Chapter 386 – One Man Against a Nation: The Southeast Aristocracy Is Shocked

The disciples of the Water Moon Sect did not wish to die. Under the instigation of some, they knelt together, pleading with their sect’s elders not to provoke Mu Lin.

Similarly, the descendants of the Wei Family also pleaded.

Even within the family of Advisor Xun, whom Mu Lin had slaughtered once before, and the Golden God Sect, there were those who knelt, begging their elders not to continue provoking Mu Lin.

—When carrying out his vengeance through slaughter, Mu Lin did not kill indiscriminately.

Some young children, as well as illegitimate sons who were neither valued nor had committed particularly heinous acts, were spared by Mu Lin.

There were two reasons for this. First, Mu Lin had not lost all his humanity.

He had no qualms about sparing Cultivators who posed no threat to him.

Second, Mu Lin was well aware that if he wiped out all of an enemy’s relatives, it would only cause those Mortal Shedding Adepts and Earth Immortals to cast aside all restraint and seek revenge against him at any cost.

While Mu Lin was not afraid of such a situation, it would ultimately bring some trouble.

However, if some hope remained within their families, their resolve to fight to the death might not be so firm.

This was also the reason why, in ancient sieges, cities were often surrounded on three sides while one side was left open.

…

The pleas of the many family descendants proved quite effective.

The Water Moon Sect and the Wei Family ultimately had no major conflicts of interest with Mu Lin.

They had acted against Mu Lin solely because of the East Sea King’s orders.

But now, upon learning of the Golden God Sect’s tragic state, they assessed the situation and realized that the cost of offending Mu Lin was too great—greater than the benefits promised by the East Sea King.

“Even if we are targeted and despised by the East Sea King, our losses would not be as severe as an attack from Mu Lin… That would be a devastating blow, one that could cripple our family for generations. Therefore, I propose we stay out of this matter.”

“…I second the motion.”

“I agree as well.”

Thus, the two pillars of the East Sea King were easily severed by Mu Lin’s tactic of killing one to warn a hundred.

Similarly, after some hesitation, the Xun Family also decided not to oppose Mu Lin.

—Having lost many of their stewards and disciples to Mu Lin’s slaughter, they had initially found it hard to swallow their anger.

But happiness is often measured by comparison. When compared to the near-annihilation of the Golden God Sect, the Xun Family realized… their own situation was actually not so bad.

“Ahem, I believe it’s better to resolve enmity than to perpetuate it. We have no conflict of interest with Mu Lin; there’s no need to fight him to the death…”

“Exactly, taking a step back opens up a broader horizon…”

“Impossible! If we let that bastard Mu Lin go, won’t my Chenghai have died in vain? I must see Mu Lin dead.”

“Cowards! He has trampled all over us. Don’t you want to avenge our clansmen?”

Some sought revenge, while others feared Mu Lin. Within the Xun Family, great chaos erupted.

In the end, those who feared Mu Lin gained the upper hand.

Since ancient times, it has been said that when a person departs, their influence fades like tea gone cold or a lamp extinguished. The opinions of the dead could never outweigh those of the living.

Moreover, the dead were gone, but the living still had to look forward.

After discussions among the Xun Family’s Clan Elders and the family head, they concluded that continuing to fight Mu Lin would bring little benefit beyond causing more clansmen to die tragically.

Thus, in the end, for the sake of the family’s future, they yielded.

…

The tragic state of the Golden God Sect had a profound impact on the East Sea Kingdom.

After that battle, not only the Water Moon Sect, the Wei Family, and the Xun Family grew wary of Mu Lin, but the other families of the East Sea Kingdom also dared not provoke him lightly.

In a way, this could be considered a phased victory for Mu Lin.

Although he had not yet killed Ji Yu, he had already severed several of the East Sea King’s arms, leaving him isolated and alone.

For the king to find others to deal with Mu Lin was no longer an easy task.

Of course, the reason Mu Lin achieved such significant results in this battle was not only due to his formidable strength and ruthless methods but also related to the political system of this world.

Because power resided in individuals, the dynasties of this world were not centralized like those of ancient China in his previous life but more resembled the feudal aristocratic societies of the West.

Under such a system, the aristocratic families operated independently and did not fully obey the king’s commands.

Not to mention princes, even emperors could not order the extermination of an aristocratic family with a single word.

Many matters required negotiation and discussion.

If it were state affairs, they might still unite for common interests.

But now, Mu Lin only held a grudge against the East Sea King and sought revenge solely against him.

If Mu Lin were weak, they would not mind doing the East Sea King a favor.

However, Mu Lin was no lamb to be bullied at will but a fierce dragon crossing the river, capable of inflicting great losses upon them.

Under such circumstances, others naturally had no desire to use their own forces to shield the East Sea King from disaster.

It could only be said that Mu Lin’s decision to focus all his efforts on attacking the Golden God Sect was correct. By delivering a powerful blow, he had deterred countless others from striking him.

Moreover, this battle not only caused a great stir within the East Sea Kingdom but also created a huge sensation among the aristocracy of the Southeast Region.

The rapid spread of this event to the Southeast Region was also related to the Water Moon Sect and the Xun Family.

…

As the leader who led the Southern Aristocracy to victory over the Northern Aristocracy, Mu Lin, as the foremost figure among the younger generation, had always enjoyed high fame and attracted considerable attention in the Southeast Region.

His disappearance naturally sparked endless discussions.

When it was learned that Mu Lin, unable to bear the resentment of being assassinated, had gone alone to the East Sea Kingdom for revenge, countless people were left dumbfounded.

“Is he that bold?”

“Has he gone mad? Fighting a kingdom alone—does he think he’s a Terrestrial Immortal?”

“Even if he were a Terrestrial Immortal, he wouldn’t escape unscathed. That’s a kingdom, a powerful kingdom.”

Initially, upon learning of Mu Lin’s actions, no one believed he could succeed.

Even the Yan Family and the Chu Family, who were on good terms with Mu Lin, as well as the Ge Family, which had just established ties with him, saw no hope of success in his endeavor and harshly criticized his reckless actions.

“Foolish, reckless… Even our Yan Family dares not provoke the East Sea Kingdom. Who gave you the courage to pull the tiger’s whiskers!”

“Damn it, how many times have I told you? Why couldn’t you just endure it!”

The Yan, Chu, and Ge Families were all furious about Mu Lin’s solitary act of revenge.

They had no choice but to be angry, as they had invested many resources in Mu Lin.

Originally, they only needed to sit back and wait for the rewards, but Mu Lin’s solo venture threatened to render all their plans futile. Under such circumstances, how could they not be furious?

Equally annoyed was Prince Liang.

When Ji Lingsha told her father that she had pledged her allegiance to Mu Lin, and that if Mu Lin died, she would not be spared either, Prince Liang nearly went mad.

“You fool! How could you do such a thing!”

Ji Lingsha’s allegiance provoked a torrent of curses from Prince Liang, who berated her for a long time.

As for Ji Lingsha, she showed little fear.

“Hmph, wasn’t marrying me off to Mu Lin something you always hoped for, Father?”

“I wanted you to marry the prodigy Mu Lin, not a reckless fool rushing to his death! Couldn’t you have tried to persuade him?”

Ji Lingsha: “I did, but it was useless.”

“Then you should have left him.”

This time, Ji Lingsha grew angry as well.

“Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog. Since I’ve chosen to follow Mu Lin, I naturally won’t abandon him. Asking me to leave him when he’s in a difficult situation—what do you take your daughter for, a wanton woman?”

“You…”

Ji Lingsha’s stubbornness made Prince Liang furious.

Just as the atmosphere between father and daughter grew tense, Uncle Fu, who supported Ji Lingsha, stepped forward.

“Ahem, Your Highness, don’t be too angry. The situation isn’t that dire yet. Mu Lin’s actions this time were indeed impulsive, but although I cannot oppose the entire East Sea Kingdom, I can go and ensure his safety without issue.”

“Besides, what young person doesn’t cause trouble a few times? As long as he learns from his mistakes afterward.”

“Thank you, Grandpa Fu!”

Uncle Fu’s willingness to intervene eased Ji Lingsha’s worries. As for Prince Liang, though he was dissatisfied with Mu Lin’s actions, he still acknowledged Mu Lin’s talent.

Thus, he did not object to Uncle Fu’s departure but instructed him: “Find Mu Lin, let him suffer a bit, and warn him never to act recklessly again. Also, tell him that saving him this time comes at a cost—he must listen to Lingsha from now on and cultivate peacefully around the Prince’s Residence, focusing on his development!”

“Rest assured, Your Highness, I will convey your message.”

Because of Ji Lingsha, Prince Liang decided to intervene, but he only intended to rescue Mu Lin, with no plans to help him seek revenge.

At the same time, he did not believe Mu Lin had the ability to exact revenge on his own.

However, after much angry deliberation and finalizing a rescue plan with Uncle Fu, before Uncle Fu could set out, spies stationed in the East Sea Kingdom by Prince Liang’s Manor urgently relayed intelligence from Skysea City through special means.

Then, Prince Liang, along with the Yan and Chu Families, learned that Mu Lin had caused a major disturbance in Skysea City, killing countless people and nearly wiping out a large sect.

“???”

Upon first hearing this, neither Prince Liang nor the Elders and Clan Heads of the Yan-Chu Families were willing to believe it.

“A single person stormed into a sect guarded by an Earth Immortal, slaughtered the younger generation of prodigy disciples, killed over a dozen Mortal Shedding Elders, and even corrupted the Golden God Sect’s Blessed Land? Are you sure you’re not joking?”

“Your Highness, how would I dare deceive you? I know this sounds outrageous, and I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it either, but it’s all true. I went to see the Golden God Sect’s territory—it’s truly a tragedy. Almost all of the Golden God Sect’s elite forces have been slaughtered by Lord Mu Lin.”

At this point, the scout from Prince Liang’s Manor remembered something and quickly added, “By the way, intimidated by Lord Mu Lin’s massive slaughter and having no conflict with him, the aristocratic families and major sects within the East Sea Kingdom are now unwilling to get involved in this matter.”

“He alone has intimidated the entire East Sea Kingdom.”

This last statement was somewhat exaggerated. The aristocratic families in the East Sea Kingdom were unwilling to act mostly due to considerations of interest, deeming it not worthwhile, which was why they refrained from taking action.

He had not yet subdued the East Sea Kingdom.

Nevertheless, the news coming from the East Sea Kingdom still left them deeply intimidated.

Thoroughly intimidated.

It must be understood that this was a kingdom, and Mu Lin had only just advanced to Mortal Shedding.

To oppose a kingdom with the strength of Mortal Shedding was not merely like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—it was akin to a firefly attempting to outshine the bright moon.

What was even more unexpected was that Mu Lin, this faint firefly, had truly managed to shake the radiance of the bright moon.

“…”

“…”

“…”

The scout’s words left Prince Liang and the other cultivators from the Southeast Region’s aristocracy stunned for a long time.

Even Uncle Fu, who had always held a favorable view of Mu Lin, had not anticipated that Mu Lin could be so strong—so absurdly powerful.

“With such power, that child Mu Lin is not only the number one Prodigy of the current generation of the Human Race but also the strongest Prodigy the Human Race has seen in a thousand years.”

After this exclamation, what remained in Uncle Fu’s heart was joy.

He rejoiced in Mu Lin’s strength, but even more so, he was delighted that the Princess, whom he had watched grow up since childhood, had a good relationship with Mu Lin and, at the moment when Mu Lin needed her most, had made the right decision.

…

One person against a kingdom, and achieving a temporary victory—this matter was too extraordinary. Even though the scout delivering the news swore he had not been mistaken, many of the noble clans in the Southeast Region still found it hard to believe.

Thus, they dispatched more scouts to investigate the situation.

Moreover, this time, Mu Lin’s actions had even alarmed the Northern Aristocracy and the Great Spirit Imperial Dynasty, who also sent people to the East Sea Kingdom to gather intelligence.

However, before their intelligence gathering was complete, another major event sent shockwaves through the noble clans of the Southeast Region.

The Water Moon Sect, the Wei Family, and the Xun Family sent representatives to the Southeast Region, seeking out the Yan-Chu Families in the hope that these two families could contact Mu Lin and help mediate peace.

“Gasp, they actually made the aristocratic families within the East Sea Kingdom take the initiative to seek peace… Those rumors were not false but true!”

(End of Chapter)