When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 23 – How could he favor one over the other?

Mu Xiaochuan was full of doubts, feeling completely puzzled by Peak Master Yun Wange's sudden summons. However, he couldn't defy his master's orders, so he had no choice but to comply. He turned to Su Yao and said, "Su Yao, go and inform Elder Liu Ruyan that I'll visit her later." Su Yao nodded obediently and skipped away.
Mu Xiaochuan tidied his clothes and headed towards the main hall of Yunqi Peak. Along the way, his mind was like turbulent waves, constantly guessing Yun Wange's true intentions for summoning him. However, various thoughts intertwined like a tangled mess, and he couldn't find any clues.
Standing outside the main hall of Yunqi Peak, Mu Xiaochuan gazed at the gilded plaque with "Yunqi Heavenly Palace" inscribed on it, muttering to himself, "What is Yun Wange up to?"
We are "pawread.co𝑚", find us on google.
The hall doors opened silently, and a waft of serene sandalwood fragrance greeted him. Mu Xiaochuan adjusted his attire and stepped inside. The hall was softly lit, and Yun Wange, in a plain white long dress, was standing by the window, trimming a spiritual plant. Hearing footsteps, she turned around, a slight smile beneath her veil.
"Junior Brother Mu is here," Yun Wange's voice was like a clear spring striking a stone, "Please, have a seat."
Mu Xiaochuan respectfully saluted and took a seat for guests. The maid Biyun served spirit tea, and amidst the fragrant steam, Yun Wange spoke softly, "I heard that Junior Sister Ye has broken through to the sixth level of Foundation Establishment. Truly a cause for celebration."
"Senior Sister Ye is exceptionally talented; her breakthrough was only natural," Mu Xiaochuan replied cautiously.
Yun Wange set down her teacup and suddenly sighed, "I've been stuck at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment for twenty years, watching my lifespan diminish year by year..." Her eyes burned as she looked at Mu Xiaochuan, "I heard that Junior Sister Ye's breakthrough was due to a mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pill?"
Mu Xiaochuan realized the reason and felt relieved. He feigned hesitation, "Well..."
"Junior Brother Mu, there's no need to hide it," Yun Wange approached him, the scent of her fragrance wafting over, "Sister Qingyu couldn't resist my coaxing and told me the truth."
Seeing Mu Xiaochuan still hesitant.
"The spiritual herbs, cultivation techniques, and spiritual artifacts in my cave abode are yours to use," Yun Wange's voice trembled slightly, "Oh, and regardless of whether you have that Spirit-Gathering Pill, from now on, we're like family. You're welcome to come and go from my cave abode as you please."
"So that's how it is." Mu Xiaochuan pretended to ponder, saying, "Peak Master, this mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pill is extremely precious. It took me a lot of effort to obtain it; it's not easy!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Wange became anxious and quickly said, "Junior Brother, rest assured. As long as you try your best, whether or not you can get me a mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pill, I can promote you to Vice Peak Master, with more authority than Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment."
Mu Xiaochuan had no desire to become Vice Peak Master, nor was he interested in Yun Wange's implied offer of free access to her cave abode. However, seeing her sincerity, he couldn't refuse outright, so he said, "Peak Master, I appreciate your sincerity. I'll try to find a way, but I can't guarantee how long it will take."
Hearing there was hope, Yun Wange was overjoyed, her eyes glistening with tears of excitement. She tightly grasped Mu Xiaochuan's hand and said, "Xiaochuan, rest assured. As long as you try your best to find it, just tell Senior Sister what you need. If you do find it, I'll remember your kindness for the rest of my life."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Yun Wange, Mu Xiaochuan took his leave from the main hall of Yunqi Peak.
Leaving the hall, Mu Xiaochuan headed straight for Purple Mist Peak. Just outside Liu Ruyan's cave abode, he heard her plaintive voice, "Senior Brother Mu, have you forgotten me now that you have someone new?"
Mu Xiaochuan was puzzled, "I wish I could be here every day; how could I forget you, Junior Sister?"
Liu Ruyan, dressed in purple, leaned against the door, her beautiful eyes filled with grievance. Her gaze swept over Mu Xiaochuan, and she said sourly, "That niece of yours, Su Yao, is quite the beauty."
Mu Xiaochuan awkwardly rubbed his nose, "You're joking, Junior Sister. She's just..."
"Just what?" Liu Ruyan turned and entered the cave, "Just your serving disciple?"
Inside the cave, Liu Ruyan had her back to him, her fragrant shoulders trembling slightly.
Mu Xiaochuan sighed softly, stepping forward to embrace her, "Jealous?"
Liu Ruyan struggled a bit but eventually leaned against his chest, "Actually, it's me... I feel I'm not worthy of you now."
"Don't say such things." Mu Xiaochuan lifted her chin, "If it weren't for you recommending me as a deacon back then, I'd probably still be bullied in the Outer Sect."
Liu Ruyan said, "Recommending you as a deacon was just a small favor. In fact, I did think about becoming Dao Companions with you and spending our lives together, but you advanced so quickly, I couldn't keep up, and you've already reached Foundation Establishment."
Liu Ruyan sighed almost imperceptibly and continued, "After Su Yao left, I thought about it. I already had a Dao Companion before, and later, to gain resources, I also served the sect's elders and vice sect leaders. Honestly, since you reached Foundation Establishment, I feel I'm no longer worthy of you."
Mu Xiaochuan was filled with emotion, recalling that before the Thrill System was activated, if Liu Ruyan had wanted to become Dao Companions with him, he would have been overjoyed. But now, his mindset had changed significantly. He comforted her, "Junior Sister, don't say that. I have no intention of forming a Dao Companion right now. Our current relationship is quite good; we don't interfere with each other."
Mu Xiaochuan hugged her, "Let's not dwell on the past." He gently stroked Liu Ruyan's hair, "Isn't it nice like this?"
Hearing this, Liu Ruyan's eyes showed a hint of emotion. She nestled gently in Mu Xiaochuan's arms and softly said, "Senior Brother, I know you care for me, and that's enough."
Mu Xiaochuan kissed away her tears, "Rest assured, no matter what achievements I reach in the future, there will always be a place for you in my heart."
Liu Ruyan smiled through her tears, stood up, and said, "I'll cherish the current you..."
... (Three hundred words omitted here) ...
"Ding! You've won the goddess's heart, feeling elated, gaining 40 Thrill Points." The voice of the Thrill System echoed in Mu Xiaochuan's mind.
Afterward, the two talked about the upcoming competition at Yunqi Peak.
"Senior Brother, what are your plans for this competition?" Liu Ruyan asked.
Mu Xiaochuan sighed and said, "I don't know either. The strength of Heaven Vault Pavilion is too weak; achieving good results will be difficult."
Liu Ruyan sighed, self-mockingly, "Senior Brother, my Spiritual Herb Garden's previous performance wasn't ideal either. The worst time, we only got one Outer Disciple spot."
She looked up at Mu Xiaochuan, "Thanks to your Spirit-Gathering Pill, I've reached the peak of the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, but even so, I'm still at the bottom among the Inner Sect Elders."
Hearing this, Mu Xiaochuan was moved and asked, "Do you have any ideas, Junior Sister?"
Liu Ruyan self-mockingly replied, "No ideas, just leaving it to fate."
Hearing this, Mu Xiaochuan suddenly felt that Liu Ruyan had it tough. Being only at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, yet having to support a Spiritual Herb Garden, was indeed a bit much.
Mu Xiaochuan said no more, lying quietly on the bed, his mind stirred as he silently opened the panel.
[Host: Mu Xiaochuan]
[Thrill Points: 265]
[Realm: Foundation Establishment Level 1]
[Cultivation Techniques: Withered Tree Revives Technique (Minor Achievement), Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique (Entry Level)]
[Secondary Cultivation: None]
[Spiritual Artifact: Greenwood Spirit-Pattern Staff (Mid-Grade Spiritual Artifact)]
Unknowingly, he had accumulated 265 Thrill Points. After some thought, he exchanged for two mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pills in the Thrill System Shop.
Returning to reality, he patted Liu Ruyan beside him, took out a mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pill from his storage pouch, and handed it over, saying, "Junior Sister, try again and see if you can break through to the fifth level of Foundation Establishment."
Liu Ruyan's eyes widened, trembling as she accepted the elixir, "This... this is too precious..."
"For you, it's nothing," Mu Xiaochuan smiled.
Liu Ruyan suddenly threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably, "Senior Brother... I... I'm willing to serve you for life..."
Mu Xiaochuan gently patted her back, filled with emotion. Once, he didn't even have the right to look up to Liu Ruyan, but now he could make this goddess willing to serve him.
Seeing that it was getting late, Mu Xiaochuan, ignoring Liu Ruyan's lingering gaze, returned to Listening Bamboo Pavilion.
Su Yao was still at Listening Bamboo Pavilion; how could he favor one over the other?