When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 36 – Disciple Mu Xiaochuan pays respects to the Sect Master

Above Lan Yun Terrace, the sunlight grew ever brighter, yet it couldn't dispel the shockwaves in the air caused by Mu Xiaochuan's single move that severely injured Zhang Yuelin. Li Ruoxu, the Hall Master of the Technique Transmission Hall, had a face ashen with anger, his voice trembling uncontrollably. After the disciples from the Elixir Hall hurriedly carried the unconscious Zhang Yuelin off the arena, Li Ruoxu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the fury and fear in his heart, and announced the end of the first round of the fifth day's Outer Sect Elder competition.
"On the fifth day, those advancing as Outer Sect Elders are: Sun Iron Arm from the Artifact Refining Hall, Wang Xuance from the Technique Transmission Hall, Chen Changfeng from the Law Enforcement Hall, Liu Qingwu from the Elixir Hall, Li Canghai and Li Qiushui from the Main Hall, and... Mu Xiaochuan from the Heaven Vault Pavilion! The second round will take place in three days to determine the final top five! Today's competition is concluded!"
As his words fell, Yun Wange, ignoring the various speculations and rumors both on and off the stage, gave Mu Xiaochuan a deep look, her voice returning to its usual coolness: "Follow me, to receive your punishment."
With that, she gracefully moved towards the direction of Yunqi Heavenly Palace.
Mu Xiaochuan gave Ye Qingyu and Liu Ruyan a reassuring glance and gently said to Su Yao and Lin Yue, "You two head back to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion and cultivate well. There's no need to worry."
"Yes, Elder!" Although the two women were full of concern, seeing Elder Mu so calm, they could only obediently comply, though their eyes were filled with increasing admiration and attachment.
Under countless gazes filled with envy, jealousy, awe, or speculation, Mu Xiaochuan followed Yun Wange unhurriedly, heading towards the Yunqi Heavenly Palace, the symbol of the highest authority and mystery of Yunqi Peak.
The Yunqi Heavenly Palace, perched atop Yunqi Peak, was shrouded in mist year-round, rich in spiritual energy. Its main hall was majestic and grand, while the rear hall where the Peak Master resided was hidden deep within a meticulously arranged spiritual herb garden, appearing serene and elegant, like a world unto itself.
It was Mu Xiaochuan's first time setting foot in this place, and as he felt the pure spiritual energy and the subtle fluctuations of formations, he couldn't help but silently praise, "As expected of the Peak Master's residence, truly impressive!"
Passing through winding corridors, the two finally arrived at an elegantly decorated, fragrant hall. The furnishings inside seemed simple, yet each was a treasure. Ancient landscape paintings with profound meanings hung on the walls, calming sandalwood incense burned in the corners, and rare spiritual flowers and exotic plants by the windows emitted a refreshing fragrance.
"Bang!"
As the maid gently closed the hall door from outside, cutting off all outside prying eyes, the cold and dignified aura around Yun Wange instantly melted away like snow.
She suddenly turned around, quickly walking up to Mu Xiaochuan, shedding all semblance of the Peak Master's demeanor. Her beautiful eyes, hidden behind a veil, were wide with a mix of reproach, lingering fear, and incredulous joy. Grabbing Mu Xiaochuan's arm, she urgently said, "Xiaochuan! Where did you get such a powerful spiritual artifact? Zhang Yuelin is just a first-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator; how could he withstand such a blow? Besides, he's still a Foundation Establishment Elder; what if you really killed him?"
Her voice carried a slight tremor, clearly shaken by Mu Xiaochuan's earth-shattering strike earlier.
Looking at the beautiful woman before him, who had instantly switched from a dignified Peak Master to a neighborly sister mode, Mu Xiaochuan chuckled inwardly, though his face showed a "wronged" expression: "Peak Master... Senior Sister, I... I really didn't mean it. I've had this spiritual artifact for many years, and only at the Foundation Establishment stage did I think to test its power. Who knew... who knew it would be so powerful... I panicked and couldn't hold back..."
As Yun Wange listened, she led Mu Xiaochuan to sit on a nearby soft couch, personally pouring him a cup of fragrant spirit tea: "This 'Calming Spirit Tea' is something I've treasured for years. Try it, to calm your nerves."
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Seeing Yun Wange's attentive care, Mu Xiaochuan felt no trace of "punishment." He inwardly rejoiced, taking the cup and sipping it lightly, feeling a cool sensation spread through his body, calming his mind and spirit.
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister." Mu Xiaochuan put down the cup, looking at Yun Wange's close, graceful figure and the faintly visible stunning beauty beneath her veil, feeling a slight stir in his heart.
The two sat facing each other, the atmosphere subtly charged. Yun Wange seemed to want to say something but hesitated.
At that moment—
"Buzz!"
A sect communication jade token hanging at Yun Wange's waist suddenly lit up, emitting an urgent buzzing!
Both Mu Xiaochuan and Yun Wange were taken aback.
Yun Wange picked up the jade token, her divine sense probing into it, her expression turning strange.
"What is it, Senior Sister?" Mu Xiaochuan asked.
Yun Wange looked up, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation: "It's... it's the Sect Master... the Sect Master summons you to the main hall of the main peak immediately."
"The Sect Master?!" Mu Xiaochuan was also surprised, then puzzled, "Why would the Sect Master suddenly summon me? Is it because of Zhang Yuelin?"
Yun Wange was equally puzzled: "I don't know! Injuring an Outer Sect Elder shouldn't warrant the Sect Master's attention, should it?"
"Regardless, a summons from the Sect Master cannot be ignored." Yun Wange decided swiftly, "Go quickly and return swiftly! Remember, you still need to come back to continue receiving your punishment!"
Her tone in the last four words was firm, yet her beautiful eyes unmistakably flashed with a hint of... longing and expectation? As if fearing Mu Xiaochuan wouldn't return.
"Yes, Senior Sister, I'll be back soon!" Mu Xiaochuan chuckled inwardly, bowing to Yun Wange once more before turning and leaving Yunqi Heavenly Palace at a brisk pace.
Watching Mu Xiaochuan's departing figure, Yun Wange lightly stomped her foot.
"Really... of all times, it had to be now..."
...
Mu Xiaochuan sped along, his mind filled with questions. The Sect Master, Xuanyangzi, was a legendary Golden Elixir stage master, as elusive as a dragon. Why would he suddenly summon an obscure Outer Sect Elder like him? Could it really be because of Zhang Yuelin? It shouldn't be; such a minor issue could be handled by the Peak Master.
With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, Mu Xiaochuan soon arrived at the main peak of the Qingling Sect—Tianshu Peak.
Tianshu Peak was the main vein of the Qingling Sect, its towering height piercing the clouds, its spiritual energy far surpassing that of Yunqi Peak. At its summit stood the core hall of the Qingling Sect—the Purple Cloud Hall.
The Purple Cloud Hall was ancient and solemn, constructed entirely from an unknown purple jade, shimmering with a mysterious luster in the sunlight. The plaza before the hall was expansive, paved with white jade, spotless, flanked by two towering Kylin stone statues, exuding majesty and solemnity.
A young man in core disciple attire awaited outside the hall, and upon seeing Mu Xiaochuan, he hurriedly stepped forward to greet him: "Uncle Mu, the Sect Master has been waiting inside for some time. Please follow me."
Mu Xiaochuan nodded, following the disciple into the hall that symbolized the highest authority of the Qingling Sect.
The hall's interior was vast, its ceiling high, adorned with Night Pearls like stars, casting a gentle, non-glaring light. At the center, on an ancient purple sandalwood throne, sat an elder in a dark Daoist robe, his hair white yet youthful in appearance.
The elder's face was lean, his eyes deep and wise, as if containing the sun, moon, and stars within. He exuded no powerful spiritual energy, yet possessed an innate aura of a grandmaster, harmonized with heaven and earth. Simply sitting there, he seemed the center of the universe.
He was none other than the current Sect Master of the Qingling Sect, an early Golden Elixir stage grand cultivator—Xuanyangzi!
Mu Xiaochuan dared not be negligent, quickly stepping forward and respectfully bowing: "Disciple Mu Xiaochuan, greets the Sect Master!"