Chapter 33
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 33: The Catfish Effect
Having reached the Spring Fountain stage while his magical cultivation remained at drawing in energy was, by common logic, nearly impossible. The cultivation realm widely agreed that refining magic power came easily, but advancing stages proved difficult.
Normally, Mu Lin wouldn’t have been in this situation. But he wasn’t normal—his proficiency panel worked *too* well.
Fortunately, his fears didn’t materialize. This outcome tied directly to Teacher Dongfang Ya. Before leaving earlier, she’d ordered him to visit her room at noon.
Mu Lin didn’t dare delay. When the midday bell chimed, he rushed to her door without even eating.
Before he could knock, her crisp voice called out:
“Enter.”
The room surprised him. Unlike a typical cultivator’s workspace cluttered with documents, Teacher Dongfang Ya’s quarters resembled a teahouse—simple yet elegantly decorated.
Keeping his eyes lowered, Mu Lin bowed. “Teacher, I’m here. How may I serve?”
“No service required. Earlier, I used you as an example to scold the class. Does this anger you?”
Mu Lin froze briefly before stammering, “I wouldn’t dare.”
“‘Wouldn’t dare’ implies hidden frustration. Understandable—my words turned peers into rivals.”
“You misunderstand. Even without your words, they’d never accept me.”
This world differed starkly from his past life’s equality ideals. Here, royalty and powerful clans clung to beliefs of noble bloodlines, enforcing rigid hierarchies.
With Level 3 Spiritual Roots, Mu Lin ranked below those with Level 2 Spiritual Roots. No team would welcome him unless he groveled—which he refused.
Dongfang Ya nodded, pleased by his self-awareness. “You grasp your position well. Still, I exploited you. Compensation is due.”
When he opened his mouth to protest, she cut him off. “Don’t refuse. My motives aren’t purely altruistic. I’m giving resources so you’ll excel in the Tower of Illusions—to shock those arrogant Formal Class students into working harder.”
Mu Lin instantly recognized the strategy: the catfish effect. By inserting an outsider (him) among complacent students, she aimed to spur growth through competition.
He approved—this teacher offered fair exchange, not empty manipulation.
“Thank you, Teacher,” he accepted readily.
“Hmm.”
Noticing Mu Lin’s lack of resistance, Dongfang Ya nodded approvingly. “State your desires,” she said. “I’ll decide if they’re worthy of reward.”
“Additionally,” she continued, “the Taoist Palace holds regular assessments. Those who excel earn rewards. Should you distinguish yourself, I’ll grant you extra benefits beyond the palace’s offerings.”
Mu Lin’s grin widened. Free advantages? Who wouldn’t cherish those? After thanking his teacher profusely, he voiced his request.
“Teacher Dongfang, I’ve earned a spell exchange opportunity. Does the Scripture Pavilion hold techniques to resist evil spirits—specifically those guarding against soul corruption?”
Dongfang Ya’s eyebrow arched.
“Resisting instead of chasing the land of Heaven’s Funeral’s Strange Powers? Truly, your potential outshines most in the Formal Class.”
Pausing thoughtfully, she declared, “The Taoist Palace’s Scripture Pavilion does house such cultivation methods. But guidance alone isn’t a proper reward… Very well. I’ll supplement your merit points. Exchange them for the top-tier Earth-level cultivation method—Heart Lamp of Will. It excels against soul corruption.”
Her expression turned grave as she warned, “Though the heart lamp offers protection, remain vigilant. The land of Heaven’s Funeral ranks among the nine forbidden realms. Your Paper Folding Lineage’s methods only reach top-tier Earth-level not due to weakness, but because your predecessors settled merely at its outermost edge.”
“True horrors dwell within that land. Avoid drawing upon its powers unless desperate.”
“Your counsel is appreciated, Teacher. I’ll exercise caution.”
“Hmm.”
As Dongfang Ya turned to lead him away, she abruptly tossed him a vial. “Black Water Mystic Serpent vital blood. Take it. This trinket means nothing to me.”
“……”
The casual gifting of his coveted prize made Mu Lin certain—this teacher wasn’t some ordinary person.
“Upgrading my exchange privileges with her merit points? Handing over serpent blood without blinking? No commoner would…”
He abandoned the thought. Speculating about Dongfang Ya’s lineage served no purpose. Her actions revealed her true nature: a generous, responsible mentor. He resolved to nurture this connection.
‘Flattery won’t work. A sorceress of her standing—perhaps even a High Mastery of Transformation cultivator—hears empty praise daily. Might disgust her.’
‘Art gifts? Impossible. Can’t risk involving Yan Yunyu either…’
His poverty mocked him. Building rapport with Teacher Dongfang seemed impossible.
‘But this is expected. A nobody like me wouldn’t approach such wealth without the teacher-student bond.’
Yet inspiration struck. Since she valued diligence and had chosen him as an assistant, he’d amplify her efforts. By supporting her goals, he’d naturally strengthen their bond.
