As Mu Qingge emerged from the space, the temporary courtyard had already become lively.

You He and Hua Yue had returned, and Xie Ya was back as well. Mu Qingge’s gaze swept around the area, but she did not find any trace of Yuanyuan and Jing Hai, nor Silver Dust who had left with them.

"Young Lord, have you finished your cultivation?" As soon as Hua Yue saw Mu Qingge, a charming smile appeared on her face.

Mu Qingge nodded and asked, "Jing Hai hasn’t come back yet?"

Hua Yue nodded and replied, "I don’t know where he went; it’s almost time for dinner, and he hasn’t returned."

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, "I sent him out on an errand."

Hua Yue showed a face of understanding.

Mu Qingge suddenly thought of something and said to her, "Oh, let You He prepare an extra portion of food."

With that, she walked away.

Hua Yue blinked and muttered under her breath, "Prepare an extra portion of food? Is there a guest coming?"

Mu Qingge walked to the courtyard, watching the sunset burn the sky with fiery clouds, silently calculating the time since Yuanyuan and Jing Hai had gone out. ’Yuanyuan has a mischievous nature but is not one to cause trouble on purpose. Jing Hai is steady but cannot control Yuanyuan. However, with Silver Dust secretly following them, there should be no accidents.’

After pondering for a while, Mu Qingge set her mind at ease.

"Young Master." Xie Ya appeared behind Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge collected her thoughts, turned around, and saw the simply dressed, elegant young girl standing behind her. The girl’s brows were picturesque, with a hint of charm added in recent days.

With clear, translucent eyes falling on her, Xie Ya lowered her eyes, feeling guilty. "Young Master, I have already inquired about the matters of the three families in Lanwu City."

She was somewhat afraid to meet Mu Qingge’s gaze, not wanting the other to know that during Mu Qingge’s few days away, she had for the first time begun to miss someone.

This emotional change was unfamiliar and made her fearful, leaving her feeling a bit at a loss.

She couldn’t even predict whether such feelings were a blessing or a curse... However, Mu Qingge had once firmly stated that she would never take away her virginity. This statement used to make her grateful, but now, thinking about it again, it left her feeling a bit faintly disappointed.

"Have you already investigated? Then let’s hear about it." Mu Qingge didn’t notice Xie Ya’s shift in emotions; her focus was on the Mu Family issues.

"Boss—!"

"Instructor!"

Suddenly, two youthful voices full of energy came from afar, interrupting Xie Ya’s attempt to speak.

The two of them closed their slightly open mouths and, along with Mu Qingge, looked toward the source of the voice.

When she saw Yuanyuan, who had grown into a young teenager, a hint of surprise and fascination flashed in her eyes. She guessed Yuanyuan’s identity.

"Boss, we’re back." Yuanyuan bounced to Mu Qingge’s side in a few steps, a flattering and playful smile adorning his beautiful, exquisite face. The vermillion smudge on his forehead seemed radiant, like flowing firelight.

"Instructor, we’re back." Jing Hai, on the other hand, walked seriously to Mu Qingge’s side, speaking respectfully.

However, when he saw Yuanyuan’s playful demeanor, a hint of envy flashed deep in his eyes.

He also wished he could cling to his master like his little uncle, but his heart held fear, preventing him from acting so boldly.

Mu Qingge gently patted Yuanyuan on the top of his head and smiled at the two of them, "Didn’t cause any trouble, did you?"

Yuanyuan’s head immediately shook like a rattle, "Of course not!"

Then, he turned his head toward Jing Hai, baring his teeth at Mu Qingge behind her back. Jing Hai understood instantly, shaking his head and saying, "No," with a tension in his body.

Jing Hai’s blushing cheeks and tense body made Mu Qingge’s gaze carry a bit of amusement as she looked at Yuanyuan.

Yuanyuan shivered inwardly, shifting his gaze to Xie Ya standing behind Mu Qingge, flashing a brilliant smile and greeted, "Xie Ya, long time no see!"

Xie Ya paused, surprised, "You know me?"

Yuanyuan’s beautiful, delicate face immediately fell, looking aggrieved, "Xie Ya actually forgot me?" At this moment, You He and Hua Yue came over upon hearing the commotion, and Yuanyuan’s expression shifted; he grinned again, "Hua Yue, You He!"

The beautifully charming young man suddenly shouted his name, which surprised the two women and made them wear the same expression as Xie Ya.

Seeing the three of them didn’t recognize him, Yuanyuan pouted and looked at Mu Qingge with grievance.

Mu Qingge found it amusing, knowing this kid was trying to change the subject, but still explained to the three women as he wished: "He is Yuanyuan, these days... well, he has grown up."

"He is Yuanyuan!" Hua Yue exclaimed, covering her mouth in shock.

You He also looked at the transformed Yuanyuan in disbelief, as if trying to find a trace of the little pink-carved jade-like child he once was.

Xie Ya was also shocked, glancing a few times, and then accepted this fact in her heart.

"What’s with your expressions? Isn’t the young master handsome after growing up?" Yuanyuan arrogantly raised his chin, with hands on his hips.

That expression was just like ’little Yuanyuan’, which gradually overlapped his current appearance with the image from his childhood in the minds of the three women.

"Pfft!" Hua Yue covered her mouth with a smile, "Handsome, so handsome!"

Hearing Hua Yue’s words, Yuanyuan’s expression became even more smug.

Mu Qingge glanced at him angrily yet humorously, and then swept her eyes towards Jing Hai, "Follow me, all of you."

Saying this, she turned with her hands behind her back and walked into the house.

You He and Hua Yue didn’t hesitate and followed up. Xie Ya also followed. Leaving Jing Hai and Yuanyuan walking last.

The two newly befriended teenagers exchanged glances secretly.

Jing Hai meant to confess openly, while Yuanyuan meant not to create trouble for himself.

Finally, as they crossed the threshold, Yuanyuan used a warning and threatening look to stop Jing Hai from confessing openly.

After entering the room, Mu Qingge was already sitting with her legs crossed in the main seat, leaning on the backrest, her elbow resting on the armrest, her fingertips playing with the exquisite finger ring on her right index finger.

"Tell me, what have you gained in these few days I was away? Has Bai Xi returned?" Mu Qingge asked lightly.

Jing Hai and Yuanyuan were temporarily left aside by her.

You He and Hua Yue exchanged a glance, and You He took a step forward to answer: "Bai Xi did return once, but there’s no news for now. She said she will come again tonight. These days, we stayed in the places where people gather in the city, collecting information about the Mu Family and Mu Yi. But this topic seems to be a taboo in Lanwu City. Whenever we mentioned the Mu Family’s affairs from the past, people would change their expressions, either changing the topic or avoiding it altogether. This shows that the Mu Family’s current influence in Lanwu City is significant."

Mu Qingge nodded gently.

Then, she raised her eyes to look at Xie Ya. Xie Ya organized his thoughts and said: "In the Mu Family’s internal strife in the past, the sideline slaughtered the direct lineage, and blood ran like rivers—it was a tragic scene. This has established a domineering, ferocious, terrifying, and cold-blooded image in the heart of Lanwu City. So, in the hearts of the people of Lanwu City over the past twenty years, among the three prominent families, the one they fear the most and dare not provoke is the Mu Family. The Cao Family and the Lv Family have not had any earth-shattering events in these twenty years, thus diminishing their presence. There’s a saying going around now: The Mu Family cannot be provoked. Even the Mu Family’s servants can bully people in the marketplace. The current Family Head of the Mu Family has gradually stopped managing the family affairs, handing everything over to the Young Master Mu Yu to manage. Mu Yu acts decisively and ruthlessly, and among his peers in Lanwu City, he has few rivals. The main economic sources of the three prominent families in Lanwu City come from the spirit stone mines outside the city. Originally, there were only two low-level spirit stone mines in Lanwu City, and all three families wanted to take them into their own possession. But recently, they discovered a mine pit that might be an intermediate spirit stone mine, drawing the attention of all three families to it. It can be said that the most critical issue among the three prominent families in Lanwu City right now is the ownership of this suspected intermediate spirit stone vein."

"Intermediate spirit stone mine?" Mu Qingge repeated these words, narrowing her eyes slightly.

Xie Ya nodded, "Yes, right now the person in charge of this in the Mu Family is Mu Yu. And in the Cao Family and Lv Family, those responsible are the Second Elder and the Family Head respectively."

There was a hint of calculation in Mu Qingge’s squinted eyes.

She also had some interest in the intermediate spirit stone mine, wondering if she could gain some benefits while rescuing Mu Yi?

Mu Qingge’s fingers tapped lightly on the armrest a few times, then suddenly stopped, raising her eyes to look at Xie Ya: "Next, keep a close eye on this intermediate spirit stone mine affair, and disregard other matters."

"Yes, Young Master." Xie Ya nodded, earnestly.

She stepped back a bit, feeling heavily relieved in her heart. It seemed that only while working for Mu Qingge could she reflect her value, rather than simply being just a map holder.

After making arrangements, Mu Qingge shifted her gaze to Yuanyuan and Jing Hai.

She playfully said, "Tell me, what happened during your trip out."

"Nothing! Nothing happened. We just strolled around casually, then bought clothes and came back." Yuanyuan preemptively answered before Jing Hai could speak.

However, Mu Qingge didn’t listen to him and instead let her clear gaze fall on Jing Hai, "Xiao Hai, you tell me."

Jing Hai shivered, instinctively glancing at Yuanyuan. But Yuanyuan had already shifted his eyes in panic, pretending to look casually at the furnishings in the room.

Jing Hai opened his mouth, sneaked a glance at Mu Qingge, then lowered his head, and softly said: "We... we hit someone."

"Little Hai, you you you you..." Upon hearing Jing Hai’s revelation, Yuanyuan was so angry that he jumped up, pointing at him without knowing what to scold.

Jing Hai’s cheeks reddened even more. He didn’t look at Yuanyuan’s exasperated expression, only quietly said, "Little Uncle, I can’t deceive the instructor."

Yuanyuan was so anxious that even the hot air he exhaled from his nostrils had a slight fiery taste.

"Alright, who did you hit? Why did you hit them?" Mu Qingge’s casual question extinguished the anger in Yuanyuan’s heart.

He drooped his head and muttered, "I don’t even know who he was. He dared to tease me and even wanted to drag me into the house. Of course, I couldn’t let him do as he wished!"

Uh...

You He was astonished.

Hua Yue was astonished.

Xie Ya also opened his bright eyes wide.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, her voice revealing no anger or joy, "Someone wanted to drag you into the house?"

Yuanyuan nodded vigorously, squatting at Mu Qingge’s feet, shaking her raised leg with his hands, whining in grievance, "Yes, yes! I almost couldn’t see you again, Boss! Those bad guys, I just beat them up a bit, it was letting them off easy!"

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly, her gaze lightly shifting to Yuanyuan’s beautiful, delicate face, indistinctly saying, "Yes, it surely was letting them off easy. You should have followed them back and then burned down their house."

"Really?" Yuanyuan’s eyes lit up, eager to give it a try.

"What do you think?" Mu Qingge suddenly squinted at Yuanyuan, giving him a smile.

Yuanyuan pouted and said dejectedly, "I know, I won’t hit people anymore next time. Boss, don’t be angry."

Mu Qingge, however, slowly shook her head, put down her raised leg, leaned down, hooked Yuanyuan’s chin with her hand, and lifted his exquisite and beautiful face to meet her gaze.

In her clear eyes, there was a touch of chill, as she said word by word, "No, what I mean is, if you encounter such a situation again, feel free to hit them hard, I’ll handle the sky falling down."

Yuanyuan was stunned.

Jing Hai was also shocked. ’The instructor’s words are so domineering! Having someone to back you up feels great!’

"Boss, then I’ll go and burn his house now!" Yuanyuan’s eyes shone brightly as he suddenly stood up to rush out.

"Come back." Mu Qingge’s soft call stopped his steps.

Yuanyuan looked back at her, his eyes full of confusion.

Mu Qingge flicked her fingers idly and said to him, "Such matters should be settled immediately. Once it’s over, it’s over. Burning a house is a bit excessive, but when you hit her, you can go a bit heavier. For example, scratch her face, tear her dress..."

Yuanyuan and Jing Hai were left dumbfounded.

You He, Hua Yue, and Xie Ya were all also baffled.

"It wasn’t a woman who teased him." Suddenly, a voice came from outside the door, interrupting Mu Qingge’s chatter.

Uh!

"..." Mu Qingge swallowed her remaining words.

A flash of silver light, and Yin Chen appeared at Mu Qingge’s side.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched as she looked at him and then at Yuanyuan, smiling a bit stiffly, "It was a man who teased you? You were teased by a man?"

Yuanyuan’s beautiful face blushed red, feeling utterly embarrassed, he let out a ’whimper’ and ran to squat in the corner and draw circles.

Pffft——!

"Hahahahaha——!" Mu Qingge laughed heartily without holding back.

Instantly, the room was filled with various sounds of restrained laughter.

Jing Hai stood among them, looking awkward, wanting to comfort Yuanyuan but not knowing what to say.

After a while of laughing, Mu Qingge even shed tears from the corners of her eyes.

Yuanyuan stood up angrily, turned, and said, "I’m going to burn his house, right now!"

"Do you know who he is or where his house is?" Mu Qingge stopped laughing, her expression composed, as she looked at Yuanyuan.

Yuanyuan instantly deflated, but the murderous intent in his eyes grew even sharper.

"I know." Yin Chen suddenly said.

Mu Qingge, Yuanyuan, and everyone else all turned their eyes towards him.

Under everyone’s gaze, Yin Chen calmly replied, "Mu Family’s young master, Mu Hong."

"The Mu Family again!"

Mu Qingge’s gaze turned cold, her smile restraining.

"Great! Is it the Mu Family, huh?" The murderous intent in Yuanyuan’s eyes did not diminish as he gritted his teeth, about to turn around to seek revenge and wash away his disgrace.

"Stop." Mu Qingge spoke again, halting Yuanyuan’s impulsiveness.

Yuanyuan turned around, looking at Mu Qingge, hopping madly, "Boss! I won’t easily swallow this anger!" Being teased by a man was bad enough, but having the others laugh at him over it was a slight he couldn’t overlook without retaliation.

"Calm down," Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at him, her clear gaze sweeping over, immediately subduing Yuanyuan’s agitation.

Mu Qingge looked towards Yin Chen, seemingly waiting for him to explain further.

Yin Chen pursed his lips slightly and said, "After Yuanyuan and Jing Hai left, that Mu Hong declared he’d dismantle the tailor shop and planned to capture Yuanyuan today. I followed him and used illusion to make him forget this incident. However, there were many people present at the time, so if someone really investigates, this matter won’t stay concealed for long."

At this time, Xie Ya frowned and spoke up, "Mu Hong, the youngest master of this generation of the Mu Family. Also, Mu Yu’s younger brother, and the most doted youngest son of the Mu Family’s head. He was born after the peripheral lineage of the Mu Family succeeded in seizing power and doesn’t know about the events of those days. He has always been pretentiously bossy in Lanwu City under the identity of Mu Family’s young master. It’s said..."

Xie Ya glanced at the unpleasant expression on Yuanyuan’s face before continuing, "He indeed fancies handsome men. But at the same time, he also likes pretty women. Every year, countless young men and women in Lanwu City fall prey to him."

"This sex-maniac glutton!" Yuanyuan said through gritted teeth.

He looked at Jing Hai and said, "Little Hai, we really went too soft on him earlier!"

After speaking, he looked at Mu Qingge and said, "Boss! This scourge must not be left to harm others."

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, easily seeing through his thoughts. "Alright, when we leave, I’ll give you the chance to take revenge." Since Mu Hong targeted Yuanyuan, she didn’t mind stopping a plague for the populace.

However, for now, since Mu Yi hasn’t been located yet and there’s no news about the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine Vein, impulsiveness is not advisable.

With Mu Qingge’s assurance, the anger in Yuanyuan’s heart eased a little.

"Alright, let’s eat first." Mu Qingge stood up, a single statement announcing the end of the discussion.

After she left, Yuanyuan jumped in front of Yin Chen, grimacing, "Alright! You, Yin Chen, you dare follow me though I called you brother!"

Yin Chen gave him an indifferent glance, "It’s Qingge’s instruction to prevent you from causing trouble."

After saying this, he elegantly passed by Yuanyuan, leaving him hopping angrily on the spot.

"Little Uncle, it’s time for dinner," Jing Hai approached Yuanyuan and said.

Yuanyuan was panting heavily, fuming, turning to Jing Hai, "Little Hai, am I really that unreliable?"

Jing Hai glanced at him, blinked his eyes, gave a sheepish smile, and hurried away, saying, "Little Uncle, I’ll see if there’s anything that needs help."

"Hey! You come back here!" Yuanyuan shouted loudly.

...

After dinner, Bai Xi had still not appeared despite nightfall.

Mu Qingge stood under the eaves of the porch, wordlessly gazing at the night. Yin Chen approached her, speaking softly, "Maybe I should go take a look."

Mu Qingge shook her head, "With Bai Xi’s skills, nothing will happen. Her absence from the plan only means one thing, there’s news about the intelligence we’re seeking."

A glint flashed in Yin Chen’s blood-colored eyes, and he nodded slightly.

He had to admit, Mu Qingge’s analysis made sense.

Moreover, with the ability of that greedy snake, even if it encountered a really formidable character, it could still escape even if it couldn’t win, so there was no need for him to worry.

"So, shall we continue to wait?" Yin Chen asked.

Mu Qingge pursed her lips, turned back to her room, "No need to wait anymore. She’ll come when she’s supposed to come. Let’s all go back and rest."

Watching Mu Qingge leave, Yin Chen remained standing where he was. After a while, his gaze drifted toward Jing Hai’s room.

Inside the room, candlelight flickered, casting shadows of the people inside on the window.

Two shadows occasionally whispered to each other on the window and then parted. After dinner, Yuanyuan squeezed into Jing Hai’s room, saying he wanted to stay with him.

The two youths got along quite well, and Mu Qingge didn’t intervene much.

After standing there for a while, Yin Chen finally turned to leave.

Late at night, Mu Qingge sat cross-legged on the bed, cultivating. When her cultivation gradually reached a deep state, she entered that dream once again.

In the dream, she had no control over her body, following the little golden figure to cultivate.

Then, under her own watch, her body exploded once more, shattering into pieces!

Upon waking from the dream, Mu Qingge’s face was pale, but she had already grown completely accustomed to this dream realm. She pressed her lips tightly together, her eyes filled with confusion.

Her intuition told her that there was no way she was dreaming such things without reason.

However, she couldn’t decipher what the dream was trying to convey to her—

’Is the Divine Strategy not something to be cultivated recklessly? Or is it a premonition of the dangers in Advance Cultivating the Divine Strategy?’ The Divine Strategy was a legacy of the Mu Family, and Xie Ya also carried clues related to it. These things guided her step-by-step towards the scripture known as the most powerful cultivation method of the Divine Clan, could it solely be to tell her not to cultivate it?

That reason seemed impossible even to Mu Qingge herself!

"There must be something I don’t know or some clue I haven’t noticed." Mu Qingge frowned, murmuring to herself solemnly. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Suddenly, a thin white light broke through the window, heading straight for Mu Qingge.

She raised her eyes, her gaze landing on the fleeting white light, not avoiding it.

The white light landed in front of her, transforming instantly into a seductive, enchanting figure, falling into her embrace. Soft, boneless arms snaked around, wrapping around her neck.

The cold, charming little face leaned on her shoulder, rubbing affectionately. "Qingge, I’m exhausted."

With Bai Xi entwined around her, Mu Qingge could only helplessly twitch her mouth.

Perhaps a snake could never change its nature of binding, Bai Xi always liked to cling to her, wrapping around like this. Gradually, she changed from her initial discomfort to become accustomed to it.

"You’ve worked hard," Mu Qingge said with a smile.

Although she knew Bai Xi would be fine, seeing her return safely in person, Mu Qingge finally relaxed.

"It’s good that you know how hard it’s been for me," Bai Xi glanced at her, her voice carrying a playful tone.

Suddenly, her leg accidentally nudged the Palace Bell tied at Mu Qingge’s waist, and it rang with a crisp, clear sound.

"Oh!" Seeing it as interesting, Bai Xi’s arms slid off Mu Qingge’s shoulders, reaching out to tug at the Palace Bell.

However, before she could touch it, another hand covered the Palace Bell, avoiding her hand.

Bai Xi looked up at Mu Qingge, who had a teasing smile in her eyes, pouted, and said, "Stingy."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Palace Bell under Mu Qingge’s hand rang twice more, as if responding to the earlier sound, causing a faint blush to rise on Mu Qingge’s cheeks, while Bai Xi’s eyes became suggestively ambiguous.

"Ahem, let’s discuss something serious," Mu Qingge said, putting on a serious expression.

At the same time, she broke away from Bai Xi’s ’entwinement’.

In a certain place, a Dragon and Leopard Carriage sped across the sky. On either side of the carriage, two shadows flew alongside, and within the carriage, a faint exotic fragrance filled the air, with an incredibly handsome silhouette faintly visible.

In his large palm, an exquisite Palace Bell rested.

"Little Ge’er..." A voice filled with longing slipped from his lips, tangled and lingering, filled with deep love.

...

In the small courtyard where Mu Qingge was temporarily staying in Lanwu City, she watched Bai Xi lying horizontally on her bed, "Did you have any gains tonight?"

Bai Xi gave a charming smile, quite pleased with herself, "With me personally taking action, there are naturally gains."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up, asking, "Did you find Mu Yi’s whereabouts?"

Her primary task was to find Mu Yi.

Once she found Mu Yi, she could determine how long she needed to stay in Lanwu City.

Bai Xi nodded, then shook her head.

This made Mu Qingge frown slightly.

"I haven’t met that Mu Yi, so I don’t know if the person I followed Mu Yu to see tonight is him. However, Mu Yu locked him in an extremely concealed place and tormented him recklessly, looking like he hates him to the bone," Bai Xi said.

Mu Qingge’s eyes darkened.

She hadn’t seen Mu Yi either, but Feng Yufei had given her an item. If that person was Mu Yi, he would certainly recognize it.

Mu Qingge pondered for a while, then said to Bai Xi, "Where did you see him? What is his situation now?"

Bai Xi explained, "Today, that young master of the Mu Family ran home with injuries, not knowing who he was beaten by. After nightfall, I intended to report to you. However, after Mu Yu visited that brother of his, he suddenly changed his direction, leaving the Mu Mansion and headed to an abandoned garden."

"Abandoned garden?" Mu Qingge’s eyes filled with confusion. Guessing internally, ’Could Mu Yi be imprisoned in an abandoned courtyard?’

As for who beat up Mu Hong, she was naturally clear about it.

Bai Xi nodded.

"After he entered that abandoned garden, I realized there were quite a few people secretly guarding it. And that person inside, who may or may not be Mu Yi, was imprisoned in a dungeon below the garden. It’s dark and lightless down there, damp and foul-smelling. Even I couldn’t bear it, let alone understand how he endured it, surprisingly not suffocated to death," Bai Xi narrated while complaining.

Mu Qingge pressed on, "What was his condition?" Han Caicai had mentioned that Mu Yi’s tendons were severed, rendering his cultivation useless. If that person was in such a state, it was very likely Mu Yi.

"His condition? In any case, looking half-dead, covered in filth and stench. His beard and hair grew so long they covered his features, emaciated with pale skin. Oh right! His limbs seemed to be destroyed, with the bones inside broken inch by inch. I was a bit far, so I couldn’t be certain," Bai Xi recalled.

Breaking the bones of hands and feet inch by inch!

Mu Qingge’s eyes grew cold, silently cursing the malicious cruelty of the person inflicting such punishment.

"Did Mu Yu say anything when he saw him?" Mu Qingge asked.

Bai Xi vividly recalled for a moment, then shook her head, saying, "No, he just went in and picked up a whip soaked in chili water, fiercely lashing at the person. However, that person was sturdy, not making a sound despite the torment, allowing Mu Yu to flog him at will."

Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly narrowed, contemplating, ’If it really is Mu Yi, should I avenge him for enduring such torture?’

She slowly shook her head.

The Mu Family in Lanwu City is not like the Dou Family and Bai Family in Haiyu City, nor the Le Family in Yu Shui City.

As a larger city in the Southern Continent, the strength of a family in Lanwu City far surpasses that of these smaller families. Not to mention whether she currently had the capability to avenge Mu Yi. Given the present circumstances, the direct lineage of the Mu Family had already been exterminated, leaving only Mu Yi. And Mu Yi himself had become a cripple, with his cultivation all but destroyed. Even if she could miraculously heal and rescue Mu Yi, allowing him to regain his cultivation, he couldn’t immediately restore his strength, so how could he stabilize the Mu Family that was no longer the same?

’Seems like, it’s best to rescue the person first, then find a way to send him back to Linchuan. As for revenge, let Feng Yufei take care of it.’ Mu Qingge decided in her heart.

After all, she had no ties with Mu Yi, saving him was mainly due to Feng Yufei.

This agreement did not include avenging Mu Yi.

"Bai Xi, do you remember the location of that abandoned garden?" Mu Qingge asked, raising her gaze.

Bai Xi nodded with a smile, "I knew you’d want to check it out personally, so I left traces of scent along the way."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit with a smile, "Smart indeed!"

"Shall we go now?" Bai Xi asked.

Mu Qingge’s eyes darkened, she nodded, "Let’s go now."

...

Bai Xi led Mu Qingge towards the abandoned garden. This time, the goal was for Mu Qingge to confirm whether the person locked up by Mu Yu was Mu Yi.

As for the method of rescue, it requires careful consideration.

Because Mu Qingge not only needs to save people, but also to find the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine discovered in Lanwu City, and to give Yuanyuan a chance for revenge and release.

Under the thick night, Bai Xi led Mu Qingge to the outside of the abandoned garden.

She transformed into a small snake, coiled on Mu Qingge’s shoulder, and whispered, "That is the abandoned garden ahead. There are more than a dozen guards inside. Except for one guard at the Gray Realm First Layer, the rest are all at the Purple Realm Peak. I feel that Mu Yu arranged these people not to prevent outsiders from coming in, but to prevent the person inside from escaping."

Mu Qingge frowned, "How can a person with limbs crippled escape?"

This retort stumped Bai Xi. She thought for a moment and said, "If it’s to prevent outsiders from entering, such an arrangement is too low. Any person at the Gray Realm Second Layer can break through the defense. So, I think it should be to prevent the person inside from escaping. As for why Mu Yu is so extravagant in his arrangement, despite knowing that the person inside is already crippled, could it be because Mu Yu is worried he might escape?"

Mu Qingge pondered for a moment and asked Bai Xi, "What kind of person is Mu Yu like in your interactions?"

Bai Xi had been beside Mu Yu for days, witnessing both his public and private persona. "In public, he is the clever and formidable Young Master as people say. However, in private, I find him somewhat insecure."

"Insecure?" Mu Qingge asked skeptically.

Bai Xi replied, "Yes, insecure. In private, he seems insecure, dark, narrow-minded, unwilling to lose to others, and very distrustful."

"In these days, did you hear anything from him regarding the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine?" Mu Qingge suddenly inquired.

Bai Xi nodded, "How did you know I heard about it?"

"We’ll discuss it later." Mu Qingge watched the abandoned garden in the dark, and when the guards changed shifts, she stopped talking and stealthily infiltrated.

Just a few guards at the Purple Realm Peak and Gray Realm First Layer were easy for Mu Qingge to handle.

With Bai Xi leading the way, she easily avoided the guarded areas and arrived at the dungeon entrance.

"From this rockery, go down. There is a tunnel that only allows one person to pass through. The Gray Realm First Layer guard remains inside," Bai Xi whispered in Mu Qingge’s ear.

Mu Qingge’s eyes shifted, and she asked, "Is your snake venom controlled well enough to just cause someone to faint?"

"Of course," Bai Xi immediately understood the meaning of Mu Qingge’s words.

She slid off Mu Qingge’s shoulder, slithered through the dark passage. Mu Qingge waited at the entrance, and soon, Bai Xi emerged gracefully, lightly brushing her hair and giving Mu Qingge a charming smile, her pointed tongue softly licking her red lips, "Let’s go."

Mu Qingge smiled knowingly, following Bai Xi.

The tunnel was indeed narrow; if someone slightly plump came in, they would likely brush against the walls on both sides.

Following Bai Xi, Mu Qingge saw the Gray Realm First Layer guard collapsed on the ground.

On his wrist, there was a mark from snake fangs.

Mu Qingge and Bai Xi exchanged smiles and continued onward.

Bai Xi laughed, "In such an abandoned garden, being bitten by a snake makes perfect sense."

Mu Qingge said nothing, only smiled.

Soon, they reached the tightly closed iron door.

Looking at the lock above, Bai Xi frowned, "I don’t have the key."

"What about the guards?" Mu Qingge asked.

"Uh... I forgot to search him," Bai Xi said blankly. She was always quick to kill and hadn’t had experience in sneaking into dungeons to rescue people.

"Forget it," Mu Qingge turned unconcerned, reached into the void, and took out a hairpin in her hand. The hairpin was vibrant like fire, resembling blood, with flowers carved on it, so vivid and tender.

Seeing this hairpin, Mu Qingge paused for a moment.

It was a coming-of-age gift from Si Mo, given to her on her coming-of-age ceremony. However, she had only been forced to wear it once that night by him, and then it had been left in her spatial storage ever since.

Back then, she completely ignored that man’s intentions. Now thinking back, looking at the old object in her hand, she seems to understand his mindset at that time.

"Qingge, what’s wrong?"

Seeing her remain motionless, Bai Xi asked.

Mu Qingge awoke from her reverie without explaining anything; the Blood Jade Hairpin in her hand disappeared, replaced by a slender golden hairpin.

She held the golden hairpin, inserted the pointed tip into the keyhole, lightly twisted it a few times, and Bai Xi heard a crisp ’click’ as the door lock was opened.

Putting away the gold hairpin, Mu Qingge pulled open the lock, pushed the door, and said to Bai Xi, "Let’s go."

Bai Xi curiously examined the golden hairpin in her hand, "You’re amazing, Qingge!"

Mu Qingge’s mouth curled slightly.

Lock-picking should be one of the basic skills for special forces.

Not used for a long time, she’s grown somewhat rusty.

Back in the day, she could unlock a password-protected safe in just three seconds.

The two entered the dungeon, and indeed, a strong smell of rot and dampness hit them. Even though Bai Xi had visited once before, she still couldn’t adapt.

Although snakes like dark and damp environments, they don’t necessarily enjoy stinky places.

Mu Qingge also frowned, tightened her lips.

Since her rebirth, the luxury of life makes her less adaptable to various harsh environments.

If it weren’t for finding Mu Yi, she wouldn’t want to stay here for even a minute.

"He is in there," Bai Xi said as she led the way ahead, descending the steps, guiding Mu Qingge into the dungeon.

After walking down the steps, the entire dungeon came into Mu Qingge’s view.

’This is no dungeon; it’s clearly a specially designed darkroom for confining someone!’ Mu Qingge thought, shocked.

Here was a dark room, no light except a hanging oil lamp.

On the wall, chains bound a person, his arms stretched and suspended.

The suspended arms, sleeves fallen, exposed skin and bones so thin they were covered by intersecting scars, both old and new, leaving no inch of intact skin. His long hair and beard, as Bai Xi described, were tangled and unkempt for years, sticking together, falling to the ground, covering his appearance. His clothing, originally white, had turned a mix of black and red, bloodstained. And what of his legs? They were powerless, kneeling, with scars left on the ankles. His head hung low, silent, as if he had long been dead.

If it weren’t for Mu Qingge being able to feel his chaotic breathing, she would have mistaken him for dead.

The darkroom was filled with various torture tools, all stained with blood, likely all used on this person.

"It’s him," Bai Xi said.

Mu Qingge walked towards him step by step, standing in front of him, he remained motionless.

This silence carried a sense of despondency. Mu Qingge looked down at him, disregarding the stench emanating from him, and asked, "Are you Mu Yi?"

However, the man didn’t respond.

As if he couldn’t hear Mu Qingge or knew she was standing before him.

Waiting for a while, Mu Qingge asked again, "Are you Mu Yi?"

The man still didn’t respond.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly, she asked sternly, "Do you know Feng Yufei?"

The name Feng Yufei struck like thunder, causing the man’s shoulders to twitch slightly, finally reacting a bit. Yet, he still did not speak.

This slight reaction caught Mu Qingge’s attention. She slowly crouched down, took out an item from her bosom, and handed it to him, asking again, "Do you recognize this?"