Chapter 270 – Seventh Master Bai, You Wouldn't Want to Be Eating Hotpot While Singing…

The gloomy and ominous aura led the group of Demonic Sect experts outside to mistake the first Qi Refiner emerging as one of their own.

Upon seeing the face of the person who emerged, Ji Hongyu’s expression underwent a dramatic change.

It shifted from sorrow, anger, and helplessness to—stunned, dumbfounded, and disbelief.

“How is this possible?”

She was utterly perplexed.

At that moment, the members of the Yin-Yang Joyous Union Sect and the Nether Ghost Sect had yet to sense the danger.

Noticing the change in Ji Hongyu’s expression, they assumed the Demonic Sect member who had killed the Demon Suppression Division’s Prodigy was someone she knew.

Thus, to provoke her, someone snickered quietly, “Miss Ji, why do you look like that? Do you know the person below? Could he be a traitor from your Demon Suppression Division?”

Such words made Ji Hongyu’s expression grow even more peculiar.

“I do indeed know the person below, and he is also from my Demon Suppression Division… but he is not a traitor; he is currently on duty.”

“Huh? You really know him… Wait, on duty? What does that mean?”

Initially hearing that the person below was from the Demon Suppression Division, the old fellow from the Nether Ghost Sect was both shocked and delighted.

He had spoken casually, never expecting such a coincidence.

However, before he could finish, he heard Ji Hongyu’s next words. The phrase “on duty” left him utterly bewildered.

Or rather, he had thought of one possibility but refused to believe it.

Yet, though he was unwilling to believe, Ji Hongyu was “kind enough” to explain it to him.

“On duty means he’s currently working. By the way, Mu… Lin Qiu’s job is to be stationed in Ping’an Ancient Town, to eliminate all demons and monsters, and to ensure the town’s peace and safety.”

“Old Ghost Yu, how do you think my subordinate is performing his duties?”

“…”

Naturally, Old Ghost Yu did not answer. He merely stared at ‘Lin Qiu,’ his gaze profound and intense.

He was not the only one doing this. The Yin-Yang Joyous Union Sect, the Star Moon Sect, the Seven Killings Demonic Sect… many Demonic Sect experts, upon hearing that the one who emerged was the besieged ‘Lin Qiu’ and not the nearly thousand Demonic Sect Cultivators who had entered, looked at Mu Lin with deep, penetrating gazes.

Clearly, this outcome was beyond their expectations and made them wary of ‘Lin Qiu.’

Secret voice transmissions continued incessantly.

“A thousand against one, and they lost? Those useless fools!”

“They’re worse than useless. Even a thousand pigs would take a while to catch. Those idiots didn’t even last the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.”

Nether Ghost Sect: “The Demonic Sect rogue cultivators who entered are indeed a bunch of trash, but now is not the time to discuss that. What we need to discuss is how to deal with ‘Lin Qiu.’ He is strong enough to pose a threat to the Prodigies of our sects and has a chance of obtaining the Grave Lord Inheritance.”

“If we don’t want to return empty-handed, we must eliminate him!”

This matter was indeed crucial. However, while the group of Demonic Sect experts looked at ‘Lin Qiu’ with killing intent, they also felt helpless.

Though they were numerous and powerful, if they tried to forcefully kill Mu Lin, Ji Hongyu alone would not be able to protect him.

Yet, just as Ji Hongyu could not protect Mu Lin, these Demonic Sect Cultivators could not protect their own Prodigies either.

After all, if you dare to make the first move, bullying the weak to kill my Prodigy, then I dare to retaliate, targeting your Prodigies for slaughter.

Facing a Mortal Shedding Realm cultivator with only Gang Condensation and Sha Refinement, such a suppression in cultivation realms meant that Mu Lin and the other Demonic Sect Saints, no matter how talented, could hardly resist.

Of course, one might argue that they now had several powerful Demonic Sect experts who could protect them from Ji Hongyu’s sudden attacks.

This argument was indeed plausible, but Old Ghost Yu and the others couldn’t possibly stay by their disciples’ sides at all times.

And once provoked, Ji Hongyu wouldn’t just target the disciples under their protection.

As long as Ji Hongyu wasn’t foolish, she could go and assassinate other prodigies from the Nether Ghost Sect and the Yin-Yang Joyous Union Sect.

The principle is that while one can be a thief for a thousand days, one cannot guard against theft for a thousand days.

Faced with an enraged Mortal Shedding Realm expert, unless their prodigies never left the sect or brought three to five guardians every time they went out, Ji Hongyu could crush them one by one as soon as they stepped outside.

In this way, the younger generation of their sects would be wiped out.

But not going out to gain experience was also unacceptable—that would only produce useless individuals.

…

When both sides had powerful experts, indiscriminate killing by the strong bullying the weak could easily lead to a generational gap and the severance of their legacy.

No one could bear such a cost, which was why forces of similar levels mostly adhered to certain hidden rules.

For example, unless provoked by the other side’s prodigies, the strong would not indiscriminately kill the opposing side’s prodigies.

Now, as long as Mu Lin did not actively provoke Old Ghost Yu and the others, these people could only watch helplessly as Mu Lin acted with impunity, unable to kill him.

Fortunately, the hidden rules of the major forces only applied to the strong bullying the weak.

The conflicts among prodigies were left unregulated.

Even if several prodigies ganged up to kill one person, it fell within the reasonable scope of the rules, and no one could say anything about it.

At this moment, Old Ghost Yu proactively suggested forming an alliance among the Demonic Sect prodigies to forcefully kill ‘Lin Qiu.’

“Everyone, let’s join forces.”

Naturally, everyone nodded in agreement.

“Agreed.”

“I agree as well.”

…

“Hmph!”

Ji Hongyu did not intercept the telepathic messages of the other Demonic Sect experts, but she could sense the suddenly treacherous atmosphere around her and understood the nature of the Demonic Sect all too well.

She knew very clearly that the outstanding Mu Lin would inevitably be targeted.

This made her snort coldly.

However, alliances among prodigies were within the rules. Though displeased, she could not stop it.

In the end, she could only reveal herself, descending beside Mu Lin to offer him a warning.

“Huh?! Commander Ji, you’re here.”

Ji Hongyu’s sudden appearance startled Mu Lin. After recovering, he immediately bowed respectfully to her and proactively apologized.

“I’m sorry, Commander. Previously, I borrowed your authority without your permission…”

Before he could finish his apology, Ji Hongyu waved her hand to interrupt him.

“It’s nothing. First suppressing a group of old-timers on Ping’an Ancient Street, then clearing out the Demonic Cultivators in the town—you’ve done very well, better than I expected. Forget borrowing my name; with achievements like this, I’d even help you take action myself.”

At this point, Ji Hongyu’s originally praising expression suddenly turned serious, and she said gravely, “But you still acted without enough consideration. Do you know how dangerous your current situation is?”

Regarding Ji Hongyu’s statement, Mu Lin did not appear bewildered; instead, he nodded and said, “I anticipated as much. ‘When a tree stands out in the forest, the wind will surely topple it; when one’s conduct surpasses others, the crowd will inevitably criticize.’ Given my high-profile actions, I should be regarded as a thorn in the side and a pain in the flesh by the demons and monsters who have come to Ping’an Ancient Town. Next, in order to eliminate me from contention, they will resort to various methods such as assassination, curses, and poisoning.”

“Moreover, they might even unite to confront me.”

“???”

“If you knew, why did you still act this way?”

Mu Lin’s explanation left Ji Hongyu utterly confused.

Originally, she thought Mu Lin was a young man intoxicated by success, hence his arrogance, conceit, and ignorance of his own limitations.

But now, from Mu Lin’s words, she realized he was fully aware of the backlash he would face for acting this way.

Yet, precisely because of this, Ji Hongyu could not understand: since Mu Lin was aware of everything, why did he still behave so conspicuously? Wouldn’t it be better to act more cautiously?

“Being feared and targeted by others, not only will it be difficult for you to obtain the Grave Lord Inheritance now, but even your own life will be under threat.”

“I came here to remind you to be careful. In fact, I think if you are not confident, it might be better to leave Ping’an Ancient Town first.”

“After all, ‘as long as the green hills remain, there will be no shortage of firewood.'”

Ji Hongyu’s suggestion was reasonable and genuinely concerned for Mu Lin’s safety—under normal circumstances.

But Mu Lin’s situation had never been normal.

Thus, Ji Hongyu’s proposal was firmly rejected by Mu Lin without hesitation.

“Thank you for your kindness, Commander, but even if those Demonic Cultivators unite, they cannot kill me.”

Such confidence, bordering on arrogance, made Ji Hongyu frown. She did not like Mu Lin’s arrogant and conceited attitude, nor did she agree with his words.

“Killing nearly a thousand Demonic Cultivators has boosted your confidence, but I must remind you of one thing: those you killed were all Demonic Sect Rogue Cultivators, with hardly any disciples from major sects among them. Such Cultivators are like clay chickens and pottery dogs before those Demonic Sect Saints—they crumble at the slightest touch.”

“Every one of those Demonic Sect Saints poses a threat to you. If they join forces, even I would need to exert some effort to handle them. Now, do you still think they cannot do anything to you?”

“They cannot.”

Before Ji Hongyu’s expression could change, Mu Lin quickly added, “Commander, I haven’t even come to Ping’an Ancient Town. How can they kill me?”

“Haven’t come? What do you mean… your current body is a Clone!”

By the time she uttered the last sentence, Ji Hongyu herself was shocked.

She truly had not considered that, despite all the commotion he had caused, Mu Lin’s Main Body had never actually come to Ping’an Ancient Town. All his actions so far had been carried out by Clones.

“You are perceptive, Commander.”

Waving off Mu Lin’s flattery, Ji Hongyu said, “Don’t try to flatter me. If you hadn’t told me yourself, I wouldn’t have realized your current body is a Clone… However, I now understand why your actions have been so reckless. With your Main Body absent, you face no life-threatening danger, so naturally, you can act as you please.”

Halfway through her words, she suddenly thought of something and quickly added, “Wait, since your main body isn’t here, you’re indeed not in mortal danger. But by doing this, it’ll be hard for you to obtain the Grave Lord Inheritance, right? It seems you’re not absolutely determined to get it?”

As she spoke, Ji Hongyu’s tone grew hesitant.

She couldn’t quite understand why Mu Lin, as a member of the Yin Eight Gates Paper Artisan Lineage, could resist such temptation.

The Grave Lord Inheritance could be considered the supreme secret scripture of the Yin Eight Gates faction.

While asking, several thoughts surged in Ji Hongyu’s mind. However, even though she had many considerations and, knowing that Mu Lin had sent a clone, had already built up considerable resistance to his unexpected actions, Mu Lin’s next words still stunned her.

“As for the Grave Lord Inheritance, I’m not absolutely determined to obtain it. I came here with the attitude of ‘if I get it, it’s my fortune; if I lose it, it’s fate.'”

Ji Hongyu: “So you have quite a good mindset?”

“It’s not about mindset. I believe what ancient people could achieve, modern people may not be incapable of. The Grave Lord Inheritance isn’t my only path… Whether I obtain it or not won’t hinder me from becoming a powerful cultivator. At most, it might just delay me a bit longer.”

Rather than following the paths of predecessors, he intended to forge his own way and climb upward. With such determination, Mu Lin naturally wouldn’t be overly fixated on the Grave Lord Inheritance.

If there were no paths in the world, he would create his own.

Such grand ambition left Ji Hongyu speechless. In the end, she said nothing, merely patting Mu Lin’s shoulder and saying, “Since there’s no danger, go ahead and do what you need to do.”

As Mu Lin respectfully took his leave and prepared to act, Ji Hongyu remembered something and called out to him:

“And don’t worry too much about the Demonic Sect. Our Demon Suppression Division has never been weak.”

With that, Ji Hongyu’s figure vanished instantly.

However, although she disappeared, her actions were anything but slow.

The moment she left Mu Lin, she contacted her superior through her jade pendant.

“Commander, send me a few more people. This time, we’re not incapable of competing for the Grave Lord Inheritance.”

“Also, I think that kid Mu Lin… his importance is no less than the Grave Lord Inheritance…”

…

Mu Lin was unaware of Ji Hongyu’s actions and had no mind to pay attention.

At that moment, he was leading his Yin Soldiers and ghost generals to sweep through the remaining demonic cultivators in the city.

Additionally, he brought part of his forces to Ping’an Ancient Street—some people here had participated in the operation to encircle and suppress him, and Mu Lin wouldn’t let such actions go unpunished.

Of course, wary of the hidden resources they held, Mu Lin didn’t directly strike to wipe them out completely.

Relying on the spirit vein, the Tower of Time, fixation, refresh, Manjusaka… Mu Lin’s strength was increasing with every passing moment.

In contrast, the other side had even lost seventy percent of their Yin Vein to Mu Lin’s forceful occupation.

Time was on Mu Lin’s side, so he naturally felt no urgency.

However, he didn’t let the people here off easily either. As soon as he arrived, he demanded exorbitant resources as compensation.

—Although the hidden resources of Ping’an Ancient Street had been plundered by Mu Lin, that only referred to the treasures stored within the Yin Vein. Their own treasuries still contained some spiritual wealth.

And with Mu Lin’s Netherworld Law Domain newly established, it was precisely the time when some unexpected windfalls were needed.

When it came to Mu Lin’s demand for compensation, the people of Ping’an Ancient Street were initially unwilling.

“Commander Lin, we’ve been wronged! The criminals who attacked you aren’t from our Ping’an Ancient Street—they left long ago. Look, here’s the contract documenting their departure…”

That Lord Seventh Bai was indeed a cunning old fox. Before taking action, he had considered the possibility of failure and made preparations in advance.

An ordinary person might have been fooled by him.

Unfortunately, Mu Lin was not one to stand on ceremony, and his moral boundaries were rather flexible.

Faced with their rebuttal, he didn’t even bother to engage with it. Instead, he snorted coldly and said, “So that’s how it is. I was mistaken. Let’s not dwell on such trivial matters. I came here this time to suppress bandits. Lord Bai, as a prominent local figure, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you not to contribute to this effort, would it?”

“Suppress… bandits?”

“Yes, bandits. The bandits who dared to attack the County Town. I was just sitting at home when they swarmed in like a hive. If I weren’t so lucky, Lord Seventh Bai, you wouldn’t be seeing me now. Given their audacity, Lord Bai, don’t you agree these bandits must be suppressed?”

“Oh, and by the way, aside from me, you’re the wealthiest household in the city. If they dared to rob me, they’d dare to rob you too. Lord Seventh Bai, you wouldn’t want to be enjoying hotpot and singing songs one moment, only to be suddenly robbed by bandits the next, would you?”

(End of Chapter)