Chapter 73

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Chapter 73: Yuhu Academy, Superlative Level Prodigy

"Low on magic power? Wait a moment."

As she spoke, the now calm Chu Lingluo rummaged through her storage bracelet.

After several breaths, a jade toad artifact appeared in her palm.

"Mu brother, take this. It’s called the Moon-Devouring Toad. Place it under moonlight and it’ll absorb the power of moonlight to condense Moonlight Essence. You can use this spiritual liquid for cultivation or restoring magic power."

"…"

The artifact left Mu Lin momentarily speechless.

Though unfamiliar with the Moon-Devouring Toad’s grade, he knew Moonlight Essence was an extraordinary spiritual liquid costing ten Spirit Stones per drop.

For most Qi Practitioners, this moonlit treasure-producing artifact meant endless wealth.

Mu Lin’s heart raced at the temptation.

Yet his pride and principles held him back.

"This is too valuable. I can’t accept…"

"I’m not giving it," Chu Lingluo countered. "Just lending. Your progress helps us both climb higher."

When Mu Lin still hesitated, she pretended seriousness: "There are conditions! Be my teammate, teach me combat skills, and repay Moonlight Essence with Spirit Stones later."

"For each drop… twelve stones!"

She deliberately inflated the price, though her kindness limited the number.

Mu Lin chuckled.

"If paying later, I’d take it even at twenty per drop."

Seeing her genuine intent and unaffected status, Mu Lin finally accepted the toad.

This wasn’t about seeking a "soft meal".

As a modern-minded person, free handouts unsettled him.

But investments? That felt different.

In his past life, promising projects attracted millions in funding – mutual benefit, not charity.

He now viewed this as Chu Lingluo’s investment, vowing to repay tenfold someday.

‘Typical investors demand contracts, yet she asks nothing… I owe her big time.’

Confidence surged through him. With his proficiency panel, repaying this debt seemed certain.

The Moon-Devouring Toad already felt like ultimate treasure… until Mu Lin soon discovered how limited his worldview truly was.

…

After obtaining the Moon-Devouring Toad, Mu Lin hadn’t even tested it before being summoned to Teacher Dongfang Ya’s cultivation chamber.

Arriving there, his mindset remained casual.

“Teacher, I completed the task well, didn’t I?”

“You passed.”

“Heh, any rewards then?”

He asked playfully, hoping to deepen their rapport.

He also resolved to act pleased no matter what she offered.

Yet his composure soon shattered.

“What?!!”

“Upgrading Spiritual Roots? Is that truly possible?!”

While Mu Lin trembled with excitement, Dongfang Ya stayed perfectly composed.

“Naturally. Raising Level 3 Spiritual Roots to Level 2 isn’t remarkable—some supreme Sects even possess methods to forge holy bodies. Compared to that, this is nothing. Also…”

Her tone abruptly sharpened.

“Don’t rejoice yet. You’ve merely earned an opportunity to improve your Spiritual Roots. Whether you succeed depends entirely on your efforts these next two months.”

“Frankly, I doubt you’ll pass.”

After sipping tea, she continued lightly:

“First, maintaining your top rank in the Taoist Palace will prove difficult. Ji Xue, Zhou Liang, Yan Yunyu, and Jing Yeming are formidable. With your mediocre talent, they’ll overtake you without extraordinary effort.”

“Second, claiming fifth place in the Southeast League Examination will be equally tough.”

“Though only five Taoist Palaces participate…”

“…their resources vary by region, creating vast disparities between them.”

“Our southeastern region’s strongest is Yuhu Academy in the Jade Continent. Funded by the royal family, noble clans, and even Yuqing Sect elders, it attracts the southeast’s brightest talents—some possess Superlative Level Spiritual Roots beyond Level 1.”

“For years, Yuhu Academy has monopolized the League’s top three positions.”

“While the academy isn’t demanding first place, fifth remains highly ambitious.”

“Don’t accuse the Taoist Palace of unfairness. Even elevating Level 3 to Level 2 Spiritual Roots consumes astronomical resources.”

“Extraordinary gains require extraordinary deeds.”

Her warnings cooled Mu Lin’s fervor slightly.

“Thank you for the advice, Teacher. I’ll strive relentlessly.”

Eager to cultivate, he turned to leave—but halted when Dongfang Ya spoke again.

“Wait. Your reward remains.”

“Another one?”

Mu Lin froze. The Spiritual Roots opportunity already felt miraculous—more rewards seemed unimaginable.

Dongfang Ya explained calmly: “The Spiritual Roots upgrade is the Taoist Palace’s reward. My personal compensation is separate. Make one reasonable request, and I’ll grant it.”

“Additionally, Elder Qin was impressed by you. He’s selling artifacts tomorrow. Bring Chu Lingluo, and I’ll take you both to choose.”

“…My gratitude, Teacher.”

Overwhelmed by her generosity, Mu Lin reaffirmed his loyalty. No other teacher would invest so much in him.

Now he pondered his request.

‘My core weaknesses are energy reserves and combat prowess.’

‘The energy issue’s solved. Now I need battle strength.’