Before people from Jinlin arrived to sort the guys into homes, I decided to boost them a bit so that upon returning home, they'd get better status in the family. Who knows, maybe even those who aren't heirs would become ones after my machinations: I want to give them serious enhancements. At minimum, in their families, to earn such benefits, they'd have to slave away like mad. And even then, no guarantee it'd pay off.
First, while everyone was asleep, I gave each of the guys with Mid-level elemental elements a Spiritual Seed with about x2.8 enhancement. Seeds of that quality would cost around thirty million yuan. Of course, not on the level of my own Seed, which at the Spiritual level boosted magic by 3.99 times, but still good—I'd even say it's about the top on the market.
Still, all Seeds with enhancements above x3 are usually left to ripen into Soul Seeds. There's even such a way for mages to grow their capital: buy a not-yet-dug-up Seed for thirty million, wait for its breakthrough to the next level, and sell for a hundred million. The return is more than triple. If the Seed grows in an element-rich environment, it's way more profitable than a bank deposit.
Second, for the guys without Mid-level elemental elements, namely Lu Zhengge and Bai Tingting, I got other gifts. For the guy, a spatial storage with all the materials for breaking his Star Wolf through to Commander level. All except the soul, for obvious reasons. But I left enough money for it, so he'll buy it himself when the time comes.
For Bai Tingting, I got a spatial storage with Parthenon manuals on developing the healing element. An amazing treasure for her, considering that organization zealously guards its secrets. I could only study them in my past life thanks to good relations with Xin Xia. And additionally, I put in a Mind Stone for improving her spiritual endurance. Useful for a healer.
My cousin obviously didn't need Seeds. The Mu Clan had already allocated one for her wind element, and for ice, she has an innate Heavenly one that's gradually unpacking with her power growth. For her, I put a spatial ring with two Mind Stones so she could push her spiritual limits to the peak of the sixth. Nothing more to offer her yet.
Third, everyone got a spatial storage with a couple of Galactic Veins. They all have enough talent to break through, and whether they do it in one or two elements will depend solely on their diligence and patience. If they rush the breakthrough, they'll end up spending both veins on one element. But that's not my business anymore. Let them manage the gifts themselves; I'm not a babysitter.
When the guys woke up and discovered the gifts and changes in their inner worlds, they were in deep shock, and naturally, I didn't hide that I provided it all. It was no trouble for me, of course—considering how many different mages I've seen in other worlds, pulling out a few Seeds was easy. But they don't need to know that; let them think I'm a zealous fighter for the common good who spends his last pennies on fellow believers.
Naturally, I didn't skimp on Mo Fan either and gave him a Spiritual Seed for the lightning element with x2.9 enhancement. After the guy tasted its effect, he seemed finally convinced I wished him only good, and when we were alone, he assured me he'd faithfully play the spy role in the Mu Clan.
I just nodded and patted his shoulder, expressing support. Objectively, I doubt he'll dig up anything really worth my attention, but let him. My original goal—keeping him away from my cousin—is accomplished anyway.
Before the delegation arrived, I managed to instruct the guys one last time to promote our ideology covertly and only with a solid footing under their feet. In short, shielding them from rash actions they might do in the heat of the moment.
And I think I succeeded, because when the procession from the Imperial University finally arrived in the city to take us home, they even managed to partially mimic their original behavior from before the practice. Not perfectly, but overall, blaming some changes on the combat baptism and the battle with the Black Church, it was believable. At least the teachers asked no questions.
In the end, returning together to Beijing, we warmly said goodbye and parted. Judging by my cousin's look, she didn't want to leave me at all, but my request to sell Mo Fan to the main Mu Clan came in very handy, and she, seeing me off with a wistful gaze, went to fulfill it. I hope her feelings fade during our separation; two girls in the harem are quite enough for me.
"Mu Bai, so what are we doing next?" TuTu asked me with interest when we were just sitting and resting in the Imperial University park before heading home.
"Well, in three months, I'll have business that requires me to leave. Until then, I'm all yours. By the way, I suggest visiting Lin Lin. No word from her for a long time; looks like my worst fears were justified." I sighed sadly.
"You mean she can't Cultivate even after you unlocked her magic awakening potential?" Jiao Jiao asked sadly too. We all liked Lin Lin. Her eternally serious cute face had become too familiar in our group, and it felt uncomfortable without her around.
"Yeah, exactly that. I hoped till the end it was my imagination, but considering Old Man Bao left Shanghai right after her awakening, and she hasn't written us, we can only conclude my fears were confirmed. She really has near-zero talent in Cultivation. People like that can only break to the second step of Initial level by age fifty. And only if they Cultivate diligently." I sighed. I have a couple ideas to help our little one, but they involve risk... for me.
"Mu Bai, can you help Lin Lin like you helped me?" TuTu suddenly asked, looking touchingly into my eyes.
"...I'm sure I can. But the risks..." I sighed. TuTu and Jiao Jiao lowered their heads after my words. They knew if that secret got out, my peaceful days would end. No, the hunt wouldn't start right away, but after a while, when people realize the true potential of what I can do with my talent... I'd need to be at least High level to fight back.
"You know, let's meet her first? Maybe it's not as bad as I think? Then we'll see." I stood from the bench, ending the rather cheerless talk. The girls just forced smiles and stood too, following me to the military post. We needed to order White Eagles to Shanghai.