Chapter 497

Chapter 497: Return to the Old Land, Anping County Town!

The astonishing power of the Golden Fruit left many in disbelief, for it could alter one’s foundational cultivation – something most considered unchangeable and crucial to determining one’s future.

"To inherit divine status, become a Deity, and create Golden Fruits that naturally possess divine bodies… How could this happen? And in just half a year!"

Skeptical, numerous powerful clans from Southeast Province dispatched investigators to the Yan family, Chu family, and Prince Liang’s residence.

Their findings confirmed the truth: Mu Lin had indeed created Silver Fruits and Golden Fruits. Ordinary members from the Yan and Chu families had consumed Silver Fruits and gained Spiritual Roots.

"… "

This revelation plunged Southeast Province’s powerful clans into heavy silence. Soon after, overwhelming envy and jealousy filled their hearts.

None dared resent Mu Lin himself. Their bitterness focused entirely on the Yan family, Chu family, and Prince Liang’s household.

"Damn it! How did you get so lucky? Just sacrificing a daughter connected you to a True God who can create Golden Fruits!"

"Bastards! My daughter’s just as good…"

Some burned with envy while others sprang into action.

"Assemble all legitimate daughters of our family!"

"Head of the family, do you plan to have them serve His Excellency Mu Lin?"

The family head sighed into his hands. "They’ve missed that chance. Even imperial concubines undergo rigorous selection. Mu Lin’s a True God granting lifespan, talent, and power. Princesses of the Great Spirit Dynasty must compete for his attention – what hope do our daughters have?"

In Dream of the Red Chamber, the Xue family spent fortunes just to get Baochai into the palace. Gaining entry to Mu Lin’s Divine Kingdom proved far more difficult.

Shaking his head bitterly, the family head continued: "I want our daughters to serve Yan Yunyu, Chu Lingluo, and Ji Ling Sha. Maintaining good relations with these three Goddesses could bring our family great benefits."

"… "

Though all came from noble families, the thought of their daughters serving others rankled the head and elders.

Then they remembered the Silver and Golden Fruits – and their own sons’ futures.

Knowing these divine fruits were controlled by the three women, their hesitation vanished.

"You’re right. Pleasing them benefits our daughters too… Staying close might earn chances to serve His Excellency."

An elder cautiously added: "Which faction should we support – the Yan family’s Goddess, the Chu family’s, or Prince Liang’s?"

"… "

The question left the family head speechless.

"First investigate which Goddess enjoys Mu Lin’s favor most."

…

Countless families sought to curry favor with the three women.

Direct access to Mu Lin being impossible, they focused on his consorts.

Different clans chose different approaches based on relationships and perceptions. Some favored Chu Lingluo, believing her pure nature made her Mu Lin’s favorite.

Some chose Ji Ling Sha, believing her family held the greatest influence and currently possessed the most Golden Fruits. Others picked Yan Yunyu, noting how she’d assisted Mu Lin with daily affairs since early days, making her his most convenient aide. Though opinions differed, all showed deference by sending their legitimate daughters to serve as attendants around Yan Yunyu’s circle.

Clearly, these families still sought direct ties with Mu Lin. Alongside their daughters, they delivered abundant resources… all bargaining chips for divine fruits. Unaware of these developments, Mu Lin arrived at Anping Taoist Palace while lost in contemplation.

He sought Dongfang Ya – the teacher who’d sheltered and guided him during his vulnerable years. While wanting to repay her foremost, he hadn’t forgotten his grandfather either, reserving the city god position for him. This was merely the beginning. When Mu Lin later ascended as Yin Emperor and ruler of Fengdu, he’d govern the underworld’s broader affairs while delegating daily management. The Yama King’s seat would eventually pass to his grandfather.

Surveying the palace grounds, Mu Lin found his teacher absent. However, Master Meng Rui remained present. In a flash, he materialized before her quarters. To his surprise, the chamber held not just Master Meng Rui but familiar figures: Puppet Master Qin Yuan, his former sparring partner, and Zuo Li of the Savior Organization who claimed future-sight and world-saving ambitions.

Mu Lin’s arrival stunned the group. Both Zuo Li and Qin Yuan wore conflicted expressions. Despite the Savior Organization’s prolonged efforts, their achievements paled against Mu Lin’s solitary impact. After he single-handedly reversed the North Wilderness crisis, apocalyptic prophecies dwindled by eighty percent. His northern campaign caused ripples through the Southern realms too – evil gods’ descendants and cultists slashed activities by ninety percent, fearing his attention.

Powerful clans reconsidered their allegiances: "Join you? When you can’t even defeat Mu Lin? Only fools would side with failures!" Through sheer power, Mu Lin cowed the world. Even within the Savior Organization, schisms emerged as members debated whether following Mu Lin offered better salvation prospects than their own group. Some defected northward to serve him.

Facing this architect of their organization’s fragmentation, their mixed emotions were understandable. Unconcerned, Mu Lin casually inquired, "What’s being discussed?"

"The crisis in Anping City," Master Meng Rui answered. "Zuo Li warns of a secret realm containing a great demon here. Its eruption could doom the city. They seek solutions." She added with sudden recollection, "Their past struggle over Flowers and Butterflies aimed to breach this realm."

"Secret realm?" Mu Lin’s eyes narrowed. A brief sensory sweep revealed the target. Without ceremony, he extended his palm.

A black bubble materialized with a hum. Within swirled a bloodstained Black Mountain bristling with shattered swords, its core fused with a formidable demon.

"That’s it!" Qin Yuan and Zuo Li tensed defensively. The trapped demon roared skyward, "Who dares?!"

Mu Lin, preoccupied with his search, ignored the challenge. With a casual gulp, he consumed bubble and demon alike. In truth, he’d channeled them into his Heavenly Techniques of Darkness – an entity perpetually absorbing forbidden power from the City of Heaven’s Funeral and black river waters. There, the Black Mountain demon faced eternal imprisonment.

Anping City’s crisis dissolved in three breathless silences.

Qin Yuan and Zuo Li stood dumbstruck.