Chapter 222 – The Possibility of Condensing the City God Domain

The overwhelmingly shocking truth made Dongfang Ya doubt herself.

It was no wonder she felt this way; the further one progressed in cultivation, the longer it took.

In the early stages—Sensing, Spirit Awakening—a Prodigy could reach, or even perfect, these stages in just twenty or thirty days.

But in the later stages, such as Spirit Pool and Spirit Sea, it normally took several months to advance even a small step.

Yet, when it came to Mu Lin, the situation was completely reversed.

Although his progress in the three stages—Sensing, Qi Drawing, and Spirit Awakening—was not slow, among Prodigies, it was considered mediocre, only slightly better than those with Second-Class Spirit Root Talent.

However, the further he advanced in cultivation, the faster Mu Lin progressed. Now, his speed had reached a monstrous level.

How could she not be astonished by such an unbelievable turn of events?

…

Baffled by this, Dongfang Ya conducted several more examinations of Mu Lin, even employing some Mystical Arts in the process.

Yet, no matter how she investigated, she found that Mu Lin’s Cultivation Level was indeed solidly at the mid-stage of Spirit Pool (limited to Mana).

Although his current aura was somewhat depleted and unstable, these minor deficiencies and fluctuations were within an acceptable range and did not affect his foundation. With a little nourishment from resources, they could all be replenished…

“Resources, no wonder Mu Lin’s demand for resources has been so high lately. He truly needs them now.”

Having understood everything, Dongfang Ya no longer minded Mu Lin’s requests for large amounts of resources from the Aristocratic Families.

Though it might sound unpleasant, there was a truth to it: people were different, and their value varied greatly.

For the Aristocratic Families, if an ordinary person borrowed three or five taels of silver, wealthy landlords could seize all their assets, leaving them destitute and broken.

But for a genius, even a thousand or eight hundred Spirit Stones were merely a friendly greeting gift.

Previously, Dongfang Ya hadn’t minded Mu Lin asking the Aristocratic Families for Spirit Stones. What worried her was that he might demand more than his talent warranted.

Now, however, she realized her perspective had been too narrow.

Though Mu Lin asked for a lot, given his talent and progress speed, he could still manage it.

After realizing this, Dongfang Ya first breathed a sigh of relief, but then felt somewhat awkward.

“Ahem, yes, well… it was your teacher who misunderstood you…”

“Heh, it’s fine.”

After some discussion, the few of them cleared up their misunderstandings.

However, Dongfang Ya still looked at Mu Lin with a mix of shock and curiosity.

Clearly, she couldn’t understand what Mu Lin had done to improve his strength so rapidly.

And she wasn’t the only one surprised. Yan Yunyu and the members of the Yan Family who had come with her were also filled with shock and trepidation.

Just as Dongfang Ya had thought, as Mu Lin demanded large amounts of resources, they had considered scheming against him.

Not to kill him, or even to enslave him, but to have him change his surname and marry into the Yan Family through Yan Yunyu.

But now, all they felt was relief.

“Such a Mu Lin is someone we absolutely cannot afford to antagonize.”

…

Mu Lin sensed the sentiments of others and wasn’t surprised.

After all, even he was astonished by his own rate of progress.

“Simple fixation, while allowing me to achieve stepwise progress, consumes a tremendous amount of energy. Each use results in significant depletion within my body, making it an unconventional method that cannot be employed continuously.”

“The Crimson Wine Gourd merely replenishes my energy.”

“But when combined, they achieve a transformation where one plus one becomes greater than three…”

However, after this reflection, Mu Lin also discovered the limitations of his abilities.

He could only enhance his mana, physical strength, and divine soul, but found it difficult to elevate the realm of his cultivation method.

The latter still required Mu Lin to cultivate on his own or gain insights into the workings of heaven and earth.

Fortunately, Mu Lin’s cultivation method realm far surpassed his current cultivation level. Whether in the short term or long term, he had no need to worry about this.

“I have officially taken flight!”

While Mu Lin was filled with joy, Dongfang Ya had not left and instead gave him another pleasant surprise.

“Your talent is truly astonishing. Tell me, are you really a Third-Class Spirit Root?”

“Naturally.”

“Well, you won’t be one in a moment.”

“Huh?”

These words initially left Mu Lin stunned, but he soon thought of something and looked at Dongfang Ya with a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

“Teacher, could it be…?”

His delighted expression brought a smile to Dongfang Ya’s face.

“Yes, exactly what you’re thinking. I took some time recently to return to the academy and requested resources from the Headmaster that can facilitate the evolution of your spirit root.”

“Thank you, Teacher.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Lin immediately bowed deeply to Dongfang Ya.

If his spirit root could also transform from mediocre to exceptional, Mu Lin’s cultivation speed would increase yet again.

This stroke of good fortune, akin to adding wings to a tiger, naturally filled Mu Lin with immense gratitude toward Dongfang Ya.

As for the latter, she did not claim credit for herself.

“No need to thank me. If you must thank anyone, thank yourself. If you hadn’t performed so remarkably, even if I had argued until the heavens fell, the Headmaster would not have agreed.”

“These resources are what you earned through your own capabilities.”

With that, Dongfang Ya, feeling her task was complete, left a jade box behind and departed with a wave of her hand.

Mu Lin watched her retreating figure for a long while before turning his gaze to Yan Yunyu beside him.

“You have something to discuss as well.”

“Yes, two matters. The first concerns the Feather Clan. Their Tian Yun has always been unconvinced by you, Brother Mu, and has openly declared her intention to challenge you. How should we respond?”

Upon hearing this, Mu Lin replied almost without hesitation:

“Tell her that I will accept her challenge during the second round of assessments. For now, I have no time.”

For Mu Lin, who possessed both the Crimson Wine Gourd and the fixation ability, his strength was improving dramatically with each passing day.

Under such circumstances, he naturally had no desire to face Tian Yun so soon and preferred to delay the confrontation as long as possible.

“I understand.”

Yan Yunyu never refused Mu Lin’s decisions, only swiftly carrying them out. This time was no exception.

After nodding, she proceeded to the second matter.

“The Demon Suppression Division, the Kunpeng Legion, and the Azure Dragon Legion have approached me several times these past few days, each making their offers. Brother Mu, have you decided which organization you wish to join?”

This time, Mu Lin fell into prolonged contemplation and did not make a quick decision.

“First, tell me the conditions offered by the three factions.”

“Understood.”

Nodding, Yan Yunyu immediately began: “The Kunpeng Legion is a naval force, primarily operating in rivers and seas. Their legion possesses numerous water-based treasures, and the resources they offer are related to this aspect.”

“First is status. Brother Mu, if you join the legion, you won’t start as a common soldier. Instead, you’ll become the Qi Refiner attached to the Azure Whale, and you’ll start as a captain right away, commanding over a dozen Qi Refiners and more than a hundred Warriors.”

“As for resources, you can choose from various water-based resources. They also mentioned having some connections with the Dragon Palace, and they can help you purify your Jiao Dragon bloodline. They even said that if you serve long enough and accumulate sufficient merit, they’re willing to help you become the ruler of a water domain.”

Among the various conditions offered by the Kunpeng Legion, Mu Lin wasn’t particularly concerned about the early-stage resources and status. However, the close ties with the Dragon Palace and the possibility of becoming a ruler of a water domain did pique his interest somewhat.

Still, he didn’t make an immediate decision, preferring to hear the proposals from the other two factions first.

Seeing Mu Lin remain silent, Yan Yunyu immediately understood and proceeded to explain the next part:

“The Azure Dragon Legion is stationed in the Great Spirit Dynasty Capital, where all facilities and resources are the best. By joining this legion, Brother Mu, you could even cultivate in the Tower of Illusions Main Tower and meet various important figures…”

Before she could finish, Mu Lin shook his head and interrupted her:

“Tell me about the Demon Suppression Division.”

“Ah, Brother Mu doesn’t want to join the Azure Dragon Legion?”

“The capital is where the powerful gather and resources are concentrated. Naturally, it’s also filled with scions of noble families. I don’t get along with them, nor do I want to bother with social maneuvering.”

Hearing this and considering Mu Lin’s personality, Yan Yunyu also felt that the Azure Dragon Legion might not be the best choice for him.

Without trying to persuade him further, she quickly outlined the conditions offered by the Demon Suppression Division:

“The Demon Suppression Division’s offer isn’t given alone; it’s jointly funded by wealthy merchants and influential families.”

“If you join the Demon Suppression Division, Brother Mu, aside from immediately receiving a large batch of resources and access to the Cultivation Methods in the Scripture Repository Pavilion, you’ll also start as a Silver-Badge Demon Suppressor.”

“Hmm, the so-called silver badge is similar to ranks in the military: ordinary Demon Suppressor, Bronze Demon Suppressor, Silver, Gold, Title… these are the ratings within the Demon Suppression Division.”

“Among these, in major cities like Jade City or Anping City, a Silver-Badge Demon Suppressor is only a small team leader. Even a Gold-Badge Demon Suppressor is a deputy, managing only a district. Only a Title Demon Suppressor can oversee the entire city.”

“But if you’re willing to go to a smaller city, Brother Mu, with the status of a Silver-Badge Demon Suppressor, you can become one of the leading figures there, enjoying a respected position.”

“And the Demon Suppression Division guarantees that wherever you go, you’ll receive support from the local influential families and nobles…”

The Demon Suppression Division is different from a county magistrate. The latter manages people and seeks profit, often competing with powerful families and nobles.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for county magistrates to meet unfortunate ends, such as drowning.

Mu Lin, as a Qi Refiner in the Demon Suppression Division, would primarily focus on subduing demons and eliminating monsters.

Demonic monsters are brutal, and Evil Aberrations are sinister. No one wants to face demonic threats without hope of rescue.

Thus, most influential families and nobles are willing to befriend members of the Demon Suppression Division, hoping for timely assistance when danger arises.

After listening to Yan Yunyu’s explanations, Mu Lin realized that the Azure Dragon Legion had the closest ties to the upper echelons. For those with excellent social skills or those seeking patronage from the powerful, joining the Azure Dragon Legion would be the best choice.

The Kunpeng Legion is a specialized naval force, serving as the primary domain for water-element cultivators.

Because Mu Lin could transform into a Jiao Dragon, the Kunpeng Legion still regarded him with considerable importance.

As for the final option, the Demon Suppression Division, it offered the greatest degree of freedom.

By joining the Demon Suppression Division, Mu Lin could either settle into a comfortable, leisurely life in a major city or wield authority in a smaller town.

After some deliberation, Mu Lin leaned toward—the Demon Suppression Division.

The reason for this choice was, first, that the Blackwater Profound Serpent Mortal Shedding Art was not his primary cultivation method.

Consequently, the water-element-focused Kunpeng Legion was not an ideal fit for him.

Second, Mu Lin preferred greater freedom and did not wish to be bound by military discipline.

Beyond that, there was a third and most crucial point—he wanted to manifest his City God Domain.

“For a City God to manifest in the mortal realm, although it requires Human Dao Fortune, not all of it is controlled by the imperial family and the court.”

“If I can protect a city and earn the trust of its residents, I can use that to manifest the City God Domain.”

(End of Chapter)