Golden Sea Prefecture, Divine Hall.

From far at the entrance, a long queue had formed.

Many faces bore expressions of piety and humble attitudes. Despite the crowd, there was no loud chatter, and the queue was orderly.

Mu Qingge, accompanied by Xie Ya and Bai Xi, was taken aback upon arriving.

"This Divine Hall sounds like some kind of religion, could it really be one?" Bai Xi remarked in astonishment.

Xie Ya looked at Mu Qingge and softly inquired, "Young Master."

Mu Qingge glanced at her and gave a barely noticeable nod.

With Mu Qingge’s permission, Xie Ya quietly left. Meanwhile, Mu Qingge and Bai Xi stood waiting. Looking at the long queue, they weren’t in a hurry to enter the Divine Hall.

On the way from their residence, the prosperity and scale of Golden Sea Prefecture were evident everywhere.

However, whether from Han Caicai’s words or the information gathered by Jing Hai, it was clear that despite its scale, Golden Sea Prefecture was still the weakest among the various state mansions.

It was evident that the strength of the Middle Ancient Realm was only partially glimpsed by Mu Qingge and her group.

Many forces and their true faces were hidden in the shadows.

"This Golden Sea Prefecture, seems like the right place to come to." Mu Qingge murmured softly as her fingers lightly stroked the exquisite finger ring on her right index finger.

Soon, Xie Ya returned with her findings.

She reported to Mu Qingge, "Young Master, inside the Divine Hall, there’s a place said to be abundant in spiritual energy and is freely available for anyone to cultivate. These people in line are all waiting to enter for cultivation. The place we need to go doesn’t require lining up; we can enter through another door."

"A place for cultivation?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow slightly.

Such a charitable act seemed a bit fake to her ears. In her experiences along the way, she was accustomed to this world’s survival laws. If some reward was required for entering to cultivate, she would find it more acceptable.

To do it for free...

Why didn’t she believe it?

Taking a long look at the queue, she noticed that most waiting to enter for cultivation were dressed modestly.

Withdrawing her gaze, Mu Qingge asked, "Where’s the other door?"

Xie Ya pointed to their right, saying, "Over there."

Mu Qingge nodded and, led by Xie Ya, the three left the queue area and headed toward the other door. They walked along the white-walled, gold-roofed perimeter, and soon a high, arched city gate appeared before them.

The door frame was inlaid with colorful crystal shards, reflecting a faint rainbow glow under the sunlight. On either side of the door, stood two Golden Armor Guards, holding spears and round shields, exuding a dignified, martial solemnity.

Within the gate, many people passed by, all of whom paid no heed and did not interfere.

Standing by the door with no monitoring purpose, seemingly only for show.

Mu Qingge thought.

The trio approached the door, merged with the crowd, and entered through the arched gate. Indeed, it was a smooth path, with no one questioning them.

Beyond the door was a spacious plaza, surrounded by high walls adorned with flags symbolizing the Divine Hall.

The trio took a glance and continued forward.

Passing through the plaza, they entered a long corridor, after which there was a wide-view garden. In the garden, buildings stood tall, with a raised platform, entirely snow-white and flawless, emanating a faint spiritual power.

"Let’s go take a look." Seeing many people heading towards the platform, Mu Qingge led the two women in that direction.

Following the jade stone road to the platform, they saw two giant white jade steles, inscribed with golden, shining characters.

Both steles were surrounded by whispering crowds.

Beneath the platform stood two imposing statues, seemingly of some spirit beasts, fierce and majestic, with their mouths open to the sky as if roaring in anger.

Mu Qingge ascended the steps, stood on the platform, and the view became even broader. She surveyed her surroundings and focused on the left, where a distant circular, sunken plaza was. It had tiered steps descending downwards, resembling the ancient Roman open-air theaters she had seen in her previous life. On each step, people sat meditating, seemingly cultivating. From time to time, someone would rise and leave, while others entered, filling the empty spaces.

"Is that the place provided for everyone to cultivate for free?" Bai Xi followed Mu Qingge’s gaze and also saw the plaza.

Mu Qingge nodded lightly, withdrawing her gaze. "What do you think, in such a city, what kind of people would need to cultivate there?"

Her sudden question left Bai Xi and Xie Ya momentarily stunned.

Finally, Xie Ya reacted first and answered, "It should be ordinary people, civilians, and floating guests who have not formed families."

Mu Qingge nodded. Those with family influence, regardless of the family’s size, likely would not lack for such a cultivation venue.

Only those without influence would need such a place.

"I’m certain that within the Divine Hall, there must be places where these people can find suitable cultivation methods." Mu Qingge suddenly remarked.

"But, what’s the purpose of this?" Bai Xi inquired, confused.

Is there truly such a charitable organization dedicated to good deeds?

"I don’t know at the moment." Mu Qingge gave an unexpected answer.

Seeing their astonished looks, Mu Qingge laughed, "Do you think I’m an all-knowing sage? My insight is that there are only two purposes for such actions. One is to provide such an environment to select people to serve the gods. Judging from their level divisions, it seems that each level serves a so-called god. It selects suitable people while gaining a good reputation among the populace. Why not? The other is purely to maintain the Divine Hall’s sacred image in the public’s mind. In short, I don’t believe in gods, so such ostensibly brainwashing organizations seem hypocritical to me."

"Young Master, mind your words!" Xie Ya, now tense, reminded her with urgency.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, understanding Xie Ya’s concern.

Standing in the Divine Hall and speaking ill of it, if overheard, might invite big trouble.

"Let’s go, we have our own matters to attend to." Mu Qingge smiled casually and walked toward the steles.

Xie Ya looked around to ensure no attention was on them, then sighed in relief. Bai Xi teased, "When did you become so timid?"

Xie Ya glanced at her, her bright eyes clear: "I just don’t want the Young Master to encounter unnecessary trouble."

"You are truly loyal." Bai Xi jested.

With that, she followed Mu Qingge. Xie Ya stood in place for a moment, then proceeded toward them.

However, just as she took a step, a hand appeared in front of her, blocking her path. Her eyes immediately grew wary as she looked at the person.

"Miss, are you alone here? Do you need any assistance?" The person blocking Xie Ya asked. His tone sounded friendly but came unexpectedly.

Xie Ya looked at him, frowning slightly.

Before her stood a tall man in white robes, simple yet exuding a noble aura. The fabric featured intricately embroidered dark patterns, with exquisite detail on the edges, hem, and cuffs, indicative of an unusual background. As for his appearance... to Xie Ya, accustomed to seeing Mu Qingge daily, other men’s looks seemed commonplace.

She assessed him as he examined her.

The more he looked, the greater his delight and intrigue: ’Beautiful, truly beautiful! Such an elegant and refined woman, as ethereal as a fairy, is indeed rare in the world.’

"I’m not alone." Xie Ya retracted her gaze, ending the conversation with a succinct reply.

She bypassed the man blocking her way and headed for the steles.

The man did not stop her from leaving, but his eyes lingered on her retreating figure, filled with reluctant longing.

"So these two stone tablets are the Green Talent List and the Southern Continent’s Cub Phoenix List," Mu Qingge understood after seeing the stone tablets’ contents.

On these two tall stone tablets were the Green Talent List and Cub Phoenix List respectively, with a series of names below. Under each name was a line of small characters explaining their latest battle achievements.

Mu Qingge didn’t immediately look at the Green Talent List but instead turned to the Cub Phoenix List.

On the Cub Phoenix List, she was surprised to find a familiar name—Jiang Tianhao.

Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly narrowed as she noticed his ranking was thirty-eighth on the Cub Phoenix List. Below his name was a line of small characters: "More than two months ago, outside Yu Shui City, challenged by an unidentified person, lost, chopped off his brother’s leg, and later retreated to break through the Sixth Layer of Gray Realm but failed."

This familiar event made Mu Qingge realize.

That "unidentified person" seemed to be herself. She also realized that Jiang Tianhao had failed to break through the Sixth Layer of Gray Realm.

"Tsk tsk, Jiang Tianhao is really ruthless, to actually chop off his brother’s leg."

Beside Mu Qingge, she heard a whisper that made her turn her head.

"Indeed, I’ve heard of him. It’s said he’s not only ruthless to those around him but even to himself. Even the Family Head of the Jiang Family can’t control him; he recognizes no relatives when he goes mad."

"I’m just puzzled why he would chop off his brother’s leg after a match with others?"

"I know that! I’m from Yu Shui City. Jiang Tianhao’s brother was notorious for being a playboy in Yu Shui City, frequently harassing women and torturing the ones he disliked until they were unrecognizable. Later, he got his comeuppance; an unidentified woman tried to assassinate him. Unfortunately, the assassination failed, and she was caught by the Jiang Family. Jiang Tianhao then proposed a bet: if he won, he would chop off the hand of the woman who tried to assassinate his brother; if he lost, he would chop off his brother’s leg to settle the matter." This explanation attracted many people to gather around and inquire further.

Mu Qingge, too, quietly stood aside, listening closely.

Xie Ya approached, seeing her attention was elsewhere, decided not to mention the previous incident, just glanced back to find the man earlier still watching her, which annoyed her a bit.

"A woman defeated Jiang Tianhao?" someone asked in surprise.

"Of course not. Speaking of that person, they are quite mysterious. All I know is that one of the Five Great Families of Yu Shui City, the Le Family, was destroyed overnight, which is related to this person. After Jiang Tianhao learned of this, he sought a match."

"What does that have to do with the woman? Why use them as pawns in a bet?" someone listened more and more confused.

"That’s because the woman who attempted to assassinate Jiang Tianhao’s brother had a close relationship with that mysterious person. It’s said that after the woman tried to assassinate Jiang Tianhao, she was captured and auctioned by the black market. That mysterious person then spent a fortune at the auction to outbid the Five Great Families of Yu Shui City and bought her back. Some even say they seemed to know each other before."

"Oh—!"

A group of men all had an expression that suggested they understood.

Those knowing looks among men made Mu Qingge feel both amused and helpless.

Alright, she admitted these circulating stories were almost close to the truth. Indeed, there were no real secrets in the world.

"Who is this mysterious person, anyway?" At this point, someone became intensely curious about the mysterious person in the whole story.

Unfortunately, the man who knew about the Yu Shui City incident could only shake his head regretfully, indicating he was not sure.

Mu Qingge withdrew her attention and no longer cared about this matter.

Continuing to look at the Cub Phoenix List, she discovered another familiar name about a hundred people away from Jiang Tianhao.

Sheng Yuli!

The Young Master of the Sheng Family who admires Qin Yiyao was also listed, but his rank was one hundred and seventh. His latest battle achievements remained from a year ago.

"Jiang Tianhao at the Gray Realm Fifth Layer was ranked thirty-eighth, while Sheng Yuli seemed to be at the Gray Realm Third Layer, ranked one hundred and seventh. Han Caicai mentioned that on the West Continent Cub Phoenix List, a woman with the surname Sang has the strength of Gray Realm Fourth Layer and ranks one hundred and twenty-sixth. A Gray Realm Fourth Layer is ranked one hundred and twenty-sixth—the young generation of the West Continent is indeed much stronger than the Southern Continent," Mu Qingge calculated mentally, roughly understanding the strength gap between the Southern and West Continents.

Southern Continent, known as the weakest continent in the Middle Ancient Realm, apparently for good reason.

Suddenly, on the Cub Phoenix List, a name disappeared, and those ranking behind moved up one position each. After about a dozen moves up, a new name was inserted.

"Alas! Another one on the Cub Phoenix List has fallen." Around, sighed voices were heard.

This made Mu Qingge understand what was happening.

Once someone on the list dies, they are removed, and the ranks change. Also, a newcomer, depending on their strength, is inserted accordingly.

At that moment, more changes occurred on the Cub Phoenix List.

Jiang Tianhao swapped places with the person above him, becoming the thirty-seventh. Then, surprisingly, another name appeared above him, but...

"Nameless? Who is it? Silently climbing to thirty-sixth?"

"How can a name like ’Nameless’ appear?"

"Quick, check their achievements!"

Speculation stirred, which made Mu Qingge frown slightly.

Then a line of small characters appeared below ’Nameless’—"More than two months ago, outside Yu Shui City, defeated Jiang Tianhao. As the name is unknown, temporarily referred to as Nameless; the name will be changed once the person is identified."

The crowd realized.

Mu Qingge understood too. She had made it to the list! And it was under the name Nameless.

All around, people debated about this ’Nameless,’ not knowing this ’Nameless’ stood among them. Mu Qingge slightly raised her head, gazing at the sky above the Divine Hall, her heart clouded.

"What kind of organization is the Divine Hall? Having such formidable intelligence capabilities to collect these people’s battle achievements and know about their life and death?" Mu Qingge pondered with doubts in her heart.

This kind of power made her feel uneasy. She dared to say, if she weren’t from Linchuan, she would’ve been thoroughly investigated by now, crystal clear.

The stone tablet mentioned continuing the search for her; it wouldn’t be long before her identity would be exposed.

"Looks like if I don’t want to become famous, I can only keep a low profile." Mu Qingge frowned.

She didn’t mind people knowing she was from Linchuan, but she wasn’t happy about someone silently watching her every move.

Just like she told Han Caicai, she had no interest in the Green Talent List or the Cub Phoenix List!

Withdrawing her gaze from the sky, Mu Qingge casually walked towards the Green Talent List. The ’Nameless’ causing a hot topic on the Cub Phoenix List seemed unrelated to her.

Xie Ya and Bai Xi followed behind her, sensing her bad mood, said nothing.

And the person previously watching Xie Ya, seeing them heading towards the Green Talent List, followed with two subordinates.

On the Green Talent List, only a hundred names were listed, but Mu Qingge didn’t recognize any of them.

The Green Talent List comprised elites from the Five Continents. One criterion for entry was reaching a level beyond the Sixth Layer of the Gray Realm. If she hadn’t suppressed her cultivation back to the Sixth Layer of Gray Realm, she would have met the selection criteria for the Green Talent List. With a few impressive achievements, she might have made it onto the list. But alas, Mu Qingge was indifferent and disinterested.

"Who might this gentleman be?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and asked.

Suddenly, she heard a polite voice from a handsome face, but his expression was somewhat arrogantly reserved, more controlled than Jing Tian’s.

She didn’t notice a trace of impatience in Xie Ya’s eyes standing behind her.

"Ah! My name is Jing Fengyu. May I know your name, sir?" Jing Fengyu was stunned by Mu Qingge’s appearance, momentarily losing composure.

His attention had been on Xie Ya, only knowing she was beside a red-clothed young master, but now, seeing up close, this red-clothed young master had such outstanding looks, that even the woman he had previously admired appeared mundane in comparison.

The red-clothed young man in front of him was intense like fire, yet flamboyant like strong liquor, with a hint of arrogance between his brows that was captivating. Not to mention, his beauty was unparalleled, indistinguishable in gender.

In that moment, Jing Fengyu felt his heart was fiercely struck, almost falling for him.

Fortunately, he quickly regained his senses, reminding himself that the other party was a man, thus preventing himself from sinking further.

"Mu Qingge." Mu Qingge felt there was nothing to hide about her name. However, the name Jing Fengyu seemed familiar, as if she’d seen it somewhere before.

When her gaze drifted over the Green Talent List, she suddenly locked onto the name in the twenty-seventh position.

The person ranked twenty-seventh on the Green Talent List was named ’Jing Fengyu’, same as the one in front of her. So... is it the same person?

"So it’s Young Master Jing." Mu Qingge probed. The surname Jing piqued her interest because Han Caicai had told her that the heavenly communication masters in Central Continent were from the Jing Family, a family with the talent to communicate with spirit beasts, divine beasts, and holy beasts. And her disciple also had the Jing surname.

Only, hadn’t Han Caicai said that members of the Jing Family generally wouldn’t leave the Central Continent?

How could they be here now?

"Oh? Does Young Master Mu know me?" Mu Qingge’s tone stirred a vague excitement in Jing Fengyu’s heart. But he hesitated, saying, "You have the Mu surname, but as far as I know, there’s no major family with that surname."

"The Mu Family is just a small family, not worth mentioning." Mu Qingge responded calmly, showing no sign of shame or inferiority.

This made Jing Fengyu more puzzled, believing that her speech and demeanor could not possibly originate from an obscure small family.

"As for Young Master Jing’s esteemed name..." Mu Qingge’s gaze lightly shifted to the Green Talent List, indicating it with a backhand gesture.

Following the direction of her hand, Jing Fengyu instantly understood. He smiled and said, "It’s just an empty reputation." However, he could not hide the pride and satisfaction in his expression.

He initially used it as an excuse to strike up a conversation, to get close to Xie Ya. But as he chatted with Mu Qingge, he gradually forgot about Xie Ya. Even when he saw the cool Bai Xi, he was only momentarily impressed before focusing his attention back on Mu Qingge.

"Young Master Jing is calling me..." Mu Qingge’s lips curved into a faint smile, a gesture that made Jing Fengyu’s heart beat wildly.

For the first time, he found himself reluctant to part from looking at a man, and for the first time, felt his heart racing over a man’s every move.

"Uh, I noticed Young Master Mu seemed interested in the Green Talent List, so I came over to ask." Asked about his intentions, Jing Fengyu made up an excuse on the spot.

Such a clumsy excuse was obviously recognizable to Mu Qingge.

However, she chose not to expose it, instead offering a slight smile, lowering her gaze.

Jing Fengyu stared at her, eyes unblinking, then offered an invitation: "If Young Master Mu is free, why don’t we find a place to sit? I am quite familiar with some people on the Green Talent List and can introduce them to you."

Mu Qingge initially intended to decline, but upon hearing his last words, she changed her mind. "Then I’ll trouble you."

"How could it be!" Jing Fengyu’s voice suddenly rose a few pitches when he heard Mu Qingge agree, out of excitement.

Mu Qingge and her companions followed Jing Fengyu away.

As they left, she glanced at the buildings of the Divine Hall, thinking, ’I can only come back tomorrow.’ Today, she initially planned to understand the Green Talent List and Cub Phoenix List before researching the history of the Middle Ancient Realm and the history of the Southern Continent.

"Young Master, that person has impure intentions." On the way, Xie Ya whispered in Mu Qingge’s ear.

Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered, replying: ’I have my own judgment.’

Xie Ya could only nod, closely following behind her.

Jing Fengyu led them out of the Divine Hall, heading towards a teahouse not far from the hall. This teahouse was quite large, not just a shop, but a tranquil courtyard located amidst the bustling marketplace.

Jing Fengyu seemed to be a regular here, familiarly leading Mu Qingge and the other two into the backyard, requiring no hospitality. The staff in the teahouse, seeing him arrive, habitually went to prepare his usual tea set, snacks, and tea.

"Mu Gongzi, please come inside," Jing Fengyu said, opening a room door and inviting Mu Qingge in.

Mu Qingge stepped in, taking in the room’s decor. Though the room wasn’t large, it was elegantly arranged. In the back, there was a waterside platform with light gauze curtains, low tables, and cushions. From the incense burner, light smoke curled upwards. The scenic view on the water, with lotus leaves and flowers swaying in the breeze, was exceptionally beautiful.

Mu Qingge was escorted by Jing Fengyu to sit on the terrace, while he took the seat opposite her.

Xie Ya and Bai Xi sat behind Mu Qingge, while the two people he brought sat quietly behind him on either side.

After a while, a graceful maid in a light gauze dress came in, kneeling between the two to brew tea and burn incense for them.

Another maid held an ancient zither and sat to the side, gently brushing her fingers across the strings, and a melody began to flow through the room.

"Mu Gongzi only needs to pay attention to five people on the Green Talent List," Jing Fengyu began.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, waiting for him to continue.

Seeing he had captured Mu Qingge’s attention, Jing Fengyu straightened his back and continued, "These five are the top five on the Green Talent List. The first is Wei Molili from the Wei Family of Central Continent. Second, Ji Yaohua from the Ji Family of Northern Continent. Third, Yao Xinghai from the Yao Family of East Continent. Fourth, Ying Ze from the Ying Family of West Continent. Fifth, Xi Qianxue from the Xi Family of Central Continent."

Mu Qingge had already seen their names on the Green Talent List previously and had been curious that no one from Southern Continent made it into the top five, while Central Continent held two spots.

"These five are all exceptionally gifted individuals. Even scarier, they are also cultivation fanatics. Among them, the oldest, Wei Molili, is already thirty. The youngest, Xi Qianxue, is just under twenty-two. Yet their cultivation has already reached above the Silver Realm Fourth Layer. It’s said that Wei Molili has already broken through the Silver Realm into the Golden Realm," Jing Fengyu’s inherent superiority and arrogance had disappeared when mentioning these five people.

Silver Realm Fourth Layer!

Mu Qingge felt a heaviness in her heart. The top five people on the Green Talent List were all her peers in age, yet their cultivation was a whole Realm higher, adding to her pressure.

"There’s still a year and a half until the next Green Talent List ranking switch. Who knows what changes will happen among these five," Jing Fengyu remarked with emotion.

"Jing Gongzi is also on the Green Talent List, also one of the few elites in the Middle Ancient Realm. However, isn’t Jing Gongzi from Central Continent? Why appear here in the Southern Continent?" Mu Qingge casually said.

Having said that, she picked up her teacup, blew slightly at the edge, and drank the tea in one go.

Jing Fengyu was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "Some matters to handle." He wasn’t about to foolishly reveal his reason for coming to the Southern Continent to Mu Qingge.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to explain it to other family members.

He glossed over it, and Mu Qingge didn’t press further. She simply put down her teacup, smiled slightly, and asked, "By the way, does the Jing Family have any distant branches in the Southern Continent?"

This was asked on behalf of Jing Hai, since the surname Jing carries particular significance.

"Distant branches? How could there be?" Jing Fengyu denied it without a thought.

He curiously looked at Mu Qingge and asked, "Why does Mu Gongzi ask? Could it be that someone in the Southern Continent is impersonating the Jing Family to deceive people?"

"Impersonating to deceive?" Mu Qingge’s eyes showed suspicion.

Jing Fengyu nodded and said, "In the Middle Ancient Realm, the identity of the Jing Family Heavenly Communication Master is no secret. Hence, there are dastardly people who use the Jing Family’s name to deceive others, promising to help them tame Spirit Beasts. However, they use despicable methods to make Spirit Beasts spiritually listless and unable to resist, not truly taming them. After receiving their reward and leaving, the Spirit Beasts gradually regain their wits. The lucky ones escape, while the unlucky ones get revenge from the Spirit Beasts."

"Such things happen?" Mu Qingge was genuinely surprised. She hadn’t expected such deceit to exist in the Middle Ancient Realm. She couldn’t help but admire these people. Daring to impersonate the Jing Family, aren’t they afraid of death?

"Doesn’t the Jing Family intervene?" Mu Qingge asked.

Jing Fengyu sneered, sarcastically saying, "How could they not? The Jing Family’s reputation cannot be tarnished by such scum. The Jing Family has an investigation team specifically for handling such cases. Whenever we receive news of impersonators, we send people to investigate, confirm their whereabouts, and capture them to bring back to the family for punishment."

Then he said to Mu Qingge, "Has Mu Gongzi encountered such people? If so, you can tell me, and I’ll help you get even."

"Not at all." Mu Qingge shook her head with a smile.

"Then..." Jing Fengyu frowned in confusion, seemingly unable to understand why Mu Qingge would inquire about the Jing surname if she hadn’t encountered them.

"I was just asking casually." Mu Qingge said casually.

At this moment, someone suddenly intruded from outside, breaking the atmosphere here.

The visitor was someone Jing Fengyu recognized, so the two people behind him didn’t stop them. The person appeared somewhat solemn and directly knelt beside Jing Fengyu, whispering softly in his ear.

After listening to his words, Jing Fengyu suddenly stood up from his seat, his expression abruptly changing.

After his expression shifted a few times, he said to Mu Qingge, "Mu Gongzi, I have urgent matters to attend to. If you’re not in a hurry, you can continue drinking tea here; all expenses are on my account. Once I’ve dealt with my matters, I’ll arrange another time to meet with Mu Gongzi."

Mu Qingge nodded and said, "If Jing Gongzi has matters to attend, go ahead."

Jing Fengyu nodded, turned around, and was about to leave with his people.

Just as he walked a few steps, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Mu Qingge, asking, "How can I find you then?"

Mu Qingge was taken aback by this question, and Xie Ya was surprised as well.

The former was surprised because she thought Jing Fengyu’s promise to meet again was just a courtesy. She didn’t expect him to be so serious.

The latter was surprised because Jing Fengyu’s initial target was her; how come he now showed such keen interest in her Young Master?

While Jing Fengyu was waiting, Mu Qingge smiled faintly and said, "These days, I’ll be at the Divine Hall checking some information."

Jing Fengyu nodded and said, "Good, once I’m finished, I’ll find you at the Divine Hall."

After that, he hurriedly left with his people.

His hurried appearance seemed like something major had indeed happened.

After Jing Fengyu left, Mu Qingge looked at the two maids in the teahouse and said, "You can withdraw now."

The two maids stood up and bowed, quietly retreating.

The only ones left were Mu Qingge, Xie Ya, and Bai Xi, making it much more tranquil than before.

Mu Qingge gazed at the water scenery, leisurely sipping tea, lost in thought.

After a while, she said to Xie Ya, "Do you have something on your mind?"

Xie Ya raised her eyes to look at her, thinking as she spoke, "Previously, that Jing Fengyu approached me, and it seemed like he was hitting on me. But afterward, I felt that his focus shifted to the Young Master, and I’m unsure if this is good or bad."

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched, not expecting such a scene before.

Xie Ya’s words made Mu Qingge’s impression of Jing Fengyu grow hazy.

Originally, she felt that Jing Fengyu was a young master from a prominent family with decent temperament, possessing the pride of being on the Green Talent List, yet well-mannered and polite, not relying on his status.

His words and actions showed a disdain for outsiders, a condescension towards the Southern Continent, and a sincere intention to befriend her.

However, Xie Ya’s words added a ’flirty’ label to him, making Mu Qingge unable to discern whether he was someone worthy of befriending or someone with ulterior motives.

"Bai Xi, the Jing Family individuals have extraordinary talent, able to be close with the Beast Clan. Why doesn’t he react much to you?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked.

Bai Xi dismissively said, "With his few abilities, how could he see through my true form? I don’t find him close because of it. Actually, for beasts with masters, the Jing Family’s ability is ineffective. Moreover, for powerful Divine Beasts and Holy Beasts with noble bloodlines, they don’t show much closeness to the Jing Family. Their ability is only aimed at ordinary beasts."

Mu Qingge nodded, understanding that the Jing Family’s abilities aren’t entirely transcendent.

"Why did the Jing Family come to the Golden Sea Prefecture?" Mu Qingge pondered quietly.

She felt that the Jing Family’s arrival and Si Mo’s sudden appearance were probably for the same matter.

The broker’s staff mentioned people from the Outer Continent, who were likely referring to the Jing Family.

"The Jing Family’s gift is in taming the Beast Clan. Could they be here to help the Divine Hall of the Southern Continent tame some Divine Beasts or Holy Beasts?" Xie Ya speculated.

Mu Qingge gently nodded, "That’s possible, but it can’t be confirmed."

Thinking for a moment, Mu Qingge said, "There’s no wall that doesn’t let the wind through. Since they are here, what they came for will eventually be known."

"Qingge, earlier you asked if the Jing Family had distant branches in the Southern Continent, was it for that Jing Hai kid?" Bai Xi suddenly asked.

Mu Qingge lightly curled her lips, "I was just asking casually."

Suddenly, Bai Xi leaned into Mu Qingge, sprawled across her intimately, causing Mu Qingge to frown, and Xie Ya turned her gaze away.

Bai Xi wrapped her arms around Mu Qingge’s shoulders, and before Mu Qingge pushed her away, she whispered in her ear, "That Jing Fengyu is interested in you, can’t you see?"

Mu Qingge’s expression stiffened, her face suddenly darkened. She gritted her teeth and said, "I’m a man now!"

Bai Xi shrugged her shoulders, "I also heard that Yuanyuan was teased by the Mu Family’s playboy in Lanwu City." She seemed to suggest that some people are indiscriminate towards beauty.

"That is..."

Before Mu Qingge could finish her sentence, Bai Xi’s expression suddenly changed, with her eyes turning into vertical pupils of the Purple Realm, and her entire body on high alert.

Then, in the next instant, her entire body was pulled away from Mu Qingge, an invisible force throwing her directly into the water.

The sound of Bai Xi hitting the water snapped Mu Qingge back to reality.

Xie Ya quickly stood up, ready to rescue her.

Yet, before she could act, a dark shadow swept across the lake, snatched Bai Xi, and fled into the distance. Following closely behind was a gust of cold wind, after which she vanished on the spot.

The sudden disappearance of Bai Xi and Xie Ya left Mu Qingge in a daze.

A dark shadow descended from the sky, enveloping her. She turned to look and saw Si Mo walking towards her with a grim expression, his features tense and displeased.

"Where did Gu Ya and Gu Ye take them?" Mu Qingge asked immediately.

Si Mo gritted his teeth and sneered coldly, staring at her, "Little Lord, you really cherish your beauties. What, are you worried about your two lovely ladies?"

Si Mo’s words made Mu Qingge freeze and reprimand, "What nonsense are you speaking?"

"Oh? Am I speaking nonsense?" Si Mo’s figure flashed, reaching Mu Qingge’s side, rudely embracing her with one arm, while the other hand pinched her chin, lifting her head and leaning in closely to question, "Little Ge’er, isn’t being a man fun? Have you forgotten you’re a woman? Should I remind you?"

A sense of danger subtly emanated from Si Mo, entwining Mu Qingge.

This unfamiliar side of Si Mo struck Mu Qingge, and she blinked, suddenly realizing a problem—

Upon realizing what was wrong with the man, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Si Mo’s expression darkened even further.

Mu Qingge laughed until tears almost flowed, then restrained her laughter, pointing at Si Mo and said, "So you’re jealous? You’re actually jealous of Bai Xi?"

Si Mo’s lips twitched, remaining silent.

His awkward expression seemed irresistibly cute to Mu Qingge, prompting her to cup his face with both hands and press her lips against his cool ones.

This kiss instantly dispelled the gloom deep in Si Mo’s eyes, melting his icy demeanor.

Yet, before he could deepen the kiss, the teasing little enchantress in his arms ended it as quickly as it began.

"Once more," Si Mo demanded, yearningly, a hint of melancholy in his dazzling eyes.

Mu Qingge’s lips curled with a smile; her fingertips lifted Si Mo’s sharp chin, gently brushing over the faint stubble, squinting as she said, "It’s not that easy to earn the affection of this Lord."