Chapter 183 – Chu Lingluo's Mother's Regret

Due to the absence of the concept of universal equality, the scions of aristocratic families in this world genuinely believed, deep down, that their bloodlines were nobler and more exalted than those of commoners.

They even looked down upon commoners, and refusing to marry them was considered politically correct among the upper echelons of this world.

Much like a certain major Asian nation, they believed that people were inherently ranked by hierarchy, and marrying someone of lower status would taint their noble bloodline.

Yet, despite holding such beliefs, Wei Jing had to admit, upon witnessing Mu Lin’s performance, that he was a genius—a super genius capable of defying conventional wisdom.

Chu Lingluo falling for someone like him was not a foolish matter worthy of mockery but rather a true pairing of talent and beauty.

However, this also meant that her earlier frantic efforts and constant agitation now made her appear like a clown.

…

Not only was Wei Jing astounded by Mu Lin’s talent, but the surrounding noblewomen also acknowledged him.

This led those concerned about Chu Lingluo to collectively sigh in relief, congratulating her mother, Si Ye: “Si Ye, it seems we all misunderstood Lingluo. She wasn’t being willful but truly discerning.”

“With such talent, even if his background is slightly humble, it’s tolerable. Lingluo marrying him is only slightly inferior to marrying the legitimate son of an aristocratic family.”

“No, I actually think this is better now… While legitimate sons of aristocratic families indeed have more resources, marrying them is no easy feat. Moreover, their high status often means they take multiple wives. Lingluo would only suffer if she married into such a family. It’s better for her to marry Mu Lin.”

While some offered congratulations, others turned their playful gazes toward Wei Jing, whose face flushed with shame and anger under their scrutiny.

“Bastard…”

Rage simmered in Wei Jing’s chest. Just as she felt utterly humiliated and was about to storm off, she suddenly noticed that her rival, Si Ye, upon witnessing Mu Lin’s impressive display, did not appear joyful but instead wore a complex expression.

Observing this expression and recalling their confrontation a few days prior, an idea abruptly surfaced in Wei Jing’s mind, causing a smile to reappear at the corner of her lips.

“Si Ye, congratulations. Your daughter Lingluo comes from an outstanding family, and Young Master Mu Lin possesses remarkable talent. Such a pairing of talent and beauty is truly a match made in heaven.”

“???”

Wei Jing’s congratulatory words left the surrounding noblewomen stunned.

They couldn’t understand why Wei Jing, who was hostile toward Si Ye, had suddenly changed her attitude and was now flattering her.

“Has she lost her mind from anger?”

Just as the noblewomen were utterly perplexed, Wei Jing’s next words revealed the reason.

“For Lingluo to marry a good husband who also possesses extraordinary potential—such wonderful things happening together should be a double blessing for you, Si Ye. So, why aren’t you smiling?”

As she spoke, the delight on Wei Jing’s face grew even more pronounced.

“Heehee, you wouldn’t look down on Mu Lin and have tried to tear the lovers apart, would you?”

These words did not cause Chu Lingluo’s mother to visibly change expression, but her hand gripping the round fan tightened abruptly.

Soon, the surrounding noblewomen also recalled that when news of Chu Lingluo and Mu Lin’s relationship spread, Si Ye’s expression had indeed been displeased, and she had subsequently denied it vehemently, desperately trying to quash the rumors.

Such a reaction clearly did not indicate approval of Mu Lin’s attitude.

“This…”

“Ah…”

“Si Ye, you…”

This sudden turn left those close to Lingluo at a loss for words.

However, while they were mindful of Si Ye’s dignity and unwilling to say more, Wei Jing held no such reservations.

“Little Sister Si Ye, you were too hasty. It’s true that many from humble backgrounds are useless, but prodigies do emerge from among them. You shouldn’t have torn them apart.”

“Exactly. Look at how our niece Lingluo truly loves Mu Lin. When two people are mutually devoted—one with family background, the other with talent—such a heaven-made match is truly a pity to break apart.”

“Alas, it’s too late now. Prodigies are always proud. Having been so scorned and insulted, Young Master Mu will undoubtedly hold a grudge against our niece Lingluo. Even if she could marry him now, she would likely be trampled, tormented, and harshly mistreated by him.”

“As far as I know, Young Master Mu and Lingluo were each other’s first love. The others all came later. Could it be that after your insult, Mu Lin started getting involved with other girls?”

“If that’s the case, then Mu Lin was essentially pushed away by you. Ah… I wonder if our niece Lingluo will resent you when she learns of this…”

The group that had previously been at odds with Si Ye now acted like caring confidantes, each word spoken out of consideration for Chu Lingluo and her mother. Yet, to Si Ye, these seemingly concerned remarks felt like daggers to the heart, each sentence a slap to the face.

What infuriated her even more was that she could not refute these words. It was indeed she who had actively torn Mu Lin apart and pushed him toward Yan Yunyu.

It was she who had destroyed her own daughter’s best romance and most promising marriage.

For the first time, Si Ye felt regret over her earlier actions.

…

The one feeling regret was not only Chu Lingluo’s mother.

The Headmaster of Jade Lake Dao Academy also stood up in astonishment upon seeing Mu Lin’s outstanding performance.

“How is this possible? A person from a humble background actually possesses such ability!”

Beside him, Ji Guan, who managed finances and had once refused to use resources to recruit Mu Lin, stared silently at the scorched earth trail in the video projection for a long time.

After a while, a thought finally surfaced in his mind.

“Could he actually break into the top three and cause some impact on Jade Lake Dao Academy?”

This worry made him somewhat regretful, and he genuinely felt that he should have spent some resources to recruit Mu Lin back then.

“The way Jade Lake Dao Academy recruits ordinary prodigies should indeed be through attraction, not by forcefully investing resources. But Mu Lin is no ordinary talent—he is an exceptional-level prodigy, worthy of the academy making an exception for him once… Huh? What’s that!”

Just as Ji Guan was feeling regretful, something in the projection caught his eye, and his worries instantly vanished without a trace.

“Haha, Mu Lin is indeed impressive, but he’s still too impulsive.”

The Headmaster beside him had already noticed the anomaly in the projection earlier. Hearing this, he nodded and said, “You’re right. Mu Lin has good talent, but his personality is somewhat arrogant and presumptuous. That’s not good at all. Let’s hope he learns from this lesson next time.”

…

While those outside were discussing, Mu Lin, having slain the Corpse Monster, descended from the sky.

However, after defeating the enemy, Mu Lin was not in good shape. His face was deathly pale, and his body swayed unsteadily.

—Spirit Channeling – Ancestral Soul was indeed powerful, but this ability was extremely mana-intensive and placed an immense burden on the body.

Under such circumstances, Mu Lin had also activated Overlimit Thunder Burst Mode, further increasing the strain on his body.

The final Lightning Breath was like the last straw that broke the camel’s back, completely draining Mu Lin’s energy and spirit.

Thus, after defeating the formidable foe, Mu Lin was now in a state of mana depletion and mental exhaustion. As for his physical body, it was riddled with cracks everywhere.

This was also why Mu Lin swayed unsteadily as he descended from the sky.

Seeing this, the Merfolk were not disappointed; instead, they collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

Mu Lin’s previous performance had been too inhuman, which made the Merfolk somewhat uneasy—while a powerful Jiao Dragon was indeed someone they wished to rely on, Mu Lin’s overwhelming strength also made Baili Xiuling feel that they were merely accessories.

And Baili Xiuling, who was well aware of the dangers of the world, clearly understood that a useless Merfolk Tribe would not receive the protection of a Jiao Dragon.

Instead, only now did they have a foundation for cooperation.

“Whew… hurry, go rescue… go welcome His Highness!”

Under Baili Xiuling’s command, a group of Merfolk all rushed toward Mu Lin.

At the same time, Yan Yunyu, Chu Lingluo, and the others also arrived.

During the previous battle, the two women, who were still at the Gushing Spring stage, had no qualifications to participate. Ji Xue had charged into the fray for a while, but only provided support on the periphery.

Now, as they gathered with the Merfolk Tribe, the atmosphere immediately grew tense.

Yan Yunyu was fully supporting Mu Lin, and the Merfolk team was also prepared to give their all, but this did not mean that their relationships would become close.

After all, rivals in the same trade are often enemies.

Fortunately, although the atmosphere was strange, they did not actually start fighting, nor did they even argue.

Mu Lin was not Yan Yunyu or Baili Xiuling’s puppet; in fact, their relationships were not even equal.

As the one being relied upon, Mu Lin’s status far surpassed theirs, placing him in the position of a king or leader.

Thus, before Mu Lin made his stance clear, they dared not tear off their masks in front of him or risk displeasing him.

After exchanging a glance filled with hostility, the two women simultaneously put on fake smiles.

Then, they both turned their gazes toward Mu Lin, preparing to praise his powerful performance.

However, just as the two women were about to start their flattery mode, hoping to please Mu Lin, an unexpected incident suddenly occurred.

With a “shh-la” sound, Mu Lin, who had defeated a formidable enemy and was feeling somewhat smug, suddenly froze.

At the same time, a longsword from nowhere pierced through Mu Lin’s chest, its tip gleaming with a flash of crimson.

(End of Chapter)