Chapter 327 – Ninety-Nine Portions of Gang Qi

Regarding the granting of authority and the sharing of glory, Chu Lingluo was simply happy and thought about helping Mu Lin take care of the Other Shore Flower Sea.

As for Yan Yunyu, her thoughts were far more complex.

Immediately, she realized that her position was not at the top, nor even in the second tier. Thus, this ambitious young woman desired more of Mu Lin’s favor.

“The highest position belongs to my husband; I cannot seize it, nor am I capable of holding it. However, the position of queen is something I can strive for.”

Though she intended to strive for it, Yan Yunyu did not resort to coquettish pleading—she believed that was the worst approach.

Instead, she wanted to earn merit and then receive Mu Lin’s reward.

“That Spirit Tool from the clan will undoubtedly enhance Brother Mu’s True Spirit Karma Diagram. Given Brother Mu’s generosity, if I bring the Spirit Tool and integrate it into the True Spirit Karma Diagram, he will likely make me the master of the Spirit Tool, granting me the power of the Mortal Shedding Stage.”

At first glance, it might seem redundant and unnecessary for Yan Yunyu to first hand the Spirit Tool to Mu Lin and then receive it back as a reward to become its master.

Doing so would be far less convenient and swift than directly using the Spirit Tool, and it would also avoid potential complications.

However, the reality was not so simple.

As a supernatural artifact equivalent to the Mortal Shedding Stage or even the Earth Master level, a Spirit Tool was not something anyone could simply pick up and use.

Only those recognized as suitable by the Spirit Tool could wield some of its power at lower stages.

This was also the reason Xue Ying was so highly regarded in the Ge Family.

Yan Yunyu, with her unremarkable talent and lack of special abilities, would only tarnish the Spirit Tool if she obtained it, likely unable to unleash even one ten-thousandth of its power.

But handing it over to Mu Lin eliminated this problem.

With the transcendent status of the True Spirit Karma Diagram, Mu Lin could directly command the Spirit Tool, unleashing most of its capabilities.

Moreover, after integrating into the True Spirit Karma Diagram, the Spirit Tool would indeed enhance the diagram’s power through the fusion of abilities. Conversely, the various Divine Positions within the diagram could also amplify the Spirit Tool’s might, offering it the potential for further advancement.

Take the Crimson Holy Grail, for example. Its original ability lay in creating crimson demons.

But after integrating into the True Spirit Karma Diagram, it also gained the power of the Blood Prison.

As Mu Lin grew and his foundation strengthened, this Blood Prison could potentially evolve into a true sea of blood. At that time, as the master of the Spirit Tool, one could ascend to greatness in a single step, becoming the Lord of the Blood Prison.

…

Handing the Spirit Tool to Mu Lin offered many benefits. However, Yan Yunyu was uncertain whether her family would be willing to surrender it.

This was a treasure that could serve as a legacy for generations.

Indeed, the Clan Elders of the Yan Family did not easily part with the Spirit Tool.

—Not taking Yan Yunyu’s words at face value, after learning of her situation, the Clan Elders of the Yan Family held a closed-door meeting. They debated and argued for half a day and even employed divination arts before reaching a decision.

“Yunyu, the clan can lend you this Spirit Tool for temporary use. However, you must advance to the Mortal Shedding Stage within five years. Only then will the Spirit Tool truly belong to you.”

“Agreed.”

Yan Yunyu’s reply was resolute, without a hint of hesitation. This scene made the Sixth Clan Elder of the Yan Family raise an eyebrow.

“So confident?”

These words made Yan Yunyu shake her head, then nod.

“Daughter actually has little confidence in herself, but Yu’er believes in my husband. As long as my husband is willing, he will surely be able to elevate Yu’er to Mortal Shedding strength.”

“…”

Elevating someone to Mortal Shedding was spoken of by Yan Yunyu too lightly, too casually, as if it were as easy as having hands. Yet hearing such words, the Yan Family Sixth Branch Clan Elder… did not refute them.

After slaying the god, Mu Lin’s peerless talent had already earned everyone’s recognition.

After a moment of silence, the Yan Family Sixth Branch Clan Elder changed the subject, speaking of other matters.

“By the way, what did you come to the clan for this time? I imagine you didn’t rush back specifically for the Spirit Tool, did you?”

“Indeed not for the Spirit Tool. Daughter returned this time to gather Gang Qi for Brother Mu.”

“Gang Qi? Didn’t Prince Liang’s Manor give him some… not enough?”

“Yes, Brother Mu’s talent is peerless, extraordinary. How could one portion of Gang Qi possibly be enough? According to Brother Mu, he needs thirty-three portions of Gang Qi.”

Although the demand was great, when speaking of this, Yan Yunyu showed not a trace of difficulty, but instead was filled with pride.

She indeed had reason to be proud. Absorbing thirty-three portions also meant that in terms of foundational attributes, Mu Lin surpassed others by thirty-three times.

With such foundational attributes, combined with Mu Lin’s extraordinary Cultivation Method, he alone could fight a hundred of his peers, even capable of battling those above his level.

Attaching herself to such a Prodigy, how could Yan Yunyu not be overjoyed?

Upon hearing Yan Yunyu’s words, the Yan Family Sixth Branch Clan Elder was also mostly full of admiration. However, he soon thought of something, narrowing his eyes as he said, “Are you sure it’s thirty-three portions?”

“Yes, Brother Mu said so himself… Brother Mu wouldn’t lie about such matters.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I just think, given Prince Liang’s Manor’s generosity and their regard for Mu Lin, the Spiritual Energy they gave likely wasn’t just one portion. If Mu Lin is basing it on the Spiritual Energy given by Prince Liang’s Manor, the Gang Qi he needs to absorb might very well be ninety-nine portions, not thirty-three…”

Before he could finish, the Yan Family Sixth Branch Clan Elder shook his head and chuckled wryly, “Ninety-nine portions, that’s far too much. No matter what, it couldn’t possibly…”

The Sixth Clan Elder was shaking his head and chuckling, while Yan Yunyu was left stunned.

Her stunned expression gradually caused the Yan Family Sixth Branch Clan Elder’s laughter to fade away.

“No, it can’t be… really ninety-nine portions?”

  These words finally snapped Yan Yunyu out of it. However, upon regaining her senses, she wore an indescribable expression, seeming both tearful and laughing as she said:

“More than that… possibly… even more.”

“…”

This time, the Yan Family Sixth Branch Clan Elder fell completely silent.

…

The events at the Yan Family were still unknown to Mu Lin. While others were busy, Mu Lin was not idle either; he took the opportunity to absorb the Celestial Thunder Qi as well.

Just like the previous Aurora Gang Qi, easily, the True Spirit Karma Diagram subdued and commanded the Celestial Thunder Qi.

And with the Celestial Thunder Qi entering the diagram, it brought further changes to Mu Lin’s True Spirit Karma Diagram.

First was the refinement of the Divine Soul… Now, the Yin Soldiers, Ghost Messengers, and even the City God and King Yama within Mu Lin’s True Spirit Karma Diagram were as if they had undergone a tribulation of thunder. Their Divine Souls underwent another transformation, and they were no longer afraid of strikes from forces like Thunder, fire, or light.

Regarding evil entities and the corruption of anomalous powers, his resistance had also grown stronger.

Next was the prison.

In addition to the Blackwater Soul-Devouring Bone-Melting Hell, the Crimson Blood Hell, and the Manjusaka Illusionary Hell, Mu Lin had gained another: the Soul-Shaking Thunder Hell.

Thunder striking the divine soul inflicted immense suffering upon the malevolent ghosts and evil entities captured by Mu Lin.

Finally, Mu Lin’s City God and King Yama could unleash thunderous roars to intimidate enemies.

At the same time, his divine position in the Mortal Shedding Stage had gained another aspect—Thunder Jiao Dragon.

…

Growth in strength was always gratifying. However, after absorbing the Celestial Thunder Qi, no further resources arrived, leaving Mu Lin with little to do.

Moreover, Yuzhou City was the core hub of the Southeast Region, where most resources were concentrated. This ultimately led Mu Lin to follow Si Ye and the others back to Yuzhou City.

Upon entering the city, Mu Lin immediately noticed its transformation.

Compared to the time of the Southern Eastern Region Joint Examination, Yuzhou City was now livelier, with more prodigies and a more agitated, explosive atmosphere.

In the short time from the city gate to Yuzhou Academy, Mu Lin witnessed seven battles.

Such chaos left him somewhat astonished, yet also understanding:

“So chaotic… but it makes sense. The so-called Southern Eastern Region Joint Examination is ultimately just a talent selection contest for young cultivators who have just begun their training. Their battles occur every year, drawing little attention and not much strength.”

For Mu Lin to claim that a contest watched by tens of thousands lacked attention might seem strange at first glance, but it was his genuine opinion.

Compared to the bustling scene before him, that competition truly couldn’t be considered significant.

—At the time of the Southern Eastern Region Joint Examination, the audience consisted mostly of wealthy individuals and some clan elders from aristocratic families, and not all of them attended.

Now, however, the southward advance of prodigies from the Northern Wastelands, their domineering conduct, and the schemes of the Northern Wasteland Army commander had captured the attention of the entire Southeast Region.

Entanglements of interest stir hearts most deeply.

Due to tax issues, from top to bottom—whether prodigies, clan elders, or family heads of aristocratic families; Prince Liang of Prince Liang’s Manor; major sects like the Jade Purity Sect and Fa Yan Temple; or the Demonic Sect—all were focused on this matter.

It was even rumored that princes and princesses were also heading here.

The ambitious East Sea King had sent several of his children to this place as well.

It could be said that the battles in Jade Province now held the attention of millions.

And this was still with the common folk having limited awareness; otherwise, hundreds of millions might be watching.

Compared to such a grand scale, the Southern Eastern Region Joint Examination could indeed be described as insignificant.

What made Mu Lin narrow his eyes even more was that this conflict was neither a low-risk trial nor a minor skirmish among youths.

To achieve their goals, the prodigies from the Northern Wastelands and the scions of aristocratic families from the Southeast Region were engaging in real, bloody combat.

Although elders from both sides oversaw each battle, the battlefield was merciless, blades and swords were blind, and both sides were filled with intense anger, leading to frequent deaths.

Moreover, this conflict was no longer limited to those under eighteen; cultivators under fifty could still be considered prodigies.

Thus, the main force in this battle consisted of young prodigies in their thirties and forties, most of whom were at the Mortal Shedding Adept stage.

In fact, some outstanding Prodigies even possessed one or two Earth Master-level Mystical Arts.

Such formidable strength also led Dongfang Ya and Si Ye to strictly forbid Mu Lin from participating in the battle.

“This turmoil involves too vast a scope; it is not something you can currently engage in.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Lin was not angered but rather pleased with the situation.

He maintained good relations with the noble families of the Southeast Region and also felt that the soldiers stationed at the Northern Wastelands border deserved more resources. Caught between these two conflicting priorities, not taking action was the better choice.

However, shortly after returning to Jade Province, Mu Lin received a message from Yan Yunyu, learning that the share of Gang Qi he could refine was not thirty-three portions, but likely ninety-nine, or even more.

“Ninety-nine portions? That can’t be…”

Upon first hearing this, Mu Lin was quite shocked and felt it was somewhat excessive.

But soon, he thought of his True Spirit Karma Diagram and the numerous Divine Positions within it…

(End of Chapter)