At this moment, the setting sun cast a golden glow, and the evening clouds blazed like fire, painting Yunqi Peak with a layer of magnificent color. The hustle and bustle on Lan Yun Terrace gradually faded away, as disciples left in small groups, still excitedly discussing the day's surprising events, with their conversations inevitably revolving around the mysterious and powerful Elder Mu.
Outside the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, the evening breeze gently rustled the bamboo leaves, whispering like lovers. Mu Xiaochuan, accompanied by Lin Yue, Su Yao, and the uninvited yet warmly welcomed Liu Ruyan, cheerfully walked into the courtyard.
Once inside, the four of them took their seats. Contrary to what one might expect, the atmosphere was not awkward but rather harmonious. Liu Ruyan, being an Inner Sect Elder and experienced, knew how to maintain the right balance. She showed no hostility or disdain towards Su Yao and Lin Yue, instead, she actively engaged them in conversation.
"Su Yao, my junior niece, although you were judged to have lost today due to being late, don't be discouraged," Liu Ruyan said gently, with the concern of an elder. "In fact, the main purpose of the sect's Outer Sect competition is not to select disciples for the 'Xiaoque Dynasty Dao Discourse Gathering.'"
Hearing this, Su Yao looked up curiously, and Lin Yue perked up her ears. Mu Xiaochuan also listened with interest, as he knew little about these sect secrets.
Liu Ruyan patiently explained, "The 'Xiaoque Dynasty Dao Discourse Gathering' is a grand event that gathers the top talents and strongest individuals of the entire dynasty. Traditionally, those representing our Qingling Sect, regardless of being from the Inner or Outer Sect, are only at the levels of Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Elixir. So, no matter what rank you achieve in the Outer Sect competition or the Outer Sect Elder competition, you are not qualified to participate directly."
"What? Then... what are we competing so hard for?" Su Yao felt a bit disheartened, thinking she had missed a great opportunity.
"Silly girl," Liu Ruyan chuckled lightly, "the sect certainly won't let your efforts go to waste. The Outer Sect competition is more like a motivational mechanism and a way to allocate resources. Firstly, it's to inspire all Outer Sect disciples to cultivate passionately, creating a competitive atmosphere and showing you the direction and goals of your efforts. Secondly, disciples who rank high in the competition will receive generous rewards, such as a large number of Spirit Stones, high-quality Qi-Gathering Pills, and even some basic Xuan-level cultivation techniques or Spiritual Artifacts, which will greatly benefit your future cultivation. Thirdly, those who perform exceptionally well might catch the eye of an Inner Sect Elder, be taken under their wing ahead of time, or directly gain the opportunity to be promoted to the Inner Sect. This is the true significance of the Outer Sect competition."
This explanation was like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling the gloom in Su Yao's heart. She suddenly realized, so that's how it is! Her disappointment vanished, replaced by a deeper gratitude and reliance on Mu Xiaochuan. She smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Elder Liu, for your guidance. I understand now!"
Mu Xiaochuan also understood. It turned out that the Outer Sect competition was just an "appetizer," and what truly determined the sect's resources and status was the competition among Inner Sect disciples and high-level elders, or even the Sect Master. In this light, his previous efforts to help Su Yao and Lin Yue secure a spot seemed not so "necessary" after all.
With the misunderstanding cleared, the atmosphere became even more harmonious. During dinner, the four of them sat around a table, and Liu Ruyan even lowered her status to serve dishes and offer drinks to Mu Xiaochuan along with Su Yao and Lin Yue, occasionally sharing some cultivation insights and giving the two women some tips.
Su Yao and Lin Yue, who were already in awe of this legendary first beauty elder of the Inner Sect, were even more flattered by her down-to-earth demeanor, quickly calling her "sister" affectionately, creating a lively scene with the three women.
After dinner, as night deepened, Liu Ruyan picked up a cup of spirit wine, her voice carrying a hint of lazy intoxication, "Senior brother, I had such a delightful conversation with the two junior nieces yesterday, it feels unfinished."
She cast a charming glance at Mu Xiaochuan and continued, "Tonight, I plan to stay here and continue guiding them on their cultivation issues, is that alright?"
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"That would be wonderful," Mu Xiaochuan shouted excitedly in his mind.
Su Yao and Lin Yue also nodded shyly!
Before the practical combat, Liu Ruyan patiently taught them many cultivation and combat techniques, encouraging them to integrate practice with cultivation and apply it flexibly!
During tonight's practical combat, they even demonstrated various joint attack tactics, making Mu Xiaochuan, equipped with all sorts of gear, start to struggle, pondering whether to upgrade his equipment or break through a couple more levels.
"Ding, congratulations to the host for gaining excitement from high-intensity combat, earning 50 Thrill Points."
Mu Xiaochuan fell into a satisfied sleep with his Thrill Points.
"Boom—! Boom—! Boom—!!!"
The drumbeats, more urgent and deafening than yesterday, like a storm, once again startled the four from their slumber! These drumbeats signaled the official start of today's competition—the Inner Sect finals!
"Elder... Elder, wake up! It's the drumbeats! The Inner Sect finals have started!" Lin Yue was the first to react, hurriedly shaking Mu Xiaochuan.
"Inner Sect finals?" Mu Xiaochuan yawned, rubbed his eyes, still a bit drowsy, "Oh... if they've started, they've started... we're not participating today, so why rush? Let's keep sleeping, keep sleeping..."
With that, he turned over and continued to sleep soundly!
Liu Ruyan, Su Yao, and Lin Yue exchanged glances, feeling both amused and exasperated.
Liu Ruyan shook her head helplessly, looking at the equally sleepy-eyed, yawning Su Yao and Lin Yue beside her, she finally couldn't resist the overwhelming drowsiness, sighed, lay back down, and closed her eyes.
And so, on this crucial day, when the final rankings of Inner Sect disciples were to be decided, the four of them, in the Listening Bamboo Pavilion... collectively slept in!
They slept until the sun was high in the sky, nearly noon.
When the four finally felt refreshed, dressed, and washed, they leisurely made their way to Lan Yun Terrace, where the atmosphere in the square had already reached its peak. The Inner Sect finals were halfway through, and the spectacular battles had the audience thoroughly entertained.
Mu Xiaochuan and the others' late arrival once again drew countless gazes. However, this time, everyone seemed somewhat "accustomed" to Elder Mu's unconventional ways, with their eyes carrying a hint of "as expected" and "those who know, know."
Mu Xiaochuan found an empty seat, and Su Yao and Lin Yue quickly offered the prepared spirit fruits and tea. Liu Ruyan sat on his other side, composed, as if nothing had happened last night.
"What's the situation now?" Mu Xiaochuan casually asked a nearby Heaven Vault Pavilion disciple who was watching the competition.
A disciple nearby quickly answered respectfully, "Reporting to Elder Mu! Senior Brother Xiao Yunhe has already advanced smoothly, securing a spot! Senior Sister Lin Yushang was unlucky and lost to the Main Hall's top expert. Now... now on the arena is Senior Sister Leng Yunjian, facing off against the Elixir Hall's... Ye Lingxuan!"
Mu Xiaochuan immediately perked up, his gaze fixed on the most eye-catching arena in the center, "Oh? Leng Yunjian versus Ye Lingxuan?"