"No matter who makes the final bid, I’ll outbid them by a hundred pieces."

The seemingly casual words were like a stone thrown into an already turbulent lake, stirring the undercurrents beneath the surface.

"It’s him! No, it can’t be him! I must be mistaken!"

Qin Yiyao’s body stiffened, her beautiful face filled with shock.

At this moment, she forgot her surroundings, forgot the people she hadn’t yet killed, forgot the many life-and-death encounters she’d faced. She forgot the pain she had experienced... In front of her, and in her mind, remained only that flamboyant figure in red.

On that incredibly handsome face, there seemed to always be a defiant smile.

Qin Yiyao couldn’t believe her ears, that person shouldn’t appear here. But this voice, she had long since ingrained it into her soul, how could she hear it wrong? 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Qin Yiyao seemed to hear the anger hidden in that nonchalant tone.

He’s angry! He’s angry!

Qin Yiyao painfully closed her eyes. Leaning against the golden cage, she finally had a reaction. She wanted to escape from here, she dared not face that person, didn’t want him to see her pathetic state.

Once, she had imagined countless reunions, where she could calmly tell him she was fine. But now? No wonder he’s angry.

Qin Yiyao’s body began to tremble, she dared not look at the shadow-cast audience seats, she just slowly retracted her legs, tightly hugging her knees, allowing her hair to cover her face and line of sight.

As if, by doing so, she could protect herself, placing herself in a corner where no one could see her.

On the auction stage, amidst the interplay of light and shadow, Qin Yiyao’s every slight movement and expression were completely captured by Mu Qingge’s eyes.

Seeing her reaction, Mu Qingge knew she had recognized her voice.

However, Qin Yiyao’s panic and evasion stirred a hint of anger in Mu Qingge’s heart. Did she really not want to see her so much?

But soon, Mu Qingge also let it go.

After all, she was still the enemy who had killed Qin Yiyao’s parents and brothers, what kind of attitude should she expect her to face herself with?

The anger in Mu Qingge’s heart subsided a bit, but her eyes still focused on Qin Yiyao in the golden cage.

The scrutinizing, examining gazes around her fell on her, but she was completely unaware.

The auction venue quieted down.

Initially shocked by Mu Qingge’s words, but later because they didn’t know how to bid.

Mu Qingge’s bold words were like a direct punch to the Five Great Families, catching them off guard and unable to retaliate.

How could they?

She had already said, no matter who bids, she would add a hundred pieces more. What meaning did it have for them to continue bidding?

"Sir, you shouldn’t speak so big. You just spent four hundred and twenty Spirit Stones. Are you sure you have enough Spirit Stones left?" A voice with a hint of coldness came from the Wan Family.

Jiang Tianyi immediately echoed, "That’s right, since you’re so bold, I bid fi... three thousand! Dare you add more?" He originally wanted to shout five thousand low-level Spirit Stones, but that was beyond his limit, and what if he was tricked? To be safe, he changed his bid mid-sentence.

Mu Qingge silently sneered and said slowly, "Whether I have enough Spirit Stones is not for you two to worry about. Everyone else should weigh if what they have in their pockets is enough. Who reminded me just now, didn’t they say this place doesn’t accept credit?"

This sentence caused the faces of the four families, except for Sheng Yuli, to darken.

They could consider the woman in the golden cage as a prize before the prestigious tournament, a preliminary contest, but that didn’t mean their families would allow them to act recklessly, spending so many Spirit Stones to buy a woman home!

Three thousand low-level Spirit Stones were already enough for a family disciple’s three years of cultivation expenses. As family elite disciples, the Spirit Stones they received each month were only five hundred.

For a playboy like Jiang Tianyi, five thousand Spirit Stones in his personal stash was already his limit.

Spending his entire fortune to buy a woman, especially one who had killed his own family? He really couldn’t bear it!

"What? Does what I said not count?" In the quiet auction hall, Mu Qingge looked at the White Ghost Mask on the auction stage.

The White Ghost Mask hesitated, seemingly encountering such a situation for the first time. He quickly steadied himself and confirmed with Mu Qingge again: "Customer, are you saying no matter how much others bid, you’ll outbid their final price by a hundred low-level Spirit Stones?"

"That’s right." Mu Qingge answered crisply.

It seemed as if what was being offered were not spirit stones, but merely some stones that could easily be picked up off the ground.

Upon hearing this confident voice, Qin Yiyao curled up even tighter, her posture full of helplessness and unease.

"Guest, this is not a place for jokes," the White Ghost Mask reminded.

Mu Qingge replied calmly, "Do you think I’m joking?"

The White Ghost Mask was silent for a moment, his attitude speaking volumes.

’What’s wrong with Sister Yiyao?’ Sheng Susu noticed Qin Yiyao’s abnormality. The Yiyao she knew was always calm and wise; even in deep trouble, she remained composed. But now, she seemed as helpless as a child.

As if, in this moment, she had shed all her disguises and her strength, revealing only her most genuine self.

Worried and puzzled, Sheng Susu glanced at her, while beside her, Sheng Yuli felt a pang seeing Qin Yiyao like this. This woman had captured his full attention from the moment she appeared.

At that moment, seeing her in such a state, he was pained and wanted so much to rush over, rescue her, hold her in his arms, gently comfort her, dispel her helplessness, and become her support.

Such feelings, he had never felt in over twenty years. He feared they would never surface again!

However, there was a huge obstacle in his way if he intended to rescue her.

Sheng Yuli turned to Mu Qingge, speaking sincerely, "Young Master, this lady has done me a favor, I beg you to make things easy." Mu Qingge’s actions earlier made him think she was someone reasonable, as long as he expressed his stance, she should withdraw from bidding.

After all, up until now, Mu Qingge’s display was only that of a reckless ’spendthrift’ squandering ’wealth.’

In Sheng Yuli’s expectations, Mu Qingge should give him some face.

But to his surprise, Mu Qingge merely cast a cool glance at him, saying coldly, "Sorry, I am determined to have her."

Having said that, she stood up, walked leisurely down from the guests’ seats, and amidst the watchful and surprised gazes, stepped onto the circular auction stage.

"What is he doing?"

"Who knows?"

"Is he planning to just snatch her directly?"

The White Ghost Mask was startled, raising his hand with a wave, and those black-clad Ghost Servants rushed out, surrounding the auction stage, gazes vigilant as they looked at Mu Qingge on stage.

Yet Mu Qingge ignored their vigilance and tension, and one step at a time, slowly approached the golden cage.

A beam of light hit her, as if coating her in a layer of golden luminescence. Her red clothes became even more vivid like blood, making her aura colder and more intimidating.

Her shadow fell on the golden cage, enveloping Qin Yiyao within.

The familiar scent suddenly appeared before her, but Qin Yiyao dared not face it, only burying her head lower, even hoping to shut off her senses, preventing herself from overthinking.

"Guest..." the White Ghost Mask struggled to speak.

Mu Qingge suddenly raised her left hand, palm facing down.

In an instant, countless spirit stones cascaded from her palm, crackling as they fell across the auction stage. Those stones, rich with spiritual energy, piled up quickly into a small mountain under the astonished gaze of the White Ghost Mask and everyone around.

Spirit stones fell like rain, spreading across the entire auction stage, their number surely exceeding three thousand!

This spectacle stunned everyone in the room, even Jiang Tianyi, the famously debauched son from Yu Shui City, was taken aback. Unaware, their momentum before Mu Qingge weakened significantly.

The spirit stones continued to fall, with no sign of stopping, causing everyone to wonder in amazement, ’How many spirit stones does he really have?’

In fact, this question was something even Mu Qingge didn’t know.

Because, what she had the most of were not these low-level spirit stones, nor intermediate ones, or advanced spirit stones, but top-grade spirit stones! Besides, upon leaving Haiyu City, she took away her half of the spirit stone mine.

’So cool!’ Sheng Susu was taken aback as she watched Mu Qingge on the stage, her eyes filled with uncontrollable admiration.

But then she thought of Qin Yiyao, anxious and shook Sheng Yuli’s hand.

Sheng Yuli understood his sister’s intention, but what could he do now? In terms of wealth, he truly couldn’t compete! Not just him, but haven’t the other families, even that hedonist Jiang Tianyi, all given up?

He shook his head at his sister with a bitter smile, yet made up his mind. After leaving here, he must track down this red-clad young master’s whereabouts and, regardless of the cost, redeem the lady who had done his sister a favor and touched his heart.

When the spirit stones filled up over half the auction stage, Mu Qingge finally stopped.

Her hands clasped behind her back, she coldly said, "Is that enough?"

The three words snapped White Ghost Mask back to reality. He nodded, stunned, "Enough, enough..." The spirit stones before him totaled nearly ten thousand, how could it not be enough?

This blunt and direct action shattered Jiang Tianyi’s scheme to outmaneuver Mu Qingge.

He dared not bid any further.

Because he feared Mu Qingge might suddenly change her mind, leaving him to bear the loss.

The others felt the same; though eager to trouble Mu Qingge and inflate the price, they feared that she might suddenly withdraw from the bidding, leaving them to regret their high bids and suffer the consequences.

Caught in a dilemma, they could only remain silent.

"If it’s enough, open the cage," Mu Qingge said calmly.

White Ghost Mask hesitated for a moment, then hastily called the Ghost Servants.

The Ghost Servants opened the cage, just about to drag Qin Yiyao out when Mu Qingge suddenly said, "Let her come out herself."

The Ghost Servant froze, standing still.

Come out herself!

Qin Yiyao felt as if struck by lightning, facing the scene she least wanted to witness.

She didn’t move.

However, Mu Qingge’s voice shadowed her, "Are you planning to make me drag you out myself?"

The question, devoid of discernible emotion, shattered all of Qin Yiyao’s defenses. Her body responded faster than her mind, obeying Mu Qingge’s words, exiting the golden cage, and standing before her.

In the guest seats, Xie Ya’s bright eyes held a touch of confusion.

At this moment, she seemed to sense that the Young Master knew this woman, and the woman knew the Young Master too. What kind of entanglement had been between them to make the Young Master so concerned?

"Lift your head," came the commanding tone again.

This time, Qin Yiyao sensed a clearer feeling of familiarity, along with Mu Qingge’s aura.

She wanted to resist but found her body involuntarily lifting her head, looking at the person before her.

What met her gaze was a crimson brocade.

Yet, the longed-for face was obscured by an ugly, hideous mask.

However, Qin Yiyao inexplicably felt relieved, as if the mask meant they had not truly met.

This self-deception stirred ambiguous bitterness within her, leaving her unsure of what to do.

Mu Qingge looked at Qin Yiyao, noting how she had grown more beautiful, her aura of isolation even more pronounced. No longer did her brows carry the melancholy of a palace princess, replaced by the calmness forged through life and death trials.

Yet, a trace of panic underpinned that calmness.

She feared seeing me!

Mu Qingge suddenly realized this.

With a sigh in her heart, Mu Qingge extended her right hand.

Qin Yiyao’s gaze fell upon the outstretched right hand, the finger cover so familiar.

It’s her! It’s truly her!

This isn’t a dream!

Qin Yiyao lifted her head, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears that spilled down her cheeks.

At that moment, she could no longer control her body; endless longing surged over her, sweeping her away, drowning her reason.

She did not take Mu Qingge’s hand but, crying, threw herself into her arms, embracing Mu Qingge tightly.

Mu Qingge, surprised, remembered that Qin Yiyao had never been this out of control before.

She flung herself into Mu Qingge’s embrace, holding her tightly with all her strength.

This embrace made Mu Qingge feel Qin Yiyao’s fragility beneath her strength, understanding her current release. She also felt her suppressed tears.

’I covet this embrace; if it could let me die in these arms, would it be alright?’ Qin Yiyao let go of everything, holding tightly to Mu Qingge, embracing the person she had yearned for countless days and nights.

She envied Lianlian, she was jealous of Lianlian, she wished that night amidst the bloodshed, she could die in Mu Qingge’s arms, be the one buried as his wife.

She was once his fiancée!

But alas, fate played its cruel joke...

What’s going on? What kind of scene is this?

The touching scene of two embracing left everyone around stunned.

Previously, it was all about lavishly spending; why had the mood shifted to deep affectionate embraces, the reunion of lovers?

Sheng Susu blankly stared at the two on the auction stage, unable to wrap her mind around it. Sheng Yuli watched Qin Yiyao throw herself into Mu Qingge’s arms, eyes tinged with slight disappointment.

’Turns out they’ve known each other all along.’

At this moment, he suddenly understood what Mu Qingge meant by ’determined to win.’

’Turns out they’re on the same side!’ Jiang Tianyi glared at Mu Qingge and Qin Yiyao, his gaze turning sinister and vicious.

"That girl surely loves the Young Master dearly," Xie Ya murmured. For some reason, seeing Mu Qingge embraced so tightly by another woman without pushing her away, stirred a slight twinge of jealousy.

Hearing her soft whisper, Mo Yang turned to her.

Feeling Mo Yang’s gaze, Xie Ya seriously said, "People’s eyes don’t lie."

She saw the yearning, pain, and conflict in Qin Yiyao’s eyes.

"..." Mo Yang silently withdrew his gaze, yet sighed inwardly: ’If that’s the case, why haven’t you seen from the Young Master’s eyes that it’s not him, but her?’

Mo Yang chuckled to himself, a mix of disappointment and pride surging through him.

His Lord, whether man or woman, seemed to draw suitors so easily—he owed more romantic debts than even she could count.

Following Mu Qingge’s side, Mo Yang naturally saw it clearly.

Mu Qingge never actively hinted or incited anything... yet she inherently possessed a charm that drew men and women alike to passionately fall in love, heedless of regret.

Am I not one of them?

"I’ll take you away." Mu Qingge gently patted Qin Yiyao’s back, whispering by her ear.

Qin Yiyao’s body jolted, stiffening.

She didn’t know whether to refuse or agree.

Clearly they had vowed to stay unentangled, so why had fate pulled them together again?

Noticing Qin Yiyao’s sudden rigidity, Mu Qingge said in a deep voice, "Everything can be discussed once we leave here."

This statement jolted her back to reality, obedient to Mu Qingge’s words, she nodded her head.

Soothed by Mu Qingge, Qin Yiyao allowed herself to be led away.

Then, the Ghost Servants approached with neck restraints and bracelets, only to retreat under Mu Qingge’s fierce gaze.

Under the watchful eyes, Mu Qingge led Qin Yiyao to the guest seats. Passing the Sheng Family seats, Qin Yiyao turned to look at Sheng Susu, her gaze finding concern through the mask. Qin Yiyao offered a barely discernible smile, shaking her head, assuring her she was fine.

Unknowingly, that slight smile left Sheng Yuli beside Sheng Susu in a daze, lost in thought.

As Qin Yiyao followed Mu Qingge to her seat, Mo Yang and two Dragon Tooth Guards nodded and cupped their fists respectfully.

Such deference was something Xie Ya hadn’t seen from the Dragon Tooth Guards before.

It can be said that the impression the Dragon Tooth Guards gave her was one of arrogance, as if no one but Dragon Teeth mattered. However, towards this woman, they showed courteous respect, enough to spark her curiosity about Qin Yiyao’s identity.

While Xie Ya was surprised, Qin Yiyao also noticed the woman wearing a ghostly mask.

Perhaps it was a woman’s intuition, but she could sense that beneath this mask lay a breathtaking face.

The woman who appeared beside Dragon Teeth caused a wave of disappointment in her heart. She didn’t know in what capacity she was now reappearing beside Dragon Teeth, nor who this masked woman was to Dragon Teeth.

As for Mo Yang and the others, she guessed Mo Yang’s identity from his build.

Being led by Dragon Teeth to sit down, Qin Yiyao felt warmth on her shoulder. When she looked up, she realized that Dragon Teeth had draped a cloak over her.

"Thank you." Qin Yiyao lowered her gaze, tightening the strings of the cloak with her hands.

Dragon Teeth looked at her, smiled subtly, and said, "Your makeup is all smeared."

Qin Yiyao was startled and hurriedly covered her cheeks with her hands, thinking to herself, ’I must look terribly disheveled and ugly right now.’

Her childlike demeanor caught Xie Ya’s attention, and those bright eyes seemed to ponder something.

Xie Ya sneaked a glance at Dragon Teeth and saw that those clear eyes held no affection, just a gentle warmth. Yet, even just a gentle gaze was enough to signify that this woman held a special place in his heart.

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s auction is now concluded." On the auction platform, the pile of spirit stones still glittered, and only after steadying himself did the White Ghost Mask announce loudly.

It’s over!?

Why do they still feel unsatisfied?

Tonight’s auction was truly spectacular!

Not only were the beauties splendid, but the bidding was thrilling! Especially the last one, the bold declaration, the piles of spirit stones, and the embrace on the auction stage were more captivating than any show!

The Ghost Servants went on stage to collect the spirit stones, while the guests gradually departed.

However, some people were not planning to leave yet.

For instance, the Sheng Family, and the Jiang Family.

Sheng Yuli brought Sheng Susu to Dragon Teeth’s seat, sneaking a glance at Qin Yiyao before speaking to Dragon Teeth, "We haven’t yet thanked you for your help, sir."

Saying that, he placed five intermediate spirit stones on Dragon Teeth’s table.

These spirit stones, exceeding Sheng Susu’s bid, were Sheng Yuli’s way of repaying Dragon Teeth for buying Sheng Susu earlier.

Dragon Teeth glanced at them and instructed Mo Yang, "Put them away."

Without a word, Mo Yang collected the spirit stones from the table.

As Sheng Yuli didn’t leave, Dragon Teeth curved his lips slightly and asked, "Do you still have unfinished business?"

Sheng Yuli replied, "Why not leave together?" As he spoke, his eyes shifted subtly towards Jiang Tianyi, who had yet to leave.

Dragon Teeth lowered his gaze playfully, "I’ve heard that the black market’s Spiritual Beast Car will only escort you to a certain extent. Beyond that, life or death is none of their concern."

Sheng Yuli nodded, "Indeed, there is such a rule."

"Aren’t you afraid of getting burned?" Dragon Teeth lifted his eyes, looking at him with interest.

Sheng Yuli responded nonchalantly, "A mere Jiang Tianyi isn’t much." Jiang Tianyi was just a second-generation heir of the Jiang Family. If the Young Master of the Jiang Family had come today, perhaps he would have been more cautious.

Dragon Teeth stood up, and Qin Yiyao followed his lead.

Sheng Susu curiously noticed that at this moment, Sister Yiyao seemed to have completely repressed her sharpness, willingly following behind this red-robed gentleman.

"In that case, I shall not refuse." Dragon Teeth did not decline.

The groups left the auction hall together, and just as their figures were about to vanish, Jiang Tianyi stood up and said to his subordinates, "Humph, let’s go."

"Young Master, we..." his subordinate inquired in a low voice.

Jiang Tianyi sneered and said to his subordinates, "Didn’t you see that girl who tried to assassinate the Lord has appeared? Notify my brother!"

Understanding dawned in his subordinate’s eyes, and they immediately said, "Understood."

...

Returning to the entrance hall, Sheng Yuli removed the mask from his face, revealing a handsome, star-like face. His features had a stern, rugged charm yet were exquisitely delicate, belonging to the kind of handsome man who became more appealing the longer you looked.

Especially his sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, which seemed to emit a light that could illuminate one’s heart.

"Come." Sheng Yuli turned to face Sheng Susu, holding her face in his hands, as if intending to remove her mask.

"Young Master Sheng, now is not the time." Qin Yiyao suddenly spoke up, interrupting his actions.

Sheng Yuli paused, turning his eyes toward her, feeling somewhat delighted. He hadn’t expected she would know him and speak to him.

Under his gaze, Qin Yiyao lowered her eyes and moved a step to the side, standing behind Dragon Teeth.

This small movement brought some disappointment to Sheng Yuli, but he still lowered his hands.

The other four members of the Sheng Family also removed the masks from their faces, revealing young faces.

"Miss, why can’t Susu speak?" Sheng Yuli asked.

Qin Yiyao pursed her lips and said, "It’s nothing, just that her voice has been sealed by spiritual energy."

As if to lend credibility to her words, Sheng Susu nodded as well.

"Let’s go." Dragon Teeth said softly, raising a hand to remove the mask from his face. Xie Ya and Mo Yang followed suit, removing their masks.

As they simultaneously revealed their faces, their remarkable appearances immediately lit up the entire entrance hall.

Not to mention Mo Yang and the others, the Dragon Tooth Guards naturally exuded an aura of iron-blooded toughness, with stern and proud features. Xie Ya was already as ethereal and otherworldly as a fairy.

And Dragon Teeth—

When she unveiled her mask, the most nervous person standing behind her was Qin Yiyao.

The face beneath the mask was one she had sketched countless times with longing in her midnight dreams, already engrained in her bones. When she saw it again, she thought her heart, long as calm as still water, suddenly pounded uncontrollably.

Still as illustrious and peerless, flawless in its handsomeness, so stunning it took one’s breath away, yet tinged with a disdain for the world. And yet, there was something different this time; the person before her seemed more composed and reserved, increasingly indecipherable and unpredictable.

The familiar face thrust Qin Yiyao immediately into reminiscing about all the experiences she shared with Dragon Teeth.

But Sheng siblings were stunned in place.

It seemed as though they could never have imagined that beneath the mask was a face of such breathtaking beauty.

This face, undefinable by gender, seemed to possess the allure akin to that of a nation-beautifying man or woman.

Sparks of starlight shone in Sheng Susu’s eyes, while Sheng Yuli regained his senses after a long moment.

"What’s wrong?" Seeing the Sheng Family’s dazed expressions, Dragon Teeth asked in confusion.

She would never forget the lethal charm of her appearance! Especially after seeing such grim masks for so long, seeing this face was bound to have a remarkable effect!

"By the way, I haven’t asked the young master’s name yet." Sheng Yuli regained his composure and asked.

Dragon Teeth’s eyes flickered as she replied, "Dragon Teeth."

"I am Sheng Yuli. Are you from out of town, Young Master Mu?" Sheng Yuli queried.

"You could say that." Dragon Teeth answered ambiguously.

After a short exchange of pleasantries with Sheng Yuli, Dragon Teeth turned to look at Qin Yiyao, noticing her somewhat dazed expression, and asked, "Yiyao?"

Qin Yiyao’s gaze shifted a few times before refocusing. Hearing Dragon Teeth call her name, her eyes welled up.

"I’m fine." Qin Yiyao answered softly.

Before meeting Dragon Teeth again, Qin Yiyao wasn’t sure how she would react. Yet seeing Dragon Teeth again, she felt that her previously calm heart was suddenly uncontrollable.

No longer commanding attention, Qin Yiyao bit her lip, withdrew her hand from the cloak, and clasped Dragon Teeth’s hand.

She held onto it tightly, refusing to let go.

"""

Her hand was held by Qin Yiyao, and Mu Qingge’s gaze fell upon it. She could feel the slight trembling at her fingertips and understood the thoughts in Qin Yiyao’s mind.

A dark light flickered in Mu Qingge’s eyes, but she did not pull away from Qin Yiyao’s hand. Instead, she spoke in a gentle tone, "Let’s go."

There were some emotions, some matters, that perhaps she had not paid attention to before.

But now, after experiencing Si Mo, she began to understand.

Qin Yiyao had never forgotten her!

Now was not the time for explanations; she had to set it aside temporarily and explain everything to her later.

Their clasped hands made Sheng Yuli feel a sense of loss rise in his heart.

Sheng Susu, however, watched with curiosity, constantly guessing the relationship between Mu Qingge and Qin Yiyao.

The group walked out of the hall and boarded the spirit beast car prepared by the black market, leaving under the cover of night. Since they had found the people, neither Sheng Yuli nor Mu Qingge planned to trace the black market to find the culprit who had abducted Sheng Susu and Qin Yiyao.

Firstly, there wasn’t enough time, and secondly, the person wasn’t intentionally targeted, but rather randomly captured.

Since it wasn’t premeditated and the people were safe, this matter should be set aside, with current issues taking precedence.

Sheng Yuli’s concern was the family ranking competition starting tomorrow.

Whereas Mu Qingge was pondering how to topple the Le Family!

Sheng Susu’s disappearance was an accident, Qin Yiyao’s disappearance was an interlude.

Two spirit beast cars traveled one in front of the other.

Mu Qingge was in the front vehicle, and Sheng Yuli was in the one behind.

In the rear car, Sheng Yuli pressed his two fingers together, injecting a stream of spiritual energy into the center of Sheng Susu’s collarbone, unblocking her voice.

Once freed, Sheng Susu exclaimed in a rush, "Ah! I was suffocating! Brother, why did you take so long? If it weren’t for Sister Yiyao, you wouldn’t ever see your sister again!"

Hearing her complaints, Sheng Yuli, amused and slightly annoyed, said, "See if you dare run around recklessly again."

He did not remove the mask from Sheng Susu’s face; upon Qin Yiyao’s reminder, he also felt that only uncovering the mask after safely returning to the Sheng Family would preserve Sheng Susu’s reputation.

"Brother, you didn’t only bring these few people to save me, did you?" Sheng Susu swept her eyes over the four people sitting beside her, her tone filled with distrust.

Sheng Yuli fondly knocked on her head, explaining, "We came to scout the situation; once we confirmed you were inside, we would signal others. However, bringing you out in a peaceful manner is for the best. With the ranking competition imminent, it’s best to avoid unnecessary complications."

Sheng Susu rubbed her head, seeming to understand only partially as she let out an ’oh’.

Sheng Yuli then promptly asked, "How did you get captured?"

Upon hearing this question, Sheng Susu, like a startled cat, began gesticulating greatly as she recounted her ordeal.

Meanwhile, in the spirit beast car up front, Qin Yiyao’s body was constantly tense, holding onto Mu Qingge’s hand without daring to let go.

Mu Qingge glanced at her, and she softly said, "I’m so afraid all this is an illusion, just my dream, and you never actually appeared."

The former Qin Yiyao would never say such words.

But the Qin Yiyao of today had become more true to her own heart, unwilling to continue pretending to be strong in front of Mu Qingge.

Countless times, facing danger, she fantasized about Mu Qingge descending from the sky, just like at the border of Tu Country, rescuing her. But in the end, upon waking from the dream, she still had to rely on her own strength, maneuvering among enemies, escaping danger time after time, surviving with difficulty.

Mu Qingge desperately wanted to ask how she left Linchuan or how she entered the Middle Ancient Realm and reached Yu Shui City. But upon hearing her words, all she could say was, "Don’t be afraid, I’m here."

At this moment, perhaps what Qin Yiyao needed most was reassurance.

Don’t be afraid, I’m here.

These simple five words relaxed Qin Yiyao entirely, no longer taut as a drawn bow.

Xie Ya sat quietly in the farthest position, observing the relationship between Mu Qingge and Qin Yiyao. She could now confirm that the woman who was rescued loved her Young Master deeply. Yet, her Young Master seemed to care more about the woman than harboring feelings of love.

However, it wasn’t easy to become someone the Young Master cared about.

Xie Ya lowered her gaze, hiding the emotions in her eyes.

Those remaining by Mu Qingge’s side were people she had acknowledged. However, Xie Ya was an exception, and she herself knew she was.

She was acutely aware that her ability to remain was only because the Young Master needed the map on her back.

The spirit beast car slowly moved away from the desolate manor, entering a more barren area. Once through this dead forest, the outline of Yu Shui City would become visible.

The black market’s spirit beast car stopped outside the dead forest.

Mu Qingge and company, along with the Sheng family members, disembarked.

After disembarking, the two spirit beast cars turned around and returned the way they came.

Sheng Yuli, with the Sheng family members and Sheng Susu, approached Mu Qingge’s group, offering thanks to Qin Yiyao, "Miss Qin, my sister just told me what happened, thank you so much for taking care of her."

Aside from Mu Qingge, facing others, Qin Yiyao restored her aloof demeanor. Sheng Yuli’s gratitude only drew a slight headshake from her as she calmly said, "You don’t need to thank me; I did it to save myself too."

Her words momentarily stunned Sheng Yuli, but he quickly understood.

If Mu Qingge hadn’t appeared, then with the care Qin Yiyao took of Sheng Susu, the Sheng family would undoubtedly have also rescued her when rescuing Sheng Susu. In this light, she indeed spoke candidly.

Approaching Sheng Susu with intent from the start was part of the plan.

Nevertheless, Sheng Yuli dismissively said, "Thank you, Miss Qin, for being honest. However, no matter what, you are still Susu’s benefactor and a benefactor to the Sheng family."

Sheng Susu hastily added, "Exactly! Sister Yiyao, you told me from the start that we would work together to leave. So there’s no need to be modest; you are my benefactor."

The night was dark, the wind high, and the shadows of the dead trees loomed, an unsuitable setting for conversation.

However, if some things weren’t said now, there would be no time later. After all, one night’s time slipped by in the blink of an eye.

"Young Master Mu, thank you for your help at the auction," Sheng Yuli addressed Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge responded with a faint smile, "Let’s consider it forming a good connection. If Young Master Sheng wishes to thank me, how about introducing me to meet the Sheng Family Head?"

Visiting the black market was primarily to find Qin Yiyao. Encountering Sheng Yuli was unexpected, but also an opportunity delivered to her doorstep, one Mu Qingge wouldn’t miss.

"You want to see my father? Sure! I can introduce you without needing my brother!" Before Sheng Yuli could speak, Sheng Susu interrupted directly.

The image Mu Qingge had created with Qin Yiyao had always made her admire him greatly. Being unable to speak earlier, now that she could, she wasn’t going to miss the chance to converse with Mu Qingge.

"Susu!" Sheng Yuli looked helplessly at his spoiled sister. Then he said to Mu Qingge, "Young Master Mu, please don’t take offense, Susu is just a child." Implying not to take her words seriously.

He then continued, "May I ask Young Master Mu, why do you wish to meet my father?"

"Naturally, it’s a mutually beneficial significant event," Mu Qingge replied with a smile.

Her eyes flashed with an inexplicable confidence. Sheng Yuli furrowed his brow, intending to inquire further, when disordered sounds came from around the dead forest.

His eyes sharpened, and he immediately shielded Sheng Susu behind him, watching their surroundings warily.

The four Sheng family members quickly drew their weapons, surrounding and protecting their Young Master and Miss.

Mu Qingge, on the other hand, remained calm, merely pulling Qin Yiyao’s hand, bringing her slightly closer.

This simple gesture warmed Qin Yiyao’s heart, her lips curling into a faint smile.

Mo Yang and the other three, along with Xie Ya, stayed alert to the surroundings.

In an instant, numerous figures rushed out from the dead forest, encircling them closely.

Sheng Yuli’s gaze turned fierce, and he sneered, "As expected, they’re from the Jiang Family. Jiang Tianyi, you’re nothing but a bully hiding behind your influence!"

Over a hundred people surrounded their group of twelve outside the dead forest.

Sheng Yuli’s words caused a gap in the encirclement. Jiang Tianyi stepped forward with a smug expression, his eyes cold.

His eyes immediately locked onto Qin Yiyao, but when they swept over Mu Qingge, they brightened, filled with a greedy light. However, upon realizing she was ’a man,’ that greedy gaze turned into disappointment.

When he spotted Xie Ya, however, the extinguished greed reignited. He grinned savagely, "I came here to capture the scoundrel who attempted to assassinate me. Since you’re all with her, you’ll all come with me! Sheng Yuli, I advise you to mind your own business!"