Chapter 87
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Chapter 87: Military Leader, Earth Immortal, Wealth Connects to the Divine, Foundations of Powerful Clans
"As family of Chu Lingluo, you arrived at the Taoist Palace but didn’t visit her first. You didn’t reunite with Lingluo or have her introduce you to me. Instead, you’re staying in Yan Yunyu’s residence and sought me out secretly… This suggests you don’t support Chu Lingluo. Do you wish to hide this from her?"
Mu Lin’s mind buzzed with speculation, yet he maintained a respectful demeanor outwardly.
"Good day, Aunt."
"Hm. Sit."
"Huiyu, bring tea."
The palace-attired young woman with an icy expression didn’t confront him immediately. Instead, she granted him a seat and ordered tea.
Mu Lin felt no relief—her chilly demeanor was all too clear. The courtesy was mere formality, not approval.
Once seated, she cut straight to the point. "You’ve deduced who I am. What of my purpose here?"
"I have guesses, but no certainty. Is it about borrowing Miss Chu’s premium magic item?"
She shook her head.
"That’s trivial. As Lingluo’s friend, borrowing an item matters little. Besides, you’ve already written an IOU."
"……"
True—despite Chu Lingluo’s willingness to lend freely, Mu Lin had insisted on drafting the IOU. The sum listed was steep, but repayment was set for a decade later. Privately, he believed he could repay within three years, yet chose caution. Unbeknownst to him, this IOU spared him greater disdain—proof he wasn’t freeloading.
…
Chu Lingluo’s mother’s indifference to the borrowed item brought Mu Lin no comfort. The worst had come: she aimed to sever their bond.
Mu Lin wasn’t heartbroken—he saw Lingluo as a sister, his romantic feelings faint. Still, having this fledgling connection crushed so abruptly chafed, especially now, when he felt poised to rise.
Coolly, he asked, "Do you doubt my potential so thoroughly?"
The woman’s gaze remained frosty, her reply blunt.
"You lack the strength to shield her. The means to sustain her."
Mu Lin winced. Not only could he not provide for Lingluo—he’d been relying on her, eating this "soft meal." Yet her kindness and affection compelled him to push further.
"My painting talent shows promise. By month’s end, I’ll complete a True Meaning Diagram. Surely that holds value?"
Her brow flickered upward at this claim, but she soon sighed.
"Talent you have, but your perspective is myopic. You grasp nothing of the clans’ true depths."
She paused for a moment, thinking for several breaths.
Then, perhaps to completely dispel Mu Lin’s thoughts, or because such knowledge was common among people of certain status, Chu Lingluo’s mother told him about the hidden strengths of powerful clans.
"A clan lasting thousands of years has its own resources. If Lingluo marries in, she’ll share those."
"The Yu family nurtures spirits with many divine positions and servants. By marrying them, Lingluo could claim a divine position and immediately reach Transformation-level high-level cultivator status."
"The Ge family worships weapons. Becoming military leader would ensure Lingluo becomes high-level cultivator."
"The royal family controls spiritual veins and lands to become Earth Immortals. As princess, Lingluo would become Real Person – a rank above high-level cultivator in any province."
"The Yan family proves wealth connects to the divine. Enough money lets them ‘purchase’ high-level cultivator status."
"…"
This left Mu Lin speechless.
Taoist Child, A-level cultivator, magician, high-level cultivator, Real Person… each cultivation stage grew harder. Though Taoist Palace Academy recruited yearly, ten years’ worth of commoner students might not produce single high-level cultivator.
Yet Chu Lingluo could become high-level cultivator just by marrying. How could he compete?
Not that Mu Lin had no chances. Revealing his proficiency panel might change the woman’s mind. But he wasn’t stupid enough to expose his secret for marriage.
Focused on cultivation, he barely understood romance. He’d only pursued Lingluo because she’d make good teammate and boost his training speed.
Seeing he couldn’t change her mother’s mind, Mu Lin stopped arguing.
"Thank you, Auntie, for opening my eyes. I understand your purpose."
"You’re right – I can’t support Miss Chu now. I’ll cut contact, return her magic items. The Spirit Stones for Moonlight Dew will be repaid in ten years as agreed."
"Though I’ll repay sooner if possible."
His clean break made Chu Lingluo’s mother respect him slightly while feeling displeased – such quick surrender made her daughter seem uncharming.
She stopped him from leaving.
"Wait."
Not from changed mind or spite, but because:
"Sudden breakup looks suspicious. Lingluo would notice. I won’t have estrangement between us."
Mu Lin: "…"
Though wanting to say "Not my problem", he saw Lingluo as younger sister. He wouldn’t make kind girl fight family.
More importantly, he lacked power to refuse Chu family.
Refusal requires strength.
Calmly he asked: "Need me to do something?"
"We need act. Sudden departure would make Lingluo suspicious. Luckily she’s naive."
Mu Lin raised eyebrow.
"You want me to love another?"
Chu Lingluo’s mother shook head. "My daughter loses to none. No such rumors allowed."
"You’ll play fickle man chasing others, making Lingluo leave you herself."
Mu Lin wanted to refuse. Not for reputation, but time wasted. He needed cultivate.
Before refusal, the woman added:
"Not for free. You need resources? Perfect performance earns three years with premium magic item."
"Also, you’ve decent talent. Though Lingluo can’t marry you, Chu family has other girls. I can arrange…"
Pe551
Mother making big mistake
Thanks for the chapter!