Chapter 369
by fanqienovelChapter 369: The Culprit Behind the Scenes
Fully immersed in cultivation, Mu Lin celebrated his approaching Transformation advancement.
The influential aristocrats of Southeast Province proved worthy of their formidable reputation. While they might lose to northern aristocrats in open battles, their intelligence-gathering skills matched evenly. More crucially, this was Southeast Province—their home turf cultivated for generations, with vast manpower at their disposal.
Unsurprisingly, after an exhaustive investigation, they uncovered the mastermind behind Mu Lin’s assassination attempt first. Yet upon identifying the culprit, the Southeast aristocrats grew uneasy and perplexed.
“Ji Yu, third heir of the East Sea King? Why target Mu Lin? They’ve never clashed before.”
Truthfully, the revelation left them stunned. They’d anticipated northern aristocrats seeking revenge for ruined schemes, or foreign demons acting on their “different race, different hearts” nature. Even local powerful clans might strike to prevent Mu Lin’s rise. None expected the East Sea King’s third son to be involved—two seemingly unrelated figures.
As confusion spread, someone suddenly glanced meaningfully at Prince Liang in the room.
“Conflict exists. Major conflict.”
“Ji Yu persistently sought to marry Prince Liang’s daughter Ji Ling Sha. Recently, Yuzhou City rumors suggested she might wed Mu Lin…”
The unspoken conclusion hung in the air.
“A love rivalry?”
Nods of agreement followed. History brimmed with bloodshed over romance. Both being young talents prone to reckless actions made this motive plausible.
Yet some considered deeper motives:
‘This isn’t just about love. The East Sea King’s numerous offspring battle fiercely for one throne. By pursuing Ji Ling Sha, Ji Yu sought Prince Liang’s support for his claim. Mu Lin’s interference ruined everything.’
This perspective gained traction. If love sparked violence, throne disputes guaranteed bloodshed tenfold. Princes slaughtering kin for power wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate an outsider like Mu Lin.
…
Combining all information, their deductions, and Ji Yu’s sudden flight from Southeast Province, the powerful clans confirmed his guilt. This confirmation brought headaches.
The assassination violated unspoken rules—an affront not just to Mu Lin, but to their collective authority.
However, that was the East Sea King, an ambitious prince wielding genuine authority and military power.
Killing his son and making him Mu Lin’s sworn enemy… None of the Southeast Province aristocrats in the room favored this course.
Even the Yan and Chu families wouldn’t stretch themselves so far for Mu Lin.
Just as Mu Lin wouldn’t risk his life for them.
“At most, we’ll warn the East Sea King, demand compensation, and force him to discipline his son. Direct intervention…”
The aristocrat trailed off, but his meaning hung clear.
Agreements quickly followed.
“He’s long coveted our Southeast Province. We mustn’t hand him an excuse.”
“Since Mu Lin suffered no harm, smoothing things over beats escalation. Demand greater compensation from the East Sea King.”
“Good we’re staying out. The northern aristocrats likely won’t act either.”
Clashing with the East Sea King’s quasi-independent realm pleased no one. All assumed the northern aristocrats felt the same.
Thus, the decision settled: Mu Lin would temporarily stand down.
“Brother Chu, Brother Yan, counsel Mu Lin against rashness. Bending before overwhelming force brings no shame.”
“True—everyone swallows bitterness sometimes.”
…
Though avoiding confrontation, the Southeast Province aristocrats made no effort to shield Ji Yu.
By noon, Mu Lin knew the mastermind’s identity.
Only half a day remained until his Transformation advancement. Barring mishaps, he’d ascend that very night.
Yet Mu Lin’s thoughts weren’t on his breakthrough. Like the newly informed southern aristocrats, he couldn’t fathom why the East Sea King’s third son targeted him.
“Who’s this? Did I cross him?”
“Yes. He sought to wed Ji Ling Sha, who’s now becoming your primary wife…”
“Ji Ling Sha? Who’s that?”
“……”
“……”
“……”
Mu Lin’s second assessment stunned the room.
After heavy silence, Yan Yunlong—Head of the Yan family—spoke with palpable exasperation: “Prince Liang’s daughter. Rumors claim you’ll take her as primary wife… You knew nothing?”
“Truly?”
Mu Lin turned to Yan Yunyu, Chu Lingluo, and Si Ye for answers. Thankfully, no awkward revelations followed.
“Such rumors exist. Prince Liang approached us days ago about negotiations, but keeps postponing—three delays now. Without understanding his aims, we saw no need to trouble your cultivation.”
Focusing on cultivation and avoiding disturbances was indeed Mu Lin’s instruction.
Meanwhile, Prince Liang’s way of handling affairs made Mu Lin raise his eyebrows.
However, since Prince Liang’s actions ultimately didn’t concern him, Mu Lin soon dismissed the matter and focused on the present.
"So the East Sea King’s third heir attacked me over this?"
"That’s reason enough. The union between Ji Yu and Ji Ling Sha isn’t just about a woman – it’s about securing the East Sea King’s resources and throne…"
Through the Head of the Yan family’s explanation, Mu Lin learned Ji Yu’s motives, some movement patterns, and that the black-robed old man who attacked him days ago was a Protector from Ji Yu’s maternal clan.
He also discovered Ji Yu had fled Yuzhou City yesterday, returning to the East Sea Kingdom.
All evidence confirmed the culprit.
Having ascertained this, Mu Lin cut to the core:
"What will the powerful clans of Southeast Province do about Ji Yu’s assassination attempt?"
Hearing no fear in Mu Lin’s calm voice, the Head of the Yan family frowned deeply.
Finally sighing, he answered: "We can’t start a fight with the East Sea King over this."
"Killing Ji Yu might not provoke his father."
"……"
The Head’s silence spoke volumes.
Understanding the Yan family’s stance, Mu Lin pressed no further.
"Understood. Yunyu, escort our guests. My thanks to the Yan family and Southeast aristocrats for the information – I won’t forget this."
"Wait! While we can’t kill Ji Yu, we can warn the East Sea King to leave you be and demand compensation…"
"Unnecessary." Mu Lin interrupted. "Empty threats achieve nothing."
Seeing Mu Lin’s resolve, the Head assumed he relied on northern aristocrats: "Don’t hope for their help either. They’ll just condemn the East Sea King and get you compensation – nothing more. You can’t compare to a King, and Ji Yu’s his trueborn son!"
"I know."
Mu Lin’s unshaken calmness agitated Yan Yunlong.
"Without our warnings or northern help, you’d act yourself? Don’t! Talent isn’t power. Entering the East Sea Kingdom now means death!"
"I know."
The steadier Mu Lin sounded, the more Yan Yunlong panicked – not from care, but fearing his family’s investments would be lost if Mu Lin died.
"Don’t be reckless! Everyone endures setbacks. I tolerated much before leading the Yan family, and still do. Even the Great Spirit Dynasty’s emperor compromises!"
"Temporary retreat isn’t shameful…"
When persuasion failed, he brought Yan Yunyu, Chu Lingluo, and Si Ye to reason with Mu Lin.