When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 73 – Or else what?

Qinglan County City was a mesmerizing experience for the group from Yunqi Peak, stepping into this bustling world for the first time. Over the next three days, they were in for an enchanting and intoxicating journey.
On the first day, under Ye Lingxuan's persistent urging and Mu Xiaochuan's "generous spending," the group visited almost every renowned food establishment in the city. From the elegantly decorated "Tianxiang Tower" bustling with guests, to the scenic riverside "Zuiyue Pavilion," and even the "Glutton's Hall," known for its exotic and expensive delicacies made from rare beasts... a stream of dishes rich in spiritual energy and exquisite flavors was served.
Dishes like "Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow Soup," "Kylin Snow Trotters," and "Hundred Birds Banquet" were enough to make anyone's mouth water just by hearing their names. Ye Lingxuan indulged herself completely, her mouth never stopping, eating to her heart's content with her eyes shining, repeatedly exclaiming, "It's so delicious!" Even Leng Yunjian couldn't resist trying a few more bites, a rare blush of satisfaction appearing on her usually cold face. Wei Zhangang remained silent as always, but the sight of the beast meat dishes, brimming with powerful energy, made his fingers twitch, and he quietly devoured them with great appetite.
Ren Tianlong initially maintained his composure, tasting only a little, but the rich and mellow spirit wine was irresistible. After a few cups, his stern face flushed red, and he began to talk more, even reminiscing with Mu Xiaochuan about their "glorious days" training together in the Outer Sect. Yun Wange, on the other hand, remained elegant, her face veiled, smiling gently, sipping her drink lightly, her eyes sparkling with brilliance.
Mu Xiaochuan was thoroughly enjoying himself, not only relishing the food but also the feeling of spending lavishly. Watching Ye Lingxuan's unrestrained joy, observing the subtle changes in Wei Zhangang and Leng Yunjian's expressions, a sense of satisfaction welled up within him.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for tasting top-tier spiritual food, greatly satisfying your taste buds, earning 15 Thrill Points."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for spending spirit stones, bringing joy to your companions and satisfaction to yourself, earning 10 Thrill Points."
On the second day, the group experienced the famous "Jade Spring Bath" of Qinglan County City. This was no ordinary bathhouse but a high-end bathhouse built around a natural spirit spring. It was divided into male and female pools, with dozens of private elegant bathhouses, each equipped with a small Gathering Spirit Array and a hot spring pool. The water temperature was just right, and the spiritual energy was abundant, soaking in it could cleanse the body and soothe the soul.
Mu Xiaochuan, not one to be stingy, rented several of the best private bathhouses.
On the women's side, Yun Wange, Ye Lingxuan, and Leng Yunjian shared a room. Ye Lingxuan, like a curious child, played and splashed in the warm spirit spring. Leng Yunjian was initially a bit reserved, but under Ye Lingxuan's influence, she gradually relaxed, letting the warm water wash away the fatigue of their journey, a rare look of contentment appearing on her cold face. Yun Wange, more composed, leaned quietly against the pool's edge, resting with her eyes closed, her graceful figure faintly visible through the mist.
On Mu Xiaochuan's side, he was with Ren Tianlong and Wei Zhangang. Although Ren Tianlong initially protested about propriety, his body was honest, and he hummed contentedly in the warm spirit spring. Wei Zhangang also relaxed, enjoying the rare comfort. Mu Xiaochuan went a step further, spending spirit stones to hire six skilled and beautiful female cultivators to give them full-body spiritual massages.
The soft hands gently pressed on their acupoints, seemingly magical, as pure spiritual energy seeped in, unblocking meridians and relaxing muscles, making them feel as if they were floating on clouds, forgetting worldly troubles. Ren Tianlong, who initially tried to maintain decorum, couldn't help but let out a comfortable moan.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for enjoying top-tier spirit spring bathing and professional massage services, greatly relaxing and soothing your body and mind, earning 20 Thrill Points."
Feeling refreshed, Mu Xiaochuan secretly rented a bathhouse with an isolation array, where Ye Lingxuan had been waiting for some time. The two began a joyful time together, and after a blissful experience, he gained another 40 Thrill Points.
On the third day, it was time for free activities and shopping. Ye Lingxuan dragged Leng Yunjian straight to the city's most bustling "Nishang Pavilion" and "Linglong Workshop," picking out various beautiful robes, jewelry, and intriguing trinkets.
Yun Wange and Ren Tianlong, uninterested in these, went to the local branches of the "Artifact Refiners' Guild" and "Alchemists' Guild," hoping to find some high-level materials or pill recipes. Wei Zhangang, more interested in various magical artifacts, visited several famous artifact shops, lingering there.
Mu Xiaochuan, enjoying his leisure, wandered the city alone. He avoided the high-end places, instead exploring the alleys filled with the atmosphere of everyday life, browsing through unassuming general stores and antique shops. He wasn't really looking for treasures but wanted to experience the mundane world, so different from the Cultivation World.
These three days of leisure were like a rich wine, intoxicating. Mu Xiaochuan completely relaxed, temporarily casting aside the oppression of his past life and the caution of his current one, fully enjoying this hard-earned freedom and comfort. His Thrill Points steadily increased in this relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
On the morning of the fourth day.
Everyone gathered once again in the courtyard of the Purple Cloud Pavilion. After three days of rest and fun, each face was filled with satisfaction and relaxation, even the usually cold Leng Yunjian seemed to have softened a bit.
"Alright, everyone," Yun Wange said with a smile, looking at the refreshed group, "we've had enough fun these past few days. Today, let's head to the landmark commercial building of Qinglan County City—Wanbao Tower."
"Wanbao Tower!" Ye Lingxuan's eyes lit up, clearly filled with anticipation for this place.
Mu Xiaochuan's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
Qinglan County City, Wanbao Tower.
This towering nine-story building was not only a landmark of Qinglan County City but also a famous treasure trove and shopping paradise in the entire southeastern region of the Xiaoque Dynasty.
As Mu Xiaochuan and his companions arrived in front of Wanbao Tower, they were all struck by its magnificent presence. The tower, built from purple-gold nanmu, stood a hundred meters tall, with flying eaves and intricate brackets, exuding an extraordinary aura. The surface of the building shimmered with visible spiritual light, clearly protected by a powerful array. The grand doors were open, with a constant stream of people coming and going.
"Wow! This place is even more impressive than our sect's Scripture Repository!" Ye Lingxuan exclaimed in awe once again.
"Let's go in and take a look," Yun Wange said with a slight smile, leading the way inside.
As soon as they stepped into Wanbao Tower, a more intense and pure spiritual energy enveloped them, mixed with the unique fragrances of various rare materials, elixirs, and magical artifacts, making them feel refreshed and invigorated.
The spacious and bright first-floor hall had a white jade floor as smooth as a mirror, with radiant pearl chandeliers and grand murals on the walls, exuding endless luxury and splendor. Transparent crystal display cases were neatly arranged, showcasing a dazzling array of goods, from the lowest-level talismans and herbs to elixirs and magical artifacts commonly used by Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators. Uniformed attendants and managers moved gracefully among the crowd, providing attentive and detailed service to the guests.
Ye Lingxuan and Leng Yunjian were immediately drawn to the dazzling array of goods, especially the higher-level treasures said to be displayed on the upper floors. They exchanged a glance and eagerly headed towards the stairs. Wei Zhangang, more interested in the various weapons and magical artifacts on the first floor, stopped to examine them closely.
Yun Wange and Ren Tianlong, also uninterested in the ordinary items on the first floor, were more inclined to explore the upper floors for treasures or materials suitable for cultivators of their level.
Mu Xiaochuan, still in his leisurely manner, casually glanced over the various display cases.
Just then, a slightly grating voice from the jewelry section broke the previously quiet atmosphere of the hall.
"This hairpin suits your temperament perfectly, my lady!" a slick voice said.
Mu Xiaochuan looked over to see a crowd gathered in the jewelry section. In the center, a young man in a luxurious brocade robe stood out. His fair face was somewhat flamboyant, and he held a gold-embroidered folding fan, showering Leng Yunjian with flattery. Leng Yunjian seemed a bit impatient, wanting to leave, but the young man and his lackeys subtly blocked her path.
"My lady, I am Ouyang Fei from the Ouyang family of Qinglan County," the brocade-robed young man introduced himself with a thick-skinned smile when Leng Yunjian ignored him. "You have a discerning eye. This 'Ice Soul Cold Crystal Pendant' is a new arrival at Wanbao Tower, a top-grade Yellow Rank spiritual artifact, perfect for a lady with an ice attribute cultivation technique. How about this, consider this earring a small gift from me as a token of our meeting?"
Leng Yunjian glanced at him coldly, "No need, I'm not interested."
Though her words were true (having Mu Xiaochuan's support, who would care for Yellow Rank items), to Ouyang Fei, they were a blatant rejection and a slap in the face.
"Hmph! You don't know what's good for you!" Ouyang Fei's face darkened instantly, "My lady, I advise you to accept this young master's goodwill, or else..."
"Or else what?"