Chapter 23
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Chapter 23: The Mighty One’s Demon-Subduing Map
With hope, Mu Lin practiced cultivation through the night, eventually restoring his energy through hibernation.
The next morning, his training continued as usual.
But at noon, he left early and returned to his courtyard.
The Taoist Palace cafeteria had regular and spiritual energy zones, though truly wealthy people never ate there—they hired spiritual chefs to prepare their meals.
Some chose quiet spots to eat alone after receiving their food.
Yan Yunyu, however, loved attention. Every noon, her servants carried meal boxes to the cafeteria where she dined publicly.
Her meals weren’t simple. Though not as lavish as a full imperial feast, she enjoyed fifteen to twenty dishes daily.
Made from spiritual materials, each dish cost dozens to nearly a hundred Spirit Stones.
She rarely ate alone, inviting those she favored to join.
Mu Lin’s friend Zong Xiu had been invited twice.
That day, Yan Yunyu sat gracefully under envious stares as usual.
Mid-meal, noise erupted from the cafeteria entrance.
All eyes shifted to the door, making her frown.
Before ordering her maid to investigate, she noticed the commotion moving toward her.
Soon she saw the cause: four finely dressed paper figure maidens carrying a wooden board holding a miniature paper palace.
Even Yan Yunyu, despite her experience, marveled at the exquisite Grand Garden.
Verdant trees, crimson towers, winding streams, and secluded paths created a fairyland-like scene.
From afar, the garden enchanted. Up close, details dazzled—emerald bamboos framing Xiaoxiang Pavilion, rustic Rice Fragrance Village, fragrant Hengwu Garden, breezy Qiu Shuang Studio.
The paper maidens inside seemed alive. Poetic inscriptions adorned many buildings, adding refinement.
Master-level painting skills transformed this door-sized paper model into art. Commoners lacked time to appreciate it, but Taoist Palace housed aristocratic children who valued such collectibles.
Before Mu Lin could have the paper figures present the garden to Yan Yunyu, someone blurted:
"Selling this? I offer eighty Spirit Stones!"
Mu Lin froze, surprised anyone didn’t know Yan Yunyu had commissioned it.
‘Must be a senior student…’
Before he could explain, Yan Yunyu stepped forward.
“Humph, this Grand Garden is mine!”
The senior sister was startled by the words, but she recognized the young lady. Instead of arguing with Yan Yunyu, she turned to Mu Lin and asked, “Can I place an order?”
“No. I’ve already promised Brother Mu. His artworks are to be sold exclusively to me.”
After speaking, she paced around the Grand Garden multiple times, her delight growing more obvious with each lap.
Nearly half a cup of tea later, she finally snapped back to reality and nodded at Mu Lin. “You’ve done well. I’m pleased with this Grand Garden. Name your reward.”
Ignoring her haughty tone—after all, she paid generously—Mu Lin swiftly stated his request.
“Thank you for your generosity, Miss Yan. My visualization training has stalled. I wish to borrow a spirit map depicting warriors.”
These specially crafted spirit maps allowed one’s soul to enter the image, experiencing the depicted warrior’s body and will firsthand. This was Mu Lin’s shortcut to visualizing a powerful warrior.
‘This aligns with the second method from the Paper Folding Secret Manual: forming a pact with a warrior to closely study their secrets. The map simply skips the observation phase.’
As expected, the wealthy young lady granted his wish without hesitation.
“A spirit map? Simple enough…”
She rummaged through her storage ring and handed him a yellowed scroll. “Here’s the Mighty One’s Demon-Subduing Map. It has three uses left. Study it carefully.”
With that, Yan Yunyu ignored Mu Lin, wholly absorbed in examining the Grand Garden.
Mu Lin accepted the map, clasped his hands in thanks, and departed. After he left, Yan Yunyu admired the garden’s graceful scenery until she abruptly ordered her maid: “Xiaoxue, hire artists to replicate this. Have it constructed in the city. I’ll reside here henceforth.”
“…Understood.”
The command stunned Xiaoxue and onlookers alike. When the maid complied, the crowd marveled at the Yan family’s extravagance—erecting a paper palace on whim proved their disregard for wealth.
Many now contemplated imitating Mu Lin to gain favors from this “empty-headed” heiress. Yet witnessing subsequent events would reveal that not everyone could profit from her.
Had Mu Lin stayed, he’d have shuddered at his boldness.
…
After lingering awhile, Yan Yunyu transported the Grand Garden to her residence. Once home, her arrogance softened into something more calculating. Xiaoxue remained impassive.
“Miss, was giving him that map wise? Even as pretense, it’s excessive.”
“His luck can’t offset the map’s value.”
Yan Yunyu chuckled. “Consider it buying goodwill. His antics cemented my foolish reputation. Future suitors will lower their guards…” Retrieve more treasures from our vaults. Those coveting Yan wealth shall receive it.”
Pity flashed in Xiaoxue’s eyes. The Four Seas Pavilion ruled multiple provinces not through kindness—debts to the Yan family always came due.
“Should we monitor Mu Lin? If misfortune strikes him…”
“Unnecessary. I didn’t drain much of his fortune.” Yan Yunyu smiled. “He’s prudent. His first request was modest, and this garden truly pleases me.”
“Pity his Spiritual Roots Talent is weak. Otherwise, I’d have offered the Six Ding and Six Jia Map to bind him as my servant.”
…
Mu Lin remained unaware that his mediocre talent saved him. Not that he’d necessarily have been ensnared.
Upon returning home, he immediately unsealed the scroll. Beyond the Yellow Turban Might—Taoism’s guardian—he discovered something else: a besieged Asura demon beneath the spirit map.
The Asura’s aura hinted it too could be visualized. A single Asura surpassed one Might, yet six Mights had united to subdue it—shieldbearers, spearmen, blademasters, hammer-wielders, chain-fighters, and archers.
“Six warrior types plus the Asura… Now I owe her.”
Though tempted to exploit this windfall, his past-life morals resisted exploiting others. “I’ll perfect the remaining paper palaces…”
This very integrity might protect him. Were Yan Yunyu to offer the Six Ding and Six Jia Map, he’d likely refuse. Everything carried hidden costs, and cautious Mu Lin only accepted what he could repay.
