The Reversal of Heaven Begins with The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

Chapter 107: Entering the Provincial Capital

A few days later, the Wenxian Marshal's Mansion was shrouded in a strange atmosphere.

A faint whisper filled the air, but if you listened closely, all that remained was silence.

Inside the west wing, Lin Mu and Yue Qiluo sat facing each other.

The girl in red had a scarlet light dancing on her fingertips, and countless paper figures swirled and danced in the room. Sometimes they formed intricate patterns, and sometimes they scattered like a swarm of butterflies. Each paper figure seemed to have an independent life of its own.

"The art of immortality of the soul originated from a forbidden technique created by the Taoist patriarch Changming during the Tang Dynasty."

Yue Qiluo's voice was clear and crisp like a bell, yet it carried a chill that penetrated to the bone: "Practitioners must use their own soul as a guide to absorb the wandering Yin energy between heaven and earth. If ordinary people practice this method, their souls will gradually become demonized, and they will eventually become neither human nor demon."

Lin Mu closed his eyes and focused his mind, carefully sensing the subtle changes in his soul.

Under the miraculous effect of the Negative Reversal System, the Yin Qi that should have eroded the soul instead transformed into sweet dew that nourished the soul.

His consciousness became clearer and clearer, as if washed by a spring, and his soul became more solid and resilient at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"It's really interesting. After my soul was strengthened, my mental power also increased accordingly."

Lin Mu opened his eyes, a flash of red light appeared in them, and then they returned to normal.

He lightly lifted his fingertip, and a paper figure obediently landed in his palm: "This paper figure technique is even more exquisite than those recorded in the classics."

Yue Qiluo tilted her head and looked him over, her red lips curving into a curious smile: "It would take an ordinary person at least three to five years to master these techniques."

"You are truly gifted. You have mastered the essence of it in just a few days. It is truly amazing."

Lin Mu smiled but did not answer.

In the past few days, he not only fully mastered Yue Qiluo's signature skills, but also cleverly combined various techniques with his own mental power, developing many unexpected new uses.

What interested him most were the variations and applications of the paper doll technique.

After his modifications, the paper doll could not only gather intelligence and infiltrate dreams, but also be imbued with spiritual power, becoming his second pair of eyes and ears, expanding its range of perception many times over.

"Try this."

Lin Mu flicked his finger, and the paper figure transformed into a streak of light and flew out of the window.

At the same time, a glint of silver flashed in his eyes, and the conversation of the patrolling soldiers outside the wall reached his ears clearly.

"Has the commander been staying indoors these past few days, practicing some kind of divine skill?"

"Who knows? But Wen County has been much more peaceful these past few days. I heard that the new commander-in-chief is punishing corrupt officials and distributing grain; he's a rare good official..."

Yue Qiluo's beautiful eyes widened in surprise: "You actually combined the paper doll technique with divine sense detection?"

She then pouted, a hint of resentment in her voice: "Unfortunately, these are ultimately unorthodox methods, not as effective as my method of immortality of the soul, and cannot truly achieve longevity."

Lin Mu smiled noncommittally and then asked, "How's your guidance technique coming along?"

Speaking of this, Yue Qiluo finally showed a genuine smile: "This technique is indeed amazing. Absorbing cosmic energy to strengthen oneself is much safer and more efficient than absorbing vital essence."

She gently clenched her fist, a faint white light flowing from her fingertips: "After consuming the Blood Bodhi and cultivating with you, my current fist strength is about 4000 kilograms, and I have awakened my spiritual power."

"I estimate it won't be long before I reach the level of a junior general you mentioned."

In terms of cultivation, Yue Qiluo truly deserves to be called a prodigy.

Both sides got what they needed and made progress together. The past few days have been quite pleasant.

Just then, Gu Xuanwu's respectful voice came from outside the door: "General, I have important matters to report."

Lin Mu said loudly, "Come in."

Gu Xuanwu pushed open the door and entered, already unsurprised by the sight of paper figures flying around inside.

Over the past few days, he had already grown accustomed to these extraordinary sights.

After bowing respectfully, Gu Xuanwu handed over a telegram: "This is the third one from Commander Sun in the provincial capital, requesting that you personally go to the provincial capital to apologize."

Lin Mu took the telegram, glanced at it, and sneered, "What kind of class do they have that they think they deserve my personal apology?"

Gu Xuanwu cautiously said, "Marshal Sun has been entrenched in Tianjin for many years, commanding a division of troops, and has the support of the Beiyang government. He certainly has the capital to be arrogant. However..."

He glanced at Lin Mu's expression furtively: "If the Commander-in-Chief were to personally intervene, it would surely be a piece of cake."

Yue Qiluo sneered from the side: "How dare a mere mortal be so arrogant? Why don't I send a paper effigy to teach him a lesson? I guarantee he'll die a violent death within three days, and we won't even be able to find out."

Lin Mu pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No need, I'll go to the provincial capital myself."

He walked to the window and looked at the soldiers who were drilling in the courtyard.

Although this force of 1,500 men was not large, it was equipped with 1,000 AK rifles, four heavy machine guns, and several small mountain guns, making it a force to be reckoned with in that era.

Moreover, his system space also contains a small spaceship, two advanced bionic robots, and the technology of the entire temple and the pre-nuclear civilization of Joy of Life.

It's important to know that the pre-nuclear civilization in the world of Joy of Life was already capable of interstellar exploration, and its technological level was far more advanced than that of the Spider-Man world.

Combining Lin Mu's awakened metal-type superpower with the knowledge curse bestowed by the system, he could completely manufacture his own arms production line as long as he had all the necessary materials.

Give him more time, and the Arc Reactor, Iron Man armor, Gundam, and spaceships will all be within his grasp.

I just don't think it's necessary right now.

Lin Mu is still in the stage of exploring this world. If he confirms that the hidden strength level of this world is not high, he can directly sweep across the world with his planetary combat power.

Planetary-level powerhouses are known as mobile nuclear bombs, and that's no joke.

One punch can destroy a town.

Destroying a country doesn't take long.

For a warlord from a provincial capital to dare challenge him was tantamount to courting death.

Lin Mu took this opportunity to take over Tianjin.

As a coastal city, Tianjin was considered one of the top cities in China at this time, with a seaport and relatively developed commerce, which greatly benefited the subsequent development of forestry and animal husbandry.

When Gu Xuanwu heard that Lin Mu planned to go to Tianjin in person, his eyes lit up: "General is wise! If we take Tianjin, our power will expand several times over, and then the entire Zhili Province will be under our control."

"Lieutenant, keep an eye on Wen County. My wife and I will go to the provincial capital, and when we return, I will promote you and give you a raise."

Lin Mu casually drew a picture of a pie.

Gu Xuanwu immediately stood at attention and saluted, his voice booming: "Rest assured, Commander, I guarantee the mission will be completed! Wen County is where I am, and Wen County is where I die!"

Two days later, in Tianjin, at Marshal Sun's residence.

Sun Chuanxiong was pacing back and forth in his study. This warlord, who had been entrenched in Tianjin for many years, was about forty years old and slightly overweight, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp light, clearly indicating that he was not someone to be trifled with.

The walls of the study are adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and the mahogany desk is decorated with exquisite writing implements, all of which showcase the owner's power and status.

"Just who exactly is this Lin guy from Wen County?"

Sun Chuanxiong abruptly stopped and asked the chief of staff beside him, "How come that good-for-nothing Gu Xuanwu was suddenly replaced? Have you found out?"

The chief of staff quickly bowed and replied, "It is said that they appeared suddenly, and they have some special abilities. They seem to be people from the Xuanmen sect."

“Wen County is now well-governed by him, and the people support him. Many displaced people are flocking there.”

He hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice: "This person knows some magic. It is said that he is invulnerable to swords and spears and can control objects from a distance. He is very strange."

Sun Chuanxiong snorted coldly: "Aren't people in the Xuanmen sect always aloof and unwilling to serve as officials?"

"Forget it, these guys are so mysterious, I wonder what kind of tricks they have up their sleeves..."

"Go and invite Master Chuchenzi of Qingyun Temple to come and oversee things. I want to see if Lin Mu really has three heads and six arms."

Just then, a paper figure floated past the study window and silently stuck to the window frame, seemingly eavesdropping on the conversation inside.

However, the paper figure had only been there for a moment when a graceful woman in a cheongsam suddenly appeared in the courtyard. With a slight wave of her slender hand, a flash of white light appeared, and the paper figure instantly turned into fragments and fell to the ground.

The woman looked up into the distance, a hint of seriousness flashing in her beautiful eyes.

……

At the same time, inside a private car traveling on the highway to the provincial capital, Lin Mu slowly opened his eyes.

"how?"

Yue Qiluo asked curiously, toying with a yellow paper figure in her hand.

“A little fox spirit appeared and shattered my scouting paper doll.”

Lin Mu said calmly, "However, no other extraordinary powers were found, so it's not difficult to resolve."

He continued to meditate with his eyes closed, absorbing cosmic energy.

The spiritual energy in this world is richer than that in the world's number one world, but it is, after all, the Dharma-ending Age, and is not as abundant as the energy of the universe.

Therefore, practicing guiding techniques can actually increase speed even faster.

Yue Qiluo glanced at the military vehicle following behind her, looking slightly worried: "Are twenty personal guards enough? Sun Chuanxiong has a division of troops."

Yue Qiluo is indeed a heretical cultivator, but it's not easy for cultivators in the Dharma-ending Age. She can handle a few people, but when she encounters an army, she can only take a detour.

Before she cultivated the guiding technique, Yue Qiluo couldn't withstand bullets at all; her physical body would be injured, bleed, and eventually die.

Only the soul can retain memories and be reborn as a human.

This kind of immortality is not perfect, and it is far less powerful than Lin Mu's concept of immortality.

Lin Mu knew Yue Qiluo's worries stemmed from her not having witnessed his full strength. He calmly replied, "The key to victory is quality, not quantity. Twenty men are enough. To capture the enemy, first capture their leader. Once Sun Chuanxiong is under control, the others can be used if they are capable, and killed if they are not."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of ruthlessness.

If you're not ruthless, you can't stand firm.

In this chaotic world, kindness often means death.

When the convoy arrived in Tianjin, it was already evening.

The setting sun cast its golden rays upon the towering city walls, draping this important northern town in a golden cloak.

The representative sent by Sun Chuanxiong was already waiting at the city gate, his face extremely grim: "County Magistrate Lin, our commander invites you."

The tone was clearly unfriendly.

Lin Mu glanced at him indifferently: "Lead the way."

His imposing presence, though not angry, was so intimidating that the representative involuntarily lowered his head.

As the car entered the city, shops lined both sides of the street, and pedestrians thronged the area; it was indeed much more prosperous than Wenxian County.

Tianjin is the largest port in northern China, with thriving commerce and abundant tax revenue.

With the income from this place, Sun Chuanxiong supported a division of soldiers, well-equipped.

He was considered a prominent figure among the warlords.

The Marshal's Mansion is located in the city center, and is magnificent and heavily guarded.

Sentry posts stood atop the high walls, and the muzzles of heavy machine guns gleamed coldly in the setting sun.

Lin Mu led Yue Qiluo into the reception room, where Sun Chuanxiong was sitting in the main seat, next to a Taoist priest who looked quite refined, and more than ten military officers standing on both sides, all with unfriendly expressions.

Several special auras were hidden in the shadows, clearly the experts invited by Sun Chuanxiong.

"County Magistrate Lin has quite the airs. He dares to be late for an appointment with me, the Marshal."

Sun Chuanxiong spoke coldly, toying with two walnuts in his hands, making a crunching sound.

Lin Mu casually sat down in the guest seat, his posture relaxed as if he were in his own living room: "Do I have a habit of arriving early?"

One sentence made all the officers present turn pale, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Chapter 108: Seizing the Commander

Seeing Lin Mu's indifferent expression and his words showing no regard for his "superior," Sun Chuanxiong's face turned ashen. The pair of shiny walnuts in his hands cracked as if they were about to explode.

The officers on both sides were his confidants, and upon seeing this, they all tensed up, one hand unconsciously resting on the holster.

"Lin Mu, you are indeed arrogant!"

Sun Chuanxiong sneered, "Looks like you're going to have to suffer the consequences."

The Daoist Chuchenzi sitting next to him, dressed in a white robe, had been resting with his eyes closed, but when he caught sight of Yue Qiluo behind Lin Mu, his pupils shrank and his body trembled almost imperceptibly.

What alarmed him even more was Lin Mu.

This person's aura was extremely strange, with a palpable killing intent swirling around him, yet simultaneously radiating a righteous and virtuous aura... This was no ordinary member of the Xuanmen sect. He seemed more like a killing god who had emerged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Just how many people had he killed to accumulate such terrifying killing intent?

At the same time, several sharp gazes from the shadows were fixed on Lin Mu, their killing intent barely concealed, and the atmosphere in the hall was on the verge of exploding.