Chapter 362

Chapter 362: Prelude to Transformation Advancement, Assassination

"Thank you for the warning. I’ll study it."

Cultivation methods involving nothingness carried a high probability of causing their existence to fade away, a danger that was unavoidable. Fortunately, Mu Lin felt his strong foundation would prevent extreme risks. When he nodded in agreement, the northern aristocrats visibly relaxed—their core goal had been achieved.

They then invited Mu Lin to join the north. Though expecting refusal, the aristocrats made generous offers: priority resource access, a chance to compete for military leadership, and even support to establish his own kingdom.

This wasn’t rebellion. In a world where power resides in individuals, most strong beings valued independence over obedience. With powerful sects exerting influence, the Great Spirit Empire’s royal family functioned more like Western feudal monarchs than rulers of an Eastern centralized regime. Kings of different surnames already existed here.

"The north holds vast untamed lands," they urged. "With your strength and our backing, you could claim kingship…"

The proposal intrigued Mu Lin. His bond with the city god required a personal domain—something nearly impossible inland, where he currently controlled only a small, semi-hidden area in Ping An Ancient County. The North Wilderness offered endless unclaimed territory for the taking.

He also understood the principle: when disaster strikes, no one is safe. As part of humanity’s shared fate, he couldn’t ignore the northern aristocrats battling foreign demons and evil spirits on the frontlines. While unwilling to risk his true self, he planned to dispatch paper figure clones to aid the North Wilderness defense, keeping his main body safe in the southeastern heartlands.

……

News of Mu Lin’s northern venture excited Qing, Iron Tower, and Lu Hao alike. Even Luo Chen, once defeated by Mu Lin, watched with shining eyes. But when they learned he’d avoid the North-South conflict to focus on fighting monsters and evil spirits, their hopeful sighs turned disappointed—a reaction that spoke volumes.

Mu Lin was strong, considered the top talent among young prodigies. His gifts were exceptional, giving him a real chance to become an Earth Master someday. But potential meant little in the present moment. Right now, he remained just a promising youth rather than a true powerhouse. Sending him to the North Wilderness now would only add one more Transformation-level fighter to their ranks – a single drop in the ocean when it came to altering the northern conflict.

Iron Tower, Qing, Luo Chen, and Earth Master Lu Hao all agreed Mu Lin’s greatest current value lay in joining their coalition to pressure the southern aristocrats for resources. This strategy would achieve more than a hundred Mu Lins fighting in the north. The problem was permanently alienating the southern factions.

Mu Lin wasn’t foolish enough to burn bridges. He wanted no enemies, whether from north or south. Some might call this fence-sitting, but only the weak earned such labels. The capable called it keeping options open.

When Lu Hao’s group failed to persuade him, they left his courtyard with heavy sighs. "Without Mu Lin fully committed," rumbled Iron Tower, "any victory will be hollow. We won’t achieve our true objectives."

"At least he’s agreed to stop interfering," countered another. "And he’ll come north eventually to fight monsters and evil spirits."

"What good is that?" snapped a voice. "The North Wilderness spans thousands of miles. Even an Earth Master couldn’t turn the tide alone. We need Heaven Master strength, now. Mu Lin might reach that level someday, but we don’t have years to wait."

Silence fell until Lu Hao broke it. "Enough. The legion commander always has backup plans. If this fails, we’ll proceed to the next phase." His face hardened. "Let’s grant the southerners’ wish – abandon some border territories. But we’ll fortify the Jiangnan region instead. Rich lands breed strong warriors."

…

Mu Lin sensed their disappointment though unaware of their specific schemes. He didn’t take it personally – they’d never seen his true capabilities. Their continued courtesy despite doubts pleased him enough.

Focusing inward, he felt the vibrant energy currents merging. Three more days and they’d fully become Xuan Huang’s energy, carrying him through Transformation to manifest his true form. Anticipation thrummed through him – manifestation meant awakening divine abilities.

Like Luo Chen, though defeated by Mu Lin, at the moment of his Transformation advancement, his strength increased dozens of times, transforming his flesh into a calamity body.

After advancing, he could even command calamity energy through speech, shaping it into physical forms.

These peculiar abilities made Mu Lin envious:

"I wonder what powers I’ll gain during my Transformation…"

While cultivating, Mu Lin anticipated his progress. But his session got interrupted when visitors arrived.

Yan Yunyu and Si Ye came bearing news from their families about secret talks among southern aristocrats.

Learning the Luo family’s stance, Mu Lin frowned.

"Seems such scheming exists everywhere."

He instructed Yan Yunyu: "Spread word I’ll join the northern war against evil spirits soon. Also reveal the northern aristocrats’ invitation."

Just like the Yan and Chu families resisting moral pressure, Mu Lin believed in striking first to deter future threats.

This situation tested boundaries – he knew backing down would make powerful clans perceive weakness and push harder.

Mu Lin held no illusions about these clans. Their wealth came from exploiting ordinary civilians and low-level cultivators. Every clan bore original sins.

Their friendliness stemmed from his talent or fear of retaliation. He needed to prove crossing him meant endless consequences, deterring greedy thoughts.

Yan Yunyu and Si Ye grasped his intent immediately.

"Make the Luo family pay? How much?"

"Take everything possible. If unsatisfied, we’ll join the northern aristocrats."

"Wha-? That’s reckless!"

"Not at all. The stable south has no room for growth – all lands claimed. The chaotic north values combat power. Strength brings opportunities there."

Simply put, the south’s peace helped early development but became restrictive later. Originally, Mu Lin planned to leave quietly without fueling North-South conflict. But since aristocrats made the first move, he wouldn’t hold back.

Though worried about safety, Yan Yunyu and Si Ye knew their status depended on Mu Lin. They hurried to obey when he decided.

Alone at last, Mu Lin resumed cultivation. But within minutes, intruders disrupted him again.

Strangers barged past servants despite warnings. Yan Yunyu’s guards tried blocking, but-

"BOOM!" Terrifying Might erupted as the intruder charged at Mu Lin, ignoring shouts of "Bastard! Stop!"

"Your life ends today, brat!"

"Assassination?!" Mu Lin blinked in surprise, not fear. "The Luo family acts this fast after our clash?" What shocked him wasn’t the attack, but their audacity to try.