Chapter 272

Chapter 272: The Metamorphosed Other Shore Flower, Illusion Blanketing the City

After discussions, none of the demon sects claimed Mu Lin as their member, maintaining their alliance’s resolution to eliminate him.

Yet despite their words, their actions became heavily constrained.

…

As the Grave Lord inheritance’s awakening approached, more demon cultivators, free cultivators, and Yin Eight Sect members gathered near Ping An Ancient County.

However, Mu Lin’s relentless bandit suppression kept them from entering the county—those reckless enough to enter usually became fertilizer for the Other Shore Flower sea within the day.

Having consumed nearly a thousand demon cultivators’ souls and flesh along with massive amounts of negative emotions, the Manjusaka in Mu Lin’s City God Realm underwent another evolution.

The flowers now spread across the entire City God Realm.

A count revealed over three thousand three hundred Manjusaka plants.

Their clustered nature meant greater numbers enhanced both quality and power.

The evolved Manjusaka now wielded strength equivalent to combining Essence and Evil. When amplified by the divinity of delight and the Heavenly Level Formation "Cycle of Life and Death", the Other Shore Flower sea could mimic some traits of High Mastery of Transformation.

This transformation proved terrifying.

Those achieving Transformation were called high-level cultivators among righteous factions, but considered calamities by demons.

Regardless of faction, Transformation-stage experts formed the core leadership—no longer expendable pawns but true powerholders.

In simpler terms, they became predators rather than prey.

Such figures could single-handedly destroy cities, as demonstrated by Mu Lin’s current control over all Ping An Ancient Town.

The illusion-capable Manjusaka now grew both within the City God Realm and across the physical world at Mu Lin’s command.

Activating all 3,300 flowers could instantly shroud the city in impenetrable darkness or trap Ping An Ancient County in endless nightmares.

However, the Other Shore Flower sea remained fundamentally at the combining Essence and Evil level, only mimicking Transformation through formations.

Mu Lin’s personal weakness further limited the flowers’ potential.

While his city-wide nightmare claim held truth, activating all Manjusaka demanded staggering energy.

Only Ping An Ancient County’s spiritual veins prevented complete magical exhaustion from such activation.

Despite limitations, the Manjusaka’s deadliness remained unquestionable—their presence explained why stubborn demon cultivators kept dying in the county.

Currently, 1,300 Manjusaka bloomed invisibly across Ping An Ancient County, hidden by their illusionary nature.

Normally dormant, they only activated when demon cultivators approached.

Rather than deploying the Beiwai Army, Mu Lin would silently assault intruders’ minds using the Cycle of Life and Death formation, channeling the Manjusaka’s collective power.

Three thousand three hundred Manjusaka activating at once required immense energy that Mu Lin couldn’t bear.

But with hundreds of Other Shore Flowers working together, Mu Lin could easily handle the load.

Under the Illusion Ability of the Manjusaka, most demon cultivators entering Ping An Ancient County would slowly lose their minds as they walked.

With their five senses obscured and twisted, they’d step into Mu Lin’s City God Realm wearing expressions of terror, rage, or greed.

Eventually, they’d find spots to lie down quietly, letting the Manjusaka plant seeds in their bodies and souls.

…

Silent and imperceptible… the transformed Manjusaka killed with terrifying ease.

This dreadful illusionary ability turned Ping An Ancient County into a forbidden zone where none could leave.

Now merely gazing at Ping An Ancient County made demon cultivators’ hearts pound.

Some even went mad while looking at Ping An Ancient City, charging recklessly toward the county.

Those who dashed in would vanish without trace.

These eerie horrors made demon cultivators fear Ping An Ancient County even more.

Though they dared not enter the county, they still camped in distant wilderness areas.

As the Grave Lord inheritance’s awakening approached, the demon sect’s holy sons and descendants of evil gods arrived.

Their presence comforted many demon disciples.

That very day, someone approached these leaders, begging them to organize Mu Lin’s elimination.

"Lord Ghost Shadow, the Grave Lord belongs to our demon sect! Yet that Demon Exorcism Division bastard Lin Qiu occupies the main city and drives us out! This heaven-defying insult treats our sect as nothing!"

"That bastard’s slapping our faces! If we do nothing, we’ll become laughingstocks…"

"Lord Blood River, you must lead us…"

The demon disciples poured out honeyed pleas to motivate their elites.

Some bluntly warned that inaction would bring merciless ridicule. During future clashes with righteous path cultivators, they’d be taunted: "Heard your demon sect’s inheritance got blocked by the Demon Exorcism Division? Can’t even get through the door?"

While many demon cultivators ignored such mockery, some elites couldn’t endure it. Young and prideful, these talents craved fame and couldn’t tolerate humiliation.

"Lin Qiu’s arrogance needs punishing."

"I’ll handle him."

"No! His head’s mine!"

None admitted being weaker than Mu Lin, resulting in numerous volunteers.

That night, a girl came to warn Mu Lin.

"Giggle… Brother Lin Qiu, you’re in danger~"

Mu Lin studied the alluring girl curiously. The Yin-Yang Harmony Sect’s holy maiden had come bearing information instead of attacking.

Though puzzled, his expression remained calm.

"Danger? I feel none. You should worry about yourself."

"Your life currently rests in my hands."

Jiang Yingying of the Yin-Yang Harmony Sect didn’t fear his words. Instead, she sneered disdainfully.

"Claiming my life’s yours? Brother Lin Qiu, you’re as arrogant as those free demon cultivators say."

"But naturally – only someone this prideful would try monopolizing Ping An Ancient County."

Her voice suddenly chilled: "Though I admit your strength, little brother, you underestimate me."

"I’m nothing like common demon trash."

BOOM!

Terrifying energy erupted from Jiang Yingying.

Mu Lin’s eyes narrowed – she’d reached the combining Essence and Evil realm.

More surprisingly, she casually summoned an Other Shore Flower. Though deadly dangerous, she toyed with it carelessly:

"Pretty flower. But for true elites like me, it’s mere decoration. If this is your trump card, Brother Lin Qiu… you’re already dead."