Chapter 25

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Chapter 25: The Money-Adding Taoist

Mu Lin never expected that after Zong Xiu and the others left, he would become the most talked-about person in the class, surrounded by flattery and envy.

Surprisingly, more people gathered around him than around the two remaining second-class talents.

Most of them were girls, drawn to Mu Lin’s paper folding and painting skills.

The small animals, flower umbrellas, and lanterns he crafted were always popular, as girls adored such artistic creations.

Another reason was artists’ high status among the upper class.

In the past, there were figures like Li Bai in the East, who made nobles kneel to remove his boots, and Beethoven in the West.

If not for the constant threats of evil spirits and chaos in this world, Mu Lin’s artistic talent alone could have secured him a comfortable life.

Even now, his paper folding and painting skills earned him Spirit Stones.

Some girls believed his art would help him mingle with high society, which fueled their admiration.

But Mu Lin found the attention tiresome—he only wanted to focus on cultivation.

Not everyone shared his indifference.

Pang Ding, proud of his Level 2 Spiritual Roots, had hoped to bask in praise once the top students like Yan Yunyu and Ji Xue left.

Yet even after their departure, he remained overshadowed by Mu Lin, a mere third-class talent.

This infuriated Pang Ding, who saw himself as superior.

He mocked Mu Lin several times, though the Taoist Palace’s rules and Yan Yunyu’s favor kept his taunts verbal.

Mu Lin ignored him, preferring to spend time on cultivation.

“Focus on training, and you’ll gain wealth and beauty. Wasting time on petty rivalries is sheer foolishness!”

…

“Fool!”

“Does that bastard think his tricks will impress Miss Yan?”

“Skipping proper training for underhanded methods—he’s a disgrace to the Taoist Palace!”

While Mu Lin criticized Pang Ding’s lack of dedication, the Formal Class students resented Mu Lin for “neglecting his duties.”

His frequent interactions with Yan Yunyu annoyed many.

To repay the favor he owed her, Mu Lin poured effort into his paper folding during training sessions.

Instead of random creations, he meticulously crafted pieces inspired by his past-life knowledge.

After the flower boat and paper palace, his third major project was an underwater world.

He used a Spirit Stone to buy waterproof paper and paint, then folded colorful fish, seaweed, and bright corals… After putting these into a large glass tank with water, Mu Lin created a stunning underwater scene. He gave this to Yan Yunyu. Since it was to repay a favor, he asked for nothing in return.

“You don’t want payment?”

Mu Lin said, “It’s not that. I owed you too much before. Once I repay it, if you want more big items like this, you’ll need to pay with Spirit Stones.”

Yan Yunyu fell silent for a moment before saying proudly, “…I underestimated you.”

Mu Lin’s actions raised Yan Yunyu’s opinion of him, irritating the other boys who sought her attention. While Mu Lin believed he was balancing cultivation with repaying debts, others in the Formal Class thought he’d abandoned proper training to chase Yan Yunyu through paper crafts. Many glared at him, and some even wanted to teach him a lesson.

But the outcome surprised everyone. Pang Ding’s actions were mindless—beating Mu Lin wouldn’t aid his cultivation. Yan Yunyu, however, had Spirit Stones to spare. Pleasing her brought real benefits. Even Mu Lin had once made art for her to gain resources. Winning her heart as a spouse wouldn’t just save thirty years of struggle—three hundred was more accurate.

Though Yan Yunyu seemed like a spoiled girl (her true nature hidden from all, including Mu Lin), her wealth drew many Qi Practitioners. Ambitious youths flocked to impress her, so countless glared at Mu Lin. Yet only one or two commoners actually tried to confront him.

Aristocratic children dismissed Mu Lin. “He can’t rival me,” one sneered. “Even if Yunyu likes him, he’s just a third-class talent commoner—a jester at best.”

A servant advised, “Master, ignore him. But… wealthy ladies sometimes elope with poor boys. Best to warn him.”

Superior talent and status made aristocrats see Mu Lin as harmless. Most settled for warnings, but a clever few hatched better plans.

That night, an aristocratic youth with a folding fan approached Mu Lin. “Have some self-awareness. Chasing Yan Yunyu will only harm you.”

Mu Lin sighed. “I know. She’s beautiful, but I’m not delusional. I’m just repaying favors with paper crafts. After four pieces, I’ll stay away. Happy?”

Jiang Yun hadn’t expected Mu Lin’s quick surrender. Mu Lin himself was tired—he’d repeated this promise endlessly.

After a pause, Jiang Yun said lightly, “Good. Hand the crafts to me. I’ll deliver them.”

Mu Lin stiffened, then snapped, “These are my heart’s work! I spent days perfecting them! They’re art!”

“So?” Jiang Yun smirked, thinking Mu Lin resisted letting go.

Mu Lin spoke again: “Then pay extra.”