As the patriarch of the Mu family, Mu Linchen had too many things to do.
Especially recently, the tens of millions of low-grade spirit stones obtained from the Mu Yun auction needed to be allocated and used in various businesses of the Mu family.
He, the patriarch of the Mu family, was extremely busy.
Today, he finally managed to sit down and rest for a while. Mu Linchen sat quietly in his courtyard, comprehending his cultivation level.
The prosperity of a family depends on economic strength, but even more important is its strongest military force.
Without the protection of military force, even the strongest economic strength is just a fat pig to be slaughtered.
And now, he is the pillar of the Mu family, at the fifth level of the Spirit Acupoint Realm. This is why the Diao family and the Wang family dare not directly break ties.
The first level of the Spirit Acupoint Realm involves opening the Hegu acupoints on both hands, located at the tiger's mouth, granting immense strength. This increase in strength completely surpasses the limits of the physical body, primarily using true essence.
The second level involves opening the Neiguan acupoint, located at the lower elbow, which connects directly to both arms. By channeling the strength of both hands into the arms, it increases not only strength but also resilience.
The third level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm involves opening the Zusanli acupoint on the lower leg below the knee. Once this acupoint is successfully activated, it connects the limbs, making the body as light as a swallow and as fast as lightning.
The fourth level involves opening the Yanglingquan acupoint, which, unlike the Zusanli acupoint located on the outer side of the lower leg, is on the inner side.
The third and fourth levels are interconnected; if both are successfully opened simultaneously, the martial artist's strength will experience a leap forward.
The fifth level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm is a crucial realm.
It requires opening two acupoints:
the Guanyuan and Qihai acupoints.
These two acupoints are where a martial artist's true essence erupts. Once successfully opened, it represents a qualitative change within the tenth level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm.
This breakthrough is no less significant than the breakthrough from the Physical Body Realm to the Spiritual Acupoint Realm, holding immense importance for the martial artist.
Currently, Mu Linchen is at the fifth level, having broken through the Guanyuan acupoint barrier, but is stuck at the Qihai acupoint, unable to progress further.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would likely never break through to the fifth level in his lifetime.
Even so, he couldn't give up.
He would fight for even the slightest chance, because his own strength was crucial to the Mu family's survival.
*Knock knock knock…
* Mu Linchen had just reached his optimal cultivation level when he was startled by a knocking sound, frowning in displeasure.
"Who is it?"
"Dad, it's me, of course!"
It must be said that at first, Mu Yun was quite uncomfortable calling Mu Linchen "father."
However, considering that
the Mu Yun in his heart had become one with him, and that Mu Linchen's feelings for Mu Yun were indeed greater than the bond between adoptive father and son,
Mu Yun gradually overcame his reservations.
With a wry smile, Mu Linchen said helplessly, "Come in!"
"Yes!"
Mu Yun responded, already bursting through the door.
"Did I disturb you, Godfather?"
"What do you think?"
"Hehe, then I apologize in advance!" Mu Yun chuckled, his face showing no sign of apology. He said, "Godfather, I'd like to hear you tell me about the strongest martial artist among the four great families of Beiyun City!"
"Hmm? You kid, why are you interested in this?"
Mu Linchen was slightly taken aback. He said, "You'll have to deal with this sooner or later anyway, so it's best to know now. I'll tell you." "
Among the four great families of Beiyun City, our Mu family is a branch of the Mu family in the capital. Actually, to be honest, the Mu family of Beiyun City and the Mu family of Nanyun City are basically on the verge of separation. The life and death of the Mu family of Beiyun City is not something the clan would even consider."
"As for the Mu family, I am only at the fifth level of the Spirit Acupoint Realm, and I have only opened the Guanyuan acupoint. I may only be able to reach this level in this lifetime."
At this point, Mu Linchen couldn't hide the sadness on his face.
"The most powerful member of the Qin family is undoubtedly Old Master Qin, a sixth-level Spiritual Acupoint Realm expert. He has already opened the Mingmen acupoint and Shenshu acupoint, making him the strongest in Beiyun City."
"However, Old Master Qin is advanced in years, and his martial prowess is not what it used to be. The current patriarch of the Qin family, Qin Jiming, who is also your future father-in-law, is at the fourth level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm."
"There are also the Wang family patriarch, Wang Dongyu, and the Diao family patriarch, Diao Zhenyun, both at the fifth level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm, slightly stronger than my godfather, having already opened the Qihai acupoint."
Mu Linchen sighed, saying, "Currently, with Old Master Qin still alive, the Qin family can be supported. The marriage alliance between my Mu family and the Qin family is stable, but what if… then the Mu family and the Qin family might suffer a fierce attack from the Diao and Wang families."
This was indeed true.
At the fifth level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm, opening the Guanyuan and Qihai acupoints represents a significant leap in skill.
Mu Yun deeply understood that Mu Linchen was still slightly inferior to Diao Zhenyun and Wang Dongyu.
A martial artist's talent determines their lifetime's cultivation level, how high they can rise.
A boy might reach the tenth level of the Physical Body Realm at fourteen or fifteen, but due to a lack of talent, he might never reach the tenth
level of the Spiritual Acupoint Realm.
Mu Linchen was currently stuck at the fifth level of the Guanyuan Acupoint Realm, unable to open his Qi Sea Acupoint, precisely because of this lack of talent.
"Father, do you trust me?"
"Of course!"
"Then absorb this drop of spiritual liquid into your body and refine it!"
With that, Mu Yun took out a porcelain bottle for collecting divine power, dripped a drop, and placed it in Mu Linchen's palm.
"This is…"
"This spiritual liquid I obtained unintentionally should be helpful to Father's cultivation." Mu Yun hurriedly explained.
The concept of divine power was probably unheard of in the Tianyun Continent, so Mu Yun could only name it spiritual liquid.
If the knowledge of divine power were to spread, he would likely face certain death.
This substance was a rare find even in the myriad worlds of that era. Although diluted a thousandfold, its efficacy, in Mu Yun's view, would definitely not disappoint him.
After all, there was still a vast distance between a Celestial King and a Spirit Cave Realm.
Mu Linchen was slightly doubtful, but seeing Mu Yun's determined and hopeful expression, he nodded.
Sitting upright on the ground, Mu Linchen held the drop of divine power in his palm and quietly absorbed it into his body.
Standing to the side, Mu Yun's breathing gradually became rapid.
He wanted to verify whether this divine power only worked on him or could improve the aptitude of everyone.
Watching Mu Linchen absorb the drop of divine power, Mu Yun stood motionless to the side.
Time passed slowly, the sun rose and then gradually set, and night slowly fell.
"Hoo..."
Suddenly, a soft breath was heard in the courtyard, and Mu Linchen, whose eyes had been slightly closed, opened them.
"How was it, Godfather?"
Mu Yun asked expectantly.
"Yun'er, tell me, where did you get this spiritual liquid?" Mu Linchen asked seriously.
"Uh...what? No effect?"
"No, no!"
Mu Linchen stood up excitedly, laughing heartily, "This drop of spiritual liquid is simply a miraculous medicine, even stronger than third-grade or fourth-grade pills! Godfather has already opened his Qi Sea acupoint, and can clearly feel that my aptitude seems to have been completely changed. Reaching the tenth level of the Divine Transformation Realm in my lifetime is even possible."
Mu Linchen trembled, pulling Mu Yun like a child.
"Uh, this was an unexpected find, and it's the only bottle I have!" Mu Yun said awkwardly, shaking the porcelain bottle in his hand.
"Only one bottle..."
Mu
Linchen said cautiously, "Yun'er, don't let anyone else know, otherwise, it will bring you a lot of trouble. This spiritual liquid of yours is practically comparable to a fourth-grade pill!"
Mu Yun already had a plan in mind.
These droplets formed from divine power were extracted from his own body and had already been diluted, so their effect on Mu Linchen wasn't very strong.
"It seems that next time, I can extract more!"
Mu Yun made up his mind and silently thought to himself.
"Father, since that's the case, why don't you gather a few core disciples and some loyal guards?"
"You want..."
"That's right!"
Mu Yun nodded and said, "The core disciples are the hope for the future growth of our Mu family, and loyal guards are the protective force the family needs now."
"I understand, Yun'er, you're more decisive than me in this regard!" Mu Linchen chuckled. "You should also understand that this drop of spiritual liquid is comparable to a fourth-grade pill. You're quite willing to give it up so generously."
"There's no such thing as being willing or unwilling. The family's interests are the most important." Mu Yun instructed, "Father, remember to choose the most central ones, even if their talent is lower."
"You brat, I've been the head of the Mu family for ten years, I'm confident in this."
Mu Linchen laughed heartily, in a good mood, and walked out of the courtyard.
Mu Yun was also somewhat surprised by his change in mindset. Unconsciously, he seemed to have come to regard the Mu family as his own home.
In his past life, he was an orphan; in this life, Mu Linchen was his adoptive father, and the Mu family was his home.
In a courtyard of the Mu family estate, about thirty Mu family members, ranging in age from seven to their teens, stood.
Behind them stood dozens of imposing Mu family guards.
Some of these guards were members of the Mu family, while others were hired by them.
At this moment, the dozens of men standing in the courtyard wore varying expressions.
They had all been hastily summoned back by the clan leader and had no idea what had happened.
Looking at the dozens of people, Mu Yun let out a slight breath and said, "My godfather summoned you here because he trusts you, and I, Mu Yun, naturally trust you as well. I won't say anything more. I've summoned you here today to give you a chance to change yourselves."
"This opportunity will change your lives, improve your aptitude, and allow you to improve yourselves over the next three, five, or even ten years. And all you need to do for this opportunity is to wholeheartedly protect the Mu family. I only need your promise; I won't impose any constraints on you!"
As Mu Yun finished speaking, discussions gradually arose throughout the courtyard.