Chapter 255
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Chapter 255: The Golden Age, Beiwai Army
When the powerful clans learned clone cultivation could begin immediately without decades of Hard Practice, they abandoned all pretense. Noble ladies were swiftly dispatched to invite Mu Lin to banquets.
Even non-human clans grew restless—the Fox tribe and Feather Tribe showed interest. Though Mu Lin paid little attention to the submissive Merfolk, Yan Yunyu managed them well, ensuring they received the True Meaning Diagram of doppelgänger cultivation.
The Merfolk naturally offered treasures and stationed warriors in nearby rivers as Mu Lin’s spiritual soldiers.
Those seeking "training clone puppets" didn’t rely solely on seduction. Alongside beauties, they offered mountains of Spirit Stones and rare artifacts. This gave Mu Lin room to utilize his burning fate.
…
In the Fushan Fox tribe’s meeting hall, the weary clan leader addressed the elders:
"The Qingqiu Fox Tribe rejected our proposal."
"Why? Mu Lin’s clearly remarkable!"
Some elders looked puzzled, but the Seventh Elder explained:
"Because this world breeds countless talents during crises. A golden age dawns—heroes rise everywhere."
"Golden crows appear on eastern islands. Dragon Palace births three true dragon princes. The Hundred Thousand Mountains reveal White Tiger Star Lords and Black Fiend Fierce Tigers. Even our Fox tribe produced a nine-tailed celestial fox."
"These are divine beings, or at least divinity-touched creatures."
Recalling Qingqiu’s revelations, the elder shuddered at their former ignorance.
"Mu Lin might’ve qualified to marry Qingqiu’s princess before. Now he falls short."
As understanding spread, the Fushan leader rubbed his temples:
"We’ll send our three-tailed Fox Demon to serve Mu Lin. Qingqiu gave us treasures—combine them with White Spirit, and we’ll secure foothold near him."
He displayed a sword, bell, spirit herbs, and a tattered battle flag bearing faded "Wei" characters. Though damaged, the bloodstained relic pulsed with residual power.
Yet, despite this, a fierce bloodthirsty aura still radiated from the battle flag.
If Mu Lin had been there, he wouldn’t have cared about the flag’s aura or functions. He would’ve been stunned to discover this tattered banner carried immense human race fortune.
…
Treasures bearing human race fortune weren’t rare.
Current imperial seals, royal decrees, military tokens, even famous artworks, landmarks, and ancient cities could carry such fortune.
Human dynasties had risen and fallen through ages. During regime changes, while most fortune from previous dynasties vanished or merged into the new era’s fortune, some remnants clung to old relics.
This damaged battle flag clearly belonged to those remnants.
Such treasures once lay scattered across the land.
But as Mu Lin burned his own fortune to seek human fortune artifacts, these items gradually found their way to him through various means.
The Fox Tribe retrieving this flag from their vaults to give Mu Lin was just one example.
Powerful clans wanting doppelgänger cultivation puppets also offered ancient objects – vases, scrolls, old swords, weapons… Though each contained mere wisps of fortune, combined they made a significant amount.
Mu Lin sensed his City God Realm nearing physical manifestation. One final push would make it fully materialize. Then he’d truly possess the City God Realm, becoming a city’s Manifesting Earl.
"Never thought my treasure-hunting skill worked like this."
"Doesn’t matter. I’m almost there!"
…
The approaching City God manifestation kept Mu Lin in high spirits.
Meanwhile, Master Meng Rui stared at Mu Lin in disbelief. After several stunned glances, she turned to Dongfang Ya: "You’re certain he’s only trained for a month?"
Dongfang Ya shrugged. "Getting confused about time in your seclusion?"
"No! I know exactly how time passes! That’s why this makes no sense!"
The flustered master jabbed a finger at Mu Lin. "Explain this! Spring Fountain to Spirit Sea in thirty days? That advancement speed’s unnatural!"
True enough, Mu Lin had reached Spirit Sea realm.
To him, this made perfect sense. His Attribute Panel’s "effort equals reward" principle removed cultivation bottlenecks. His previous limitations came from lacking energy reserves.
While others slow down at higher realms, he accelerated. With unlimited resources, Time Tower’s secret realm, and his refresh ability, rapid growth became inevitable.
Dongfang Ya rubbed her tired eyes. Even she found his progress startling.
Hiding her fatigue, she stated flatly: "It’s reasonable. Before, he had poor Spiritual Roots, no resources, bad environment. Now with evolved second-class Roots, endless supplies, Time Secret Realm and energy pools? Of course he advances fast."
When Dongfang Ya uttered the last word "normal," she couldn’t meet Master Meng Rui’s gaze. Even she knew her explanation sounded flimsy.
Master Meng Rui wore a look that said, "Keep talking—I’ll decide if it’s worth hearing."
Dongfang Ya swiftly changed the subject. "Didn’t you also pin your hopes on Mu Lin? His progress shouldn’t surprise you."
The puppet master sighed heavily. "I believed Mu Lin would become a powerful being—even thought he’d help me surpass Puppet Master limits. But I expected ten years for basic growth. Fifty years before real assistance. Never imagined such drastic changes in mere weeks."
"He’s already helped you," Dongfang Ya countered. "Those clone orders solved your resource shortages. You’ll finally craft those puppets now."
Master Meng Rui’s shoulders slumped. "True. But this means I’m indebted. He aids me while I offer nothing in return."
The satisfaction she’d have felt years ago—when taking Qin Yuan as apprentice—eluded her now. Mu Lin’s potential had reshaped her expectations. This one-sided reliance felt wrong. When Mu Lin fully matured, their balanced relationship would leave no reason for him to help develop cultivation methods.
Dongfang Ya interrupted her brooding. "You can help him. Talent isn’t strength—he’s vulnerable now. Clever safeguards won’t save him. Yuhu Academy, Demon Exorcism Division, Yan and Chu families—none will risk everything for him."
"Become his protector?" Master Meng Rui’s lips twitched.
"Unwilling?"
"…No."
Outstanding trees attract storm winds. Ancient powerful clans shielded their talents with guardians. Humble Mu Lin faced harsher trials—he knew this. His schemes included courting Dongfang Ya at Anping Taoist Palace, accepting Yuhu Academy’s offers, even sharing Clone Cultivation Method to reduce envy.
But originally, only Dongfang Ya truly cared.
However, as Mu Lin’s strength grew and his talents flourished, Dongfang Ya began struggling to keep up. She decided to find herself an assistant. Meng Rui, who had her own interests tied to Mu Lin, agreed without hesitation. Considering Mu Lin’s rapid growth rate, Meng Rui believed her protective duties wouldn’t last long.
Mu Lin remained largely unaware of Dongfang Ya arranging a guardian for him. His current focus centered on gathering Fortune of a Dynasty.
The Fushan Fox tribe soon arrived. On their visitation day, Mu Lin paused his cultivation with a Perfectly Devoted Heart, joining Yan Yunyu to receive the Fox Demon Clan. After formal greetings, Mu Lin accepted the white fox Bai Lingling as his subordinate – a timid creature resembling a twelve-year-old human child, lacking any seductive charm typically associated with fox demons.
His brief inspection of Bai Lingling ended as his gaze locked onto the tattered battle flag.
"What’s this?"
"The battle flag of the Beiwai Army."
Since Bai Lingling appeared too young, accompanying Fox Demon Clan members answered instead. As the explanation began, Yan Yunyu’s brow creased. "The Beiwai Army? How did you obtain their standard?"
"It’s damaged, and we didn’t seize it ourselves."
Yan Yunyu scoffed but stayed silent. Mu Lin looked surprised. "You know about them?"
"They were legendary warriors from the previous dynasty," Yan Yunyu explained. "During an era of corrupt officials and demonic invasions, they suppressed evil forces and challenged the treacherous court. The prime minister eventually had their leader executed, then betrayed them during a critical battle against demons. Their downfall contributed to the dynasty’s collapse."
Her voice softened with pity. "Their tragic tale spread widely. Some even claim their spirits became evil ghosts still fighting for humanity." She shook her head dismissively.
Mu Lin’s eyes sparkled. "No wonder the flag holds such potent Fortune of a Dynasty – their legend lives on everywhere!" Turning to Yan Yunyu, he ordered: "Keep those storytellers employed. Have them spread Beiwai Army tales alongside underworld myths. Incorporate them as Yin soldiers in our divine narratives."
Though surprised, Yan Yunyu nodded obediently. "It shall be done."
After settling the Fox Demon Clan, Yan Yunyu dispatched storytellers to propagate the Beiwai legend. Meanwhile, Mu Lin reconsidered his original plan to drain the flag’s energy for his city god’s manifestation.
"This banner could become divine artifact," he mused. "Those legendary ghost soldiers might be made real!" Determination filled him – he would manifest the Beiwai Army as true Yin soldiers.
With preparations complete, Mu Lin resolved to unveil his city god’s power. "The time has come for the city god to walk openly in our world."
