When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 48 – Perhaps, this was fate

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully showing off, feeling refreshed, and earning 30 Thrill Points!"
Mu Xiaochuan laughed heartily, the joy in his heart surging like a tide. He then strode away, leaving behind a chaotic Martial Practice Arena at Youhuang Peak and a group of disciples who were restless and unable to calm down for a long time.
With an overwhelming stance, Mu Xiaochuan completely crushed the plot by Liang Yichen and Li Jianglin to embarrass him before the Sect Grand Tournament! Not only that, but he also took this opportunity to establish his might once again, making his fierce reputation and prestige resound throughout the entire Qingling Sect!
The joy was indescribable!
Humming a cheerful tune, spiritual power surged within him, and the 100 Thrill Points made him feel utterly delighted. Looking up at the sky, the blue was clear, the white clouds drifted leisurely, and even the wind seemed to carry a hint of sweetness.
When he returned triumphantly to the familiar Listening Bamboo Pavilion, he was greeted by a scene that took him by surprise.
In the courtyard, the bamboo remained lush, and the breeze was still gentle. However, Su Yao and Lin Yue, who would usually greet him immediately, were standing aside somewhat awkwardly.
Sitting elegantly at the stone table in the courtyard was a woman in palace attire, with a cold demeanor and stunning beauty, leisurely sipping a cup of Spirit Tea. Beside her stood the little witch who had left a deep impression on Mu Xiaochuan—Ye Lingxuan!
It was none other than the Hall Master of the Elixir Hall, Mu Qingyao!
Why was she here?! And with Ye Lingxuan?!
Mu Xiaochuan's heart stirred slightly, but he maintained a calm expression, smiling as he approached and cupped his hands, "Hall Master Mu, your esteemed presence graces us. Xiaochuan failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive me."
Mu Qingyao put down her teacup, raised her clear, autumn-water-like eyes, and looked Mu Xiaochuan up and down, a faint smile playing on her lips, "Elder Mu, what a grand display of power! You just beat Elder Li Jianglin and the others half to death at Youhuang Peak, and now you return to find two beauties eagerly awaiting you. Such a life... tsk tsk, truly enviable!"
Her tone carried a hint of teasing, but Mu Xiaochuan keenly detected a trace of... jealousy?
"Hall Master Mu, you jest." Mu Xiaochuan laughed heartily, sitting down at the stone table, "I'm just playing around, nothing compared to you managing the Elixir Hall, handling countless affairs daily."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ye Lingxuan, who was standing with her head lowered, her pretty face slightly flushed, seemingly a bit nervous. Then he looked at Mu Qingyao, feigning surprise, "Oh my, Hall Master, why is there only one disciple serving you? How about I select two clever male disciples for you? They will be strong and healthy, ready to serve at your beck and call, whether it's serving tea, massaging your shoulders, or even playing music, they can do it all!"
"Pfft..." Su Yao and Lin Yue, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh, quickly covering their mouths.
Mu Qingyao's face turned slightly red, giving Mu Xiaochuan a playful glare, "Elder Mu! Stop talking nonsense!"
She paused, seemingly realizing that arguing with this shameless guy was pointless, and decided to get straight to the point, "Alright, let's not banter. I'm here today to discuss something."
"Oh? What instructions does Senior Sister Mu have?" Mu Xiaochuan picked up his teacup, pretending to listen attentively.
Mu Qingyao ignored Mu Xiaochuan and turned her gaze to Lin Yue, standing nearby, her eyes showing a hint of appreciation, "Elder Mu, your maid Lin Yue, though she didn't have many opportunities to showcase her skills in the tournament, her control over spiritual power is meticulous and her reactions are swift. She's a promising candidate for an alchemist. I wish to take her as a named disciple and bring her back to the Elixir Hall for careful training. Would Elder Mu be willing to part with her?"
Taking Lin Yue as a disciple?
Mu Xiaochuan was taken aback. Lin Yue had a talent for alchemy? He hadn't noticed. But as the Hall Master of the Elixir Hall, Mu Qingyao's judgment couldn't be wrong. This was undoubtedly a great opportunity for Lin Yue!
He instinctively looked at Lin Yue, only to see that the young girl's face showed no joy or excitement, but rather reluctance and deep emotion.
Mu Xiaochuan naturally felt reluctant. Lin Yue was obedient and considerate, serving him well, and... ahem, after deep exchanges, they had developed feelings.
He touched his nose, pretending to be troubled, "Hall Master Mu has a discerning eye. Lin Yue being chosen by you is her good fortune. It's just... I only have these two close people by my side, and if one leaves, my daily life... sigh, it would be quite inconvenient!"
His words were half true, expressing reluctance while also raising Lin Yue's "value."
Mu Qingyao wasn't angry, instead showing a smile that suggested she had anticipated this. She gently patted Ye Lingxuan's shoulder, her eyes filled with encouragement.
Ye Lingxuan took a deep breath, seemingly gathering great courage, stepped forward, and bowed gracefully to Mu Xiaochuan, her voice as soft as a whisper, her cheeks flushed like rosy clouds, "Elder Mu, if Sister Lin Yue goes to the Elixir Hall, I am willing to come to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion to serve you..."
What?!
Mu Xiaochuan felt as if his head had been struck by a bolt of lightning again! Even more shocking than when he saw that book "The Foundation Establishment Elder Fell in Love with Me, the Chubby-Eared One"!
Ye Lingxuan?!
The beloved daughter of Ye Mengze, the Peak Master of Youhuang Peak?!
The personal disciple of Mu Qingyao, the Hall Master of the Elixir Hall?!
The once arrogant and domineering little witch?!
She actually... actually volunteered to be his maid?! To serve tea and water? Clean the house?!
This... this script was completely wrong!
He looked sharply at Mu Qingyao, his eyes filled with disbelief, "Hall... Hall Master Mu! You... you are..."
Mu Qingyao smiled slightly, spreading her hands, her expression saying "I can't help it either," "Elder Mu, don't look at me, this was Lingxuan's own decision."
It turned out that ever since she was reprimanded by Mu Xiaochuan outside the Elixir Hall, Ye Lingxuan had come to see him as a true strongman! Later, witnessing Mu Xiaochuan severely injure Zhang Yuelin with a single strike at Lan Yun Terrace, she admired him even more, developing feelings of admiration. Last time, Ye Lingxuan switched sides at the last minute, helping Mu Xiaochuan out of a tight spot, and Mu Xiaochuan, in a good mood afterward, rewarded her with a mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pill! A single mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pill completely won the little witch's heart?
Mu Xiaochuan carefully observed Ye Lingxuan in front of him. She had shed her former arrogance and pride, now standing with her head lowered, fingers gently twisting the hem of her clothes, her cheeks tinged with a blush, like peach blossoms in the morning light, carrying the unique shyness of a young girl and an indescribable hint of anticipation. He had to admit, this little witch was indeed extremely beautiful, her figure was indeed alluring, her waist so slender it seemed it could break with a pinch, yet the curve of her chest was astonishingly full, paired with that delicate oval face, she was a budding beauty. Compared to Su Yao and Lin Yue, she was indeed a cut above.
Mu Xiaochuan's heart couldn't help but race.
The Peak Master's daughter... as a maid? If this got out...
He swallowed hard, feeling a bit parched.
However, he glanced at Lin Yue, who looked a bit lost, and felt a pang of compassion.
"Well..." Mu Xiaochuan pondered for a moment, looking at Mu Qingyao, "Hall Master Mu, Lin Yue's matter concerns her future, I certainly won't stand in the way. It's just... this is quite sudden, and Lin Yue needs some time to prepare, to say a proper goodbye to Su Yao. How about... I let her to the Elixir Hall in three days, how does that sound?"
Mu Qingyao nodded, "Very well, as Elder Mu suggests."
She glanced at Ye Lingxuan, who was still shy, and said to Mu Xiaochuan, "As for Lingxuan..."
"In three days, she can come too." Mu Xiaochuan waved his hand, needing some time to digest this surprise.
Having achieved her goal, Mu Qingyao didn't linger, taking Ye Lingxuan with her as she left.
Once they were gone, only Mu Xiaochuan, Su Yao, and Lin Yue remained in the courtyard.
"Elder..." Lin Yue's eyes were slightly red, her voice choked, "I can't bear to leave you..."
Mu Xiaochuan's heart softened, and he gently patted her shoulder, "Silly girl, going to the Pill Hall is a good thing. With your talent, your future achievements will surely be extraordinary."
Su Yao also came over, holding Lin Yue's hand to comfort her, "Exactly, we can still see each other often in the future."
He looked at Su Yao, "You too, stay in touch with Lin Yue, help each other."
"Yes, Elder!" Though reluctant, the two girls knew this was the best arrangement and responded in unison.
Mu Xiaochuan looked at Lin Yue's reluctant expression, feeling touched. Though not as lively as Su Yao, Lin Yue was thoughtful and took care of him meticulously. Now that she was leaving, he had to show some appreciation.
As night fell, Mu Xiaochuan dismissed the two and sat alone on his bed, his mind stirring as the Thrill System interface opened in response.
Host: Mu Xiaochuan
Thrill Points: 375
Realm: Foundation Establishment Stage 1
Cultivation Technique: Withered Tree Revives Technique (Minor Achievement), Dragon-Subduing Staff Technique (Mastery)
Secondary Cultivation: None
Spiritual Artifact: Azure Dragon Soul-Suppressing Wood (Earth-tier Low-Grade Spiritual Artifact)
Equipment: Black Tortoise Ink Scale Armor (Earth-tier Low-Grade)
Since the end of the tournament, his Thrill Points had accumulated significantly, reaching 375 points after the recent gains.
Mu Xiaochuan's gaze lingered on the Secondary Cultivation section for a moment. With Lin Yue going to the Pill Hall, if he could prepare some alchemy-related items for her...
"System, open the Secondary Cultivation Store."
A series of options immediately appeared before him: Alchemy, Artifact Forging, Talisman Crafting, Formation Techniques... Mu Xiaochuan clicked on Alchemy, and a wealth of information flooded his mind.
[Beginner Alchemy: 50 Thrill Points, Qi Refining Stage]
[Intermediate Alchemy: 150 Thrill Points, Foundation Establishment Stage]
[Advanced Alchemy: 500 Thrill Points, Golden Elixir Stage]
...
"So expensive?" Mu Xiaochuan was secretly shocked, clicking his tongue. But on second thought, alchemists held a revered status in the Cultivation World, so high prices were expected.
Continuing to browse, he found various pill recipes and alchemy tools available:
[Yellow Rank Low, Mid, High-Grade Pill Furnace: 20, 30, 40 Thrill Points]
[Profound Rank Low, Mid, High-Grade Pill Furnace: 80, 100, 150 Thrill Points]
[Earth Rank Low, Mid, High-Grade Pill Furnace: 500, 1000, 2000 Thrill Points]
...
After a brief consideration, Mu Xiaochuan decisively decided, "Exchange for Beginner Alchemy!"
We are bit.ly/3iBfjkV, find us on google.
"Ding! Consumed 50 Thrill Points, acquired Beginner Alchemy."
A jade slip containing basic pill recipes appeared in Mu Xiaochuan's storage pouch.
"System, exchange for a Profound Rank Mid-Grade Pill Furnace!"
"Ding! Consumed 100 Thrill Points, acquired 'Green Jade Glazed Cauldron.'"
Mu Xiaochuan's storage pouch felt slightly heavier, now holding a palm-sized green cauldron.
He had considered learning alchemy himself, but decided against it, as alchemy was labor-intensive. It was more suitable for him to directly exchange Thrill Points.
Having completed these tasks, Mu Xiaochuan was left with 225 Thrill Points, feeling quite satisfied.
The next morning, Lin Yue and Su Yao were already present.
Mu Xiaochuan looked at Lin Yue, whose eyes were slightly red, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips, "Lin Yue, come here."
Lin Yue obediently approached him. Mu Xiaochuan took out the Green Jade Glazed Cauldron and the jade slip from his storage pouch, handing them to her solemnly, "These two items are for you, so you can have something to rely on in the Pill Hall."
Lin Yue accepted the gifts with both hands, and as her fingertips touched the Green Jade Glazed Cauldron, the small cauldron emitted a soft green light, its patterns seemingly coming to life, flowing with brilliance.
"This... this is..." Lin Yue's eyes widened in disbelief at the small cauldron in her hands.
"A Profound Rank Mid-Grade Pill Furnace, the Green Jade Glazed Cauldron," Mu Xiaochuan smiled, "Along with this pill recipe jade slip, it's enough for you to use during the Qi Refining stage. Once you reach Foundation Establishment, come find me for a high-grade pill furnace."
Lin Yue's hands trembled slightly, tears finally spilling from her eyes, "Elder... this is too precious... I can't..."
"Take it." Mu Xiaochuan interrupted her, "You have great talent, don't waste it."
"Elder..." Lin Yue's tears could no longer be held back, bursting forth as she threw herself into Mu Xiaochuan's arms, hugging him tightly, sobbing uncontrollably, "Disciple... disciple... sob sob sob..."
Feeling the warmth and genuine gratitude of the young girl in his arms, Mu Xiaochuan gently patted her back, his heart filled with emotion.
Perhaps, this was fate.