When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins

Chapter 13 – Liu Ruyan unceremoniously grabbed Mu Xiaochuan's hand and walked towards her Cave Abode

"Not good!"

Upon hearing the words from the Law Enforcement Hall, Mu Xiaochuan slapped his forehead, silently cursing his misfortune. He had been so immersed in the joy of advancing three levels and successfully establishing his Foundation, as well as the thrill of being able to fly with a staff, that he completely forgot about the two-day limit set by the Outer Sect Deacon for descending the mountain. And he had taken a full five days!

He hurriedly straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and flung open the door.

Outside, two disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall stood in black uniforms, their expressions stern and eyes sharp as knives, exuding a chilling aura. The leading disciple was named Zhao Tiesheng, at the eighth level of Qi Refining, and was somewhat well-known in the Yunqi Peak Law Enforcement Hall for his ironclad impartiality.

"Where is Mu Xiaochuan?" Zhao Tiesheng asked, frowning as he scrutinized him, his gaze sweeping inside.

"Mu Xiaochuan?" Mu Xiaochuan was momentarily stunned, then realized that he had successfully established his Foundation, extending his lifespan to 160 years, now in the prime of his youth. Coupled with the minor success of the "Withered Tree Revives Technique," which not only dispelled the aging aura within him but also rejuvenated his appearance, he now looked like a man in his early thirties.

"No wonder they didn't recognize me," Mu Xiaochuan thought with a secret thrill, finding unexpected joy in the situation.

"Ding, congratulations to the host for rejuvenating and feeling secretly delighted, earning 10 Thrill Points."

"Ahem," Mu Xiaochuan's lips curled slightly upward as he confidently said, "I am Mu Xiaochuan."

The previously overbearing Zhao Tiesheng's eyes widened in shock upon hearing this, staring at Mu Xiaochuan in disbelief.

When they sensed the Foundation Establishment aura emanating from Mu Xiaochuan, their faces turned pale, and they hurriedly bowed their heads, humbly congratulating him, "So it's Uncle Mu, we disciples failed to recognize Mount Tai, mistakenly offending you, and we hope for your forgiveness."

In the cultivation world, strength is revered. A Foundation Establishment cultivator holds a status far above that of a Qi Refining cultivator, let alone Zhao Tiesheng, who was merely a small Law Enforcement Hall disciple.

"Those who don't know are not guilty," Mu Xiaochuan waved his hand, his tone softening, "I had some insights a few days ago and luckily broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage, which delayed me a bit at the foot of the mountain."

"Congratulations, Uncle!" Zhao Tiesheng hastily cupped his hands in congratulation, though his heart was in turmoil. An old man on the brink of death had managed to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage; it was truly an incredible feat!

"Uncle's successful retreat is indeed a great joy for the sect, and I will report it immediately," Zhao Tiesheng quickly said, fearing Mu Xiaochuan might hold a grudge for his earlier offense.

Saying this, Zhao Tiesheng took out a delicate jade box from his storage pouch and carefully handed it to Mu Xiaochuan, "Uncle has broken through to Foundation Establishment, and I have nothing to offer but a small token of respect. Please accept it."

Mu Xiaochuan opened the jade box to find several spirit stones exuding rich spiritual energy and some healing elixirs.

"This kid knows the ropes," Mu Xiaochuan chuckled inwardly, accepting the jade box without hesitation, "In that case, I won't stand on ceremony."

"Uncle is too kind; this is what I should do. I hope Uncle can look after me in the future," Zhao Tiesheng quickly said, feeling relieved.

"Alright, you can go back now and report this to the Peak Master," Mu Xiaochuan waved them off.

"Farewell!" Zhao Tiesheng and the other Law Enforcement Hall disciple, feeling as if they had been granted amnesty, quickly left Mu Xiaochuan's abode.

Watching their retreating figures, Mu Xiaochuan's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"It seems the treatment for a Foundation Establishment cultivator is indeed different!" Mu Xiaochuan mused.

Before long, Yun Wange's disciple, Mu Qingyao, arrived to convey the Peak Master's summons.

Mu Xiaochuan followed Mu Qingyao to meet Yunqi Peak's Peak Master, Yun Wange. Yunqi Peak was a place with both male and female cultivators, though there were more female cultivators.

Yunqi Peak's Peak Master, Yun Wange, appeared to be a beautiful woman in her thirties, at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, residing in the grand and solemn Yunqi Hall. Yun Wange sat gracefully in the main seat, her demeanor elegant and her gaze profound.

"Disciple Mu Xiaochuan greets the Peak Master," Mu Xiaochuan respectfully saluted.

Yun Wange slowly opened her eyes, gazing at Mu Xiaochuan with a glimmer of surprise. She never expected that Mu Xiaochuan, who had once been of mediocre aptitude and nearing the end of his lifespan, would create a miracle and successfully establish his Foundation. In the cultivation world, Foundation Establishment is a formidable barrier that many cultivators spend their lives stuck at the ninth level of Qi Refining, unable to advance further.

"Still calling yourself a disciple? You should change that, Junior Brother," Yun Wange stood up, her face full of gratification, "Haha, Mu Xiaochuan, your successful Foundation Establishment is a blessing for Yunqi Peak."

"The Peak Master overpraises me. It was merely a stroke of luck," Mu Xiaochuan humbly replied.

"No need for modesty. Breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage shows you have extraordinary perseverance and talent," Yun Wange smiled, "You've contributed to the sect, and the sect will naturally not treat you poorly."

Subsequently, Yun Wange ordered a grand banquet in the hall, inviting the inner and outer elders of Yunqi Peak to celebrate Mu Xiaochuan's achievement.

On the day of the celebration, the Yunqi Peak hall was bustling with excitement. Elders from both the inner and outer sects came to offer their congratulations, and the gazes directed at Mu Xiaochuan were filled with astonishment and admiration. In Liu Ruyan's eyes, besides these emotions, there was also a hint of tender affection.

Yun Wange personally toasted Mu Xiaochuan and announced his promotion to Outer Sect Elder, with his management duties to be arranged later.

Mu Xiaochuan was assigned to a new residence for Outer Sect Elders—Listening Bamboo Pavilion, a serene courtyard far superior to his previous abode. Additionally, the sect arranged for two outer disciples to serve him, with the selection to be made the following morning.

Standing in the grand hall, Mu Xiaochuan felt a bit dazed. He had only ever entered this place to clean, especially during ceremonies or events when he had to rise early to ensure it was spotless. Today, he found himself the center of attention. Amidst the clinking of glasses and lively chatter, he felt a bit dizzy and lightheaded, aware of the situation but not fully comprehending it. Haha, it was quite a delightful feeling.

"Ding, congratulations to the host for the promotion in status and feeling elated, earning 20 Thrill Points." Hearing the system prompt, Mu Xiaochuan's lips curled slightly upward, feeling even more buoyant.

After the celebration, as Mu Xiaochuan was about to return to his new residence, Liu Ruyan called out to him.

"Senior Brother Mu, wait." Liu Ruyan's voice came from behind.

Mu Xiaochuan turned around to see Liu Ruyan walking towards him. Today, she wore a purple gown that made her look even more enchanting.

"Junior Sister Liu, is something the matter?" Mu Xiaochuan asked with a smile.

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Liu Ruyan approached Mu Xiaochuan, looking him up and down with curiosity in her eyes, "Senior Brother Mu, you're full of surprises, truly making people see you in a new light!"

"It was just a stroke of luck," Mu Xiaochuan replied softly, feeling a bit guilty in front of Liu Ruyan.

"It's fine, you can tell me all about it in the cave abode," Liu Ruyan smiled sweetly at Mu Xiaochuan, "Come, follow me."

This was the first time Liu Ruyan gave Mu Xiaochuan such an equal, heartfelt smile, as radiant as a flower, full of allure, leaving Mu Xiaochuan momentarily stunned.

Without giving him a chance to refuse, Liu Ruyan took Mu Xiaochuan's hand and led him towards her cave abode.