"Do you mind my outfit so much?" Han Caicai suddenly leaned closer, a sinister smile on his wickedly attractive face, his voice lazy and alluring.

Mu Qingge frowned in disdain, leaning back slightly and warning in a deep voice, "Stay away from me."

However, Han Caicai feigned deafness and moved even closer, his voice like a seductive serpent whispering in Mu Qingge’s ear, "Are you scared?"

Mu Qingge let out a cold laugh, "This kind of joke is not funny at all."

The smile on Han Caicai’s face faded as he backed away from Mu Qingge. He flicked his sleeve and walked backward, picking up a jug of wine and tossing it toward Mu Qingge.

The bulging wine jug flew toward Mu Qingge; she reached out to catch it, her sleeve slipping down to reveal a section of fair skin. As Han Caicai turned towards her, he caught sight of that jade-like white arm, his slender eyes flickering with light, seemingly fixed on that sight.

Mu Qingge withdrew her hand, letting the sleeve fall and cover that flawless skin, causing a trace of disappointment to rise in Han Caicai’s eyes.

Uncorking the jug, Mu Qingge tipped her head back, the clear wine pouring down like a silver waterfall into her slightly open mouth.

"Good wine!" With a sip, the strong wine burned down her throat, igniting a flame within her body.

Mu Qingge admired the taste, her eyes brightening slightly.

Han Caicai shook his head and said, "Indeed, you are not suited for a woman’s light fruit wine." He observed Mu Qingge’s spirited expression, thinking anyone unfamiliar with her might assume she was a lover of wine.

Mu Qingge replied with a smile, "Not so. Whatever mood I’m in, I drink the corresponding wine. I never favor one type of wine."

She glanced at the wine jug in her hand, gently shaking it, and said to Han Caicai, "I can drink fiery wine like this. I won’t refuse mild fruit wine either."

Han Caicai looked at her, his slender, enchanting eyes betraying no hint of his thoughts.

He said to Mu Qingge, "If you want to drink, follow me," and then turned to leave.

Mu Qingge had come here today precisely to drink and then gather information on the Abnormal Fire, so naturally, she wouldn’t hesitate at this moment. She took another sip from the jug in her hand, then set it down and followed Han Caicai.

The path Han Caicai led her on was different from the one she had come by.

Yet, it was still a descent.

Spiraling downward, the stairs led into depths unknown. Judging by the height, it was clearly more than seven layers.

Mu Qingge followed Han Caicai down the stairs into a cellar. At the entrance to the cellar was an iron lock, which Han Caicai easily unlocked with a key from his pocket.

The door swung open, and a cold wind rushed out, sending a chill through the air.

Mu Qingge suddenly felt more alert.

"Come in," Han Caicai said, stepping into the cellar first.

Without hesitation, Mu Qingge followed him inside.

Inside was a very dark and long corridor.

The corridor was narrow, enough for two people to squeeze by each other, but a single person walking through it was just right. The two walked one behind the other in darkness, not slowing their pace because of the dim environment.

The passage was winding as if it had no end, its destination unknown.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, Han Caicai came to a halt. In the darkness, Mu Qingge nearly bumped into his back, but she thankfully caught herself in time and steadied her stance.

Mu Qingge again heard the sound of a key unlocking a lock, and she thought to herself: ’It seems Han Caicai stopped because there was a door blocking the way ahead.’

The key unlocked the door once more.

This door seemed long unused, creaking loudly as Han Caicai pushed it open.

Han Caicai walked inside, and naturally, Mu Qingge followed after him.

Inside, Han Caicai raised his hand lightly flicked, causing a flame to leap from his fingertip and into a fire basin suspended in the air, instantly illuminating the space.

The orange firelight revealed a domed circular room.

Most surprisingly, the circular walls were lined with rows and rows, layers upon layers of wine jars, arranged at varying heights.

With a rough estimate, there were likely thousands of wine jars.

Even though the jars were sealed, an ambiguous aroma of wine lingered in the air.

"Is this Wanxiang Building’s wine cellar?" Mu Qingge exclaimed in astonishment.

Han Caicai mentioned drinking, yet she hadn’t expected he would take her directly into a wine cellar to drink. Is he not afraid of drinking to death?

Han Caicai did not answer her, instead flicking several times, causing flames to shoot from his fingertips to other fire basins, further brightening the cellar.

Han Caicai turned to Mu Qingge, "The wine here has been privately collected by Wanxiang Building for hundreds or even thousands of years, never sold to the public. Tonight, you have a rare treat."

Wanxiang Building’s private stash!

The wine here might well be older than her!

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled.

Though not an avid drinker, she considered sampling vintaged fine wine a life’s pleasure.

In both her previous life and this one, among all beverages, only wine could match her. Water too insipid, tea too quiet...only wine was wild and bold, a medium for passionate revenge and deeply felt emotions.

"Can I take some to go?" Mu Qingge asked Han Caicai, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled.

Han Caicai’s mouth twitched, and he snorted, "Greedy." With that, he walked toward the empty space in the center, stomping his foot, causing the ground to shake, making the entire cellar subtly tremble, accompanied by a thundering echo reverberating in Mu Qingge’s ears.

Her gaze shifted, about to question Han Caicai’s actions, when she was suddenly shocked by what unfolded before her.

The wine cellar’s dome slowly opened like petals, letting starlight pour in. Under the night sky’s canopy, starry radiance shimmered, the cold moon arrogant, magnificent waves igniting a yearning for a celestial journey, exceedingly beautiful.

Fine wine, beautiful scenery...

Mu Qingge’s eyes drifted from the opened dome to fall on Han Caicai. ’And a beauty!’ Her heart couldn’t help but sigh: ’Han Caicai truly went to great lengths to entertain her.’

The infusion of clear starlight dimmed the flames in the fire basins slightly.

Gradually, some fireflies flew in through the open dome, swirling down to appear around Mu Qingge and Han Caicai, scattering a gentle light within the wine cellar.

The soft green glow, tinged with romance, illuminated both of them. Night winds poured in, rustling their garments, rendering time silent.

"Ahem." Feeling the atmosphere turn peculiar, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but cough lightly twice.

The moment she made a sound, the fireflies surrounding her flew away, drawing away those around Han Caicai, drifting farther away.

With the departure of the fireflies, the light between the two dimmed, their expressions shrouded in shadow.

"Wanxiang Building sure knows how to pick a place." Mu Qingge gazed at the dome admitting starlight and moonlight, offering praise.

Han Caicai’s slender eyes glimmered with a hint of melancholy. He didn’t respond to Mu Qingge’s meaningless comment, instead walking over to a wine jar, selecting one, and bringing it over.

Placing the wine jar before Mu Qingge, her gaze shifted from the sky back to the ground.

Han Caicai punched through the jar’s sealing soil in front of Mu Qingge. Once opened, a potent aroma immediately spilled out, filling the wine cellar.

The cellar didn’t have bowls for holding wine, only liquor measuring jugs.

Han Caicai simply took two measuring jugs, placed them in front, poured the wine from the jar into them, then pushed one toward Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge was not particular, reaching out to grab it, lifting it to her lips and inhaling. Instantly, her eyes brightened, exclaiming, "Good wine!"

"Besides saying ’good wine,’ can you utter anything with more taste?" Han Caicai said mockingly.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched as she glared at him, "Are you subtly saying my literary skills are lacking? Don’t forget, I was born scornful of propriety. All finesse stripped away."

"Yet, I heard back when you shot nine stars in a row at the Qin Country Royal Hunting Ground, you instantly composed a worthy poem while drinking," Han Caicai sneered.

"Ugh!" Mu Qingge was stunned. That’s pirated, isn’t it? It’s not even written by her.

He looked at Mu Qingge, his gaze filled with inscrutable meaning, as his lazy voice recited a poem she knew well: "Heroes arise amidst the winds of the world, entering the martial world hastens time. Imperial ambitions and glory discussed with humor, unable to surpass a life’s drunken revelry."

Han Caicai’s voice seemed to pull Mu Qingge into memories.

In front of her eyes, scenes unfolded. Memories of past lives, and experiences upon arriving in another world.

And also, liberation...

In the Qin Country’s Royal Hunting Ground, her spirit soared heroically, drinking boldly and being free and untamed, filled with youthful impudence.

Yet, as she grew and took on more burdens, she truly lost some of that original uninhibited spirit.

A hint of nostalgia flashed deep within Mu Qingge’s eyes.

If she could, she’d rather forever remain that flamboyant youth in red, carefree, discussing nothing but life’s drunken moments.

But, is it possible?

Each step she took was filled with caution, and every growth meant not strength, but a further goal.

She’s still too weak and needs to continue growing.

Perhaps, one day when she reaches the peak and truly controls her own destiny, she could return to her former uninhibited self.

"Mu Qingge?"

Han Caicai’s voice pulled her back to reality.

She turned to look at Han Caicai, seeing a trace of concern in his narrow, cunning eyes.

With a smile, Mu Qingge raised the drinking vessel and toasted towards Han Caicai from afar, "To respect!" She then drank down the full pound of strong liquor within the vessel in one gulp.

Some of the liquor spilled from the corner of her lips, soaking her lapels, yet she seemed utterly unconcerned, continuing to drink.

Before long, the drinking vessel was emptied.

"Hahahaha—what fine wine!" Mu Qingge set down the drinking vessel, wiping her mouth with her sleeve, a captivating smile blooming across her exquisite face.

Han Caicai seemed a bit entranced, and after she finished a vessel of wine, he brought his own vessel to his mouth, accompanying her in drinking it down.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The rare indulgence allowed Mu Qingge to drink with abandon.

She and Han Caicai did not speak much, more as if engaged in a drinking contest. More and more opened wine jars, more and more shattered drinking vessels on the ground.

Bathing in starlight, with a confidant by her side, embraced by fine wine, indulging in joyous revelry.

This kind of life, Mu Qingge hadn’t experienced for a long time.

Before, in Qin Country, in Luodu, she had Fatty Shao to accompany her. In Ancient Witch Country, in the Holy Yuan Empire, Jiang Li was with her. Upon reaching the Middle Ancient Realm, far from home, surprisingly, her companion was Han Caicai.

Perhaps because they were alike, they understood each other better. They could more easily open their hearts to each other.

"Han Caicai, didn’t you want to hear me recite a poem?" Half drunk and half sober, Mu Qingge suddenly said to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai raised his gaze towards her, teasingly smiling: "How now? Inspired to recite a poem? It’s really not easy to hear you recite, costing me quite a few jars of fine wine."

Mu Qingge laughed aloud: "These worldly possessions, why care so much? A thousand cups is too few for a confidant with wine!"

"A nice line, ’A thousand cups is too few for a confidant with wine,’" Han Caicai said with a semblance of a smile. His narrow eyes seemed both drunk and clear as usual.

Watching Mu Qingge’s carefree demeanor, having shed everything, Han Caicai thought to himself: ’Does he ever accompany you like this? Mu Qingge, you are human, not god. When everyone looks up to you, has anyone thought that you too can be tired and ache? Tonight, just rest well.’

Mu Qingge staggered up from the ground, looking up at what seemed the same starry sky, her clear eyes carrying a hint of confusion and reminiscence.

The starlight enveloped her, as if painting a layer of glow around her.

She collected the flamboyant smile at the corner of her lips, her voice tinged with memory as she said: "There’s another poem I like a lot, but it’s not mine; I don’t have the skill. If you want to hear, I can tell."

Han Caicai looked at her and said nothing.

At this moment, he watched Mu Qingge, the depths of his narrow eyes were filled with her image, only thinking ’so beautiful, so beautiful...’

Whatever Han Caicai thought, Mu Qingge paid no mind; she was completely immersed in her own memories, slowly reciting with her mouth: "The moonlit border of Qin and Han, thousand-mile campaigns with soldiers unreturned. If the flying general guards the Dragon City, no barbarian horse shall cross the gloomy mountains."

Han Caicai’s gaze slightly hardened, slowly revealing shock.

The imagery in this poem carried the iron and determination of clashing soldiers and horses. From the poetry, it is a song praising the border soldiers, that determination to protect the homeland.

But, from Mu Qingge’s mouth, it carried more of an unwavering determination to forge ahead.

’Such a woman...such a woman...’ Han Caicai’s gaze grew fervent.

The more he interacted with Mu Qingge, the more he was reluctant to let go.

She is unique, unlike any other! If he let go, he feared he would regret it for life.

Han Caicai stared blankly at Mu Qingge’s back, bathed in starlight, her spine straight and filled with resolute determination. In front of her, it seemed there stood towering mountains, deep gorges. Beneath her feet, the ground was filled with thorns, traps, mountains of knives and sea of fire. But none of this could deter her even slightly; she would tread upon thorns, walk on her enemies’ blood, and her own blood, and soar in the flames.

Suddenly, Han Caicai felt perhaps he wasn’t worthy of such a woman.

She was too fierce, too dazzling, too bright, too strong! Everyone before her would feel inferior. One day, she would reach the peak of the world, and he could only look up.

"No! I won’t let that day come! I won’t be left behind!"

Han Caicai suddenly shouted, drawing Mu Qingge’s intoxicated gaze upon him.

She looked at him with confusion, somewhat puzzled.

Her exquisite face, due to slight inebriation, appeared bewildered and innocent, pure and clean. The alcohol-induced blush on her cheeks added a touch of shyness.

Even though she still wore earrings that concealed her identity, they couldn’t hide her peerless beauty.

Under Mu Qingge’s gaze, Han Caicai regathered some of his senses. He shifted his eyes, avoiding Mu Qingge’s puzzled look. Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze with no further enquiry. She continued to look up at the starry sky, holding a wine bottle in one hand, and gently stroking the Palace Bell hanging at her waist with the other.

’Where is he? Is he under the same starry sky?’ As the intoxicating wine took effect, Mu Qingge finally felt the irrepressible longing deep within her heart.

She belonged to the emotional valve, once opened, it was as bold and intense as her nature.

The wine, continued to be drunk, the night continued to spread its clear light.

In the cellar of Wanxiang Building, overnight, a dozen empty wine jars appeared. Those rare treasures lost to the outside world were wholly drank by these two.

The first ray of morning sunlight fell through the open dome, illuminating Mu Qingge resting against a fallen wine jar.

The warm sunshine gradually roused Mu Qingge.

Her long, thick eyelashes trembled softly, slowly opening.

Once her eyes opened, they showed no sign of confusion, having already returned to their usual clarity. Her eyes moved a little as she sat up from the floor. Surveying the surroundings, her side was covered with fallen wine jars and shattered drinking vessels.

Opposite her, among several large jars, a glimpse of red remained.

Mu Qingge arched her eyebrows, stood from the ground, and looked down at the long shadow inside.

She raised her hand, lightly flicking the crease on her robe, with her hands behind her back, walking towards Han Caicai. As she approached, the sunshine behind her cast her shadow over Han Caicai.

Mu Qingge lightly curved her lips, extended her toe, and kicked Han Caicai’s leg. "Hey, Han Caicai, the sun’s already shining on your backside."

The person lying on the ground was disturbed by her rough action, and their eyelashes fluttered lightly.

"You’re such a lightweight with alcohol; you’re hopeless!" Mu Qingge grinned roguishly and kicked again.

Han Caicai snapped his eyes open; the long eyes no longer showed any hint of sleepiness. He sat up, looking at Mu Qingge, and said coldly, "Don’t tell a man he’s hopeless, or you’ll find out who’s really hopeless!"

Mu Qingge was taken aback, then quickly understood the meaning behind his words. Annoyed, she kicked him again and scolded, "Put away your filthy thoughts!"

"Filthy?" Han Caicai dismissed it indifferently, "Any man would think this way, unless he’s not a man." As he spoke, he eyed Mu Qingge with a half-smile and said, "Don’t tell me, he’s never even held your hand."

This implied remark suddenly reminded Mu Qingge of the moments with Si Mo, and her cheeks flushed red. Enraged, she gritted her teeth and kicked Han Caicai hard, "It’s rare to see a man be this gossipy like you!"

That kick wasn’t clear, but what hurt Han Caicai the most wasn’t his leg, but his heart.

Actually, the moment he said those words, he regretted it. Usually, he was used to bickering with Mu Qingge, and he said it without thinking. Guarding such a peerless beauty as Mu Qingge, no normal man would remain unperturbed. And Mu Qingge’s expression clearly indicated that they had long surpassed holding hands, possibly even more intimate...

The thought of Mu Qingge in another man’s arms made Han Caicai so furious that he felt like vomiting blood; he loathed himself for stabbing himself in the heart.

Having said the wrong thing, he had to swallow the bitterness even if it hurt.

Han Caicai silently swallowed the bitter wine he had brewed for himself, his heart aching as if it were being torn apart.

After a while, he recovered: "The wine is finished, aren’t you leaving?"

Mu Qingge smiled coldly, teasingly said, "Aren’t you forgetting something?"

What!

Han Caicai looked up at her blankly.

Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, exuding a dangerous aura: "Young Master Han, you won’t forget the condition for me coming to drink, will you?" Tricking her wasn’t that easy!

Fortunately, Han Caicai wasn’t stupid.

Feeling the dangerous aura emanating from Mu Qingge, he immediately said, "Oh, Abnormal Fire."

The words "Abnormal Fire" caused the aura around Mu Qingge to retract, although her tone remained cold, "Speak."

However, Han Caicai spoke leisurely, "Do you know anything about the Abnormal Fire in the Middle Ancient Realm?"

Mu Qingge was stunned; she indeed knew nothing about it. "Could it be there’s also a ranking of Abnormal Fires in the Middle Ancient Realm? And coincidentally, you wrote it?"

"You overestimate me. There is indeed an Abnormal Fire ranking, but it existed before I was even born," Han Caicai said.

"Let’s hear it," Mu Qingge became interested.

Han Caicai said to Mu Qingge, "There are ten types of Abnormal Fire on the list. But you don’t need to worry about six of them."

"Why?" Mu Qingge asked in surprise.

Han Caicai said, "Because these six Abnormal Fires already have owners. Even if you know about them, you can’t obtain them. So, it’s better to consider the remaining four ownerless Abnormal Fires, since your Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame is only for devouring."

"Go on," Mu Qingge nodded.

Han Caicai sorted his thoughts before saying to her, "The remaining four ownerless Abnormal Fires ranked seventh is Xuanming Nine Nether Flame, fifth is Taichu Urgent Fire, second is Heavenly Extreme Flame, and ranked first is Qiankun Dragon Flame."

"Xuanming Nine Nether Flame, Taichu Urgent Fire, Heavenly Extreme Flame, Qiankun Dragon Flame?" Mu Qingge silently memorized the names of these four Abnormal Fires.

Han Caicai nodded, looking at Mu Qingge, said, "The Abnormal Fire information I want to tell you is about the Taichu Urgent Fire, which is currently in its weakening period."

Mu Qingge’s eyes immediately lit up.

Han Caicai waved his hand, and an illusory map appeared between them.

Mu Qingge looked at this scene in surprise; this map was like virtual imaging technology from her previous life!

Seeing the astonishment in her eyes, Han Caicai explained, "Don’t be too surprised. It’s just the map in my hand is a bit more advanced than yours."

"What do you mean?" Mu Qingge looked up at him.

Han Caicai spread his hand open, and only then did Mu Qingge notice a piece of jade in his palm.

The light on that virtual map seemed to be connected to the jade.

"In the Middle Ancient Realm, there are two types of map carriers. One is the kind of map you have that’s engraved on certain Spiritual Beast skins. The other is this kind that’s hidden in a jade. Just input Spiritual Power to release the map, and it depicts the terrain more accurately and retains some surface images. For example..." While explaining, Han Caicai pointed to a spot on the map.

Suddenly, under his finger’s touch, an image gradually emerged, depicting mountains, rivers, forests, and cities.

Mu Qingge was so shocked her eyes widened; this was practically high-tech!

The images were so realistic they were like photographs. Even someone who couldn’t understand maps could easily use these illustrations to determine their location.

Mu Qingge’s gaze landed on the jade in Han Caicai’s hand, feeling a bit of desire.

But Han Caicai quickly put it away and told Mu Qingge, "Such maps are only possessed by important figures within the Ancient Clan." Implicitly warning her not to be too greedy and risk inviting trouble.

Mu Qingge pursed her lips and withdrew her gaze.

Seeing she was no longer interested in the map, Han Caicai continued, "According to the intelligence I’ve gathered, the Taichu Urgent Fire is currently here." His long finger pointed to a certain point on the map.

Following his direction, Mu Qingge’s eyes suddenly contracted, and she exclaimed, "Outside Lanwu City!"

Han Caicai nodded, teasingly said, "Did you think I would know you’d come here in advance and wait for you? I’m here for the Taichu Urgent Fire."

Mu Qingge frowned, looking at him.

She couldn’t understand Han Caicai’s intentions. If he was after the Taichu Urgent Fire, why would he tell her this information? Could it be he wanted her to fight him for it?

"What on earth do you mean?" Mu Qingge asked in a deep voice.

Han Caicai smiled and said, "I do need the Taichu Urgent Fire, but I only need a wisp of Essence. We can still join forces. After subduing it, I’ll take away a wisp of Essence, and the rest, you let your Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame devour."

"Don’t you have Fire Cloud Yang Flame?" Mu Qingge asked in puzzlement.

Han Caicai replied, "The Fire Cloud Yang Flame is already weakened. At first, it only managed to fuse with me by chance. Now to secure my position and intimidate those with ulterior motives, I must find another Abnormal Fire to reactivate the Fire Cloud Yang Flame. Afterward, I’ll devour the hereditary fireseed from my family."

"You can devour two Abnormal Fires?" Mu Qingge asked in astonishment.

Han Caicai shook his head, "Of course not. Reactivating the Fire Cloud Yang Flame is because I need it to help me obtain the qualification for inheritance. Once I have the qualification, before accepting the inherited fireseed, the Elders of my family will extract the Fire Cloud Yang Flame from my body, and then I’ll proceed with the inheritance."

"Extracting Abnormal Fire!" Mu Qingge gasped. She had once heard Mengmeng say how dangerous and painful extracting Abnormal Fire was; one wrong move and it could cost a life.

Yet, Han Caicai was willing to take such a risk?

"Is family power really more important than your life?" Mu Qingge couldn’t help but ask.

Han Caicai’s eyes lit up, and he lazily smiled, "Is this your way of caring for me?"

Mu Qingge replied with a cold smile, saying nothing.

Han Caicai didn’t mind, but he didn’t want Mu Qingge to misunderstand, and explained, "It’s not for power, but to become stronger. Only by becoming stronger do I have the right to pursue everything I want. Moreover, it’s not as if I can give up even if I want to. The current situation is if I don’t win, it’s death. So, I have no choice."

"..." Mu Qingge was silent. Han Caicai’s words left her without ability to respond. It was indeed a cruel world, where being lenient didn’t necessarily mean peace.

Mu Yi was the best example.

And Han Caicai was just trying to prevent such a tragedy from happening to himself, working hard for it.

"What are the characteristics of Taichu Urgent Fire?" Mu Qingge returned to the main topic, thus implicitly agreeing to Han Caicai’s proposal.

Han Caicai chuckled lightly, "Taichu Urgent Fire is said to be a fire seed left behind when the sun first rose, existing since time immemorial. Its lifespan is very long, longer than other Abnormal Fires from birth to decline. So, if your Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame devours it, it can extend its cycle. Additionally, Taichu Urgent Fire is transformed from Sun Essence Fire, so its heat is stronger than other Abnormal Fires. If judged solely by flame temperature, it should actually rank first. Now that it has entered its weakening period, it’s an opportunity for us to take advantage."

"So powerful!" Mu Qingge was slightly surprised in her heart.

She asked, "Since the Taichu Urgent Fire is so powerful yet only ranks fifth, what’s special about the first and second ranked Abnormal Fires?"

As soon as she spoke, a scroll was thrown into her arms.

Mu Qingge caught it with both hands and opened it to see the introduction of the ten Abnormal Fires ranked in the Middle Ancient Realm inside.

After skimming through it briefly, Mu Qingge didn’t look closely and put it away.

No matter how the other Abnormal Fires were, her goal now was the Taichu Urgent Fire!

"When are we setting off?" Mu Qingge asked.

Han Caicai tossed the question back to her, "It’s up to your arrangement. Aren’t you going to rescue that person from the Mu Family?"

Mu Qingge pressed her lips together. She did indeed have to rescue Mu Yi, but Mu Yi’s whereabouts were unknown, so there was no point in waiting around. The location of the Taichu Urgent Fire wasn’t far from Lanwu City; she could indeed arrange her time well.

After pondering for a moment in her heart, Mu Qingge said to Han Caicai, "Wait for my message. Once I’ve arranged everything, I’ll join you in visiting the Taichu Urgent Fire."

Han Caicai nodded.

"Do you need me to see you off?" Han Caicai offered.

Mu Qingge glanced at his flashy attire and disdainfully said, "I’ll go on my own."

...

After leaving Wanxiang Building, Mu Qingge returned to her temporary residence. She needed to wash off the smell of alcohol. She had drunk heavily last night, relying purely on her grit, without using a Hangover Relief Pill as a cheat. So she was still feeling a slight headache.

Back at the small courtyard, Jing Hai was doing his basic training.

Those basic trainings were what he learned while with the Dragon Tooth Guards.

It was said that Mu Qingge required the Dragon Tooth Guards to practice them daily, and he joined in the training. Mu Qingge did not stop him.

Mu Qingge paused, standing quietly at the gate watching Jing Hai train.

Jing Hai didn’t notice Mu Qingge standing at the gate but was earnestly conducting his training. He had self-made sandbags tied to his legs, filled with heavy iron sand. The Dragon Tooth Guards no longer needed such aids, but they advised Jing Hai that when he was in Yu Shui City, Jing Hai made several according to their guidance.

Push-ups, sit-ups, frog jumps in place...

These basic trainings were strengthening Jing Hai’s muscles and bones. In just a few months, he was no longer the pure boy from the fishing village; his muscles started showing obvious lines, and his skin became somewhat tanned.

In no time, sweat appeared on his face and back.

"Huff, huff!"

Jing Hai was immersed in his training, practicing one-handed push-ups. Suddenly, he saw a pair of shoes in his field of view and was startled. He quickly jumped up from the ground and shouted, "Instructor!"

Mu Qingge looked at his sweat-soaked, handsome face, nodded almost imperceptibly, and asked, "How is the cultivation going?"

"According to what the instructor taught, I’ve now reached the Purple Realm Peak." A bright smile appeared on Jing Hai’s face, his white teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

Purple Realm Peak, the starting point in the Middle Ancient Realm is the Purple Realm. Reaching the Purple Realm Peak in just a few months was not easy for Jing Hai. Keep in mind, his body hadn’t gone through the transformation of a Genetic Transformation Agent, and his talent wasn’t one-in-a-million.

Ultimately, he was just an ordinary person. The only difference might be a more resilient mind than the average person.

"Intensive cultivation also requires appropriate rest and adjustment." Mu Qingge advised Jing Hai.

However, Jing Hai shook his head and said, "I’m not tired. I also want to quickly succeed in cultivation so I can help the instructor!" He wasn’t stupid and could see the comings and goings of Xie Ya and the others, and he was very envious of the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Mu Qingge curved her lips into a smile, "Staying behind closed doors won’t train a world-class master. When you break through to the Gray Realm, go report to the Dragon Tooth Guards and learn well from them; their battlefield suits you better."

"Instructor, can I really?" Jing Hai’s eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation.

Being able to fight alongside the Dragon Tooth Guards was the thing Jing Hai most looked forward to after apprenticing under Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge nodded, reined in her smile, and said seriously, "Xiao Hai, maybe I’m not an adequate teacher in your mind, but regardless of what you think, all I can provide are the conditions and the platform. Your future depends on your choices and efforts."

"Instructor, I understand!" Jing Hai quickly responded.

Mu Qingge said to Jing Hai, "When I teach people, I never just keep them nearby to learn move by move. Once you have enough capital, the rest relies on self-discipline. Going to the Dragon Tooth Guards is an opportunity for you—an opportunity earned through your hard training. If you hadn’t been diligent, I wouldn’t have even mentioned it."

Jing Hai held his breath, straightened his back, saying, "Instructor, I understand."

Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared; without preparation, opportunities will quietly slip away!

Jing Hai had always thought Mu Qingge was busy with her affairs and didn’t pay attention to his cultivation. He didn’t expect her to watch from the shadows, testing him, and only speaking up when she felt it was appropriate.

Suddenly, Jing Hai thought. If he had always been muddling through, following a routine every day, never making an extra effort, would he have never heard these words from his master today? Could he have unknowingly disappointed his master, leading her to give up on him?

Jing Hai felt a bit scared but also relieved that he realized it in time.

’Luckily, it’s not too late!’ Jing Hai told himself earnestly. Mu Qingge seldom gave guidance, but whenever she did say something, Jing Hai would remember it by heart.

"Instructor, I remember all your words!" Jing Hai said again, understanding clearly.

Mu Qingge took out an elixir and handed it to Jing Hai. "This elixir has a certain bone marrow cleansing effect; take it before you feel you’re about to break through to the Gray Realm." This Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill was self-refined by her. It couldn’t match the Genetic Transformation Agent in effect, but it was still a pretty good elixir.

After Jing Hai takes it, it will maximize the effectiveness during the breakthrough, expelling impurities from his body, enhancing the toughness of meridians and bones, and will even cleanse his talent.

Jing Hai carefully received the elixir, earnestly saying, "Thank you, instructor."

Mu Qingge waved her hand and walked towards the room.

After she finished washing up and had a nap, she saw Xie Ya and the others returning from outside.

She dissolved the Hangover Relief Pill in water and drank it; a white light streaked across the sky and landed on Mu Qingge’s wrist.

"Qingge, what’s to eat?" Bai Xi immediately asked.

Mu Qingge replied helplessly, "You He is already preparing."

"Hurry up, after eating I still have to go back to watch that person surnamed Mu." Bai Xi urged.

"How about it? Any progress?" Mu Qingge asked.

Bai Xi shook his head, "He didn’t go anywhere last night, just stayed in the Mu Mansion."

Mu Qingge nodded lightly. She had expected such an answer.

She said to Bai Xi, "Watch carefully these days. If there’s any discovery, don’t rush to act; wait for my return. I need to leave for a while, but I will hurry back."

"You’re leaving?" Bai Xi was stunned. But quickly said, "Take that smelly fox with you; if there’s any danger, just throw it out to block the knife."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched slightly, ignoring Bai Xi’s words.

At this moment, You He came in and said to Mu Qingge, "Little Lord, everything is ready."

Upon hearing that the preparations for food were complete, Bai Xi’s violet-gold vertical pupils lit up, and with a ’swish,’ she disappeared in front of Mu Qingge and You He. By the time the two of them reached the backyard, Bai Xi had already transformed into her true form and started eating. The food, piled even higher than the day before, was instantly devoured.

"You three, I need to leave for a while to take care of some matters. You stay here and continue according to my instructions. No matter what happens, don’t act rashly and wait for my return. At the latest, I’ll be back within half a month." Mu Qingge instructed.

The next day, Mu Qingge walked alone towards the city gate of Lanwu City.

Outside the city of Lanwu, Han Caicai was waiting for her.

Upon meeting again, he sat on the back of a Spirit Beast that looked like both a wolf and a leopard, waving her over, "Since you didn’t bring your Flame Horse King, why not ride with me?"

Mu Qingge rolled her eyes at him and directly refused, "No need."

"Are you planning to walk there on foot?" Han Caicai said playfully, long eyes filled with a teasing light.