This was a huge step forward for him.

After that night, Zi Xi began to avoid Mu Yuan.

The main problem is that my mind is in turmoil.

Zi Xi felt she needed time and space to sort out Mu Yuan's blunt words on her own.

She recalled all the moments she had spent with Mu Yuan.

So, is her gratitude towards Mu Yuan due to his saving her life?

She still has feelings for Mu Yuan.

Mu Yuan was extremely perceptive and immediately noticed her attempt to evade him.

At first, he felt a little uneasy and flustered, afraid that he had pushed her too hard and scared her away.

But he quickly calmed down.

He knew Little Ice; she wasn't the type to act on impulse. Her avoidance showed that she was seriously considering his words and their relationship.

We can't pressure her.

Mu Yuan immediately changed his strategy.

He suppressed all outward emotions and probing, reverting to his gentle and courteous friend persona.

He is waiting.

Once his little ice cube figures it out on its own, he'll have plenty of time to slowly wear her down.

Decades passed in the blink of an eye, and Hidden Peak ushered in a momentous event that shook the entire sect.

After being in seclusion for thirty years, Master Yunyan unexpectedly faced the tribulation of ascension in the forbidden area behind Hidden Peak one day!

Although Master Yunyan was a lazy bum, he began to diligently cultivate in seclusion after the incident with the demonic cultivators, and his cultivation foundation became unexpectedly profound and solid.

The heavenly tribulation was massive, but ultimately ended without serious harm.

Amidst the radiant glow and celestial music, True Man Yunyan successfully broke through the void and ascended to the Immortal Realm!

As he was about to leave, his gaze pierced through the void and landed on Zi Xi, who was at the head of the crowd below, with a look of relief and satisfaction in his eyes.

“My disciple, the future of Hidden Peak rests on your shoulders. Treat those around you well as well.”

His voice, gentle yet clear, reached Zi Xi's ears.

The last few words carried a hint of meaningful teasing, and his gaze seemed to glance at Mu Yuan, who had also come to witness the ceremony not far away.

As soon as he finished speaking, the immortal light faded, and True Person Yunyan disappeared, leaving behind only a pure intention of inheritance and a wisp of blessing to protect the sect, which merged into the spiritual veins of the Tianyan Sect.

The news of Yunyan Zhenren's ascension has once again thrust the Hidden Peak of the Tianyan Sect into the spotlight.

As a sect capable of nurturing immortals and being the number one sect, the Tianyan Sect's disciple recruitment ceremony was exceptionally lively.

The main hall of the Tianyan Sect.

Looking at his disciple, whose demeanor was even more impressive than before but whose mind was clearly no longer on the present, Sect Leader Yuhengzi felt a mixture of relief and reluctance, but more than anything, a secret joy at finally being able to unload his burden.

“Yuan’er, now that the sect is stable, I am getting old and wish to follow your example and go into seclusion to pursue the Great Dao and seek the opportunity to ascend.”

"It is time to formally pass on the position of Sect Master of the Heavenly Evolution Sect to you."

He cleared his throat and adopted the most serious expression.

Several core elders in the hall echoed this sentiment, agreeing that Mu Yuan was the only suitable candidate.

Everyone thought that Mu Yuan would, as always, verbally decline but would ultimately accept one of the highest powers in the cultivation world.

However, Mu Yuan simply listened calmly, and then, to everyone's surprise, slowly but firmly shook his head.

He bowed deeply to Yu Hengzi, and when he raised his head, his face no longer held its usual gentle smile, but rather a genuine expression of apology.

"I am deeply grateful for the Master's kindness and the elders' high regard for me."

“But my ambition lies elsewhere. The Tianyan Sect has produced many capable individuals. We should choose another wise and virtuous person to inherit the mantle, which would be a blessing for the sect.”

His voice was clear and steady.

"You... what did you say? Yuan'er, do you know what you're saying? This is the position of Sect Master of the Heavenly Evolution Sect!"

Yu Hengzi was stunned; this time it didn't seem like he was faking it.