Chapter 54 – Forming a Team: The Day of the Tower Challenge

Faced with Mu Lin’s praise, Chu Lingluo blushed slightly and said, “Young Master Mu, you flatter me too much. I’m not as talented as you think. The reason my spell progress is fast is because of the resources my mother gave me.”

As she spoke, Chu Lingluo took out a True Spirit Diagram.

The person depicted in the diagram was also casting the Spring Return Art, but that person’s Spring Return Art was at least at the Grandmaster Level.

By studying this diagram, it was impossible for Chu Lingluo’s cultivation speed to be slow.

Not to mention, afterward, Chu Lingluo showed Mu Lin a Mind-Clearing Jade Pendant she wore and a cup of fragrant tea… all of which could enhance comprehension.

This made Mu Lin slap his own head in exasperation.

‘I actually forgot—poor people rely on mutation, while the rich can rely on technology (resources).’

After sighing, noticing Chu Lingluo’s slight embarrassment, Mu Lin marveled at her innocence and kindness while comforting her, “Don’t be embarrassed. These resources weren’t stolen or seized by you. Feel free to use them.”

‘Although, I wouldn’t mind using stolen or seized resources either.’

While Mu Lin was reflecting on Chu Lingluo’s innocence, Chu Lingluo was also praising Mu Lin’s talent.

“Even with so many resources, my cultivation speed still isn’t as fast as yours, Brother Mu. As my cousin said, you truly are a genius…”

Here, Mu Lin and Chu Lingluo were exchanging compliments.

Unbeknownst to them, Yan Yunyu was watching from the side, her gaze deep and thoughtful, particularly lingering on Mu Lin and his fairy tale creations for a long time.

As she observed Mu Lin, her maid Xiao Xue silently appeared behind her.

Looking at Mu Lin and his fairy tale creations, Xiao Xue also expressed amazement.

“Heart-mind resonance—this is the foundation for creating True Intent Diagrams. He’s actually half-embarked on the Dao through miscellaneous arts. Miss, should we raise Mu Lin’s priority?”

After hesitating for a moment, she added, “…Miss Chu is too naive, and her progress with Mu Lin is quite slow. If we act now, we still have a chance to bring Mu Lin over.”

This made Yan Yunyu ponder briefly, but she soon shook her head and refused.

She was the one who decided to give up on Mu Lin. Turning back now would mean admitting she was wrong before.

Her inner pride made her unwilling to admit a mistake.

More importantly, she believed that Mu Lin’s talent wasn’t worth her admitting a mistake.

“Mu Lin’s actions have angered many. The others in my team also dislike him. Inviting him would ruin the team’s atmosphere.”

“Besides, even if he can draw True Spirit Diagrams, it’s still a minor skill. Strength is the foundation of everything. He isn’t qualified to join my team.”

…

Mu Lin was unaware of Yan Yunyu’s words.

But Chu Lingluo, with her pure heart, vaguely sensed a hint of danger.

An inexplicable premonition told her that if she didn’t invite Mu Lin now, she might very well lose him.

And this was something Chu Lingluo absolutely did not want.

By following Mu Lin, she not only obtained a large number of exquisite artworks but also learned countless wonderful fantasy stories from those artworks and Mu Lin’s words.

Those stories were wildly imaginative and extraordinarily beautiful, immersing Chu Lingluo in their charm.

Apart from this, Chu Lingluo, who often interacted with Mu Lin, also acknowledged his talent.

She had personally witnessed Mu Lin’s Curse Art transforming at an inhuman pace, evolving day by day.

Exquisite artistic creations, imaginative stories, and extraordinary progress—all of these made Chu Lingluo reluctant to lose Mu Lin.

In her urgency, she immediately invited Mu Lin to team up. Fearing he might refuse, she even offered to take care of his meals from then on.

“Mu… Brother Mu, would you be willing to team up with me? I… I’ll cook for you every day.”

“…”

Such a “soft rice” remark left Mu Lin speechless.

Seeing his lack of response, Chu Lingluo grew anxious. Unwilling to lose him, she even took out her Spirit Stones.

“I can pay with Spirit Stones…”

Seeing the large pile of Spirit Stones on the table and considering her offer to handle his meals, Mu Lin genuinely felt the urge to accept such an easy life.

Fortunately, his rationality and principles remained intact. Thus, he did not accept these things but pushed them back instead, smiling as he said, “You have a First-Class Spirit Root—have some confidence… It’s my honor to team up with you. You don’t need to offer anything.”

“It’s my honor to team up with you, Brother Mu…”

Teaming up brought the two closer.

And so, time passed slowly as they cultivated together.

Soon, several more days went by.

This day marked Mu Lin’s tenth day in the Formal Class and the day he planned to undertake the Tower Challenge.

To Mu Lin’s dismay, Ji Xue also planned to challenge the tower on the same day.

Wherever she went, Yan Yunyu would follow.

Meanwhile, Jing Yeming and other students in the Formal Class harbored strong dislike for Mu Lin. Knowing he was about to undertake the Tower Challenge, many of them came along to watch the spectacle and mock him thoroughly.

With all these events coinciding, everyone in the Formal Class gathered before the Tower of Illusory Heavens that day.

This even caught the attention of the teachers, prompting some to come and watch the commotion.

…

Although everyone had gathered unexpectedly for the Tower Challenge that day, their positions were clearly divided.

Ji Xue stood alone, with Yan Yunyu and her team following closely behind. Apart from these two, the most prominent figure was Jing Yeming, who possessed a First-Class Spirit Root.

After them came the ordinary members of the Formal Class.

At the same time, among the top three teams, Ji Xue paid no attention to anyone, Yan Yunyu focused only on Ji Xue, while Jing Yeming coldly glared in Mu Lin’s direction.

When he saw Mu Lin and Chu Lingluo walking out together, his expression turned even darker.

This scene was noticed by his teammates, who relied on him. Seeing this, someone comforted him, saying, “Young Master Jing, don’t be angry. Miss Chu Lingluo is merely temporarily deceived by that waste. Soon, she’ll realize who truly has the strength and talent, and who is the best choice for a teammate.”

“Exactly, fakes will always be exposed. No matter how clever that waste’s tricks are, he’ll reveal his flaws in actual combat… Evil Spirits won’t be fooled by his words.”

The reassurances from several people improved Jing Yeming’s mood somewhat. However, seeing Chu Lingluo’s utmost care for Mu Lin, his expression darkened once again.

Also looking displeased were some ordinary disciples.

These people harbored pure envy and jealousy toward Mu Lin.

Especially Zong Xiu’s teammates, who discovered that the “useless trash” they had discarded could actually team up with a first-class prodigy, felt a surge of sourness in their hearts.

The sharp-tongued youth toying with a small knife even remarked sourly, “What a lucky bastard.”

His words were immediately echoed by some others.

“I’ve observed this guy all along—he relies entirely on crooked methods. He’s a disgrace to our Dao Palace.”

“Aren’t cultivators from the Yin Eight Gates just like that?”

“Hey, did you notice? That guy looks utterly gloomy. Could it be that he knows his deception is about to be exposed and is feeling guilty?”

“Absolutely.”