Chapter 129
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Chapter 129: Heavenly Level Formation: Cycle of Life and Death
Compared to Qi Practitioners who relied on their own strength to influence the world and unleash their City God Realm, Mu Lin’s approach was more akin to summoning divine aid—since he couldn’t access higher powers himself, he borrowed them from a powerful being.
“Hmm…”
“So that’s how it is…”
After Dongfang Ya’s explanation, some sighed in relief, while others gazed enviously and muttered, “It’s not that simple. The City of Heaven’s Funeral isn’t a god, and Mu Lin isn’t a blessed servant. To summon its shadow and channel its power, he must have a solid foundation… Even if he hasn’t achieved a true domain, he’s definitely grasped the force—something only mages can wield.”
“Ahem, some prodigies comprehend it in the Spirit Sea or Spirit Pool Realm.”
“But that’s the Spirit Sea. Mu Lin’s still at Spring Fountain!”
Dongfang Ya interjected, “His magical cultivation is at Spring Fountain, but his spirit cultivation has reached the Spirit Sea Realm.”
“…That explains it.”
“Explains nothing! Reaching Spirit Sea in three months? That’s even crazier than his magical progress!”
“…”
Learning Mu Lin’s spirit cultivation had reached Spirit Sea and that he’d grasped the force left the crowd conflicted. Many now regarded him as an equal. A Qi Practitioner who mastered the force was all but guaranteed to become a mage. Some even argued he’d touched the domain itself.
“Though he’s borrowing external power, the land of Heaven’s Funeral is unclaimed. He can channel and refine its energy freely, making his domain genuine and sustainable.”
“If he can channel and refine the City’s power, he’ll face no bottlenecks reaching the mage level—Condensing Essence, Refining the Evil—or even the metamorphosis stage’s trials…”
This sparked jealous murmurs: “Guaranteed advancement to mage and metamorphosis? Is the Yin Eight Sect’s inheritance really that strong?”
Elder Qin scoffed nearby. “Nothing’s free. The City’s power doesn’t restrict access—it even pours into you willingly. But obtaining it is one thing; controlling it? That’s another.”
He glanced at Mu Lin. Seeing the City’s energy swirling obediently around him, a flicker of approval crossed his eyes. Noticing no decay, withering, or pallor in the boy, his regard deepened.
“Of course, Mu Lin’s an exception. If he avoids greed, the mage level won’t hinder him. As for metamorphosis… too distant to predict.”
“Hehe, distant maybe, but there’s closer news to celebrate.”
Dongfang Ya grinned at the Mountain Elder. “Regardless of borrowed power, forming a domain with the City’s energy ensures Mu Lin will rank highly in the Southeast League Examination. With such a student, you’ll outshine all other Taoist Palace heads. Shouldn’t such merit be rewarded?”
The Mountain Elder, youthful in appearance but weathered in gaze, studied Mu Lin calmly. What surprised him wasn’t the domain. “Dongfang, didn’t you give him the Heavenly Wall Palace formation just days ago?”
"Yes…"
Her words trailed off as silence took over. Mastering the formation in merely two or three days and using it to channel the power of the City of Heaven’s Funeral was something beyond her wildest imagination.
The other instructors shared her disbelief.
"T-two or three days? Are you certain?"
"I could believe two or three months, but days… that’s preposterous…"
"Truly, the younger waves overtake the old…"
After their astonishment faded, the teachers grew even more optimistic about Mu Lin’s prospects.
Even the Mountain Elder nodded approvingly. "Our Taoist Palace has indeed birthed a potential dragon this time."
After a pause, he added, "The Taoist Palace naturally supports exceptional students. Since his talent lies in formations, let him pursue this path. I possess a Heavenly Level Formation called the Cycle of Life and Death. Collect it from my quarters later and deliver it to him."
"Heavenly Level Formation."
Dongfang Ya’s eyes brightened. "Understood. I’ll hand it to him promptly."
Had she been in Mu Lin’s place, receiving a Heavenly Level Formation would’ve satisfied her completely.
But since the reward was for her student—and recalling Mu Lin’s recent respect—Dongfang Ya pressed further. "Anything else?"
The Mountain Elder of Anping Taoist Palace chuckled. "Still unsatisfied with a Heavenly Level Formation?"
"Formations can be duplicated endlessly. You’re parting with nothing tangible. Besides, strengthening Mu Lin benefits our Taoist Palace. His rise in rank will draw greater favor from the court, noble families, and local clans."
Dongfang Ya pushed harder. "Many Wuzhou noble families choose Yuhu Academy over us for their heirs. Can you abide such disrespect?"
"I cannot."
"Using tricks on me now, girl?"
The Mountain Elder shook his head in amusement, yet her words struck true.
"You’re correct. A copied formation costs me little. Very well—add an Ascending Spirit Pill to bolster his magical cultivation."
"While the pill’s energy may feel unsteady for most, Mu Lin’s high realm offsets this. The drawbacks won’t affect him."
Knowing when to stop, Dongfang Ya grinned. "Then I’ll thank you on Mu Lin’s behalf."
…
Most instructors rejoiced at their Taoist Palace nurturing a potential dragon, especially one who’d secure resources and prestige.
Yet one face remained clouded—Teacher Ma.
As Mu Lin’s first mentor, he could’ve forged strong ties. He’d recognized the youth’s talent early, yet hesitation cost him the chance.
His prejudice against Yin Eight Sect disciples as ungrateful proved misguided when Mu Lin declined Qi Qiu’s offer with principled grace.
Missing such a loyal prodigy twisted his heart.
A colleague’s jest worsened his mood. "Teacher Ma! Hiding a potential dragon from your own class? That’s low…"
The man hoped to joke his way into discussing Mu Lin, perhaps even becoming the boy’s formation tutor. Instead, Teacher Ma stormed off, leaving confusion in his wake.
…
Unseen by Mu Lin, concealed spells masked the instructors’ visit as they debated his future. His entire focus remained fixed on the mutating City of Heaven’s Funeral.
"Woo woo woo…"
