Chapter 157
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
Chapter 157: Body of a Dragon and the power of thunder
Prejudice in people’s hearts was like an unmovable mountain.
Students of Yuhu Academy always believed they outshone those from outer academies. Since even their own top disciples couldn’t leave names on the Radiance of Thunder Pool’s stone tablet, they saw no chance for Mu Lin to succeed.
Watching Mu Lin’s eager attempts, they sneered at his apparent arrogance. One muttered: "Money won’t carve your name here. Only true strength matters."
Yet they didn’t dismiss him entirely. Flower Xingyu and Lin Qi had already changed their tune after realizing Chu Lingluo and Yan Yunyu weren’t simple country girls.
Flower Xingyu nudged Lin Qi: "How far will he get?"
Lin Qi pondered: "36-42 meters. Our Taoist Palace average is 33. Those noble ladies backing him must mean he’s decent, though aiming for top three is laughable. Our leader with the Pure Yang Body and thunder resistance only reached 49 meters. Mu Lin can’t surpass that."
Flower Xingyu shook his head: "I say under 33 meters."
Lin Qi frowned: "We just got humiliated for underestimating others. Want another slap?"
"Not blind prejudice," Flower Xingyu insisted. "Let’s bet. If I win, we call the shots during the assessment. Your turn if you win."
"What’s your game?" Lin Qi demanded.
"Simple teamwork. Our leader wants to use Mu Lin as a spear against Chu Hongxuan."
Lin Qi stared. Yan Zhanpeng actually collaborating with outsiders? Still, targeting third-place Chu Hongxuan and the Twin Sisters meant less risk for his own team. After consideration, he agreed—but voiced doubts:
"Teaming with Mu Lin could backfire. If they crack the top three, we’ll be disgraced. The Palace elders will punish you most."
Flower Xingyu chuckled. "Our leader’s eyeing first place this time. Stop worrying."
Lin Qi snorted: "About time he stopped hiding. Fine, let’s gamble."
Thus, Flower Xingyu and Lin Qi were whispering, preparing to place a grand wager based on Mu Lin’s performance.
Their goals differed: Lin Qi aimed to investigate Mu Lin’s background before having Yuance swiftly eliminate him, fulfilling a mission from the Taoist Palace.
They needed to uphold Yuhu Academy’s supreme authority against challengers.
Meanwhile, scheming Yan Zhanpeng intended to use Mu Lin as a pawn to probe Chu Hongxuan’s capabilities.
When Lin Qi agreed to the bet, a sly grin crept across Flower Xingyu’s face.
"Thanks, Brother Lin. We’ll take charge of guiding Mu Lin now."
Lin Qi retorted, "Don’t celebrate yet. Mu Lin caught the attention of two noble ladies – he can’t be weak."
Flower Xingyu chuckled without arguing. "True, he’s not entirely feeble. But did you overlook something?"
"What?"
The smug smile made Lin Qi uneasy. Soon, he realized he’d likely lose this gamble.
"Mu Lin’s fundamental cultivation methods belong to the Yin Eight Sect’s Paper Folders lineage."
"Their techniques focus on cunning tricks, not physical refinement."
"Moreover, heaven’s thunder represents ultimate yang power – it suppresses all evil spirits. Mu Lin’s Yin Eight Sect inheritance is thunder’s natural prey."
Flower Xingyu’s smirk widened.
"Still think he’ll reach 36 meters?"
"…"
Lin Qi gaped soundlessly until furious words exploded:
"Damn! Played me!"
"No, you’re just dense."
…
Unaware of their bet, Mu Lin entered the Radiance of Thunder Pool using Chu Lingluo’s access.
Zzzt!
Lightning immediately surged through him, hair standing upright as currents buzzed through his muscles.
"Intense!"
The tingling energized rather than pained him. The thunder here carried life-giving properties, perfect for body cultivation.
His draconic physique helped too – dragons naturally command wind, rain, and partial thunder resistance.
But Mu Lin hadn’t come to fight lightning. Nor solely to temper himself.
Zzzt!
Eyes closed, he surrendered to the currents. Within moments, he sensed his Body of a Dragon absorbing the vital thunder energy.
Ecstasy filled him as his draconic form grew stronger.
"A dragon’s paradise! Storms nourish us as we command them. Though separated by thunder, this pool’s vitality matches prime dragon grounds."
"Nine transformative molts remain… this place might complete them!"
Determined, he resolved to soak here daily.
Hmm…
After absorbing at the edge, Mu Lin strode deeper. Outer currents boosted growth, but richer energies lay at the center.
Step by crackling step, he advanced toward the pool’s heart.