Transmigration To Magus World-Chapter 58: Elder Mustang

The mountains stood veiled in a misty haze, with lush green woods stretching as far as the eye could see. Within a small bamboo-lined courtyard, the thick scent of blood still lingered heavily in the air, a reminder of the violence that had recently unfolded there.

After the Consolidating Faction, led by Stocky Man Gong, departed, Giordano and his companion approached Aizen, announcing their intention to take him to meet the deacon elders of the Love-Separation Hall. In the outer clan of the Western Court, seventeen deacon elders held sway. The Left Faction had the most influence with seven elders, the Right Faction held five, and the smaller factions—including the Consolidating Faction, Soldier Faction, Yuan Faction, and Wu Faction—each had one representative elder.

Yet, one elder in the Western Court stood uniquely apart from all factions due to his status as an alchemist. Unlike the others, he had no need to affiliate himself with any faction, for his role as an alchemist granted him a rare independence. Alchemists held an honored status, producing precious medicinal pills essential for cultivation, and only those capable of creating pills with recognized ranks could claim the title. This particular deacon elder could produce Tier 3 pills, a significant achievement, allowing him the freedom to remain independent while still securing his status within the Western Court.

Giordano and his companion served under Elder Mustang, one of the seven deacon elders from the Left Faction. Elder Mustang, much like Elder Wu—who happened to be Valentino’s uncle—was a formidable figure within the Left Faction’s ranks. However, these two elders were far from allies; they clashed often, and their mutual dislike was well-known. Elder Mustang had frequently attempted to block Valentino’s rise as a representative of Demon Mountain City, clearly seeking to create challenges for Elder Wu’s nephew. However, with Leo’s recent death, the Left Faction was left without sufficient Black Robe disciples to fill critical roles. This left Valentino’s appointment inevitable, backed by Elder Wu’s considerable influence. Elder Mustang, despite his efforts, found himself unable to stop it.

Aizen’s decision to confront Demon Ox Peak had been a calculated move, aimed specifically at capturing Elder Mustang’s attention. Elder Mustang and another elder surnamed Qu were the Left Faction’s appointed representatives overseeing Demon Ox Peak. Forming an alliance with Elder Mustang could bring Aizen significant advantages and strategic leverage.

Demon Ox Peak was not entirely under the control of the Left Faction; one elder each from the Consolidating Faction and the Right Faction also held power there. Since Elder Mustang was seeking an audience with Aizen, this encounter aligned perfectly with Aizen’s hopes. By forming ties with someone opposed to Valentino’s uncle, he could gain the leverage needed for his future plans.

After clearing the bamboo grove, Aizen tossed the bodies of Kean and his companions aside, retaining only valuable items taken in battle. Among the spoils were precious medicinal pills, which he generously shared with Giordano and Nostrad. The pair, delighted by this unexpected reward, seemed visibly more amicable, their previous greed fading as they received Aizen’s goodwill.

For most sorcery artists, medicinal pills that aid in cultivation are invaluable, as they are challenging to obtain. But for Aizen, these pills, though rare, were not irreplaceable. Thanks to his system—a powerful tool unique to him—he occasionally acquired rare pills from treasure chests, unlike others who lacked consistent access to such resources. Sharing the pills willingly did not trouble him; if anything, it helped dispel any envy that might otherwise build. In the demonic clan, envy was a dangerous catalyst that could easily transform into outright greed. By sharing some of his resources, Aizen effectively curbed this, proving it to be a wise move.

After the time it took for half an incense stick to burn, Aizen, along with Giordano and Nostrad, reached the Love-Separation Hall.

The hall was perched near a cliff on Demon Ox Peak, shrouded in mist and surrounded by ancient pines and green cypresses. Before its grand entrance, two white jade lions sat crouched, exuding an aura of silent majesty. Standing guard were four disciples clad in purple robes, each embroidered with the character "Left" on their chests. Their eyes sharp and vigilant, the guards nodded in acknowledgment as they saw Giordano and Nostrad approaching with Aizen.

Aizen could sense the potent energy radiating from these four disciples, each one in the later stages of the Blood Refining Stage of magus cultivation. Their vitality was robust, and their internal energy ran deep.

"Impressive," Aizen mused, noting that Elder Mustang’s authority within the Left Faction must be significant. Having four powerful outer disciples to guard his door hinted at a formidable network of followers. Reflecting on their strength, Aizen guessed that only two figures in the Western Court could outmatch Kean, the most formidable being Alester, ranked seventh on the Outer Clan’s Golden List and a high-ranking disciple favored by the Right Faction. The second was Simon, who ranked ninth and was nurtured by the Left Faction. However, Simon was rumored to have an even more influential background, potentially adding to his status.

Lost in thought, Aizen followed Giordano and Nostrad into the side hall of the Love-Separation Hall. The main hall was only accessible to distinguished guests, a level of respect Aizen had yet to earn from Elder Mustang. Aizen understood that this elder would likely not be particularly welcoming.

The side hall was spacious and bathed in light. After stepping over a high nanmu wood threshold, Aizen noticed that the floor was paved with marble tiles, with sections covered by soft carpets. A delicate fragrance wafted from an incense burner on a small rosewood tea table, blending scents of orchid and musk.

"So, you are Aizen?" A calm, powerful voice emerged from behind a screen intricately carved with dragons and tigers.

The voice was steady and commanding, like the low growl of a slumbering tiger, yet it carried a palpable menace that made the very air tremble. Aizen, taken aback, marveled at the aura of blood energy radiating from this unseen speaker. The strength behind the voice far exceeded that of Stocky Man Gong, whom he had encountered earlier. Although he had yet to see Elder Mustang, Aizen felt as though he were facing a mighty tiger, and the pressure was intense. Could this figure possibly be a master at the Innate Magus Stage?

But such a level of cultivation was rare, especially within the outer sect. Could someone of this caliber truly be stationed here?

"Greetings, Elder Mustang," Giordano and Nostrad bowed respectfully in the direction of the screen.

"Yes, disciple Aizen at your service," Aizen echoed their respectful gesture, keeping his tone respectful and his demeanor formal. In a place like this, one could not afford to be careless. Young Sorcery artists were encouraged to display spirit and pride, but only when appropriate. Before a figure of such power, Aizen knew that a misplaced show of arrogance could quickly lead to disastrous consequences.

Elder Mustang’s voice came again from behind the screen, resonating with authority. "You two may leave now."

Recognizing the dismissal, Giordano and Nostrad each took three steps back, then turned and swiftly exited the hall.

Aizen remained bowing, patiently awaiting the elder’s permission to rise. The last thing he wanted was to appear disrespectful. In some cases, facing a reprimand could lead to later rewards, as senior members sometimes "tested" disciples to assess their composure. But Aizen had no interest in inviting trouble without cause.

With Elder Mustang’s aura still pressing heavily upon him, Aizen steeled himself, determined to make a favorable impression. This encounter was not just a mere introduction; it was an opportunity to establish himself, however humbly, in the eyes of a powerful figure within the Left Faction.