Chapter 74
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Chapter 74: Yan Yunyu Plans Again
Mu Lin had ideas on how to improve his combat abilities.
“For me, the best way to boost my fighting skills is to increase the power of my paper figures.”
“If they’re stronger, my strength will naturally grow.”
He didn’t dwell on how other paper folders enhanced their paper figures. Instead, he focused on using charms and formations.
“Teacher, do you know who in the Taoist Palace is skilled in charms and formations? I want to learn from them.”
According to Taoist Palace rules, Mu Lin could directly seek guidance from teachers on charms and formations.
But it was clear that having an introduction would lead to more attentive instruction.
To his surprise, Dongfang Ya offered another unexpected suggestion.
“You plan to carve charms and formations onto the paper figures to boost their power?”
“You’re right, Teacher.”
After Mu Lin confirmed this, Dongfang Ya pondered deeply.
“Elder Qing is the best at charms, and Elder Xuan excels at formations. But their methods are conventional. Your paper figures are unique puppets—the most renowned puppet master… I recall that woman is in the city.”
Dongfang Ya’s face tightened with visible annoyance at the thought, but she still instructed Mu Lin, “There’s a better option for inscribing charms and formations on paper figures. I’ll discuss it with that person first. Return in three days.”
“Thank you, Teacher.”
“No need. As your mentor, I’ll fulfill my duty.”
…
After leaving Dongfang Ya, Mu Lin trained even harder upon learning about the upcoming assessment.
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of his first-place victory spread further.
Yan Yunyu’s team was now caught in the turmoil.
Since Mu Lin’s win, the mood in her team had turned tense and heavy.
Zhou Liang, who had openly mocked Mu Lin, felt both awkward and restless.
The awkwardness was obvious, while his anxiety came from coveting Yan Yunyu’s beauty and resources.
He knew his place in her team relied solely on her obsession with claiming first place.
His talent and strength had made him her key asset—and her only viable option until now.
Ji Xue’s status rivaled or surpassed Yan Yunyu’s, making recruitment impossible. Their rivalry forced them into opposition.
Jing Yeming, despite his humble origins, prized independence due to his talent, leaving him beyond Yan Yunyu’s reach.
This made Zhou Liang her trump card—and fed his dreams of winning her favor and resources.
But Mu Lin’s sudden rise shattered this dynamic.
Having proven himself, Mu Lin now drew Yan Yunyu’s keen attention.
Fearing abandonment, he couldn’t help speaking up during the team’s tense atmosphere.
"Miss Yan, we shouldn’t rush. Though we don’t know what tricks Mu Lin used to take first place, his lead must be temporary."
"Cultivation is our true foundation."
"Our talents surpass his, and our strength grows faster. Once we improve our cultivation, we’ll overtake him for sure!"
The saying that cultivation forms the core of Qi Practitioners had been repeated by many.
Its common usage revealed this was widely accepted as truth.
These words did improve Yan Yunyu’s mood slightly.
"You’re right, Brother Zhou. We’re competing for lifelong achievement, not momentary glory."
"Besides, we’ve all cleared the fourth trial now – we stand equal to Ji Xue and Mu Lin."
"Since everyone performed well, I’ll host a celebration feast."
Regaining her social grace, Yan Yunyu conversed charmingly with the group.
Yet while appearing unbottered publicly, her expression darkened visibly upon returning home.
*Crash!*
She shattered an expensive vase in anger.
Still unsatisfied, she smashed several more items before calming down.
When composed, her first words came as a bitter self-reproach:
"Who’d have thought I’d become someone who keeps the box but throws away the jewels?"
"This isn’t your fault, Miss. Nobody predicted Mu Lin’s capabilities. And as Young Master Zhou Liang said, his lead might still be temporary…"
The maid Xiao Xue’s consolation was cut off by Yan Yunyu’s wave.
"Mu Lin might fall behind, but could also keep leading. Both possibilities exist."
Xiao Xue couldn’t argue.
Since entering the Taoist Palace, Mu Lin had achieved multiple miracles.
Matching Level 2 Spiritual Roots’ progress with Level 3 Spiritual Roots already astonished everyone.
Then he surpassed Anping Taoist Palace’s A-level geniuses as a B-grade capable person.
These extraordinary accomplishments made Yan Yunyu cautious after her miscalculation.
However, the merchant-minded Yan Yunyu considered reconciliation rather than elimination:
"Xiao Xue, from your surveillance, what’s the chance of recruiting Mu Lin with Spirit Stones?"
"Almost none. He needs resources and likes Spirit Stones, would’ve had 80% chance before."
"But now Miss Lingluo stays beside him. She lacks no resources and values him deeply. I just saw her lend him the premium magic item – Moon-Eating Jade Toad."
Silence followed. Yan Yunyu herself owned few such premium resource-type magic items.
Understanding reconciliation’s impossibility, irritation grew worse knowing she’d pushed Mu Lin toward Chu Lingluo.
She almost wished to slap her past self.
Suppressing useless regrets, she sought solutions until inspiration struck:
"You’re certain Lingluo gave him the Moon-Eating Jade Toad?"
"Saw it myself."
"Excellent! Contact Lingluo’s mother immediately – I’ve urgent news!"
"???"
