Chapter 75
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Chapter 75: Moon-Devouring Toad, Boosted Cultivation Efficiency
Yan Yunyu’s order to contact Chu Lingluo’s mother left her maid, Xiao Xue, stunned. Xiao Xue initially thought her lady intended to spread slander. After hesitating, she cautiously reminded, “Miss, Madam Chu isn’t easily fooled. A few words won’t provoke her to act…”
“I know. A premium magic item might not sway her, but her daughter’s future certainly will. Just do as I say.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Using a mirror-shaped magic item, Yan Yunyu swiftly reached Chu Lingluo’s mother.
The woman wore elaborate palace robes, her demeanor icy compared to Chu Lingluo’s warmth. Her face looked startlingly young—more like Lingluo’s elder sister than her mother.
Yan Yunyu did not find this surprising. Noblewomen from powerful clans often preserved their youth through cultivation, pills, or special magic items.
Before the palace-robed woman could speak, Yan Yunyu bowed deeply. “Forgive me, Aunt Chu. I failed to protect Lingluo as promised.”
The woman stiffened, her composure cracking. “What happened? She just entered the Hidden Dragon Rankings!”
“That’s precisely why there’s trouble.”
Yan Yunyu continued smoothly, “As Lingluo’s cousin, I supported her enrollment. To boost her challenge results, I arranged for Mu Lin—a talented artist I’ve sponsored—to partner with her. His paper folding skills, paintings, and calligraphy are exceptional. I’ve spent over a hundred Spirit Stones on his works. Lingluo adores his art and has been radiantly happy since meeting him.”
“Though Mu Lin has Level 3 Spiritual Roots, his combat skills are remarkable. During the challenge, they supported each other, claiming first place at Anping Taoist Palace and entering the Hidden Dragon Rankings together.”
Understanding flickered in Chu Lingluo’s mother’s eyes, but a young girl beside her piped up, “But Sister’s doing well! Why apologize?”
Yan Yunyu sighed. “Their success caused the problem.”
“I still don’t—”
“Yiyi, leave us.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Once alone, the woman’s voice turned frosty. “Are you implying they’ve grown romantically involved?”
Romance—not slander—was Yan Yunyu’s true weapon. *The Chu family would never accept a cold clan’s disciple with Level 3 Spiritual Roots and Yin Eight Sect ties as Lingluo’s husband.*
In this world, noble lineages obsessed over bloodlines and marriages within one’s social class. Commoners and nobles lived worlds apart. Worse, society scorned women who dared love freely—even innocent affection tarnished their worth.
Thus, Yan Yunyu believed the Chu family would act decisively to sever Chu Lingluo’s connection to Mu Lin once they learned of it. That moment would be her chance.
As for Mu Lin entering the Hidden Dragon Rankings as a rising talent and attracting the attention of powerful clans—even marriage proposals—this was true. But whether they’d marry off a daughter or seek a son-in-law depended on status. To protect their reputation and bloodline, legitimate daughters typically married within their class. Only illegitimate daughters were offered to recruit talent. Unless Mu Lin’s talent was exceptional enough to break into the Hidden Dragon Rankings’ top ten, the clans wouldn’t bend their rules. Yet the top ten was something Yan Yunyu never considered. Even Dongfang Ya, who had high hopes for Mu Lin, had only claimed he might reach the top thirty-six with Anping Taoist Palace’s full backing—a statement everyone knew was exaggerated.
While scheming silently, Yan Yunyu spoke up:
“There are already signs. Today, Lingluo lent her premium magic item to Mu Lin temporarily.”
“In the past, Mu Lin was cautious—he never took what he shouldn’t. When I paid extra Spirit Stones for his art, he refused. That’s why I introduced him to Lingluo.”
“But maybe Lingluo’s beauty swayed him, or their closeness over time, or his confidence from the Rankings. Either way, he accepted her gift… which means he’s grown attached.”
“I see. Thank you for telling me about Lingluo. Contact me if anything else arises.”
Chu Lingluo’s mother ended the call. A faint smile crept onto Yan Yunyu’s face.
“She won’t trust my words alone—she’ll investigate. But even though I hid some details, most of what I said was true. I did nudge Mu Lin toward Lingluo, and Lingluo’s feelings for him are undeniable. No investigation will change that!”
……
Unaware of Yan Yunyu’s schemes, Mu Lin marveled at the Moon-Devouring Toad’s power. When night fell, he released the Jade Toad under the moonlight. It glowed like a living creature, its mouth rhythmically opening. As it breathed, moonlight energy from miles around streamed into its mouth like homing birds.
An hour later, a drop of Moonlight Dew formed. After swallowing it, Mu Lin’s body radiated light—every breath shimmered with excess energy. He felt boundless magic within. The flood of moonlight energy smoothed his magical cultivation. Though his Spiritual Roots Talent remained unchanged, the energy surging through him tripled his efficiency. Even his Substitute Paper Figure training became reckless in its ease.
