"Qingge, do you want to eat rabbit meat?"

Si Mo’s voice stirred a fierce killing intent around them.

The sudden wind lifted Mu Qingge’s hair, making her neck feel a chill, as if an invisible sharp blade had brushed past it.

She looked around in confusion, but saw nothing unusual.

She calmed her surprise and answered Si Mo’s question, "In this kind of situation, isn’t it usually roasted? Or should we keep it alive?"

Her words made Si Mo’s eyes gleam with even more amusement.

He suddenly raised his hand towards Mu Qingge, aiming to grab the ’rabbit’ she was holding.

As his large hand closed in, the ’rabbit’ bristled, its eyes fixed on him in a stiff gaze. Just as Si Mo’s hand was about to touch it, it suddenly let out a faint whimper, as if shocked by ten thousand horrors, and began to struggle.

"What happened?" Mu Qingge pulled back her hand, letting it escape Si Mo’s grasp.

She turned the rabbit towards herself, examined it briefly, and then looked up at Si Mo. "It seems very scared?"

"Of course, we’re about to eat it. How could it not be scared?" Si Mo said, half in jest.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge frowned and sniffed the air. "There’s a blood smell. Is it injured?" She quickly checked and found some bloody wounds under its fur.

"Then let’s hurry up, otherwise if it dies, it will spoil the flavor." Si Mo suggested with a smile.

His words made the rabbit’s eyes turn completely cold, as hidden sharp teeth began to subtly show.

"Indeed." Mu Qingge very subtly nodded, agreeing with Si Mo’s suggestion.

She wasn’t so kind-hearted as to waste elixir to save her dinner!

"You cannot kill me!" Suddenly, the ’rabbit’ spoke.

The voice sounded quite deep but pleasant, like an adult male.

"Was that you speaking?" Mu Qingge looked at the rabbit in her hand in astonishment.

The golden-eyed ’rabbit’ gave her a proud glance and closed its eyes. Its arrogant demeanor made Mu Qingge blink and glance at Si Mo.

Si Mo nodded with a smile.

Mu Qingge’s eyes suddenly narrowed, and a shock flashed through her clear eyes.

From Si Mo’s reaction, she guessed the true identity of the creature in her hand! However, it didn’t seem to match the legendary tall and mighty image!

In a flash, she recalled the earlier explosion.

Already heavily injured, encountering a self-destructing Golden Realm expert would only worsen the damage.

Such a dangerous fierce beast, actually being held by her?

Suddenly, Mu Qingge felt as if she was holding a hot potato.

Without much thought, Mu Qingge handed the ’hot potato’ to Si Mo. This action startled the ’rabbit’ to open its eyes wide, its limbs kicking frantically to distance itself from Si Mo.

Ignoring its protests, Si Mo caught its long, pointed ears and lifted it from Mu Qingge’s palm.

Trapped by Si Mo, it felt as if a powerful force enveloped it, rendering it unable to move or resist. If it was at its peak, why would it fear those before it?

Golden eyes flashed a fierce light towards Si Mo.

However, Si Mo simply smiled at it enigmatically.

"What do you want to do?" The ’rabbit’ finally spoke again.

Si Mo replied with a smile, "You know my intentions very well."

The ’rabbit’s’ body stiffened, falling silent once more.

The exchange between the human and ’rabbit’ prompted Mu Qingge to quietly step back two paces. Throwing away the hot potato lightened her heart considerably.

Above all, Si Mo was here for the beast, and catching it effortlessly was undoubtedly the best outcome!

But... having caught it, would Si Mo leave again?

This thought suddenly burst in Mu Qingge’s mind.

She quickly closed her eyes, silently muttering to herself: ’Since when have I become so sentimental? If he leaves, then so be it!’

"I cannot possibly form a contract with you!" After a long pause, the ’rabbit’ finally spoke again.

Si Mo responded indifferently, "In that case, form a contract with her."

Huh?

Huh!

Immersed in her thoughts, Mu Qingge suddenly turned her gaze, startled, to Si Mo, her eyes then landing on the ’rabbit’.

Likewise, held by Si Mo, the ’rabbit’ also eyed Mu Qingge with surprise.

After a moment of scrutiny, it spoke disparagingly, "Can someone this weak really form a contract with me?"

"You have two choices: either she forms a contract with you, or I crush you right now." Si Mo stated succinctly.

His words made the ’rabbit’ fall silent once again, cold air enveloping its body.

Mu Qingge also looked at Si Mo in bewilderment, wanting to ask many questions but felt it wasn’t suitable at the moment.

Wasn’t Si Mo here for it?

How had it suddenly turned into giving her the contract?

What about Si Mo?

Would leaving empty-handed affect what he intended to do?

’He’s too heavily injured right now; even if I bring him back, it won’t be of any use. But if I leave him with you and you have elixirs to heal him, it will speed up his recovery and provide protection for you, which puts my mind at ease.’ Si Mo suddenly explained via voice transmission.

Mu Qingge realized!

Si Mo was worried about her safety and wanted to leave her a super bodyguard!

Indeed, Si Mo had mentioned before that although the creature was injured, it still held a power equivalent to the Golden Realm Sixth Layer. Despite suffering more injuries, with elixir treatment, it remained a solid trump card.

However—

Mu Qingge hesitated slightly, responding to Si Mo via voice transmission: ’Is this okay? You came for him, but you’re giving him to me. Isn’t that a wasted trip?’

’How is it wasted?’ Si Mo’s vivid eyes were filled with indulgent smiles.

He gazed at Mu Qingge, letting her understand the meaning behind his words.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge’s cheeks tinged with a faint red, quickly returning to calmness.

’Qingge, you and I are already one; whether he stays with me or you, what’s the difference? Don’t refuse.’ Si Mo clarified once more through voice transmission, dispelling Mu Qingge’s last bit of uncertainty.

She nodded with a resigned smile, her gaze falling on the ’rabbit’.

The ancestor of fierce beasts!

This truly is an enormous trump card!

To say her heart wasn’t moved would be a lie.

If Si Mo hadn’t expressed interest, perhaps she’d already planned to take advantage of the opportunity the moment she received the news.

"Well, have you made up your mind?" After persuading Mu Qingge, Si Mo turned to the ’rabbit’.

The ’rabbit’ snorted coldly, "You let someone as weak as her form a contract with me, aren’t you afraid she might get overwhelmed?"

Si Mo chuckled, "She’s an Alchemist; her spiritual sense is strong, she won’t get overwhelmed."

"An Alchemist!" The ’rabbit’s’ eyes lit up, and it gazed sharply at Mu Qingge, speaking disparagingly, "Woman, are you an Alchemist?"

Woman?

Such disrespectful address made Mu Qingge frown slightly.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, the ’rabbit’ yelped in pain. It angrily looked at Si Mo and shouted, "What are you doing?" That damn man actually tugged its ears!

Si Mo’s action to stand up for her lifted Mu Qingge’s spirits. She arched her brow, smiling playfully, "Little rabbit, I am indeed an Alchemist."

"Despite knowing my identity, you dare call me a rabbit!" The beast roared in annoyance.

Mu Qingge’s smile became even more enchanting, "You look just like a rabbit, I haven’t misspoken."

Within the beast’s heart, a thousand alpacas wildly galloped.

It suddenly felt that reasoning with a woman was an impossible task!

In the depths of those gold flame-like eyes, a concealed killing intent flashed. In a deep voice, it declared, "Fine! If you agree to refine elixirs for me and treat my wounds, I’ll consent to form a contract with you and accept you as my master! If not, you might as well kill me." With that said, it arrogantly closed its eyes, displaying an air of gallant resolve.

Mu Qingge and Si Mo exchanged a glance, the former feeling amused.

Once she acknowledges him as her master, how could she be stingy with elixirs? If she wants Ho to maximize his value, she naturally has to heal his injuries.

He actually tried to bargain with her, is he stupid or what?

’It seems that no matter how cunning a fierce beast is, there’s a limit to it!’ Mu Qingge sighed in her heart.

"Alright, no problem." Mu Qingge replied with a smile.

Her straightforwardness made Ho feel that something was amiss. However, for the moment, he couldn’t figure out why. All he wanted now was to quickly heal his injuries, then exact revenge on society and kill those humans who had wronged him! Those who schemed against him, caused him to lose his cultivation, and those who wanted to contract him before, wouldn’t be spared!

"Wait, what level of elixir can you currently make?" Ho’s golden eyes flickered swiftly as he suddenly asked.

If the woman in front of him is just some low-level alchemist, or advanced alchemist, what’s the use to him?

"Relax, I am a Divine Level Alchemist. The elixirs I make will not disappoint you." Mu Qingge replied with a composed smile.

Divine Level Alchemist!

For the first time, Ho looked at Mu Qingge with shock in his eyes.

He probably never imagined that the young, beautiful woman in front of him, as stunning as a painting, could actually be a Divine Level Alchemist. ’Aren’t Divine Level Alchemists supposed to be old men?’ Ho thought in his heart.

"Great! It’s a deal!" Learning that Mu Qingge is a Divine Level Alchemist, Ho held back his excitement and agreed to contract with her.

His straightforwardness also made Mu Qingge narrow her eyes in thought.

Ho lowered his eyes, hiding the trace of killing intent deep within them.

He chuckled coldly in his heart, ’Once he’s healed, the first person he wants to kill is this woman who dares to claim to be his master! What contract? For him, it amounts to nothing! Even if breaking the contract results in backlash, so what? As long as he takes the elixir refined by this woman, the backlash will quickly be remedied.’

"Let’s begin." Having made up his mind, Ho said eagerly.

His initiative made Mu Qingge’s eyebrow raise somewhat higher.

However, Si Mo calmly said, "Alright."

With a wave of his hand, Si Mo had already inscribed a Contract Array that was more intricate and complex than the one from the Jing Family.

Si Mo let go of his hand, and Ho proactively jumped into the center of the array. Instantly, beams of light, mixed with blood-red and gold, shot up to the sky, trapping him within.

"By my spirit, by my name, by my body, I recognize you as my master, never to betray for eternity!" The ancient and deep contract words flowed from Ho’s mouth.

Just as Mu Qingge was startled, a drop of heart’s blood was forced out of Ho’s body, flying towards Mu Qingge’s forehead.

However, when the drop of heart’s blood neared Mu Qingge, Si Mo blocked its progress with a hand.

Mu Qingge looked at him in surprise, but Ho’s gaze turned cold.

Si Mo smiled faintly at Ho, saying, "To ensure you don’t breach the contract, I’m going to add something." With that, a strand of gray smoke drifted from his fingertips, entering Ho’s heart’s blood.

"Curse Power!" Ho exclaimed in shock.

Si Mo withdrew his hand, and the heart’s blood entered Mu Qingge’s forehead, causing her body to shudder. Subsequently, a beam of golden light shot from her forehead, rushing into Ho’s forehead with lightning speed.

Ho let out a ’whimper’ and fainted within the Contract Array.

At that moment, Mu Qingge was not feeling well either.

Her entire body turned flush, as if she was in a furnace, surrounded by burning flames.

Large beads of sweat began to seep from her skin, and her lips paled somewhat.

"Qingge, concentrate and calm your spirit, enter cultivation." Si Mo’s voice entered her ears.

’What’s happening to me?’ Mu Qingge transmitted telepathically in her heart. She was not panicked, for she knew Si Mo was by her side.

Si Mo’s voice immediately replied, ’Ho is the master of fierce beasts; even with his powers greatly reduced, his Cultivation Realm remains intact. Recognizing you as his master naturally benefits you. Some of his power will be transferred to you, converting into your own cultivation. You are about to break through, so keep your mind focused, do not be distracted, concentrate on breaking through.’

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly; she understood now.

Another breakthrough?

It seemed that her last breakthrough was in Lanwu City. It seemed only a few months had passed since then.

However, an increase in strength is good, at least it gives her more confidence in what she wants to achieve!

Mu Qingge gathered her thoughts and immersed herself in the breakthrough, leaving external matters to Si Mo, without a trace of worry.

The only thing she was somewhat curious about was what Ho meant by ’Curse Power’...

But all this could only be answered after her breakthrough was complete.

Crack—!

A crisp sound came from within Mu Qingge’s body.

It was as if something had broken open, and the powers that had been restrained burst through the forbidden technique, continuously transforming Mu Qingge’s body, unrestrainedly escalating her Spiritual Power Cultivation.

The original Sixth Layer of the Gray Realm had already been broken through.

The gray-white spiritual power had begun to transform into a faint silver color. When the last thread of gray-white spiritual power turned into light silver, Mu Qingge’s cultivation finally advanced from the Sixth Layer of the Gray Realm into the Silver Realm, reaching the standard for entering the Green Talent List.

However, all this had not yet stopped.

Ping!

Silver Realm First Layer.

Ping!

Silver Realm First Layer Middle Rank.

Ping Ping!

Silver Realm First Layer High Rank.

Ping Ping!

Silver Realm First Layer Peak!

Ping—!

Silver Realm Second Layer!

Silver Realm Second Layer Middle Rank!

Silver Realm Second Layer High Rank!

Silver Realm Second Layer Peak!

That formidable power, having propelled Mu Qingge through the Silver Realm, stopping just shy of the Third Layer of the Silver Realm, finally came to rest. Her cultivation solidified above the Silver Realm Second Layer.

Yet, despite reaching the standard for entering the Green Talent List.

Getting a spot among the top hundred, especially in the first few places, was still insufficient.

When Mu Qingge finished her cultivation and awoke, she realized it was already dark.

"Done?" Si Mo’s voice came from beside her.

Mu Qingge turned her eyes to him, a sliver of silver flashed across her clear eyes, and she nodded with a smile. Seeing Si Mo as soon as she opened her eyes, this feeling she thoroughly enjoyed.

"Silver Realm Second Layer, very impressive." Si Mo looked at Mu Qingge, nodding in approval.

In his amber eyes, hidden lay a pride that was deeply shared. Each of Mu Qingge’s advancements made him feel a coequal joy, swelling with pride.

Even more satisfying than his own breakthrough.

Mu Qingge lowered her gaze to her hands, slowly clenching them, and said to Si Mo, "But still too weak."

Si Mo’s large hand gently fell on top of her head, softly saying, "Don’t rush, you will reach that step eventually; progressing slowly ensures stability. Moreover, your progress hasn’t been slow."

Bear in mind, Mu Qingge had entered the Middle Ancient Realm for less than a year and had already advanced to the Silver Realm Second Layer; compared to many native-born talents, she was already quite remarkable.

Mu Qingge nodded.

Regarding cultivation, she has always pursued it diligently, but she also understands what it means to take one step at a time.

Her eyes landed on Ho, who was still slumbering nearby, and she asked, "How is he doing?"

Si Mo chuckled, "No problem."

"What’s with that Curse Power?" Mu Qingge asked, puzzled.

Si Mo wasn’t in a hurry to answer but rather told her, "It’ll be better to explain when he wakes up."

"I’m already awake." Just as he finished speaking, Ho got up, glaring frostily at Si Mo, "What kind of curse power did you add?"

Mu Qingge also looked at Si Mo, curious.

But Si Mo remained calm and unhurried, serenely stating, "Her death means your demise."

Her death means your demise!

Mu Qingge and Ho both shrank their pupils.

Mu Qingge was astounded by Si Mo’s comprehensive consideration. Concerned that even with a contract, she might not suppress Ho, he had weighted the scale in her favor.

Meanwhile, Ho was shocked that Si Mo had seen through his thoughts. This move severed his retreat. From now on, his fate was bound to that of the woman before him; if she perished, he wouldn’t survive either!

Really vicious!

Suddenly, Hou sneered: "What if I die?"

Si Mo smiled slightly, saying matter-of-factly: "She won’t be harmed in the slightest."

"..." Hou’s expression turned gloomy.

He really wants to kill someone!

Especially to kill these two in front of him!

But the problem is, one he cannot kill, and the other one he cannot manage to kill!

Really darn unfortunate!

Hou suddenly felt that ever since he was set up, he started on a streak of bad luck, never stopping. This realization made him hate those who dared to plot against him even more.

Si Mo’s honesty made Mu Qingge’s mouth twitch slightly.

Hou suppressed his anger, his golden eyes like flames staring at Si Mo, threatening, "You two are clearly not the same kind, yet you care so much about her. Aren’t you afraid I’ll stay by her side and someday accidentally leak your identity?"

Si Mo’s identity?

This sentence led Mu Qingge to glance at Si Mo.

All along, Si Mo’s identity has been mysterious and unpredictable. Even now, she still cannot determine what he truly is or where he comes from.

Just some scattered clues, and Si Mo’s unhidden actions, vaguely tell her that Si Mo is very interested in things related to the Demon Clan.

Actually, this idea is only limited to the items she helped Si Mo retrieve from the Ancient Ruins.

The item Si Mo called ’a treasure lost from home,’ its emanating aura, even though she had never come into contact with it before, she could confirm its nature, only vaguely feeling it was an opposing force.

If there are truly gods and demons in this world, that kind of black, cold, violent aura might belong to the demon category.

’Could Si Mo be involved with the Demon Clan?’

Mu Qingge thought inside.

Facing Hou’s threat, Si Mo nonchalantly said, "She will eventually understand my identity, whatever it may be, I am still me."

Mu Qingge was startled and looked up at him. She vaguely felt that Si Mo’s last four words were spoken not just to Hou, but also to her.

The confusion in her heart gradually subsided. Mu Qingge thought with relief: ’Yes! What does Si Mo’s identity matter? He remains himself, isn’t that enough?’

Hou’s attempt to instigate fell flat, and he sulkily looked at the two who were gazing at each other.

After a while, he couldn’t help but say: "Hey, woman, my elixirs."

Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze and looked at Hou, saying with a teasing smile: "What did you call me?"

Hou’s ’rabbit’ face sank, grinding his sharp teeth that sounded ’ka-ka.’ "Master, I need elixirs."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, turned her wrist, and a bottle of elixirs appeared in her hand. Seeing the anticipation in Hou’s eyes, she didn’t rush to give it to him. "Your name."

Hou’s golden eyes flickered, finally bowing his head, "My name is Kong Xuan."

Kong Xuan?

Mu Qingge blinked, memories of her past life overlapping.

She remembered, in the mythology of her past life, Kong Xuan was the first peacock in the world, originating from the Fengshen Yanyi.

Unexpectedly, Hou named himself Kong Xuan.

Indeed, all things have their coincidences!

"My name is Kong Xuan, what’s wrong?" Mu Qingge’s silence triggered Hou’s dissatisfaction.

Mu Qingge regained her composure and said, "Nothing, the name is good." With that, she tossed the elixir by Hou’s side.

A faint fragrance of Dan floated out from the bottle.

Hou lowered his head and bit the elixir bottle, using his sharp teeth to crush the bottle, swallowing both the elixir and the broken shards in one bite.

This crude scene made Mu Qingge click her tongue.

After ingesting the elixirs, a gentle halo appeared over Hou, and he closed his eyes, seemingly comfortably falling asleep.

Mu Qingge raised her hand, putting Hou into her space, specifically instructing Mengmeng to provide him with a section.

Since Hou hadn’t truly submitted, she certainly couldn’t allow him too much contact with the recovering Yin Chen. After all, what if he seized Yin Chen?

’Mother, Yuanyuan is going out.’ Yuanyuan’s voice suddenly rang out.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment, waved her hand, and released him.

As soon as Yuanyuan was out, he jumped in front of Si Mo, calling ’Dad’ dozens of times.

"Good boy!" Si Mo listened with a smile, then grabbed a handful of Fire Lotus Seeds and placed them in Yuanyuan’s hands. Instantly, Yuanyuan was beaming, his face full of flattery.

"What a pity, I didn’t even have a chance to show off!" Holding the Fire Lotus Seeds, Yuanyuan said disappointedly.

Mu Qingge couldn’t help but laugh at this too.

Bringing Yuanyuan along was considering that during a fight with Hou, the Abnormal Fire might have a miraculous effect. After all, with Hou’s bloodline, whether it’s Yin Chen or Bai Xi, their power would be greatly diminished before him.

But who could have thought it would end this way?

There was no need for fighting; Hou was simply subdued.

’Hmm, I guess this is a pleasant surprise. Guji Mountain is such a beautiful place; the right way to enjoy it should be to explore and have fun, not fight.’ Mu Qingge joked to herself.

"Now that we’ve got what we wanted, let’s go back. Keep an eye on the new guy. If there’s any trouble, burn him, no need to be polite." Mu Qingge instructed Yuanyuan.

Upon hearing this, Yuanyuan immediately nodded excitedly. With a swish, he disappeared from Mu Qingge and Si Mo’s sight.

After he left, Mu Qingge thought aloud, "This world is so strange, clearly beasts, yet they can speak human words and take on human form. Clearly fire, yet it can change form, no different from humans."

Si Mo walked to her side, sat shoulder to shoulder with her, and explained with a smile, "All things have spirits. No matter what kind of form, it cannot be separated from the spirit. When the spirit perishes, it naturally dies."

Mu Qingge muttered thoughtfully, "When the spirit perishes, it also naturally dies. So what is the spirit? Is it thought? Consciousness? Or is it an elusive existence?"

Mu Qingge gazed up at the starry sky, filled with curiosity for this world full of unknowns.

"Qingge, I have to leave." Suddenly, Si Mo said something Mu Qingge had long expected but did not want to ask.

Mu Qingge withdrew her thoughts, turning her gaze to him, her clear eyes carefully sketching out his features, finally saying only one word, "Okay."

A simple ’okay’ contained countless emotions.

Mu Qingge did not try to keep him, nor did she ask when they would meet again.

The two sat atop Guji Mountain for a night. At dawn, Gu Ya and Gu Ye appeared before them, and Si Mo left with them. Before leaving, he took Mu Qingge to the outskirts of Golden Sea Prefecture.

Watching Si Mo leave, Mu Qingge felt a trace of reluctance in her heart.

She silently put the purple earring back on her left ear, transforming back into the handsome, arrogant, and breathtakingly beautiful nobleman.

Suddenly, the Palace Bell tied to her waist chimed crisply.

Mu Qingge lowered her gaze, her eyes falling on the Palace Bell, and a faint yet sweet smile appeared on her lips.

...

For the next half month, Mu Qingge led a very routine life in the Golden Sea Prefecture.

During the day, she went to the Divine Hall to learn about the history of the Middle Ancient Realm, the customs of the Southern Continent, and the famous figures on this land. It must be said that the information in the Divine Hall was extremely comprehensive, allowing her to gain a whole new understanding of the Middle Ancient Realm in a very short time, also unveiling some previously mysterious veils.

At night, she returned to her residential courtyard to meditate, cultivate, and practice alchemy.

And whenever she practiced alchemy, there would always be a peculiar rabbit sitting beside her, eagerly waiting for the elixirs to be completed.

However, whenever this rabbit appeared, Bai Xi, who usually loved to cling to Mu Qingge the most, would stay far away, not daring to approach. This puzzled You He and Hua Yue.

During her stay in the Golden Sea Prefecture, Mu Qingge never encountered Jing Fengyu again.

She quietly inquired at the Divine Hall and learned that these guests from the Central Continent seemed to have suffered a heavy blow, with only two returning alive, leaving overnight through the Teleportation Array back to the Central Continent. Among them, one looked barely alive, with a faint aura.

Mu Qingge didn’t know if Jing Fengyu was among the survivors, but she had a feeling in her heart that Jing Fengyu was not dead!

That night, Mu Qingge, for the first time, did not cultivate, but suddenly appeared outside Jing Hai’s room, standing quietly.

Inside, the light was dim, very quiet.

Only a cultivator could feel the abundant spiritual power inside, as if someone was attempting a breakthrough.

Jing Hai had been following Mu Qingge for almost a year, starting cultivation from the Initial Rank of the Purple Realm and was finally about to break through into the Gray Realm. Cultivating to this point in a year, his talent was undoubtedly not bad.

Even with the effects of some Bone Marrow Cleansing Elixirs from Mu Qingge, it could not be separated from his own talent.

With such a talent, was Jing Hai really just a boy from a fishing village?

Mu Qingge thought to herself.

Upon first meeting, Jing Hai seemed very ordinary, but as cultivation unfolded, his talent seemed to truly emerge. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

’Jing Hai, Jing Fengyu, Jing Family...’ For some reason, Mu Qingge always had a feeling that Jing Hai had some connection to the Jing Family of the Central Continent.

However, from Jing Fengyu’s inquiries, the Jing Family does not have clan members stranded in the Southern Continent.

No matter what, whether Jing Hai is related to the Jing Family or not, he is her disciple, her first student!

Actually, in a strict sense, her earliest batch of students should have been the Dragon Tooth Guards—you He and Hua Yue. However, the first person truly accepted as a disciple in the name of mentor and student is indeed Jing Hai.

There is no doubt about this.

Bang—!

The sudden thud from the room interrupted Mu Qingge’s thoughts.

Her gaze turned toward the room, and the aura inside gradually calmed down.

Soon, a young man’s excited voice came from inside, "I’ve broken through! I’ve broken through! I did it!"

Immediately, the door swung open, and Jing Hai dashed out from inside.

As soon as he rushed out, he saw Mu Qingge standing right outside the door.

Jing Hai froze for a moment and shouted dazedly, "Instructor!"

Mu Qingge nodded slightly.

Upon seeing Mu Qingge, the joy in Jing Hai’s heart reached an irresistible overflow. He said excitedly to Mu Qingge, "Instructor, I’ve broken through; I’ve entered the Gray Realm."

"Gray Realm First Layer, very good," Mu Qingge sized him up and replied calmly.

Jing Hai pursed his lips tightly, standing uncertainly in front of Mu Qingge.

At this moment, he didn’t know what to say, nor how to express his gratitude towards the person in front of him.

"Now that you’ve reached the Gray Realm, you and You He will leave tomorrow to report to the Dragon Tooth Guards," Mu Qingge said and turned to leave.

Jing Hai’s body stiffened, watching Mu Qingge’s straight-backed silhouette depart, shouting, "Instructor!"

Mu Qingge halted her steps and turned back.

Jing Hai suddenly bent his knees and knelt in front of Mu Qingge.

’Bang, bang, bang,’ he knocked his head three times hard. Raising his reddened forehead, he tearfully said to Mu Qingge, "Instructor, Jing Hai will never forget your teachings. I will train hard in the Dragon Tooth Guards and never slack off."

Mu Qingge had said long ago that once he broke through to the Gray Realm, he would leave her to train with the Dragon Tooth Guards.

He had anticipated this day, and had also resisted it.

He yearned for the blood-stained battles of the Dragon Tooth Guards, the kind of growth that comes through combat, yet he was also reluctant to leave Mu Qingge and be apart from her.

Mu Qingge nodded, her tone still calm, "I’ll have You He deliver your upcoming training plan to Mo Yang, who will supervise and assess you."

With that, Mu Qingge turned and left.

This time, Jing Hai didn’t call out to her again, but just watched her departure in silence.

The next day, early in the morning, You He took Jing Hai away from the small courtyard. They were to set out on their own to another city to meet up with Mo Yang, while Mu Qingge and the others stayed behind.

"The Golden Sea Prefecture has teleportation arrays, which connect to the prefectures of other continents and border cities. Starting from here, directly using the teleportation array to reach the prefecture in the West Continent would be more convenient and time-saving," Hua Yue suggested to Mu Qingge.

Today, Mu Qingge did not visit the Divine Hall; she had already seen and understood a lot of what she needed to know.

The goal today was to determine the next course of action.

Before she could speak, Hua Yue had already offered her perspective.

Hua Yue was someone from the Mu Mansion and knew the purpose for Mu Qingge’s visit to the West Continent. Various matters had already delayed them too long; they’d been in the Middle Ancient Realm for a year yet hadn’t reached the West Continent, which was far too slow.

Therefore, Hua Yue believed using teleportation arrays to reach the West Continent’s prefecture first, then discovering the situation there, and concurrently investigating the Sang Family, would be the quickest route once all intelligence was clear.

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly, finding Hua Yue’s plan aligning with her own.

The experiences in the Southern Continent meant there was no need to waste time searching city after city. Her goal in the West Continent was to find the Sang Family, so she could directly go to the West Continent’s prefecture to gather intelligence on them.

"Inform Mo Yang and the others, it’s time to enter the West Continent," Mu Qingge instructed Hua Yue.

Hua Yue bowed, noted Mu Qingge’s words, withdrew, and sent directives to Mo Yang.

Now, with the Communication Talisman, exchanging messages has become much more convenient between them. Many agreed-upon commands can be relayed by just a few taps, enabling everyone to understand what needs to be done.

The use of the Communication Talisman also increased the harmony in the Dragon Tooth Guards’ operations, which helped them quickly establish a foothold and become an Earth Level Floating Guest Team of rising fame.

With almost no time left in the half-year deadline set by Mu Qingge, Mo Yang and the others are making their final push towards the Heavenly Level Floating Guest rank.

"Little Lord, so we..." Hua Yue inquired.

Mu Qingge raised her gaze towards her and said, "Go and purchase a few slots for using the teleportation array. Depart tomorrow for the West Continent Prefecture."

"Young Master, I’m afraid we cannot go to the West Continent Prefecture for the time being." Suddenly, Xie Ya walked in from outside and uttered these words.

Mu Qingge slightly frowned, her clear and transparent gaze falling on her.

Xie Ya walked up to her and said in a deep voice, "I received news from the clan. The Dragon General, who went to the Wandering Soul Desert, has returned but brought back some unexpected news."

The Dragon General was supposed to go to the Wandering Soul Desert to bring back a servant carrying the other half of the Divine Strategy Middle Volume map to the Middle Ancient Realm and hand it over to her. This, Mu Qingge was aware of.

Now, the Dragon General has returned, but with bad news?

Mu Qingge’s heart sank, concerned about the other half of the map being in trouble.

"What happened?" Mu Qingge asked.

Hua Yue did not leave but stood by, awaiting Mu Qingge’s final command.

"There’s a bit of a problem." Xie Ya’s brows were also somewhat knitted. She explained to Mu Qingge, "The Dragon General, following my father’s instructions, went to the Wandering Soul Desert and successfully met the relic tribe there, expressing his intentions. However, the relic tribe there was evasive. It wasn’t until later that the Dragon General found out that another group had reached them first, also intending to take the servant."

"Another group? What exactly is going on?" Mu Qingge’s brows furrowed tightly.

She had long guessed that the relic tribe was hiding something from her. But now, it seems things are even more complicated than she imagined. All she wanted was the Divine Strategy Middle Volume; she didn’t want to get involved in any power struggles.

Xie Ya bit her lip, struggling a little before she said, "There are things I shouldn’t reveal at this moment. However, I also know that if I continue to hide them, I’m not fit to stay by the Young Master’s side any longer."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "When the Mu Clan left their homeland, it was only a branch, and others scattered in different places. At the time, the Mu Clan Leader set a rule that the heir of each branch would be a candidate for the Young Master. Ultimately, whoever could obtain the Three Divine Strategies would be the true Young Master, able to lead all the Mu Clan, return to the homeland, avenge the enemies, and restore honor. As far as I know, there is a branch of the Mu Clan in the Middle Ancient Realm. The Dragon General mentioned in his message that those encountered in the Wandering Soul Desert should be them."

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed.

Things are indeed not simple!

She never expected that the Divine Strategy would also involve a power struggle.

This made Mu Qingge frown tightly, seemingly somewhat displeased.

She wanted the Divine Strategy, but she didn’t want to be embroiled in this inexplicable struggle. However, once she obtained the Divine Strategy, it seemed inevitable to be involved in this struggle.

Give up on the Divine Strategy?

No!

Mu Qingge immediately denied it. Although she still hadn’t figured out the cultivation of the Divine Strategy, the fact that she obtained the Upper Scroll meant that this item belonged to her, and she would never give it up!

"So, you people are the clues left by the former Mu Clan Leader. Among the candidates, whoever gets the clues and then finds the Three Divine Strategies is the winner," Mu Qingge summarized Xie Ya’s explanation in one sentence.

Xie Ya nodded, "But, since we have chosen the Young Master, we will consider the Young Master’s interests and fight for the Young Master, until..."

"Until the one who finally wins is determined, then you will pledge allegiance to whom you should, right?" Mu Qingge interrupted Xie Ya straightforwardly.

Xie Ya fell silent, speaking no more.

Mu Qingge coldly chuckled in her heart. ’So this is just a test, whoever laughs last is the winner.’

"What other news came from Duole Island?" Mu Qingge asked.

Xie Ya lifted her bright eyes to look at Mu Qingge, conveying the information from Duole Island: "Because both sides arrived at the Wandering Soul Desert in close succession, and the chosen Young Masters of both sides were not present, after a tripartite discussion, they decided that the Dragon General and those folks would bring the servant from the Wandering Soul Desert to the Middle Ancient Realm. An agreement was made to meet in Anmo City of the West Continent, from where the servant would choose whom to follow. If we don’t go, it would mean we automatically forfeit the opportunity."

Mu Qingge listened with a constant cold smile.

She could understand the intention of the former Mu Clan Leader, to train future generations. But, perhaps he never imagined it would evolve into the current situation, right?

Let’s have the servant decide the master? Does this mean she has to please that servant from the Wandering Soul Desert?

What interested her was only the other half of the map on that servant’s back, and of course, meeting the other chosen heir.

Is there really a branch of the Mu Family in the Middle Ancient Realm?

But evidently, the Mu Family in the Middle Ancient Realm did not have the same illustrious reputation as in the Linchuan Realm.

She has encountered so many people, and none had any impression of a Mu Family’s existence in the Middle Ancient Realm. And whether that Mu Family genuinely had blood ties with her own Mu Family, or merely shared the same surname?

These questions piqued Mu Qingge’s curiosity.

She looked up at Hua Yue, who immediately pulled out a map of the West Continent and spread it out in front of Mu Qingge.

"Anmo City, on the border between the West and the Southern Continents," Mu Qingge said coolly, looking at the markings on the map.

Hua Yue looked at the map and said, "Little Lord, we can reach the Southern Continent border Fenghui City from Golden Sea Prefecture via teleportation array, and then use another teleportation array from Fenghui City to reach Anmo City. There’s no direct teleportation array from Golden Sea Prefecture to Anmo City."

Mu Qingge looked at Xie Ya and asked calmly, "Time."

"Within three days," Xie Ya answered.