Chapter 280

Chapter 280: Substitute Paper Figure, 4th Level Master (4150042000)

Master-level techniques were stronger than proficient-level ones, but the cultivation gap between Condensing Essence and Mu Lin’s current early stage of Refining the Evil was even more significant.

To bridge this gap, Mu Lin had to devote greater effort to advancing his spell mastery.

For most, achieving Master or Grandmaster-level techniques couldn’t be done through effort alone—not even with abundant resources.

Exceptional comprehension and rare opportunities were necessary just to reach Master Level.

As for Grandmaster Level? Far more daunting.

What came to mind when picturing a Grandmaster?

Steadfast as mountains, unshaken by praise or blame, respected figures like the Big Dipper… and middle-aged individuals.

Indeed, most Grandmasters were depicted as composed, seasoned figures. This revealed that reaching Grandmaster Level required not just talent and luck, but also vast life experience.

A Master excelled in one field, but a Grandmaster had to synthesize entire schools of thought and innovate. Thus, attaining Grandmaster Level demanded integrating countless methods—a near-impossible feat.

Yet Mu Lin faced no such barriers.

With his heaven-blessed diligence and perpetual progress, his spell mastery soared. His dedicated practice of the Substitute Paper Figure teetered on the edge of breakthrough.

“A Grandmaster-level Substitute Paper Figure will let me rival anyone! The Divine Lord’s Summoning of True Resolve, though only Master-level, still works at Condensing Essence stage due to its Heaven-grade rank.”

Mu Lin observed his Zhong Kui manifestation. After Refining massive spiritual energy, it now reached Condensing Essence stage, wielding the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword and bright red wine gourd—formidable tools.

Fully charging the wine gourd with spiritual energy could temporarily boost him to combining Essence and Evil.

“The gourd bears the Will of Humanity’s blessing—a merit treasure meant for High Mastery of Transformation cultivators. Its wonders aren’t surprising.”

Yet all techniques relied on his true body. Though Zhong Kui’s spiritual reserves matched Condensing Essence, their quality remained inferior without Mu Lin’s personal refinement through Essence and Evil.

“Still, it’s a solid trump card.”

…

After his advancement, Mu Lin checked his cultivation status via the proficiency panel:

[Host: Mu Lin]

[Rank: Mage, divinity being (Merged Divinity: Death, Silence)]

[Cultivation Realm:]

[Body: Early Stage of Refining the Evil]

【Qi · Magical Cultivation: Early Stage of Refining the Evil】

【Divinity · Spirit: Mid-stage of Condensing Essence】

【Cultivation Methods】

【Mind Image · City of Heaven’s Funeral (City God) (Heaven-level middle grade), Level 3 Mastery (71903/108000), Features: Solidification, Soul Manifestation, Power of Heaven’s Funeral, City God (County City God) (Appointed)】

【Great Yin Living Scripture, Level 3 Mastery (73021/81000) (Heaven-level lower grade), Features: Awakening, Spiritual Roots (Lord’s Altar), Substitute Paper Figure, Yin-Yang Harmony (Stage Two) (Evil Merging), Magical Liquid Formation, Communicating with Spirits (Soul Summoning, Ancestor Restrictions Removed)】

【Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique (top-tier Earth-level), 4th Level Master (23127/129600), Features: Transform into Black Water Mystic Serpent (Growth Stage), Ink Dragon (Growth Stage) (Six Moltings: Thunder Breath, Overload)】

【Heart Lamp of Will (Heaven-level lower grade), 4th Level Master (10321/890000), Features: Domination, Transcendence, Crown of Royal Authority (Channel Subordinates’ Power)】

【Techniques and Skills】

【Divine Lord’s Summoning of True Resolve (Heaven-level lower grade), 4th Level Master (36581/1080000), Features: Zhong Kui Manifestation (Martial Judge), Cui Yu Manifestation (Civil Judge) (Forming)】

【Substitute Paper Figure (top-tier Earth-level), 4th Level Master (41500/42000), Features: Clone Illusion (Six Substitutes: Cultivate, Store Magic, Fight Enemies, Confuse Foes), Injury Transfer (80%), Soul Attachment, Substitute Paper Figure · Others】

【Paper Figure Curse (top-tier Earth-level), 4th Level Master (30300/33000), Features: Nail the Seven Spirits】

【Paper Figure Soul Sealing (top-tier Earth-level), 4th Level Master (1038/36000), Features: Soul Sealing】

【Origami, 5th Level Grandmaster (31089/108000)】

【Calligraphy, 5th Level Grandmaster (4800/810000)】

【Painting, 5th Level Grandmaster (5919/720000)】

【Sky-High Technique Spell (Heaven-level lower grade), 4th Level Master (6871/730000)】

…

After careful inspection, Mu Lin noticed something.

His magical power level was increasing too rapidly due to solidification and refreshing, nearly overtaking his cultivation methods.

“…Will I face cultivation bottlenecks like other practitioners someday?”

Pondering this, Mu Lin concluded it was likely.

Accumulating power through solidification and refreshing simply outpaced traditional methods.

Even with heavenly rewards for diligence, advancing his cultivation methods required painstaking effort. Yet a single solidification could instantly add thousands of points – the Attribute Panel couldn’t compete.

Fortunately, Mu Lin recalled his Substitute Paper Figure nearing a breakthrough.

“Once this technique evolves, my doppelgänger cultivation method might let thousands train simultaneously, like that prince’s legendary feat. Then my cultivation progress could skyrocket.”

Growth isn’t always gradual – sometimes it explodes.

Like ancient humans taking millennia to master fire, then mere centuries leaping from steam engines to spaceflight.

A technological explosion.

With his Clone Cultivation Method, Mu Lin might trigger a similar eruption in cultivation.

“Reaching Grandmaster-tier Substitute Paper Figures will be my pivotal breakthrough.”

…

Discovering his Substitute Paper Figure was nearing advancement, Mu Lin dedicated himself fully to Hard Practice these past days.

Meanwhile, Ping An Ancient Town grew increasingly bustling.

As Ji Hongyu predicted, talented members of demon sects, scions of powerful clans, and Daoist prodigies all swarmed to the town upon learning the Grave Lord inheritance concealed divine secrets.

After arriving, these newcomers learned of Mu Lin’s exploits.

Single-handedly expelling multiple demon sects from Ping An Ancient Town. Suppressing their talented members. Exchanging blows with demon sect Transformation-stage elders without yielding.

Such feats shocked the crowd.

"Which clan’s descendant possesses such strength?"

Their astonishment turned to wariness, prompting thorough investigations into Mu Lin’s background.

Unlike the marginalized demon sects with limited Great Spirit Dynasty influence, the Daoist sect and powerful clans held deep connections through the Demon Exorcism Division.

Since Mu Lin had registered with the Division upon arriving, they quickly uncovered his details: barely six months of cultivation, still at Qi Practitioner stage mere weeks earlier.

This revelation caused uproar among all factions.

"Qi Practitioner? Ridiculous! Are demon sects so incompetent?"

Some scoffed while others uncovered deeper truths.

"He’s borrowing external power – controlling Ping An Ancient Town’s spiritual veins through special methods. Those veins amplify his strength to suppress demon sect talents. Without them, he’s harmless."

"Pah! Just a cheat. I thought he had real power."

"Wasted our concern."

"Fools! The veins only provide energy. Crushing Sacrificial Star and facing Transformation elders requires formidable techniques and spiritual strength. This Mu Lin’s dangerous. Give him years, he’ll dominate us all!"

Assessments split – some dismissed him while others recognized his worth.

True cultivators understood the significance of challenging higher realms from lower stages.

This realization made the Chu family, Yan family, and Demon Exorcism Division increase Mu Lin’s valuation.

Yan family elder declared: "Mu Lin approaches the Refining the Evil stage. Offer him optimal evil energy and essence. If unavailable, procure through Four Seas Pavilion. But he must surrender freedoms to join our family."

Beyond these clans, Yuzhou’s royal estate also courted Mu Lin.

The Grave Lord inheritance had drawn true powers – the Great Spirit Dynasty’s royal house and nobility arrived in force.

Though acknowledging Mu Lin’s potential, all agreed his current strength couldn’t compete.

After marveling at his situation, the gathered talents unanimously excluded him from their rivalry.

Current Mu Lin simply didn’t qualify.