he still felt as if he were dreaming. While Mu Jin had been inside speaking with his father, the surrounding tribe members had explained to Wu Po exactly who Mu Jin was.
From Mu Shan’s commanding presence, Wu Po had already guessed that his status was high. Yet he hadn’t imagined that Mu Shan was the leader of the Pingyuan Tribe, making Mu Jin the tribe’s heir. Moreover, Mu Jin was said to be well-loved and highly respected within the tribe.
Wu Po had always believed Mu Jin to be an exceptional person, but now, knowing his noble identity, Wu Po couldn’t help but question whether he was worthy of Mu Jin.
For a brief moment, hesitation flickered in Wu Po’s eyes. But the moment he saw Mu Jin, his resolve returned, firm and unwavering.
Wu Po clenched his fists, silently vowing in his heart. No matter who Mu Jin truly was, he would never let him go. Since Mu Jin had come into his life, he would ensure he stayed by his side forever. As Mu Jin walked toward him, Wu Po reached out, intertwining their fingers together.
Standing not far away, Mu Shan watched his son blatantly holding hands and displaying affection with another man. A sour feeling crept into his heart.
Striding forward and ignoring Mu Jin’s pleading gaze, Mu Shan addressed Wu Po directly, “So you’re the one confessing your love to Xiao Jin, saying you want to be with him?”
Wu Po nodded without hesitation. It was true that he had initiated their union. Even though the man before him was Mu Jin’s father, he would not falter.
But Mu Shan pressed on, “I’ve heard from Xiao Jin. I know you saved him. But so what? Saving him doesn’t mean he’s obligated to be your partner.”
“He’s my son, Mu Shan’s son—the heir of the Pingyuan Tribe. One day, the entire tribe will be his. What makes you think you’re worthy of him?”
Mu Shan’s tone was anything but friendly, but it did nothing to shake Wu Po’s resolve. With unwavering determination, Wu Po replied earnestly, “I am the strongest man in the Pingshan Tribe. I will work hard to give Mu Jin the best of everything and care for him with all my heart. I love him more than my own life!”
After Wu Po finished speaking, Mu Shan let out a derisive snort. “Anyone can say pretty words,” he scoffed. Clapping his hands, he gestured toward a particularly tall and imposing man standing behind him. “You, come forward,” he commanded.