When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins

Chapter 28 – Perfectly concluded this wonderful day

Mu Xiaochuan didn't see Liu Ruyan, and there was nothing much happening at the Heaven Vault Pavilion today, so he returned to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion.

After lunch, Mu Xiaochuan was leisurely enjoying the attentive care of Su Yao and Lin Yue. A peeled spirit fruit was just being brought to his lips when a voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"Elder Mu, Liu Yunxia requests an audience."

"Let her in," Mu Xiaochuan's heart stirred, knowing that there was news from Liu Ruyan.

Liu Yunxia quickly walked in, respectfully saluted, and said, "Reporting to Elder Mu, my Hall Master has returned from the Peak Master and specifically sent me to invite you over for a discussion."

"Alright, I understand." Mu Xiaochuan signaled her to leave, guessing that Liu Ruyan had probably dealt with Yun Wange. He stood up and said to Su Yao and Lin Yue, who were tidying his collar, "You two stay here and cultivate well. I'll be back soon."

The two women obediently agreed, watching Mu Xiaochuan leave.

Mu Xiaochuan rode on the Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff, transforming into a streak of green light, swiftly heading towards Purple Mist Peak.

Before he could knock on the door of Liu Ruyan's cave abode, the door creaked open on its own. Liu Ruyan stood charmingly at the entrance, her light purple gauze dress accentuating her snow-white skin and graceful figure. After breaking through to Foundation Establishment Stage Five, her aura became even more ethereal, with a newfound confidence and composure in her brows. However, her gaze towards Mu Xiaochuan still carried an unmistakable tenderness and reliance.

"Senior Brother, you're here." Liu Ruyan's voice carried a hint of clarity from her recent breakthrough, yet it couldn't hide the joy within.

"Congratulations, Junior Sister, on advancing your cultivation!" Mu Xiaochuan smiled as he stepped forward, unceremoniously taking her delicate hand and walking into the cave abode.

Inside, the spiritual energy was abundant, and the decor was elegant. After they sat down, Liu Ruyan personally brewed spirit tea for Mu Xiaochuan before speaking, "Senior Brother, sorry to keep you waiting. The Peak Master summoned me earlier, which took some time."

"Oh?" Mu Xiaochuan raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance as he asked, "The Peak Master summoned you suddenly, was there something important?"

Liu Ruyan took a sip of spirit tea, a look of helplessness and relief crossing her face, "What else could it be? The Peak Master heard about my breakthrough and started probing, seemingly suspecting that I had some fortuitous encounter. She even specifically mentioned the precious mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pill."

She lifted her beautiful eyes, looking earnestly at Mu Xiaochuan, "Rest assured, Senior Brother, I only said it was due to years of accumulation, a moment of insight, and a stroke of luck that I managed to break through. I didn't mention the elixir you gave me. Although the Peak Master was somewhat skeptical, she couldn't find any evidence and had to let it go."

Hearing how Liu Ruyan protected him, a warm feeling surged in Mu Xiaochuan's heart. As the Peak Master, Yun Wange held a prestigious position, and Liu Ruyan's ability to keep silent under her pressure showed her affection and loyalty towards him.

"Thank you, Junior Sister," Mu Xiaochuan said warmly, "But you don't need to worry. I have plenty of good things here; just let me know if you need anything."

"I understand," Liu Ruyan nodded, "Meeting you, Senior Brother, is truly my fortune. It's a pity I didn't see it back then."

"No, you've helped me the most," Mu Xiaochuan shifted the topic, "With your breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Stage Five, do you have confidence in the upcoming Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan sighed softly, her delicate brows furrowing, "Even with the breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Stage Five, standing out in this Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament still seems like a distant hope."

"What do you mean?" Mu Xiaochuan asked, "With your current cultivation, you're considered mid-tier among the Inner Sect Elders, right?"

Liu Ruyan shook her head with a bitter smile, "Senior Brother, you may not know. The Inner Sect Elders' competition is for five spots to enter the Sect Grand Tournament. Peak Master Yun Wange is at the peak of Foundation Establishment Stage Eight, her strength unfathomable, and she will surely secure a spot. Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan is at Foundation Establishment Stage Seven, with formidable strength, almost guaranteed a spot. The Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, Chen Xuanfeng, is also at the peak of Foundation Establishment Stage Six, mastering thunder techniques. The Hall Master of the Elixir Hall, Mu Qingyao, is also at Foundation Establishment Stage Six, and rumored to possess rare treasures, making her strength formidable. And... Ye Qingyu from the Heaven Vault Pavilion has also broken through to Foundation Establishment Stage Six. These five alone almost lock in the five spots."

She paused, her tone more dejected, "Even without considering them, there are several seasoned Foundation Establishment Stage Five elders, like the Hall Master of the Artifact Refining Hall, Sun, and the Hall Master of the Technique Transmission Hall, Li, who have been at Foundation Establishment Stage Five for years, with deep foundations. I just broke through, and my realm hasn't fully stabilized. Facing them, I'm afraid I have no chance."

Seeing Liu Ruyan's despondent look, a surge of determination rose in Mu Xiaochuan's heart.

How could I let my woman be so troubled? My woman should shine brightly, attracting everyone's attention!

What's a mere Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament? I will make Liu Ruyan the most dazzling presence!

"Junior Sister, don't be so pessimistic," Mu Xiaochuan's eyes flashed with determination, "It's all about effort. Tell me, what is your main attack technique now? What about your defense? And what grade is your usual spiritual artifact?"

Liu Ruyan, though puzzled, answered truthfully, "I mainly cultivate the sect's 'Purple Mist Sword Art,' a decent water attribute sword technique with moderate power. For defense, I rely on a protective spell called 'Water Curtain Celestial Glow.' As for my spiritual artifact..." She flipped her wrist, revealing a long sword with a faint purple glow, "This is the 'Purple Lightning Soft Sword,' a low-grade spiritual artifact that has been with me for years."

Mu Xiaochuan carefully examined the Purple Lightning Soft Sword and recalled the characteristics of the 'Purple Mist Sword Art' and 'Water Curtain Celestial Glow,' shaking his head inwardly.

Indeed, it's too ordinary! Too mediocre!

It seems it's time to give my woman a comprehensive upgrade!

"Junior Sister, focus on stabilizing your realm here, and leave the rest to me," Mu Xiaochuan stood up, a confident smile on his face.

"Senior Brother, you want to..." Liu Ruyan was a bit confused.

"Secret," Mu Xiaochuan replied with a mysterious smile, turning and leaving the cave abode.

Back at the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, Su Yao and Lin Yue immediately stopped cultivating to attend to Mu Xiaochuan.

"No need to attend to me today. You two should focus on cultivating and stabilizing your realm for tomorrow's assessment," he waved them off to concentrate on their cultivation.

Though reluctant, the two women understood the importance and obediently retreated.

Once alone in the room, Mu Xiaochuan sat cross-legged, focusing his mind to communicate with the Thrill System.

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"Open the Thrill System!"

The familiar semi-transparent panel appeared before him. Mu Xiaochuan directly entered the cultivation technique and spiritual artifact sections.

He carefully browsed, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of techniques and artifacts.

'Purple Mist Sword Art'? Yellow Rank low-grade technique, water attribute? Too mild!

"Got it!" Mu Xiaochuan's eyes lit up, locking onto a technique called the 'Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual.'

[Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual]: Profound Rank high-grade technique, top-tier ice attribute sword technique. When mastered, it can freeze a thousand miles, with sword energy that is dustless and powerful. Price: 150 Thrill Points.

But while cultivating this technique himself would be simple, how could he let others learn it?

"Excuse me, Thrill System, can I purchase a technique for someone else to learn?" Mu Xiaochuan tried asking.

"Yes, after purchasing, choose not to learn it yourself, and it can be turned into a jade slip for the user. Once learned, the jade slip will automatically disappear."

"Then it's settled!" Mu Xiaochuan decided without hesitation. A Profound Rank technique would significantly boost Liu Ruyan's attack power!

Next was the defense technique. 'Water Curtain Celestial Glow'? Too fragile!

He quickly found a suitable one.

[Ice Soul Glazed Body]: Profound Rank high-grade defense technique. After cultivation, it can form an Ice Soul Glazed Shield on the body surface, indestructible, and can even reflect part of the attack. Price: 80 Thrill Points.

Though only a Profound Rank mid-grade, it complements the 'Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual' in attributes, greatly enhancing defense beyond the Yellow Rank high-grade 'Water Curtain Celestial Glow.'

Lastly, the spiritual artifact. Low-grade spiritual artifact 'Purple Lightning Soft Sword'? Not enough!

Mu Xiaochuan searched through the spiritual artifact section, finally focusing on a long sword exuding a chilling aura.

[Ice Soul Cold Light Sword]: High-grade spiritual artifact, containing extreme cold power, highly compatible with ice attribute techniques, significantly boosting the power of ice spells, with an inherent freezing effect. Price: 100 Thrill Points.

"Perfect!" Mu Xiaochuan nodded in satisfaction.

Technique, defense, spiritual artifact, all ice attribute, and far superior to Liu Ruyan's previous setup!

"Purchase the 'Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual,' 'Ice Soul Glazed Body,' and Ice Soul Cold Light Sword!"

"Ding! Purchase successful, total cost: 330 Thrill Points, current Thrill Points remaining: 0."

Seeing the Thrill Points drop to zero instantly, Mu Xiaochuan felt no regret, only anticipation. He could already envision Liu Ruyan at the tournament, wielding the Ice Soul Cold Light Sword, performing the Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual, freezing the arena, and dominating the competition!

Storing the jade slips containing the two techniques and the brand new Ice Soul Cold Light Sword, Mu Xiaochuan stood up again, heading towards Purple Mist Peak without delay.

When Liu Ruyan saw Mu Xiaochuan return and present the two jade slips glowing with mysterious light and the Ice Soul Cold Light Sword exuding bone-chilling cold, she was stunned.

Trembling, she picked up the jade slips, her divine sense probing inside, instantly overwhelmed by the brilliance and power of the 'Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual' and 'Ice Soul Glazed Body'! These were undoubtedly top-tier techniques surpassing the sect's core inheritance!

Looking at the Ice Soul Cold Light Sword, a high-grade spiritual artifact! Its entire body was crystalline, exuding cold air, with the hilt's ice-blue gem shimmering like a hidden starry sea!

"Senior... Senior Brother... this... this is..." Liu Ruyan was so moved she was at a loss for words, tears falling like broken pearls. She never expected Mu Xiaochuan to gift her such heaven-defying treasures, their value immeasurable!

"Do you like it?" Mu Xiaochuan smiled as he stepped forward, gently wiping away her tears.

"I love it... I love it so much..." Liu Ruyan threw herself into Mu Xiaochuan's arms, holding him tightly as if to merge herself with him, "Senior Brother... your kindness is as heavy as a mountain... I... I have nothing to repay you with... From now on... my life, Liu Ruyan's life, is yours..."

She sobbed uncontrollably, her words filled with endless gratitude and submission.

Mu Xiaochuan gently stroked her hair, speaking softly, "Silly girl, between us, there's no need for repayment. Your happiness is all that matters."

Liu Ruyan lifted her tear-filled eyes, gazing deeply at Mu Xiaochuan, then stood on tiptoe to offer her most passionate, heartfelt kiss.

That night, to test Liu Ruyan's techniques, Mu Xiaochuan stayed to verify them. The techniques were indeed powerful, and it was thanks to Mu Xiaochuan's Withered Tree Revives Technique, with its continuous spiritual power, that he could withstand Liu Ruyan's relentless, unending assaults. Only after the entire set of techniques was verified did they fall asleep, exhausted.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for utilizing the power of a Foundation Establishment Elder for the first time, feeling refreshed, and earning 30 Thrill Points."

The next day, when Mu Xiaochuan arrived at the Heaven Vault Pavilion's Outer Sect Martial Practice Arena, the second day's assessment—strength testing—was underway.

As expected, strength wasn't Su Yao and Lin Yue's forte. Although they had the foundation of Qi Refining Stage Four, their performance was only average among many disciples specializing in strength or with robust physiques.

When the final results came out, Su Yao ranked fifty-sixth, and Lin Yue ranked sixty-third.

In the afternoon, when Mu Xiaochuan returned to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, Su Yao and Lin Yue were hanging their heads, looking like they had done something wrong, not daring to breathe loudly.

"What's this about?" Mu Xiaochuan feigned ignorance, asking.

"Elder Mu..." Lin Yue timidly raised her eyes, her voice as soft as a mosquito, "Our... performance in today's strength assessment wasn't ideal..."

"Afraid I'll blame you?" Mu Xiaochuan looked at their pitiful expressions and couldn't help but laugh heartily, "It's just a ranking! No big deal!"

He walked up to them, gently tapping their noses with his finger, "Don't worry, with me here, how could I let you suffer?"

Then he said to Lin Yue, "Go, call Xiao Yunhe for me."

Before long, Xiao Yunhe hurried over.

"Elder Mu, you called for me?" Xiao Yunhe asked respectfully.

Mu Xiaochuan pointed to the newly updated assessment leaderboard on the wall, speaking casually, "Xiao Yunhe, adjust the strength assessment rankings."

Xiao Yunhe's heart tightened, quickly responding, "Please instruct me, Elder!"

"Su Yao and Lin Yue," Mu Xiaochuan said leisurely, "I think their true strength should be ranked fifth and sixth, which seems reasonable."

Xiao Yunhe immediately understood Mu Xiaochuan's meaning, but he didn't dare utter a word of protest, promptly bowing, "Elder is right! There must have been a mistake in the disciples' statistics! I'll verify and correct it right away!"

"Good, go ahead." Mu Xiaochuan waved his hand, as if he had just given an insignificant order.

Xiao Yunhe respectfully bowed and slowly exited the Listening Bamboo Pavilion.

Soon, outside the Martial Practice Arena, the leaderboard miraculously showed Su Yao and Lin Yue's names in the fifth and sixth positions.

Inside the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, Su Yao and Lin Yue looked at Mu Xiaochuan, their eyes filled with disbelief, joy, and overwhelming admiration.

"Elder Mu..."

"Thank you, Elder Mu!"

The two women cheered, excitedly throwing themselves into Mu Xiaochuan's arms, laughing and jumping.

Seeing their genuine joy and reliance, Mu Xiaochuan felt a sense of satisfaction. The taste of power was indeed wonderful! The feeling of doing as he pleased, controlling everything, was truly exhilarating!

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for using authority to act at will, feeling refreshed, and earning 30 Thrill Points."

The system's prompt once again perfectly concluded this wonderful day.