Chapter 213 – The Qingqiu Fox Clan: A Princess

Mu Lin’s outstanding performance in Cloud City had thoroughly spread his fame far and wide.

Consequently, while he was in deep slumber, many were discussing him, contemplating how to win him over or establish friendly relations.

Some, deeming Mu Lin too significant, dared not make decisions alone and swiftly reported his situation to their superiors.

Those who submitted reports included the Clan Elder of the Yan Family Fourth Branch, the manager of the Demon Suppression Division, a military general, and an Elder from the Foreign Races.

For instance, at the Demon Fox Clan’s encampment, the Third Clan Elder of the Fox Clan, who had accompanied the group, quickly reported Mu Lin’s information to her own Clan Head via a jade stone.

When the jade stone connected, a somewhat lazy yet inexplicably alluring voice came from the other side.

“To activate an emergency contact—has something major occurred in the Human Race’s joint examination?”

“Clan Head, your insight is correct; there has indeed been an unexpected development.”

At this point, the Third Clan Elder of the Demon Fox Clan spoke with heartfelt envy: “This time, the Human Race has produced a Prodigy.”

Hearing this, the lazy voice replied indifferently: “Since it’s a Prodigy, just have Bai Zhi go and win him over.”

This remark left the Third Clan Elder somewhat awkward: “Ahem, Clan Head, Bai Zhi has already chosen someone else.”

“…Then send Bai Yingying. I recall that little fox is quite lively…”

Unaware of the gravity of the situation, the Clan Head of the Fushan Fox Clan casually selected a concubine for Mu Lin.

Fortunately, while she did not understand, the Third Clan Elder of the Fox Clan did. Thus, before the Clan Head could finish, the Third Clan Elder interrupted: “Clan Head, Mu Lin is no ordinary genius; he is a peerless prodigy.”

“…”

These words caused the lazy voice to pause.

After a long while, a voice finally spoke.

“You mean to deploy Lingling and send her over.”

The so-called Lingling was another peerless beauty cultivated by the Demon Fox Clan. Originally, this beauty was prepared by their Fushan tribe for the Tiger Demon Clan. Upon hearing her Third Clan Elder’s words, the Demon Fox Clan Head of Fushan assumed the elder meant to send Bai Lingling.

But soon, something unexpected happened again.

Upon hearing her response, the Third Clan Elder’s somewhat aged voice decisively replied:

“Not enough!”

“Although Lingling is excellent, her talent is not much different from Bai Zhi’s. She is not qualified to stay by Mu Lin’s side, nor can she establish a foothold there.”

“My meaning, Clan Head, is for you to contact the Qingqiu Fox Clan and have one of their princesses come over.”

“…”

This time, it was the Clan Head of the Fushan tribe who fell silent.

After a long pause, a voice finally spoke, but now it carried many doubts.

“Third Clan Elder, have you been threatened? If so, I will immediately contact our clansmen within the Human Race territory to mediate on your behalf.”

“Or do you have some grievance against me, planning to use this as a pretext to eliminate me?”

“…”

Such remarks left the Third Clan Elder of the Fox Clan speechless.

However, she understood why her Clan Head spoke this way.

Although both were Fox Clans, their Fushan Fox Clan was completely incomparable to the Qingqiu Fox Clan.

The former was merely a small tribe, while the latter was their royal capital, the Imperial City.

And the princesses of the Qingqiu Fox Clan were eligible to marry the princes of the Human Race and the Holy Sons of the Holy Race.

In fact, some fortunate members of the Qingqiu Fox Clan could even become consorts to human emperors.

With such promising prospects, she had proposed marrying the Qingqiu Fox Clan’s princess to Mu Lin. At first glance, this seemed like nothing short of slander and provocation.

Under such circumstances, the Clan Head of the Fushan Fox Clan, who had gone to propose the idea, was naturally at risk of severe punishment.

Though these thoughts crossed her mind, the third Clan Elder of the Demon Fox Clan did not apologize. Instead, she sighed and said, “Clan Head, I watched you grow up. How could I ever harm you? The reason I made such a proposal is that Mu Lin is simply too powerful.”

These words finally piqued the interest of the Fox Clan’s Clan Head.

“Oh? Then tell me, what kind of talent does he possess that has earned him such high regard from you?”

Faced with this question, the third Clan Elder of the Fox Clan first recalled Mu Lin transforming into a Jiao Dragon, bearing the bearing of a True Dragon.

Then, she thought of his ability to command Anomalies and control the ominous.

She also remembered how he could elevate his own rank, allowing him to fight above his level.

But in the end, the third Clan Elder of the Demon Fox Clan did not elaborate on these matters. She simply said this: “Mu Lin can control the power of time.”

The statement was simple, yet it achieved her goal perfectly.

“Time? You’re saying Mu Lin can control the power of time? How is that possible? I recall you went to observe the Prodigy joint examination in the Southeast Region, not a battle at the True Person level, right?”

“This old one hasn’t grown so senile as to forget what she participated in.”

After speaking, she sighed with emotion. “I know it sounds exaggerated that someone as young as Mu Lin can already control time. But if he weren’t so exceptional, how would I dare propose marrying the Qingqiu Fox Clan’s princess to him?”

Among all laws, time reigns supreme, and space is king.

This saying is not mere words. From the attitude of the Demon Fox Clan, it is clear that the people of this world yearn for the great power of time.

And time… lives up to such a title.

This ability is overwhelmingly powerful, even to the point of being invincible.

Time has three threads. By mastering the future, a time manipulator can summon their future self, predict various natural disasters and calamities in advance. Such an ability is strategic, whether for a clan or an individual.

The past is also immensely powerful. Summoning projections of past masters to fight goes without saying. If one can see into the past, Mu Lin would navigate Secret Realms with ease.

And if one can control the present time, achieving temporal stasis in an area, that would render them truly invincible.

—The words “time stop” are synonymous with invincibility.

…

The Demon Fox Clan was not the only one to detect Mu Lin’s control over time and space. The Demon Suppression Division and the military also noticed it. Besides time, they had personally witnessed that Mu Lin’s other abilities were exceptionally strong as well.

Consequently, these parties were all seeking resources and authority from their superiors to win Mu Lin over.

In the Demon Suppression Division, the official in charge at the scene directly contacted the deputy director of the Southeast Region.

“I’m not joking. Mu Lin truly controls the power of time. Besides that, he can command Anomalies and transform into a Jiao Dragon. He alone is worth a hundred Prodigies!”

Similarly, the recruitment heads of the Azure Dragon Legion and the Kunpeng Legion, who had come to recruit Prodigies, contacted their respective deputy commanders…

“Mu Lin’s abilities are remarkably versatile—close combat, ranged attacks, curses, reconnaissance, and support—he can handle them all. Moreover, he has mastered the power of time. I witnessed with my own eyes that despite being at the Spirit Sea Realm in terms of Divine Soul, he used a secret technique to slow the thought speed of a Gang Condensation-level Demonic Monster by tenfold.”

“That’s right, you heard correctly. Spirit Sea against Gang Condensation, and his secret technique worked, slowing the opponent ten times!”

“How was it done? Of course, by relying on the power of time. Did you think ‘time reigns supreme’ was just a joke?”

“…Of course, I want to pull him back into our legion, but boss, you have to give me resources. Others aren’t blind; I’m far from the only one who values Mu Lin.”

…

Reports, arguments, discussions—the major powers were bustling with activity, and the Aristocratic Families were also making moves.

Of course, these people understood that as long as Mu Lin wasn’t foolish, he would directly join the Demon Suppression Division or the military, rather than fully pledging allegiance to their families.

But what if? There’s no harm in trying.

Moreover, joining the Demon Suppression Division or the military didn’t conflict with joining their families. Therefore, many Aristocratic Families were also contacting Mu Lin, hoping he could become one of their members.

If that wasn’t possible, marriage alliances would also suffice.

…

Unaware of others’ busyness, Mu Lin, having just awakened, had already learned from Yan Yunyu about his ranking in this assessment—tying for first place with Xue Ying.

“First place? Did Jade Lake Dao Academy agree?”

Seeing Mu Lin’s slightly astonished face, Yan Yunyu chuckled softly and said, “Originally, they wanted to rank you second, but Miss Xue Ying didn’t agree. She said that without your help, she absolutely couldn’t have killed the Blood Moon Core. So, despite her somewhat aloof demeanor, she proposed tying for first place with you.”

“Of course, Miss Xue Ying’s proposal was important, but even more crucial was your own strength, Brother Mu, which made Jade Lake Dao Academy unwilling to offend you. Hehe, they still hope to recruit you into Jade Lake Dao Academy.”

Thinking of how highly others regarded Mu Lin, Yan Yunyu couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Well, another reason for her joy was that as Mu Lin’s subordinate, his rise in strength had elevated her status in everyone’s eyes countless times.

Imagining the Prodigies and powerful figures she once had to look up to now speaking kindly to her—such a wonderful scenario was something Yan Yunyu, who had always been quite ambitious, simply couldn’t resist.

However, while she was happy, Mu Lin frowned.

“Joining Jade Lake Dao Academy… let’s forget about that…”

“Wait, Brother Mu, don’t refuse so hastily.”

It was Yan Yunyu who interrupted Mu Lin. Seeing his puzzled look, she quickly explained, “This isn’t just my opinion. When Jade Lake Dao Academy made the proposal, I informed Teacher Dongfang Ya about it. Our teacher’s advice was not to refuse immediately but to first see what conditions Jade Lake Dao Academy offers.”

“If the conditions are suitable, you could be a Disciple of both Anping Dao Palace and Jade Lake Dao Palace.”

“…”

Such an arrangement was something Mu Lin hadn’t anticipated, but upon careful thought, it fit Teacher Dongfang Ya’s character perfectly.

That teacher wasn’t particularly concerned with the school’s interests or honor; instead, she hoped more for the best development of the Disciples she nurtured.

In that context, her suggestion for Mu Lin to be a Disciple of both Dao Palaces was quite reasonable.

This also increased Mu Lin’s favorable impression of Teacher Dongfang Ya.

“She is a true master… Moreover, since it was Teacher Dongfang Ya’s decision, I’ll follow her advice and not rush to make a choice just yet.”

Thinking this, Mu Lin set the matter aside. At the same time, his gaze turned solemn as he looked at Yan Yunyu.

“How many resources do we currently have on hand?”

Hearing this, Yan Yunyu perked up and said:

“A lot, and many people are still rushing to send us resources. However, since Brother Mu was unconscious earlier, I didn’t dare to make decisions alone.”

“Of course, even without accepting gifts from others, we are not short on resources… After leaving the tower, the Yan Family upgraded my rating to Earth Grade High Rank. The level of support is now dozens of times greater than before. Whatever Brother Mu needs, I can help you obtain it.”

These words brought Mu Lin some comfort.

“At least those successive battles weren’t fought in vain.”

After this reflection, Mu Lin immediately said: “Go to the Four Seas Pavilion and purchase some resources—those for consolidating the foundation and nurturing vitality. Whether for the spirit, the body, or the Divine Soul, get them all.”

“Yes.”

Although she didn’t understand the reason behind Mu Lin’s request, Yan Yunyu was clever and had no intention of asking further. After agreeing, she immediately prepared to go out and search for resources for Mu Lin.

However, as she reached the door, she remembered something and quickly turned back to Mu Lin: “Oh, right, Brother Mu, while you were resting, Tian Yun of the Feather Clan and Xue Ying of the Ge Family both came by. The former was somewhat unconvinced and clamored to have another fight with you, Brother Mu.”

“And Xue Ying, she also wants to spar with you.”

As she said this, Yan Yunyu’s expression showed some concern.

Clearly, although she admired Mu Lin, she didn’t believe he was guaranteed to win.

The challenges from both of them made Mu Lin narrow his eyes; he also felt the pressure.

But soon, Mu Lin’s demeanor returned to calm.

He had found a way to deal with both of them, and the reason he had Yan Yunyu purchase resources for consolidating the foundation and nurturing vitality as soon as he woke up was partly due to this consideration.

“My current hard strength is indeed inferior to both of yours. If we really fought, my chances of winning wouldn’t be high. But if my strength improves again, that would be different.”

“Coincidentally, I have a plan to quickly enhance my strength.”

Because he felt confident, Mu Lin’s reply was exceptionally composed.

“I understand.”

(End of Chapter)