"Young Master Mu." The elegant lady standing on the stairs suddenly spoke, directly calling Mu Qingge by her last name.

Mu Qingge and Bai Xi turned their eyes toward her, both somewhat astonished.

After all, this was the Middle Ancient Realm, not the Linchuan Realm. Who could possibly know Mu Qingge here?

As Mu Qingge looked over, the lady was also sizing her up. Seeing the incredible beauty between her brows, with unrivaled features that blurred the lines of gender, she truly was a rare sight in the world.

In the eyes of the lady in the purple dress, a hint of amazement appeared.

Mu Qingge was also curiously observing this tall and stunningly delicate lady. Her looks were nothing to speak of, as Mu Qingge was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, but her aura was not something the ordinary person could possess.

The lady in the purple dress restrained the amazement in her eyes and smiled slightly, "The master mentioned an old friend was visiting and sent me to invite Young Master Mu upstairs." With that, she nodded slightly with lowered eyes, stepping aside to clear the way up the stairs.

An old friend?

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows slightly.

Who else could be her old friend here in the Wanxiang Building other than that demon Han Caicai?

’That fiend Han Caicai has returned to the Middle Ancient Realm?’ Mu Qingge thought to herself. She used "returned" instead of "came" because she knew Han Caicai originated from the Middle Ancient Realm; he had only gone to the Linchuan Realm for certain reasons.

The Middle Ancient Realm was a place Han Caicai was bound to return to. It was unexpected that he was here as soon as she arrived.

Understanding this, Mu Qingge, with Bai Xi, walked toward the stairs. Before leaving, she glanced once again at the weapons belonging to the Sang Family.

Having seen the Sang Family’s weapons and recalling those seen downstairs, they could really be described as scrap metal.

This was not an intention to elevate her mother’s family but a recognition that weapons forged by someone with Artifact Refiner bloodline are worlds apart. Otherwise, the Sang Family’s weapons would not be on the sixth floor of Wanxiang Building.

Upon reaching the stairs, the lady in the purple dress suddenly raised her hand to stop Bai Xi.

As Bai Xi looked at her, she smiled warmly, "The master will only see Young Master Mu; Miss, please wait here."

Bai Xi’s eyes darkened, a ferocity suddenly appearing.

"Bai Xi." Mu Qingge turned her eyes to soothe, "Wait here for me."

When Mu Qingge spoke, the fire in Bai Xi’s eyes was instantly extinguished. She cast a warning glance at the lady in the purple dress, then stepped back. The concierge who had accompanied them upstairs quickly led her to a side hall on the sixth floor to rest and wait.

After Bai Xi left, the lady in the purple dress withdrew her hand, allowing Mu Qingge to proceed.

"Please, Young Master Mu." The lady in the purple dress led Mu Qingge up to the seventh floor of Wanxiang Building.

The seventh floor had no shelves or displayed goods. It was decorated like the hall of a wealthy family. On the wall still hung the iconic calligraphy—’Know everything, speak everything, spare nothing, as long as the price is right.’

The familiar handwriting brought a knowing smile to Mu Qingge’s face.

"Please wait, Young Master Mu." The lady in the purple dress said to Mu Qingge.

However, before Mu Qingge could respond, a lazy yet familiar voice reached her ears. "Yue Niang, you may leave now."

The body of the lady in the purple dress shuddered slightly, then she respectfully bowed and obliged, "Yes, master." She inclined her head slightly toward Mu Qingge, then retreated.

She did not go far but went downstairs, standing guard at the entrance to the stairs leading to the seventh floor.

The sixth floor was already devoid of guests, and the seventh floor was even quieter.

"Han Caicai, I never thought I’d meet you even in the Middle Ancient Realm." Mu Qingge spoke with a faint smile, walking alone to a chair and sitting down.

She was utterly at ease, showing no sign of being in an unfamiliar environment.

As she sat, the curtain in the hall was lifted by a ’strong wind,’ revealing the scene behind it.

Mu Qingge turned her gaze to see a demon-like man lying horizontally on the couch, long hair draping down, with narrowly slit eyes and strikingly handsome, bewitching features. He was draped in a loose, flower-patterned robe, the collar slightly open, revealing a delicate collarbone and chest line.

Even in the Middle Ancient Realm, Han Caicai was still the same show-off!

The demon lounging on the couch had his narrow eyes fixed on Mu Qingge, with a hint of anger.

However, Mu Qingge could not comprehend the source of his anger.

In the next second, Mu Qingge felt a blur in front of her eyes as a strong gust of wind rushed toward her. She instinctively shrunk her eyes, ready to retreat, only to find herself pinned in the chair, her hands captured, and Han Caicai’s demonically handsome face appearing before her, mere inches away.

Mu Qingge’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, her foot immediately kicking toward Han Caicai’s abdomen.

Han Caicai released one hand, dodging her unreserved kick, but also pulling her away from the chair, tracing an arc in the air.

With a forceful pull, Mu Qingge’s body lunged towards Han Caicai’s embrace.

This sharpness flickered in Mu Qingge’s eyes; over her wrist captured by Han Caicai, a snow-colored flame condensed.

"Bone Demon Flame!" The scorching sensation in his palm brought Han Caicai’s gaze to Mu Qingge’s restrained wrist. At this moment, Mu Qingge twisted her body in the air, delivering a heavy kick to Han Caicai’s chest, forcing him back two steps, allowing her to land on the floor, not into his embrace.

The two stood opposite each other in confrontation, where their hands were joined, white flames continued to burn, and Han Caicai’s palm was already blistered, emitting a charred odor.

"Let go." Mu Qingge coldly eyed Han Caicai, issuing a stern warning.

She had thought this was a reunion with an old friend but never expected Han Caicai to be so bold, trying to take advantage of her. Was she so easy to take advantage of?

"Let go? Why should I? Mu Qingge, you liar!" Han Caicai’s voice was as chilly as ice shards, filled with resentment he spat.

Mu Qingge was taken aback, completely uncomprehending.

When had she ever deceived Han Caicai?!

For something she hadn’t done, she absolutely refused to take the blame!

Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes, her voice turning colder, "If you don’t want to lose a hand, release it immediately."

"I won’t! If you’ve got the guts, keep burning!" Yet Han Caicai stubbornly remained, like a child, not only refusing to release but also tightening his grip.

Mu Qingge frowned, "Han Caicai, what’s gotten into you?"

"Crazy? You haven’t seen my most insane moments yet." Finished, Han Caicai reached another hand toward Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s gaze focused, her right hand flicking; the Linglong Spear appeared in her grip, thrusting directly at Han Caicai’s outstretched hand. However, Han Caicai neither dodged nor avoided, continuing to reach for her, ignoring Mu Qingge’s Linglong Spear.

Poof—!

The Exquisite Spear Tip pierced through Han Caicai’s palm, successfully halting his mania, immobilizing his hand. Blood flowed from the wound and spear tip, dripping onto the floor, pooling into a puddle.

"Han Caicai!" Mu Qingge’s voice now carried a trace of fiery anger.

Recognizing Han Caicai as a person did not mean he could act irrationally!

Han Caicai merely gazed fixedly at her, long eyes glistening with bitterness. His lazy voice carried a hint of pain, "You won’t even let me touch you. Is it because of him?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes sharpened, and she felt her wrist held by Han Caicai turn steely. His grip hardened, as if trying to impress his words into her consciousness. Han Caicai likes her?!

Mu Qingge’s thoughts swirled for a moment. Understood and she does not want to endure being blamed for something she never did!

Mu Qingge was momentarily speechless.

She always thought, even though she appreciated Han Caicai as a person, it didn’t mean he was entitled to demand what he could not have.

Because to her, the notion of them as lovers was an impossibility.

Moreover, she has already set her heart on Si Mo now, so how could she still get entangled with other men?

Mu Qingge withdrew the Bone Demon Flame from her wrist, ceasing the burning on Han Caicai’s hand. She drew the Linglong Spear with her right hand; it transformed back into a finger cover and she placed it on her right index finger. With a flick of her hand, a drop of blood on it fell to the ground.

There remained a deep blood hole in the palm of Han Caicai’s still-raised hand.

"You should know, I don’t like to be touched," Mu Qingge said in a low voice.

"Then why can he?" Han Caicai shouted at her, unwillingly.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at him; her gaze was as clear as a spring, instantly extinguishing the rational fire burning in Han Caicai. Abruptly, he released his grip on Mu Qingge’s wrist.

By now, his palm was already scorched and the flesh was turning over, charred all over.

If it weren’t for his own Fire Element Bloodline, his hand would have been reduced to ashes by now, so how could it have only hurt the flesh?

Mu Qingge withdrew her wrist, which still had some of Han Caicai’s flesh on it. She took out a silk handkerchief and carefully wiped it down, saying to Han Caicai, "Go tend to your injuries first. Once you’ve calmed down completely, we’ll talk."

Han Caicai pressed his lips tightly, looking at Mu Qingge like that, and finally turned to leave.

When he returned, his hands were as good as new, without a trace left.

Mu Qingge wasn’t surprised at all by this.

With Han Caicai’s status in the Wanxiang Building, how could he lack some golden sore medicine for treating external injuries and beautifying the skin?

When he came out, Mu Qingge was sitting back on the chair from before. Han Caicai did not approach her again but instead sat across from her.

"You’re obviously a woman, so why won’t you admit it!" Han Caicai roared with a heart full of questions. He had tested, he had suspected, but she had hidden it so well.

Who could have guessed that the hereditary young lord of Qin Country was a big lie?!

If he had known the truth earlier, he would’ve guarded by her side every step of the way, not giving any man the chance to approach and take her away!

"What difference does it make whether I’m a woman or a man?" Mu Qingge spread her hands and said.

"Of course, there’s a difference! If I had known you were a woman, would he still have had a chance?" Han Caicai said in a voice filled with hatred.

Mu Qingge sighed, looked at Han Caicai, and said to him, "Even without him, there’s no possibility between you and me."

"Why?" This sentence completely broke Han Caicai’s heart, making him ask through his suffering.

When it came to emotional issues, Mu Qingge didn’t want to discuss them with anyone.

But Han Caicai’s demeanor today made her make an exception.

"If I could articulate the reason, could it still be called love? If you must have an answer, I can only tell you, I just don’t have those feelings for you," Mu Qingge said.

Han Caicai laughed coldly, staring at Mu Qingge without speaking for a long time.

"Mu Qingge, I consider myself defeated at your hands. Yet you tell me you have no feelings? Then what about me?"

Mu Qingge frowned, answering with some impatience, "Do I need to respond to everyone who has feelings for me?" If that were the case, the first person she’d need to respond to would be Qin Yiyao. Compared to Han Caicai, she owes Qin Yiyao much more.

Han Caicai was stunned, unable to answer Mu Qingge’s question.

He just wasn’t willing to accept it, not willing that he lost completely before even making a move. That grand proposal in the Linchuan Realm, he saw it but only felt it to be blindingly heart-wrenching.

Mu Qingge calmed the anger in her heart and said to Han Caicai, "Han Caicai, I regard you as a good friend. I hope you don’t ruin this relationship. If you keep entangled in things that are impossible, I’m afraid we’ll end up as enemies."

"Are you afraid I’ll do something to him, or to you?" Han Caicai laughed mockingly.

Mu Qingge said bluntly, "Yes! Afraid you’ll turn into a mad dog and bite indiscriminately. My time is limited, I have many things to do, and I really don’t have the energy to get tangled up in these messy matters with you."

"You truly are cold-blooded and emotionless. No matter what, whether you accept my feelings or not, at least they are sincere. Yet you scoff at them." Han Caicai taunted.

Mu Qingge was indifferent, saying, "Pretending to be moved by someone I’m indifferent to, that’s true cruelty and cold-bloodedness." Though she was dull about matters of the heart, that didn’t mean she didn’t understand what it meant to be decisive and resolute.

Matters of affection are the most troublesome.

To avoid deriving any messy matters, the best solution is to speak clearly and cut ties decisively.

Not liking someone is simply that—not liking them. Handing out ’good person cards’ to maintain a saintly image, not wanting to offend anyone, is not her style.

"Can’t you say something to comfort me?" Han Caicai gritted his teeth and said.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow lightly, implying a playfully mocking smile, "Do you still need comfort? Han Caicai is the least disdainful of comfort and sympathy. I can’t bring myself to say those hypocritical words."

"Damn woman!" Han Caicai said, grinding his teeth in anger. Mu Qingge’s words were always so infuriating!

Mu Qingge straightened her clothes, saying to Han Caicai, "I am currently Young Master Mu."

"Planning to continue pretending to be a man?" Han Caicai sneered.

Mu Qingge’s mouth arched into a playful smile, "At least this way, I can avoid troubles like you."

Crack—!

The edge of the table under Han Caicai’s hand shattered, scattering across the ground.

Suddenly, he gave a sly smile and said to Mu Qingge, "I am now at Silver Realm First Layer, you’re no match for me. If you truly anger me, I will imprison you, never letting you leave my side."

Silver Realm First Layer!

Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly narrowed, shock flaring in her heart: ’Han Caicai has cultivated so fast!’

As if sensing the shock in Mu Qingge’s heart, Han Caicai explained with a cold laugh, "There’s no need to doubt. I returned here, underwent a second family baptism, and naturally my strength has greatly increased. If not, how could I sit here talking with you? To even see me, you’d have to pour a drink over my grave."

Han Caicai’s words made Mu Qingge’s gaze flicker.

Although he spoke lightly, Mu Qingge could guess that he must have gone through some hardships to return to the family and take control over Wanxiang Building.

She didn’t know the status Han Caicai held in the Han Family now, nor what challenges he might still face. All she could say was, "If you need help, feel free to ask."

Regarding his words about ’imprisoning her,’ Mu Qingge was completely unconcerned.

Because she knew Han Caicai disdained to do such a thing.

Moreover, if that day truly came, who would beat whom was yet to be seen.

"Should I be moved?" Han Caicai laughed at Mu Qingge’s promise with a hint of mockery. It wasn’t that he doubted Mu Qingge’s strength, rather, he was taken aback by her saying such words.

Mu Qingge nodded, "If you want to be grateful to me, I won’t object."

Han Caicai gave a cold snort, arrogantly turning his gaze away, coldly spitting out two words, "In your dreams."

After a moment, he shifted his gaze back to Mu Qingge, "Even though your words today make me want to strangle you, I’ll tell you that I won’t give up. If you discover he’s not right for you, my arms are always open to welcome you back. Also, if you ever need someone to challenge him, I won’t hesitate to take the opportunity."

Mu Qingge spread her hands helplessly, "Why go through all this trouble? It’s impossible."

"You really are cold-blooded and heartless. However, my feelings for you, whether you accept them or not, are at least sincere. Yet you scoff at me." Han Caicai retorted mockingly.

Mu Qingge, however, dismissively replied, "To pretend to be moved despite being indifferent, that would be the true cruelty of being cold-hearted." Though she was indeed slow when it came to matters of the heart, that didn’t mean she was incapable of making a decisive cut.

Love is complicated.

To avoid unnecessary entanglements, the best approach is to make things clear and cut ties cleanly.

If you don’t like someone, you don’t like them. Pretending to care, maintaining a saintly image while not wanting to offend anyone, is not her style.

"You can’t say something to comfort me?" Han Caicai said through gritted teeth.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, playfully smiling, "Do you really need comfort? Han Caicai is the last person to feel disdain for comfort and sympathy. I just can’t say those hypocritical words."

"Damn woman!" Han Caicai cursed through clenched teeth. Everything Mu Qingge said was so infuriating!

"""

Unless, Si Mo lets her down first, betrays her first. But, would Si Mo do that?

That powerful and cunning man, the man who for her sake gave up thousands of years of cultivation, the man who thinks about her in every way and does not limit her growth, would he betray her? Let her down?

"Don’t speak too soon." Han Caicai looked at her askance and snorted unwillingly.

Mu Qingge couldn’t be bothered to engage in a war of words with him. She took out the porcelain bottle containing the Earth Emperor Pill and tossed it to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai reached out and caught it. With one glance, he knew what was inside.

"Is it done?" he raised his eyes and asked.

Mu Qingge nodded, "I have already fulfilled my promise back then. I hand over the Earth Emperor Pill to you, the rest is none of my business."

Han Caicai nodded and put away the Earth Emperor Pill.

"Besides, I came for another reason, to inquire about something at the Wanxiang Building. However, since I ran into you, I can save that money. After all, I’m still quite poor," Mu Qingge added.

Han Caicai’s mouth twitched, and he ground his teeth, "Mu Qingge, as a woman, can you care a little about face? And when did I ever say it was free?"

Mu Qingge blinked, "I thought with our camaraderie in battle, you’d at least give me one free pass, no, three times. Afterward, in transactions, give a discount, take care of revolutionary comrades."

Han Caicai stared at her for a while, then shook his head speechlessly, "Mu Qingge, how can you, knowing my feelings for you, still say such things with a clear conscience?" He was about to be infuriated to death by this woman!

Mu Qingge propped her elbows on the armrest, supporting her chin seriously, "Precisely because I have made it clear with you, I have no guilt towards you, so I can speak to you normally. If I were bashful and avoided you from now on, that would be guilt and shame."

Han Caicai found it impossible to refute Mu Qingge’s reasoning.

Could he insist to the end, and provide her a reason to become strangers? That would be better than killing him outright.

He couldn’t understand, when with this woman, she could always drive him half to death with anger, without a hint of the gentleness and shyness a woman should have. Why was he so drawn to her, this one and no other?

"What do you want to know?" Finally, Han Caicai chose to compromise.

Returning to the main topic, Mu Qingge straightened her back, leaned forward slightly, and said in a low voice, "You should know about Feng Yufei’s matter."

The Wanxiang Building is, after all, known as omniscient.

How much of the matters in the Linchuan Realm can be concealed from the ears and eyes of the Wanxiang Building? What’s more, that incident at the time stirred up a storm in the city.

Sure enough, Han Caicai nodded.

He knew, it would be much easier to talk about the following matters. Mu Qingge rejoiced in her heart and said to him, "I have been entrusted by Feng Yufei to find Mu Yi for her. Now there is a Mu Family in Lanwu City that somewhat matches her description. What I want to know is, is this the Mu Family I’m looking for? What is Mu Yi’s current whereabouts?"

If in the Middle Ancient Realm, the sources of some widespread information all come from the Floating Guests clan. Then some secret, unknown information comes from the Wanxiang Building.

"You’re quite involved in other people’s affairs," Han Caicai mumbled.

"To fulfill someone else’s trust loyally," Mu Qingge replied.

Han Caicai gave her a sideways glance, his gaze seemed to say, ’How can I not believe what you’re saying?’

Understanding the meaning in his eyes, Mu Qingge responded without feeling the slightest embarrassment, "If you know, just tell me. So I don’t make a wasted trip."

If the Mu Family she’s looking for isn’t the one in Lanwu City, then she won’t stay here and will continue westward, continuing to inquire about Mu Yi’s whereabouts.

"The Mu Family you’re looking for is indeed the Mu Family in Lanwu City." Han Caicai spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up.

Finally, her efforts paid off! She started her search for Mu Yi from Linchuan, and finally found him in the Middle Ancient Realm. And luckily enough, this matter can be resolved in the Southern Continent.

"However, obtaining information about Mu Yi is simple, I can tell you right now. But if you want him as a person, it will take some effort," Han Caicai added.

These words instantly calmed Mu Qingge’s excited emotions. She asked in a deep voice, "What’s going on exactly?" She had long anticipated that there would be difficulties with this issue; otherwise, Mu Yi wouldn’t have delayed in finding Feng Yufei.

Of course, there’s also the possibility that this Mu Yi is just a top-notch scumbag who has long forgotten Feng Yufei and is living carefreely in the Middle Ancient Realm.

Thinking of Feng Yufei waiting bitterly in Li Country within the Linchuan Realm, Mu Qingge didn’t wish for the second possibility from her heart.

Call her dark-hearted if you will, but she would rather hope that Mu Yi is either dead or imprisoned, which explained why he hadn’t returned to find Feng Yufei right away.

Han Caicai adjusted her sitting posture and began to recount to Mu Qingge in a lazy voice, "Twenty-two years ago, a great internal conflict occurred in the Mu Family of Lanwu City. At that time, the direct lineage was too weak, while the collateral line was too strong, and they were suppressed by the collateral line. They even arrogantly proposed to reappoint the Family Head position, letting the capable take it, without being constrained by bloodline. After all, they’re all Mu Family members, and since the same blood runs through both direct and collateral lines, it shouldn’t matter who becomes the Family Head. The collateral line of the Mu Family originally intended to use this method to usurp power, but on the night before the arena began, Mu Yi, who belonged to the direct lineage of the Mu Family, suddenly broke through to become the first among the younger generation of the Mu Family. This news was good for the direct line. However, for the collateral line, who had long coveted the Family Head position, it was bad news. Because if the direct line had the most outstanding talent, there was no need to reestablish the Family Head, and Mu Yi would naturally become the successor of the Family Head position. All the schemes collapsed after Mu Yi’s promotion, how could the collateral line take it lying down? They secretly plotted to eliminate the direct lineage, especially targeting Mu Yi. But unexpectedly, the plan was leaked, and the direct line got wind of the collateral line’s conspiracy. Mu Yi, being inherently kind, couldn’t bear the bloodshed between the family members, so he went alone to negotiate with the collateral line. As long as the collateral line agreed to stop and no longer make things difficult for the direct line, he would be willing to give up the Family Head position, leave the family forever, and even let the Mu Family allow the collateral line to assume power. The collateral line agreed, and he kept his promise and left."

"Naive, foolish." Upon hearing this, Mu Qingge mocked with four words.

Han Caicai nodded in agreement, "After Mu Yi left, the Mu Family did not return to peace as he imagined. The collateral line slaughtered the direct lineage’s rulers and heirs overnight, forcing the other collateral members into submission. However, they feared Mu Yi’s talent, fearing that as his cultivation improved, he would return with a grudge and seek revenge upon learning of the family’s situation. So, they decided to send people to hunt down Mu Yi to root out the problem entirely."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow slightly and murmured, "Now that’s the correct game rule."

Han Caicai nodded in agreement again. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

He paused for a moment, looked at Mu Qingge, and said, "This pursuit led them from the Middle Ancient Realm to the Linchuan Realm. After leaving the Mu Family, Mu Yi wandered among famous mountains and ancient sites, inadvertently discovering an ancient teleportation array leading to the Linchuan Realm. He activated it and came to Linchuan. It could be said that he didn’t even know of the family’s tragedy, and choosing to go to Linchuan showed his determination not to return. However, the collateral line perseveringly pursued him. Later, Mu Yi met Feng Yufei in Li Country, and what happened afterward doesn’t need me to explain, does it?"

"Wanxiang Building really knows everything," Mu Qingge remarked with emotion.

Han Caicai, however, humbly replied, "Not entirely. I can know this matter in detail because it caused a great stir and happened right under Wanxiang Building’s nose in Lanwu City. However, regarding the matters of the Ancient Clan, apart from the Han Family and a few families closely associated with it, I’m not clear on them."

"Ancient Clan." Mu Qingge murmured silently. She remembered Si Mo having mentioned it before—that her mother Sang was one of the Ancient Clans with a bloodline inheritance.

Han Caicai’s Han Family is also an Ancient Clan.

Restraint in thought, Mu Qingge teased, "Isn’t Wanxiang Building supposed to know everything?"

Han Caicai laughed nonchalantly, "For many people, indeed, we seem all-knowing. If you want to know about the Ancient Clan, it’s not impossible, it only depends on how much you can pay."

Mu Qingge abandoned her plan to inquire from Han Caicai about the Sang Family of the West Continent; perhaps some things needed her presence to grasp more truly.

After all, it was one of her objectives, and all she wanted was to inquire about her mother’s whereabouts and what happened to her father’s remains. She hadn’t planned on getting involved with the Sang Family.

"What happened to Mu Yi afterward?" Mu Qingge returned to the main topic.

That’s the key.

Han Caicai said, "In the end, Mu Yi was captured back and learned of the family’s tragedy, as well as the deaths of his father, brothers, and uncles. However, the collateral members didn’t kill him; they just severed his tendons and destroyed his cultivation before secretly imprisoning him somewhere."

"Why is that?" Mu Qingge frowned.

She couldn’t understand the collateral Mu Family’s actions; since they had captured Mu Yi, why not eliminate the issue entirely?

Han Caicai shrugged, "It is said that the current Young Master of the Mu Family personally captured Mu Yi back just to torture him, not letting him die easily."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched slightly. From Han Caicai’s light words, she could already feel the intense hatred within.

"Even you don’t know where Mu Yi is imprisoned?" Mu Qingge asked.

Han Caicai shook his head, "I haven’t particularly focused on the Mu Family’s affairs, nor would I be bored enough to look for a cripple. If you want to know, I can help you check. However, that would require compensation."

Mu Qingge looked up at him.

Han Caicai’s narrow eyes squinted, revealing a slyness in the slits, "While you’re in Lanwu City, you must stay by my side at all times. Of course, I’ll also assist you with the things you need to accomplish."

Mu Qingge sneered after hearing this, "I’m afraid when the time comes, you’ll be asking me for compensation again, won’t you?"

Han Caicai displayed a wicked smile, not denying it.

Mu Qingge mocked, "Your price is too high; the deal is off. It seems I’ll have to investigate Mu Yi’s whereabouts myself." With that, she stood up and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment," Han Caicai suddenly called out, halting Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge turned her eyes towards him.

He smiled and said, "There’s an additional piece of information about your Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame. Interested in hearing it? The price is simply to drink with me tonight."

Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes slightly, her breath slightly held. She directly asked, "You have news of the Abnormal Fire?" Yuanyuan needs to devour the Abnormal Fire to grow. The information Han Caicai has should be related to Yuanyuan, what else could it be besides the Abnormal Fire?

Han Caicai nodded truthfully. He stood up, walked to Mu Qingge’s side, and with a lazy voice filled with temptation, said, "How about it? Just drinking with me, and you can exchange it for news about the Abnormal Fire. It’s an incredible bargain for you. Are you hesitating because you’re worried about what I might do to you after drinking?"

Half temptation, half provocation.

Mu Qingge’s gaze landed on Han Caicai’s wickedly enchanting face. After a moment, she sneered, "Prepare the finest wine and delicacies for tonight." With that, she flicked her sleeves and left.

...

Leaving Wanxiang Building, Mu Qingge exhaled deeply.

Every encounter with Han Caicai was a battle of wits and courage. Of course, there were moments of enjoyable conversations, but those were too few. Especially now that she understood Han Caicai’s intentions, she instinctively felt that maintaining social distance was wise.

She had no regrets, but if one day this matter reached a certain person’s ears, Han Caicai might suffer an undeserved disaster.

Mu Qingge pouted and pushed aside these trivial romantic entanglements.

"Qingge, what are you thinking?" Bai Xi saw Mu Qingge looking absent-minded and asked.

Mu Qingge looked at Bai Xi and said, "Bai Xi, I have a task for you."

At the mention of a task, Bai Xi’s eyes lit up. "Qingge, tell me, who do you want me to eat this time?"

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched, "It’s not about eating people."

Not eating!

Bai Xi immediately lost interest.

Mu Qingge chuckled helplessly, "You just ate not too long ago, you can’t be hungry already?"

"Not too long ago? My last meal was on Bitter Sea Island. Then I had a long battle with Quyu, and now it’s been over half a year, how could I not be hungry?" Bai Xi said, feeling aggrieved.

Uh!

Mu Qingge calculated the time in her mind and realized it seemed to be true, it was almost time for Bai Xi to feed again.

Clenching her teeth, Mu Qingge said to Bai Xi, "Alright then, eat your fill first before carrying out the task." If Bai Xi wasn’t fed enough, she was really worried that Bai Xi would run off to have a feast during the mission.

"Really! Qingge is so nice!" Bai Xi’s eyes sparkled at once.

Mu Qingge smiled wryly, what could she do since she had raised a glutton? She took Bai Xi to several butchers on the street, ordered an extensive amount of Spiritual Beast Meat from them, and instructed them to wait for further instruction about the delivery address.

After that, they met up with Xie Ya and proceeded to the rented courtyard.

The courtyard Xie Ya picked was located in Lanwu City, but very secluded, passing by some abandoned gardens, seemingly uninhabited for a long time.

However, such a courtyard perfectly suited Mu Qingge’s needs.

By evening, people from the butcher, following the address given by You He, delivered carts of Spiritual Beast Meat to Mu Qingge’s temporary residence.

Watching those blood-soaked Spiritual Beast Meat pile up in the backyard, forming a little mountain, Bai Xi’s eyes gleamed green.

The meat delivery people couldn’t comprehend why just a few people, most of whom were delicate young ladies, needed so much meat. Naturally, as long they were paid enough silver taels, they wouldn’t care about the meat’s purpose.

After sending off the meat delivery people, Bai Xi instantly transformed back to her original form, the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, coiling through the courtyard and squeezing Mu Qingge and her companions under the eaves.

Watching Bai Xi, with a single gulp, swallow half the meat mountain, Mu Qingge sighed: ’Thankfully, in the Middle Ancient Realm, these foods could be bought with gold and silver, otherwise, if paid with Spirit Stones, she’d go bankrupt quickly!’

Seeing Bai Xi’s true form, Jing Hai was startled, not expecting Bai Xi to be a Spirit Beast. The main thing was... being such a glutton!

Drawing a deep breath, Jing Hai said to Mu Qingge, "Instructor, I’m going to train. Today’s tasks aren’t finished yet."

Mu Qingge looked at him and nodded.

Jing Hai turned and left immediately. He felt after watching Bai Xi eat, he wouldn’t need to eat for the next three days.

As soon as Jing Hai left, the meat mountain in the backyard was devoured by Bai Xi like a whirlwind. She reverted to her enchanting human form, still unsatisfied, she coquettishly said to Mu Qingge, "Qingge, I want more."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched as she looked at the sky. She said to Bai Xi, "It’s late today, let’s leave it at that. I’ll have You He and Hua Yue buy more tomorrow. Now, I need you to do something for me, infiltrate the Mu Family and find their Young Master, then follow him."

Mu Qingge’s idea was simple, she had no interest in getting involved in the Mu Family’s feuds. Her goal was to rescue Mu Yi, then find a way to send him to Feng Yufei to fulfill a promise.

Since Han Caicai mentioned that Mu Yi wasn’t dead because the current Mu Family Young Master wanted to torture him, it was only necessary to keep a close watch on this Mu Family Young Master, sooner or later they would find where Mu Yi was being held.

Once they knew the location of the person being held, what to do next would be clear.

Someone who wants to torture another would never go long without checking on that person!

Bai Xi understood Mu Qingge’s intention and nodded seriously, transforming into a thin white light and disappearing from view.

"Young Master." Xie Ya softly called.

Mu Qingge instructed her, "From tomorrow, start gathering any information about the Mu Family in town." To save someone, naturally, one has to understand the other party’s background.

Xie Ya nodded silently.

Mu Qingge then told You He and Hua Yue, "Assist Xie Ya, and when not venturing out, supervise Jing Hai’s cultivation."

Gathering information on Mu Yi wasn’t a task accomplished in a day or two. If luck were on their side, they might find out where Mu Yi was being held tonight. If not, it could take ten days, half a month, or even longer.

Mu Qingge didn’t intend to waste this time.

She planned to meet Han Caicai tonight and obtain news about the Abnormal Fire from him, after which she could use the time spent waiting for Mu Yi’s location to accompany Yuanyuan in devouring the Abnormal Fire, thereby strengthening her forces without delay.

"Tonight, I have business to attend to outside; you all stay behind. If anything happens, use the Communication Token to contact me." Mu Qingge instructed the group.

...

As night fell, Mu Qingge found herself once again at Wanxiang Building.

She was received by Madam Yue, the woman in the purple dress, who directly took Mu Qingge to the Seventh Layer to meet Han Caicai.

Tonight, Han Caicai was dressed in a long red robe; though not as exquisite as Mu Qingge’s, the matching color made them appear harmonious.

His collar remained loosely untied, exposing his collarbone and chest line.

Without the frills and embellishments, Han Caicai’s face appeared more bewitching and beautiful.

Seeing his attire, Mu Qingge instinctively frowned. After all, this man had confessed to her just today, and now he was wearing the color she frequently wore, what was this?

Couple attire?

Mu Qingge, in her mind, instantly dismissed these three words. She looked at Han Caicai playfully and said, "So, you decided to wear matching outfits with me tonight?"

Matching outfits?

Those words froze Han Caicai’s smile, and a layer of frost covered his face. "Nothing nice ever comes out of your mouth!"

Mu Qingge innocently shrugged, shook her head at Han Caicai, and said, "Don’t deliberately imitate me, my charisma isn’t something you mortals can handle. Be careful not to end up making a fool of yourself trying to paint a tiger."

Han Caicai laughed grimly as he leaned closer to her, murmuring lazily, "Are you so bothered by my outfit?"

His sudden approach made Mu Qingge frown in resistance...