Chapter 54

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Chapter 54: Team Formation, Day of the Challenge

Facing Mu Lin’s praise, Chu Lingluo blushed and replied, “Brother Mu, you praise me too much. I’m not the genius you imagine. The speed of my advancement in spells comes from the resources my mother gave me.”

As she spoke, she produced a spirit map.

The figure depicted on it also cast a rejuvenation spell, but theirs reached at least Grandmaster-level.

By studying this diagram, Chu Lingluo’s cultivation speed naturally accelerated.

She then showed Mu Lin a Clear Heart Jade Pendant hanging from her waist and a cup of fragrant tea—all items that boosted her comprehension.

Mu Lin couldn’t help but smack his own forehead.

*‘I forgot—the poor rely on their own efforts, while the wealthy depend on their resources.’*

Noticing Chu Lingluo’s bashfulness, he softened his tone. “No need for shame. These weren’t stolen. Use them freely.”

*‘Not that I’d refuse stolen goods either.’*

While Mu Lin admired her sincerity, Chu Lingluo praised his talent.

“Even with all these resources, I still lag behind your progress. Cousin was right—you’re a true genius…”

Unbeknownst to them, Yan Yunyu observed their exchange from nearby, her gaze lingering on Mu Lin and his whimsical creations.

Her maid Xiao Xue materialized silently behind her.

“Soul Resonance forms the basis of True Meaning Diagrams,” Xiao Xue remarked in awe. “To achieve this through auxiliary arts… Should we reassess his value, Miss?”

After a pause, she added, “Miss Chu’s naivety slows their bond. We could still recruit him if we act swiftly.”

Yan Yunyu shook her head. To reverse her earlier dismissal would mean admitting error—a blow to her pride. Worse, she deemed Mu Lin unworthy of such concession.

“His presence would disrupt team harmony. Others already resent him.”

“True Meaning Diagrams remain mere trifles. True power lies in strength. He lacks the qualifications.”

…

Mu Lin remained oblivious to Yan Yunyu’s words, but Chu Lingluo’s pure heart detected impending danger. An instinct warned her—delay now, lose him forever.

This she couldn’t bear. Through Mu Lin, she’d gained not just exquisite art but wondrous tales spun from his imagination. These fantastical stories captivated her, leaving the young noblewoman utterly enchanted.

In addition, Chu Lingluo, who often interacted with Mu Lin, acknowledged his talent.

She had witnessed firsthand how his curse technique evolved at an inhuman pace, improving daily.

His marvelous artistic creations, imaginative stories, and extraordinary speed of advancement made Chu Lingluo determined not to lose him.

Anxious, she immediately invited Mu Lin to join her. Fearful of rejection, she even offered to prepare his meals.

“M-Mu brother, will you team up with me? I’ll… I’ll cook for you every day.”

“……”

This “soft meal” proposal left Mu Lin speechless.

When he didn’t reply, Chu Lingluo grew frantic. Desperate, she piled her Spirit Stones onto the table.

“I can pay you in Spirit Stones…”

Seeing the glittering stones and imagining her cooking, Mu Lin nearly gave in. Thankfully, his principles held firm. He pushed the stones back and said gently, “You’ve got Level 1 Spiritual Roots—have some confidence. It’s my honor to team up with you. No payment needed.”

“Teaming with you is my honor, Mu brother…”

Their partnership deepened as days slipped by in shared cultivation.

Ten days after joining the Formal Class, Mu Lin stood ready to challenge the Tower of Illusions.

To his exasperation, Ji Xue chose the same day for her challenge. Where Ji Xue went, Yan Yunyu followed. Worse still, Jing Yeming and other Formal Class disciples came to jeer at him. Soon the entire class—even some teachers—crowded before the tower.

Though gathered by chance, the groups formed clear hierarchies. Ji Xue stood apart, Yan Yunyu’s team behind her. All eyes lingered on Jing Yeming, the Level 1 Spiritual Roots prodigy, before shifting to ordinary disciples.

Among the top three teams, Ji Xue ignored the crowd while Yan Yunyu watched only her. Jing Yeming’s icy glare fixed on Mu Lin—a glare that darkened when Chu Lingluo appeared at Mu Lin’s side.

“Young Master Jing,” a teammate soothed, “Miss Chu’s merely fooled by that fraud. She’ll soon see your superiority.”

“Exactly!” another sneered. “Evil spirits won’t fall for his tricks. His incompetence will show.”

Their words barely eased Jing Yeming’s rage before Chu Lingluo’s tender concern for Mu Lin reignited it.

Ordinary students buzzed with envy. Zong Xiu’s teammates scowled—how could their “reject” partner with a genius? A knife-twirling youth spat, “Lucky trash.”

“Shameful,” others agreed. “Using underhanded methods taints our Taoist Palace.”

“Typical Yin Eight Sect filth.”

“Look how pale he is! He knows he’s doomed.”

“Absolutely.”