Chapter 495

Chapter 495: Master Meng Rui Enters the True Spirit Domain Chart

"Swallowed… just swallowed…"

The great demon they had anxiously guarded against for so long was casually devoured by Mu Lin. This drastic contrast was beyond Qin Yuan and Zuo Li’s imagination, leaving them feeling as if they were in a dream.

"Was that demon truly so weak?"

"Did our efforts mean nothing? Does Mu Lin alone suffice to resolve everything?"

Ignoring their bewilderment, Mu Lin turned to the pair after consuming the Black Mountain demon.

"Your issue should be settled. Anything else?"

"Uh…"

"No…"

The question finally jolted the stunned men back to awareness. Sensing Mu Lin wished to speak privately with Master Meng Rui, they tactfully withdrew—though their lingering glances at Mu Lin remained deeply conflicted.

Outside the chamber, the two men exchanged silent looks before Qin Yuan broke the stillness: "Let’s inspect the demon’s sealed location. Not that I distrust Master Mu Lin… just seeking peace of mind."

"I’ll join. Our leader needs an accurate report."

Mu Lin remained unaware of their subsequent findings, their report to the leader, or how the leader might regard him—nor did he care.

He now faced Master Meng Rui. Though she wasn’t his highest priority for repayment, he chose not to mention Teacher Dongfang Ya directly. Instead, he addressed her future.

"I’ve ascended to divinity."

Her pupils briefly contracted before composure returned. Having lived with Mu Lin, she knew his serious nature and undisputed talent.

Calming herself, she smiled. "Congratulations. Shall I call you Your Majesty now?"

"Unnecessary between us. I mention this because I can finally repay your past guidance."

Leaning forward, Mu Lin stated gravely: "Your goal is advancement, yes? I offer three paths."

"First: As agreed, I’ll devote time to develop higher-level cultivation methods for Puppet Masters. My concepts include puppet armies, aerial combat platforms, even dead stars—mechanical ascension. Alternatively, using my powers of life to derive life-creating energy could enhance puppets too, though this path…"

He paused. Their relationship had been transactional; he’d invest moderate effort, not exhaustive dedication.

"Second: Golden Fruits I’ve created grant eight-century lifespans, Heavenly Spiritual Roots, and divine bodies. This rebuilds your foundation for cultivation transition—if you abandon Puppet Mastery."

"Third: Inscribe your name in my True Spirit Domain Chart. You’d become my subordinate deity, bound to me yet immortal, empowered by the Power of Belief."

These three paths left Master Meng Rui hesitant.

She could sense that all options given by Mu Lin might aid her, but none could help her attain true enlightenment.

She did not feel resentful, clearly understanding her previous assistance to Mu Lin had been limited. His repayment already surpassed her efforts a thousandfold – wanting more would be pure greed.

"Mu Lin grows too fast. With more time, our relationship might have deepened…"

After a brief sigh, Master Meng Rui quickly chose to inscribe her name in the True Spirit Domain Chart.

This choice promised the greatest reward – immediate immortality.

Though binding herself to Mu Lin’s authority went against most cultivators’ pursuit of freedom, Mu Lin stood apart. His achievements loomed as vast as the sky itself.

People resist subordination, yet bow willingly to heaven’s majesty. Some immortal practitioners even preached obedience to heavenly will.

Master Meng Rui held another private motive – choosing other paths would widen the gap between them. Not through Mu Lin’s neglect, but through diverging realms of thought.

While she still pondered earning coins and crafting puppets, Mu Lin contemplated humanity’s cosmic evolution and interstellar expansion. Such disparity meant she’d never reach his level alone.

But joining his pantheon changed everything.

Unaware of her thoughts, Mu Lin simply watched her and repeated:

"Certain?"

"Certain."

"Sign with vital blood here."

The chart hummed as her blood touched it, instantly granting her a divine position.

Her body shuddered violently.

Foundation solidified. Stature expanded. Limitless power flooded her veins, bringing overwhelming confidence.

"What’s happening?"

Master Meng Rui gasped in awed delight, not fear. Her strength and inner magic multiplied exponentially. She sensed her lifespan breaking through six millennia.

Mu Lin remained calm.

"Divine body. A basic benefit of godhood."

His fledgling pantheon previously offered scant rewards. Though Central Earth Evil strengthened foundations and linked abilities, such gains hardly matched "divine position" expectations.

A true deity should wield greater marvels.

After claiming the life deity position himself, Mu Lin began reshaping the rules. The divine body marked his first upgrade to godhood’s privileges.