Chapter 369 – The True Culprit Revealed

Completely immersed in his cultivation, Mu Lin was rejoicing at his imminent breakthrough to Mortal Shedding.

Meanwhile, the aristocratic families of the Southeast Region truly lived up to their formidable reputation.

Perhaps they were no match for the Northern Aristocracy in direct combat, but when it came to gathering intelligence, the two were not far apart.

More importantly, this was the Southeast Region, the territory of the southeastern aristocratic families. They had operated here for many years, with numerous followers and strong influence.

Thus, unsurprisingly, after an exhaustive search, they were the first to uncover the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on Mu Lin.

However, after identifying the target, the southeastern aristocratic families were left with headaches and full of confusion.

“Ji Yu, the Third Prince of the East Sea King? Why would he try to assassinate Mu Lin? As far as I recall, Mu Lin has no conflicts or disputes with him, right?”

To be honest, after pinpointing the target, the southeastern aristocratic families were somewhat bewildered.

According to their expectations, Mu Lin might have been targeted by the Northern Aristocracy—after all, he had ultimately thwarted their plans.

He might have been targeted by foreign races or demonic monsters—those of different races are bound to harbor ill intentions.

Even some of the aristocratic families within the Southeast Region might not have wanted Mu Lin to fully mature and thus taken action.

But no matter what, they never expected the assassin to be the Third Prince of the East Sea King.

In the eyes of many, the two had no connection whatsoever.

Just as some were perplexed, someone suddenly thought of something and looked strangely at Prince Liang in the room.

“No, Mu Lin and Ji Yu do have a conflict—a significant one.”

“It is said that the Third Prince of the East Sea King has long sought to marry Prince Liang’s daughter, Ji Lingsha. Recently, rumors have been circulating in Yuzhou City that Ji Lingsha might become Mu Lin’s wife…”

The Elder of the aristocratic family did not finish the rest, but everyone understood.

“A crime of passion?”

Thinking this, many found it quite reasonable.

Since ancient times, love has often led to bloodshed.

Considering both were young Prodigies, and as is well known, youths are spirited and most prone to acting on impulse, it made perfect sense for the third son of the East Sea King to take action.

Of course, while some thought of love, others considered interests.

‘Ji Yu’s actions likely weren’t solely driven by losing a lover. The East Sea King has many children, but there is only one throne, and his offspring are fiercely competing for it.’

‘Ji Yu’s desire to marry Ji Lingsha, beyond romantic feelings, was likely more about gaining Prince Liang’s support to contend for the East Sea King’s throne. But Mu Lin’s interference ruined his plans.’

Reflecting on this, everyone increasingly felt that the conflict between Ji Yu and Mu Lin was entirely plausible.

After all, while love may easily lead to bloodshed, struggles for the throne almost inevitably involve it.

To seize the throne, princes would not spare even their siblings, parents, uncles, or nephews, let alone an outsider like Mu Lin.

…

Combining all the information, their own speculations, and the news of Ji Yu fleeing the Southeast Region overnight, the aristocratic families in the room had confirmed that Ji Yu was the perpetrator behind the assassination attempt on Mu Lin.

Yet, this very conclusion left them with a headache.

The assassination indeed violated the rules—it was not only an attack on Mu Lin but also a slap in their faces.

However, the perpetrator was none other than the East Sea King—ambitious and a true prince with real power and an army at his command.

For Mu Lin’s sake, to kill the East Sea King’s son and form a death feud with him… The various Southern Aristocracy members in the room were quite unwilling.

Even the Yan-Chu Families wouldn’t go that far for Mu Lin.

This was just like how Mu Lin wouldn’t fight to the death for them.

“At most, we can warn the East Sea King, make him pay some compensation, and have him properly discipline his own son. As for directly taking action…”

The aristocrat didn’t finish the latter part, but everyone already understood his meaning.

And soon, voices of agreement arose.

“That one has always wanted to take action against our Southeast Region; we mustn’t give him the opportunity.”

“In this assassination attempt, Mu Lin ultimately suffered no real losses. It’s better to resolve enmities than create them… We can make the East Sea King compensate more.”

“Fortunately, we won’t take action, and the Northern Aristocracy probably won’t either.”

To clash to the death with the East Sea King, who is like a kingdom within a kingdom, for Mu Lin’s sake—this was something none of them wanted. They believed the Northern Aristocracy wouldn’t be willing either.

Thus, these people ultimately decided to have Mu Lin temporarily exercise some restraint.

“Brother Chu, Brother Yan, please do your best to persuade Mu Lin not to act impulsively. The enemy is powerful; temporarily yielding is nothing.”

“Exactly, who hasn’t suffered setbacks before?”

…

Although unwilling to clash with the East Sea King, the aristocrats of the Southeast Region had no intention of covering up for Ji Yu regarding this matter.

Thus, by noon, Mu Lin learned the identity of the mastermind behind the scenes.

At this time, only half a day remained before Mu Lin’s advancement to Mortal Shedding.

Barring any accidents, Mu Lin would advance to Mortal Shedding that very night.

Of course, for now, Mu Lin had no mind to focus on Mortal Shedding. Like the Southern Aristocracy who had just heard the news, he also didn’t understand why the East Sea King’s third son would come to assassinate him.

“Who is that? Have I had conflicts with him before?”

“Yes, he wanted to seek marriage with Ji Lingsha, but now, Ji Lingsha is to become your wife…”

“Ji Lingsha? And who is that?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Mu Lin’s second inquiry left everyone silent.

After a long while, Yan Family Patriarch Yan Yunlong finally spoke with extreme exasperation: “Ji Lingsha is Prince Liang’s daughter, and there have been rumors outside that you will marry her as your principal wife… You didn’t know?”

“Truly unaware?”

Saying this, Mu Lin looked toward Yan Yunyu, Chu Lingluo, and Si Ye, asking what was going on.

Fortunately, nothing happened that would trouble Mu Lin.

“There indeed are such rumors outside. Prince Liang has also contacted us before, but his actions… are very hesitant. Several days ago, he said he wanted to meet with us to discuss some matters, but before the time arrived, he postponed the meeting. This is already the third postponement. Without having discussed with him and clarifying his intentions, we didn’t dare disturb your cultivation.”

Prioritizing cultivation and not disturbing him without reason—this was indeed Mu Lin’s instruction.

Meanwhile, Prince Liang’s way of doing things made Mu Lin raise an eyebrow.

However, how he conducted himself ultimately had nothing to do with Mu Lin, so he quickly moved past this matter and focused on the present.

“Just because of this, that East Sea King’s third prince attacked me?”

“This is already sufficient. The union of Ji Yu and Ji Lingsha is not merely about a woman; it concerns the support of resources from the East Sea King and his struggle for the throne…”

Through the Yan Family Patriarch’s explanation, Mu Lin learned the motive behind Ji Yu’s assassination attempt, some of his actions, and also discovered that the black-robed elder who attacked him days ago was the guardian sent by Ji Yu’s maternal clan.

At the same time, Mu Lin also learned that Ji Yu had hastily fled Yuzhou City yesterday and returned to the East Sea Kingdom.

From every angle, it was clear that Ji Yu was the culprit.

Once this was confirmed, Mu Lin no longer concerned himself with other matters. He only wanted to ask one thing.

“Regarding Ji Yu’s attempt to assassinate me, what do the aristocratic families of the Southeast Region and you plan to do?”

Hearing Mu Lin’s calm tone, devoid of any trace of fear or compromise, the Yan Family Patriarch’s brow furrowed tightly.

But in the end, he sighed and spoke, “I’m sorry, Mu Lin. We cannot start a conflict with the East Sea King over this matter.”

“Killing Ji Yu won’t necessarily provoke the East Sea King to act.”

“…”

In response to Mu Lin’s words, the Yan Family Patriarch offered only silence.

Seeing this, Mu Lin understood the choice made by the Yan-Chu Families and the Southeast Region.

He did not continue to argue or persuade.

Having grasped everything, Mu Lin simply nodded and said, “I understand. Yun Yu, please see our guest out. Also, thank you, Patriarch Yan, and the Southeast Aristocracy for gathering this information for me. I will remember this kindness.”

“Ahem, don’t rush. While we cannot kill Ji Yu to avenge you, we can warn the East Sea King to ensure he no longer targets you and make him pay a price…”

“No need.”

Before he could finish, Mu Lin shook his head and said, “Weak words serve no purpose.”

Sensing Mu Lin’s resolve, the Yan Family Patriarch thought Mu Lin was pinning his hopes on the Northern Aristocracy. He shook his head and said, “Don’t hold out hope. We are unwilling to clash with the East Sea King, and the Northern Aristocracy will not act as you wish either. They can condemn the East Sea King on your behalf, ensure your safety in the future, and make him pay some compensation, but that is all they can do. Ji Yu is, after all, the East Sea King’s own son, and as you are now, you are in no way comparable to the East Sea King!”

“I know.”

Even with another escape route cut off, Mu Lin’s tone remained utterly calm.

Yet this very calmness only made Yan Yunlong increasingly anxious.

“If you won’t let us warn the East Sea King and don’t expect the Northern Aristocracy to act, do you plan to take matters into your own hands? Don’t be impulsive. You have talent, but you are not yet a true powerhouse. If you go to the East Sea Kingdom now, you will undoubtedly meet a gruesome end.”

“I know.”

Mu Lin’s tone remained as calm as ever, but this calmness only heightened Yan Yunlong’s urgency.

Of course, it wasn’t that he was particularly close to Mu Lin and wanted to protect him.

Rather, the Yan Family had invested heavily in Mu Lin. If he died in the East Sea Kingdom, the Yan Family would lose everything. That was why he was trying so hard to persuade Mu Lin.

“Mu Lin, don’t act on impulse. Everyone faces setbacks on their path to growth. Before I became the Yan Family Patriarch, I endured countless humiliations. Even as the patriarch, I cannot have everything my way and must still exercise patience.”

“Moreover, it’s not just me—even the prince, or even the emperor of the Great Spirit Imperial Dynasty, cannot have everything go his way.”

“Enduring a little for now is nothing…”

For the sake of his investment, he tried to persuade Mu Lin many times.

Finding it difficult to convince Mu Lin, he even had Yan Yunyu, Chu Lingluo, and Si Ye join in to persuade him together.

(End of Chapter)