He began his journey to becoming a true immortal by causing others to fail their tribulations.

Before Xun Yan could react, the middle-aged man had already patted Xun Yan's shoulder.

"Hahaha! Hello, young friend Xun, thank you for helping Rou'er activate her physique."

Although the middle-aged man didn't hit with force, it's easy to tell from his speed and momentum that he has definitely reached the Golden Core realm.

Although this is only the outer sect area, it is still the territory of the Misty Sect.

The fact that this middle-aged man was able to get here proves that he did not force his way in.

Furthermore, since Mu Qingrou next to him showed no signs of being held hostage, Xun Yan was certain that the middle-aged man was a friend, not an enemy.

Moreover, the Golden Core Realm is a huge mountain for him now, but in front of the Peak Master, it is just a slightly larger ant.

Given how much Peak Masters Jiang and Qin valued Mu Qingrou, how could a mere Golden Core cultivator possibly take her away so easily?

After performing a junior's greeting, Xun Yan asked, "Senior, may I ask how to address you?"

The middle-aged man gently patted his forehead and said:

"Hi! My bad, I got so excited I forgot to introduce myself. I am Rou'er's uncle, Mu Qingfeng, and also an inner disciple of the Misty Sect."

Everyone calls me Master Qingmu. You've been kind to Rou'er, so you can call me Uncle, just like Rou'er does.

After listening to Mu Qingfeng's self-introduction, Xun Yan wasn't too surprised. Instead, he realized something:

"No wonder Mu Qingrou was able to unleash a powerful lightning-summoning talisman; it seems it was a trump card given to her by Mu Qingfeng."

Xun Yan wasn't too opposed to Mu Qingfeng's enthusiasm and suggestions.

Both he and the original owner were orphans, living in isolation.

Calling a cultivator at the Golden Core stage "uncle" might actually be a profitable move for me.

So he spoke calmly, "Uncle Mu, hello."

"Haha! Alright. It's our first meeting, and as an elder, I naturally can't leave without showing any appreciation."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Qingfeng took out a soft armor and stuffed it into Xun Yan's hand.

"This is a high-grade magic artifact, a golden silk soft armor. Under extreme conditions, it can withstand a full-force attack from an early Foundation Establishment cultivator, but it will lose its defensive capabilities afterward."

However, as long as it wasn't damaged, with some time and proper care, it can recover to its peak condition.

Xun Yan was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and said, "Isn't this... a bit too valuable?"

Mu Qingfeng laughed heartily:

"Compared to activating Rou'er's physique, this golden silk soft armor is nothing. Alright, Rou'er has a few words to say to you, and then I will take her to Yaochi Peak."

Upon hearing Mu Qingfeng's words, Xun Yan knew that Mu Qingrou had ultimately chosen to become Jiang Fengzhu's disciple.

"As the personal disciple of the Peak Master, he holds a considerable status within the Misty Sect, while I am merely an ordinary outer disciple."

Did Peak Master Jiang send Mu Qingrou to distance herself from me? Or is he trying to make me realize my own limitations and stop taking advantage of my kindness?

"Fine, I've already gotten my reward from Mu Qingrou, so it's okay if we don't bother each other anymore."

While Xun Yan was pondering this, Mu Qingrou had already arrived in front of him.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she said, "Senior Brother Xun Yan, thank you. If it weren't for you, I definitely wouldn't be receiving the treatment I have now."

"It's mainly because you have a good constitution and you managed to hold on on your own. I just gave you a little push," Xun Yan said.

Mu Qingrou shook her head and said:

"Senior Brother Xun Yan, Master has already told me that if you hadn't intervened in time..."

"My constitution might never be activated in this lifetime. You've essentially given me a second life, and even more importantly, you've allowed me to embark on a much broader path of cultivation."

Seeing that Mu Qingrou was still sincere towards him, and full of gratitude.

Xun Yan smiled and said, "I am not arrogant because I have gained power."

"It's just a small favor, but although you've activated the Azure Phoenix's spirit body, the road ahead will only be smoother."

If you become lost and stagnant because of this, you'll waste such a good physique, and your master probably won't let you off easily.

Mu Qingrou said earnestly, "Senior Brother Xun Yan, I will remember what you said today."

"Hmm. By the way, you've chosen to become Master Jiang's disciple?" Xun Yan asked.

"Yes. Although Peak Master Qin is very strong and treats me very well, I still feel that following my master is more suitable."

"I also wanted to come and discuss this with you, but then I thought about it and realized it might cause you trouble, so I made the decision myself," Mu Qingrou said.

"Okay. Good luck and have a safe journey," Xun Yan said.

"Senior Brother Xun Yan, you too."

Mu Qingrou looked at Xun Yan, her small hand gently twirling the end of her hair. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Mu Qingfeng spoke first:

"Alright, it's almost time, Rou'er. I'll take you to Yaochi Peak."

"Oh... okay, Uncle," Mu Qingrou replied obediently.

Mu Qingfeng summoned two flying swords. As a Golden Core cultivator, he had more than enough time to carry one more person while flying on his swords.

After Mu Qingrou stepped onto the flying sword, she suddenly said, "Senior Brother Xun Yan, I will come to discuss the Dao with you again after I have mastered my skills."

"Okay. You're welcome anytime," Xun Yan said with a smile.

Mu Qingfeng then said, "Nephew, I will take care of the formation of the Hehuan Sect in Qingcao Village on the way, so you don't need to worry."

As soon as he finished speaking, he and Mu Qingrou transformed into a streak of light and left.

In the blink of an eye, the two disappeared from Xun Yan's sight.

Looking in the direction the two had left, Xun Yan activated his system map.

Just as the light representing Mu Qingrou was about to leave the outer gate area, he promptly opened the message:

[Target: Mu Qingrou (Azure Phoenix Spirit Body - Activated)]

[Introduction: Although she failed to transcend the tribulation, Mu Qingrou successfully activated the Azure Phoenix Spirit Body, greatly increasing her cultivation speed and efficiency.]

[Conservatively speaking, she will be able to attempt the tribulation again soon, and the probability of success will be greatly increased.]

[However, as Mu Qingrou is a direct disciple of the Peak Master, she will definitely have someone protecting her during her tribulation. It will be extremely difficult to disrupt her tribulation. Please act according to your capabilities.]

[Note 1: The highest reward is only given when the tribulation of a single target is disrupted for the first time.]

Even as the target level increases, the rewards will gradually decrease.

[Note 2: If the target's cultivation level is lower than the host's, the rewards the host receives will be reduced accordingly.]

"It seems the system recommends that I cast a wide net and target more unscrupulous people, rather than focusing on one particular victim."

And they don't let me associate with people of low moral character. Well, otherwise, once I cultivate to a certain level...

"If you keep sabotaging someone at a lower cultivation level during their tribulation, you'll just drain the system dry."

Withdrawing his gaze, Xun Yan turned and headed towards the mission hall.

On the way, he saw a large number of people gathered in the Transmission of Skills Square.

He stopped a passing outer disciple and asked, "Junior brother, is there anything I can help you with?"

After recognizing Xun Yan, the outer disciple said respectfully:

"Senior Brother Xun, every so often, an elder who transmits the Dao will come to impart knowledge and answer your questions."

However, sometimes the elders who transmit skills are unable to attend to other matters, and in those cases, Senior Brother Han will take their place.

Upon hearing this, Xun Yan asked again, "Senior Brother Han? Is it Senior Brother Han Xi?"

"Exactly."