Chapter 321

Chapter 321: North-South Conflict, The Northern Wasteland Geniuses Strike

Human concepts and ideologies were constrained by their world and era.

In this realm, people still held reverence for royal authority. Most clung to the belief of "mastering civil and martial skills to serve the imperial house."

East Sea King believed that by exposing the Great Spirit Dynasty’s central court as weak and feeble while showcasing his own ambitions, Mu Lin—a mere cold clan’s disciple—would immediately bow like other strategists and martial generals, joining his glorious cause.

Even if Mu Lin hesitated, East Sea King assumed he simply hadn’t yet witnessed the court’s cowardice. Once confronted with its frailty, Mu Lin would surely pledge allegiance.

Yet East Sea King overlooked one crucial detail: Mu Lin didn’t originate from this world. His mindset remained unbound by its limitations.

"Master skills just to serve emperors? Ridiculous!"

Mu Lin’s past life had stripped him of all respect for royal authority—he considered it fit only for the trash heap.

Upon learning the Great Spirit Dynasty’s court harbored surrender intentions, Mu Lin never contemplated backing princes or nobles for political gain. His mind fixated on reshaping the world itself—at minimum, overthrowing the dynasty.

"The throne changes hands yearly. If others can claim it, why can’t I?"

Of course, Mu Lin kept these wild thoughts hidden. He maintained polite deference toward East Sea King—respecting powerful beings wasn’t courtesy, but survival instinct.

…

East Sea King noted Mu Lin’s respectful demeanor with satisfaction. When Mu Lin requested time to consider joining him, the king showed no anger. "A wise bird selects its roost," he declared magnanimously. "Kings choose ministers, and ministers seek worthy rulers. Observe at your leisure—I’ll prove myself the deserving choice."

Thus the ambitious East Sea King departed.

Mu Lin muttered privately, "I pray the Great Spirit Dynasty’s court isn’t as pathetic as claimed. Otherwise, reshaping the world will prove troublesome."

…

Having watched Mu Lin Refine malignant energy within minutes, defeat evil gods, and survive a hundred "deaths," Yuzhou’s powerful clans held no doubts about his future. Their "future heavenly master" title wasn’t empty flattery—they truly believed it.

Since few clans possessed foundations matching a heavenly master’s status, Mu Lin found himself besieged for days. Clan elders, young masters, and legitimate daughters arrived bearing gifts daily. The constant stream of presents left him unable to refuse politely.

Relief came when Yan Yunyu and Chu Lingluo arrived after three days. Yan Yunyu especially shouldered administrative burdens, finally giving Mu Lin breathing room.

But as he considered using Prince Liang’s Heavenly Essence for advancement, fresh turmoil erupted in Yuzhou.

"The border troops attacked? East Sea King started a human race civil war? Impossible—he controls the East Sea, not North Wilderness!"

This shocking news from Yuzhou’s capital stunned Mu Lin. He instantly abandoned plans to bring his grandfather to Yuzhou City.

‘Yuzhou’s unsafe. My City God avatar guards Ping An Ancient County, and Ping An Ancient Street suits Yin Eight Sect cultivation. Grandfather should remain there.’

While strategizing, Mu Lin glanced at Yan Yunyu, signaling the socially adept woman to gather intelligence.

He wanted to know why the Northern Wasteland soldiers were attacking.

…

The sudden southern advance of the Northern Wasteland forces shocked Mu Lin and confused the clan elders of powerful clans.

Chaos spread through Ping An Ancient County. Thankfully, Mu Lin’s status still carried weight. As his consort, Yan Yunyu received respectful treatment when gathering information – people readily shared details with her.

Within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, she uncovered the truth.

Returning, she reported everything to Mu Lin.

“The Great Spirit Dynasty isn’t at civil war. No border troops came south. These are Northern Wasteland Geniuses and elite soldiers. They’re challenging southern clan disciples under the pretense of martial contests. When refused, they break into clan compounds to force fights. They’ve beaten countless people during their rampage. Yesterday they called all southern cultivators cowards, claiming they’ll stay in Yuzhou City daring anyone with backbone to challenge them.”

“???”

“Since when are Northern Wasteland prodigies so arrogant?”

Storming homes to beat people while accusing Southeast Province youths of cowardice… Though Mu Lin didn’t know the full story.

The Northern Wasteland soldiers used cruder language than “backbone.” Their actual taunt suggested southern prodigies should either fight or “get their balls cut off to wear skirts.”

Yan Yunyu heard the vulgar phrasing but, being proper, softened it for Mu Lin’s ears.

Even this sanitized version made Mu Lin frown. But soon his eyebrows lifted in suspicion.

“This makes no sense. Arrogant youths? Maybe a few. But entire Northern Wasteland armies led by impulsive commanders? Impossible.”

Mu Lin refused to believe the legion commanders didn’t approve this operation. The scale suggested organized military action, not random brawling. There had to be deeper motives.

“You’re right – this isn’t just about challenges.”

The voice came from Si Ye, Chu Lingluo’s mother, not Yan Yunyu. She’d brought Chu Lingluo to join the discussion after gathering her own intelligence.

Without waiting for questions, Si Ye declared:

“They came south for military funding.”

“Then petition the court! Why invade?”

“Because Southeast Province handles tax collection…”

As both women explained, the picture cleared.

The barren North Wilderness held few spiritual grounds, overrun by monsters, demon sects, evil gods, and forbidden places. Its chaotic lands couldn’t sustain proper economy or resource production.

Thus the Great Spirit Dynasty taxed Southeast Province for 60-80% of imperial revenue, transferring funds north annually.

Mu Lin nearly laughed. ‘Modern-style wealth redistribution? Here?’

While he marveled, the explanation continued: “Southeast Province tolerated heavy taxes because Northern Wasteland armies blocked northern threats, maintaining our peace. But recently…”

Mu Lin immediately grasped the problem.

“Is it because the apocalypse approaches?”

Si Ye nodded. “We in the Southeast Province never deeply sensed the approaching doom. The Great Spirit Dynasty used Dragon Veins to create massive formations, keeping most disasters beyond our borders.”

“The excluded aberrations, evil gods, monsters, forbidden powers… all must battle the Northern Wasteland army to invade our lands. This conflict has brought heavy casualties and relentless pressure upon them.”

“More deaths meant greater demands—compensation, resources, endless requests each year.”

“Initially, the Southeast Province could comply. But with taxes exceeding eighty percent, we can no longer afford it. Many resent bearing most of the dynasty’s tax burden.”

“The Northern Wasteland army’s frustration runs deeper. Their aristocratic children sacrificed blood and lives to hold back the monsters and evil spirits. Yet their contributions go unrewarded—inadequate compensation, scarce resources, little recognition. This breeds discontent with the court.”

“Then came the endless quarrels…”

Before Si Ye finished, Mu Lin recognized the pattern.

“This mirrors the North-South conflict.”

In Mu Lin’s era, free travel softened regional rivalries. But ancient times saw harsher divisions—blocked roads kept people rooted, fueling bitter disputes. Ming Dynasty factions and the north-south examination scandals exemplified this. Though powered by martial arts, this feudal world suffered the same divisions.

As Mu Lin pondered, Si Ye shrugged. “The untouched Southeast Province dismisses these quarrels. But the war-torn North Wilderness lacks time for debates. This elite squad represents their solution—to force the imperial court to acknowledge which region truly matters.”

The strategy held merit.

Strength ruled this world. Crushing the Southeast Province would grant the victors greater influence, forcing the defeated to surrender resources. Cleverly, the North sent only youths under the guise of challenges—keeping conflicts political, not military.

“Masters at work,” Mu Lin murmured, then frowned. “But such confidence… No, they’ve already crushed countless opponents. This isn’t arrogance—it’s proven might. When did they grow so strong?”

Both Yan Yunyu and Si Ye acknowledged Northern superiority.

“Northern prodigies surpass Southern ones,” Si Ye admitted. “Constant warfare forges true warriors—whether fighters or Qi Practitioners, survivors emerge battle-hardened.”

“Bloodshed tempers their resolve, easing breakthroughs. Equal in power? Northern cultivators still prevail through experience and sharper skills.”

“Yet the South’s resources and population once balanced the scales. The North’s recent surge puzzles us.”

Si Ye’s expression darkened. “You know the sixteen-year cultivation ban?”

“Yes. Early training brings horrors…” Mu Lin’s eyes narrowed. “They start younger?”

“Many do.”

Instead of explaining, Si Ye activated soundproof formations, layering privacy spells until satisfied. Only then did she whisper:

“Our world’s essence is tainted. Before sixteen, undeveloped bodies absorbing spiritual energy risk absorbing forbidden power—triggering mutations.”

“Decaying flesh, lifelong plagues, horns, tentacles, shattered minds… Untreatable essence corruption. Hence our Southern ban on early cultivation.”

“This pollution birthed our current apocalyptic crisis.”

Mu Lin’s heart stalled. No one had mentioned this before.

“Heaven’s Dao… contaminated?”

‘That “favor” nearly doomed me!’ He shuddered, recalling his brush with forbidden power.

Misreading his fear as shock, Si Ye softened. “Don’t panic. True Lords and Celestial Masters still shield us, aiding Heaven’s Dao against this corruption.”

Though slightly reassured, urgency gripped Mu Lin. This wasn’t mere human strife—the world itself faced annihilation.

“I must grow stronger. Immediately.” Resolve hardened his voice. “Today, I’ll fuse Aurora Essence into my soul. My body will reach Condensing Essence before nightfall.”