Chapter 202
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Chapter 202: The Calligraphy on the Verge of Advancement to Master
"Stop!"
"Facing this calamity, we humans should cooperate peacefully instead of fighting each other."
If Mu Lin crushed all opposition, Yuhu Academy would suffer. But Yan Zhanpeng and Chu Hongxuan would also fade into obscurity without chances to prove themselves.
This outcome was unacceptable to Chu Hongxuan’s allies.
Both their followers and family elders wanted them to shine and earn more resources through outstanding performances.
While anxious, they brainstormed ways to convince Mu Lin to spare their offspring.
No one considered threats. After witnessing Mu Lin’s talent, any sane person knew he’d rise to power.
Many clans and organizations would support Mu Lin’s growth during this impending disaster.
He wasn’t some nobody to be bullied anymore.
The powerful clans lived up to their reputation. In their urgency, they quickly devised two or three strategies.
"Let’s find Mountain Elder. He organized this trial and can contact participants. He should remind Mu Lin about human solidarity – our real enemies are alien races, not fellow humans."
"Ahem, our children attacked first. Demanding mercy outright seems improper. We should offer resources instead."
"Good plan. I agree."
"Me too."
"I’ll contact Yan and Chu families. Chu Lingluo and Yan Yunyu are close to Mu Lin. Their persuasion might soften his stance."
"True. Pillow talk works wonders."
Chu Hongxuan’s supporters sprang into action. Some approached Mountain Elder at Yuhu Academy, others gathered resources, while several visited Yan family’s four clan elders and Chu Lingluo’s mother seeking mediation.
The Yan elders felt gratified by these pleading requests. Their boosted prestige made them appreciate Mu Lin more.
"I’ll inform Yunyu, but I only relay messages. Their decisions are their own."
"Your help is enough."
…
Though weaker than Mu Lin in combat, Yan Yunyu matched his strategic skills. Her loyalty made him consult her often.
When Mu Lin sought her opinion now, Yan Yunyu didn’t answer immediately. She whispered: "Mu brother, stop targeting Chu Hongxuan."
"Before, human survival wasn’t at stake. Our squabbles mattered less."
"But during this disaster, fighting looks petty. Showing mercy would impress the Demon Exorcism Division and county officials."
"Except for Huameng."
Her face darkened. "That bitch dared attack you! We must destroy her!"
Mu Lin’s near-death experience clearly haunted her.
Mu Lin nodded. "Chu Hongxuan’s group never threatened me. Sparing them costs nothing. But Huameng? I’m no forgiving saint."
Pleased by his decisiveness, Yan Yunyu suddenly added:
"Wait before acting, Mu brother. There might be surprises coming."
Mu Lin raised an eyebrow at her words.
He didn’t know where any pleasant surprise might come from, but trusting Yan Yunyu, he nodded and said:
"Alright. Your call."
…
Since Chu Lingluo asked him to wait, Mu Lin didn’t move immediately.
Yet he didn’t just stand around either.
While activating the Heart Lamp of Will’s flame to resist the blood mist’s soul corruption, he simultaneously scorched himself with lightning to burn away excess tentacles and organs growing on his body.
—Though he’d stopped actively absorbing the blood mist, his body kept mutating under the Bloody Moon’s influence.
This was the Bloody Moon’s gift to all living things, but also its corruption. The transformation would only stop when reaching one’s limit—by which time Mu Lin might gain power, but lose control of his own flesh.
Fortunately, his conscious suppression slowed this mutation considerably.
"Constant lightning strikes could sustain me for a week. Going all out, I might last a month."
The latter estimate relied on his Substitute Paper Figure.
Mu Lin wasn’t being reckless by allowing blood mist corruption instead of shielding himself like Yan Yunyu’s group did with paper figures. His confidence came from the master-level Substitute Paper Figure’s exceptional power.
"The Substitute Paper Figure stems from my fundamental cultivation method—the Great Yin Living Scripture. At master-level, it transfers all physical abnormalities to itself. My body’s corruption becomes the paper figure’s corruption."
"When nearing my limit, I’ll just transfer the mutations to the paper figure and burn it away."
This renewable safeguard allowed him to endure the blood mist’s invasion.
…
While suppressing mutations, the waiting Mu Lin did something unexpected—he took out writing materials under the crimson hell’s bloody light.
The scholarly gesture left Yan Yunyu speechless. Though hesitant to comment, others showed no such restraint—especially eliminated Yuhu Academy students who’d lost to Mu Lin. Seeing him practice calligraphy amidst endless demons and blood-colored monsters, they scoffed:
"Such pretentious acting."
"Trying too hard."
"But kinda dashing though."
"Wait what?"
The last comments came from starry-eyed girls. In a world that worshipped powerful beings, while other Cloud City talents fled monsters in disarray, Mu Lin’s calm writing created striking contrast—projecting both refinement and strength.
Innocent girls found his display charming. More calculating ones saw practical value—they understood their future status depended on a husband’s capabilities, and Mu Lin’s proven worth made him prime marriage material. Even if considering his actions theatrical, they’d still cheer for him.
But was Mu Lin truly showing off?
Not at all. His brushwork served practical purposes.
"Painting and calligraphy are twin arts. With my painting at grandmaster level, my calligraphy isn’t far behind. This waiting period’s perfect for pushing it to the next stage."
…
