Chapter 45

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Chapter 45: Painting, Paper Folding, and New Breakthroughs! The Possibility of Cursing Stronger Enemies

The Paper Figure Curse had high potential and could combine with many spells, making it essential for paper folders to master.

But soon, Mu Lin faced a problem. With his proficiency panel, practicing techniques through actual use was fastest. Yet he had no enemies to curse.

"Qi Xiu counts as an enemy, but attacking him rashly would draw Taoist Palace’s attention. Getting expelled would be the least punishment. Since I’d be causing trouble first, I’d be lucky if Teacher Dongfang Ya didn’t punish me herself."

After failing to find a target, Mu Lin made his Substitute Paper Figure curse—himself.

"Cursing small animals gives less proficiency than cursing humans! Low-level curses aren’t deadly anyway. At Level 1 Entry, it only causes phantom pain. I’ll be fine!"

The decisive Mu Lin immediately made a paper figure, dripped vital blood on it, and wrote his true name with birth date. After preparing everything, he gave the figure to his Substitute Paper Figure to curse him, then closed his eyes to cultivate…

"Hiss!"

Before starting, Mu Lin’s arm burned with pain. He opened his eyes to find a bleeding cut.

"???"

"What’s happening?"

At first he suspected an attack, but looking around showed everyone either training or fawning over Yan Yunyu and Chu Lingluo. Nobody watched him.

"If not others, then how…"

Mid-thought, he saw his Substitute Paper Figure slash the named paper figure. A matching wound appeared on his thigh.

Now Mu Lin understood the attacker, but grew more confused.

"Grandfather said novice paper figures can’t really harm—only cause phantom pain after hours of energy infusion!"

Curses weren’t easy. His Substitute Paper Figure contained his Essence, Qi, and Spirit. He’d fully cooperated during its creation, and it resided inside his body. Even with these advantages, their Level 2 Proficiency connection only reached 30%.

Yet the Paper Figure Curse was Level 1. The link used only true name, birth date, and vital blood. Normally, less than 10% damage would transfer, explaining the phantom pain.

But reality defied logic.

"Why?"

Staring at the Substitute Paper Figure and the paper figure it held, Mu Lin observed for a long while before gradually forming some guesses.

"Could this be due to paper folding, painting, and calligraphy?"

As all know, curses are techniques that harm enemies through mediums.

The closer the medium’s connection to the target, the more curse power gets transmitted.

Hence, most curses require the enemy’s true name, birth date, vital blood, or at minimum, frequently used clothing or hair… These actions strengthen the bond between medium and victim.

In this world, images and true names hold power. Master-level paper folding could perfectly replicate an enemy’s "form," while painting captured their "spirit." Calligraphy’s hidden meanings made writing true names and birth dates magically potent.

Earlier, Mu Lin had cursed himself using all three skills – folding, painting, and writing – creating a paper figure so vivid it Possessed Form and Spirit. This figure naturally shared a mystical link with him.

“……”

Mu Lin fell silent. He’d never imagined these artistic skills could synergize so powerfully with curse techniques.

"So I did this to myself?"

Facepalming at his blunder, Mu Lin soon felt pleased. While cursing himself was a mistake, applying this method against enemies could be lethal.

"If the Level 1 Paper Figure Curse already wounds me when combined with these skills, what happens at Level 2 Proficiency or Level 3 Mastery? With such potent curses and lifelike paper figures, could I curse above my cultivation rank?"

After consideration, he found this feasible. The prospect made him anticipate the coming assessment eagerly.

…

Discovering no sabotage but his own actions, Mu Lin ordered the substitute to keep cursing him while another began paper folding. His main body endured pain, summoning the power of Heaven’s Funeral while resisting it with his proud heart lamp.

Time flowed as Mu Lin cultivated. Within one incense stick’s time, the Substitute Paper Figure practicing curses collapsed first. Unlike before, when its magic depleted, it didn’t vanish. Instead, Mu Lin’s split soul returned to his body carrying curse training experience.

"Ugh…"

Information flooded Mu Lin’s mind, furrowing his brow. This remained clone cultivation’s hidden danger – sudden knowledge surges risked idiocy or brain death. Ironically, he wasn’t qualified for such risks yet.

"Thousands of clones returning together might cause brain death. With just two clones, I only get headaches."

Checking his Paper Figure Curse progress after a bitter smile, Mu Lin started. Intense practice had completed nearly half the Level 1 requirements in one session.

[Paper Figure Curse, Level 1 Novice (49/101)]

"One more attempt should trigger advancement…"