Chapter 126
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Chapter 126: Golden Era, the Talents of Yuhu Academy
Hearing Mu Lin’s question, Yan Yunyu’s expression shifted from surprise to resentment, while Chu Lingluo declared with slight pride: "Not that, Brother Mu Lin! Since you’ve always liked Ji Xue, I went to find her and invited her to join our team!"
As she spoke, Yan Yunyu wore a look begging for praise.
This explained why Yan Yunyu had been sulking. Mu Lin instinctively defended his reputation: "I haven’t always liked her…"
Before he could finish, Chu Lingluo nodded understandingly. "I get it. You invited Ji Xue not for romance, but to challenge the Tower of Illusions."
Her tone betrayed her own disbelief.
Chu Lingluo never forgot their previous conflict stemmed from her replacing Ji Xue in the team. To mend their relationship, she proactively invited Ji Xue back.
Realizing this, Mu Lin found himself cornered. He couldn’t bluntly admit, "I lied before – your mother forced us apart, so I resorted to that excuse."
Ultimately, the speechless Mu Lin stopped protesting.
‘Fine. Ji Xue’s inclusion will strengthen our team anyway, helping us secure better rankings.’
Though powerful now, Mu Lin remained cautious. Soon, events proved his caution justified.
While surpassing ninety-nine percent of cultivators, that remaining one percent – whether through talent or noble birth – matched or even exceeded his capabilities.
—- Chu Lingluo came to announce Ji Xue’s recruitment, but Yan Yunyu had serious matters.
"Brother Mu, the Southeast League Examination begins in thirteen days. Besides preparing resources, I’ve gathered intel about our competitors."
Yan Yunyu cared more about rankings than Mu Lin himself. Without being asked, she’d compiled concerning information.
"Bad luck – this is Yuhu Academy’s golden generation with numerous talents. We might struggle to claim fifth place."
She began detailing Yuhu Academy’s top students:
"Fifth-ranked Yuan Ce possesses the Pure Yang Body, perfectly suited for Yang-based cultivation methods. His Yuanchen Giant Spirit Sutra keeps him at mid-level Spring Fountain cultivation, yet he single-handedly cleared the Tower of Illusions’ Fifth Floor. Your curses and paper figures won’t work against him."
This grim start darkened Yan Yunyu’s mood. Mu Lin’s eyes narrowed but showed no fear. "Pure Yang Body only ranks fifth? The higher ones are stronger?"
"Yes."
Yan Yunyu continued: "Fourth rank belongs to Yan Zhanpeng."
"Yan?" Mu Lin glanced at her.
"Your clansman?"
"He’s my cousin. First-grade Gold Spiritual Roots. One of three main candidates for Yan family’s Legitimate Son position. With strong maternal backing and more resources, he’s already reached Spirit Pool Realm."
After pausing, Yan Yunyu reluctantly disclosed Yan family secrets.
"The Yan family may not excel in combat, but underestimating us would lead to disastrous consequences… Through wealth and fortune manipulation, Yan family members can perform rituals to meddle with enemies’ luck, causing constant mishaps during battles or summoning unexpected adversaries."
Upon hearing this, Mu Lin initially felt wary, but soon shrugged it off.
The Trait of Transcendence explained everything.
His elevated rank granted overwhelming resistance against most methods – curses, the corrosion from Heaven’s Funeral lands, and even fortune manipulation all proved ineffective.
This realization made Mu Lin pause.
"Now that I think about it, the Trait of Transcendence is ridiculously strong… Well, it’s derived from a Heavenly Technique born of invincibility. Of course it’s overpowered."
His composure didn’t escape Yan Yunyu’s notice. Her heartbeat quickened with unease, yet she also felt oddly reassured.
She pressed on: "Additionally, by sacrificing Spirit Stones, our Yan clan can boost spell power up to tenfold."
"My cousin only ranks fourth because this secret technique drains resources excessively. Even as the Legitimate Son heir, he can’t afford regular use. But during the Southeast League Examination’s critical moments, he’ll definitely unleash it."
"…"
Mu Lin fell silent at this revelation – such desperate measures demanded attention.
His focus soon shifted to stronger opponents.
"The third rank belongs to Chu Hongxuan."
Yan Yunyu’s glance at Chu Lingluo spoke volumes. Without explanation, Mu Lin recognized this as Chu Lingluo’s relative.
The girl’s reaction confirmed it:
"Hongxuan cousin? He’s that powerful?"
"…"
Seeing her cluelessness about family matters, Mu Lin turned back to Yan Yunyu.
The young woman smiled knowingly.
"Brother Mu, you’re familiar with the Chu family’s Qingdi Scripture?"
"Basic knowledge. It makes them rulers of vegetation, right? Details escape me."
"I can explain!"
Chu Lingluo jutted her chin proudly before launching into detailed explanations. From her, Mu Lin learned the Qingdi Scripture’s true marvel – forming life contracts with spiritual plants.
The benefits were staggering: extended lifespan, enhanced comprehension, unique abilities.
"Seems ordinary at first," Mu Lin mused, "but imagine contracting divine trees like the Enlightenment Tea Tree or Tree of Life…"
"Fusang Trees wield solar flames. Enlightenment Tea grants perpetual wisdom buffs…"
"Yet limitations exist," he realized. "Heavenly-grade saplings are rare. Contracting requires seedling cultivation, demanding astronomical resources. No wonder only one family member per generation succeeds."
Yan Yunyu added her findings: "Chu Hongxuan’s contracted Giant Luosha Tree isn’t heavenly-grade, but still formidable. Fully grown, it rivals mountains – ten thousand meters tall, canopies spanning cities."
"His magical power dwarfs normal cultivators by a hundredfold. That’s how a mid-Spring Fountain practitioner claims Yuhu Academy’s third rank."
Bigger meant stronger. With such reserves, Chu Hongxuan could spam spells endlessly – a worthy third place.
When discussion turned to Yuhu’s second rankers, Chu Lingluo hit a wall. The Twin Sisters’ team contained no members beyond themselves, yet dominated stronger groups.
Yan Yunyu piled on concerns: "Even Yuhu’s regular team members reach Spring Fountain level. Their elites rival leaders from other academies."
Troubles compounded – Chu Hongxuan, Yan Zhanpeng, and Yuan Ce commanded formidable teams themselves. That the Twin Sisters surpassed them spoke volumes.
"Brother Mu, should I procure specialized artifacts?" Yan Yunyu offered.
"Convert everything into Moonlight Dew and Essence Stones. Leave Yuhu’s fighters to me." His eyes narrowed. "Except the Twins… The rest are manageable."
Confidence remained unshaken – powerful enemies merely meant worthy opponents.
Elsewhere, as Mu Lin steadied his team, Yuhu Academy and rival Taoist Palaces buzzed about his Proud Sky team. At Longyou Taoist Palace’s lakeside training grounds, instructors gathered elites:
"Anping’s Proud Sky team dropped to 43rd. Heard?"
"That pretentious name says it all – what arrogant fool leads them?"
