Versatile Mage Chapter 3168 Director Mu’s Shoulder Massage

Three days later, Mo Fan successfully escorted the group back to Song City.

After a cheerful farewell to everyone, Mo Fan stood in the middle of the square, bathing in the glow of the setting sun.

As he stood against the evening light, his shadow stretched out, appearing taller than usual.

“Hey, your shadow looks kind of creepy,” a young girl passing by on a skateboard suddenly remarked.

“Shouldn’t you say it looks handsome and imposing?” Mo Fan laughed. He turned his head to inspect his shadow and realized something was indeed off.

The shadow seemed distorted, vibrating like a reflection on the surface of rippling water.

Suddenly, the silhouette began to shift. It grew longer and more graceful. Mo Fan felt as though his shadow had transformed into a mysterious, elegant figure, resembling a delicate flower blooming within the darkness.

Sensing a familiar aura emanating from the darkness at his feet, Mo Fan understood what was happening and smiled.

“Brighty, you’ve arrived!”

The shadow gave a response. A face of striking beauty manifested within the darkness.

“You have been back in the mortal world for some time. Have you run into any trouble? I have yet to sense any tribute of respect offered from your nation,” the Bright Blood King noted.

“I’ve been tied up with a few matters, but I am about to get to it. My apologies for making you worry,” Mo Fan said, offering an apology.

“Do you require my assistance?” the Bright Blood King offered.

“That won't be necessary. I can take care of it,” Mo Fan declined.

“Very well. I wish you peace.”

“And may you remain as lovely as a flower,” Mo Fan answered.

The Bright Blood King smiled, seemingly pleased by his compliment.

…

Under the sunlight, the shadow slowly reverted to its original, handsome shape.

Mo Fan rubbed the back of his head. The powers of the Bright Blood King were truly formidable. She had slipped into the mortal realm unnoticed and merged herself directly into his shadow.

It would be a nightmare if she ever harbored any ill intent toward him.

Since Mo Fan had exhausted his Space Element magic energy, he was unable to manifest another teleportation gate to reach Pearl Institute.

After a moment of thought, he decided to travel by a standard train instead.

Following the retreat of the Ocean Demons, several inter-city transport routes had been restored.

There was no immediate rush to execute his plans, and he wanted to appreciate the scenery along the way.

The path from Song City to Pearl Institute was filled with a dense network of rivers. In the past, Ocean Demons had seized these waterways, turning them into breeding grounds for their eggs.

It was a strange phenomenon; despite being creatures of the sea, Ocean Demons preferred islands and mainland shores for laying eggs.

The primary task for Lingling and Chen Maiya involved purging these nests to ensure no mutated or high-level demons could infiltrate the city.

Mo Fan reached the station in roughly an hour.

Feeling too lazy to use flight magic, he hailed a taxi. He observed that the city’s recovery from the catastrophe was progressing faster than he had anticipated. It appeared the citizens were fully committed to rebuilding their lives and restoring order.

At a corner, Mo Fan spotted a spicy lobster shop that had just reopened. Even from the moving car, he recognized the familiar lady boss greeting her first post-reconstruction customers.

“Everything is finally returning to the way it used to be.”

Mo Fan felt a wave of emotion hit him. They had survived the darkest days, and things were finally looking up.

…

Mo Fan arrived at Pearl Institute and walked toward his old residence.

Earth Element Architect Mages had meticulously rebuilt the apartment to match its original design.

To his surprise, the place had turned into a popular landmark for students and magic trainees. A few Pearl Institute students were even acting as tour guides, recounting tales of Mo Fan’s legendary achievements at the school. Naturally, they didn't leave out the rumors regarding Mo Fan’s romantic history with various campus beauties.

“Did you know? School Director Mu Nujiao once shared a moving history with Mo Fan. They actually lived in this apartment together. Hehe, just think about it—a young man and woman living as roommates. No matter how many times they try to explain it away, it’s no use.”

“Wow, he really is a legend among men.”

“Ugh, what a total scumbag!”

“You might question his morals, but you can’t deny his power.”

“He is undeniably strong, but I just can’t respect his character.”

“Exactly!”

“Well, nobody is perfect. Aside from being ill-mannered, a flirt, selfish, overbearing, rude, and arrogant, he does have a few good points.”

Standing in the middle of the crowd, Mo Fan’s face grew increasingly dark.

With a reputation like that, what was even left of his image?

Realizing he couldn't visit the apartment right now, he had no choice but to head toward the administrative offices.

Mo Fan reached Director Mu’s office within the Pearl Institute boardroom.

Watching Mu Nujiao transition from a student to a school director was a surprise for Mo Fan. It was clear she had committed herself to magic education over the past few years. Thanks to her high status and charming personality, she was beloved by all. The only mark on her reputation was probably that shared apartment.

Knock! Knock! Knock! Mo Fan gave a polite rap on the door.

“Please enter,” Mu Nujiao’s voice came through, clear and soft.

Despite her high position, Mu Nujiao lived simply. No assistant stood guard at her door, and her office was quite modest. However, it offered a view of the entire campus and… the apartment.

Mu Nujiao was dressed in professional clothes, her white shirt buttoned all the way up. As she leaned over her desk, a lock of dark hair fell over her shoulder, giving her a serene and graceful look.

She remained silent, focused entirely on the paperwork before her. She was organizing something vital; her choices affected the middle and high school branches of the magic academy, so she had to be meticulous.

Mo Fan didn't utter a word, simply watching her work.

It seemed Mu Nujiao had forgotten that someone had entered after the knock, as she stayed buried in her tasks.

After finishing a section of work, she reached for her water cup out of habit. The moment her lips touched the cold rim, she finally spotted Mo Fan.

“Cough, cough!”

“Cough, cough!”

Mu Nujiao choked on her drink, her face flushing red as she coughed.

Mo Fan rushed over to gently pat her back.

“What are you doing here?”

Mu Nujiao took off her glasses, revealing a charming look. A spark of happiness flickered in her eyes.

“Am I really that terrifying? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Mo Fan joked.

“I was just startled. It has been a long time since I heard anything from you. I… I…” Mu Nujiao trailed off, unsure of how to finish her sentence. She cleared her throat and stopped.

What she really wanted to say was that she had wanted to ask Mo Fan’s friends for news but couldn't bring herself to do it.

In fact, Mu Nujiao had recently crossed paths with Mu Ningxue at an international summit. They had spoken for a while, and she had been on the verge of asking about Mo Fan’s safety and whereabouts, but she didn't know how to bring it up.

“It was nothing special. I just took a trip to the Dark Plane and did some cleaning. I took out every other Dark King except for Wen Tai,” Mo Fan said with a casual smile, radiating the confidence of a battle-hardened hero.

Initially, Mu Nujiao felt a pang of worry hearing about the Dark Plane, but Mo Fan’s exaggerated tone made it sound like he was just telling tall tales.

“So, did you bring back any new developments in Black Magic for the school?” Mu Nujiao asked, playing along with the mood.

“Naturally. Take a look at this.” Mo Fan reached into his Space Bracelet and produced a crystal flower as black as night.

“A Guiding Stone?” Mu Nujiao was shocked.

Guiding Stones were typically used for Elemental Magic. Gaining an awakening in other branches usually required incredibly rare artifacts.

Mu Nujiao had never encountered a Black Magic Guiding Stone of such purity. With its quality, it had the potential to help even Basic-level mages awaken Black Magic!

“Do you think we can use this for the high school awakening ceremonies?” Mo Fan inquired.

“To use it on a large scale, it needs to be stable, efficient, and easy to get. Stones that guide awakenings like this are incredibly rare across the world,” Mu Nujiao explained.

“Don't sweat it. I’ve already secured the supplier. You don't need to worry about the quality either; it’s far superior to the national treasures found in dark mines elsewhere. It just depends on how many your school can handle,” Mo Fan said.

Mu Nujiao nearly sprayed her lemon water at him.

This was supposed to be a noble academic pursuit, so why did it sound like a shady back-alley deal when Mo Fan talked about it?

“We will have to start with a trial program,” Mu Nujiao suggested.

“Fair enough.” Mo Fan nodded in agreement.

“This is Black Magic, after all. It will be a major shock to the traditional magic education circles. Everyone knows that Black Magic always demands a price. Introducing it to students who are just starting out…”

“I’ve already negotiated the terms. Everything is recorded and legally binding. This contract carries more weight than most laws,” Mo Fan clarified.

Contracts involving Black Magic were enforced immediately and were nearly impossible to break.

“Payment only starts at the Advanced Level? So students don't pay a thing until they become Advanced Mages?” Mu Nujiao quickly scanned the contract Mo Fan had made with the Bright Blood King.

“Traveling isn’t just about fighting. I’ve got connections too,” Mo Fan smirked. He then gave Mu Nujiao a pointed look, hinting that his journey had been exhausting. Would she offer him a shoulder massage?

Mu Nujiao hesitated for a second.

Given that Mo Fan had achieved something so significant, a simple shoulder massage seemed like a small price to pay.

She placed her hands on his shoulders without further delay, though her mind was still racing over the contract he had brought back.

“If we are going to run a trial, should we use the Pearl Institute’s affiliated Magic High School?” Mu Nujiao asked.

“That works for me.”

“Oh, and I saw the representatives from Tianlan Memorial Magic High School at a recent conference. It’s located in Seal City, your old home. I’ve been supporting them. How about we select students there for a second trial?” Mu Nujiao said, putting more strength into the massage.

Mo Fan was stunned.

A flood of memories washed over him.

His first exam, his first awakening, the first time he mastered a Star Orbit, and his very first spell cast…

“Has my hometown been rebuilt as well?” Mo Fan asked.

“Yes, it has.”

“I feel a bit ashamed. I had to hear it from you instead of finding out myself,” Mo Fan admitted.

“Will you be attending the opening ceremony for Tianlan Memorial Magic High School?”

“I wouldn't miss it for the world!”