"I have come here to capture the assassin who tried to kill me. Since you are all in league with her, you will all come back with me! Sheng Yuli, I advise you to mind your own business!"

Jiang Tianyi’s gaze locked onto Qin Yiyao, his expression twisted and eyes filled with greed.

He was full of confidence, as if he had already predicted the outcome.

Sheng Yuli’s gaze darkened, and his peripheral vision discreetly glanced at Qin Yiyao standing behind Mu Qingge.

Seeing her calm expression, with a hint of coldness and no trace of panic, unlike any other woman, he felt more certain of her extraordinary nature.

Little did he know, as Qin Yiyao stood behind Mu Qingge, even if the sky were to fall, she would feel no fear at all.

The goodwill in his heart, added to Qin Yiyao’s assistance to Sheng Susu, had already led Sheng Yuli to a decision.

He stepped forward and said to Jiang Tianyi, "Jiang Tianyi, your skill of talking nonsense is getting better! She was locked in the black market, when did she ever injure you?"

Jiang Tianyi sneered, "Who injured me, I do not know, do you as Young Master of the Sheng Family know better? Sheng Yuli, my brother is almost here, if you don’t want to get hurt before the ranking match, you’d better take your people and leave! Oh, and leave that masked girl too!"

"In your dreams!" Sheng Yuli said harshly.

He would never leave Sheng Susu behind, nor allow Jiang Tianyi, this profligate son, to have any designs on her!

"It seems you have chosen the hard way." Jiang Tianyi sneered and took two steps back.

With those two steps, the Jiang Family’s people bristled with murderous intent, and a great battle was about to break out.

"Young Master, they are too many, we are no match for them!" A member of the Sheng Family approached Sheng Yuli and whispered. His voice carried a hint of unease.

Sheng Yuli glanced at the Jiang Family members approaching them gradually, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted.

The five families of Yu Shui City could balance each other for so long because their strength was relatively equal. If Sheng Yuli had hundreds of men with him, he wouldn’t fear Jiang Tianyi at all.

But the problem was, he didn’t have that now, so he had to be cautious.

Jiang Tianyi was a madman who acted on whim alone, considering nothing else and never thinking about consequences. The Jiang and Sheng Families were rivals, why would the Jiang Family care about giving face to the Sheng Family?

This battle, one could say, left Sheng Yuli with no confidence at all.

Frowning slightly, Sheng Yuli’s gaze inadvertently swept over Mu Qingge. That glance left him stunned. He noticed that the unfamiliar Mu Qingge, in such a setting, wasn’t nervous at all; her expression remained calm as if Jiang Tianyi and the Jiang Family people weren’t standing in front of her.

"Send the signal, have them come over quickly." Sheng Yuli hid his inner surprise and instructed his people cautiously.

He referred to ’them’ as the Sheng Family members positioned nearby for the rescue of Sheng Susu. Outside the dead forest was no longer black market territory, so the Sheng Family soldiers waited it out there.

Sheng Yuli had a simple plan; as long as both sides had balanced numbers, an engagement before the ranking match would unlikely happen.

However, it would take time for the Sheng Family to arrive. How would they delay that time?

The Sheng Family’s signal was abruptly sent out, exploding a ’white flower’ in the night sky.

The sight of everyone except for the Sheng Family was drawn to the sky.

Jiang Tianyi withdrew his gaze, squinting at Sheng Yuli, "You actually sent a signal? Sheng Yuli, that means you refuse to leave!"

Sheng Yuli snorted disdainfully, "Jiang Tianyi, do you think as a mere profligate son, you can accomplish anything?"

"I can twist off your head before your people arrive!" Jiang Tianyi’s gaze was fierce, his expression savage.

He waved his hand, and a hundred Jiang Family members swarmed forward, launching into battle.

Mu Qingge stood silently, listening to the exchange between Sheng Yuli and Jiang Tianyi. Seeing the Jiang Family’s movement, her figure flickered and disappeared on the spot.

She moved so swiftly that no one present could capture her form.

"Stop...stop!" Suddenly, a terrified voice squeezed out from a throat, interrupting the imminent battle.

The Jiang Family people, about to raise their weapons, were halted by this shout. As they turned their heads, the scene before them made their eyes shrink.

Not only them, but Sheng Yuli and his people also had shock written in their eyes.

Next to Jiang Tianyi stood an absolutely beautiful man in red.

She had her left hand behind her back, standing straight as a sharp sword. Her right hand raised, and the sharp finger cover on her index finger was pressed against Jiang Tianyi’s neck vessel.

With just a bit of force, she could easily pierce his skin, cut his artery, and let him watch his blood drain until he died.

"You... don’t mess around." At this moment, Jiang Tianyi was no longer arrogant, his face pale, devoid of blood, his body a cold shiver. He had never felt death so close; the cold, sharp finger cover was like a death talon, clutching his lifeblood.

Too fast! Too fast!

Jiang Tianyi was deeply shocked.

Although his cultivation was mediocre, he still couldn’t be easily approached by just anyone. However, this person managed to break through the Jiang Family’s barricade in a flash, appear beside him, and immobilized him effortlessly.

Now, with his life in someone else’s hands, he could only shed his usual arrogance.

The situation changed so quickly, too fast for people to process.

Collectively stunned for a moment, soon the crowd accepted the reality before them.

Swoosh——!

The Jiang Family quickly reacted, turning their weapons to point at Jiang Tianyi... no, to be precise, to point at Mu Qingge beside Jiang Tianyi.

Yet, Mu Qingge’s expression was cold, her eyes calm, utterly unbothered by the weapons pointed at her.

She merely slightly shifted her right index finger, letting the sharp end make even closer contact with Jiang Tianyi’s skin.

"Put... put down! All of you put down your weapons!" Jiang Tianyi shouted in terror.

He feared Mu Qingge might just give a tremble, and his little life would be over.

Then what enjoyment of beauty and carefree days would there be to talk about?

Jiang Tianyi’s legs started to tremble, something never experienced before. Yet today, he understood what fear truly meant.

The previous assassination by Qin Yiyao injured him unexpectedly, but didn’t make him feel fear. Now, although uninjured, having his life clinched in someone’s grasp terrified him.

The Jiang Family, hearing their master’s command, had no choice but to lower their weapons, warily eyeing Mu Qingge.

Jiang Tianyi, seeing this, mustered the courage to say, "What... what do you want? I tell you, I am the Jiang Family’s Second Young Master. If you harm me, don’t think you can leave Yu Shui City!"

Though he compromised, he couldn’t resist issuing a warning.

Mu Qingge curved her lips into a cold smile and said to him, "Don’t worry, I don’t feel like leaving Yu Shui City for now. Have your people leave."

"No way!" Jiang Tianyi shouted alarmed.

When Mu Qingge’s cold gaze swept over, he stammered, "If they leave, in case you you..." He didn’t need to finish for others to know what he feared.

Mu Qingge’s disdain grew, and she raised an eyebrow, "Do you think, with them here, you are safe?" Saying this, she applied a bit more force with her index finger, letting the finger cover’s sharpness pierce Jiang Tianyi’s skin, a drop of blood oozing out.

The pain on his neck startled Jiang Tianyi, "No! No! No! I’ll have them leave, they’ll leave now!"

After speaking, he cursed the Jiang Family members, "You bunch of trash, still standing around here? Want to collect my corpse? Get lost now!"

The Jiang Family samurai hesitated, unwilling to leave easily, yet they had to.

Otherwise, if this young master suffered any mishap, they would all be buried with him!

"Scram, scram, scram——!" Jiang Tianyi cursed desperately, his eyes signaling his subordinates to leave and seek his approaching elder brother for rescue.

The Jiang Family samurai slowly retreated, withdrawing outside.

Several attempts to ambush for rescue were deterred by Mu Qingge’s mocking gaze, leaving them unable to act recklessly.

These hidden dangers sent a chill down Jiang Tianyi’s heart, urging anxiously, "All of you, get lost! Useless fools!" In his eyes, it was their incompetence that led him into this predicament.

At Jiang Tianyi’s shout, the Jiang Family samurai could only swiftly retreat.

They surrendered without a fight, helplessly, with their master in the enemy’s hands, any reckless move was out of the question.

The Jiang Family quickly retreated from the dead forest’s perimeter.

At this time, a surge of footsteps approached.

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at Sheng Yuli.

Sheng Yuli listened carefully and immediately recognized the person. A relieved smile appeared on his face, and immediately, a group of people appeared before him.

"Young Master!"

"Young Master—!"

This group also numbered around a hundred people, and they addressed Sheng Yuli as such.

The people of the Sheng Family have arrived!

Jiang Tianyi saw this scene, and his heart filled with even more hatred, but he was powerless.

At this moment, he only hoped to keep himself alive. The rest could be dealt with in the future.

"Now that you’re safe, can you let me go?" Jiang Tianyi carefully concealed his hatred and spoke to Mu Qingge. He tried to lower his tone not to provoke Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge laughed and said, "Why rush?"

Jiang Tianyi’s face changed suddenly, and he exclaimed in terror, "Are you going back on your word?"

Mu Qingge nonchalantly smiled, and just as Sheng Yuli thought Mu Qingge was about to kill Jiang Tianyi and was preparing to intervene, she suddenly infused her voice with spiritual power and shouted loudly, "Young Master Jiang, if you don’t want your brother to meet his doom here, take everyone and leave this place, return to the Jiang Family. As for your brother’s safety, you needn’t worry. Later, I will ask the Sheng Family to escort him home."

Her voice spread like ripples, causing the grass leaves on the ground to sway lightly.

Mu Qingge’s voice reached the ears of a man riding a mighty spirit beast several miles away. His features were as though carved with knives, handsome and well-defined.

Beneath his sword-like eyebrows, his starry eyes glinted coldly.

Around him, people stood in rows. Some were members of the Jiang Family who had retreated from the withered forest.

They retreated to this area and met the Young Master. Before they could finish explaining what had happened, this lazy and arrogant voice reached them.

Jiang Tianhao frowned slightly, his rhomboid lips pressed into a line.

In Yu Shui City, there was no one who dared threaten him like this.

If someone dared to speak like this in the past, they would have been torn to pieces long ago. But now, with his brother captured, he could only act passively.

Jiang Tianyi’s life could be discarded, but not at this moment!

The ranking competition was imminent. If the Jiang Family’s second son were to die now, it would be a fatal blow to the Jiang Family’s reputation!

"Who are you, and why should I trust you?" Jiang Tianhao spoke slowly, his voice filled with significant spiritual power, echoing back, seemingly challenging Mu Qingge secretly.

His voice resonated back, and the two exchanges of words caused those with low cultivation to feel their blood and vital energy surging.

’Brother actually came!’ Jiang Tianyi’s eyes flashed with astonishment.

He thought his brother couldn’t make it in time, but now that he had, Jiang Tianyi was still held captive, preventing his brother from acting rashly. At this moment, Jiang Tianyi truly felt a panic.

He feared that Jiang Tianhao might disregard his safety and order a strong assault.

In his memory, this brother of his had never been one to succumb to threats.

Mu Qingge heard Jiang Tianhao’s words, her lips curved slightly, and she responded, "You may choose not to trust me, but Young Master Sheng has witnessed everything. If you insist on meeting, should anything happen to the second son of the Jiang Family, it won’t be my fault."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tianyi’s face turned pale.

He seemed to envision himself missing an arm, a leg. Although he enjoyed playing such games, it didn’t mean he liked such games played on his own body.

"Don’t kill me! I’ll go with you." Jiang Tianyi hurriedly replied.

He would rather leave with Mu Qingge and the others now, as long as they kept their promise to return him, than be used as a bargaining chip at this moment. If that brother of his got agitated, he would be the one to suffer.

Mu Qingge gave him a disdainful look, the corner of her mouth rising in scorn.

The people of the Sheng Family and others reacted similarly to Jiang Tianyi’s response.

Mu Qingge’s voice traveled back.

Jiang Tianhao’s gaze grew colder, and he remained silent for a moment.

Eventually, he raised his hand, and the Jiang Family members retreated backward. The spirit beast he rode on also paced backward slowly, gradually departing.

"If you dare deceive me, I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth," Jiang Tianhao left a parting threat as he departed.

In this statement, he was less concerned about whether Jiang Tianyi was harmed and more about whether Mu Qingge was deceiving him!

Mu Qingge smiled nonchalantly, sealing a strand of spiritual energy within Jiang Tianyi, preventing his own spiritual energy from flowing. Then, she grabbed Jiang Tianyi by his collar and flung him. Shrieking, he soared into the air, falling toward Mo Yang.

Mo Yang’s eyes flickered as he stood up to catch Jiang Tianyi, then tossed him towards the Dragon Tooth Guards behind.

"Behave yourself!" The Dragon Tooth Guards efficiently restrained Jiang Tianyi, swiftly binding his hands behind his back using the method Mu Qingge taught them.

Qin Yiyao turned her gaze to him, her eyes cold, then she withdrew her gaze calmly.

Jiang Tianyi saw Qin Yiyao’s gaze, but being captured now, despite the hatred in his heart, he could only bear it for now.

Mu Qingge walked back leisurely, and Sheng Yuli immediately stepped forward to ask, "Master Mu, this is..."

However, Mu Qingge just smiled at him and stated her request, "Young Master Sheng, if possible, I would like to meet the head of the Sheng Family tonight."

This was her second time requesting to meet someone from the Sheng Family.

Sheng Yuli was taken aback, and under Mu Qingge’s gaze, he couldn’t help but nod.

...

A battle that was about to unfold abruptly came to a halt. However, this did not signal the end of the matter, but rather the brewing storm on the horizon.

The Sheng Family, one of the five great families of Yu Shui City.

From the outside world’s view, the Sheng Family was considered decent.

Actually, for Mu Qingge, as long as it wasn’t the Le Family, working with anyone else would be the same. By chance, the Sheng Family just happened to be the first she encountered.

She no longer planned to linger here. She would quickly resolve the situation with the Le Family and then proceed with her next plans.

As for Qin Yiyao...

Mu Qingge’s gaze flickered slightly.

Once everything was settled, she would have a proper conversation with her.

Following Sheng Yuli to the Sheng Family, they entered the fortress-like Sheng Family. The location of a family in the Middle Ancient Realm was like a city within a city, tightly guarded like a fortress. The differences lay in the strength and territorial size of the families.

Like the Sheng Family, if compared to the Li Family, the Dou Family, and the Bai Family of Haiyu City, they probably would not even measure up to half.

The deeper Mu Qingge delved into the Middle Ancient Realm, the more she realized the gap between the remote Haiyu City and other cities, as well as the disparity between the Linchuan Realm and the Middle Ancient Realm.

Upon reaching the Sheng Family gates, Mu Qingge said to Sheng Yuli, "Young Master Sheng, please have two people escort the second son of the Jiang Family back." To her, Jiang Tianyi was insignificant. She hadn’t intended for Qin Yiyao to kill Jiang Tianyi, at least not now.

The moment Jiang Tianyi heard he was to be released, his eyes lit up instantly.

Mu Qingge turned to him and smiled, "Second Son Jiang, you were the one who provoked me this time. If I can catch you once, I can catch you a second time. I don’t care what she did to you before, but now she’s with me. If you dare touch her again, be prepared for my retaliation."

’She’s with me...’

Long ago, it seemed, similar words had been spoken by him publicly.

Mu Qingge’s words brought a hint of reminiscence to Qin Yiyao’s eyes. Memories long sealed away surfaced in her mind. Hearing such words again, she realized her heart, which she thought was dead, was stirring once more.

Qin Yiyao’s eyes showed a trace of sorrow and helplessness.

This person always had a way to easily stir her heartstrings and disrupt her peace.

Looking up, Qin Yiyao’s eyes were filled with a gentle hue as she gazed tenderly at Mu Qingge’s profile.

Jiang Tianyi nodded repeatedly at Mu Qingge’s words.

Having just escaped the brink of death, he no longer cared about being previously attacked. Once back at the Jiang Family and after calming down, he would naturally seek to reclaim the day.

Mu Qingge coldly laughed, "I’ve said what needs to be said and made the warnings I needed to; Second Son Jiang should refrain from acting rashly."

Jiang Tianyi was momentarily stunned, not understanding what Mu Qingge meant.

However, Mu Qingge turned and left, not intending to explain further.

Sheng Yuli had someone bring over a Spiritual Beast Car, pushed Jiang Tianyi into it, and then sent people to escort him back to the Jiang Family.

Afterwards, he said to Mu Qingge, "Mr. Mu, please this way."

With Sheng Yuli leading the way, Mu Qingge easily entered the Sheng Family.

Xie Ya followed by her side, while Mo Yang followed behind with two Dragon Tooth Guards.

After Sheng Susu entered the Sheng Family, someone took her away. Naturally, she went to remove those costumes and the mask she had on.

Accompanying her was also Qin Yiyao.

The two of them were wearing those transparent clothes as thin as gauze prepared by the black market. Even with Mu Qingge’s cloak wrapped around her, she still felt uncomfortable, so she didn’t reject Sheng Susu’s invitation.

Sheng Yuli brought Mu Qingge and the others to a side hall and said to her, "Mr. Mu, I will now go to invite my father. Please wait a moment."

The sudden visit naturally required Sheng Yuli some time to explain everything to his father.

Mu Qingge understood this.

So, she nodded.

After Sheng Yuli left, he had people serve them well and went to see the Sheng Family Head, who was still awake, waiting for his daughter’s safe return.

On the other side, Sheng Susu took Qin Yiyao to her room, opened her wardrobe, and let her pick her clothes freely.

Qin Yiyao’s eyes swept over those dazzling clothes and finally picked a light blue dress.

When she was still the Princess of Qin Country, she loved wearing light blue dresses the most.

Once Qin Yiyao finished changing and came out, her whole being seemed to revert to that aloof and cold, indifferent yet elegant Princess of Qin Country. Even without any adornments in her hair and no exquisite makeup, she still amazed Sheng Susu.

She circled around Qin Yiyao in shock, exaggeratively saying, "Yiyao sister, you’re so beautiful!"

Qin Yiyao’s lips curled into a polite, faint smile, lowering her eyes. Wearing such fine clothes again made her suddenly feel somewhat unaccustomed.

Sheng Susu leaned close to her, tilting her head, gazing at Qin Yiyao’s lowered eyes, curiously asking, "Yiyao sister, is that Mr. Mu someone you knew from before?"

Someone she knew from before?

Qin Yiyao nodded.

"He’s really amazing! So handsome!" Sheng Susu clasped her hands before her chest, her face full of admiration.

In her mind, the image of Mu Qingge lavishly spending money at the auction and buying her and Qin Yiyao resurfaced, along with the scene at the edge of the withered forest, negotiating casually with the Jiang Family. In the blink of an eye, the Jiang Family’s playboy was captured, it was simply too impressive!

Seeing the admiration in Sheng Susu’s eyes, Qin Yiyao said a bit blankly, "He is indeed very impressive." She had seen such adoring gazes on Qin Yilian’s face before.

It seems that Mu Qingge could always easily win the favor of women.

However, the women who liked her were destined for tragedy...

Even herself, upon seeing him again now, couldn’t help but fall deep into the abyss, even willing to abandon the last shred of dignity, asking for nothing more than to be by her side.

But is it possible?

She seemed to have never seen through Mu Qingge’s heart.

The loneliness exuded from Qin Yiyao’s body made Sheng Susu feel it. She asked with concern, "Yiyao sister, what’s wrong?"

Qin Yiyao gathered her emotions, looked up at her and shook her head, "I’m fine."

Sheng Susu nodded, then curiously asked again, "Yiyao sister, what is your relationship with Mr. Mu? Is he the impressive person you mentioned before? Do you like him?"

The more she spoke, the brighter the light in Sheng Susu’s eyes became, and her expression grew more excited.

These three questions left Qin Yiyao at a loss for answers.

She looked at Sheng Susu, not knowing how to explain the complex relationship between her and Mu Qingge.

If not for those plots and schemes, perhaps she would have been Mu Qingge’s closest person, able to justifiably stay by his side. But those plots and schemes ruined everything; she became an orphan, drifting in the world. And Mu Qingge became her enemy who killed her brother, mother, and father.

Yet, this enmity was one she couldn’t avenge, she could only run.

Now, in her predicament, Mu Qingge descended from the sky, appearing before her, causing her heart to once again become unsettled.

"Yiyao sister, why aren’t you saying anything?" As Qin Yiyao remained silent, Sheng Susu couldn’t help but press her for answers.

Qin Yiyao walked to the side and sat down, her gaze looking out the window, speaking faintly, "I don’t know what kind of relationship I have with him."

"But you like him, don’t you?" Sheng Susu followed her to the side, persistently asking.

It seemed that if she didn’t unearth the story between Qin Yiyao and Mu Qingge, Sheng Susu wouldn’t rest contentedly.

Like him? Of course, she liked him.

But what of it?

Qin Yiyao answered in her heart, her gaze gently lowered.

The fire of gossip ignited in Sheng Susu’s eyes. She squatted in front of Qin Yiyao, looking up at her, playfully saying, "Yiyao sister, won’t you tell me your story?"

"My story with him..." Qin Yiyao’s expression was slightly stunned, seeming unsure of how to put it or whether to say it.

"Oh, my dear sister. Your Mr. Mu is still to discuss matters with my father, who knows how long they’ll be. I’ve had food prepared, let’s chat while we eat, just tell me about you two, I swear I won’t leak it out!" Sheng Susu made a swearing gesture.

Perhaps, Qin Yiyao indeed needed someone to talk to. Or maybe she needed someone to help her disentangle her heart’s confusion, to tell her what to do. Whether to leave again, or to stay ignoring everything.

In the end, she nodded and agreed to Sheng Susu’s request.

"If you want to hear, then I’ll tell you. He and I... could be considered family friends. We were betrothed by our elders from the time we were born. But behind this betrothal are many shadows and schemes..." Qin Yiyao slowly recounted her story with Mu Qingge.

However, she cleverly omitted their origins, letting Sheng Susu believe this was a story between two families.

The initial meeting at the Empress Dowager Palace was described as the first glimpse at the ancestral Buddha’s shrine. The gritty wind in the Imperial Garden was said to be a momentary heart flutter in the family garden...

In short, everything related to the Linchuan Realm was cleverly covered by Qin Yiyao with the common knowledge of the Middle Ancient Realm.

In Sheng Susu’s room, the story of Qin Yiyao and Mu Qingge was being told leisurely.

In the side hall of the Sheng Family, Mu Qingge awaited while pretending to nap.

After a long time, footsteps finally approached.

She slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the sight of Sheng Yuli.

Sheng Yuli smiled apologetically and said to Mu Qingge, "Apologies for keeping Mr. Mu waiting, please follow me." The Sheng Family Head wished to meet Mu Qingge alone.

Mu Qingge stood up, lightly flicked her brocade robe, and followed Sheng Yuli away.

Winding through the Sheng Family’s courtyard, Mu Qingge was led to the study of the Sheng Family Head. Sheng Yuli knocked on the door and respectfully said, "Father, Mr. Mu is here."

Then, he pushed the door open, inviting Mu Qingge in.

The Sheng Family Head’s study was large, simply furnished, yet it did not lack the dignity befitting a family head.

When Mu Qingge entered, she saw a middle-aged man sitting in the main seat. His appearance bore some resemblance to Sheng Yuli, but he appeared more composed and wise.

Who among those who rise to the position of a family head is simple?

"Mr. Mu, please sit." Sheng Xuan gestured to the position at his lower right hand, where hot tea had already been placed on a small table.

Mu Qingge walked over as instructed, while Sheng Yuli stood behind his father with his hands behind his back.

As soon as Mu Qingge sat down, Sheng Xuan’s voice came through again, "I have heard from Yuli about Mr. Mu’s assistance to our Sheng Family. Thank you very much."

Mu Qingge smiled slightly and looked at him, "You are too kind, Sheng Family Head. The Young Master of the Sheng Family was rescuing people, and so was I. We just happened to meet."

"Regardless of the reason, the fact that Susu returned safely makes Mr. Mu a benefactor to our Sheng Family." Sheng Xuan said, then spoke to Sheng Yuli, "Yuli, let your sister thank Mr. Mu."

Sheng Yuli immediately stepped forward and gave a bow to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed. Sheng Xuan only talked about her saving Sheng Susu, but didn’t mention her seeking him, indicating a refusal.

No matter what Mu Qingge came to him for, he would not agree.

However, how could Mu Qingge be dismissed so easily?

A slight, inadvertent smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. She said to Sheng Xuan, "Family Head Sheng, I am here tonight for a mutually beneficial matter. I chose the Sheng Family because I have a good rapport with the young master Sheng. If you are not interested, I can also collaborate with the Wan Family, Tan Family, or even the Jiang Family. But if you miss this opportunity, I’m afraid the Sheng Family will fall behind again."

Sheng Xuan’s eye twitched slightly, his gaze calm, showing no emotion.

Sheng Yuli looked at Mu Qingge curiously, seemingly surprised by her straightforwardness.

To discuss cooperation without appearing inferior, even stating at the outset that there are other options if the Sheng Family does not cooperate.

This passive approach was effortlessly defused with a few words.

On the contrary, if the Sheng Family did not want to miss this opportunity, they should eagerly seek cooperation.

But what makes him think his cooperation is so attractive?

Sheng Yuli glanced at his father without leaving any trace. And Sheng Xuan, after a moment of silence, slowly said, "If that’s the case, then please find someone else, Young Master Mu."

Mu Qingge smiled silently, stood up nonchalantly, and said to Sheng Xuan, "Sorry for the disturbance, farewell."

She turned around without the slightest hesitation. However, as she walked towards the door of the study, she silently counted in her heart, "One, two, three..."

"Young Master Mu, please wait." As Mu Qingge reached the door, extending her hand towards it, Sheng Xuan spoke.

Mu Qingge paused, withdrew her hand, turned to look at Sheng Xuan confidently and calmly, "Does Family Head Sheng have anything else?"

Sheng Xuan’s gaze turned darker as he said to Mu Qingge, "It’s already late tonight, and Young Master Mu just offended the Jiang Family people. Why not stay for the night and leave tomorrow?"

These words sounded kind, but upon careful examination, Sheng Xuan was reminding Mu Qingge of her current situation.

However, Mu Qingge replied indifferently, "There’s no talk of offense. Family Head Sheng is a sensible person; enough benefits can turn enemies into friends. To be honest, once I leave the Sheng Family, my next stop is the Jiang Family. After all, the opportunity for cooperation is fleeting, and there is little time left."

After she finished speaking, she nodded slightly and turned to open the door again.

"Young Master Mu," Sheng Xuan spoke again.

But this time, Mu Qingge did not turn back.

After a moment, Sheng Xuan said slowly, "Why not tell us what Young Master Mu wants to cooperate on first?"

This sentence made the corners of Mu Qingge’s mouth subtly lift. She knew that in this battle for the initiative with Sheng Xuan, she had won. She won not because she had patience, but because she had choices, and the Sheng Family did not.

If they missed her, the Sheng Family could only beat their chests in regret!

Mu Qingge turned to face the Sheng father and son, especially Sheng Xuan.

Sheng Xuan shook his head with a bitter smile and said, "The younger generation is truly formidable."

This remark shocked Sheng Yuli. In his impression, his father had never spoken such words before. And this sentence also let him know that his father had compromised.

Mu Qingge walked back to her previous seat and said to Sheng Xuan, "Family Head Sheng, you flatter me. Time is of the essence, let’s discuss the matter at hand."

Sheng Xuan’s expression turned serious, and he nodded.

At this moment, he was also somewhat curious about what Mu Qingge wanted to collaborate with him on.

It should be said that when Mu Qingge piqued his curiosity, the outcome of their confrontation was already determined.

"I am here for the Le Family," Mu Qingge directly stated her purpose for coming to Yu Shui City.

Le Family!

Sheng Xuan and Sheng Yuli’s eyes narrowed instantly.

They seemed to have already guessed what Mu Qingge was about to say.

Realizing her intentions, the father and son both took a deep breath in their hearts and marveled: ’What ambition!’

Yet Mu Qingge ignored their shocked faces and continued, "Only one between the Le Family and me will survive. I don’t want to die, so I have to see them off. The long-standing history of the coexistence of the five clans in Yu Shui City should change. I want the Le Family to completely disappear from Yu Shui City before tomorrow’s ranking competition, and for the Sheng Family to become the number one clan in Yu Shui City!"

The number one clan in Yu Shui City!

This condition was tempting enough for any family.

No wonder he wasn’t worried about cooperation with the Sheng Family.

Sheng Xuan suddenly understood where Mu Qingge’s confidence came from. Once their cooperation succeeded, a merger of their combined power would naturally make them the undisputed number one clan in Yu Shui City.

The other three families wouldn’t be significant enough to challenge them.

Because for them to rise again, they would have to cooperate with an outsider like the Sheng Family, swallow another family, strengthen themselves, and then challenge the Sheng Family.

The enormous temptation made Sheng Yuli’s expression subtly excited.

He looked at his father, awaiting his decision.

Sheng Xuan, though equally excited, remained rational. He asked, "What does the Sheng Family need to give, and what can we gain? And what will Young Master Mu get?"

Since it’s cooperation, the terms must be clear to know if the deal can be made.

Mu Qingge smiled and said, "To eliminate the Le Family, the Sheng Family only needs to kill one person for me."

"Le Ying," Sheng Xuan’s gaze flashed, already providing the answer.

Mu Qingge nodded and said, "The coexistence of the five great families of Yu Shui City is based on the premise of equal strength. Since the Le Family has a Le Ying, the Sheng Family surely has someone to counterbalance him. I don’t ask much of the Sheng Family; regardless of how many people you mobilize, just kill Le Ying, and the task will be complete. The rest is up to me, and I will handle it cleanly. After the matter is done, I will take half of the treasure from the Le Family’s vault, leaving the rest to the Sheng Family. I will then immediately leave and will not interfere with any matters in Yu Shui City. You also don’t need to worry about me meddling in Yu Shui City and sharing your gains." In fact, if the Le Family were not in Yu Shui City, she wouldn’t have come here.

The conditions she offered were extremely generous, making it impossible to refuse.

It was the same for Sheng Xuan. Even half of the Le Family’s treasure was enough to elevate the Sheng Family several levels, leaving other families unable to resist.

This deal was indeed a profitable bargain!

Sheng Xuan was already somewhat tempted.

Mu Qingge added fuel to the fire, "Tomorrow is the ranking competition, and tonight the Le Family will surely be the most gathered, making it the best time to eradicate them. Once successful, there will be no need for the ranking competition, and the Sheng Family can quickly take over the Le Family’s assets before the other families react. So, we only have two more hours left, and once the sun rises, the opportunity will be gone."

This fleeting opportunity pressed Sheng Xuan to make a quick decision.

He could perhaps continue negotiating with Mu Qingge for more benefits. However, the terms Mu Qingge proposed were already generous enough, and what the Sheng Family needed to do was not much. The Sheng Family could even remain entirely in the background and still gain everything.

"Alright! The Sheng Family will do this deal!" After quickly analyzing the situation in his mind, Sheng Xuan made the decision.

Mu Qingge smiled, stood up from her chair, and said to Sheng Xuan, "Then let’s first wish for a pleasant collaboration."

"My thanks to Young Master Mu," Sheng Xuan also stood up, clasping his hands in salute to Mu Qingge.

With the greatest threat of the Le Family no longer a concern, Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly, eagerly anticipating her move to eliminate them from the Le Family.

...

In Sheng Xuan’s study, significant events that would change Yu Shui City were about to unfold.

Meanwhile, in Sheng Susu’s boudoir, she was moved to tears by the story of Qin Yiyao.

"Sister Yiyao, your love is so bitter." Sheng Susu squatted on the ground, looking up at Qin Yiyao.

This story was told from Qin Yiyao’s perspective. It was her first time revealing her thoughts and feelings to another person.

Some parts she had never even shared with Mu Qingge.

"You could have been together, but were separated by these matters. Sister, do you hate him?" Sheng Susu wiped a tear and asked.

Hate?

Qin Yiyao smiled wryly, shaking her head slowly, "I once hated myself, incapable of hating him. I once thought we would miss each other in this life, never to meet again. But now, we have met once more. And upon seeing him again, I realized that so-called hate was only a reason to linger in longing."

"So, what do you plan to do?" Sheng Susu asked with concern.

Qin Yiyao’s body stiffened, and in Sheng Susu’s inquiry, she found herself once again at a loss...