"Second Uncle, what is this purple and red thing?" Jing Fengyu saw the stone block in Jing Tianheng’s hand and couldn’t help but ask.

Jing Tianheng quietly put away the stone block in his hand, saying lightly, "Let’s follow the instructions first."

The group of ten continued to head deeper into Guji Mountain.

Jing Tianheng said to Jing Fengyu, "Fengyu, your current spiritual cultivation has reached a level where you can contract a second contracted beast. Before we left, I discussed with your father, if the target this time is good, then you can make the contract."

"Really?" Jing Fengyu exclaimed with delight.

Jing Tianheng smiled and nodded.

"Great! Thank you, Second Uncle." Jing Fengyu was very excited; he had long reached the level to contract a second contracted beast, but just hadn’t found the right one yet.

He was confident that once he contracted the second beast, his strength would greatly increase, enough to climb several places on the Green Talent List!

Thinking about his ranking on the Green Talent List, Jing Fengyu suddenly recalled the Mu Qingge he met yesterday.

That red-robed young lord with a beautiful appearance and extraordinary temperament.

The face that could make one lost in thought lingered unshakeably in his mind.

"Fengyu, Fengyu?"

Jing Tianheng’s voice pulled Jing Fengyu’s wandering thoughts back.

"Second Uncle!" Jing Fengyu composed himself and lowered his eyes.

Jing Tianheng frowned slightly, "What are you thinking about? We are now in Guji Mountain, close to the contracted beast. You must not be careless; collect your thoughts. Whatever the matter is, wait until we complete this task."

"Second Uncle is right, Fengyu acknowledges his mistake," Jing Fengyu quickly replied. Although he had some superiority as a member of a prominent family among his peers, and a reserved arrogance, he knew how to position himself well in front of his family’s elders, never getting carried away.

This was one of the reasons why the Jing family held high expectations for him.

Seeing Jing Fengyu recognized his mistake, Jing Tianheng did not continue to speak.

He led the team forward while Jing Fengyu lagged two steps behind, secretly sighing in relief.

"Young Master, what’s wrong?" Jing Fengyu’s attendant approached him and asked softly.

This attendant was one of those who had followed Jing Fengyu yesterday. Having grown up together with Jing Fengyu since childhood, their feelings were naturally beyond what ordinary people could compare.

Upon hearing the inquiry, Jing Fengyu secretly glanced at Jing Tianheng’s back and said, "Your Young Master seems to be sick."

"Sick?" The attendant was taken aback and immediately examined Jing Fengyu, finding him energetic and with no signs of illness.

"I don’t mean physically, I mean here." Jing Fengyu pointed to his heart.

The attendant was even more puzzled.

Jing Fengyu coughed lightly, looking a bit embarrassed, cautiously glanced around, and when no one was paying attention, whispered in the attendant’s ear, "Your Young Master seems to have fallen for someone, and it’s a... man."

The attendant gasped, eyes wide. "Young Master, you..."

"Keep your voice down! Don’t say it out loud." Jing Fengyu hurriedly covered his mouth to stop him from shouting.

The attendant nodded in shock.

Afterwards, Jing Fengyu let him go and warned, "Young Master hasn’t figured it out yet, it’s just suspicion for now. I’ll speak once I have things clear. You must keep it a secret, don’t let anyone know!"

The attendant nodded vigorously, though his heart was in tumult.

He swallowed hard and softly advised, "Young Master must think it through. You bear the responsibility for the Jing family lineage; you cannot make a mistake!"

"I know, I’m also quite troubled... sigh." Jing Fengyu sighed.

"Fengyu!" From afar, came Jing Tianheng’s shout.

Jing Fengyu stiffened, immediately responded, "Coming!" Then glared at the attendant and warned, "Remember, don’t speak of what I told you today!"

The attendant shut his mouth tightly, nodding forcefully.

After repeated assurances from the attendant, Jing Fengyu hurriedly ran forward to catch up with Jing Tianheng.

Once they left, two dark figures appeared where the Jing family had walked.

"Ha, the Jing family’s prideful one actually likes a man. If word gets out, it’ll be a laughing matter," Gu Ya said teasingly.

Gu Ye kept his icy demeanor, replied coolly, "We are here for the whereabouts of the Hound; other matters don’t concern us."

Gu Ye’s coldness made Gu Ya roll his eyes.

Gu Ya turned to Gu Ye and asked, "Master didn’t ask us to meddle; it’s not good for us to act on our own."

This time, Gu Ye answered thoroughly, "Master didn’t want us to intervene to avoid interfering with him and the Little Lord. We aren’t following them, just keeping tabs on the Jing family. If there’s news of the Hound, we’ll inform Master without showing ourselves."

It turns out, the two were acting behind Si Mo’s back.

...

As night fell, Mu Qingge and Si Mo walked out of the Jade Pear Tree Forest, arriving at a grassy field.

The beauty of Guji Mountain surprised Mu Qingge greatly.

All day, she felt she wasn’t here to find fierce beasts but to go on a sightseeing tour.

Turning back to look at Si Mo under the moonlight, he appeared even more handsome, like a deity descending from the sky, strong and mysterious. She smiled, silently wondering, "Is this considered a date?"

"What’s so funny?" Si Mo looked at her with a smile in his eyes.

It seemed like any expression on Mu Qingge’s face couldn’t escape his eyes.

"Laughing at how easygoing we are in searching for a fierce beast; no one else does it like us," Mu Qingge said helplessly.

Si Mo smiled lightly, "Without any trace of the Hound now, there’s no need to be tense."

Mu Qingge nodded, gazing around, taking a deep breath, and spread her arms, "It’s truly beautiful here!"

The bright moon seemed to be embedded in the sky before them, immense and within reach. The grass swayed with the wind, and dandelion petals floated in the low air, carrying a faint fragrance.

As the gentle breeze lifted Mu Qingge’s skirt, amid the vast scenery, she couldn’t help but spin around, causing the golden palace bell at her waist to jingle melodiously.

Almost simultaneously, the palace bell on Si Mo also rang, blending together into the most beautiful sound in the world.

In Si Mo’s amber eyes, Mu Qingge’s silhouette was reflected.

The alluring red in his gaze etched into his soul. He had never... never seen Mu Qingge so feminine. It seemed that she had shed some burdens and set aside her tough exterior.

Under the moonlight, Mu Qingge was breathtakingly beautiful, enough to stir hearts, enough to make one forget everything.

For a moment, Si Mo watched, lost in thought.

After spinning a few times, Mu Qingge stopped, her exquisitely beautiful face carrying a joyful smile, "This Hound sure knows how to hide, choosing such a lovely place, lucky for us."

"Indeed," Si Mo murmured, still mesmerized by Mu Qingge’s charm.

"Hey!" Mu Qingge suddenly jumped in front of Si Mo, shouting.

Her not-so-gentle voice brought Si Mo back to reality. His gaze gradually cleared, focusing on Mu Qingge in front of him.

He raised his hand, gently stroking Mu Qingge’s hair with utmost tenderness. "Qingge, what should I do... I want to hide you away, only allowing me to see."

Mu Qingge was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

After laughing, she said to Si Mo, "What should I do, I also want to hide you, not letting others see you."

Her playful words deepened Si Mo’s smile as he indulgently said, "Alright, let’s hide each other well, not letting outsiders see."

"It’s a promise!" Mu Qingge raised her hand, "Pledge by clapping hands."

Si Mo smiled, fondly raising his hand to lightly clap with Mu Qingge.

"Si Mo, remember, wait for me. Soon, I’ll come with a grand bridal procession to marry you!" Mu Qingge suddenly declared dominantly.

Si Mo smiled wryly but indulgently nodded, "Alright, I’ll wait for you to come and marry me."

In all the heavens and earth, across the three thousand worlds, only this person before him could receive his endless affection and limitless indulgence.

Si Mo held Mu Qingge’s hand, strolling under the moon, their shadows merging and separating occasionally. After walking for a while, Mu Qingge pulled Si Mo to sit down in the grass, where dandelion petals danced around them.

Mu Qingge plucked a blade of grass, held it in her mouth, and suddenly leaned back, hands behind her head, gazing at the cold moonlight and starlight under the night sky.

Si Mo watched her carefree and spontaneous manner, amused, and lay down on the grass beside her.

"Si Mo, what kind of place is the Divine Hall?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked, seemingly deep in thought.

Si Mo’s eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of gloom flashed through them but disappeared quickly. He smiled and replied, "In legends, far away, there is a Divine Demon Continent. There, the Divine Clan and the Demon Clan still exist. The Divine Clan needs faith and tributes, so they select certain places across the three thousand worlds to set up Divine Halls to gather faith and tributes."

Mu Qingge frowned, flipped over on her stomach, and asked Si Mo intently, "Are there really Divine Clan and Demon Clan?"

Si Mo nodded gently as he looked at her.

Mu Qingge’s eyes reflected contemplation, "Faith, tributes, what do they do for the Divine Clan? Do the Demon Clan not need them?"

"Faith and tributes can transform into a special power that aids the Divine Clan’s cultivation. The Demon Clan cultivates themselves, so they don’t need it," Si Mo answered.

Mu Qingge nodded as if she understood, and further inquired, "How does the Divine Hall gather and offer faith to the Divine Clan?"

Si Mo chuckled lightly, gazing into her curious eyes, "In the Central Continent Divine Hall, there’s a position known as the Goddess. Typically, it is held by women with outstanding talent and special abilities. The current Goddess is a girl from the Xi Family in Central Continent. Her name I’ve forgotten, but she seems to be ranked in the top five on the Green Talent List."

"Xi Qianxue!" Mu Qingge immediately recalled a name.

"Hmm? Perhaps, yes." Si Mo remarked indifferently. "The role of the Goddess is to connect with the Divine Clan. She has a very high status in the Divine Hall, transmitting the gathered faith to the Divine Clan through a special array, thus accumulating her own merits, and someday, breaking through the void to enter the Divine Demon Continent."

"What exactly is faith? Can one truly enter the Divine Demon Continent?" Mu Qingge probed with a frown.

Si Mo paused for a moment before responding, "Humans’ innate reverence, their longing, loyalty, and belief in the Divine Clan—these emotions transform into the power of faith, collected by the Divine Hall. As for the Divine Demon Continent... it’s a nebulous place, Ge’er need not dwell too much on it now."

Mu Qingge pursed her lips in deep thought, gradually understanding some of the ’benevolent’ measures within the Divine Hall. The Divine Hall seemed to hold a revered position and transcendental influence in the Middle Ancient Realm. Over the millennia, it has penetrated the hearts of the people in the Middle Ancient Realm, ensuring the continuous existence of the power of faith.

As long as the Divine Hall exists, the power of faith does...

No! Rather... as long as faith remains undestroyed, the power of faith exists, and the Divine Hall is merely a symbolic, tangible manifestation!

Mu Qingge’s eyes gradually brightened.

As for the Divine Demon Continent, despite Si Mo’s brief explanation, Mu Qingge didn’t mind much.

She then shook her head and said, "Cultivation should truly rely on oneself, but now rely on external power; if someday faith collapses, wouldn’t my cultivation fall drastically?"

"My clever little Ge’er!" Si Mo lightly tapped Mu Qingge’s nose. "Unfortunately, this simple truth is something those so-called gods have overlooked. The power of faith can accelerate their cultivation speed, amplifying their power. Once they taste the benefits, none are willing to give it up."

Mu Qingge frowned.

Si Mo continued, "But don’t worry, the Divine Strategy doesn’t require the power of faith."

"Hm?" Mu Qingge looked at him, seemingly curious about how he knew what she was worrying about.

Indeed, she was considering the issue of Divine Strategy, since it was a cultivation method of the Divine Clan. If it needed the power of faith, where would she find it?

Fortunately, Si Mo’s answer relieved her of this trouble.

"By the way, you mentioned that Xi Qianxue has special abilities, what are they?" Mu Qingge asked curiously.

"Xi Qianxue?" Si Mo looked puzzled, with no recollection at all.

Mu Qingge rolled her eyes exasperatedly, then explained, "She’s the Goddess from the Xi Family you mentioned."

Si Mo came to realization, his slender fingers running through Mu Qingge’s hanging strands, smiling: "Other than you, I really don’t have the interest to remember other women’s names."

These words succeeded in charming Mu Qingge.

She snorted proudly, poking Si Mo’s waist with her finger, urging him to speak quickly.

Si Mo gradually restrained his smile, earnestly looking at Mu Qingge, "Ge’er, remember I advised you not to casually reveal your power of thunder and lightning?"

Mentioning this matter suddenly, Mu Qingge nodded, already having some guesses in mind.

"Once you’re in the Middle Ancient Realm, you must never easily disclose that you have a Thunder Spirit Root." Si Mo suddenly said seriously.

Mu Qingge stared at him, waiting for his follow-up words.

"Even if you encounter danger, you’d rather escape, hide in your space, but absolutely cannot expose the Thunder Spirit Root." Si Mo looked into Mu Qingge’s eyes solemnly.

"Promise me."

Mu Qingge had never seen Si Mo so serious before; under his voice, she slowly nodded.

However, she still voiced her doubts, "Why?" From the first time they met, why did he remind her not to reveal her Thunder Ability?

"You should already know that Shen Bicheng has an Innate Fire Spirit Root," Si Mo remarked suddenly.

Mu Qingge knew this from Mengmeng, so she nodded.

Si Mo continued, "And the Goddess from the Xi Family possesses an Innate Water Spirit Root."

Mu Qingge furrowed her brows.

Possessing a Spirit Root was considered special? Would she be noticed by the Divine Hall, which Si Mo wanted her to avoid, so he warned her?

As Mu Qingge was filled with doubt, Si Mo spoke in an extremely slow yet earnest tone, "What you need to understand now is that such Innate Spirit Roots are highly sought after by everyone in the Middle Ancient Realm. What exactly an Innate Spirit Root signifies, you will naturally comprehend once you reach the Golden Realm. Shen Bicheng is not in the Middle Ancient Realm, so that’s fortunate. The girl from the Xi Family, protected by her family and supported by the Divine Hall, doesn’t have to worry. But you, you are alone; if people discover you possess this powerful Thunder Spirit Root, you’ll face endless pursuit. In the Middle Ancient Realm, there are a considerable number of Innate Spirit Roots, but they are always kept hidden and never exposed. Therefore, Ge’er, you must completely conceal this card."

"Pursuit? Even if they kill me, what can they do? Can they take away my power of thunder and lightning?" Mu Qingge exclaimed.

She meant it as a joke, after all, taking someone else’s superpower for oneself is impossible, even in the technologically advanced world of her past life.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she spoke, Si Mo earnestly nodded.

Mu Qingge’s playful smile froze.

Oh my! What situation is this? Superpowers can be stolen?!

Mu Qingge was stunned.

Si Mo raised his hand to rub her stiffened face and told her, "So remember my words. Some things are meaningless to tell you now, but as your cultivation grows, you’ll naturally learn more."

Mu Qingge stiffly nodded.

"Alright, is there anything else you wish to ask?" Si Mo asked, pretending to be profound, striking a teacher-like pose.

Mu Qingge replied earnestly, "Yes!"

"Speak."

"Why do you know so much?"

"... You live long enough, you’ll naturally learn these things."

"... How long have you lived? How old are you this year?"

"Ge’er, are you implying I’m old?"

A dangerous aura approached Mu Qingge. She immediately replied smartly, "Not old! A man should be mature, only then is he charming!"

"Ge’er really doesn’t mind?"

"I don’t mind."

"Really?"

"Yes! Uh..."

...

The exterior of Guji Mountain is beautiful.

The scenery resembles an immortal realm, captivating.

But deep within Guji Mountain, a largely unknown earth crack exists. Like an ugly scar, it mars the beauty of Guji Mountain.

This earth crack is hideously split, very deep, so deep it seems bottomless, and probing inside, only darkness is visible.

The eerie smoke rose from the crack, wherever it passed, plants would rapidly wither and be corroded. Thus, the area around the crack was desolate, filled with corroded remnants.

There were also many white bones of the Beast Clan, slowly being corroded by the smoke, turning into a pool of pus.

"Roar—Roar—"

A faint roar came from the crack, like the sound of thunder.

However, paired with this scene, it made people feel even more that it was a call from the Nine Netherworld, luring anyone close to fall into the crack and sink into the Nine Netherworld.

The steep cliff walls descended into unknown depths.

A hundred fathoms, a thousand fathoms, or ten thousand fathoms...

No one knew.

Under the crack laid an enormous cave, where a gigantic creature lay shrouded in shadows. The corrosive smoke seemed to be spewing from its mouth.

Here, the thick scent of blood suggested it was seriously injured.

At the moment, it was very weak, but not to be underestimated by anyone!

Its pair of tusks, hidden in its mouth, gleamed with a piercing cold light.

Its eyes shone with a golden color, like golden flames, but within lay a cold killing intent. This killing intent was directed at the despicable humans who ambushed it, causing it to be injured and fall to the Lower Realm!

"One day, I will take revenge! Drain your brains! Roar—!"

It roared in anger.

When the sound reached the surface, only a sky-shattering roar remained.

Roar—! Roar—!

The terrifying roar caused the branches on Guji Mountain to tremble, petals and leaves fell.

The Jing family, who were traveling by night, suddenly stopped and looked towards the sky.

Jing Tianheng’s eyes showed a trace of solemnity, as did the other members of the Jing family, looking around at the sky as if searching for the source of the sound.

"Second Uncle, is that the voice of the contracted beast? Are we close to finding it?" Jing Fengyu squeezed next to Jing Tianheng, barely able to conceal his excitement.

Jing Tianheng slowly withdrew his gaze and said to Jing Fengyu, "It seems this contracted beast is quite extraordinary, we must be careful and not act rashly."

Jing Fengyu replied dismissively, "The Beast Clan has a natural affinity for our Jing family bloodline. Plus, with the family’s contract array and you leading us, what could go wrong?"

"Do not be careless." Jing Tianheng slowly shook his head, seriously warning Jing Fengyu.

Jing Fengyu nodded, but he still had some disbelief in his heart.

In his memory, there was no instance of the Jing family failing to contract a beast, and he believed it would be no different this time!

Jing Tianheng looked at the sky and said to everyone, "Let’s rest here for now and move out again tomorrow."

"Second Uncle, since we have already heard its voice, why not seize the opportunity to go now? What if it runs away?" Jing Fengyu asked urgently.

"Do not be reckless," Jing Tianheng reprimanded.

He looked at the tired members of the Jing family and said to Jing Fengyu, "Everyone has exhausted their strength from continuous travel. If we go now, we won’t have the energy to deal with the contracted beast. Moreover, even though you have experienced contracting once before, every contract is fraught with danger; you must not be careless."

"But what if it runs away?" Jing Fengyu understood the reasoning but still worried about his contracted beast fleeing.

"It won’t." Jing Tianheng’s eyes flickered with certainty. His experience far surpassed Jing Fengyu’s. He said to Jing Fengyu, "Judging from the sound earlier, it seems injured. Generally, unless there’s a sense of danger, an injured beast won’t move easily. Moreover, we have the Refining Stone to guide us, what are you worried about?"

"Injured! Will it be okay?" Jing Fengyu asked nervously.

To this, Jing Tianheng had no answer and could only shake his head. He patted Jing Fengyu’s shoulder and said, "Calm your mind, prepare thoroughly, and when the daylight comes, we will proceed."

"Yes, Second Uncle." Jing Fengyu finally conceded, walking back, sitting down cross-legged, and entering his cultivation.

On the other side of Guji Mountain, Mu Qingge also sat up from the grass and looked towards the night sky, asking, "Was that the howl of the Beast just now?"

Si Mo also sat up and nodded, saying, "Yes, it’s his voice. It seems he’s seriously injured and in a rage."

Can even this be heard?

Mu Qingge turned her gaze to Si Mo, raising an eyebrow.

Si Mo chuckled and said, "At this moment, if someone from the Jing Family goes up, it’s simply seeking death."

"Why?" Mu Qingge asked curiously.

Si Mo thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know about dragons?"

Dragons?

Mu Qingge nodded. Of course, she knew. In her past life, dragons were mythical creatures, the strongest among beasts, and symbols of emperors.

But now... 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

She hadn’t expected that dragons also exist in this Otherworld.

"Then how much do you understand about dragons?" Si Mo asked again.

This—

Mu Qingge tentatively said, "They should be very formidable, right?"

Si Mo laughed and explained for his little Ge’er, "Dragons are one of the Four Holy Beasts, capable of riding clouds and fog, and controlling water and fire. In the Beast Clan, dragons are extremely powerful beings. Usually, if someone possesses a single drop of dragon blood, they can transform themselves into a Vajra Body, as dragon skin is something even Holy Artifacts cannot easily penetrate. As for their combat strength, standing at the peak of the Beast Clan makes it clear how powerful the Dragon Clan’s combat abilities are. With robust defense and domineering offense, the Dragon Clan has always been the supreme existence among the Beast Clan. Yet, Hou feeds on Dragon Brain. I previously told you that Hou likes eating Dragon Brain, and it’s not just a hobby; he has actually done it."

Mu Qingge gasped in shock.

Eats Dragon Brain! How domineering can one be?

That’s practically the pinnacle of the food chain!

"Hou’s achievements can’t be recounted in just three days and nights. I just mentioned one instance: there was a time when he chased an Azure Dragon of the Dragon Clan to the sea surface, intending to eat its brain. Four other dragons pursued him, and engaged in a five-on-one battle in the sky. These five dragons were extremely powerful experts within the Dragon Clan, capable of dominating regions and commanding beast hordes individually. Guess, what was the final outcome?" Si Mo suddenly asked.

Mu Qingge smiled playfully, "The way you ask, it must be Hou who won."

Si Mo smiled, "Indeed it was. This great battle lasted three days and nights, reversing the ocean currents and covering the sky. In the end, Hou annihilated three dragons and ate their brains raw, while the remaining two dragons escaped back to the Dragon Clan but eventually died. After learning about their deaths, Hou stormed into the Dragon Tomb, dug out their brains to eat, and vindictively consumed the tomb-guarding dragons before leaving arrogantly."

Mu Qingge was left speechless with awe.

About Hou’s combat capabilities, she now has a clear understanding. They’re absolutely off the charts!

"Hou can fly in the sky, run on the ground, swim in water. His mouth can spit fire, and even his breath carries strong corrosive power, easily dissolving Divine Artifacts." Si Mo said, pointing at the Exquisite Finger Ring on Mu Qingge’s right index finger and reminding her, "If you encounter him, make sure to keep your Divine Artifact secure."

Mu Qingge instinctively withdrew her hand.

She calmed her deeply affected mood and cautiously asked, "How does Hou compare to Quyu?" Quyu is also a powerful ancient fierce beast. Most importantly, she has killed Quyu, though through strategy rather than direct combat. However, she has keenly understood Quyu’s formidability.

If not for using tactics and coincidentally having Quyu’s nemesis Star Sand Xuanwu Gold, she might not have lasted a few moves against Quyu and would’ve been swallowed.

"Hm? Quyu. You’ve seen Quyu, Ge’er?" Si Mo asked.

Mu Qingge nodded earnestly, "Yes, I killed it."

Si Mo paused, then laughed heartily. In his copper eyes, there was a trace of pride. "Ge’er is really impressive. Quyu is also an ancient fierce beast that has existed for innumerable millennia, with no one able to eliminate it, yet now it’s dead at your hands. However, compared to Hou..."

Si Mo paused again, and amid Mu Qingge’s anticipation said, "Quyu can’t withstand the power of even his single palm."

Mu Qingge widened her eyes and held her breath.

"However, I’m referring to when he was at his peak. Presently, he’s severely injured, with his cultivation retreating. Before he recovers, his Cultivation Realm is equivalent to the human Cultivation of the Sixth Layer of the Golden Realm."

"..." Mu Qingge was speechless.

She is currently only at the Sixth Layer of the Gray Realm, while Hou is at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Realm. It seems like the gap between them is just one Silver Realm, but in reality, they’re separated by twelve whole realms!

"What can I do?" Realizing this gap in strength, Mu Qingge asked with a bitter face.

In this plan to capture Hou, what role can she play? If she doesn’t have any role and is just a burden, she’d be better off staying in the Golden Sea Prefecture.

"Ge’er, don’t underestimate yourself. Do you know what your greatest strength is?" Si Mo pulled her into his embrace, using his body’s warmth to dispel the lingering chill of the night dew on her body.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes, looking at him innocently with a puzzled expression.

At this moment, she felt that she wasn’t impressive at all! Too weak, so weak that she couldn’t even catch a glimpse of Si Mo’s world.

"Your greatest strength is here." Si Mo smiled, gently poking her forehead with his finger.

There was still confusion in Mu Qingge’s eyes.

Si Mo said, "Your talent is strong; to have cultivated to this point in such a short time has humbled countless talents. But your greatest strength isn’t your cultivation; it’s your wisdom, your courageous heart. No matter what danger you’re in, you maintain a calm mind and quickly find the most appropriate solution. You have fearless resolve and relentless determination, so when facing crisis after crisis, you always turn peril into safety. This isn’t luck; it’s the result of your own hard work. It’s also what makes me feel most tender towards you."

As Si Mo spoke, images of his first encounter with Mu Qingge floated in his mind...

She stood in the creek, quietly washing the blood off her body. After witnessing his strength, she still stubbornly refused to admit defeat. And there she was, standing on the execution platform enduring the Teng Whip punishment, her indomitable spirit even shook men. She even fought against a Pseudo-Purple Realm with her Yellow Realm strength, not uttering a sound even when beaten half-dead.

There were so many such images, finally stopping at the moment in the Trial Space, where she was drenched in blood, perishing together with the enemy.

"What are you thinking about?" Si Mo’s sudden silence caught Mu Qingge’s attention.

Si Mo snapped back to reality, focusing his gaze on Mu Qingge. Looking at her so close, her real self, he couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction, "Nothing. I just felt that meeting you and having you is truly wonderful. It’s my good fortune!"

Charming sweet talk came from Si Mo’s mouth. Although it felt a bit cheesy, Mu Qingge no longer repelled it as she usually would. She snuggled against Si Mo’s chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, murmuring softly, "Having you is my good fortune too."

Though her voice was low, Si Mo heard it.

This answer, like a warm spring, soaked him entirely and dispelled the coldness that had lingered in his bones for millennia.

Time seemed to stop at this moment.

Even the wind around and the moon in the sky wished not to disturb this tranquility.

But—

"You still haven’t said what I should do to deal with Hou and what preparations are needed?" Mu Qingge suddenly lifted her head from Si Mo’s embrace and asked.

Si Mo’s mouth twitched.

’This little killjoy!’

"You don’t need to do anything, just watch how your husband wields his might." Si Mo pushed her head back down.

"We haven’t even got married yet... mm..."

Mu Qingge’s words were swallowed by Si Mo.

...

The sky gradually brightened, the cold moon set in the west, and the morning sun rose.

Sunlight cast over Guji Mountain, draping it in a layer of golden glow.

The people of the Jing Family had already woken from their rest and continued heading in the direction of Hou, guided by the Refining Stone.

On the other side, two individuals still strolled leisurely, wandering in the mountains, as if their purpose on Mount Guji were to enjoy the scenery rather than hunt Hou.

"Second Uncle, isn’t it getting closer?" Jing Fengyu couldn’t conceal his excitement as he caught up to Jing Tianheng and asked.

Jing Tianheng glanced at the Refining Stone in his hand and nodded.

Today, his expression seemed much more solemn than yesterday. Years of experience brought him a sense of danger about this journey. Turning to look at his spirited nephew beside him, he hesitated about whether to abandon the mission.

"Elder, look here!" Suddenly, someone noticed something unusual.

Jing Tianheng pulled his thoughts back and headed with Jing Fengyu toward the person who had spoken.

The person who discovered the anomaly was a collateral member of the Jing Family, one with excellent talent. Aged forty-five, his cultivation had reached the Silver Realm First Layer.

Of course, he couldn’t compare to the prodigies on the Green Talent List.

But in an average family, he could already serve as an elder or a pillar.

Don’t forget, the Family Head of Haiyu City, Li Yuntao, was merely at the Fourth Layer of the Gray Realm. The ancestor of the Le Family, whom Mu Qingge found rather troublesome, had just broken through to the Silver Realm.

This showed the gap between ordinary and ancient clans.

"Elder, Second Young Master, look, there seem to be traces of corrosion here." He pointed to the ground, a puddle of yellow pus, and said to Jing Tianheng and Jing Fengyu.

Beside the puddle, plants withered and faded away.

He poked the pus with a stick, turning over a melting beast bone. Before the others could see what beast clan it belonged to, the bone and stick in his hand dissolved into pus. Frightened, he quickly threw away what remained of the stick.

"Such strong corrosiveness!" Jing Fengyu exclaimed in shock.

Jing Tianheng squatted down, observing carefully before concluding, "It should be secreted by some kind of Beast Clan."

With these words, the people’s breaths tightened.

They looked at each other, searching their minds for information. What kind of Contracted Beast had such strong corrosiveness?

Yet, after searching their memories, there was no result.

There were quite a few in the Beast Clan with corrosive abilities, but those reaching this level were exceedingly rare.

Jing Fengyu finally shed his complacency, glancing at Jing Tianheng and whispering, "Second Uncle, could this be left by that Contracted Beast?"

Jing Tianheng stood up, gazing into the distance. All around were the breathtaking views of Guji Mountain, but he had no intention of appreciating them. "It’s very possible. Guji Mountain isn’t far from Golden Sea Prefecture, and the scenery is excellent, so people often come here. Hence, there aren’t many beast clans. A beast capable of such destruction couldn’t have been hiding here all along; it must have appeared recently."

"Then we..." Jing Fengyu swallowed hard.

An intimidating Contracted Beast like this—could he really form a contract with it? Doubt began to creep into his mind.

Jing Tianheng patted Jing Fengyu’s shoulder, saying, "Let’s go check it out first."

"Alright!" Jing Fengyu nodded.

The group continued forward, but the puddle of corrosive pus had left them tense and on edge, no longer carefree as before.

They passed through a forest and over a ridge before entering a valley.

When they entered the valley, the figures of Gu Ya and Gu Ye appeared. The two exchanged a glance, and Gu Ye said, "You go inform the master; they’ve almost found Hou."

"You should go; I’ll keep watch here." Gu Ya quickly responded.

Who knew what their master and little lord were doing? Barging in might lead to an unknown death. Gu Ye wanted to trick him; he wouldn’t fall for it!

Seeing Gu Ya see through his intentions, Gu Ye’s mouth twitched, and he coldly snorted.

"Let’s go together." Gu Ye finally said.

Gu Ya looked at him and ultimately nodded in agreement.

"What about them?" Gu Ya asked.

Gu Ye replied, "We just need to know where Hou is hiding; why care about their lives?"

Gu Ya nodded, raising a thumbs-up towards him.

Next, the two vanished without a trace, not alerting anyone.

Jing Tianheng, with Jing Fengyu and the other Jing Family members, reached the depths of the valley, where sickly-smelling fumes slowly drifted toward them.

Just as the fumes almost touched them, Jing Tianheng’s eyes narrowed sharply, covering his nose with one hand and pulling Jing Fengyu back with the other, shouting, "Retreat quickly! Don’t let the fumes touch you!"

The Jing Family members, like startled birds, quickly withdrew, retreating from the enveloping fumes.

Without targets, the fumes slowly receded, like lurking beasts waiting to strike.

"Second Uncle, what is it?" Jing Fengyu asked in astonishment.

Jing Tianheng’s eyes were deep, his tone heavy, "It’s those gases causing corrosion."

They were taken aback, staring at the mist-shrouded area—

Indeed, wherever the mist enveloped was desolate; trees withered, trunks seeped with pus, and the ground was pockmarked, filled everywhere with the kind of pus they had encountered earlier on the path...