Chapter 395 394: Weakness

"His weakness is his wife and child! That poor kid had his legs broken, and his wife was nearly defiled..."

Mu Lin said, "But this case is supervised by the Military Suppression Bureau. Isn't Zheng Ying afraid they'll pursue the matter?"

Bi Haitao sighed. "It's useless. The Military Suppression Bureau can't forcefully interfere in secular affairs. They don't get involved."

'That's allowed?' Mu Lin wondered. But on second thought, it made sense. The Military Suppression Bureau could, at best, only regulate the world's Martial Artists; they had no power over ordinary people.

Zheng Ying probably thought the Military Suppression Bureau could do something, but they were absent when it mattered most. As a result, disaster befell his wife and child, leaving him not only too afraid to defy the Baiju Group but also unable to trust the Military Suppression Bureau.

"So, did the Military Suppression Bureau ever step in? They were supervising the case, after all. They couldn't just do nothing, right?"

"Mr. Mu, it's not that Captain Yun didn't try, but he said his influence doesn't count for much in Lanyang. He can only hope that you have the necessary clout."

Mu Lin thought for a moment, then said, "You mean you want me to be the Patrol Team's backer?"

Bi Haitao hesitated for a moment but then said earnestly, "Yes, that's exactly what I mean! Mr. Mu, our captain is a truly upright and honorable man. It's just a shame that the Baiju Group is too powerful. He's a hero whose hands are tied, unable to accomplish anything on his own."

"I really don't want to see him go on like this. It's just too tragic!"

Mu Lin slowly nodded. "I see."

'The certificate Captain Jiang Long gave me probably wasn't just for investigating Xu Jishan and his son. He likely had this in mind as well.'

'After all, Lanyang is under Nanjiang's jurisdiction. Jiang Long must be well aware of the situation.'

Mu Lin said, "'Backer' sounds so crass. Let's put it this way: if anything comes up, just come find me. I'll help you solve your problems. Go ahead and do what you need to do without fear!"

"As for Captain Zheng's child, his legs can't stay like this. When you get a chance, talk to Captain Zheng for me. I'll find an opportunity to help set the boy's legs."

Bi Haitao was overjoyed. "Yes! Mr. Mu, you're truly a man of chivalry and compassion, a cut above the rest!"

Mu Lin waved his hand dismissively. "Don't flatter me to death. I just don't like seeing good people get wronged!"

A little while later, the meal was ready. He Zheng and Qu Zizi ran over to Mu Lin like they were presenting a treasure, telling him to come and eat.

"Mu Lin, time to eat! We made a lot! We didn't know what you like, so we just made everything."

Mu Lin hurried over. The spread of food was truly complete. This was the suburbs, after all, so there was no shortage of fresh vegetables.

Mu Lin smiled. "What a magnificent feast! Just looking at it makes me want to dig in."

"If you want to eat, then eat your fill!" the old lady said with a smile.

Qu Renjie and Yu Xing walked over. The two exchanged a glance, and Yu Xing raised her drink first, saying:

"Before we start eating, I want to apologize to Divine Doctor Mu! I previously thought you were a charlatan from the Jianghu, and my words were harsh. I was completely out of line. Please forgive me."

As soon as Shi Huiguang left, he called Yu Xing and gave her a dressing-down, telling her all about Mu Lin's past and his power, which scared her half to death.

She never expected that such a person could be so formidable.

There was no other choice but to apologize. Yu Xing came from a prominent family, and she didn't want to make such a terrifying enemy for them.

From any perspective, an apology was necessary.

So Yu Xing had rushed to find Mu Lin and apologize.

Mu Lin was very calm and replied with a smile, "You were just acting out of filial piety. I am a stranger, after all, so it's normal for you to be suspicious of my origins. You didn't do anything truly bad to me, so it's fine."

Yu Xing's whole body relaxed. Mu Lin was truly a good person.

"Thank you, thank you!"

With everyone now in harmony, they enjoyed the feast heartily, and a happy mood prevailed.

Yu Xing was indeed filial, attending to the old lady's every need. The old lady, in turn, grew very fond of this future granddaughter-in-law and was extremely warm towards her.

Qu Renjie was also quite grateful to Mu Lin. Originally, he and Yu Xing had seemed close on the surface but were distant in spirit, their relationship more of an act. But after today, their feelings for each other were gradually shifting in a different direction.

A better direction. Perhaps, in the future, it could even become real.

Yu Xing's family background was extraordinary. If their relationship truly blossomed, it would be like a sparrow flying onto a branch and becoming a phoenix; the entire Qu Family's status would change.

After the meal, Mu Lin went to the plot of Spiritual Soil. He sat in meditation, his five centers facing the heavens, and began to cultivate.

The cultivation speed was incredibly fast. This Spiritual Soil was indeed different from ordinary places.

Mu Lin was currently in the Innate Divine Realm. He had originally planned to step directly into the realm of a Land Immortal.

However, due to a fortunate coincidence, he had successfully cultivated a Yin Spirit, and now his ambitions had grown. He might as well condense a Yang Spirit as well, then step into the Land Immortal realm with a complete Great Primordial Spirit. That way, he would have a significant advantage among other masters at the Land Immortal level, such as Zhao Yang.

'But where do I find Yang-Yuan energy? I've never even heard of it.'

'The old man never delved deep into the path of cultivation; his approach was more like free-range parenting. Besides forcing him to practice Qi Refining, he didn't care about anything else.'

This put Mu Lin in an awkward position. Without finding Yang-Yuan energy, it would be difficult to continue his cultivation.

'What a joke.'

*Sigh.*

Mu Lin sighed, but he wasn't too worried. If it really came down to it, he could just follow the Yin Spirit path all the way to the Land Immortal realm. That was also an option.

After cultivating for a while, Mu Lin returned to the Qu Family's small building.

At that moment, Qu Zizi was pouring hot water for her grandmother to soak her feet.

The old lady looked gratified. Such a filial granddaughter was truly a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes.

Mu Lin asked with a smile, "Grandma, how are you feeling? Better than before?"

The old lady replied, "Oh, I'm so much better than before. I used to get these cold spells, but not anymore. Now my whole body is comfortable, and I don't feel cold even when the wind blows."

Mu Lin said, "You should still be careful. Don't stay in the wind for too long."

"Ah, Mu Lin, your medical skills are just incredible. Who did you learn from?"

Mu Lin replied, "I learned from my master."

"Could you invite your master to our home for a visit? I'd like to thank him in person for raising such a wonderful child like you."

Qu Zizi knew exactly what her grandmother was thinking and became serious.

"Grandma, you're doing it again! If you keep this up, I won't be friends with you anymore!"

But the old lady was completely unfazed. "I'm so old, can't I even wish to hold a great-grandchild? You're not getting any younger yourself. If you keep this up, will anyone even want you?"

Qu Zizi was so exasperated she almost stamped her foot, but the old lady wasn't worried at all and just watched her with a cheerful grin.

Mu Lin laughed. "You're still very healthy, Ma'am. You have plenty of good years ahead of you!"

After the old lady finished soaking her feet, Qu Zizi wanted to help her upstairs to bed, but the old lady waved her off.

"No need, I can walk. I won't fall!"

She had recovered now; climbing the stairs was nothing.

Qu Zizi said to Mu Lin, "Mu Lin, don't take my grandma's words to heart... Old people are just garrulous like that."

Mu Lin chuckled. "Aren't the aunties and sisters-in-law in my village the same? They're always going from house to house looking for a wife for me. It's so exasperating, I don't know what to do with them!"

Qu Zizi burst out laughing.

It was getting late, so everyone went to rest. Mu Lin was even given his own room.

Well-rested and full of energy, they set off together the next morning.

Mu Lin was about to leave and said a polite goodbye to the old lady. Then, Qu Zizi came over and said:

"Mu Lin, thank you so much for today. I'll treat you to a meal sometime to repay you!"

Mu Lin said, "You're being too polite. How am I supposed to respond to that?"

Qu Renjie and Yu Xing had left early, probably to avoid the awkwardness of another goodbye with Mu Lin.

Mu Lin and He Zheng left the small town by car. Halfway there, he sensed a familiar aura hidden in the shadows.

It held no hostility, however; it seemed to be waiting for something.

"Come on out. Stop hiding," Mu Lin said coolly.

"Heh heh," Shi Huiguang said as he slowly walked out.

Mu Lin's gaze was cold. "Why are you still here? Didn't you leave?"

Shi Huiguang said, "How could I? With you here, Sir, how could I possibly bring myself to leave?"

Mu Lin asked, "What do you want?"

He just didn't get it. This was completely irrational. 'Why is this happening? On what grounds?!'

Shi Huiguang said, "My, how anxious you are, Sir! Mr. Mu, do you happen to be in need of someone to serve you tea and water?"

He had come to a profound realization about the gap between himself and Mu Lin.

'If you can't beat him, join him.'