Chapter 313

Chapter 313: Mu Lin Treated as a National Hero

After defeating the evil gods—even the mindless ones—Mu Lin was bestowed the title of "Future Celestial Master" by the clan elders of powerful external families.

Many sought to forge connections and deepen bonds with Mu Lin, betting on his promising future. Among them, the East Sea King invested the most resources and effort. Unlike Prince Liang, the East Sea King harbored greater ambitions. Ambitious men often act boldly, willing to pay upfront costs.

When Mu Lin first revealed his talent (refining malevolent energy in the time it takes an incense stick to burn), Prince Liang had hesitated, demanding Mu Lin marry Ji Hongyu before granting him Heavenly Essence. The East Sea King, however, immediately ordered his subordinates to deliver Heavenly Essence directly—though Mu Lin’s rapid growth outpaced the delivery, the East Sea King’s decisive action left a strong impression.

Similarly, while Prince Liang wavered over granting Mu Lin access to dragon veins for cultivation, the East Sea King promised unrestricted access in exchange for Mu Lin’s allegiance. He even offered to help Mu Lin become a legion commander or take charge of the Demon Suppression Army.

This wasn’t selfless—Mu Lin leading a legion would bolster the East Sea King’s forces. Supporting Mu Lin’s rise in the Demon Suppression Army also served the king’s ambitions. To control the central power structure, he needed allies. Elevating Mu Lin would smooth his own path to dominance.

…

The East Sea King’s subordinates advanced toward the City of Heart’s Prison. Though their pace wasn’t swift, Mu Lin’s immobility while refining the Crimson Ruler’s divinity allowed them to reach the city gates within three hours. By then, the city stood empty.

Mu Lin’s battle against the Crimson Ruler had been perilous. Fully focused on his foe, he’d channeled all the city’s formation power to suppress the deity, weakening his control over others. Many seized this chance to flee during the fight. Afterward, as Mu Lin refined the Crimson Ruler’s consciousness, injured Qi Practitioners slipped away unnoticed.

Not all escaped. Wandering Bug, minor tyrants, and Ghost Shadow perished in the conflict.

…

The lifeless silence made the East Sea King’s envoy instantly detectable. Assuming the man sought plunder, Mu Lin moved to expel him—though not fully refined, he already claimed the City of Heart’s Prison as his domain.

*Clang!*

Two Beiwai Army guards crossed weapons, barring the envoy’s path. Their armor rattled as they growled:

“Leave. Now.”

"This city already has an owner and did not welcome anyone."

As Mu Lin spoke, he braced himself for an argument from the man before him.

But something unexpected occurred.

When he heard the Beiwai Army’s order to leave, the man didn’t get angry. Instead, he raised his hands in a peaceful gesture and said kindly, "No misunderstanding—I’m not here for trouble. I’m an envoy of the East Sea King, seeking the master of This Place, Mu Lin."

"…"

Hearing his name, Mu Lin focused his attention. Confirming the envoy posed no threat, he willed a Substitute Paper Figure to take his form and approach the City of Heart’s Prison gate.

Soon, Mu Lin stood at the entrance, facing the envoy.

"You wanted to see me?"

Upon Mu Lin’s arrival, the envoy’s demeanor grew even warmer—not just professionalism, but genuine respect for a powerful being.

Before entering, he’d learned of Mu Lin’s astonishing feat: Refining evil energy in the time it took an incense stick to burn.

During the journey, the East Sea King had Whispered about Mu Lin slaying the newly awakened evil gods. Faced with such strength, the envoy maintained utmost deference.

"His Highness the East Sea King congratulates you for destroying the evil gods and saving the populace. This Heavenly Essence is his gift to you, Young Master Mu."

He offered a jade bottle. Though small, Mu Lin detected spatial ripples emanating from it.

"This is Extreme Thunder Energy, a variant of Xuan Qing’s energy. Combined with Earthly Yellow’s Evil, it forms Xuan Huang’s energy. Moreover, it purifies the soul, turning yin to yang and imbuing it with a trace of divine thunder might. Henceforth, thunder spells or laws will come effortlessly…"

The gift was perfect for him—too perfect. Mu Lin hesitated. He wasn’t so young as to believe in free gifts from the sky.

"The East Sea King flatters me. I killed the descendants of evil gods for my own reasons, not to save the world. I can’t accept rewards without merit."

The envoy chuckled, unsurprised. "No need for refusal. His Highness seeks talent and has an offer: join the East Sea Kingdom. This Extreme Thunder Energy is merely a courtesy gift."

"Besides, our kingdom’s wealth makes this trivial to the East Sea King’s manor."

He pushed the Extreme Thunder Energy into Mu Lin’s hands. Further refusal would be rude, so Mu Lin reluctantly accepted—though he had no intention of using it yet. This way, he could return it if relations soured.

Seeing the acceptance, the envoy smiled. "Young Master Mu, His Highness invites you to join the East Sea Kingdom."

Without pausing for reply, he continued: "Join us, and the king will grant access to Dragon veins for cultivation, wed you to a county princess, and let you train in the military. Excel, and you’ll lead your own legion as commander."

"Prefer civilian life? A seat awaits in the Demon Exorcism Division. Prove yourself, and you could command its forces—even rise to supreme commander with sufficient strength."

"Or found your own sect with royal support…"

Wealth, beauty, status, power—the East Sea King’s bold offer stirred even Mu Lin’s heart. Such royal treatment!

Yet temptation faded as Mu Lin glimpsed the hidden stakes beneath.

In his past life, Prince Dan of Yan treated Jing Ke as an esteemed scholar, providing not only lavish rewards but also sharing meals and living arrangements. Yet with such treatment, what repayment could he demand from Jing Ke? Only his life! That Prince Dan had been so earnest precisely because he intended to send Jing Ke to his death.

As for the East Sea King, his numerous gifts to Mu Lin naturally came with expectations of greater returns. Mu Lin didn’t believe the East Sea King’s kindness was without motive. Under these circumstances, Mu Lin dared not accept the many favors offered.

"His Highness the East Sea King is too generous. While I’m honored by his invitation, I fear my abilities fall short…"

Sensing Mu Lin’s reluctance, the envoy chuckled. "Young Master Mu underestimates himself. Refining malevolent energy within the time an incense stick burns, slaying the Crimson Ruler after just half a year of cultivation—if you’re unqualified, what does that make other youths? Mere trash."

Having blocked Mu Lin’s refusal, the envoy pressed no further. "Of course, accepting His Highness’s invitation is no small matter. Take time to consider it. Moreover, His Highness wishes to meet you personally."

"…I’ll pay my respects to His Highness after leaving the secret realm."

"Excellent! I’ll convey your acceptance to His Highness."

…

After their exchange, the East Sea King’s envoy departed, leaving behind a vial of Extreme Thunder Energy. Mu Lin immediately contacted Yan Yunyu via his Substitute Paper Figures to discuss the matter.

Though trapped in the Grave Lord’s secret realm, Mu Lin maintained connections through paper figures scattered across Yuzhou, the City God Realm, Ping An Ancient County, Anping City, and even remote villages. These served as both communication tools and contingency measures. Should his true body perish, his consciousness could transfer to a paper figure, allowing continued cultivation—though at the cost of becoming a ghost cultivator, the weakest among the Five Immortals, doomed to eternal mediocrity. Mu Lin wished to avoid this wretched path unless absolutely necessary.

Yan Yunyu’s response came swiftly: "Mu brother, refuse the East Sea King. His ambitions are too dangerous."

"The East Sea Kingdom borders the Dragon Palace water tribe, profiting immensely from foreign trade. Though originally under imperial control, the East Sea King seized power during the Great Spirit Dynasty’s turmoil four centuries ago. His domain remains a thorn in the royal family’s flesh, their rivalry claiming countless lives over four hundred years. Allying with him would make you their enemy."