Chapter 148
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Chapter 148: Sky-High Technique Spell? Blank Divine Quality!
“Hmm…”
After a brief pause, Zuo Li shook his head. “Why would Master consider him? Mu Lin’s skills are decent, but he’s from the Yin Eight Sect’s paper folders. That craft has nothing to do with the art of puppetry and can’t aid your advancement. Your real disciple and helper should be Qin Yuan.”
“Our leader wants you to know your efforts in saving and teaching him will pay off…”
Zuo Li kept praising Qin Yuan, trying to steer fate onto the ‘proper path’. But Master Meng Rui cut him off mid-sentence.
“I’m aware of Qin Yuan’s situation. What about Mu Lin? Doesn’t he assist me in the future?”
—Master Meng Rui did believe Qin Yuan could help her advancement.
She’d sensed he could help merge her ultimate work, which was why she rescued him, trained him, and even organized that assessment trial.
But that was before. After witnessing Mu Lin’s talents, she’d found a superior candidate.
“…”
Though confused by Master Meng Rui’s sudden interest in Mu Lin and her attempts to twist prophecies, Zuo Li felt the pressure of her piercing eyes. Choosing caution, he admitted: “Mu Lin might remain irrelevant—our leader’s visions show no world-changing deeds from him. Let’s focus on Qin Yuan. In the future, he’ll devote himself to helping you advance… and succeed.”
“But there’s been a minor setback. Qin Yuan didn’t obtain Flowers and Butterflies—those are vital for him. Even for your own benefit, please return them…”
Zuo Li droned on about Qin Yuan’s crucial role, how his assistance would secure Meng Rui’s advancement—a transformation promising not just greater power and status, but extended lifespan and elevated existence.
All cultivators craved this breakthrough. Master Meng Rui’s frugal lifestyle and numerous disciples were all meant to hoard advancement resources.
Zuo Li expected her to cling to this future vision and eagerly hand back Flowers and Butterflies. Instead, Master Meng Rui seemed… distracted.
Her thoughts weren’t on Qin Yuan at all. She kept analyzing Mu Lin’s potential.
“With such gifts, he’ll become a peerless prodigy unless killed prematurely. He can’t be insignificant.”
“If your leader can’t see him, either Mu Lin dies young… or he’s unreadable.”
Master Meng Rui’s heartbeat quickened.
Many defied prophecy—emperors shielded by dragon veins, sect leaders veiled from ordinary seers, True Lords too powerful to observe.
Yet Mu Lin possessed the Substitute Paper Figure. Unless he courted death, survival was assured. Which left only one explanation for his absence from visions.
“Mu Lin might become a True Lord.”
…
This realization extinguished any thought of reclaiming Flowers and Butterflies. Not only would she let Qin Yuan keep them—she’d invest more in Mu Lin.
Sticking with Qin Yuan offered safer advancement. But backing a future True Lord? That promised rewards beyond mere rank elevation.
However, at that time, the limitations of the art of puppetry remained unbroken; she could only progress a single step.
Investing in Mu Lin, however, promised unexpected gains.
The crucial factor was integrating the ultimate work – a path she’d forged herself. Qin Yuan merely assisted. Without him, Meng Rui’s success rate would decrease but the project could still continue.
Having decided, Master Meng Rui abruptly cut off Zuo Li’s incessant talking.
"I’ve heard your words, but rewards and punishments are my affairs. Keep your noses out."
"Master…"
Zuo Li grew frantic. Their alliance with Qin Yuan and efforts to secure his benefits weren’t mere charity – they needed Qin Yuan and Flowers and Butterflies’ power for their own schemes. With Flowers and Butterflies gone and Qin Yuan weakened, their plans risked collapse.
Desperate, Zuo Li resorted to threats.
"Master, don’t be obstinate! Without Qin Yuan’s aid, your advancement might fail. You’ll regret this."
Meng Rui’s expression turned icy.
"Threats? You dare!"
*Thud!*
Power crashed down, pinning Zuo Li to the floor. Master Meng Rui’s curious voice followed:
"Rather than lecturing me, explain yourselves. Who are you truly? Who caused the Great Spirit Dynasty’s collapse…"
As she prepared to use secret techniques to probe Zuo Li’s mind, light suddenly coalesced around him. An androgynous, ageless voice echoed:
"Master Meng, curiosity brings peril. Even the Great Spirit’s royals knew their doom – yet see how they act…"
Their subsequent conversation remained private. When it ended, Master Meng Rui’s face showed deep unease – matters had spiraled beyond her expectations.
Before vanishing, the shadowy figure asked: "You’ll abandon Qin Yuan for Mu Lin?"
"My resources can’t sustain both."
"Then entrust him to me. Three days to decide – choose wisely."
…
Unaware of these events, Mu Lin returned to his small courtyard. After stationing the Puppet Twin Sisters outside, he examined the enhanced Sky-High Technique Spell.
Testing revealed disappointing results. The upgraded talisman granted City God abilities – household protection, evil dispersion, appointing Yin soldiers/ghost officials, even deity summoning. But as existing City God, these powers were redundant.
"Wasted effort… Though useful for allies."
"Others could use it for protection or divine summons…"
Undaunted, Mu Lin pondered: "If I imbue it with other divinities instead…"
At master level, the spell resembled a blank divine quality (lesser gods like Earth Deities, not True Gods). It could theoretically hold various powers. Finding suitable divinity became the challenge.
Though common in this world, Earth Gods and Mountain Deities’ essence eluded him. He shelved the project temporarily.
Meanwhile, Mu Lin devoted himself to studying the Cycle of Life and Death. Three days brought new insights. During this time, ripples from his decisive victory spread through the academy.
