Chapter 169
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Chapter 169: Once a Grandson, Still a Grandson; Was My Cultivation All for Nothing?
Mu Lin remained unaware of the events unfolding in Master Meng Rui’s residence. After cutting off communication, he immediately resumed cultivation.
His true body practiced outside the Time Tower while his clone cultivated within. As he trained, days slipped by unnoticed.
Meanwhile, crowds began converging at Yuhu Academy—wealthy merchants rubbing shoulders with frontier soldiers, high-ranking nobles exchanging glances with Demon Exorcism Division officials. Their purpose unified: talent recruitment.
Much like the imperial examination tradition of seizing promising scholars as sons-in-law, this world prized Qi Practitioners above all. Those showing potential became magnets for patronage and investment. Wealthy merchants scraped for third-rate talents while nobles and military factions battled for the cream of the crop. Parents of academy students also flocked to observe assessments, eager to witness resource allocation decisions by the elders.
Whether drawn by growing worldly turmoil or the exotic arrivals from foreign lands, this year’s spectators outnumbered previous records. The influx transformed Yuzhou City into a roaring cauldron of activity—a development that soon brushed against Mu Lin’s daily life.
"I’m sorry, Mu brother," Yan Yunyu fretted, genuine distress coloring her voice. "The city’s packed tighter than a rice barrel, and reservation queues stretch longer than autumn snakes…"
Mu Lin waved off her apology, taking in the teeming tavern. Where quiet conversations once lingered, now elbows knocked and voices overlapped. Not a single private room remained unclaimed.
"Don’t blame yourself," he reassured. "Securing any seat at all counts as victory today."
Guiding the two women through the crowd, Mu Lin drew little attention—an unsurprising outcome. Though he’d created the revolutionary True Meaning Diagram of doppelgänger cultivation, Yan Yunyu, Flower Xingyu, and Yuance guarded the secret fiercely. The latter wouldn’t even trust his own parents with the knowledge.
Yan Yunyu’s logic proved mercilessly practical: why trade limitless cultivation advantages for fleeting Spirit Stones? By restricting access to the True Meaning Diagram, they maintained exclusive benefits—a necessity when endless aspirants clamored for limited viewing slots.
This collective secrecy kept Mu Lin’s reputation subdued, though the young cultivator felt no urgency. The approaching Southeast Province assessments would inevitably thrust him into the spotlight, exposing his creation. For now, the steady stream of Spirit Stones from Flower Xingyu, Yuance, and Lin Qi kept worries at bay.
"Let the currents carry us," he murmured, navigating the boisterous tavern.
While thinking, Mu Lin headed toward the tavern.
Yan Yunyu and Chu Lingluo each clung to one of his arms as they walked.
The trio looked close, but they didn’t stand out much in the tavern. Many patrons had female companions—groups of three or five were common, and some even brought a dozen. Mu Lin’s two companions seemed ordinary.
As Mu Lin followed Yan Yunyu’s directions to their seats, a shocked voice suddenly called out nearby.
"Ling… Lingluo?!"
The three turned instinctively. Mu Lin saw Chu Lingluo’s mother conversing with noblewomen in a private room. The door now stood open, revealing the group staring at them—some stunned, others amused.
Mu Lin frowned, wanting to leave quickly. But Chu Lingluo, spotting her mother, brightened instantly.
"Mother!"
She tugged Mu Lin’s arm toward the private room.
"Mother, this is Brother Mu Lin, my Captain! He’s kind and amazing…"
Chu Lingluo lavished praise on Mu Lin until he sounded like a rare treasure. The noblewomen exchanged confused glances, unsure of his background. Then Chu Lingluo added:
"Oh, Mother—do you have Spirit Stones? I’m almost out!"
"Once you get Spirit Stones, I’ll treat you to good food like Yunyu does!"
Silence fell.
Mu Lin winced—the words made him sound like he was sponging off a "soft meal," which he’d admittedly done before. How capable could a freeloader be? The noblewomen now eyed him strangely. Chu Lingluo’s mother scowled.
Yan Yunyu stepped in quickly. "You’re mistaken, Lingluo. Brother Mu Lin uses Spirit Stones he earned himself."
This wasn’t entirely face-saving—while Yan Yunyu had booked the meal, Mu Lin paid most costs. Securing the spot also relied on Master Meng Rui’s help, granted due to Mu Lin’s connections (though Yan Yunyu handled the talks).
The noblewomen didn’t believe her. Hearing Mu Lin funded himself only confirmed his commoner status, drawing scornful looks. Yan Yunyu tried explaining more, but Mu Lin stopped her.
Pleasing Chu Lingluo’s mother might help win her favor, but past disrespect left Mu Lin unwilling to grovel. *I cultivate for freedom. If I still act meek after gaining power, what’s the point?*
He no longer feared Chu Lingluo’s mother anyway. His talents now earned protection from Dongfang Ya, Meng Rui, and Anping Taoist Palace. After this assessment, more backers would follow. The Chu family wouldn’t risk offending so many allies just for her pride—she wasn’t even their family head.
"Miss Chu, stay with your mother. Yunyu and I will eat elsewhere."
"No! I’m coming too! And call me Lingluo!"
"Mother, I’ll see you tonight!"
Mu Lin left, but the noblewomen’s whispers about him continued. Their odd stares at Chu Lingluo’s mother lingered.
