In the Realm of Gods and Mysteries: Eternal Life Through Paper Art Secrets

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 11: Consuming the Vital Blood of the Black Water Mystic Serpent

Mu Lin’s attitude made the girl nod in satisfaction, but instead of taking the paper ship immediately, she handed him a mid-grade Spirit Stone and said arrogantly, "This hundred Spirit Stones makes it yours. But you must never sell similar items again, at least not in the academy."

Mu Lin paused, confused by her words.

‘Is she trying to stop classmates from wasting money?’

The thought vanished as he noticed her haughty expression. He suddenly understood—this girl’s pride couldn’t tolerate others in the academy owning identical items. She demanded absolute uniqueness.

Though surprised by her domineering nature, Mu Lin felt no anger. He recalled how wealthy families in his past life had commissioned exclusive goods. Calmly, he asked, "Do you forbid only identical paper ships, or all large creations?"

The girl blinked, unprepared for his composed response. After a moment, she answered lightly, "All large objects."

"Then a hundred Spirit Stones isn’t enough. You must pay more."

A boy beside her immediately snapped, "Fool! Know your place!"

Unperturbed, Mu Lin replied, "I don’t. But surely a young lady from a prestigious family, possessing both refinement and grace, wouldn’t resort to coercion over fair payment. Such crude strong-arming suits nouveau riche, not true nobility."

Though their world operated on strength, even powerful clans maintained decorum to preserve order. Landlords might seize properties yet still build bridges or distribute Thin Porridge during famines. The girl’s exclusivity deal could be spun as patronage—if handled properly. But penny-pinching combined with threats would damage her family’s reputation, making them laughingstocks among noble circles.

The outspoken boy fell silent. The proud girl studied Mu Lin before asking with newfound interest, "Your price?"

After deliberate pause, Mu Lin stated, "One hundred eighty."

He knew his large crafts normally sold for three to five Spirit Stones, thirty at best. Even marketing across the entire Taoist Palace might only fetch a hundred. But exclusivity warranted higher costs—though demanding more than double risked deadly retaliation.

"This includes modifications to the paper ship and three additional large creations at no extra cost," he added quickly. "Your 180 Spirit Stones purchase four customized pieces."

Without letting fear hold him back due to arrogance, nor greedily demanding more, Mu Lin had considered all angles while making his offer. This thoroughness prevented the girl from getting angry.

She spoke lightly, “Agreed. Xiao Xue, pay him.”

“For the second paper item, I want an extravagant paper palace with artificial mountains and a pond…”

“I’ll give it my all!”

…

After earning one hundred eighty Spirit Stones and selling most of his paper figures, Mu Lin saw no reason to linger in the classroom.

Hunger drove him to the cafeteria, where Zong Xiu caught up to him.

Staring at Mu Lin, Zong Xiu marveled, “Who knew you had such skill? All those aristocratic children flocking to you… I wish I had your talent.”

Mu Lin rolled his eyes. “Paper folding skills are trivial compared to your Spiritual Roots Talent. That’s what’s truly enviable.”

“Heh, true enough… But your luck’s turning! Yan Yunyu—that noble young lady from Four Seas Pavilion—if you please her, even a scrap of her favor could make you rich.”

“…No thanks. Too many eyes watch those noble heirs. I’d rather avoid the drama.”

“Where’s your backbone?”

They ate while chatting. With coins in his pouch, Mu Lin splurged on two bowls of Spirit Rice.

He wasn’t afraid of robbery—the Taoist Palace kept strict order. Immortal overseers wouldn’t tolerate such acts. Plus, Mu Lin wasn’t defenseless; his grandfather outside held ties to the Yin Eight Sect. Even aristocratic children hesitated to cross that shadowy group.

After the meal, Mu Lin steeled himself and bought a drop of Black Water Mystic Serpent’s vital blood.

“Best to take this soon if I’m serious about the Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique,” he muttered. “Besides strengthening the body and bloodline, it might even help sense spiritual energy.”

At the Taoist Palace store, his heart sank—one drop cost 103 Spirit Stones.

“Still broke!” he groaned. Yet he paid, grateful the Palace stocked it. Other sellers couldn’t match their herb-refined quality backed by imperial and noble patrons.

Back in class, Mu Lin swallowed the vital blood.

Agony ripped through him. The blood exploded inside his body like wildfire, violent energy battering his veins until they bulged. A scream tore from his throat—

—then vanished. Teacher Ma flicked a silencing spell over him. The disheveled Taoist sighed and added a rejuvenation spell.

“Hmm…”