Chapter 92 – Puppet Master

In terms of arguing ability, ten Chu Lingluos combined were no match for Yan Yunyu.

In the end, unable to win the argument, Chu Lingluo instinctively turned her gaze toward Mu Lin, hoping he would stand up for her.

And Mu Lin—chose to remain silent.

He thought Yan Yunyu’s actions were directed by Chu Lingluo’s mother, so naturally, he had no reason to oppose them.

His silence left Chu Lingluo full of grievances, but in the end, she gritted her teeth and endured it.

Soon, however, Mu Lin discovered the benefits of Yan Yunyu’s arrival.

Her presence diverted Chu Lingluo’s attention.

The mutual animosity between the two gave Mu Lin more time for cultivation.

At the same time, Yan Yunyu’s arrival meant Mu Lin no longer had to go out of his way to distance himself from Chu Lingluo.

The two girls were in constant conflict, and during their disputes, Mu Lin would subtly side with Yan Yunyu.

Such favoritism was bound to push Chu Lingluo away—exactly what he wanted.

“If your family doesn’t support it, clinging to you might cost me my life. I might die, but I’ll never throw my life away for mere romance!”

It could only be said that, compared to Chu Lingluo, Mu Lin loved himself more.

Thus, Mu Lin’s team expanded from two to three, though the atmosphere within the group was filled with resentment and tension.

This tension came from Chu Lingluo, and also… from Yan Yunyu.

Although she had joined the team, she couldn’t control Mu Lin.

What troubled her even more was that Mu Lin remained unmoved—whether she provoked him or tried to please him, she couldn’t persuade him to challenge the Tower of Illusory Heavens again.

And if Mu Lin didn’t take on the Tower Challenge, her joining the team would become pointless.

“No, I must find a way to make Mu Lin challenge the tower again!”

Thinking this, Yan Yunyu felt a headache coming on.

Due to her previous actions, she had thoroughly offended Mu Lin, making it no easy task to persuade him now.

…

Mu Lin was vaguely aware of Yan Yunyu’s schemes but paid them no mind. No matter what, he wouldn’t dance to her tune.

At the same time, Mu Lin was speechless about how his reputation in the Dao Palace had changed once again.

This time, the change was somewhat mixed.

When he had declared his intention to build a harem, everyone thought he was utterly foolish.

But now, Chu Lingluo hadn’t left, and Yan Yunyu had even joined. This harem seemed to be taking shape, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

“Startled from my deathbed, only to realize the clown was me all along.”

While stunned, they were also green with envy.

Mu Lin’s friend Zong Xiu even knelt before him outright.

“Brother, my man, teach me your ways. How did you manage to tame two noble ladies at once?”

Mu Lin rolled his eyes at this.

Taming noble ladies, and two at that—he wished he knew such a method himself.

Unfortunately, he knew all too well that Chu Lingluo would eventually leave him.

As for Yan Yunyu, in Mu Lin’s view, she was being forced to act by Chu Lingluo’s mother. Her current diligence was surely driven by the same goal as his: to complete the task quickly and escape this predicament.

‘Two? I don’t even have one.’

Feeling melancholic, Mu Lin didn’t want to elaborate. So, in response to Zong Xiu’s plea for advice, he simply pointed to his own face and said, “See this?”

“??? What do you mean?”

“My face. You asked me how to attract noble ladies, right? Well, here’s your answer: This Daoist relies on his face. Being handsome means you can do whatever you want.”

These words left Zong Xiu stunned. After a long pause, he nodded and said, “Now I really think you rely on your face—but not because you’re handsome, but because your skin is thick enough.”

…

Mu Lin ultimately couldn’t ignore Chu Lingluo’s resentful gaze. Seeing the kind and lovely girl reduced to such a state affected his mood, making him somewhat somber.

What left Mu Lin speechless was that this emotion actually aligned perfectly with the Mindscape – Sky Burial City. Each time he meditated, he could attract more Sky Burial Power.

However, this wasn’t what Mu Lin needed.

Controlled Sky Burial Power was good Sky Burial Power. If too much unrefined Sky Burial Power surged in at once, it would instead put Mu Lin in danger.

Fortunately, Mu Lin’s chance to escape this predicament soon arrived.

That Puppet Master had returned to Anping City, and Mu Lin could go to apprentice under him.

“Finally, I can leave.”

Walking on the road outside the Dao Palace, watching the bustling crowd in ancient-style attire, Mu Lin felt a sense of novelty. His expression also carried a relief of having escaped danger.

This mood was sensed by Teacher Dongfang Ya beside him, causing her to snort coldly.

“Didn’t you bring this upon yourself?”

These words made Mu Lin spread his hands, looking utterly wronged.

“Teacher, I never intended to attract bees and butterflies. When someone uses their power to pressure others, what could I do?”

“Using power? More like using wealth, I’d say. It’s not like I don’t know about your agreement with that person… But you did the right thing. For you now, Cultivation Level is the most important…”

As they spoke, the two walked toward the Puppet Master’s residence.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they stopped before a quiet courtyard.

What caught Mu Lin’s eye was that he wasn’t the only one here—several luxurious carriages were gathered outside the gate.

After entering the house, Mu Lin further discovered that there were quite a few young people around his age or slightly older.

“Are they also here to apprentice?”

With this speculation, Mu Lin followed Dongfang Ya to meet the master of the house.

She was a mature woman full of allure, dressed provocatively and half-reclining on a comfortable chair. In her hand, she held a long jade pipe, Swallowing Clouds Spitting Mist.

Behind her, several beautiful young girls attended to her diligently.

Judging by her appearance alone, Mu Lin felt she didn’t seem like a highly skilled Puppet Master, but more like a decadent noble Madam.

However, Mu Lin didn’t make a hasty judgment. Since Dongfang Ya acknowledged her, this woman’s strength and abilities were certainly not low.

After glancing up at the woman, Mu Lin lowered his head and stood quietly to the side.

In contrast, Dongfang Ya waved her hand irritably, dispersing all the smoke in the room to one side.

“Hey, Meng Rui, can’t you restrain yourself a little? There are children here.”

“It doesn’t matter. The Dream Fragrance is good for them too—it stimulates their Divine Souls.”

“But it could also get them addicted!”

“Heh, if they can’t even resist a mere whiff of Dream Fragrance, such trash—whether they live in drunken dreams or truly die—has nothing to do with me.”

These words made Dongfang Ya cross her arms angrily.

“You’re as detestable as ever, woman.”

“Likewise, but Dongfang Ya, you seem to have mistaken one thing. Right now, it’s you who’s asking for my help.”

“Uh… don’t make it sound so unpleasant. Mu Lin is very talented. I found you a good disciple—you should be happy about it.”

The two were bickering with each other, and this mutual complaining also proved from the side that they had a friendship.

Indeed, seeing Dongfang Ya’s guilty conscience, the woman named Meng Rui did not press the matter further but instead turned her gaze toward Mu Lin.

“Mu Lin, huh? Quite a lucky little fellow. First Dongfang Ya, then that woman from the Chu Family. Since they’ve asked, I’ll naturally teach you properly.”

“However, don’t think you can take it easy here, and don’t assume you won’t be expelled. If I’m not satisfied, even if that woman from the Chu Family asked, I won’t keep you.”

“Yes, Master. I will give it my all.”

Hearing this, the Puppetry Master named Meng Rui showed no reaction. She merely waved her hand lightly and said:

“Hmm, step out for now. Later, you’ll come with the others to take the first test.”

“Yes.”

Soon, Mu Lin left, and only Dongfang Ya and the Puppetry Master remained in the room, conversing.

Mu Lin knew nothing of their conversation, but outside, he noticed that most of the youths who had come to seek apprenticeship were either wealthy or noble. This indicated that the teacher Dongfang Ya had found for him was indeed capable; otherwise, these affluent or aristocratic families would not have sent their children here to learn.

However, among those seeking apprenticeship, there were also some peculiar individuals.

At that moment, he glanced curiously at a youth in the corner.

That youth was about the same age as him, but his entire being was filled with negative emotions like despondency and madness. His eyes were brimming with hatred.

Such a person clearly had a story.

But Mu Lin was not one to meddle. After a brief glance, he withdrew his gaze and stood quietly to the side, waiting for the test to begin.

They did not have to wait long. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Dongfang Ya and the parents of the wealthy youths left, leaving only a group of young men and women in the courtyard.

Seeing this, one of Meng Rui’s maids called Mu Lin and the others into the room.

Meng Rui was still lying on her side on the bed, dressed provocatively, but none of the youths dared to look too closely.

Just as they lowered their heads, a lazy voice came from above.

“Tell me, why do you want to learn Puppetry Art? What are your thoughts on puppets? If a puppet awakens consciousness, how would you treat it?”

“And what kind of puppet do you think is the most perfect puppet?”

The voice from above, though lazy, was also very pleasant and alluring, making Mu Lin feel a sense of goodwill.

Instinctively, he wanted to blurt out the most genuine thoughts in his heart.

However, before Mu Lin could speak, his Divine Soul in the Sea of Consciousness suddenly trembled.

Then, he discovered, with a sense of aberration, that his “perspective” had been elevated.

(End of Chapter)