Chapter 227 – Fixing 'Enlightenment'

Yan Yongwang did not realize the severity of the situation, but Fourth Elder Yan did.

Looking at Yan Yunyu, who was staring at him calmly without a hint of retreat, Fourth Elder Yan frowned and said, “Let’s go inside to talk.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Yunyu… did not agree.

“Fourth Grandfather, your granddaughter is not only a member of the Yan Family now but also Brother Mu’s wife. Someone is impersonating a member of the Yan Family to bully me. Are you sure you won’t intervene?”

“Bull… I’m not an imposter! I’m Yan Yongwang from the fifth branch of the Yan Family!”

The latter tried to prove himself, but Yan Yunyu paid no attention to his words, and Fourth Elder Yan… did not listen either.

Glancing at Yan Yunyu, whose expression showed no compromise, Fourth Elder Yan sighed.

He knew that Yan Yunyu was doing this to force him to make a decision.

—Would he protect Yan Yongwang or support Yan Yunyu?

Without a doubt, compared to an ordinary clan member, Yan Yunyu, who was now closely connected to Mu Lin, was far more important. This concerned the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram.

Thus, without hesitating for long, Fourth Elder Yan waved his hand and made his decision.

“Guards, take this scoundrel who impersonates a member of the Yan Family away.”

“Huh?”

“Fourth Grandfather, I am Yan Yongwang! I am a member of the Yan Family…”

Sensing something amiss, he cried out in panic, but before he could finish speaking, he was dragged away.

After he left, Fourth Elder Yan turned his gaze to Yan Yunyu and smiled kindly. “Yun Yu, now we can go inside to talk, right?”

“Of course, Grandfather. How could your granddaughter dare refuse your invitation?”

The three of them, amiable and seemingly like one family, entered the room.

However, as they walked, each of them was calculating.

Once inside the room, after a moment of silence, Yan Zhanpeng spoke first.

“Cousin, you still remember your identity as a member of the Yan Family, right? I observe that Mu Lin is not a man of pure devotion. His wives and concubines will certainly not be limited to you alone. Without the support of your natal family, you may not be able to stabilize your position by his side.”

This was meant to remind Yan Yunyu that without the Yan Family, she might not be able to secure her place beside Mu Lin.

Yan Yunyu did not refute this.

“Of course I remember. Yun Yu will always be a member of the Yan Family… and Brother Mu’s wife.”

Of course, she did not voice the last part aloud, and she was well aware that her future prospects depended on the latter identity.

After all, as a large aristocratic family, while the Yan Family did not have tens of thousands of descendants, it still numbered in the thousands.

With only her identity as a Yan Family descendant, Yan Yunyu would be nothing more than an ordinary member, easily expendable.

In contrast, her identity as Mu Lin’s wife was, for the time being, unique… shared by only two or three others.

Moreover, she had not forgotten that it was Mu Lin who had greatly advanced her cultivation method.

It was also Mu Lin who had given her the qualification to stand before her Fourth Grandfather and receive his kind treatment.

Under such circumstances, she knew all too well whom she should lean toward.

Of course, she would not sever ties with the Yan Family either.

As Yan Zhanpeng had said, with the support of her natal family, she could stabilize her footing by Mu Lin’s side.

‘Balancing the relationship between the family and Mu Lin, walking a tightrope between them… It’s difficult, but this is exactly what I excel at.’

While pondering, Yan Yunyu smiled and said, “Grandfather, Cousin, I, Yun Yu, have never done anything to betray the Yan Family.”

“Since you understand, then you should know that this True Intent Diagram should be kept within our Yan Family…”

Yan Zhanpeng was expounding on grand principles about prioritizing the family, but before he could finish, Yan Yunyu let out a soft, amused laugh.

Such an attitude caused Yan Zhanpeng’s expression to darken.

“You think I’m wrong.”

In response to this, Yan Yunyu nodded with a smile. “Indeed wrong, gravely mistaken. It seems even you, cousin, cannot remain calm when it comes to the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram.”

Having said this, without waiting for Yan Zhanpeng to retort, Yan Yunyu’s voice turned solemn. “What makes you think our Yan Family can monopolize the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram?”

“Setting aside the many families outside watching covetously, there’s one point you, cousin, and Fourth Grandfather, haven’t considered. I am merely acting as a seller for this True Intent Diagram. Its origin is still held by Brother Mu.”

“If I sell it well, naturally everyone is happy. But if I cause Brother Mu to suffer a loss, do you think Brother Mu might entrust this task to Chu Lingluo or Teacher Dongfang instead?”

“…”

This left the two of them speechless. Only then did they remember that the key to all this was Mu Lin, not their own Yan Yunyu.

As they fell silent, Yan Yunyu’s voice continued.

“Clan Elder, cousin, if you truly wish what’s best for me and for the family, you shouldn’t pressure me to hand over the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram. That is the most foolish and short-sighted action. Instead, you should fully support me, spend substantial resources to purchase the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram, and strengthen my standing in Brother Mu’s heart.”

“…”

Such blatant favoritism towards Mu Lin left both Fourth Elder Yan and Yan Zhanpeng rather speechless.

Especially the latter, who, feeling threatened by Mu Lin and Yan Yunyu, bluntly stated, “Doing this would indeed benefit Mu Lin, but what good does it bring the family? Since we’re spending resources, we might as well purchase it at the market price.”

“Heh…”

This made Yan Yunyu laugh again.

It took a long moment before Yan Yunyu stopped laughing.

Then, with a profound gaze fixed on Yan Zhanpeng, she said, “Cousin, you don’t actually think this Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram is available everywhere and that anyone can buy it, do you?”

“Huh?”

This left Yan Zhanpeng somewhat stunned. After a long pause, he finally reacted. “This True Intent Diagram has purchase restrictions?”

“Not just purchase restrictions, but also quantity limits. I can say clearly that for eighty percent of the wealthy and powerful, even if they have the money, they won’t be able to buy this Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram.”

Hearing this, before Yan Zhanpeng could speak, Fourth Elder Yan proactively said, “I understand. The family will fully support you to maintain your current position. If Mu Lin needs any resources, you can tell me now. I will use my authority as a Clan Elder to procure them!”

Purchase restrictions and quantity limits are not good news for most ordinary people.

However, that applies to ordinary people. For those who have already gotten on board, what they most desire is never to benefit the masses, but to weld the door shut and block the path for others to get on.

Right now, the Yan Family was doing precisely that.

With Yan Yunyu present, and her having clearly stated she would not sever ties with the Yan Family, in this situation, even if the Yan Family obtained few True Intent Diagrams, they would absolutely have some, while others might not have any at all.

I have it, you don’t—that is the advantage.

Given the nature of aristocratic families, they naturally wished to maintain this advantage indefinitely.

How to maintain it? Naturally, by strengthening the relationship between Yan Yunyu and Mu Lin.

…

Hearing the promise from the Fourth Elder of the Yan Family, Yan Yunyu smiled. Her plan had succeeded.

Mobilizing the resources of the Yan Family to enhance Mu Lin’s strength, while also elevating her own status in his heart—this was precisely what she had always aimed to achieve.

As Mu Lin’s status rose, her importance within the Yan Family would also increase, creating a virtuous cycle.

Of course, the foundation of this cycle lay in Mu Lin’s ability to sustain his growth, and at an exceptionally rapid pace. Otherwise, the Yan Family was far from foolish and would never invest substantial resources in her.

‘But this is the one thing I’m least worried about. Brother Mu’s talent is truly unparalleled.’

While pondering, Yan Yunyu unhesitatingly demanded a vast array of resources from the family—Life Fruits, Six Yin Spirit Nurturing Water, Clear Spirit Qi Replenishing Pills… The sheer quantity of rare resources made even Fourth Elder Yan’s expression shift slightly.

Fortunately, Yan Yunyu knew when to stop and did not push the Fourth Elder to the point of genuine distress.

However, at the end, Yan Yunyu seemed to recall something and addressed Fourth Elder Yan with a shy demeanor: “By the way, Fourth Grandfather, that Yan Yongwang—he is far too arrogant and overbearing. He even threatened your granddaughter. I’m afraid of him, and I don’t like him.”

“…I understand. He will be stripped of all his privileges within the family.”

Yan Zhanpeng added, “To threaten a cousin—that person is indeed too arrogant. I’ll have someone teach him a lesson.”

“Thank you, Fourth Grandfather, and thank you, Cousin Zhanpeng.”

After their discussion, all three emerged satisfied.

At this point, Yan Yunyu had secured the support of the Yan Family and obtained the substantial resources Mu Lin urgently needed.

As for Fourth Elder Yan, he learned that at least one-third of the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram would be supplied to their Yan Family. Another third would be given to families with close ties to them, further strengthening the Yan Family’s influence.

Although this was not an exclusive arrangement, it still left him quite satisfied.

As for Yan Zhanpeng, he would have the privilege of being among the first to witness the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram.

What delighted him even more was that not everyone would have this qualification—this would be his advantage.

All three were pleased, but their cheerful moods were interrupted upon encountering Yan Yongwaiting outside.

By now, Yan Yongwang had realized the severity of the situation. Seeing Fourth Elder Yan, he rushed forward in tears, begging for forgiveness.

“Fourth Elder, I was wronged, I was mistaken…”

Hearing this plea, Fourth Elder Yan glanced at Yan Yunyu. Unsurprisingly, he was met with a cold, expressionless face.

Do not mistake Yan Yunyu’s submissive and obedient demeanor in front of Mu Lin for genuine gentleness or kindness.

She was never a conventionally good-natured person. Arrogant, petty, jealous, and scheming—these were her true colors.

Even Mu Lin had suffered setbacks at her hands when he was weaker.

Now, she was subdued by Mu Lin’s strength, but that did not mean she would show the same weakness toward others.

Holding grudges and seeking retribution—that was what she truly desired.

Seeing Yan Yunyu’s icy expression and understanding her intent, Fourth Elder Yan shook his head. Without hesitation, he issued a command that chilled Yan Yongwang to the bone.

“Intimidating relatives and friends, sabotaging family affairs—you deserve punishment. From today onward, your authority within the family is demoted to the lower rank of Yellow Grade.”

“No!”

To fall from a barely Earth Grade authority all the way down to Yellow Grade was, for an ordinary person, akin to plummeting from a millionaire to a beggar.

Such a scene was utterly unacceptable to Yan Yongwang.

And this filled his eyes with resentment.

However, the Fourth Clan Elder held a lofty position and possessed formidable strength, so Yan Yongwang dared not resent him. In the end, he turned his gaze toward Yan Yunyu.

“You wretched woman, it’s all because of you—”

Slap!

Before he could finish, he was struck hard across the face.

This time, it was Yan Zhanpeng who had acted.

Having received Mu Lin’s favor and recognizing Mu Lin’s talent, he had already formed the intention to build a good relationship with him.

‘After all, Mu Lin is not a member of the Yan Family, and Yan Yunyu will marry out eventually. So, neither of them is a competitor for me to become the Yan Family’s heir. If our relationship is good, they could instead be a great help.’

‘A tremendous help.’

To secure this assistance, he naturally had no qualms about doing Yan Yunyu a favor.

After slapping Yan Yongwang away, Yan Zhanpeng even assured Yan Yunyu:

“Cousin, I apologize for the fright. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him from now on.”

Upon hearing this, the other members of the Yan Family in the room felt a chill in their hearts.

Stripped of his family status by the Fourth Clan Elder and now targeted by Yan Zhanpeng, a direct descendant with prospects of becoming the heir, Yan Yongwang’s future was bound to be utterly miserable.

After this moment of reflection, the Yan Family disciples shifted their gaze away from him and onto Yan Yunyu.

They knew that Yan Yunyu was now poised to soar.

Among the many gazes directed at her were envy, jealousy, and flattery.

They envied Yan Yunyu’s status, resented her good fortune, and as for the flattery—it was all for the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram.

This marvelous cultivation method was something they all desired as well.

“Sister Yun Yu, do you still remember me? I’m from the third branch…”

In a short time, Yan Yunyu was surrounded tightly, with waves of flattering words pouring in.

This kind of attention and the envious gazes made Yan Yunyu… extremely pleased.

Some people prefer to keep a low profile, while others thrive in the spotlight. Without a doubt, Yan Yunyu belonged to the latter.

At this moment, she was filled with joy, both physically and mentally, and she was immensely satisfied with Mu Lin.

She knew very well the reason for her newfound prominence.

“My choice back then was indeed the right one!”

…

Because of the Clone Cultivation True Intent Diagram, the Yan Family and Yan Yunyu became the focus of attention, envy, and jealousy.

Mu Lin had anticipated all of this but did not care too much about it.

If possible, he would have preferred to develop quietly and discreetly.

However, he had been unable to keep a low profile before—he needed resources.

Now, he could no longer stay low-key, nor was it possible for him to do so.

—As his strength grew, Mu Lin’s demand for resources had not diminished; instead, it had increased even more.

Although his brilliance was like a firefly in the night—impossible to conceal—Mu Lin did not particularly enjoy being in the spotlight.

Therefore, having Yan Yunyu represent him actually suited Mu Lin’s intentions perfectly.

At the same time, Mu Lin had no time to bother with such trivial matters.

After some exploration, Mu Lin had thoroughly studied the “Stabilize” seal derived from the seven-colored ink.

However, after understanding everything, Mu Lin’s expression held both joy and a hint of disappointment.

Joyful was the fact that what he had previously envisioned had succeeded—through Stabilize, Mu Lin could record the state of enlightenment his body had experienced and, using Fixation, Refresh it to the present.

What left him frustrated and disappointed was that his success was not complete.

(End of Chapter)