The younger generation of the Mu family—one driving, the other in the passenger seat—couldn't help but take a few extra deep breaths of the fragrance in the car.
Few things brought out of the Challenge World had a tangible impact on reality, and even fewer ingredients could actually regulate the health of ordinary people. Almost all of these were secondary formulations created by Liu Chengzhi. Every time a batch was made, one portion went to the Mu residence, one to Wei Huan's grandmother, and any surplus was sought after by the world's wealthiest tycoons.
For young people, eating these things wasn't particularly useful; as Challengers, they could achieve the same effects through cultivation. But for ordinary people, these items were worth tens of thousands of gold.
After a few sips of the tea, Mu Huaiguo's spirit grew even more vibrant. When they reached their destination and the door opened, he didn't need any help from the youngsters. He stepped out of the car with the ease of a man in his prime, walking with a powerful, confident stride.
The Daxia Diplomatic Hall consisted of several areas: some for press conferences, some for public negotiations, and many more for private sessions. Lately, press conferences were held daily, and the place was buzzing with international journalists. Seeing Mu Huaiguo enter, sharp-eyed reporters swarmed toward him, hoping for a scoop.
Before they could get close, the two Mu youngsters and the surrounding security guards formed a tight perimeter. Those guards were Sequence 5 high-level Challengers. Most of these reporters had only participated in a single Highway Trial and never returned to the Challenge World; the power gap was immense, and they couldn't even touch the hem of Mu Huaiguo's clothes.
"Elder Mu! Is it true that we've reached an agreement with the three nations for cheap exports from the eastern resource point? That mine is Daxia's resource, won by the honor of Colonel Wei and our heroes. Is such a concession appropriate?"
"Elder Mu, the Melon-Fruit nation announced they've joined the Blue Star Pioneer Legion under Colonel Wei's direct command. Is this true? When is the Colonel's promotion ceremony?"
"We heard Colonel Wei has completed the Brave's Challenge and returned from the Dark Beast Plane. Can we invite him for a press conference? The people are dying to know the glorious experiences of the hundred heroes!"
"Elder Mu, is it true that the Aosam diplomatic staff were detained at the airport?"
Mu Huaiguo treated most of these questions like passing smoke. He wasn't a diplomat, and these matters weren't technically his concern. He only "lived" here because every diplomatic deal involved the resources he managed; without his nod, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn't dare sign anything.
However, when the last question rang out, Mu Huaiguo paused for a fraction of a second, glanced at the reporter, and continued walking. Once inside the inner courtyard where outsiders were barred, he called over a familiar staff member. "I heard Aosam's people were stopped at the airport. What's the reason?"
The staffer looked surprised. "Let me check and get back to you immediately."
Mu Huaiguo walked through the corridors and entered a diplomatic hall prepared for Aosam, featuring fresh flowers, tea, and the national flags of both Daxia and Aosam. Seeing that the room was occupied by staff but devoid of Aosam officials, he knew the reporter's words were likely true.
"Elder Mu." The Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived first. He was deeply respectful to Mu Huaiguo and whispered in his ear, "We just got word. The Aosam group was detained at customs."
Mu Huaiguo nodded, prompting him to continue.
"Aosam... I don't know what they're thinking," the Minister said in detail. "They didn't just include Wei Jinhong in the delegation; they arranged for journalists to live-stream the entire journey. It seems their goal isn't a trade deal, but rather using Wei Jinhong to pressure or threaten Commander Mu Zhong and Colonel Wei."
"Wei Jinhong?" Mu Huaiguo took a second to place the name. "Wei Huan's father? Didn't he follow the Gong Group to Aosam?"
"Yes. The Gong Group was involved in providing aid to the Xu Man and Xu Qinxue father-son duo and collaborating with their overseas companies. They even formed a new challenge fleet with Aosam's official backing. However, the Xus are wanted criminals here, and core members of the Gong Group are barred from entry. Mr. Wei was stopped because of his 'special status' within our borders. The trouble is, he's been flying the flag of being 'Colonel Wei's father' and live-streaming across seven platforms. What do you think we should do?"
Everyone knew the primary reason customs held Wei Jinhong was Wei Huan's attitude. Wei Huan clearly harbored deep resentment toward the father who abandoned him, but he hadn't wanted the infamy of "patricide," so he simply maintained a cold, distant "non-relationship." Barring him from the Challenge World and letting him rot overseas was an unspoken secret among the high-ranking officials.
Now, with Aosam's backing and global public opinion as a weapon, Wei Jinhong was trying to force his way back into Daxia. It was a headache.
Mu Huaiguo simply gave a light smile. "Since Mr. Wei has returned to the country, we should naturally welcome and entertain him well. I happen to have prepared a General's Manor for Colonel Wei. Since the journey was long and tiring, just send the man directly there."
The Minister stared into Mu Huaiguo's smiling eyes for two seconds before catching the meaning. He sighed with admiration. "Your foresight is unparalleled. Don't worry, I'll arrange it."
"It's a hassle, so make sure he is entertained properly."
"Understood."
---
The Minister summoned a clever young man named Hao Ming to handle the pickup. When Hao Ming heard that Wei Jinhong was to be housed in the General's Manor and given the "best" treatment, he fully grasped the subtext.
On the way, a colleague grumbled, "This Mr. Wei has no sense of propriety. Using a live-stream to coerce us... Colonel Wei hasn't even stayed in that manor yet, and we're giving it to him? Aosam will be laughing at us."
Hao Ming just smiled. "Don't overthink it. Just follow the leader's arrangements."
Though they could have cleared him with a phone call, customs waited until Hao Ming arrived to "relent." Hao Ming watched as the Aosam group walked over angrily, accompanied by five journalists with cameras.
Hao Ming's foreign language skills were native-level. He heard the reporters complaining to their audiences about Daxia's "trash" etiquette and how the country's new power had made them arrogant. He also noticed the middle-aged Daxia man—Wei Jinhong—looking profoundly offended.
Wei Jinhong spoke to the camera: "This is exactly why I left. It's a powerful but ancient and closed-off country. Their thousand-year-old rules are unreasonable, yet they refuse to change. Now they want to use their strength to spread these ideas to other nations."
A dark glint flashed in Hao Ming's eyes. He stepped forward. He seemed to be heading toward the lead Aosam diplomat, but at the last second, he pivoted and walked straight to Wei Jinhong.
Wei Jinhong flinched back a step, but stayed put when he saw Hao Ming's overly enthusiastic, almost fawning gaze.
"Mr. Wei! I've heard so much about you! It's an honor to finally meet you!" Hao Ming shook his hand vigorously. "It's wonderful that you're back. We've been searching for you. A share of the glory of Colonel Wei's victory for the human race belongs to you! We've prepared everything—we've just been waiting for you."
Wei Jinhong's posture straightened instantly, his eyes filled with irrepressible pride. Although he feared and hated his eldest son, he was deeply proud of himself for "fathering and raising" such a man. He felt he deserved a share of this monumental honor.
Facing Hao Ming's flattery, Wei Jinhong was immediately won over. He shook off the Aosam minders and stood close to Hao Ming. "Wei Huan sent you, didn't he? Hahaha! I heard they returned from the Brave's Challenge. It's been so long. You've worked hard. With people like you and Daxia, the human race is safe."
The transition was nauseating. One moment he was belittling Daxia; the next, he was its biggest supporter.
Hao Ming, a master of interpersonal relations, continued the flattery. He led Wei Jinhong out of customs, while his team easily separated the father from the Aosam group.
"Mr. Wei! Wei Jinhong!" the Aosam lead, Mr. Lauren, shouted.
Wei Jinhong gave a smug smile. "Is there a problem, Mr. Lauren? You can book an appointment later. I have more important things to do now."
The Aosam officials were left in a state of impotent rage at the airport, eventually taking their frustration to the negotiating table.
---
At the diplomatic banquet that night, Wei Jinhong appeared in lavish attire, acting like a proud peacock and the host of the party. Mu Huaiguo watched the live feed from his office.
A Mu family junior couldn't stand it. "His behavior is an embarrassment to Colonel Wei. Why put him in the General's Manor? He even picked the largest master bedroom before Wei Huan could even see the place. Letting him attend this party is a disgrace."
Mu Huaiguo said calmly, "It's fine. Anyone would lose their head at first. Once he attends enough of these, he'll learn the rules."
"But I thought you brought him back to... wait, Grandpa, please enlighten me."
"He is Colonel Wei's father; he deserves his riches and honor," Mu Huaiguo said. "It's just money and 'face.' It's easy for us to prop him up. It's the respect we owe to our uncrowned king."
"So..." The junior pondered. "You mean, give him a life of wealth?"
Mu Huaiguo smiled. "Without him, there would be no Colonel Wei. He deserves this life of luxury."
'But that is all,' Mu Huaiguo thought.
The Mu family was protecting Wei Huan's "feathers." By giving Wei Jinhong a manor, fine clothes, and parties, they effectively neutralized him. He could have all the money in the world, but not a shred of power. More importantly, now that he was back in Daxia, he wasn't leaving. His second wife and child could stay in Aosam forever; they would never benefit from Wei Huan's protection again. This move solved Wei Huan's baggage and prevented the media from using a "neglected father" narrative to smear their hero.
Aosam eventually realized the trap. That night, an Aosam agent cornered Wei Jinhong. "Your wife and son are still in our hands. Why do you think we let you come back?"
Wei Jinhong, thinking he was clever, replied, "Exactly! Because they are in Aosam, I can provide a better life for them by staying here. I've already penetrated the high circles of Daxia. Any intel I get, I'll tell you first. I'm seeing Mu Huaiguo in two days; I'll make sure Aosam gets the best deal. I'm much more useful to you here than back in Aosam."
Every word was captured by hidden cameras and sent to Daxia Intelligence and Mu Huaiguo. Everyone shook their heads in contempt. It was clear: he just didn't want to leave the luxury.
The next day, Aosam tried to use Wei Jinhong as leverage at the table, acting as if they had done Daxia a massive favor. They became increasingly stubborn, frustrating the Daxia diplomats.
By noon, the Foreign Minister asked Mu Huaiguo for his stance. Mu Huaiguo, looking tired, said, "It's been hard on you. Aosam has things we need, so we might have to concede a bit more to finalize the deal."
"It's not just Mr. Wei," the Minister sighed. "Aosam is running out of leverage, which is why they're making such outrageous demands. But they need our resources more. If we push a bit longer, they'll crack."
"Don't push. Just ignore them for a few days."
Just then, the office door burst open. A Mu junior and the Minister's adjutant rushed in, their faces beaming with excitement.
"Report!"
"Report!"
"What is it?" Mu Huaiguo laughed. "Tell us slowly."
The Mu junior shouted, "Commander Mu Zhong is back!"
The adjutant added, "And they've brought back a massive, massive amount of resources!"