When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 29 – We just need to follow Elder Mu

The next morning, as the first rays of dawn pierced through the clouds like golden swords and spilled over the verdant peaks of Yunqi Peak, the Martial Practice Arena in the Outer Sect area of Heaven Vault Pavilion presented a different scene.
After a night of fermenting, the news of Mu Xiaochuan forcibly altering Su Yao and Lin Yue's assessment scores had spread throughout the entire Outer Sect.
"Hey, did you hear? Su Yao and Lin Yue's strength tests were directly bumped up to fifth and sixth place by Elder Mu!"
"Exactly! I saw them perform just average in the strength test yesterday, how could they suddenly jump so high?"
"Shh! Keep it down! Do you want to end up like Qian Jiangyuan? Didn't you see what happened to him yesterday? If Elder Mu wants someone in the top ten, they'll be there. We better just keep quiet!"
...
Despite the discontent and doubts in their hearts, the Outer Sect disciples ultimately chose silence, intimidated by Mu Xiaochuan's authority. They continued their training quietly, though a complex emotion lingered in their eyes.
A silent consensus formed among the disciples: Elder Mu's will was not to be questioned. Those who followed prospered, those who opposed perished. Instead of complaining about the rules, it was better to strive to improve oneself, to secure a place among the limited spots, or at least gain Elder Mu's favor.
In the following days, Yunqi Peak seemed to enter a state of peculiar balance.
At the top of Purple Mist Peak, Liu Ruyan's cave abode was once again tightly shut, with wisps of cold air occasionally escaping, frosting the surrounding flora. Inside, Liu Ruyan was fully immersed in her new cultivation. The profound mysteries of the "Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual" were far beyond her imagination, with each rune and spiritual power route filled with a chilling killing intent. Holding the Ice Soul Cold Light Sword, she practiced the sword moves repeatedly, freezing the air in its path. Meanwhile, the "Ice Soul Glazed Body" technique circulated within her, forming a translucent, glass-like ice armor on her skin, exuding an indestructible aura.
She knew that the time until the Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament was running short. She had to quickly master these heaven-defying cultivation techniques and spiritual artifacts bestowed by Mu Xiaochuan to live up to his expectations and shine in the fierce competition.
Meanwhile, the Outer Sect assessments at Heaven Vault Pavilion were being meticulously organized by Xiao Yunhe and several Inner Sect disciples. Tests of strength, speed, endurance, and defense followed one after another. The entire process was rigorous and efficient, with clear and fair scoring standards, except, of course, for Lin Yue and Su Yao.
Xiao Yunhe and the others executed Mu Xiaochuan's instructions flawlessly. They knew that despite his seemingly easygoing demeanor, the new elder was firm and decisive, rewarding and punishing clearly. Qian Jiangyuan's fate yesterday was a "punishment," and if they managed the tasks well, they would naturally receive "rewards." Driven by this mindset, they approached their duties with utmost enthusiasm and responsibility, organizing the assessment process more systematically and efficiently than any previous selection hosted by veteran elders.
Mu Xiaochuan was pleased with this outcome. He found that after establishing his authority, he had more leisure time. With Xiao Yunhe and the others overseeing the Outer Sect assessments, he only needed to listen to s and occasionally inspect the scene, feeling a sense of satisfaction watching the disciples train hard and compete fiercely.
In the Inner Sect, Leng Yunjian was also diligent, supervising the selected Inner Sect disciples in high-intensity drills and tactical exercises, meticulously recording their progress and ing to Mu Xiaochuan.
As for Listening Bamboo Pavilion, it was Mu Xiaochuan's gentle haven. Su Yao and Lin Yue, the two girls whose rankings he had forcibly elevated, were utterly devoted to him, their admiration and affection intertwined.
They attended to Mu Xiaochuan's daily needs around the clock, using every means they could think of to please the elder who had brought them hope and honor. Mu Xiaochuan awoke each day to their gentle care and fell asleep in the same manner, finding immense satisfaction both physically and mentally.
This unrestrained, all-controlling life, doing as he pleased by day and indulging by night, was simply too enjoyable!
The system's notifications rang out daily:
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for enjoying attentive service, feeling delighted, and earning 25 Thrill Points."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for the promising development of Heaven Vault Pavilion, feeling content, and earning 15 Thrill Points."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for savoring the taste of power, feeling thrilled, and earning 20 Thrill Points."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for..., feeling refreshed, and earning 30 Thrill Points."
...
In just a few days, Mu Xiaochuan's Thrill Points accumulated like a snowball. By the end of the first phase of the five-day Outer Sect assessment, his Thrill Points had once again surpassed the 300 mark!
The final comprehensive rankings of the Outer Sect assessment were also announced. Lin Yue and Su Yao, both at the Qi Refining Stage Four, naturally ranked seventh and eighth. Surprisingly, Tie Meng, whose spine Mu Xiaochuan had previously broken, ranked third, while the first and second places went to Shi Poxiao and Luo Lixue, leaving a deep impression on Mu Xiaochuan.
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Mu Xiaochuan was very satisfied with this outcome.
Looking at the replenished Thrill Points balance and the faces of his disciples filled with awe and anticipation, Mu Xiaochuan was in an excellent mood. He, Mu Xiaochuan, was never a stingy person! Especially not with his own people!
Since Heaven Vault Pavilion only had low-grade Qi-Gathering Pills, Mu Xiaochuan spent 20 Thrill Points in the Thrill System Shop to exchange for four mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pills.
On this day, Mu Xiaochuan summoned Leng Yunjian, Xiao Yunhe, and seven other Inner Sect disciples responsible for the assessments, as well as the top ten disciples from the Outer Sect assessment, to the grand hall of Heaven Vault Pavilion.
The atmosphere was solemn and respectful, with everyone holding their breath, awaiting Elder Mu's instructions. Especially the Outer Sect disciples, who, after five days of intense competition, felt honored just to stand there, filled with both nervousness and anticipation.
Mu Xiaochuan sat at the head seat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, a gentle smile on his face, yet exuding an aura of authority.
"Everyone," he began slowly, his voice resonating throughout the hall, "you've all worked hard these past days. The first phase of the Outer Sect assessment has concluded successfully, and the final candidates for the Inner Sect Grand Tournament have been determined. I have observed your performances."
He paused, his gaze landing on Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe: "Leng Yunjian, Xiao Yunhe, you two have been diligent and effective in managing the Inner and Outer Sect selections. I am very pleased."
With a flick of his wrist, two exquisite jade bottles appeared in his palm, each containing two pills emitting rich spiritual energy, clearly superior to ordinary Qi-Gathering Pills.
"These are two mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pills," Mu Xiaochuan handed the jade bottles to them, "as a reward for your hard work. Use them well in your cultivation and bring glory to Heaven Vault Pavilion in the grand tournament!"
Mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pills!
Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe's hands trembled slightly as they accepted the bottles! Although they were at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, obtaining mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pills was no easy feat, usually requiring years of sect contributions or a large amount of Spirit Stones. Yet Elder Mu had given them two each!
"Thank you for your generous reward, Elder Mu!" They were overwhelmed with emotion, kneeling down, their voices choked with gratitude, "We will not disappoint you, even if it means going through fire and water!"
The other five Inner Sect disciples involved in managing the assessments, as well as the ten outstanding Outer Sect candidates, watched with envy and longing.
Mu Xiaochuan smiled slightly, turning his gaze to the five Inner Sect disciples: "Li Mingyuan, Wang Yuyan, Mu Tiezhu, Zhao Tianlong, Qian Jiangyuan (though he was beaten, he did a decent job), you also contributed to the assessments."
With that, he produced five more jade bottles, each containing three ordinary Qi-Gathering Pills: "These three Qi-Gathering Pills are for you. Cultivate diligently and contribute more to Heaven Vault Pavilion in the future."
The five were overjoyed, quickly stepping forward to accept the pills, expressing their gratitude profusely. Three Qi-Gathering Pills were a significant fortune for them!
Finally, Mu Xiaochuan's gaze fell on the ten Outer Sect disciples. They were so nervous that their palms were sweaty.
"You ten are the winners of the Outer Sect assessment, showcasing the spirit of our Heaven Vault Pavilion's Outer Sect disciples," Mu Xiaochuan's voice was encouraging, "These ten jade bottles, each containing three Qi-Gathering Pills, are your reward for your hard work!"
As his words fell, the ten Outer Sect disciples could hardly believe their ears! They had only achieved relatively good rankings in the Outer Sect assessment, yet they were being rewarded with three Qi-Gathering Pills each? This was unimaginable before! In the past, even the first place might not receive a single Qi-Gathering Pill!
"Thank you, Elder Mu!" The ten knelt down in unison, tears of joy in their eyes.
Mu Xiaochuan gestured for them to rise and added, "Additionally, those who performed outstandingly in the Outer Sect assessment, though not in the top ten, but showed significant improvement and potential, like Zhang Meng, Li Tieniu, Zhao Ling'er… (Mu Xiaochuan casually listed several names), may each go to the storage room to receive a Qi-Gathering Pill as encouragement!"
This time, Mu Xiaochuan utilized the resources of Heaven Vault Pavilion's storage. As the actual authority of Heaven Vault Pavilion, he had this level of privilege. Moreover, he understood the art of leadership well; authority alone was not enough, rewards and punishments must be balanced to ensure loyalty.
The news spread, and the entire Heaven Vault Pavilion was in an uproar!
Those who received rewards were naturally ecstatic, spreading the news; while those who didn't receive rewards, instead of feeling envious, were more determined to train hard—they saw hope! They saw the hope that effort would be rewarded! Elder Mu's clear rewards and generous nature were a stark contrast to Hall Master Ye's "bare-bones" management style!
For a time, Mu Xiaochuan's prestige in Heaven Vault Pavilion reached its peak, even subtly surpassing Ye Qingyu.
In private, whenever disciples gathered, the topic of conversation invariably revolved around the new Elder Mu.
"Did you hear? Brother Leng and Brother Xiao each got two mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pills! My goodness!"
"That's not all! The top ten in the Outer Sect, each got three Qi-Gathering Pills! Even Zhang Meng and the others who performed well received one!"
"Elder Mu is so… so generous! What a gesture, tsk tsk!"
"Remember before? We never had such treatment! Even a scrap of a pill was hard to come by!"
"Exactly! We used to work ourselves to the bone and got nothing! Now, as long as we work hard, Elder Mu truly rewards us!"
"That's right! From now on, we'll follow Elder Mu wholeheartedly! If Elder Mu points east, we won't go west!"
"Exactly, we'll just follow Elder Mu from now on!"