Chapter 134
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Chapter 134: Yan Yunyu: Brother Mu, do you have a misunderstanding about mediocrity?
After hearing Dongfang Ya’s explanation of the difficulties in advancing cultivation methods, Mu Lin finally understood why his own techniques kept evolving.
This wasn’t just because of the proficiency panel. The knowledge and creative ideas he’d gained in his past life had become sources of inspiration and resources in this world.
These were the true reasons behind the frequent changes in his cultivation methods—without them, the proficiency panel would only let him master techniques faster, not cause them to mutate and advance.
When Dongfang Ya questioned him, Mu Lin nearly replied:
*‘You should ask which of my techniques *hasn’t* advanced.’*
But such arrogance felt inappropriate, so he held back. Instead, he offered an awkward yet polite smile.
It was enough. After a long pause, Dongfang Ya waved her hand dismissively. “Fine. Do as you please—I’ll stop interfering.”
…
Learning that multiple cultivation methods had advanced for Mu Lin and that he considered the Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique unremarkable, Yan Yunyu dropped her objections. She pressed for details instead.
“Brother Mu, explain the changes in your advanced techniques. Only then can I judge this True Meaning Diagram’s value.”
“Alright.”
Mu Lin nodded and described the upgraded Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique.
“Two main improvements. First, it allows dragon transformation without skin-shedding, granting draconic power earlier. Second, since I retain nine skin sheddings, the transformed dragon can keep evolving. Eventually, there’s a chance to leap the Dragon Gate and become a true dragon.”
He spoke casually, but Yan Yunyu’s expression grew increasingly strained. Despite his earlier confirmation, she asked again:
“You’re truly selling this True Meaning Diagram? It holds a path to becoming a *true dragon*!”
“I know. But it’s just a chance—and true dragons aren’t invincible.”
“…If you’re satisfied, then so be it.”
With a sigh, she shifted to appraising the diagram.
“The Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique prioritizes resources over insight. A basic True Meaning Diagram of it wouldn’t sell well. But yours depicts a dragon. Two buyer types exist.”
“First: Level 3 Qi Practitioners who’ve mastered the base technique. They want to evolve from serpent to dragon. But they’d prefer dragon blood over diagrams—yours might fetch 500 to 800 Spirit Stones at most.”
Mu Lin wasn’t surprised. True Meaning Diagrams weren’t foolproof—their spiritual essence degraded with use, making them consumables. The price seemed fair.
Yan Yunyu added bitterly,
“Second: Noble family sons—even legitimate heirs. The base technique’s low Earth-level status repels elites. But a dragon-based version? Top-tier Earth-level. Frankly, *I’m* tempted by such a method.”
“Moreover, this cultivation method has unique appeal. If we promote it through Four Seas Pavilion as having the potential for true dragon advancement, this True Meaning Diagram would sell like wildfire—3,000 to 5,000 Spirit Stones is its worth.”
“?!!”
“Three to five thousand? That much?”
Mu Lin gaped while Yan Yunyu remained composed.
“It’s reasonable. If viewing the diagram didn’t only give a chance to learn, this True Meaning Diagram could fetch over 10,000 Spirit Stones. Brother Mu, you’re not just selling a diagram—it’s an entirely new cultivation method with true dragon transformation potential.”
Setting down the diagram, Yan Yunyu hooked her arm through Mu Lin’s as she noticed his dazed expression.
“There’s something else, Brother Mu. You need to adjust your mindset.”
“Meaning?”
When Mu Lin looked puzzled, Yan Yunyu softened her tone.
“Creating True Meaning Diagrams and crafting master-level talismans makes you a quasi-master-level talisman maker. Even noble families show deference to such experts.”
“Your status has shifted—right now in Taoist Palace, most teachers rank below you in influence and earnings.”
“…”
This revelation left Mu Lin speechless. The swift rise in status felt overwhelming yet logical.
In this martial world, his talisman skills weren’t mere artistry but core technology. In his past life, such talents would’ve earned academician titles with state honors. No wonder noble families sought him.
Yan Yunyu’s confidence in securing top three trials by keeping him close suddenly made sense—his skills guaranteed wealth and status.
“Hmph.”
Dongfang Ya snorted at Yan Yunyu’s remark but conceded, “The Yan girl isn’t wrong. With your abilities, you outrank most teachers here and can amass Spirit Stones easily. But I advise against revealing your identity.”
Mu Lin caught her meaning instantly.
“Danger?”
“Significant danger. Beyond monsters, evil spirits, and evil god followers—even noble houses might covet your talent. Skill isn’t strength. Stay hidden until you can defend yourself.”
“I’ll be cautious. Thanks, Teacher.”
Mu Lin had no interest in fame anyway. With Yan Yunyu handling sales, he could avoid the spotlight entirely.
…
After finalizing details about the True Meaning Diagram and Vajra Strength, a weary Mu Lin prepared to leave.
Dongfang Ya blocked his path.
“Not yet. Your reward.”
“???”
He stared blankly at the jade slip and pills.
“Didn’t I already get the challenge reward?”
If Mu Lin remembered correctly, the dragon blood, Sky Wall Palace Formation, and Polar Violet Formation were all rewards given by the Taoist Palace. Now this new offering left him completely puzzled.
"I haven’t done anything noteworthy recently?"
Seeing Mu Lin’s clueless expression and hearing his denial, Dongfang Ya struggled to contain her frustration.
"Get some self-awareness! You caused that massive disturbance yesterday and still claim you did nothing?"
"Yesterday… The Sky Wall Palace Formation and City of Heaven’s Funeral appearing count as reward-worthy?"
Mu Lin’s casual attitude toward the events, combined with how he’d immobilized her earlier, made even Dongfang Ya’s calm demeanor crack. Though she knew he meant no harm, this only deepened her irritation.
"Hmph. Want it or not? Otherwise I’m returning these to the Mountain Elder."
"Of course I want them!"
Though confused about the reasons, Mu Lin wouldn’t refuse gifts from the Taoist Palace. Taking the jade slip and eyeing the pills, he turned to Yan Yunyu:
"Teacher Dongfang, what exactly did they send this time?"
"Two items. The Ascending Spirit Pill lets you safely advance one cultivation stage – like from mid-Spring Fountain to late-Spring Fountain, or late-Spring Fountain to early-Spirit Pool. Best used for the latter, but it’s yours to decide."
"The other’s a formation – Cycle of Life and Death, a Heavenly Level Formation."
Understanding dawned on Mu Lin, followed by a bitter smile.
"Teacher, my formation talent isn’t that great. I only learned Sky Wall Palace Formation fast because of prior study. The Polar Violet Formation needs seven to fifteen days just for basics. This stronger one? Over a month minimum just to start comprehending it."
"My formation ability is truly average."
He suspected the Taoist Palace had seen his overnight Level 3 Mastery of Sky Wall Palace Formation and overestimated him. Not wanting to disappoint Dongfang Ya later, he laid out his limitations clearly.
To his surprise, Dongfang Ya didn’t look disappointed but wore an indescribable expression that unsettled him.
"Teacher?"
Instead of answering, she gestured to Yan Yunyu, whose face mirrored the same odd look.
"Brother Mu… do you actually understand what ‘average’ means?"
"What… do you mean?"
