Chapter 322

Chapter 322: Refining the Essence into the Soul

As Mu Lin made up his mind, Si Ye continued explaining the roots of the Northern Wasteland Geniuses’ power.

“Early cultivation and mingling with forbidden power led many to death and madness, but some survived and coexisted with that power.”

“This wasn’t easy. The terrifying forbidden power constantly eroded cultivators’ bodies and souls, impossible to shake off.”

“Every day they survived felt like purgatory, enduring the Sentence of a Thousand Cuts. One misstep meant being devoured by the forbidden power.”

“Yet this coexistence let them wield forbidden power. Every such person was dangerously formidable.”

…

Early cultivation and forbidden power coexistence made these Northern Wasteland Geniuses seem born with Transformation organs.

Thus their strength made sense… The weaker ones got fully consumed.

Mu Lin understood their early cultivation reasons. With the North Wilderness’ dangers and lurking evil spirits, early cultivation risked death – but not cultivating meant certain doom.

Had he lived there, he’d have started early too.

“What will you do about the North Wilderness invasion?”

As Mu Lin sighed over the wilderness’ dangers, Si Ye pressed him.

He added, “You can’t avoid this. You’re among Southeast Province’s top prodigies. When Yuzhou counterattacks soon, Prince Liang and the powerful clans will demand your help if battles go poorly.”

This made Mu Lin frown. Personally, he wanted to stay out.

He believed the North Wilderness’ demands were fair – they’d bled enough without material deprivation.

But his friends were mostly in Southeast Province, and he’d accepted the clans’ favors.

Refusing them outright would seem ungrateful unless he defected north.

“Wait… I could actually go.”

Not his real body, though – too dangerous. Even with substitution and Blood Rebirth, higher powers might destroy him.

But his avatars, especially the City God avatar, could go.

“When the Northern prodigies leave, I’ll send paper figures to scout the North Wilderness.”

Considering this, Mu Lin decided his stance on the coming conflict:

No initiative, no refusal.

He wouldn’t challenge Northern Wasteland Geniuses first, but wouldn’t decline their challenges.

“Hope they don’t pick fights with me.”

Mu Lin’s ‘no initiative’ stance revealed his North Wilderness leanings to Si Ye.

Unwise for profit-seeking – aligning with Southeast clans would’ve been safer.

This was “harmonizing with the dust”.

Were Mu Lin ordinary, Si Ye would’ve lectured him.

But he wasn’t ordinary – a peerless prodigy, future Celestial Master. Such people earned their willfulness.

Si Ye, Chu Lingluo’s mother, acknowledged this privilege.

Therefore, she did not persuade but followed Mu Lin’s words, saying, "If you want to avoid conflict with the North Wilderness talents, your best move is to announce that you’re entering closed-door training to break through… This gives a clear excuse nobody can question."

"And whether you fight the Northern Wasteland Geniuses or not, you must keep improving your strength."

Mu Lin: "I know. I’m ready to Refine the Aurora Essence from Prince Liang. Starting now."

Mu Lin stayed clear-headed, understanding this world’s cruel reality – a feudal society that devoured the weak.

His smooth journey came not from luck, but from outstanding talent, promising potential, and Dongfang Ya’s protection making others treat him kindly.

But this kindness depended entirely on his continued growth.

Should he slow down, death might not come immediately, but the days of universal friendliness would vanish.

Plots, scorn, schemes, exploitation… these dirty dealings would swarm like flies.

To avoid this fate, Mu Lin had to strengthen himself.

Si Ye also wanted to witness Mu Lin’s progress.

When Mu Lin declared his immediate Refinement, the man promptly left the room and stationed himself outside the small courtyard.

Yet he didn’t depart completely. Like stone guardian, he kept vigil at the gate, peering toward the courtyard.

His face showed nervousness, unease… and burning anticipation.

This peculiar expression drew Dongfang Ya and Master Meng Rui’s attention.

"What’s this? Why not enter?"

Si Ye answered: "Can’t interrupt now. He’s refining essence into soul."

"Essence Refining? What’s…" Dongfang Ya initially dismissed it, having spent nine months herself at the Condensing Essence stage.

She’d endured daily Refinements back then – nothing noteworthy in her eyes.

But her words trailed off as she remembered: this was Mu Lin, who’d Refined Evil into flesh within an incense-burning time…

"You think he’ll finish soul Refinement quickly, so you’re waiting."

Before Si Ye could reply, Master Meng Rui chuckled: "You doubt him?"

"Er… Soul Refinement’s harder than Evil Refining. His Substitute Paper Figure transfers body wounds, not soul damage… Logically, these reasons hold…"

"But logic fails with Mu Lin. That monster breaks all rules. I say he’ll finish within a day."

Master Meng Rui grinned: "I’ll wager an afternoon."

Dongfang Ya’s eyebrow twitched: "So confident? Essence’s tougher than Evil."

"Exactly why I say afternoon, not an hour. You, Si Ye? How long?"

"I think one…"

*Creeak!*

The courtyard door opened before Si Ye finished.

Three betting women froze as Mu Lin… emerged.

The time since his seclusion began?

"Si Ye. How long were you out here?"

The Whisper reached Chu Lingluo’s mother, but Si Ye stood speechless.

When Dongfang Ya and Master Meng Rui finally turned, they found him dazed, murmuring:

"Exactly… one hour of meditation."