Roar——!

Boom boom boom——!

Rocks fell, the underground palace collapsed.

Yin Chen quickly retreated with Han Caicai, completely ignoring Han Caicai’s struggles.

Mu Qingge held the Linglong Spear and charged towards Yuanyuan, but halfway there, a giant flaming claw fell, blocking her path, forcing her to turn back.

"Mu Qingge, that Fire Puppet Demon Beast has gone berserk, hurry up and leave!" came Han Caicai’s voice from a distance.

Berserk!

Mu Qingge’s gaze darkened as she looked at the Fire Puppet Demon Beast, now taller and completely immersed in flames.

It let out a hoarse growl from its throat, easily breaking the fire chain that was shackled around its neck, and charged aggressively towards Mu Qingge, spreading flames in its wake.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed as she retreated continuously.

At this moment, the collapse of the underground palace intensified, and suddenly a loud sound reverberated.

Mu Qingge looked up and saw the top of the underground palace being smashed open, revealing a circular opening. Yuanyuan and the Taichu Urgent Fire had already burst through, continuing their battle.

Yuanyuan was gone, and there was no longer any reason for Mu Qingge to stay.

She dodged the attacks of the Fire Puppet Demon Beast, retreating constantly.

Suddenly, a white light flashed past her, charging at the Fire Puppet Demon Beast. Mu Qingge looked carefully and realized it was Yin Chen’s true form!

The Snow Fox was as large as a mountain, its nine tails fluttering behind it, its blood-red eyes flashing fiercely as it engaged in a fierce battle with the Fire Puppet Demon Beast.

"Yin Chen!" Mu Qingge called out.

Han Caicai came to her side and said, "A Spirit Beast’s best battle state is its true form. Now he has the Fire Extinguishing Pearl within him, so he doesn’t fear flames. With him buying us time, let’s leave quickly. We can make plans once we’re outside, as this place is about to collapse."

Mu Qingge cast a worried glance at Yin Chen, but ultimately nodded and left with Han Caicai.

She knew that the sooner she left, the sooner Yin Chen could shake off the entanglement of the Fire Puppet Demon Beast.

The two did not take the original path back but chose the hole created by Yuanyuan and the Taichu Urgent Fire. With Han Caicai injured, Mu Qingge supported him, stepping on the Star Beginning Step, leaping into the air, and charging towards the opening.

The two transformed into two sleek lights, disappearing into the underground palace.

Yin Chen kept the Fire Puppet Demon Beast entangled, stalling its movements.

However, as the Fire Puppet was not truly a living being, unless its Fire Core was extracted, it was virtually indestructible. After ensuring Mu Qingge’s safety, Yin Chen flicked its nine tails, using the force to propel itself towards the opening and quickly dashed through.

"Roar roar——!"

Behind them, the Fire Puppet Demon Beast let out a roar of frustration at being teased.

It pursued relentlessly, dragging its broken fire chain, chasing after Yin Chen. The silver and red lights burst through the opening one after the other. Just as they left, the entire underground palace could no longer sustain itself, collapsing rapidly.

Outside, the sky was already dark, and the surroundings were desolate, with no witnesses to the spectacular collapse of the volcano.

Two clusters of abnormal fire battled in the sky, the light of the Taichu Urgent Fire like a second sun in the night, with another cluster of flame as dim and chaotic entangled with it.

Mu Qingge landed on the fallen rocks with Han Caicai, breathing in the fresh air. With the volcano down, the surrounding temperature dropped sharply, no longer scorching.

"Take the elixir." Mu Qingge handed an elixir to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai accepted it without hesitation and swallowed it directly. Instantly, his previously sluggish Spiritual Power circulated smoothly once more.

His narrow eyes lit up with delight as he looked at Mu Qingge. "Your alchemy skills have improved greatly."

Mu Qingge glanced at him, seemingly implying that his words were redundant. "Didn’t I already give you the Treasure Level Earth Emperor Pill?"

Han Caicai nodded imperceptibly and said to her, "After this is over, I’ll discuss a business deal with you, guaranteed to be a win-win opportunity!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the silver and red lights appeared in the night sky one after the other.

Mu Qingge looked at the silver light and said to Han Caicai, "First think of a way to deal with that Fire Puppet Demon Beast."

Han Caicai took a deep breath and said to Mu Qingge, "There’s no better way; we can only fight head-on. Hopefully, the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame can hold the Taichu Urgent Fire for a bit longer. The three of us will besiege the Fire Puppet Demon Beast. Once it’s destroyed, we’ll deal with the Taichu Urgent Fire together!"

Mu Qingge pressed her lips together and nodded without delay, leaping towards the night sky to launch a surprise attack on the Fire Puppet Demon Beast from behind.

This straightforward approach left Han Caicai momentarily stunned, before a faint smile curled at the corner of his mouth. He charged up again, surrounded by an abnormal fire that coalesced into fiery serpents, the Fire Cloud Yang Flame he had incorporated into his body.

In the night sky, both battlefields were intensely dazzling to the point of leaving onlookers spellbound.

Mu Qingge and Yin Chen’s coordination was seamless, not to mention the addition of the devilishly talented Han Caicai, finally gaining control over the berserk Fire Puppet Demon Beast.

However, its movements were currently too swift, its power too immense, making it evident that the previous plan to extract its Fire Core was no longer feasible.

"Then let’s blow its head off!" Mu Qingge shouted in a deep voice. The Linglong Spear in her hand quickly gathered her outputted Spiritual Energy, executing a stunning shot.

With prior experience, at least they could pinpoint the Fire Puppet Demon Beast’s Fire Core lodged between its head and neck.

As long as they blew its head off and extracted the Fire Core before it could recover, it would be doomed! The Linglong Spear streaked across the night sky like a shooting star, dragging a long tail behind it.

A gunshot rang out, channeling Mu Qingge’s full force as it thrust towards the Fire Puppet Demon Beast’s head.

The Fire Puppet Demon Beast let out a roar, charging at Mu Qingge.

Han Caicai formed seals with his hands and shouted, "Fire Cloud Yang Flame, go——!" The fiery serpents surrounding him surged out, growing larger upon meeting the wind, instantly coiling around the Fire Puppet Demon Beast, halting its movements, pinning it in place.

The Linglong Spear, with immense power and sharpness, appeared before the Fire Puppet Demon Beast’s eyes. The rapidly spinning spearhead, sparking with fire, pierced into the Fire Puppet Demon Beast’s head.

"Explode!" Mu Qingge grasped the spear’s tail, shouting in a deep voice.

Bang——!

The explosion resounded, and the massive head of the Fire Puppet Demon Beast burst apart before their eyes, painting the night sky red with fiery light.

The three of them were hit head-on by the explosive force, all of them spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Mu Qingge swung her spear to block, while Han Caicai’s Fire Cloud Yang Flame returned to restrain the Fire Puppet Demon Beast, holding it back.

Though the head appeared terrifying and emitted a threatening growl, once Yin Chen saw this, he swiftly swung his nine tails, using their power to propel himself forward, and lunged toward the hole.

"Roar—Roar—!"

Behind them, the Fire Puppet Demon Beast roared in fury at being mocked.

It pursued relentlessly, dragging its broken fire chain, chasing after Yin Chen. The silver and red lights burst out of the hole, one ahead of the other. Just as they escaped, the entire underground palace could hold no more and quickly collapsed.

Outside, the night had fallen, and the surroundings were desolate, leaving no trace of the volcanic collapse.

The two clusters of Abnormal Fire were battling in the sky, the glow of the Taichu Urgent Fire resembling an additional red sun in the night. Beside it, another flame, dim and chaotic, was entangled with it.

Mu Qingge, supporting Han Caicai, landed on the scattered rocks, inhaling the fresh air. With the volcano collapsed, the surrounding temperature dropped sharply, no longer scorching.

"Take this elixir." Mu Qingge handed an Elixir to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai accepted it without hesitation and immediately swallowed it. Instantly, the previously blocked Spiritual Energy in his body began to flow smoothly again.

His narrow eyes lit up, and he looked at Mu Qingge in surprise. "Your Alchemy Skill has improved a lot."

Mu Qingge cast him a brief glance, as if to say that his comment was superfluous. "Didn’t I already give you the Treasure Level Earth Emperor Pill?"

Han Caicai nodded almost imperceptibly and said to her, "Once this is over, I have a business proposition for you. I guarantee it will be a win-win situation!"

As he finished speaking, the silver light and the red light appeared one after the other in the night sky.

Mu Qingge looked at the silver light and said to Han Caicai, "Let’s figure out how to deal with that Fire Puppet Demon Beast first."

Han Caicai took a deep breath and said to Mu Qingge, "There’s no easy way; we’ll just have to fight it out. Let’s hope the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame can delay the Fire Cloud Yang Flame for a while longer. The three of us together can surround and eliminate that Fire Puppet Demon Beast. Once we do that, we’ll work together to take down the Fire Cloud Yang Flame!"

Mu Qingge pressed her lips together and nodded, wasting no time as she charged with Han Caicai into the air towards the broken hole.

The two of them turned into sleek streaks, disappearing into the night sky from within the underground palace.

Yin Chen had entangled the Fire Puppet Demon Beast, hindering its movement.

However, the Fire Puppet wasn’t truly alive, and unless its Fire Core was extracted, it was practically impossible to kill. Once sure Mu Qingge was safe, Yin Chen flicked his nine tails, using the force to propel himself to the distance, quickly rushing towards the opening.

"ROAR—!"

Behind, the Fire Puppet Demon Beast let out a roar of fury after being taunted.

It pursued relentlessly, dragging its broken fire chain, rushing towards Yin Chen. The silver and red lights, one behind the other, shot out through the opening. As soon as they left, the entire underground palace could no longer withstand itself and rapidly collapsed.

Outside, darkness had already fallen; the surroundings were desolate, hiding the awe-inspiring scene of the volcanic collapse.

In the air, two clusters of Abnormal Fire clashed, with the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame’s glow like a red sun in the night. Nearby, another group of shimmering, chaotic flames tangled together.

Mu Qingge supported Han Caicai as they landed on the scattered rocks, breathing in the crisp air. With the volcano collapsed, the surrounding temperature abruptly dropped, no longer scorching.

"Take the elixir." Mu Qingge offered an elixir to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai accepted it without hesitation and swallowed it directly. Instantly, the stagnant Spiritual Energy in his body began to circulate and immediately returned to normal.

His long, narrow eyes brightened, and he looked at Mu Qingge with surprise. "Your Alchemy Skill has improved a lot."

Mu Qingge glanced at him, as if to say his words were useless. "Didn’t I give you the Treasure Level Earth Emperor Pill already?"

Han Caicai nodded almost imperceptibly and said to her, "After this is over, I have a business proposal for you. I guarantee it’s a win-win opportunity!"

Just as he finished speaking, the silver light and the red light appeared in the night sky one after another.

Mu Qingge looked at the silver light and said to Han Caicai, "Let’s first find a way to deal with that Fire Puppet Demon Beast."

Han Caicai took a deep breath and said to Mu Qingge, "There’s no good way; we can only fight a fierce battle. Hopefully, the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame can hold off the Taichu Urgent Fire for a while longer. The three of us can then attack the Fire Puppet Demon Beast together. Once it’s destroyed, we’ll deal with the Taichu Urgent Fire together!"

Mu Qingge pressed her lips and nodded without a moment’s hesitation, leaving with Han Caicai.

They transformed into two sleek beams of light, disappearing from the underground palace.

Yin Chen engaged with the Fire Puppet Demon Beast, stalling its advance.

However, the Fire Puppet was not a true living creature, and unless its Fire Core was extracted, it was practically indestructible. Once assured of Mu Qingge’s safety, Yin Chen swung its nine tails, using the force to propel itself to the distance, quickly dashing towards the hole.

"Roar, roar——!"

Behind him, the Fire Puppet Demon Beast roared angrily after being teased.

It chased after relentlessly, dragging its broken fire chain towards Yin Chen. The silver light and red light burst out of the hole, one after the other. No sooner had they escaped than the entire underground palace could no longer hold and rapidly collapsed.

Outside, the night had fallen, the surroundings were deserted, with no one witnessing the spectacular collapse of the volcano.

Two clusters of Abnormal Fire clashed in the air, the light of the Taichu Urgent Fire resembling an added red sun in the night. Beside him, another cluster of dim light was tangled like a chaotic flame.

Mu Qingge, supporting Han Caicai, landed on the fragmented rocks, breathing in the fresh air. Once the volcano toppled, the surrounding temperature also plummeted, no longer scorching.

"Take the elixir." Mu Qingge handed an elixir to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai took it without hesitation and swallowed it directly. Instantly, the stagnant Spiritual Energy within him began to circulate, immediately restoring smooth flow.

His long, narrow eyes lit up, and he looked at Mu Qingge with delight. "Your Alchemy Skill has improved quite a bit."

Mu Qingge glanced at him, as if to say that his words were pointless. "Didn’t I already give you the Treasure Level Earth Emperor Pill?"

Han Caicai nodded ever so slightly and said to her, "After this is all over, I have a business proposition for you that guarantees a win-win!"

Just as he finished speaking, the silver and red lights appeared one after another in the night sky.

Mu Qingge looked at the silver light and said to Han Caicai, "First, we need to figure out how to deal with that Fire Puppet Demon Beast."

Han Caicai took a deep breath and said to Mu Qingge, "There’s no easy way, we can only have a hard fight. I hope the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame can hold off the Taichu Urgent Fire for a while, so the three of us can attack that Fire Puppet Demon Beast together. Destroy it, and then we’ll deal with the Taichu Urgent Flame together!"

Mu Qingge pressed her lips and nodded without delay, leaving with Han Caicai.

However, he wasn’t able to get up like Mu Qingge; instead, he lay sprawled in the pit, coughing blood.

Mu Qingge pushed herself off the ground and walked towards him. Yin Chen also climbed up from the ground and followed.

He is a Divine Beast, naturally more resilient than Han Caicai.

Mu Qingge stretched her joints, a cacophony of cracking sounds emanated as the sensation of fracture gradually vanished.

The battle between Yuanyuan and Taichu Urgent Fire continued, Mu Qingge glanced up before jumping into Han Caicai’s pit. Yin Chen followed suit.

"Cough! Damned creature, even in death it got us again." Han Caicai cursed resentfully upon seeing Mu Qingge and Yin Chen appear.

The Fire Puppet Demon Beast lost its Fire Core and was supposed to vanish, yet it used its last bit of power to detonate itself, injuring the three of them. Most infuriating was that he lay immobilized on the ground, while Mu Qingge and Yin Chen seemed unaffected. Yin Chen was understandable; being a Divine Beast, his bones couldn’t hold a candle.

But Mu Qingge?

Clearly her Realm wasn’t higher than his, yet she was more resistant to falls!

Especially in front of the woman he admired, being smashed like this, how disgraceful!

Thinking about his current image and embarrassment, Han Caicai wished he could kill that damned Fire Puppet Demon Beast again!

Mu Qingge checked Han Caicai’s body and said to him: "Several of your joints are dislocated."

With that, she said to Yin Chen, "Don’t let him move around."

Before Han Caicai could react, he felt his body suddenly weigh heavy and unable to move. Meanwhile, Mu Qingge grabbed his leg and twisted it in a strange position—

Crack!

A sharp pain jolted from his bones, causing Han Caicai to gasp and his eyes to widen.

"It’s done." Suddenly, Mu Qingge’s voice reached his ears.

The next moment, he felt Mu Qingge’s hands pressing against his chest.

Crack! Crack!

Unexpectedly, two more cracks left Han Caicai’s face a rapid shade of purple. And at this time, Mu Qingge grabbed his left shoulder, pulling hard.

Crack—!

Han Caicai felt the air pent up in his chest suddenly release. He broke out in a cold sweat, staring at Mu Qingge: "Mu Qingge, are you taking this chance to exact revenge?"

Mu Qingge just stood up, clapped her hands, and said to him: "Get up and try."

"What get up..." The words barely left his mouth before Han Caicai suddenly felt his whole body lightened, the immobility was gone, and his bones were no longer in pain.

He climbed out of the pit and moved around a bit, discovering that aside from a lingering internal injury from the shockwave, he could amazingly run and jump again.

His eyes shone as he looked at Mu Qingge, astounded by her miraculous technique.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingge looked at him with disdain. Contempt filled her heart: ’It’s only the traditional bone-setting technique learned in my past life, yet this Otherworld person’s completely fooled.’

Ending her internal grumble, Mu Qingge spread her palm, revealing three elixirs resting within.

She took one, then looked at Yin Chen and Han Caicai. The two each took one, and the trio consumed them simultaneously. Instantly, the impacts their bodies sustained were remedied, the split traces in their organs automatically mended.

Having dealt with the Fire Puppet Demon Beast and restored their injuries, only one target remained.

The trio simultaneously shifted their gaze skyward, towards the fireball illuminating half the night sky.

If anyone saw this bizarre phenomenon, they’d likely believe the sun had fallen at night or another sun had appeared.

"Yuanyuan, you rest first, let us take over!" Mu Qingge shouted to Yuanyuan.

Though Taichu Urgent Fire had entered its weakness phase, Yuanyuan still couldn’t subdue it. The trio now needed to sap Taichu Urgent Fire’s strength, allowing Yuanyuan to seize the moment.

Upon hearing Mu Qingge’s voice, Yuanyuan immediately withdrew.

However, he didn’t return to the ground but instead used Chaos’s disguise to blend into the night. Without Taichu Urgent Fire’s illumination, even Mu Qingge couldn’t spot him.

When Yuanyuan retreated, Mu Qingge and her two companions charged forward.

In a fight against the Abnormal Fire, Han Caicai naturally took the lead. He unleashed Fire Cloud Yang Flame, constantly channeling Spiritual Power into the flame.

Mu Qingge and Yin Chen cooperated from the sides, continuously harassing Taichu Urgent Fire, driving it almost insane.

The thin, withered old face distorted, its eyes filled with evident hatred.

The struggle persisted for two hours.

Calculating the time, the trio’s Fire Extinguishing Pearls were nearing their expiration.

At this moment, the sky entered the pre-dawn darkness. Taichu Urgent Fire’s radiance stood out, though the firepower appeared slightly weaker.

Suddenly, Yuanyuan, who had been lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity, seized the moment, lunging fiercely, transforming into a colossal mouthpiece to swallow the defenseless Taichu Urgent Fire whole.

’Rooar—!’

Taichu Urgent Fire let out an angry sound.

It struggled, trying to escape the innate ability of Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame’s devouring. However, it was to no avail.

"Leave a piece of Essence for me!" Han Caicai said urgently.

Mu Qingge quickly shouted to Yuanyuan: "Yuanyuan, spare one piece of Essence!"

No sooner had her words ceased than a strand as fine as hair shot down from the sky, landing before Han Caicai.

Han Caicai’s mouth twitched, his eyes resentful as he looked at Mu Qingge, snorting coldly: "Just as stingy as you!"

Mu Qingge paused, unable to retort when looking at the thin, single finger-length Essence.

Han Caicai stored the Essence away and ran off, leaving a single remark: "Acts as my protector!"

Mu Qingge nodded, then shifted her gaze upward. Taichu Urgent Fire’s struggle slowly diminished, even if strong, it had entered its weakness phase, its vitality outclassed by Yuanyuan in his Growth Stage.

Being devoured, was already a predetermined outcome.

Soon enough, Yuanyuan transformed back into human form, descending from the sky, his belly swollen. He rubbed his belly with both hands, letting out a belch. A burst of flame spewed from his mouth.

Yuanyuan startled, clasping his hands over his mouth, blinked at Mu Qingge: "Mommy boss, I might need to take a nap." With that, he dashed behind the shattered stones and instantly fell asleep.

Mu Qingge and Yin Chen chased after, only to see him curled up like a newborn, hugging his knees, burying his head in sleep. A thin layer of gray mist started to exude from him, enveloping him within.

Mu Qingge and Yin Chen exchanged glances, each with perplexity in their eyes.

"He’s probably about to evolve." Mu Qingge nodded thoughtfully. Yuanyuan is unique; he needs to devour Abnormal Fire to grow. Every time he consumes Abnormal Fire, he changes, likely now as well.

"Master Yin, is Yuanyuan about to evolve?" Mengmeng’s excited voice echoed in Mu Qingge’s mind.

Mu Qingge paused, saying: "Seems like it."

"Wow! Amazing, I’ll go make clothes for him!" Mengmeng exclaimed in Mu Qingge’s mind and then vanished.

The voice rattled Mu Qingge’s head.

"Qingge, take a rest, I’ll keep watch." Yin Chen said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge surveyed the surroundings, frowning slightly: "Although we’re far from Lanwu City, the commotion here is huge. I wonder if it’s attracted the attention of other forces in Lanwu City. If they come to investigate, it’ll be hard to explain."

Abnormal Fire, be it in Linchuan Realm or Middle Ancient Realm, is an extremely coveted existence.

Taichu Urgent Fire here might not be known only to Han Caicai. Nonetheless, others were unable to seize it, but now that Taichu Urgent Fire has been devoured by Yuanyuan, if it incites their ambition, what if they pursue Yuanyuan?

Giving it some thought, Mu Qingge said to Yin Chen: "You go bring Han Caicai, I’ll take Yuanyuan, let’s leave here first."

Yin Chen nodded and pursued in the direction Han Caicai had left.

...

A night passed, and before the second night arrived, a sound of footsteps appeared by the collapsed volcano, proving Mu Qingge’s guess was right.

It’s just a pity that these people from Lanwu City came a step too late, unable to find any clues.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingge and Yin Chen had already taken Han Caicai and Yuanyuan, far away from this desolate ridge, finding a dry cave in the mountains outside Lanwu City, quietly waiting for them to wake up.

Three days later, Han Caicai was the first to wake up.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Mu Qingge standing against the light at the cave entrance.

That figure clad in red, with a straight spine, imprinted indelibly into his eyes and heart.

"You’re awake." As he was in a daze, Mu Qingge turned her eyes to him.

Han Caicai came back to his senses, nodded, got up from the ground, and took a look around, realizing this cave wasn’t the place where he had refined the Essence before.

"The commotion caused there might attract outsiders, so we moved you here," Mu Qingge explained.

Han Caicai nodded in understanding, "It was my oversight. However, the Essence of the Taichu Urgent Fire must be refined immediately once separated, or the effect will greatly diminish, this risk..." He smiled slightly.

Mu Qingge captured the calculation in his smile and immediately realized: "So you dragged me into this not only to subdue the Taichu Urgent Fire together but also to use me as a shield for the trouble afterward."

Han Caicai smiled and said, "With your abilities, I believe those forces in Lanwu City won’t gain anything."

"You really have a lot of confidence in me!" Mu Qingge said with a half-smile.

Han Caicai seemed oblivious to her tone, nodding, "Of course, when has the young lord of Duke Yongning Mansion ever disappointed anyone?"

Mu Qingge gave a cold, mocking smile, "Thanks for the compliment."

Han Caicai slightly restrained his smile and said to her, "Thanks, it was a success this time. Successfully refining the Taichu Urgent Fire activated the Fire Cloud Yang Flame within me, giving me confidence to face the family’s trials."

"Then let me wish you success in advance." Mu Qingge said.

Han Caicai glanced around, not seeing Yin Chen, leaving only him and Mu Qingge alone, feeling secretly delighted.

Noticing his hint of joy, Mu Qingge coldly laughed, "There’s another inner cave in here where Yin Chen is guarding Yuanyuan. Want to thank him later? After all, he carried you all the way."

Han Caicai’s face changed, and he immediately said, "I’ll thank him once he’s done."

"By the way, what business did you say you wanted to discuss with me?" Mu Qingge suddenly remembered what Han Caicai had mentioned earlier.

It’s not right to sit idly by, even though she receives Spirit Stones from Haiyu City every year, Haiyu City is too small, and the supply of Spirit Stones is too little, yet she has so many mouths to feed.

Since Han Caicai proposed cooperation, she certainly was interested in hearing more.

Han Caicai said to Mu Qingge, "You supply some elixirs each year, which my Wanxiang Building will sell exclusively. How they’re sold will be my decision. The price sold will be split sixty for you and forty for me. This is one way to cooperate. Another is I can help you accept custom elixir orders. For instance, if someone needs a certain elixir and is willing to pay enough, I’ll help accept the order, take the deposit, then inform you to refine, and after refining is done, Wanxiang Building will hand it to the buyer. This cooperation would be split fifty-fifty."

After hearing Han Caicai’s words, Mu Qingge understood that he had taken a liking to her Alchemy Skill.

She didn’t respond immediately but pondered it over in her mind.

Han Caicai didn’t rush her; he just patiently waited. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"Cooperation isn’t impossible, but the terms need to be changed," Mu Qingge said, looking at Han Caicai.

Han Caicai’s narrow eyes flashed with a gleam, snorted, "I knew you wouldn’t compromise easily, so tell me, what do you want to change?"

Mu Qingge smiled, "First, I can provide Wanxiang Building with one hundred elixirs each year. I guarantee these hundred elixirs will be at my best level at the time; if we’re going to do it, let’s do it with quality. However, Wanxiang Building must supply half of the medicinal materials for these refinements. Moreover, the profits will be split seventy for me and thirty for you."

Han Caicai squinted his eyes, gritted his teeth, and said, "Isn’t this price bargaining a bit too ruthless?" Not only would it squeeze Wanxiang Building’s profits, but it would also require them to partake in the cost.

Of course, selling one hundred high-grade elixirs annually is something he could agree with.

Scarcity brings value. The Southern Continent, West Continent, and Northern Continent don’t compare to the East and Central Continents; elixir resources are scarce, and generally, their levels aren’t high. If Mu Qingge were willing to cooperate, even just a hundred elixirs represent substantial benefits.

The most significant aspect is it could raise Wanxiang Building’s reputation again!

"Why rush? I haven’t finished," Mu Qingge gave him a glance and continued, "Second, for custom elixirs, I’ll accept only three orders yearly. All the medicinal materials for these custom elixirs must be prepared by Wanxiang Building, with three sets prepared for each. After all, I can’t guarantee success on the first try. The profit ratio for this part will be changed to sixty for me and forty for you. Besides these transactions, I also want a discount card for Wanxiang Building, ensuring I have priority choices and the best discounts when purchasing other items."

"Mu Qingge, you’ve fallen into a money hole!" Han Caicai couldn’t help but remark.

Mu Qingge shrugged, nonchalantly saying, "Anyway, you came to me for this cooperation; I can take it or leave it. These are my conditions; think it over yourself."

Han Caicai’s face darkened, his narrow eyes glinting coldly as he stared at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked innocent, saying, "I didn’t say Wanxiang Building needs to provide me with intelligence for free or give me some materials or treasures; I’ve already considered our friendship by not asking. Wanxiang Building is so big, it wouldn’t be right to bully a weak girl like me; a little loss isn’t a big deal."

"You’re a weak girl?" Han Caicai laughed in exasperation.

Mu Qingge blinked and seriously said, "Compared to a behemoth like Wanxiang Building, I’m just a small fry."

For a moment, Han Caicai was speechless, wanting to retort but at a loss for words.

She continued, "The second condition is that for custom elixirs, I will provide them at my highest level of expertise. However, Wanxiang Building must prepare half of the medicinal materials for refining them, and the profit split should be seventy-thirty in my favor."

Han Caicai’s eyes narrowed, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "Isn’t your counteroffer a bit too ruthless?" Not only would it squeeze Wanxiang Building’s profit, but it also required them to share the cost.

Of course, the annual sale of one hundred high-quality elixirs is something he agrees with.

Rarity increases value, and the Southern Continent, West Continent, and Northern Continent are unlike the East Continent and the Central Continent, where elixir resources are scarce and generally of low level. If Mu Qingge is willing to cooperate, even if there are only a hundred elixirs a year, it would be a huge profit.

Most importantly, it can further boost Wanxiang Building’s reputation!

"Don’t be in such a hurry; I haven’t finished yet." Mu Qingge cast him a glance and continued, "Also, any custom elixirs I take on, will be a fifty-fifty split. Aside from the above transactions, I also want a membership card for Wanxiang Building." She didn’t want to become famous.

"That’s a given, of course." Han Caicai responded.

’That’s a pretty harsh counteroffer.’

Mu Qingge shrugged, seriously replying, "Considering our friendship, I didn’t ask for more. Given the size of Wanxiang Building, after all, even if someone can’t offer spirit stones, they might exchange for other things."

Although Han Caicai was left speechless, unable to refute her, he appeared intrigued and asked, "Have you thought of a strategy for the market?"

"Naturally, I’ve thought about it. First, direct your focus towards the Southern Continent and West Continent. We can establish branches together in those regions to sell the highest quality elixirs. The Southern and West Continents have resource scarcity and lower overall elixir grades compared to the Mainland East and Central Continent. With our cooperation, even if it’s just a hundred elixirs each year, it would be immensely profitable." She proposed.

"That sounds reasonable," Han Caicai agreed, his interest piqued. "However, with this split, Wanxiang Building gets a tighter profit margin, and we’ll have to contribute toward the cost. Isn’t that a bit harsh?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes glinted with slight amusement, "Well, that’s the price of doing business with me. And I still have one more condition. Aside from the trades mentioned before, I will need a card from Wanxiang Building, which I can use without any restrictions."

"Mu Qingge, you’re really hard to deal with!" Han Caicai couldn’t help himself.

Mu Qingge raised her brows, responding seriously: "For a giant like Wanxiang Building, which has abundant resources, this is the least you can do for the sake of our friendship. I’m already being very accommodating. I didn’t even ask you for some treasures or materials." She paused before continuing, "Also, if some can’t afford the spirit stones and want to barter with something else, I’m open to reviewing what they offer before I give the final vote."

Han Caicai raised his eyebrows slightly, a gleam flickering in his eyes, "Just as I thought, you wouldn’t compromise so easily. Go ahead, what do you want to change?"

Mu Qingge smiled and said: "First, every year I can provide Wanxiang Building with one hundred elixirs. I assure you, these hundred elixirs will certainly be the best I can produce at that time. We’ll do it with style. However, Wanxiang Building needs to supply half of the medicinal materials. Moreover, our profit division should be seventy-thirty in my favor."

Han Caicai’s eyes narrowed, and he bit his lip, retorting, "Isn’t your counteroffer a bit too harsh?" Not only did she squeeze Wanxiang Building’s profit, but she also wanted them to share the costs.

However, he agreed on the point about only a hundred premium elixirs being sold annually.

Scarcity is valuable, and the Southern Continent, West Continent, and Northern Continent are not like the East Continent and the Central Continent, where elixir resources are scarce and generally of low quality. If Mu Qingge is willing to cooperate, even with only a hundred elixirs a year, it would mean huge benefits.

"Wait, I wasn’t finished." Mu Qingge glanced at him, continuing, "Secondly, for custom-made elixirs that I undertake, I’ll split it fifty-fifty with you. Aside from these transactions, I want a Wanxiang Building card as well. I just want spirit stones for my share, no matter what other items people offer to barter."

"Of course," Han Caicai replied, as if ready to compromise.

"And my identity needs to remain a secret." Obviously, she had no desire for fame.

Han Caicai pursed her lips, noncommittal. She continued, "Besides the Green Talent List, there’s also a Cub Phoenix List in each continent. Each continent has its own Cub Phoenix List, which includes only the elites with potential to make it to the Green Talent List, aged between fifteen and thirty, starting with cultivation at Gray Realm Third Layer. Once someone breaks through to the Silver Realm, they’ll be pushed into the Green Talent List. Of course, the Green Talent List must first have an available spot."

Mu Qingge could guess from Han Caicai’s smile that the so-called vacant spot either meant someone on the Green Talent List had died or had exceeded the age limit and was removed from the list.

"Those on the Cub Phoenix List may not be as formidable as those on the Green Talent List, but they are also extraordinarily talented individuals. The spots on the list are not limited; as long as the criteria are met, you can join, and to improve your ranking, it depends on your combat record. You can challenge the ranking ahead of you, or accomplish a world-shattering feat for everyone to recognize your strength," Han Caicai finished, looking at Mu Qingge in silence for a moment before saying, "To truly understand the strengths of the Middle Ancient Realm, the family forces, or even the power of each continent, the best approach is to start with these two lists."

"You said so much just to tell me to learn about the strengths of the younger generation of the Middle Ancient Realm when I go to Golden Sea Prefecture, to know who I shouldn’t offend?" Mu Qingge asked.

Han Caicai lifted her chin, "You could interpret it that way. From what I know, on the Cub Phoenix List of the West Continent, there’s a woman named Sang, about eighteen years old, ranking one hundred twenty-eight, with cultivation at Gray Realm Fourth Layer."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and said, "What does that have to do with me?"

But Han Caicai just smiled without answering, and instead asked back, "You’re already twenty-two this year, right?"

Mu Qingge froze.

Was she twenty-two this year?

"By nominal age, it should be," Han Caicai also lowered her eyes and calculated in her mind, not noticing Mu Qingge’s somewhat lost expression.

’Has it been six or seven years since she arrived in the Otherworld? It all seems like a blur, and it’s already been so long. When she first came, this body was only fifteen years old...’

"Mu Qingge." Han Caicai’s voice called her out of her daze.

She looked up at him and saw some confusion in his eyes. She then smiled and said, "A woman’s age is a secret and shouldn’t be easily disclosed, you know?"

"Do you even consider yourself a woman?" Han Caicai muttered.

Then in a serious tone, he said, "I brought this up because I wanted to tell you that with your current strength, you could easily enter the Cub Phoenix List and rank quite high. It’s just that you haven’t been in the Middle Ancient Realm long, and no one knows you yet. If you want to find someone in the West Continent more easily, you could get your name on the list, and the person you’re looking for will notice you. No matter how long you’ve been apart, they should at least be familiar with your name, right? Also, if you can break through to the Silver Realm and squeeze into the Green Talent List, it would be beneficial for your journey in the Middle Ancient Realm."

Mu Qingge smiled, "I’m not even sure if the person I’m looking for is truly in the Middle Ancient Realm, so why do these pointless things? I have no interest in this Cub Phoenix List or Green Talent List. However, it’s still good to know where I stand among my peers in strength, to push myself to cultivate diligently."

With that, she looked at Han Caicai playfully and said, "By the way, now that you’ve advanced to the Silver Realm, where do you rank on the Green Talent List?"

It was just an offhand question, yet it caused Han Caicai’s face to darken, his tone turning cold, "I just got back not long ago; who in the Middle Ancient Realm still remembers Han Caicai from the Han Family? However, in three months, it’ll be time for the Green Talent List to be renewed, and at least ten people on the list have reached the age limit and will be removed, not to mention those who have died. I’m confident I can enter the Green Talent List."

After speaking, a determined flame flickered in his narrow eyes.

Mu Qingge subtly raised an eyebrow, detecting a trace of dissatisfaction in Han Caicai’s words. Perhaps Han Caicai was deprived of many things in the past and is trying to regain them one by one now.

Indeed, everyone has their reasons they must become strong!

Mu Qingge lowered her gaze, pondering about herself, inwardly asking, "Now that I’m at Gray Realm Fifth Layer, when can I break through to the Silver Realm?"

The Cub Phoenix List, the Green Talent List, she truly didn’t care, yet she cared about her own strength!

She hadn’t considered that she had only truly started cultivating for six or seven years after transmigrating, yet progressed step by step from Red Realm to Gray Realm Fifth Layer.

This kind of talent, how many times stronger is it compared to those prodigies on the Green Talent List in the Middle Ancient Realm!

They were born in the Purple Realm, began cultivating from childhood, and have only now entered the Silver Realm. When it comes to innate ability, cultivation time, none can boast before Mu Qingge.

"Qingge." Suddenly, Yin Chen’s voice emerged.

Mu Qingge collected her thoughts and turned to look at Yin Chen emerging from the inner cave. "What’s up?"

Yin Chen glanced at Han Caicai and then looked at Mu Qingge, curling the corner of his mouth, "Do you have clothes? Yuanyuan needs to wear them."

"Clothes?" Mu Qingge looked puzzled.

Wasn’t Yuanyuan wearing clothes?

"Uh, well, Yuanyuan can’t wear the current clothes anymore," Yin Chen explained.

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled, immediately understanding. She excitedly said, "You mean Yuanyuan has grown up?"

Yin Chen nodded.

Mu Qingge excitedly said, "Alright, I’ll go find some now."

In her space, there were plenty of clothes, both men’s and women’s... Of course, Yuanyuan didn’t need women’s clothes.

In the next second, Mu Qingge’s consciousness delved into the space, ready to find clothes for Yuanyuan.

"Master!" Mengmeng blocked Mu Qingge, now a lovely girl holding a bundle of colorful fabrics.

"Mengmeng?" Mu Qingge’s gaze fell on the glaring fabric in her hands.

"Isn’t Yuanyuan awake and needs clothes? I’ve prepared it all for him, you can give it to him!" Mengmeng’s big eyes fluttered sincerely, handing the floral fabric to Mu Qingge.

Uh...

Mu Qingge looked at the floral fabric in front of her, twitching her mouth. She stared at Mengmeng’s innocent face and asked, "Mengmeng, I’ve wanted to ask you for a long time, are you sure you’re not teasing Yuanyuan?"

"I’m so innocent, how could I be?" Mengmeng pouted.

Mu Qingge twitched her lips more forcefully, politely declining Mengmeng’s offer while patiently advising, "You know, Mengmeng. Yuanyuan is grown up now, he’s not a little kid anymore. He can’t wear those." Then she sidestepped Mengmeng and hurried off to find clothes for Yuanyuan. Thinking to herself, she’d just grab any old set and make some proper ones when they reach Lanwu City.

Mu Qingge pulled out a set of her own men’s clothing and handed it to Yin Chen.

Yin Chen took it and glanced at Mu Qingge, nodding, then looked back toward the inner cave.

"What’s he doing?" Mu Qingge asked, bewildered.

Yin Chen tossed a glance at Han Caicai, then turned back to Mu Qingge, murmuring, "Does he have clothes on? Yuanyuan needs them now."

"Clothes?" Mu Qingge was confused by the look of the loud floral fabrics in Mengmeng’s hands.

Then she left Mengmeng swiftly, hurried to find clothes for Yuanyuan.

Mu Qingge took a set of her own men’s clothing and handed it to Yin Chen.

Yin Chen accepted it, nodded, and then walked back into the inner cave.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, noticing Han Caicai’s curious gaze.

"What are you looking at?"

"I’m discovering that there’s more to you." Han Caicai replied with a probing look.

"Does he know?" Han Caicai asked sharply.

Mu Qingge knew exactly whom he was referring to.

However, she didn’t wish to answer, not needing to prove anything to anyone or compare her feelings for Si Mo.

They were in their own world when silver dust broke the impasse. He went straight to Mu Qingge’s side and then looked towards the inner cave. From inside the cave, he heard rustling sounds and faint voices but saw no one ready to come out.

Finally, under Mu Qingge’s command, the hesitant figure at last took a step forward.

The voice that had been mumbling inside now also quietly emerged, still carrying an air of unruliness and nonchalance remarkably similar to Mu Qingge’s own.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow at the sight, "What is it now?"

"He’s a bit shy to come out," Yin Chen whispered nonchalantly in Mu Qingge’s ear.

"Yuanyuan, come out," she finally called.

With her command, Yuanyuan finally took a tentative step out of the inner cave.