Chapter 222
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Chapter 222: The Possibility of City God Realm Consolidation
The shocking truth made Dongfang Ya doubt herself.
This wasn’t unreasonable – the later stages of cultivation demanded exponentially more time. Early phases like sensing qi and awakening could be completed by prodigies in twenty to thirty days, even perfected. But subsequent stages like Spirit Pool and Spirit Sea normally required months for minimal progress.
Mu Lin defied all expectations.
His initial stages – sensing, drawing in energy, awakening – though fast by ordinary standards, seemed mediocre among top talents, barely surpassing those with Level 2 Spiritual Roots. Yet his cultivation speed increased exponentially, now reaching monstrous levels.
Dongfang Ya’s hands trembled as she performed multiple inspections, even employing secret techniques. Every test confirmed Mu Lin’s cultivation had genuinely reached mid Spirit Pool stage (purely in magic power). Though his energy appeared slightly depleted and unstable:
"Normal depletion," she muttered. "Adequate resources can fix this."
Suddenly everything made sense – Mu Lin’s recent resource demands, the clans’ compliance.
"Different people hold different value," she recalled the harsh truth. Powerful clans would bankrupt ordinary people over silver coins, yet showered geniuses with thousands of Spirit Stones as mere gifts.
Her earlier concerns about Mu Lin’s greed now seemed foolish. Given his terrifying growth rate, no request seemed excessive.
"I… may have misjudged you," Dongfang Ya admitted awkwardly.
Mu Lin simply shrugged.
Though tensions eased, wonder still burned in the teacher’s eyes. Yan Yunyu and her Yan family entourage shared this astonishment. They’d considered manipulating Mu Lin through marriage, wanting his talents for their bloodline. Now they realized – this young man operated on an entirely different plane.
But at this moment, all they felt was relief.
"A Mu Lin like this is impossible to oppose."
…
Mu Lin sensed their admiration and wasn’t surprised.
Even he himself was shocked by his own rapid progress.
"Fixed methods let me advance step by step, but they drain too much energy. Each use leaves my body severely weakened – they can’t be used regularly."
"The bright red wine gourd merely replenished my energy."
"But when combined, they created a transformation where one plus one became greater than three…"
After this realization, Mu Lin noticed flaws in his abilities.
He could boost his magic power, physical strength, and spirit, but couldn’t improve his cultivation methods.
Those still required personal training or enlightenment from the world.
Fortunately, his mastery of cultivation methods far surpassed his actual Cultivation level, making this no immediate concern.
"I’ve truly taken flight now!"
While Mu Lin rejoiced, Dongfang Ya remained and surprised him again.
"Your talent’s extraordinary. Tell me truthfully – you really have Level 3 Spiritual Roots?"
"Naturally."
"Not for much longer."
"Eh?"
After initial confusion, understanding dawned on Mu Lin’s face as he stared at his teacher.
"Teacher… could it be?"
His delighted expression softened Dongfang Ya’s features.
"Exactly. I returned to the academy recently and obtained resources from Mountain Elder to evolve your Spiritual Roots."
"My deepest thanks, Teacher."
Mu Lin bowed deeply. With improved Spiritual Roots, his training speed would soar higher – true wings for a tiger.
Dongfang Ya waved off his gratitude.
"Thank yourself. Without your achievements, even my silver tongue couldn’t have convinced Mountain Elder."
"You earned this through merit."
She left a jade box and departed. Mu Lin watched her go before turning to Yan Yunyu.
"You’ve got something too."
“Hmm, two things. One is from the Feather Tribe. Their Tian Yun has always challenged your authority, Mu brother, openly declaring she wants to fight you. How should we respond?”
Hearing this, Mu Lin answered without hesitation:
“Tell her I’ll accept her challenge during the second assessment round. Not now.”
With his bright red wine gourd and fixed abilities, Mu Lin’s strength grew daily.
Naturally, he wanted to delay facing Tian Yun as long as possible.
“Understood.”
Yan Yunyu never questioned Mu Lin’s decisions, acting swiftly as always.
After nodding, she moved to the second matter.
“The Demon Exorcism Division, Kunpeng Legion, and Canglong Legion have approached me multiple times with offers. Have you decided which to join, Mu brother?”
This time, Mu Lin fell silent, deep in thought.
“Tell me their terms first.”
“Yes.”
Yan Yunyu began: “The Kunpeng Legion specializes in naval warfare across rivers and seas. They possess many water-based treasures and offer related resources.”
“You’d start as a Qi Practitioner aboard the Cangjing ship with Captain rank, leading a dozen Qi Practitioners and over a hundred warriors.”
“Their resources include water-based items and Dragon bloodline purification through their Dragon Palace connections. They even promise to help you become a water domain ruler after sufficient service and achievements.”
Mu Lin cared little for the initial status or resources, but the Dragon Palace ties and rulership possibility intrigued him.
Still, he waited to hear the other options.
Noticing his silence, Yan Yunyu continued:
“The Canglong Legion guards the Great Spirit Dynasty’s capital. They offer top-tier facilities, including access to the Tower of Illusions’ main tower and connections with powerful figures…”
Mu Lin shook his head, cutting her off:
“What about the Demon Exorcism Division?”
“Don’t you want the Canglong Legion’s advantages?”
“The capital’s full of nobles. I won’t fit in there.”
Recalling Mu Lin’s personality, Yan Yunyu agreed silently and explained the third option:
“The Demon Exorcism Division’s offer includes funding from wealthy clans. You’d receive immediate resources, Scripture Pavilion access, and Silver Badge Demon Exorcist status upon joining.”
“Ranks go from regular to Bronze, Silver, Gold, then titled. In cities like Yucheng or Anping, Silver Badges lead small teams. Gold Badges manage districts. Only titled ones oversee entire cities.”
“But in smaller towns, a Silver Badge makes you a top authority. They guarantee local noble support wherever you go.”
Unlike corrupt officials, Demon Exorcists fought monsters and evil spirits. People sought their protection, making nobles eager to cooperate.
After this summary, Mu Lin saw the choices clearly:
Canglong Legion for social climbers.
Kunpeng Legion for water cultivators.
Demon Exorcism Division for freedom.
His transformation ability interested the Kunpeng Legion, but their water focus mismatched his Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique.
Military life also chafed against his independent nature.
Most crucially, he needed to solidify his City God Realm.
“City Gods require human fortune, not just royal approval. By protecting a city and earning trust, I can manifest my City God Realm.”
