Chapter 605: Chapter 40: Battle for Dominance Between Male and Female Leads!

"Qingge, I missed you!" A familiar voice, a familiar scent appeared beside Mu Qingge’s ear and nose.

She suddenly widened her eyes, unable to believe that everything in front of her was real!

However, before she could react, the man’s breath came rushing in, capturing her slightly parted rosy lips due to shock.

Her mouth was sealed, and Mu Qingge felt the man’s frantic demand. Her eyes widened even more as the faint exotic fragrance swirled around her, confirming that this was not a dream.

In her clear eyes, a hint of fierceness flashed. Her hands suddenly grabbed the man’s collar, and with a forceful shove, she pushed him down, flipping over and sat astride his firm waist.

This action interrupted the man’s frantic demands.

He lay in the carriage, his deep amber eyes, like stars, looked at Mu Qingge, who was riding on him, with a touch of surprise.

Finally seeing the man’s appearance clearly, he was still as peerlessly stunning and extremely graceful as ever. His flawless features were obscured in the dim carriage light but did not diminish his charm.

However, his spotless white clothes had changed into a mystic robe. His long hair, once loosely draped, was now held in place by a black gold crown.

Though compressed beneath her, a subtle smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and the astonishment in his eyes faded, transforming into a gentle anticipation.

When the face from her memories appeared truly in front of Mu Qingge, she realized how much she had missed him.

She raised her eyebrows, suddenly leaned down, and captured the man’s smiling lips.

Si Mo, pinned down by Mu Qingge, enjoyed this voluntary kiss. His long arms wrapped around her body, instinctively flipping her over, wanting to pin her down.

However, as soon as he moved, Mu Qingge sensed it. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes as she grasped the large hand around her waist, preventing the man’s counteraction.

The two kissed passionately, expressing their mutual longing over time.

Yet, their bodies fought back, neither willing to give up dominance!

Their bodies collided fiercely within the carriage, creating loud noises. The whole carriage shook as if it might fall apart at any moment.

Outside the carriage, Gu Ya and Gu Ye stood guard, arms crossed with swords, securing the shaken spiritual beast car.

Those thrown outside displayed two distinct expressions.

One was surprise.

The other was concern.

The worried ones, of course, were Xie Ya and Jing Hai, unaware of the situation inside. They only knew that a stranger had entered the carriage, without any clue what was happening inside.

The violent shaking of the carriage made them increasingly anxious, hard to imagine the intensity of the battle inside.

Those aware of the inside story—You He, Hua Yue, Bai Xi, and Yuanyuan—awkwardly shifted their gaze elsewhere or lowered their heads to count the small stones underfoot.

The commotion behind caused Gu Ya and Gu Ye’s lips to twitch subtly, internally questioning, ’Is Master too thirsty? Why so intense as soon as they meet?’

"Who are you? Move aside!" Xie Ya drew the ice-blue hairpin from her bun. It flashed blue, transforming into a magnificent treasure sword, held in her hand aimed at Gu Ya and Gu Ye.

Their gaze met Xie Ya’s sword.

When they felt the murderous intent emanating from the sword tip, they merely sneered with disdain.

Gu Ye averted his gaze, disinclined to engage. Gu Ya, however, coldly directed at Xie Ya, "Our master hasn’t met the young master for days; naturally, there’s something to discuss. No need for outsiders to interfere."

His words made Xie Ya’s eyes narrow. In her mind, she wondered, ’Are they truly friends, not foes?’ But... Her eyes shifted to the shaken spiritual beast car, pondering.

’This way of meeting between friends seems too peculiar?’

As her gaze swept across You He, Hua Yue, Bai Xi, and Yuanyuan, noticing their composed demeanors, she felt assured by Gu Ya’s words.

With confusion, she withdrew the sword, her bright eyes remaining vigilant as she looked at the two.

"Little uncle-master, will coach be alright?" Jing Hai stared anxiously at the carriage, the noise inside worrying him immensely.

Yuanyuan laughed awkwardly, pats Jing Hai’s shoulder in reassurance, "Little Haizi, don’t worry, your master will be fine."

"Are you the young master’s disciple?" As Yuanyuan finished speaking, Gu Ya’s voice sounded.

Jing Hai froze for a moment, nodding honestly.

Gu Ya gave him a deep look, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his lips. "The young master’s eye for disciples isn’t great."

The unabashed sarcasm made Jing Hai blush, dropping his gaze in embarrassment. He tugged at his clothes, biting his lip, unable to refute.

He knew he wasn’t exceptional, which drove him to work harder. He believed that one day he could become a true asset to his master!

"When did it become your business what kind of disciple I choose?" Suddenly, Mu Qingge’s cold voice came from the carriage.

Gu Ya’s spine chilled; he turned to see Mu Qingge standing at the carriage door, hands behind him.

The opened carriage remained dimly lit inside, barely revealing a seated figure. Who else could it be but their master?

Gu Ya’s gaze fell on Mu Qingge, bowing respectfully. "Young Master."

Even the proud Gu Ye silently bowed at this moment.

Mu Qingge was the woman their master had acknowledged, their future mistress—a status of undeniable importance, necessitating proper etiquette.

Mu Qingge’s clear gaze swept over Gu Ya, landing on the flustered Jing Hai, and she said lightly, "Since you’re my disciple, you should trust my judgment. How others see you is irrelevant."

Though lacking much consolation, Jing Hai’s eyes unexpectedly warmed, feeling comforted. He looked up abruptly at Mu Qingge, nodding vigorously, "Coach, Jing Hai understands!"

He was Mu Qingge’s disciple, forever!

Mu Qingge glanced at the crowd before tilting her head to say, "Let’s continue our journey."

The spiritual beast car resumed its motion, yet no one reentered the carriage. They mounted the spiritual beasts brought by Gu Ya and Gu Ye, following behind the car.

Reentering the carriage, Mu Qingge’s eyes met Si Mo’s, filled with a playful gaze; she couldn’t help but glare at him.

"Qingge, come here." Si Mo ignored the anger in Mu Qingge’s eyes, beckoning with a hand.

Mu Qingge disregarded him, promptly sitting in an empty spot in the carriage.

This carriage was quite spacious; previously, it accommodated five women without feeling cramped, but now, with just her and Si Mo, it felt suffocating.

’This man’s presence is too overpowering,’ Mu Qingge silently noted.

Mu Qingge’s awkward demeanor made Si Mo chuckle. He drew closer to Mu Qingge, fingers entangled in her hair, softly asking, "Qingge is upset with me? Fine, next time, I’ll let you."

Mu Qingge’s cheeks turned red, and she defiantly huffed, "Who needs you to let?"

Si Mo smilingly wrapped his long arm around Mu Qingge, pulling her into his lap. Being suddenly embraced, a hint of surprise flickered in Mu Qingge’s eyes.

Settling into the man’s lap, feeling his presence, she simply adjusted to a comfortable position, nesting in Si Mo’s embrace.

Her gaze fell on Si Mo’s mystic robe, softly inquiring, "Why are you here?"

"I just had some business to attend." Si Mo replied casually.

Mu Qingge nodded, not pursuing the matter further, merely curiously asking, "Why did you change into the mystic robe?"

Si Mo smiled, asking, "Does Qingge think it’s good-looking?"

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at him, carefully scrutinizing his unparalleled handsome features, and honestly nodded: "With your face, no matter what clothes you wear, it won’t look bad."

"The most important thing is, does little Ge’er like them?" Si Mo’s amber eyes looked at her, with specks of doting deep in their depths.

Mu Qingge shrugged and said, "It’s just a piece of clothing, it doesn’t matter whether I like it or not."

She’s never been a picky person and dislikes trouble. For instance, almost all her clothes are red; simply because she’s used to this color and thinks it suits her, she’s too lazy to try other colors.

"This time, how long can you stay?" Mu Qingge asked in a casual tone as much as she could.

Si Mo heard the reluctance in her words and the smile on his lips deepened. "How long does little Ge’er want me to stay?"

Mu Qingge just chuckled and shook her head, looking at him, she said, "Forget it, we just met, why talk about parting now? How is your injury?" Bringing up the issue she was most concerned about, she immediately grabbed Si Mo’s hand, rolled up his sleeve, revealing his wrist, and placed her fingers on his pulse.

Seeing her focused demeanor, Si Mo let her do it.

After a while, Mu Qingge finally let go and adjusted his sleeve. She nodded imperceptibly and said to Si Mo, "Thankfully it hasn’t progressed."

Si Mo’s condition hadn’t further worsened, which made her heart relax a bit.

Seeing her like this, Si Mo said, "Little Ge’er, my body is not as bad as you think, you don’t need to worry too much."

Mu Qingge glared at him and said, "These old injuries indeed seem harmless at ordinary times, but they slowly erode your body, your cultivation, and then erupt at a critical moment. If you can promise not to fight until your injuries are healed, I could be more at ease. But, can you promise that?"

Seeing Mu Qingge’s angry expression, Si Mo was speechless.

Because he really couldn’t promise.

He gazed at Mu Qingge, his large hand gently stroking her hair, his voice low and mesmerizing, slowly saying: "Little Ge’er, I don’t want you to suffer too much."

Mu Qingge grasped his hand, subtly tightening her grip. With a resolute tone, she promised: "I will heal your injuries. Trust me, I can now concoct Divine Level Elixirs, and Holy Level Elixirs are not too far away!"

"Little Ge’er is truly amazing!" Si Mo’s brows were dyed with a smile, becoming more radiant.

He was genuinely happy for every progress Mu Qingge made.

However, Mu Qingge listened and her eye twitched, dissatisfied she said, "Don’t treat me like a child."

Si Mo chuckled deeply, his large hand encircled Mu Qingge’s waist, pulling her into his arms, his chin resting on her hair top, softly saying: "Little Ge’er is certainly not a child, but the mother of my child."

Such blunt sweet words made Mu Qingge’s cheeks flush red, wanting to refute, yet any rebuttal felt powerless.

After all, she had already set her mind on him!

Never having thought of managing a home and teaching children, raising a family, now seemed like a real issue.

However, children...

Thinking of a possible future with such a little rascal appearing, Mu Qingge felt her scalp tingle.

Mu Qingge immersed herself in imagining the future, while Si Mo continued slowly saying: "Little Ge’er, remember. I have set my mind on you being mine, regardless of your identity, or who you are, it won’t change this fact. So, wherever you go in the future, you are destined to be my wife, my only wife."

Si Mo gradually tightened his arms, hugging Mu Qingge tightly, as if afraid she might suddenly leave.

Mu Qingge was puzzled by Si Mo’s words. She lifted her head from his embrace, looking at him, trying to find clues from his eyes, but those deep amber eyes contained nothing but endless tenderness and love.

"If you stay, I will not leave." Looking into those eyes, Mu Qingge said her promise.

If you stay, I will not leave!

The simple six words made Si Mo’s heart soar with joy. From the bottom of his heart, laughter slowly emerged from his throat, gradually echoing throughout the carriage, even reaching outside.

The cheerful laughter made people outside glance, they didn’t know what had happened inside to make Si Mo laugh so heartily.

Restraining his laughter, Si Mo gazed at Mu Qingge’s slightly raised head, his gaze gentle and lingering, filled with deep affection. Slowly, he lowered his head, capturing the red lips he had longed for day and night with infinite tenderness.

...

The merged team continued towards the Golden Sea Prefecture. The outline of the vast city ahead became clearer to everyone’s eyes.

Seeing the entrance not far ahead, the carriage suddenly stopped.

"Leaving now?" Inside the carriage, Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and asked.

Si Mo nodded, saying to her: "There’s some information I need to confirm, wait for me, I’ll be back soon."

"Alright." Mu Qingge replied decisively.

Si Mo smiled faintly, reluctantly pulling Mu Qingge over, planting a kiss on her brow.

So gentle, it was like a feather brushing across.

When Mu Qingge reopened her eyes, where was Si Mo’s shadow in the carriage? Only the partially opened carriage door remained.

"Young Master." The carriage door opened, outdoor light poured in, illuminating half of Mu Qingge’s body. Xie Ya appeared at the door.

Mu Qingge’s gaze swept outside, indeed, there was no sign of Gu Ye and Gu Ya.

"Young Master, in front is the Golden Sea Prefecture." Xie Ya said.

"Come in, we’re preparing to enter the city." Mu Qingge instructed.

Thus, the Spiritual Beast Car resumed its previous state. Jing Hai and Yuanyuan were driving outside, while Mu Qingge sat in the carriage with four women.

Bai Xi, as soon as she entered the carriage, looked at Mu Qingge with an ambivalent gaze.

Mu Qingge calmly looked back, appearing extremely unwavering.

"Little Lord, shall we rent a courtyard after entering the Golden Sea Prefecture?" You He asked.

Mu Qingge thought about it, the main reason she came to Golden Sea Prefecture was because of Han Caicai’s words. To quickly integrate into the Middle Ancient Realm, and not just as a passerby, she needs to understand the various states of the Middle Ancient Realm, and the State Mansion is the place to understand each state.

The so-called Green Talent List and Cub Phoenix List are also hung in the State Mansion, the origin of various family histories, all in the State Mansion.

To fully understand, she reckoned she would need to stay for ten days to half a month.

After contemplating for a while, Mu Qingge said to You He: "Yes, let’s find a secluded, undisturbed courtyard to temporarily stay."

Understanding Mu Qingge’s needs, You He didn’t ask further.

Jing Hai drove the Spiritual Beast Car, slowly entering the vast Golden Sea Prefecture. Mu Qingge looked through the window gap, seeing the appearance of the outside city gate, towering a hundred feet, the Spiritual Beast Car passed under it, tiny like an ant.

"Each city in the Middle Ancient Realm is managed by families. What about the Golden Sea Prefecture? Who governs a state mansion?" Mu Qingge quietly asked herself.

Of course, there was no one in the carriage able to answer her question.

In the team, the only native, Jing Hai, even he grew up in a fishing village from childhood, never came to these places, not understanding.

After entering the city, he and Yuanyuan alike, curiously examined their surroundings.

Mu Qingge had Hua Yue open the window, revealing the true appearance of the Golden Sea Prefecture. Straight and wide streets, with large trees planted along the side, behind the trees were small paths for walking, and then rows of bustling, flourishing shops.

There were many people in Golden Sea Prefecture; everywhere on the street were people, the Spiritual Beast Car moved slowly, allowing them to take a good look at the Golden Sea Prefecture.

After a while, a special building appeared at the limit of their field of view.

The building was a dome with a spire, occupying vast space, surrounded by several architectural groups. The entire dome was brushed with golden powder, the walls painted white, inlaid with colorful gems, looking luxurious and sacred.

"What is that place?" Hua Yue curiously asked.

Mu Qingge replied lightly, "No matter what place it is, it’s the center of this city." She had already noticed that the sacred and magnificent place was built right at the center of the horizontal and vertical axes of the entire Golden Sea Prefecture.

Being able to build a structure at the center of the city can only mean that this place is symbolically significant in the entire city, and at the same time, the most important.

The Spiritual Beast Car moved slowly, and when Jing Hai saw a shop by the roadside with the word ’broker’ on it, he stopped.

He controlled the spirit beast and turned to shout at the carriage, "Sister You He, there’s a broker here, should we rent a house?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the carriage door opened, and You He came out of the carriage, looked up at the broker’s sign, and said to him, "I’ll go see if there’s anything suitable." Saying this, she entered the broker.

Mu Qingge was in the carriage, still watching the street outside, suddenly she asked Bai Xi, "Have you not been to the Middle Ancient Realm before?"

Bai Xi pursed her lips, "How should I know? My memory hasn’t fully recovered yet."

Her answer made Mu Qingge give up the idea of continuing to ask.

After a while, You He returned and told Mu Qingge that she had found a place, and the broker’s people would take the group to see it. If it was suitable, they could move in immediately.

Such fast and efficient service made Mu Qingge have a good first impression of Golden Sea Prefecture.

The Spiritual Beast Car followed the broker’s people, driving through the streets and alleys of Golden Sea Prefecture. You He did not return to the carriage but stayed outside, inquiring about news concerning Golden Sea Prefecture from the broker’s people.

After nearly an hour of traveling through the city, the outside noise gradually disappeared, and the surroundings seemed to become serene.

"This is the place." The broker’s people stopped the Spiritual Beast Car and pointed to a tightly closed courtyard gate, telling You He.

You He nodded, looked around the surroundings, then walked to the side of the carriage and told Mu Qingge, "Young Master, we have arrived."

As soon as her words fell, the carriage door opened, and a few extraordinary ladies, each with their unique charm, stepped down one after another.

The broker’s assistant, watching the beauties coming out one after another from the carriage, was so shocked that his mouth gaped open. His eyes did not know who to look at.

When Mu Qingge, dressed in red, came out of the carriage, the broker’s assistant inhaled sharply.

Earlier, he was already quite shaken by the handsome youth Yuanyuan, and upon seeing so many beauties, he thought he had become used to it and wouldn’t be surprised anymore. However, upon seeing Mu Qingge, he once again refreshed his understanding of ’worldly beauties.’

Seeing Mu Qingge standing among the many beauties, he couldn’t help but envy.

He sighed in his heart, ’As expected, to enjoy such beauties, to embrace left and right and indulge in the fortune of having them all, one must be handsome!’

Luckily, the broker’s assistant was well-trained, he immediately contained his astonishment, displayed a professional expression, and opened the tightly closed courtyard gate, inviting everyone inside.

"This courtyard originally belonged to a small family, but later this family was eliminated, and this villa was sold. Don’t worry, no one has died in this small villa." The broker’s assistant introduced to Mu Qingge and the group.

His last sentence made Bai Xi laugh and tease, "Even if someone really died, we wouldn’t be afraid."

Her words made the broker’s assistant smile awkwardly and reveal a flattering expression.

Spending time with these beauties for even a moment is definitely something worth bragging about for a lifetime!

"Everyone, feel free to look around. This villa is not large, but it’s enough for all of you." The broker’s assistant introduced.

Mu Qingge led the group, entering the villa to explore around. The others dispersed, searching for their points of interest.

For example, You He was the first to find the villa’s kitchen.

While Yuanyuan rushed towards the backyard garden.

Only Jing Hai remained standing where he was, not joining in exploring. To him, it didn’t matter where they stayed. As long as the others were satisfied, he didn’t mind.

Seeing him not moving, the broker’s assistant closed in on him and started to converse quietly. "Hey, young man, where are you from?"

Jing Hai glanced at him and gave a sunny smile, "We’re traveling through the Southern Continent, visiting many places." Having followed Mu Qingge, he had been out for half a year now, and he was no longer as naive and guileless as he was initially, and he understood how to keep things to himself.

The broker’s assistant showed a look of sudden realization and muttered, "Recently, a lot of strangers have come to Golden Sea Prefecture, many are from the Outer Continent. I don’t know what’s happening, I thought you all came for this reason."

"A lot of outsiders have come here?" Jing Hai’s eyes flicked as he asked with curiosity.

Seeing the young boy’s innocent eyes curiously fixed on him, the broker’s assistant immediately became pleased and boasted somewhat, "Yes! People usually coming and going in Golden Sea Prefecture are locals from the Southern Continent. It’s rare for people from the Outer Continent to come, but now so many have arrived, and each of them is extraordinary. I’m certain something big is happening!"

"What kind of people have come?" Jing Hai probed.

The broker’s assistant chuckled sheepishly, "I don’t really know who they are, but judging from their demeanor and attire, along with their arrogant expressions, they must have some significant background."

"How do you know they are from the Outer Continent?" Jing Hai asked curiously.

The broker’s assistant curled his lip, "Once they arrived, they started to scorn everything, saying things like ’Southern Continent is just a poor and remote land.’ Even a fool can tell they aren’t from here."

"Oh? In Southern Continent territory, they dare to speak ill of it. These people must be really unusual." Jing Hai echoed.

The broker’s assistant nodded, "Who says otherwise? If ordinary people said such things, they would’ve been beaten down long ago. However, they have guards from the Divine Hall protecting them, so we common folk can only grit our teeth in anger."

"There are guards from the Divine Hall protecting them?" Jing Hai remarked in surprise.

On the way here, during conversations between guards and You He, he had learned that the institution governing Golden Sea Prefecture is called the ’Divine Hall,’ which is also that magnificent building they saw.

"Isn’t it? You tell me, this Divine Hall clearly belongs to our Southern Continent, yet it’s backing a few outsiders, what’s that about?" The broker’s assistant couldn’t help but complain.

"Then... how many of them came and how long have they been here?" Jing Hai continued to ask.

...

In the flower hall of the courtyard, Mu Qingge stood inside, her gaze passing through the carved windows to look at Jing Hai and the broker’s assistant speaking under the tree in the front yard.

You He approached her from behind, softly consulting, "Little Lord, we’ve seen enough, should we finalize it now?"

Mu Qingge said lightly, "No rush, let Jing Hai finish his conversation with the broker’s assistant."

You He glanced over, capturing the scene of Jing Hai chatting with the broker’s assistant in her eyes, then comprehendedly nodded. She withdrew her gaze and said to Mu Qingge, "Little Lord, just now I inquired. In the Middle Ancient Realm, each continent has a State Mansion, and the largest authority governing the State Mansion, or the continent’s highest authority, is the Divine Hall. Generally, the Divine Hall does not interfere with local family affairs, but organizes major events on each continent and manages State Mansion’s order. The magnificent building we saw was where the Divine Hall resides. Apart from the Divine Hall in the Central Continent, other continent’s Divine Halls belong to branch halls. And the biggest overseer in the branch halls is called the Divine Envoy. Below the Divine Envoy is the Divine Servant, below the Divine Servant is the Divine Slave, with ranks clearly defined."

"Divine Hall, Divine Envoy, Divine Servant, Divine Slave?" Mu Qingge murmured these names.

She had heard of the term Divine Hall from Han Caicai before. It’s said that the rankings on the Green Talent List were examined by the Divine Hall before being finalized and announced across the continents.

As for the power hierarchy inside or strength division, she wasn’t familiar with it.

You He continued, "According to the broker’s assistant, everything the master wants to know is inside the Divine Hall. There are some publicly accessible areas in the Divine Hall where many things can be checked."

"Seems like we must visit this Divine Hall." Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows and said.

You He nodded.

At this time, the conversation between Jing Hai and the broker’s assistant outside seemed to reach a conclusion.

Mu Qingge gave You He a look, who understood and left the flower hall, walking toward the broker’s assistant.

After successfully renting the courtyard and sending off the broker’s assistant, the group started to busy themselves.

Except for Mu Qingge, everyone began organizing all around, even Yuanyuan wasn’t an exception.

After unloading the items from the Spiritual Beast Car, Jing Hai walked up to Mu Qingge and said, "Instructor, I picked up some information from the broker’s assistant just now."

Mu Qingge walked to the chair in the hall and sat down, crossing her legs, "Let’s hear it."

Jing Hai pursed his lips, arranged his thoughts, and then said, "The broker’s assistant told me that three days ago, a group of people from the Outer Continent arrived at Golden Sea Prefecture. They numbered about ten people, with guards from the Divine Hall accompanying them, suggesting their high status. The broker’s assistant speculates that during this period, something unknown might happen in Golden Sea Prefecture."

The intelligence Jing Hai gathered made Mu Qingge’s eyes narrow slightly.

After a moment, she looked at Jing Hai and smiled, "Nicely done."

Being praised by Mu Qingge, Jing Hai scratched his head with embarrassment and shyly said, "Then Instructor, I’ll go help now."

After Mu Qingge nodded, he turned and ran out, joining the others to start tidying up.

The estate is divided into a front yard and a back yard. The front yard serves as the hall, and the back yard as the residence.

The back yard is connected by corridors, winding around the entire garden, with each room able to take in the beautiful garden scenery. The only room standing independently outside, with the best view, naturally belongs to Mu Qingge.

You He and Hua Yue quickly cleaned the room and arranged it according to Mu Qingge’s preferences before going to the flower hall to invite Mu Qingge over.

This room is built on a step platform, and one needs to climb the steps at the end of the corridor to enter.

The room is divided into three sections, quite standard, one for the bed, one for the hall, and one with a desk and bookshelf. When Mu Qingge entered, the incense burner in the room was already emitting curling smoke, and the faint fragrance spread throughout the room.

On the bed lay brand new bedding, and the teapot on the table was already brewing the tea leaves Mu Qingge was accustomed to drinking. Some snacks taken from the food box on the car were also placed on the table.

Even a strange place, under the careful arrangement by You He and Hua Yue, became somewhat familiar.

Mu Qingge nodded in satisfaction and said to the two girls, "Thank you for your hard work." Actually, she didn’t need it to be so troublesome. When You He and Hua Yue were not around, she lived casually, staying wherever there was a place, eating whatever was available.

However, her life became much more refined when You He and Hua Yue were around.

"Young Master, please rest for a while. We will call you when the dinner is ready," You He bowed slightly to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge waved her hand and said, "Everyone is tired from the journey, so don’t make it so troublesome. Let Jing Hai go to a nearby restaurant and pack some food back, so everyone can rest well after eating."

Mu Qingge’s words made You He and Hua Yue glance at each other, and eventually they nodded and withdrew.

After they left, Mu Qingge did not rest but sat on the rocking chair in the room, thinking about the intelligence gathered by You He and Jing Hai.

Her door was open, allowing her to gaze at the garden’s beauty outside, with leaves and flowers drifting by in harmony.

Soon, Bai Xi appeared on the beam of her room, with her serpent tail wrapped around the carved beam, but her alluring body dangled down, reaching out to cover Mu Qingge’s eyes.

Just as her hands reached out, she heard Mu Qingge say, "What are you doing here instead of staying in your own room?"

Bai Xi froze and, with dissatisfaction, pouted. She slipped off the beam and transformed into a woman in a white dress.

She walked to Mu Qingge’s side, sat beside the rocking chair, placed her hands on the armrest, and put her pointed chin in her hands, gazing at Mu Qingge with an ambiguous smile.

"If you have something to say, just say it." Mu Qingge glanced at her lightly.

Bai Xi smiled and said, "You haven’t told me what you two did in the carriage, causing so much commotion."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Mu Qingge’s beautiful face, and she said coldly, "I didn’t know you were so gossipy."

Bai Xi widened her eyes, confidently saying, "That’s because it’s you. If it were someone else, I wouldn’t bother."

Seeing Mu Qingge silent, Bai Xi’s smile deepened with ambiguity, "What? Not convenient to say?"

Mu Qingge shook her head and said, "Aren’t you bored?"

"Boss!" Suddenly, Yuanyuan’s voice broke in. Soon, he appeared at Mu Qingge’s door. Seeing Bai Xi also there, he paused for a moment but quickly reacted and claimed the other side of Mu Qingge’s rocking chair, squatting to ask, "Big Boss Mom, where did Dad go? When will he be back?"

Yuanyuan’s way of addressing Si Mo made Mu Qingge twitch at the corner of her mouth.

She stared directly into Yuanyuan’s expectant eyes, grinding her teeth, and said, "Yuanyuan, can’t you have some principles? Is it worth it to bend for a few Fire Lotus Seeds?"

Unexpectedly, Yuanyuan didn’t heed her serious words and instead, confidently said, "It’s worth it! Just calling him Dad a few times can earn Fire Lotus Seeds, it’s quite a bargain!"

"..." Mu Qingge looked at his matter-of-fact expression and found herself speechless.

"Big Boss Mom, when will Dad be back? I’ve saved a lot of ’Dad’ calls to exchange for Fire Lotus Seeds!" Yuanyuan couldn’t help but ask again.

Listening to Yuanyuan constantly calling Dad, Mu Qingge suddenly recalled what had happened in the carriage before, Si Mo saying she would give him children.

At that time, it didn’t feel like much.

But now, upon recalling it, Mu Qingge’s cheeks suddenly turned red.

"He didn’t say." Under Yuanyuan’s persistent questioning, Mu Qingge finally gave a disappointing answer that didn’t please Yuanyuan.

This answer disappointed Yuanyuan, but he had no choice.

Because he didn’t have the courage to question Si Mo’s whereabouts publicly.

At this moment, You He came over, informing Mu Qingge that the food was ready. This saved Mu Qingge from the topic, dragging a dissatisfied Bai Xi and Yuanyuan to the dining hall for dinner. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

When they arrived at the dining hall, seven or eight dishes were already placed on the round table, and Jing Hai was still taking steaming dishes out of the food box.

There are seven of them in total, and the round table was filled with more than twenty dishes.

It’s not that Jing Hai was extravagant, but mainly because Yuanyuan and Bai Xi’s appetites are incredible. Most of the seemingly greasy meat dishes were actually prepared for Bai Xi alone.

"Everyone sit down and eat." Mu Qingge commanded, and everyone started together.

After a whirlwind meal, more than twenty plates were empty, without leaving a trace.

After eating, Mu Qingge finally announced to everyone, "In the next few days, you can move freely. But as always, we don’t create trouble but don’t fear trouble."

"Young Master, wherever you go, I go. My duty is to protect you." Xie Ya stood up to express her stance.

Bai Xi also immediately said, "Qingge, I want to follow you too."

With both women wanting to follow, You He and Hua Yue exchanged a glance, and voluntarily said, "Young Master, we will just wander around nearby and see if we can gather some useful intelligence."

"Count me in!" Yuanyuan raised his hand, volunteering.

However, his excited expression made Mu Qingge directly suspect his motive, questioning if it was really for intelligence gathering.

"You don’t need to join the fun. After completing the daily cultivation tasks with Jing Hai, only then can you both go out together." Mu Qingge issued the command.

Yuanyuan instantly deflated like a deflated balloon, his head drooping as he responded with an ’Oh’.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes swept over Yuanyuan and Jing Hai, reminding, "The Golden Sea Prefecture is not like other places; it harbors hidden talents, and there’s even a Divine Hall we cannot see through. If you encounter trouble, flee if you can’t win, don’t cling to battle, nor show foolish courage. Remember one thing: a gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years."

"Understood, Instructor."

"Understood, Boss."

Jing Hai and Yuanyuan spoke in unison.

Seeing they had listened, Mu Qingge nodded to them, saying to everyone, "Then let’s just rest individually." Then she turned to Xie Ya and Bai Xi, "Since you’re following me, let’s depart for the Divine Hall after breakfast tomorrow morning."

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

After giving instructions, Mu Qingge returned to her room.

Closing the door, she prevented anyone from disturbing her anymore.

Turning around, she disappeared from where she stood, entering a space. Previously, not seeing Si Mo, she didn’t feel the urgency. But now, knowing he had important matters, she thought of hurrying to concoct a Divine Level Elixir for him to temporarily suppress the hidden injuries within him.

With the experience from before, Mu Qingge successfully crafted the second Divine Level Elixir.

However, her expression showed some fatigue after completing the concoction.

Holding the Elixir in her hand, Mu Qingge’s lips curved into a slight smile. After carefully storing the Elixir, she left the Alchemy Room and headed towards the Cultivation Tower.