In Mu Qingge’s palm rests a dagger, the demigod artifact given to her as a reward by Feng Yufei for helping find Mu Yi’s whereabouts.

Later, as she got to know Feng Yufei, they reached a new agreement. Mu Qingge once offered to return the dagger, but Feng Yufei refused.

The reason being that if Mu Qingge truly found Mu Yi, this dagger could at least let Mu Yi know that Mu Qingge is a trustworthy person.

At this moment, to ascertain the imprisoned man’s identity, Mu Qingge took out the dagger.

The man, whose hands were hung up, bowed his head.

The mention of the name "Feng Yufei" had earlier caused a slight change in him. In Mu Qingge’s wait, he finally slowly lifted his head, his gaze falling on Mu Qingge’s palm.

In the dark secret room, his eyes are obscured by long hair, making him hard to see clearly.

Yet Mu Qingge, who had been watching him closely, easily noticed the slight constriction of his eyes upon seeing the dagger.

This reaction clearly showed he recognized the dagger.

Feng Yufei’s dagger did not have anything too special in appearance, except for the patterns and decorations on it.

To recognize it at a glance in such a dim environment, there’s only one possibility—he is very familiar with it!

Mu Qingge already had an answer in her heart, she withdrew her hand, this movement drawing the man’s gaze. He seemed urgent, reluctant, and the longing in his eyes was especially obvious.

"It seems you are Mu Yi," Mu Qingge stood up slowly and spoke to him.

The man remained silent, as if he had his doubts.

Mu Qingge paused and said flatly, "I know what you are worried about. Isn’t Mu Yu aware of Feng Yufei’s existence as well?" She was almost certain that the one who pursued Mu Yi to Linchuan Realm then threatened Li Country’s Imperial Family was Mu Yu.

The chain binding the man was gently pulled, making a crisp sound.

Mu Qingge shifted her gaze from the chain and looked at him again, "Feng Yufei has waited for you for ten years, isn’t it already sixteen years now? She couldn’t find you in Linchuan, so she asked me to come to the Middle Ancient Realm to find you and bring you back. Whether you believe it or not, just wait here patiently, I will save you and take you away."

After speaking, Mu Qingge turned around, intending to leave.

But, as she and Bai Xi reached the door, a hoarse, somewhat weak voice came through, "Wait."

Mu Qingge stopped her steps, Bai Xi turned her head in surprise to look at the man.

It seemed she was somewhat surprised that he suddenly spoke up.

"Aren’t you afraid I’m a fake used to deceive Yufei?" The man spoke. His tone was slow, as if he hadn’t spoken for a long time, needing to slowly adjust; among the hoarseness, there was a touch of age and weakness.

Mu Qingge’s lips curved slightly, she turned and sneered, "Is there any need for that? Mu Yu doesn’t know someone would come to rescue you someday, but he already knows of Feng Yufei’s existence. If he really cared, how would Feng Yufei still be alive now? Perhaps, in his heart, he never regarded a mere princess of Linchuan Realm as worth considering."

The man’s body trembled, he continued, "How do I know you aren’t sent by Mu Yu?"

Mu Qingge’s coldness grew in her smile, "Still the same question, is there any need for that?" Her teasing gaze fell on Mu Yi, seemingly saying—You have already become a prisoner; your only worth might be to let Mu Yu vent his anger when he’s in a bad mood, what’s the need to deceive you?

"Heh..." Mu Yi began to laugh, his laughter akin to sobbing, filled with endless self-mockery.

He slowly lifted his head, yet let his long hair cover his face, leaning against the cold wall, his laughter never stopped.

"Why is he laughing?" Bai Xi muttered next to Mu Qingge’s ear.

Mu Qingge did not answer, just watched Mu Yi. In the dim light, she saw tears glistening in his eyes, sliding down the corner.

"You all should go, don’t come back. Tell her, I’m already dead." After Mu Yi laughed, he spoke once more, his tone peaceful like dead water.

"Hey, you’re obviously alive, why say you’re dead!" Bai Xi frowned, perplexed.

She knew how much effort Mu Qingge put into finding this half-dead man, and managed to find him, yet he wanted to give up on rescuing himself, making all of Mu Qingge’s hard work in vain.

Mu Qingge calmly looked at him, only speaking after a long while, "Your life and death are already irrelevant to you. I made a promise to her to bring you back, and I will not break my word."

After saying this, she turned and quickly left without looking back at Mu Yi in the secret room.

Bai Xi followed immediately, the door closed and locked tightly, footsteps gradually fading into the distance. After they left, Mu Yi suddenly started crying loudly, banging his head against the wall, shouting, "Why! Why! Why!"

His cries, filled with a sense of release, emanated from the secret room, echoing through the passage.

Mu Qingge and Bai Xi heard these despairing and angry sounds, slowing their steps. Bai Xi glanced back, confused, "Humans are really strange; trapped for so long, finally having a hope to escape, he’s not excited but rejects it. Does he want to stay here and keep being tormented?"

Mu Qingge sighed lightly and said to Bai Xi, "It’s because he thinks he is no longer worthy of Feng Yufei."

Bai Xi looked at Mu Qingge.

She didn’t know much about the story between Feng Yufei and Mu Yi, only knowing Mu Yi was who Mu Qingge was entrusted to find.

Under Bai Xi’s gaze, Mu Qingge did not explain further, only saying, "Let’s leave first."

Bai Xi nodded and quietly accompanied Mu Qingge out of the abandoned garden.

Upon returning to the temporary courtyard, Bai Xi asked Mu Qingge, "Should I keep an eye on Mu Yu?"

Mu Qingge nodded, "Keep watching for a few days, but this time mainly focus on the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine."

Bai Xi nodded and vanished in a flash of white light.

Mu Qingge sat alone on the rocking chair in the courtyard, watching the sky gradually brighten.

Perhaps she could relate to Mu Yi’s feelings.

Once, he was full of spirit, gifted and handsome. His love story with Feng Yufei, the Eldest Princess of Li Country, despite many obstacles, was a renowned tale.

And now?

He is merely a fallen wreck, trapped in a dungeon, subjected to humiliation, his cultivation destroyed, degraded and filthy. In this state, even if he leaves, returning to Feng Yufei would only bring him shame.

Mu Qingge’s fingertips lightly tapped the rocking chair’s armrest, her clear eyes contemplating something.

When You He came out of the room, she was startled, quickly approached and asked, "Lord, why are you here?"

Mu Qingge grasped the rocking chair’s armrest and stood up, saying to You He, "I’m going out for a while."

With that, she disappeared from You He’s sight.

"Lord—!" You He hurriedly shouted, but received no response.

When Mu Qingge reappeared, she was already at Wanxiang Building.

Han Caicai yawned as he emerged, his clothes disheveled, exuding a lazy air. Seeing Mu Qingge, a hint of surprise flashed in his narrow eyes, then he suddenly laughed, "Missing me so soon?"

Mu Qingge was not in the mood for banter, placing a hundred elixirs she had refined on the table, saying, "Elixirs."

Han Caicai’s eyes lit up, his gaze falling on the bottles containing the elixirs, "So quickly!"

"Mhm," Mu Qingge responded briefly.

Han Caicai walked over, picked up an elixir bottle for a look, then set it down, turning his gaze to Mu Qingge, asking, "You wouldn’t come to find me so early just for a mere hundred elixirs. Tell me, what’s the matter?"

"I found Mu Yi," Mu Qingge said bluntly.

This statement surprised Han Caicai. His narrow eyes flashed, "Oh? So fast."

Mu Qingge didn’t pick up on the hesitation hidden in his words, just nodded.

Finding Mu Yi meant she would soon leave Lanwu City, the two of them facing another separation, not knowing when they would meet again. Fortunately, he had crafted such a cooperation agreement beforehand, ensuring they could meet again.

Han Caicai suppressed the depth in his eyes, sitting across from Mu Qingge, speaking, "Need my help in rescuing him?"

Mu Qingge shook her head, looking at him, "I need you to help deliver him to Linchuan, to Feng Yufei."

Han Caicai’s eyes narrowed, staring at Mu Qingge, not speaking.

Their gazes clashed fiercely in the air. After a while, Han Caicai said, "You really throw me a tough problem with an opening sentence!"

Mu Qingge instead revealed a faint smile, looking at him teasingly, "Han Young Master can freely enter Linchuan from the Middle Ancient Realm and vice versa, is sending someone back really that difficult?"

Han Caicai sneered coldly, his eyes flashing with a cold light, "Mu Qingge, do you know that it’s my Han Family’s teleportation array, and those not of the Han Family cannot enter."

"There’s always a way." Mu Qingge’s smile deepened.

If she herself had a way to quickly travel back and forth between the Middle Ancient Realm and Linchuan Realm, she wouldn’t have come to ask Han Caicai for help. Given Mu Yi’s current condition, traveling to Linchuan Realm from the Bitter Sea or the Wandering Soul Desert would be a journey of inevitable death. And the teleportation array he used to enter Linchuan Realm is said to be consumable. Whether it can still be used or has been destroyed is unknown.

In short, Mu Qingge felt that to safely send Mu Yi back to Linchuan Realm, Han Caicai was the safest choice.

"If you agree, this is my reward for you." Mu Qingge took out a bottle again and placed it on the table.

Han Caicai instantly recognized the elixir inside, yet raised an eyebrow and asked, "What’s inside?"

"Divine Level Elixir," Mu Qingge answered. After speaking, she revealed a hint of reluctance in her eyes. This was the first Divine Level Elixir she had refined, originally intended to give to Si Mo when she met him. Although it wasn’t a Holy Level Elixir and couldn’t completely solve his internal problems, it was better than nothing.

But now, she didn’t want to owe Han Caicai too many favors, so she brought it out to trade.

"What! Divine Level Elixir!" Han Caicai was so shocked he stood up from his chair, "You can already refine Divine Level Elixirs!"

Compared to Han Caicai’s shock, Mu Qingge appeared very calm.

Han Caicai took a deep breath, looking at Mu Qingge, said: "Do you know what kind of person can refine a Divine Level Elixir in the Alchemy Institute of East Continent?"

Mu Qingge honestly shook her head.

"It’s an Alchemy Master!" Han Caicai said word by word.

However, Mu Qingge couldn’t comprehend what the concept of ’Alchemy Master’ was.

After pacing in the room for a few steps, Han Caicai said, "That means, if you went to the Alchemy Institute now and could refine a Divine Level Elixir, you could become an Alchemy Master and start accepting and teaching disciples! But how old are you? You’re simply a demon, a monster!"

Thinking of those Alchemy Masters, none of them were less than a hundred years old, Han Caicai felt so upset he could vomit blood.

Earlier, he was still proud in front of Mu Qingge, bragging about his cultivation being higher than hers. Now, he was utterly defeated. Refining elixirs is much harder than cultivating.

"Just tell me if you’re going to help or not." Mu Qingge interrupted his musings, directly.

Han Caicai fell silent.

His long, narrow eyes flickered. Mu Qingge spoke; he wouldn’t refuse. And since she brought out a Divine Level Elixir, perhaps he could use it to negotiate with the family to activate the teleportation array.

But...

Thinking about Mu Qingge’s Divine Level Elixir, with this the family would take it for themselves, and he was somewhat unwilling.

"Are you sure you must send him back?" Han Caicai raised his eyes, looking at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge nodded, "I have seen him. His situation is very bad now. I can heal the physical wounds, but the mental trauma is beyond me. He needs Feng Yufei, and Feng Yufei has waited long enough."

"After suffering such humiliation for so many years and with a vendetta of annihilated clan, would he be willing to go with you?" Han Caicai asked again.

Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, and sharp light flashed through the slits. "That’s not up to him. My task is only to send him to Feng Yufei’s side. His deep-seated vendetta has nothing to do with me. If he truly cannot let go of the hatred, he can wait until he is well-cultivated and take Feng Yufei to the Middle Ancient Realm again to cleanse the Mu Family with blood."

Han Caicai stared at her, teasingly said, "You’re always so domineering."

"I’m just doing what needs to be done." Mu Qingge said indifferently. She promised Feng Yufei to find Mu Yi, which doesn’t mean she has to help him get revenge.

Han Caicai chuckled lightly, put away the bottle containing the Divine Level Elixir, and compromised with Mu Qingge: "Alright, you rescue him and hand him over to me, I will find a way to send him back."

Speaking, he explained again: "This Divine Level Elixir isn’t for my greed, but because to activate the teleportation array of the family, you must offer something enticing enough."

Hearing Han Caicai agree, Mu Qingge felt a bit relieved.

Han Caicai’s words suddenly made her think. "Does every Ancient Clan have teleportation arrays that can reach Linchuan?"

Han Caicai sneered coldly, casting a contemptuous glance at her, "You’ve got it wrong. Han Family has a teleportation array due to Wanxiang Building’s influence. And it’s not Han Family’s own. It should be said Han Family found it and seized it. Every time the teleportation array is activated, it requires a large amount of Spirit Stones; without an urgent matter, it won’t be easily activated."

"But the Le Family..." Mu Qingge frowned slightly.

The Le Family members were all teleported there, without crossing the Bitter Sea or the Wandering Soul Desert.

"That kind of temporary teleportation only requires enough spiritual power cultivation as support, and then using spirit stones to open the way, it can be activated. But it is extremely unstable, very easy to transport to the wrong location, and also easy to die in the process. You also mentioned that Mu Yi’s current condition is not good, so we cannot take risks." Han Caicai explained.

Mu Qingge nodded with an understanding that wasn’t quite complete, and thought of her mother.

How did she get to the Linchuan Realm in those days? Afterward, did her clan members really bring her back? How did she come back?

Seeing her lower her eyes deep in thought, Han Caicai knew she was now curious about the teleportation array, so he further explained, "Actually, in the Middle Ancient Realm, some ancient teleportation arrays have been left behind. No one knows who left them or when, but the destination is the same, which is the Linchuan Realm. Some teleportation arrays are stable, some are unstable. Some can be used only once, some can be used multiple times, it’s all unpredictable. The Han Family’s belongs to the stable category, and both sides are well-preserved. But most are extremely unstable, so if the people of Linchuan want to go to the Middle Ancient Realm, they mostly adopt the method I mentioned before, which is better than finding a teleportation array. Of course, both methods are dangerous, so people from the Middle Ancient Realm rarely go to Linchuan. If you want to return to Linchuan in the future, either find a stable teleportation array or make one yourself. However, the method to create teleportation arrays has long been lost, with no one knowing how."

Mu Qingge frowned while listening and said, "Let’s discuss this matter later. Currently, sending Mu Yi back is a major task, you must handle it well."

Han Caicai nodded and said, "Don’t worry, having taken your elixirs, I certainly won’t let anything unexpected happen with this matter. When will you send the person over?"

Mu Qingge pondered for a moment and replied, "It will take a few days."

"Alright, I’ll wait for you," Han Caicai nodded.

"There is one more thing," Mu Qingge suddenly said.

Han Caicai raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.

Mu Qingge said, "The three families in Lanwu City are currently fighting for an intermediate spirit stone mine?"

Han Caicai laughed, "It seems your information is quite up-to-date." Then, his gaze flashed as he said to Mu Qingge, "What is it? Do you want to intervene?"

Mu Qingge leaned back in her chair, squinting with a smile, "Coming all the way to Lanwu City, I can’t quite leave empty-handed!"

Han Caicai shook his head helplessly and teased, "Truly like a thief, not leaving empty-handed."

"Interested in collaborating?" Mu Qingge’s eyes suddenly shone brightly as she said to Han Caicai.

She knew clearly in her heart that she could not handle an intermediate spirit stone mine alone and needed a partner. And in Lanwu City, the most trustworthy choice was Han Caicai.

Han Caicai’s long eyes narrowed slowly, smiling ambiguously, "Wanxiang Building cannot participate in any interest conflict between families." Implying, even if tempted, he cannot intervene.

Mu Qingge, however, shook her head, "I’m not collaborating with Wanxiang Building, but with you."

"Oh?" Han Caicai furrowed his brows.

In Mu Qingge’s words, he had already understood her intention.

"What do you plan to do?" Han Caicai asked.

Mu Qingge smiled with a hint of mischief, "First, confirm if it’s really an intermediate spirit stone mine. Second, is there a container that can directly extract the spirit stone vein inside? If not, then will need to spend physical effort."

Han Caicai squinted and said, "First, the intermediate spirit stone mine is real. Wanxiang Building has personally checked this. If it was like the rumors from the outside world, which are yet uncertain, how would it have caused a struggle among the three families? Second, I’m afraid it will disappoint you, it’s possible to store spirit stones, but to fit an entire vein, sorry, there’s no such large container."

’Master Yin, I can!’ Just as Han Caicai’s words hung in the air, Mengmeng’s voice suddenly resounded in Mu Qingge’s mind.

Mu Qingge’s eyes shone subtly, and her mouth involuntarily curled up.

"Extracting the whole spirit stone vein would cause quite a commotion, I need you to cover for me." Mu Qingge said to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai keenly caught the meaning in her words. Expression turning serious, he questioned, "Do you have a way to extract the entire spirit stone vein?"

Mu Qingge did not answer directly, simply told him, "No matter what method you use, gather all the major forces in Lanwu City in one place three days from now to make it convenient for me to act. After it’s done, I’ll give you thirty percent of the spirit stone mine."

Before Han Caicai could respond, she added, "Don’t bargain with me, you’re just helping, I’m the one doing the hard work. Thirty percent is already very reasonable."

Han Caicai laughed, "Your plan is quite shrewd. So three days from now, you’re leaving?"

In his words, there was a hint of reluctance.

Mu Qingge did not notice, merely nodded, "If nothing unexpected happens, I will bring the spirit stone mine and Mu Yi to you three days from now. But you also need to keep someone for me."

"Who?" Han Caicai asked.

"Mu Family’s Mu Hong," Mu Qingge spoke the name of the man who harassed Yuanyuan.

Han Caicai smiled with amusement, "Mu Family’s wastrel? How did he annoy you?"

Mu Qingge shook her head and said, "He didn’t annoy me, he annoyed Yuanyuan."

Han Caicai’s eyes flashed, and he laughed, "News came yesterday that someone beat Mu Hong up on the street. The assailant was a pretty boy with vermillion between his brows and another handsome and refined young man. Seems like it’s the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame."

"You already know?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow.

Han Caicai’s lips curled into an amused smile, "Wanxiang Building is all-knowing." With that, he glanced at Mu Qingge and said, "After Mu Hong returned, he didn’t take action but went to find trouble with the wastrel from the Cao Family, seems like it’s Yin Chen’s doing. However, this matter can’t be hidden for long, no matter how capable Yin Chen is, he can’t alter the memory of all the eyewitnesses."

"So, I don’t have much time." Mu Qingge answered. She needed to resolve everything before Mu Family reacted and then leave.

"Understood." Han Caicai replied lazily.

"Farewell." Having said what needed to be said, Mu Qingge got up and left Wanxiang Building.

...

In the next three days, Mu Qingge didn’t go out again, it was Xie Ya and others moving daily. Yuanyuan and Jing Hai were also grounded by her, not for any other reason, just to avoid unforeseen issues before taking action.

During the three days, Wanxiang Building in Lanwu City suddenly issued an invitation to hold a wine-tasting event, inviting powerful families in Lanwu City to participate. The Mu, Cao, and Lü Families were naturally the first in line to be invited.

When the news reached Mu Qingge’s ears, she merely smiled slightly, knowing Han Caicai had begun taking action.

Her plan was simple, to rescue people while extracting the Spirit Stone Vein when the entire Lanwu City was drawn into Han Caicai’s attraction, then leave with a clean slate.

"Young Master, this is the terrain map of the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine Vein, along with the guard distribution." Xie Ya handed a scroll to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge took it and unfolded it.

She needed to act invisibly, so every detail must be precise.

Mu Qingge looked down at the terrain map and guard distribution while Xie Ya explained beside her, "Young Master, since the Spirit Stone Mine Vein’s ownership is yet undecided, the three families have agreed to each dispatch guards to protect it, preventing anyone from approaching. Daily, there are up to a thousand people guarding the Spirit Stone Mine Vein. They are strictly guarded, with layers of checkpoints, only during shift changes is there a slight slack."

Focusing on the map and listening to Xie Ya, Mu Qingge closed the map and looked up at her, "The three families aren’t united like a steel plate, so there’s a chance to exploit."

Xie Ya was taken aback but nodded with some understanding.

Mu Qingge looked up at the sky, murmuring, "Tonight is the Wanxiang Building’s wine-tasting event, right?"

"Yes." Xie Ya nodded.

"Gather everyone back." Mu Qingge commanded.

Xie Ya nodded and withdrew.

By evening, everyone had returned to the courtyard.

Mu Qingge sat in the main seat, looking at Bai Xi and asked, "How is the situation with Mu Family?"

"The current family head of Mu Family took Mu Yu and Mu Hong to Wanxiang Building." Bai Xi answered.

Mu Qingge nodded, then asked, "Having investigated for so long, are the backgrounds of the Mu, Cao, and Lü Families clear?"

Xie Ya answered, "The Mu, Cao, and Lü Families reportedly have Silver Realm Second Layer experts overseeing them. Moreover, there isn’t just one. Mu Family publicly claims three. One of them, I suspect, has already entered Silver Realm Third Layer. The other two families publicly claim two each, which is also one of the reasons why Mu Family can act arrogantly in Lanwu City."

Mu Qingge’s eyes became distant, and she coldly sighed, "Two Silver Realm Second Layer, one Silver Realm Third Layer. It’s not surprising the direct lineage is declining given the thriving branch line."

Suddenly, she felt grateful Mu Yu hadn’t locked Mu Yi in Mu Mansion; otherwise, rescuing him would indeed have been more challenging.

"Young Master, at the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine, the leaders stationed are Silver Realm Second Layer experts from each of the three families." Xie Ya relayed another piece of information.

This news made Mu Qingge raise her eyebrows.

Three Silver Realm Second Layer experts stationed!

Seems like this is not good news.

"Is the information confirmed?" Mu Qingge asked.

Xie Ya nodded.

Exhaling lightly, Mu Qingge looked at Yin Chen and Yuanyuan, "Against Silver Realm Second Layer experts, how confident are you?"

Yin Chen frowned slightly, didn’t speak, but his expression said it all.

Yuanyuan remained fearless, boasting, "I can burn him to ashes with one blaze!"

"Do not be arrogant." Mu Qingge shook her head.

Her gaze clear as she looked at everyone, "What I want is foolproof, not reckless intrusion."

"Qingge, I’ll go with you." Bai Xi offered.

However, Mu Qingge shook her head, "Your task is to rescue Mu Yi."

"Little Lord, and us too!"

You He and Hua Yue chimed simultaneously.

Mu Qingge glanced at them, pursed her lips, and shook her head, "You two are not opponents, going would be futile."

Silence descended in the room.

Before Silver Realm experts, Mu Qingge felt she was still too weak.

The people around her, one could say, they could win relentlessly against any Gray Realm experts. Even against Silver Realm First Layer experts, she had confidence.

But, Silver Realm Second Layer, and it’s three of them, the gap was somewhat too large.

Mu Qingge frowned slightly, pondering her strategy.

She had tried challenging beyond her level before. One could say, from the start, she had relied on such challenges to grow. Especially during the Hell Realm of Holy Yuan Empire experiment space, she had almost died in there.

However, this time was different, she intended to steal the Spirit Ore Vein, not to fight to the death.

To take it without a trace would be best.

Once she was far away, only then would everyone realize that the Spiritual Ore Vein they guarded was already gone, and by then, their expressions would be quite interesting.

Facing enemies head-on, then being chased and fleeing, was not the outcome she desired.

If she couldn’t find a more suitable way, she’d rather abandon this Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine. After all, it counted as an external item, not something she had to obtain.

’If I can’t overpower, then I’ll outsmart!’ Mu Qingge thought to herself.

"It seems the old trick needs to be repeated." Mu Qingge muttered to herself, while others looked at each other in silence.

After thinking for a while, Mu Qingge instructed, "Jing Hai, prepare the Spiritual Beast Car, wait outside the city. You He and Hua Yue, pack everything up and wait outside with Jing Hai. Bai Xi is to rescue the person and then deliver them to Wanxiang Building, Yin Chen, Yuanyuan, and Xie Ya follow me to the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine. Once everything’s completed, we will first go to Wanxiang Building to wrap things up before leaving the city to meet you three, and then depart together."

"Qingge, why not let You He and Hua Yue go rescue the person, and I’ll go with you to the Spirit Stone Mine." Bai Xi proposed.

You He and Hua Yue also said in unison, "Yes, Little Lord. Let Bai Xi follow you, it would be safer."

"No need." Mu Qingge shook her head.

She looked at Bai Xi and said, "Rescuing the person is easy, but how to deliver them to Wanxiang Building without being detected is difficult. You He and Hua Yue’s skills are not yet sufficient."

This sentence left You He and Hua Yue frustrated.

Mu Qingge then added, "You shouldn’t underestimate yourselves either. In executing a plan, every step is crucial. You providing support later is also a form of contribution. Moreover, your strengths lie in gathering intelligence."

You He and Hua Yue lowered their eyes in dismay.

They knew this was Mu Qingge comforting them. In Linchuan Realm, they could still integrate intelligence and relay messages, proving their value. But since Xie Ya arrived, her intelligence-gathering skills surpassed theirs significantly, leaving them unsure of their roles.

"Did everyone get it memorized?" Mu Qingge stood up, her voice powerful and strong.

Everyone nodded.

In a daze, Mu Qingge seemed to return to the time when she planned her strategy.

After confirming the mission time, Mu Qingge dove into the space and began crafting her battle magical treasure.

When she emerged from the Alchemy Room, she summoned Yuanyuan and Yin Chen back into the space.

"You two stay here, I’ll call upon you when necessary," Mu Qingge instructed them.

Yuanyuan and Yin Chen nodded.

Mu Qingge left the space with Xie Ya and headed towards the Intermediate Spirit Stone Card.

In the space, Yuanyuan, being idle, found Mengmeng.

"Lil’ thing, I’m all grown up now! Look!" Yuanyuan boasted while spinning in circles in front of Mengmeng.

Mengmeng pouted and said, "I’m not a little thing anymore!"

Yuanyuan chuckled teasingly, "You are a little thing, even if you’ve grown up, you’re still a little thing!"

"You little shorty, shorty!" Mengmeng stomped her foot in anger.

Yin Chen watched the pair of joyful rivals from afar, smiling and shaking his head.

Yuanyuan and Mengmeng chased each other across the grassy field in the space, their innocent and bright smiles capable of melting the ice and snow.

After some playing around, Yuanyuan retrieved a beautifully crafted konghou sold on the street and handed it to Mengmeng. "Here, it’s for you."

Mengmeng’s eyes lit up and she laughed, "What’s this?" She reached for it with curiosity, having never seen a konghou before and unsure of how to use the pretty thing.

"This is a konghou! You don’t know what it is?" Yuanyuan ruthlessly mocked her.

Mengmeng’s expression changed immediately, tossing the konghou at his feet, "Hmph, who cares!"

"Hey! I specifically bought this for you!" Yuanyuan picked up the konghou angrily.

"I don’t want it!" Mengmeng turned her face proudly away, refusing to look at Yuanyuan.

Yuanyuan’s pretty face scrunched up as he thrust the konghou into her arms forcefully, "You’re going to take it whether you want it or not!"

"I just don’t want it!" Mengmeng pushed it away.

Yuanyuan stubbornly pushed the konghou into her arms again, shouting, "I bought this for you, just try refusing it!"

Yin Chen watched them slowly shake his head, choosing not to partake in this battle.

...

Outside the space, Mu Qingge had already arrived at the perimeter of the Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine with Xie Ya.

Using the cover of darkened skies, they concealed themselves, suppressed their presence, and observed in secrecy.

"Young Master, ahead is the Spirit Stone Vein. The mine tunnels have been excavated, but due to disputes over ownership interests, work has yet to commence," Xie Ya explained softly.

In front of the mountain, Mu Qingge could see figures moving back and forth, likely tasked with guarding the perimeter.

"Where are the three Silver Realm Second Layer individuals?" Mu Qingge inquired.

Xie Ya pursed her lips, raised her hand, and after her fingers fluttered a few times, Mu Qingge saw several black butterflies fly out from between her fingers, flapping towards the Spirit Stone Vein.

Mu Qingge was a bit surprised, she didn’t know Xie Ya possessed such a skill.

Xie Ya, under her watchful gaze, blushed slightly, bowed her head, and explained softly: "This is a simple trick passed down in my clan, utilizing Spiritual Power to nurture some spirit bugs within the body and release them when needed to gather intelligence."

As she spoke, she raised her head, her eyes shining brightly as she looked at Mu Qingge and said, "The spirit bugs are my eyes; what they see, I can see too, but I mustn’t be disturbed during this process, please protect me, Young Master."

Mu Qingge nodded.

Xie Ya then sat beside her cross-legged, closing her eyes.

’How fascinating! Simply nurturing bugs within oneself...’ Mu Qingge shivered all over, feeling a skin full of goosebumps.

The night wind brushed across Xie Ya’s hair that fell over her forehead, making him appear even more serene under the night sky, akin to a moon fairy, exquisitely beautiful, making one unwilling to desecrate.

Unfortunately, Mu Qingge had no heart for appreciation, merely watching the surroundings intently.

After a while, Xie Ya suddenly twisted her expression into one of pain.

Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered and saw Xie Ya suddenly open her eyes and fall into her arms.

Without hesitation, Mu Qingge hurriedly caught her body with both hands to stabilize her. "Are you alright?"

Xie Ya took a breath, pressed her lips, and shook her head.

Her complexion was paler than before.

At this moment, Mu Qingge saw several black butterflies flying through the air, landing gently on Xie Ya and transforming into Spiritual Energy that seeped into her body.

’Seems like one is missing.’ Mu Qingge noticed the disparity.

Now, Xie Ya’s complexion appeared significantly better. She looked at Mu Qingge and said, "Young Master, those three Silver Realm Second Layer experts are in the wooden house at the mine entrance. From where their wooden house is located, they can clearly observe activities at the mine entrance. Earlier, one of my black butterflies was discovered and crushed by one of them. I was connected to them, hence affected, but now all is well."

"Discovered?" Mu Qingge frowned.

Xie Ya hastily explained, "He only found the black butterfly and suspected nothing else. This kind of secret technique is absent in the Middle Ancient Realm, so we won’t be discovered."

Mu Qingge nodded, took out an elixir restoring Primordial Energy, and handed it to Xie Ya: "Consume this first to recover."

Xie Ya did not refuse, took the elixir, and put it in her mouth.

The elixir melted as it entered, quickly nourishing Xie Ya’s body, making her complexion rosier.

By the time she finished adjusting her breath, Yin Chen and Yuanyuan were already standing beside Mu Qingge.

Their private time was abruptly interrupted, causing her a faint sense of loss.

"Yin Chen, as per what I discussed earlier, can your Illusion Technique confuse everyone inside?" Mu Qingge asked gravely.

Yin Chen pondered briefly and nodded, "If we follow the plan, I’m confident I can lead them into an Illusion Realm. Tonight will proceed as usual without incident."

"Good!" Mu Qingge nodded.

Yin Chen’s confidence boosted her morale somewhat. She then looked at Yuanyuan and instructed him, "Yuanyuan, guard the entrance. If anyone wakes from the Illusion Realm and senses an abnormality, use Eight Desolations Void Flame. Remember, only Eight Desolations Void Flame."

Yuanyuan nodded.

Finally, Mu Qingge looked at the awakened Xie Ya and asked, "How are you now?"

Xie Ya said, "Thank you for the concern, Young Master, I’m fine."

Mu Qingge nodded and told her, "Alright, you stay here as support. If anyone approaches from outside, find a way to notify us, for instance, releasing your black butterflies."

Leaving Xie Ya there was to ensure during the process, suddenly someone arrives, disrupting everything.

Xie Ya nodded seriously, "Young Master, to kill or leave?"

Mu Qingge replied, "You decide accordingly." Meaning, whether to kill or let go depends entirely on Xie Ya’s judgment.

Xie Ya understood, if someone comes whether to kill or not requires capturing them first, interrogating thoroughly, and then deciding if killing offers benefits or sparing them does.

Once everything was settled, Mu Qingge took out a solid incense and placed it on the ground, instructing Yin Chen and Yuanyuan, "Yin Chen prepares to scatter, Yuanyuan prepares the fire."

As soon as she spoke, a gust of wind blew past them from behind towards the Spirit Stone Mine. Upon glancing back, Xie Ya saw nine tails swaying behind Yin Chen.

Meanwhile, a tiny spark fell onto the incense, thin wisps of smoke rose from it and were carried by the wind towards the Spirit Stone Mine...