Return Ten Thousand Times, I Became a Dog Licker in My Final Days

Chapter 3: I’m Not Dead Yet, Why Are You Crying?:

“Alas, Elder Xu is so revered, kind, and righteous. Why did he have to fail the Thunder Tribulation? It’s so unfair!”

“I heard Elder Xu only has a year left to live. He fell to the 1st stage Foundation Establishment Realm. What a tragedy… Elder Xu, your life has been so pitiful!”

Several outer disciples, walking along the mountain path, almost wept as they spoke.

Over the past thousand years, Xu Xiao had garnered immense respect within the Misty Sect. He was deeply admired by disciples, far more than even his junior sister, Dugu Ling.

Elder Xu’s demeanor exuded wisdom and grace, making him a figure of great reverence.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Elder Xu isn’t dead yet!”

“Even a year of life is still life! In his final days, I’ve decided to make a breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment Realm and show Elder Xu my determination!”

“Tch… You’re just a Qi Training Realm outer disciple. Do you really think Elder Xu will be impressed? You’re overthinking it…”

As the disciples climbed the mountain path, their eyes fell on Xu Xiao’s elegant courtyard in the distance. Their admiration for him only grew.

“Elder Xu is truly a role model for the Misty Sect!”

…

Xu Xiao returned to his small courtyard and settled on the bed, sitting cross-legged. The courtyard, nestled amidst lush green trees and scattered leaves, was a tranquil retreat in the outer mountains. Dugu Ling had personally overseen its construction, selecting a location abundant in spiritual energy and conveniently near the mountain path leading to the outer gate hall.

Seated in the quiet room, Xu Xiao retrieved the Blazing Flame Sword from his system’s space library. The magical sword radiated fiery red light, its aura both majestic and awe-inspiring.

The sword was three and a half feet long, with a hilt crafted from translucent red jade and a blade forged from sacred dark red iron. Its aura shimmered subtly, hinting at immense power.

“This is leagues beyond any Law Weapon I’ve ever owned,” Xu Xiao muttered with delight, examining the weapon.

The system had already refined the sword for him, forging an unbreakable bond between them. With just a thought, the Blazing Flame Sword floated effortlessly in the air.

He willed the sword to move, and it shot out of the window like a blazing meteor. Ascending into the sky, it swiftly descended, slicing through several towering ancient trees with ease before returning to hover gracefully in front of him.

“Incredible,” Xu Xiao whispered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

At his peak, as a 9th stage Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, his strongest weapon had been a High-Grade Law Weapon. Yet, even now, at the 1st stage Foundation Establishment Realm, the Blazing Flame Sword granted him the attack power of the Nascent Soul realm.

“Few Foundation Establishment cultivators could even dream of wielding a weapon like this,” he mused, recalling the system’s invaluable assistance in refining the sword.

Still, he resolved to keep the sword hidden for now. A weapon of such immense power was better kept secret, a trump card for self-defense.

Next, he turned his attention to the Longevity Pill gifted by Ji Xue. After a brief pause, he swallowed it in one gulp.

The system promptly responded:

[Congratulations to the host for increasing lifespan by fifty years and unlocking the character panel.]

The panel displayed the following:
[Name: Xu Xiao]
[Age: 1008 years old]
[Realm: 1st stage Foundation Establishment Realm]
[Special Physique: None]
[Remaining Lifespan: 51 years]

“So, there’s a character panel too,” Xu Xiao remarked, glancing at the simple display.

Almost immediately, he felt changes within his body. The vitality that had waned over the years returned, revitalizing his internal organs. His senses sharpened, and his once-stiff movements regained flexibility.

Rising from the bed, Xu Xiao walked back and forth in the room. His appearance hadn’t changed much, but his demeanor was markedly different.

Standing tall and straight, he walked with newfound vigor.

“Not bad,” he said, stroking his goatee in satisfaction. “The Longevity Pill worked wonders.”

Though his hair remained white and his face wrinkled, his vitality now rivaled that of a young man. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, this newfound health was a blessing.

“Now, how should I use these one hundred High-Grade spirit stones?” he pondered. While finding a “girl of luck” for gifting was tempting, acquiring cultivation resources took priority.

“It would be ridiculous to hand out spirit stones randomly,” he thought. “People might think I’m trying to support them… That wouldn’t end well.”

Resolving to make strategic purchases, Xu Xiao took out a yellow communication talisman. Channeling a spell into it, he said, “Lu Danian, it’s me, Master Xu. Come to my house when you’re free. I need your help to go down the mountain and buy some supplies.”

The talisman quickly glowed with an urgent response. “Yes, Master Xu! I’ll be there immediately!”

Moments later, a tall, burly middle-aged man flew into the courtyard on his sword. Bowing respectfully, he announced, “Disciple Lu Danian pays his respects to Master Xu!”

Xu Xiao stepped outside, smiling warmly at the man. Lu Danian, Dugu Ling’s apprentice, currently served as the outer sect’s law enforcement elder. Despite being Dugu Ling’s disciple, Lu Danian owed much of his training to Xu Xiao.

“Great year,” Xu Xiao said with a smile, “your uncle here is only at the Foundation Establishment Realm  now. I can’t fly on a sword anymore, so I’ll need you to take me.”

Hearing this, Lu Danian’s eyes reddened, and tears streamed down his face.

“Uncle, don’t worry!” he cried, kneeling before Xu Xiao and clutching his legs. “As long as I’m here, I’ll take you wherever you wish to go! I’ll serve you for the rest of my life!”

Moved by his uncle’s plight, Lu Danian wept like a child.

Xu Xiao, startled, exclaimed, “What are you doing? I’m not dead yet! Why are you crying like this?”