Chapter 402

Chapter 402: Ledger of Life and Death, Judge’s Brush

The Dragon Palace water tribe advanced slowly while eagerly awaiting Mu Lin’s attack.

Only through Mu Lin’s first strike could the Dragon King of Dragon Palace justify personally crushing him under the pretext of senior disciplining junior.

Local aristocrats of East Sea Kingdom also anticipated Mu Lin’s assault, hoping he’d become humanity’s spearhead against both dragon clan and East Sea King.

All eyes watched the young man.

Yet under this scrutiny, Mu Lin sat unmoving like Mount Tai, showing no reckless impulse.

His mountain-like composure made both North and South Aristocrats exchange raised eyebrows and whispers.

Since East Sea Kingdom wasn’t their domain, they couldn’t truly feel the dragon clan’s looming threat.

Thus they kept gossiping freely.

But local aristocrats faced different stakes – should Dragon Palace water tribe wed East Sea King and occupy rivers and lakes, these local powers would crumble before the invading dragon forces.

Desperate to prevent this, they fiercely opposed dragon clan’s landward expansion.

Yet none dared confront Dragon Palace directly.

Left with no alternatives, they clung to Mu Lin as their last hope.

"For humanity’s sake, we must stop Dragon Palace’s advance!"

"Enough platitudes. We all want that – but who’ll actually stand against them?"

The meeting room plunged into heavy silence.

After prolonged quiet, someone sighed:

"Alas, we mediocrities must depend on Mu Lin to resolve this crisis."

"If he acts, he might actually stop them… Among our generation’s talents, Mu Lin’s gifts shine brightest. His nature proves most fearless – when East Sea King provoked him, he dared challenge a kingdom alone. Such a man won’t fear dragons."

"But he refuses to move."

The aristocrat liaison’s statement drew immediate rebuttal:

"Elder Qu, you mistake caution for refusal. He won’t act without proper incentive."

"???"

"Explain."

"Let’s pool resources. Mu Lin’s no fool – he can abandon this region anytime, but our spirit fields and mines chain us here. Since we’re the petitioners, we must show proper sincerity… And cease petty schemes – trying to manipulate our sole hope only proves our stupidity."

"……"

The Lü family head’s words swayed the council.

Or perhaps Dragon Palace’s pressure left East Sea Kingdom’s aristocrats no choice.

Subsequent negotiations with Mu Lin showed markedly improved humility.

After lengthy discussions, the clans jointly offered Mu Lin substantial resources.

Surveying the tribute, Mu Lin finally nodded in approval:

"My paper figures can finally be upgraded."

In fact, making paper figures was tedious work, especially when using rare materials to create powerful ones.

But Mu Lin didn’t face this problem.

With hundreds of clones working together, his paper figure production operated like an assembly line.

Powerful paper figures were churned out every moment.

The only limits were his spiritual energy, magic reserves, and materials.

Support from East Sea Kingdom’s aristocrats had partially solved the material shortage.

……

Besides regular resources, Mu Lin demanded a spiritual weapon from them.

Since spiritual weapons represented Family Resources, the powerful clans’ leaders winced at his request.

Yet Mu Lin persuaded them:

"Only I can shield you from Dragon Palace’s pressure."

"I need proper gear to repel Dragon Palace water tribe."

After negotiations, the aristocrats reluctantly provided a pen-shaped spiritual weapon.

Mu Lin wanted this brush specifically.

"The ledger of life and death needs its judge’s brush to unleash full power."

After obtaining it, Mu Lin disappeared to refine the weapon.

Meanwhile, Dragon Palace water tribe kept advancing toward Tianhai City.

Though moving slowly, their unimpeded march brought them closer daily.

Mu Lin remained absent after getting the weapon.

With invaders a day from Tianhai City, East Sea Kingdom’s aristocrats panicked.

"Why hasn’t he acted?"

"Did he take our weapon and flee?"

This suspicion chilled them, but they dismissed it.

Elder Lu reasoned: "He could’ve openly retreated without blame. No one expects solo resistance against Dragon Palace-East Sea alliance. Any realm would welcome him."

"But deceit would destroy his credibility."

As humanity’s greatest genius, his reputation outweighed any spiritual weapon’s value.

They concluded Mu Lin was preparing something.

"Maybe he’ll strike when they enter Tianhai City?"

Dragon Palace members also debated Mu Lin’s absence.

Some thought their reputation scared him off. Others suspected an ambush during city entry.

Dragon King Ao Huan scoffed: "Fools. I know the last stretch is hardest. I won’t lower guard."

Approaching Tianhai City, he increased vigilance instead of relaxing.

Thus the cautious procession entered Tianhai City and reached East Sea King’s manor.

Still no sign of Mu Lin.

East Sea Kingdom’s aristocrats exploded:

"Bastard! Give back our spiritual weapon!"

Dragon King Ao Huan and East Sea King wore dark expressions.

Ao Huan snorted: "So this is the famed Mu Lin who defied nations? Pathetic."

Dragon Prince Ao Yi mocked: "Expected battle, got cowardice. Waste." His scornful glance accused East Sea King: How’d this weakling trouble you?

East Sea King seethed silently when BANG! – the main doors burst open.

A terrified water tribe member rushed in.

Seeing this, East Sea King felt grim satisfaction.

I knew it. Neither my kingdom nor Dragon Palace could contain him.

Rather than anger, he felt reluctant admiration as Mu Lin finally struck.