Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 2571  Finding Evidence Of Foul Play

Lin Muʼs time spent immersed in the memories had lasted far longer than he would have expected.

It couldnʼt be helped, as the perception of time within his mind was highly skewed. He simply couldnʼt estimate how much time was passing outside while he was here. Though he did know that time was considerably slower outside compared to within his consciousness.

After all, he was within his own mind, where several limitations of time did not apply.

There were a vast number of memories to sort through, and even if Lin Mu was done with the most informative ones, he still wouldnʼt know them by heart. It would take a long time for him to truly assimilate them within himself. This was a preventive measure to ensure that his own ego was not influenced by the memories of others. While this did slow the process of assimilation, it was far better than risking the loss of his sense of self.

Toward the end of his exploration, Lin Mu also looked through the memories of Yao Changying to find any critical information that the Empire might need to save their people. After all, remnants of the Black Ying Empire would still be alive, and there were others who had collaborated with them without fully falling under their influence. The Empire also had strong suspicions that Yao Changyingʼs ”rebellion” had been supported by external forces. The only question was where this support had originated.

Their initial guess was that Yao Changying had used her influence in the Flourishing Flower Sword Sect to secure resources and backing. But Lin Mu didnʼt think it would be that obvious.

After all, such a straightforward approach left many avenues for discovery, especially since Yao Changying did not hold total power in the sect. Even as the Daughter of the Sect Patriarch and the heir, she couldnʼt act without restraint.

If Lin Mu had learned anything about cultivation sects, it was that they often had intricate politics, much like the secular world.

As such, there was frequent opposition to those in power, including the Sect Patriarch. Members of the opposition would seize any opportunity to highlight flaws in the leadership or discredit those affiliated with it. Any overreach by Yao Changying would have drawn attention, as her political rivals would have had a vested interest in seeing her fall.

However, no such exposure occurred, which suggested the involvement of an external force.

Additionally, the Flourishing Flower Sword Sect had aided the Rust Sky World after being warned, even sending reinforcements. This further complicated the picture.

Lin Muʼs diligence eventually bore fruit, as he uncovered particularly incriminating information.

”The Green Leaf Merchant Association… This sounds familiar,” Lin Mu muttered, probing deeper into the memories.

He soon learned that the Green Leaf Merchant Association had played a significant role in supporting Yao Changying. They had provided her with substantial funding in exchange for exclusive trade deals. According to these agreements, once Yao Changying gained full control of the Rust Sky World, the Green Leaf Merchant Association would receive exclusive trade rights, effectively monopolizing commerce in the region and cutting out any other merchant organizations.

This arrangement was designed to establish a permanent monopoly, allowing the Green Leaf Merchant Association to reap profits thousands of times greater than their initial investment in supporting Yao Changying.

Furthermore, Yao Changying had gone to great lengths to conceal their involvement from others she worked with. This ensured that no leaks or interference would disrupt their plans.

”To think they were involved this deeply,” Lin Mu mused. ”The Green Leaf Merchant Association collaborates with most of the major powers in the Rust Sky World and supplies a significant amount of materials to them.”

Even prominent organizations like the Black Candle Pavilion and the Serene Glass Valley had traded with the association. Lin Mu uncovered numerous deals and records from Yao Changyingʼs memories. He also learned the locations of these transactions, providing him with substantial evidence to present to the Empire.

”The Green Leaf Merchant Association would have gotten away with this if I hadnʼt obtained Yao Changyingʼs memories,” Lin Mu thought.

The leadership of the Green Leaf Merchant Association had been clever enough to cover their tracks. Yao Changying, desperate for any support or sponsorship, had likely agreed to their terms without much thought for the consequences.

After all, her ultimate goal wasnʼt the takeover of the Rust Sky World but her ascension to the Celestial Realm. She had no genuine concern for who profited from her actions in the long run.

The Green Leaf Merchant Association, however, had misinterpreted her desperation as hunger for power.

In a way, both parties had exploited each other. Yet, one side had managed to emerge relatively unscathed.

”Looks like the Crown Prince and the others will have more work to deal with,” Lin Mu remarked as he finally finished examining the memories.

”Time to wake up…” he muttered, willing his consciousness to shift.

SHUA

Lin Muʼs consciousness flickered and disappeared as his body twitched in the real world.

”UGH!” Lin Mu groaned as he felt the stiffness in his body. ”Whyʼs my mouth so dry, and my throat hurts?”

It had been a long time since Lin Mu had experienced such discomfort. These were ailments typically associated with mortals, and Lin Mu, at his cultivation level, was far beyond such trivialities. Immortals at his level could endure years of inactivity without any physical repercussions.

”Wait, how long has it actually been?” Lin Mu wondered, quickly checking the time.

Moments later, he realized with shock that half a year had passed.

”I was unconscious for that long?” Lin Mu exclaimed. He had never expected his deep dive into the memories to consume so much time.

As Lin Mu adjusted to the revelation, he reflected on the implications of the information he had uncovered.

The involvement of the Green Leaf Merchant Association presented a significant challenge. Their widespread influence meant that dismantling their operations would require a coordinated effort from multiple powers within the Rust Sky World.

Lin Muʼs evidence, however, was damning. It provided not only the names of individuals involved but also detailed records of transactions and agreements. This was more than enough to initiate action against the association.

”Iʼll need to present this information carefully,” Lin Mu thought. ”The Crown Prince and the others must act decisively, but theyʼll also need to tread cautiously. The Green Leaf Merchant Association wonʼt go down without a fight.”