novelraw Chapter 51 – Do you want me to help you settle the score with Ling Chengdao, or... do you want to do it yourself?
Chapter 51 – Do you want me to help you settle the score with Ling Chengdao, or... do you want to do it yourself?
"Elder Mu! Something's wrong! Something's happened to Senior Sister Ye... Senior Sister Ye is in trouble!"
Ye Lingxuan is in trouble?!
Mu Xiaochuan's heart sank suddenly!
The image of Ye Lingxuan's face, both willful and somewhat naive, flashed in his mind. Despite their short time together, her pure heart and sincere nature had deeply endeared her to Mu Xiaochuan. Moreover, she was from the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, his woman!
"What happened?!" Mu Xiaochuan sprang to his feet, stepping out of the quiet room in one stride, only to see Su Yao's pretty face pale, her eyes red, tears rolling down like broken beads, clearly terrified.
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"Elder... wuwu..." Su Yao, upon seeing Mu Xiaochuan, seemed to find her backbone, speaking incoherently through her sobs, "Senior Sister Ye... Senior Sister Ye... she was at the Martial Practice Arena on the main peak, Tianshu Peak, and... and got into a fight with the Outer Sect Elder Ling Chengdao from the main peak! She was severely injured... just carried back by people from the Elixir Hall... wuwu..."
The main peak, Tianshu Peak? Outer Sect Elder Ling Chengdao?!
Mu Xiaochuan's eyes turned icy cold instantly!
How could Ye Lingxuan, a Qi Refining stage disciple, end up fighting with a Foundation Establishment elder from the main peak?! And be severely injured?!
"Let's go! To the Elixir Hall!" Mu Xiaochuan couldn't afford to think more, his figure turning into a stream of light, rushing towards the Elixir Hall at the fastest speed!
...
Inside the Elixir Hall, the atmosphere was so heavy it was suffocating.
Amidst the rich scent of medicine, there was a faint hint of blood. Several disciples of the Elixir Hall were gathered around a jade bed, their expressions tense, hurriedly handing over various healing tools and medicine bottles.
On the jade bed, Ye Lingxuan's once delicate face was now as pale as paper, her lips cracked, her breath faint. Her eyes were tightly shut, her brows furrowed in pain, clearly enduring immense suffering. Her exquisite blue disciple robe was already stained red with blood, especially her left arm, which was twisted in a grotesque manner, the white of her bones piercing through the flesh, exposed, with the surrounding flesh and blood mangled beyond recognition, her meridians severed inch by inch, a sight too tragic to behold!
Mu Qingyao stood by the bed, her expression unprecedentedly grave and anxious. Her fingertips glowed with spiritual light, continuously injecting gentle yet pure wood-element spiritual power into Ye Lingxuan's body, stabilizing her injuries and repairing the damaged meridians. However, the fractured bones were recovering exceptionally slowly, even showing signs of worsening!
"Damn it! This left arm injury is too severe!" Mu Qingyao gritted her teeth, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead, "Ling Chengdao was so ruthless!"
At this moment, Mu Xiaochuan rushed in like a whirlwind!
"How is Ye Lingxuan?!" Mu Xiaochuan saw Ye Lingxuan's miserable state on the jade bed, especially her left arm, a mess of flesh and blood with bones exposed, and his pupils shrank suddenly, an uncontrollable fury surging in his heart!
"Elder Mu!"
"Greetings, Elder Mu!"
The disciples of the Elixir Hall quickly saluted upon seeing Mu Xiaochuan.
Ye Lingxuan opened her eyes to see Mu Xiaochuan, giving a sorrowful smile. That smile shattered Mu Xiaochuan's heart.
Mu Qingyao, seeing Mu Xiaochuan, was slightly taken aback, then shook her head bitterly, sighing, "Junior Brother Xiaochuan, you're here. Alas, this girl Lingxuan, her injuries are severe, especially her left arm..."
Mu Xiaochuan quickly walked to the bedside, looking at Ye Lingxuan's painful and weak appearance, the anger in his heart burning even more fiercely! He could clearly feel the vitality in Ye Lingxuan's left arm rapidly fading!
"Master... how is the left arm?" a female disciple from the Elixir Hall asked tremulously.
Mu Qingyao took a deep breath, a trace of helplessness and pity flashing in her eyes, "The injury is too severe! Especially the spiritual bone of the left arm, almost completely shattered! Ordinary bone-repairing elixirs are useless! If we can't find heavenly materials or higher-grade elixirs in time... this arm... might be crippled!"
Crippled?!
Hearing this, the surrounding disciples couldn't help but gasp! For a cultivator, losing an arm was almost equivalent to severing their future path of cultivation!
Just then—
"Xuan'er!"
A calm yet urgent voice came from outside the Elixir Hall! Immediately, an overwhelming and suffocating pressure swept in like a tsunami!
A tall, imposing middle-aged man in a purple Daoist robe appeared in the Elixir Hall as if by teleportation! His eyes were bloodshot, his body exuding a violent spiritual power fluctuation, none other than the Peak Master of Youhuang Peak, Ye Lingxuan's father—Ye Mengze!
"Father!!" The weak Ye Lingxuan seemed to sense her father's presence, struggling to open her eyes, weakly calling out, then fainting again.
Ye Mengze saw his daughter's miserable state, especially her mangled left arm, feeling as if his heart was being cut by a knife, a towering rage and killing intent almost consuming him!
He stepped to the bedside, carefully holding his daughter's uninjured right hand, trembling as he injected a gentle yet incomparably pure spiritual power into her body, probing her injuries.
Moments later, Ye Mengze suddenly raised his head, his face ashen, his teeth grinding audibly!
"What happened?! How did she end up fighting with Ling Chengdao?!" Ye Mengze asked coldly.
A female disciple who had participated in the rescue and understood the situation quickly stepped forward, explaining the whole story in detail.
It turned out that ever since Mu Xiaochuan had shone brightly at the Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament, especially after he had gone against the odds, even at the risk of "abusing his power," to protect Su Yao and Lin Yue, rumors about him had been rampant. Some admired his strength and protective nature, while others envied his meteoric rise and questioned his character.
Particularly, Ye Lingxuan, the daughter of a Peak Master and a beloved disciple of a Hall Master, had lowered her status to become Mu Xiaochuan's maid, attracting countless criticisms, including some unsavory and vile speculations, claiming she was trying to curry favor with Mu Xiaochuan for benefits through "special means," with even more malicious rumors tarnishing her reputation.
Although Ye Lingxuan had restrained herself at the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, her fiery temper and pride were not easily changed. Today, she was ordered to the main peak, Tianshu Peak, to hand over a batch of elixirs, and happened to overhear some main peak disciples gossiping, slandering her and Mu Xiaochuan.
Ye Lingxuan exploded on the spot! She rushed up, pointing at those disciples and cursing them out... her words were so sharp and venomous, even more so than Mu Xiaochuan!
Those main peak disciples had never suffered such humiliation and were instantly enraged, leading to a heated argument. The deacons and Inner Sect disciples who arrived, already dissatisfied with Mu Xiaochuan and the recent prominence of the Heaven Vault Pavilion, harbored ill intentions, fanning the flames, provoking Ye Lingxuan to "debate" at the Martial Practice Arena.
Ye Lingxuan, in her youthful vigor, couldn't tolerate such provocation. With her cultivation rapidly advancing due to the mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pill gifted by Mu Xiaochuan, and with him as her backing, she impulsively followed them to the Tianshu Peak Martial Practice Arena.
At the arena, Ye Lingxuan, relying on her strength far surpassing her peers and the high-grade spiritual artifact, the Burning Heart Exquisite Scarf, actually defeated those instigating deacons and disciples from the main peak, leaving them in disarray!
After her victory, Ye Lingxuan became even more complacent, standing on the arena with her hands on her hips, mimicking Mu Xiaochuan's tone from Youhuang Peak, brazenly declaring to an Inner Sect disciple, "I'm not targeting you, I'm saying all the disciples of the main peak are trash."
This stirred up a hornet's nest! When had the disciples of the main peak ever suffered such humiliation? Especially from a "maid" from a branch!
At this moment, the Outer Sect Elder Ling Chengdao from the main peak stepped forward! Challenging Ye Lingxuan!
Ye Lingxuan, her head already clouded by victory, and further provoked by the crowd, foolishly accepted the challenge!
A Qi Refining stage disciple challenging a Foundation Establishment elder?!
This was practically seeking death!
The outcome was naturally without suspense. Although Ling Chengdao was only at the first stage of Foundation Establishment, dealing with a Qi Refining stage Ye Lingxuan was easy! He deliberately left an opening for Ye Lingxuan to seize, then took the opportunity to strike with a palm, the force containing "Bone-Shattering Qi," directly hitting Ye Lingxuan's arm!
Although Ye Lingxuan managed to channel her power to block most of the impact, saving her life, the insidious "Bone-Shattering Qi" penetrated her defenses, invading her body, shattering her blocking left arm!
After hearing the disciple's account, Mu Xiaochuan's expression was so dark it seemed water could drip from it!
"Outrageous!!!" Ye Mengze slammed his fist onto the jade table beside him, the hard jade surface instantly covered in web-like cracks!
Ye Mengze's face was grim! Hearing that his daughter had fought to defend Mu Xiaochuan, he was furious!
Upon learning that his daughter, not knowing her limits, had agreed to spar with a Foundation Establishment elder and ended up severely injured, Ye Mengze couldn't hold back any longer!
Finally, he flung his sleeve, pointing at his still-unconscious daughter, cursing, "You wretch! Truly a wretch! How could I, Ye Mengze, have such a reckless troublemaker for a daughter! I've indulged you enough! How dare you fight a Foundation Establishment elder?! Who do you think you are?"
After scolding his daughter, he turned sharply, glaring at Mu Xiaochuan with hatred! His eyes seemed to say: It's all your fault! If not for you, how could my daughter end up like this?!
"Ah! I'll leave the rest to you, Junior Sister." Ye Mengze cupped his hands towards Mu Qingyao, then left the Elixir Hall without looking back!
Leaving behind a room full of people, all at a loss.
Mu Xiaochuan watched Ye Mengze's departing figure, then looked at the unconscious Ye Lingxuan on the jade bed, silent tears streaming down her face. The anger in his heart was replaced by an indescribable emotion.
Moved!
Yes, moved!
This willful and unruly little witch, she... she got into this mess to defend him! She ended up in such a miserable state because of him!
Though her methods were foolish, reckless, even laughable, that intention... that determination to protect the one in her heart at all costs...
It touched Mu Xiaochuan, a soul who had lived two lives!
Damn it! In both my lives combined, no one has ever stood up for me like this!
This woman, I'll protect her no matter what!
He walked to the bedside, leaning over to look at Ye Lingxuan's pale face, speaking softly, "Lingxuan, let's go back to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion."
Ye Lingxuan seemed to hear his voice, struggling to open her eyes, looking into Mu Xiaochuan's determined gaze, weakly nodding, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Hall Master Mu," Mu Xiaochuan took a deep breath, stepping in front of Mu Qingyao, his eyes firm, "I'll heal Nephew Ye's injuries!"
Mu Qingyao was stunned, then smiled bitterly, "Junior Brother Xiaochuan, I'm afraid it's not possible. Nephew Ye's injuries have reached the core of her spiritual bones. Without supreme healing elixirs or intervention from a Golden Elixir stage elder, it's difficult to cure..."
"Nephew Ye was injured because of me, how can I stand by and do nothing?" Mu Xiaochuan's tone was resolute, "Hall Master Mu, please have the disciples step aside, I need to take Nephew Ye back to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion for treatment!"
"What?!" Mu Qingyao was shocked, "Junior Brother Xiaochuan! You... you mustn't act recklessly! Lingxuan's current condition can't withstand any disturbance!"
"I know what I'm doing!" Mu Xiaochuan's tone was firm.
He bent down, carefully lifting Ye Lingxuan, bedding and all, cradling her gently, afraid of causing her pain.
Mu Qingyao looked at Mu Xiaochuan's unwavering gaze, then at Ye Lingxuan's weak yet trusting expression, finally gritting her teeth, nodding.
Mu Xiaochuan carried Ye Lingxuan, quickly leaving the Elixir Hall, heading straight for the Listening Bamboo Pavilion!
Back at the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, he carefully placed Ye Lingxuan on his bed, dismissing Su Yao.
"You guard outside, no one is to disturb us!"
With that, he closed the door, focusing his mind, communicating with the Thrill System!
Host: Mu Xiaochuan
Thrill Points: 65
Realm: Foundation Establishment, Fourth Stage
Cultivation Technique: Withered Tree Revives Technique (Minor Accomplishment), Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique (Mastery)
Secondary Cultivation: None
Spiritual Artifact: Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood (Earth-tier Low-Grade)
Equipment: Black Tortoise Ink Scale Armor (Earth-tier Low-Grade)
"System! Exchange for an elixir that can perfectly repair the spiritual bone and meridian damage of a Qi Refining stage cultivator! The best one!"
The system's store flashed, quickly locking onto a pill surrounded by seven-colored radiance, its fragrance overwhelming!
[Perfect Grade Muscle and Bone Reconnection Pill]: Contains the power of creation, capable of reshaping the body, reconnecting bones, repairing meridians, reviving the dead, and regenerating flesh for Qi Refining stage cultivators! Price: 20 Thrill Points!
Fortunately, the Thrill Points required for Qi Refining stage elixirs aren't high!
"Exchange!"
"Ding! Successfully exchanged for [Perfect Grade Muscle and Bone Reconnection Pill], consuming 20 Thrill Points, current Thrill Points remaining: 45."
A pill, radiant and colorful, appeared in Mu Xiaochuan's hand! Without hesitation, he gently pried open Ye Lingxuan's clenched teeth, carefully placing the pill in her mouth.
The pill melted instantly, transforming into a warm and vast stream of life, flowing through Ye Lingxuan's entire body!
Her pale complexion visibly turned rosy! The once mangled, bone-exposed left arm, the wounds began to squirm and heal rapidly! The fractured bones emitted soft "crackling" sounds, reconnecting and reshaping! The damaged meridians were nourished and repaired by a gentle yet powerful force! Her body even expelled a large amount of foul-smelling black impurities!
In just the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn!
Ye Lingxuan suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze sharp! She cautiously moved her left arm, joyfully discovering that the once crippled arm had miraculously regained its flexibility.
"I'm... I'm healed? In a while, I can cultivate my spiritual energy back!" Ye Lingxuan looked at her perfectly intact, even more pristine arm, hardly believing her eyes!
Mu Xiaochuan felt relieved, the effect was even better than expected!
But he didn't stop there!
He communicated with the Thrill System again, "Exchange for the 'Withered Tree Revives Technique' cultivation jade slip!"
"Ding! Successfully exchanged for 'Withered Tree Revives Technique,' consuming 40 Thrill Points, current Thrill Points remaining: 5."
A jade slip, emitting a gentle green light, appeared in his hand.
He gently handed the jade slip to Ye Lingxuan, solemnly saying, "This is the 'Withered Tree Revives Technique,' a healing classic. Start cultivating it now, it will help you quickly restore your spiritual energy."
Ye Lingxuan, stunned, accepted the jade slip, her divine sense probing into it, instantly awed by the profound and miraculous cultivation technique! Now that her body had recovered, with the 'Withered Tree Revives Technique,' her spiritual energy could quickly return to its peak.
"Elder Mu! Your great kindness and virtue! Lingxuan... Lingxuan will never forget!"
She raised her tear-streaked yet determined and resolute face, her eyes now devoid of the usual willfulness and pride, filled only with pure, fervent admiration and... unwavering devotion!
He gently helped Ye Lingxuan up, looking at her face, now even more radiant with emotion, a meaningful smile playing at his lips, softly asking, "Rest here and recover, we'll talk about the rest once your spiritual energy is restored."
The next morning, after running the Withered Tree Revives Technique all night, Ye Lingxuan slowly opened her eyes, her spiritual power surging like a river breaking its banks, not only fully restored but even stronger than before, as if every strand contained boundless strength!
At that moment, Mu Xiaochuan walked in, "How are you feeling?"
Ye Lingxuan, back to her usual playful self, jumped into Mu Xiaochuan's arms, "I feel so strong now, even without the Burning Heart Exquisite Scarf, Senior Sister Leng wouldn't be my match."
Looking at the little witch, now completely "conquered" by him, Mu Xiaochuan felt an indescribable sense of achievement and control!
Just then, the system's prompt sounded again, "Ding, congratulations to the host for protecting your beloved, feeling elated, gaining 20 Thrill Points."
"Haha, still remember Leng Yunjian?" Mu Xiaochuan flicked her nose, "So... do you want me to help you settle the score with Ling Chengdao, or... do you want to do it yourself?"