Chapter 53
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 53: Subduing the Little Girl Who Sells Matches
The scraping of claws against chains and coffin echoed through Mu Lin’s chamber.
Outside, flames cast monstrous shadows – a gigantic dog and serpent madly battering against the house walls.
But Mu Lin’s Yellow Turban Might proved their worth. Six hulking warriors joined forces, crushing both beasts after intense struggle.
"Hiss…"
The defeated creatures dissolved into green smoke, leaving no trace.
Now only the imprisoned little girl remained in Mu Lin’s dwelling.
"Roar!"
Blazing flames relentlessly Refined the child, branding her with marks of domination.
Mu Lin’s thoughts burned fierce:
‘Evil ghosts from the land of Heaven’s Funeral mean nothing! Once my Mind Image world evolves into Fengdu’s realm, such creatures will become mere prison guards in hell!’
This wasn’t mere arrogance. With his proficiency panel and past-life memories, transforming Mind Image · City of Heaven’s Funeral into Mind Image · Fengdu’s domain felt achievable.
His conviction fed the proud heart lamp, making its flames surge brighter.
"Roar!"
Trapped in the coffin, the girl’s resistance weakened under fiery Refinement.
By tea-brewing time, her struggles ceased. Mu Lin extracted fragments of her Information:
"This is indeed my imagined match-selling girl, but power of Heaven’s Funeral twisted her tale. Once her flames meant warmth and love."
"Now corrupted, her matches burn negative emotions as fuel for attacks."
"First match – my indifference became soul-freezing blizzards."
"Second match – barely kindled darkness from my past-life values, weak black fog."
"Third match – greed manifested as ravenous large dog."
"Fourth match – strongest conviction became mighty serpent of arrogance."
"Fifth match – feeble spark of fear, for I never feared her."
Truth was, Mu Lin felt no dread toward the match girl. He didn’t regret invoking Burial Power either.
First reason: the dangerous world teemed with evil spirits. Unlike Chu Lingluo exempt from conscription, he couldn’t hide forever. Early exposure meant strength.
Second reason: Dongfang Ya.
"I’m not alone."
As Taoist Palace student under Dongfang Ya, Mu Lin had backing.
(That last bit was half-jest.)
Through their interactions, he’d come to understand his teacher’s true nature.
Therefore, he confirmed he was truly in danger. Whether out of duty (not permitting evil spirits to rampage in the Taoist Palace) or kindness, Teacher Dongfang Ya wouldn’t ignore his cry for help.
Having even a high-level cultivator backing him, Mu Lin felt as steady as an old dog, completely unperturbed.
"Having connections in high places really is wonderful."
During Mu Lin’s musing, he finished Refining the little girl who sells matches.
"Clang!"
As the coffin lid lifted, the flame-marked girl reappeared before him.
She still radiated eerie horror.
Yet before Mu Lin, she remained docile.
But Mu Lin paid her no mind now. Having fully Refined her, he’d glimpsed her true nature.
His brow rose – this was an external manifestation of bizarre energy.
"I recall the key difference between bizarre entities and monsters/evil spirits is their immortality."
"They’re like cancerous growths upon the world’s rules. Impossible to truly eradicate."
Mu Lin took comfort in knowing while indestructible, they could be sealed or controlled.
Most lacked intelligence, acting only on instinct. Thus they brought calamity but couldn’t dominate the world.
Relief washed over him – only a wisp of bizarre energy had entered his Mind Image world, not its true form.
"Close call."
Realizing the lesser danger, he exhaled.
Soon he frowned again. Roaming immortal bizarre in Heaven’s Funeral lands? Unforeseen. Now every future connection there meant grave peril.
"Must stay vigilant."
After inspecting the girl for hidden flaws, he chained and resealed her in the coffin.
Eyes opening, he resolved:
"Time to prioritize learning [Paper Figure Soul Sealing]."
"Sealing techniques prove essential against immortal threats."
…
"Young Master Mu! Should I fetch the teacher?"
Chu Lingluo’s worried face greeted him.
She’d been his backup plan. Though certain Teacher Dongfang Ya would aid him, life-and-death matters permitted no risks. During his bizarre castle probe, he’d specifically summoned Chu Lingluo, instructing her to seek help if needed.
—A noble lady’s plea carried more weight than his.
Even if Teacher Dongfang lacked kindness, she’d humor Chu Lingluo.
Fortunately, the worst hadn’t happened. He’d resolved the Mind Image crisis unaided.
Rubbing his temples, Mu Lin replied, "Unnecessary now. My thanks."
"Don’t thank me. I barely helped."
Waving dismissively, she cast rejuvenation, Purification, and vitality spells on him, healing wounds and restoring energy.
Mu Lin’s brows shot up. Compared to days prior, her technique potency had visibly improved. Her advancement speed nearly matched his own.
‘Talent? Her pure heart? Or…?’
His speculations and compliments proved misguided.
While talent and pure heart contributed, resources mattered most for Chu Lingluo’s rapid progress.
