The morning sunlight bathed Yunqi Peak, casting a golden glow over the lush green forest. Mu Xiaochuan hummed a tune, feeling particularly cheerful.
After assigning the tasks, Mu Xiaochuan didn't return to his simple abode to cultivate as usual. Today, with his back straight and confidence radiating from his face, he decided to inspect the work of his disciples.
Having witnessed the earlier incident with Zhan Hongtao, the other three dared not slack off.
Li Dali diligently emptied trash bins, cleaning the sect's grounds thoroughly, his clothes soaked with sweat but without a word of complaint. Lin Banxian, using his knack for reading the room, picked up every piece of litter on the mountain, not even sparing the small scraps hidden in the crevices of rocks. Su Qianmeng, though timid and fearful, worked especially hard today, polishing the Yunqi Peak's main hall until it was spotless, the sunlight making it look even more majestic and solemn.
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Seeing their diligent efforts, Mu Xiaochuan was secretly pleased. He waved his hand encouragingly, "Not bad, not bad, everyone is working hard, keep it up!"
Time flew by, and with everyone's efforts, the tasks were completed smoothly. Mu Xiaochuan nodded in satisfaction, looking at the clean and tidy grounds, and dismissed the disciples before returning to his own quarters.
***
Mu Xiaochuan sat cross-legged on his bed. Taking a deep breath, he focused his mind, and the system interface appeared in his mind. Seeing the 90 Thrill Points, he silently commanded, "System, enhance my cultivation!"
"Ding, 20 Thrill Points consumed, advancing to Qi Refining Stage Six."
In an instant, a powerful force surged through his body like a tide, accompanied by abundant spiritual qi, causing his meridians to tremble slightly as if cheering for the arrival of new power. Mu Xiaochuan felt his body enveloped in a warm aura, every cell greedily absorbing the spiritual qi. His body was visibly nourished, his previously weak vitality quickly restored, rejuvenating him.
With the advancement in cultivation, he felt his lifespan increase by five years. Though not long for a cultivator, these five years gave him more hope. Moreover, the wrinkles on his face gradually disappeared, his skin becoming firm and radiant, as if time had reversed, restoring his youth.
"Qi Refining Stage Six!" Mu Xiaochuan slowly opened his eyes, excitement gleaming in them.
According to the Qingling Sect's rules, disciples reaching Qi Refining Stage Six could move to the Inner Sect for cultivation, enjoying better resources and no longer needing to perform sect chores. However, Mu Xiaochuan had no desire to seclude himself in the Inner Sect. He preferred his current carefree life, and with the system at his disposal, as long as he kept earning Thrill Points, advancing his cultivation was no problem.
"Heh, Zhan Hongtao, your day has come!" Mu Xiaochuan leaned against the bedhead, recalling Zhan Hongtao's dejected look after being reprimanded this morning, a smile tugging at his lips, feeling a wave of satisfaction.
Suddenly, he remembered Zhan Hongtao's so-called backing, and Huang Zitang's image surfaced in his mind. Huang Zitang was merely a distant relative of Zhan Hongtao, now an Inner Sect disciple at Qi Refining Stage Seven.
Unexpectedly, after advancing to Qi Refining Stage Four, he began to look down on Mu Xiaochuan. Whenever Mu Xiaochuan cautiously inquired about spirit stones, he would scoff, mocking him for being 'too petty.' After entering the Inner Sect, he completely ignored Mu Xiaochuan, occasionally calling him "Little Mu," while Mu Xiaochuan had to smile and address him as "Senior Brother Huang."
Thinking of these things made Mu Xiaochuan increasingly angry. He jumped up from the bed, eyes blazing with fury. "Thirty spirit stones may not be much, but it's my hard-earned money! With the system in hand, today I'll make him return those 30 spirit stones!!"
Mu Xiaochuan leaped off the bed and strode towards the Inner Sect.
He was responsible for cleaning the Inner Sect, familiar with its environment, and naturally knew where Huang Zitang lived.
***
Upon arrival, he looked around and soon spotted Huang Zitang.
At that moment, Huang Zitang was sitting with several Inner Sect disciples, chatting away. He was animatedly boasting about his cultivation experiences and acts of generosity, even mentioning his impending breakthrough to Qi Refining Stage Eight, drawing gasps of admiration from the surrounding disciples.
"Haha, Senior Brother Huang is amazing, reaching Qi Refining Stage Eight at such a young age. In a few years, you'll surely be one of our elders!"
"Of course, Senior Brother Huang is one of the best among us Inner Sect disciples, sure to succeed in Foundation Establishment!"
"Senior Brother Huang, with your chivalry, you must have supported many cultivators, right?"
Seeing Huang Zitang's smug expression, Mu Xiaochuan took a deep breath, calming his emotions, and then walked straight towards Huang Zitang. The surrounding disciples looked on curiously as Mu Xiaochuan approached.
Standing before Huang Zitang, Mu Xiaochuan smiled provocatively, "Little Huang, it's time to repay the 30 spirit stones you owe me."
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan