Anmo City, a small border city in the West Continent of the Middle Ancient Realm.

The city may be small, but it is extremely important.

This is because it hosts a teleportation array, serving as a crucial transportation hub, making the city bustling and prosperous.

In Anmo City, only two families possess equal competitiveness, namely the Yan Family and the Su Family. The Yan Family has a son, and the Su Family has a daughter. Remarkably, the two families established an arranged marriage agreement, jointly managing Anmo City and sharing the benefits.

These past few days, Anmo City has been decorated with lanterns and banners, brimming with excitement. Both the Yan and Su families have opened their granaries for charity, all in anticipation of the engagement of their Young Master and Miss in five days, sealing their marriage alliance.

Once the deal is sealed, the Yan and Su families will publicly join forces, turning Anmo City into an impregnable fortress where other powers can hardly intervene.

In a certain inn, a young gentleman with as delicate features as a painting pushed open the window, a slightly exaggerated smile playing on his lips as he watched the lively streets. He said to the middle-aged man beside him, "Clan Uncle, it’s amusing how so many people praise relationships based on connections through marriage." Though his words were full of disdain, a deep jealousy was hidden in the alluring depths of his eyes.

"Luofeng, in this world, there are many who form marriages for the sake of benefits." Standing behind him, the middle-aged man was steady and restrained, his expression indifferent.

The way he looked at Mu Luofeng held both expectation and a faint disappointment.

Mu Luofeng pursed his lips and turned to face Mu Chen, "Clan Uncle, our Mu Family was very powerful in the past, wasn’t it?"

"Yes," Mu Chen replied.

Mu Luofeng’s eyes flashed with a hint of pride as he turned his gaze back out the window, silently pondering: ’I wonder if the Su family’s Miss is beautiful. If she’s as stunning as a fairy, marrying her would be worth it. But if she’s an ugly monster, bringing her into the family would just sicken me.’

Ending his fantasy, Mu Luofeng shifted his gaze back to Mu Chen, showing displeasure, "Clan Uncle, those people in the Wandering Soul Desert were once just servants of our Mu Family, and yet now they dare to put on airs, letting a servant choose a master. How does that make sense? And isn’t it true that I’m the Young Master of the Mu Family? When did another Young Master pop up from that remote place in the Linchuan Realm?"

Mu Chen finally lifted his eyes to look at the handsome young man standing before him.

Beneath a bright exterior, he was too frivolous to hide his arrogance. He remembered when they first found him; he was just a child from a declining family.

Timid, cowardly, and slick—these were Mu Chen’s initial impressions of Mu Luofeng.

However, once he learned of his hidden identity, he changed completely, becoming arrogant and increasingly unpleasant...

Mu Chen once questioned himself whether this choice was right.

Is this young man really the hope of the Mu Clan?

"Luofeng, you must understand that you are not the only heir of the Mu Clan. Everything has been arranged by the Mu Clan’s ancestors. This is a brutal test, and if you fail, you can be eliminated at any time. You may dismiss competitors from the Linchuan Realm, but don’t forget there is still a Mu Family in the Middle Ancient Realm, where another candidate exists." Mu Chen said solemnly.

"I know, Mu Feng, right? You’ve all mentioned him to me several times," Mu Luofeng grumbled impatiently, digging in his ear, "Is he really that formidable?"

These words drifted into Mu Chen’s ears.

His eyes darkened as an image of a determined young man came to mind. "Perhaps his talent doesn’t surpass yours, but such determination, I’ve never seen before."

Ah, talent!

Everything boiled down to talent.

The Mu Family in the Middle Ancient Realm stayed low-key, biding their time. Although Mu Feng is the current Young Master, his talent is only marginally above average. To become the head of the Mu Clan and lead it back to its homeland, such talent is far from sufficient.

This is why he led a group, left the Mu Family, and found a branch that split from the Mu Family centuries ago, and discovered Mu Luofeng.

Before being found, Mu Luofeng was merely a child from an ordinary family. Even their ancestors had forgotten about the family and were oblivious to what the name Mu represented.

His parents had long forgotten the Mu Family’s mission and did not practice cultivation. However, to their delight, although he had never cultivated, Mu Luofeng’s talent was far superior to Mu Feng’s.

Starting late but with high talent,

as long as Mu Luofeng diligently trained and with their support, surpassing Mu Feng wouldn’t be difficult.

Moreover, they obtained a clue leading to the lineage in the Wandering Soul Desert. If they could obtain the Divine Strategy Middle Volume, Mu Luofeng’s cultivation could advance by leaps and bounds.

When Mu Luofeng surpasses Mu Feng, it will prove their initial decision was correct!

This is the obsession in everyone’s heart.

Yet Mu Luofeng...

"Clan Uncle, what level of cultivation is Mu Feng at nowadays? And what about the competitor from Linchuan, is he stronger than me? And most importantly, is that servant from the Wandering Soul Desert beautiful?" As Mu Luofeng spoke, his eyes brightened.

Wealth, fine wine, and beautiful women were the life he yearned for.

To be revered and feared was his aspiration.

However, after being found by Mu Chen and his party, he was no longer hungry or poor but was strictly supervised, constantly cultivating.

"Not to mention women, I’ve never even touched a woman’s hand,"

he thought to himself. "If they’re gifting me a woman this time, and she’s ugly, wouldn’t that be a major disappointment?"

Mu Luofeng looked expectantly at Mu Chen, awaiting his answer.

Mu Chen’s eyes darkened as he shook his head and said, "Her beauty is unimportant. She is merely a servant with the clue to the Divine Strategy Middle Volume."

His use of ’Young Master’ instead of ’you’ was a subtle reminder for Mu Luofeng to stay vigilant. However, it was apparent Mu Luofeng didn’t notice.

Mu Chen’s answer left him disappointed. Unable to resist his curiosity, he asked, "Clan Uncle, why don’t we go and take a look? Hasn’t she already arrived in Anmo City?"

"No," Mu Chen refused without hesitation, "We’ve already agreed with the other side; we must wait for the selected Young Master to arrive before meeting together."

Mu Luofeng frowned, displeased, "Why must we wait for some Linchuan country bumpkin? Who knows if he’ll even make it here alive?"

"The fact that he made it from the Linchuan Realm to the Middle Ancient Realm already proves his extraordinariness," Mu Chen deliberately provoked Mu Luofeng, hoping to instill a sense of urgency so he would become more active and earnest in cultivation.

In truth, in his heart, Mu Chen looked down on Mu Qingge. If he bore the Mu family bloodline and couldn’t even make it out of Linchuan, he wasn’t worth a second glance from him.

Even though Mu Qingge had now entered the Middle Ancient Realm, it still didn’t capture Mu Chen’s attention.

Everyone knew that in the Linchuan Realm, the starting point was the Red Realm, and the pinnacle was the Purple Realm. And in the Middle Ancient Realm? The Purple Realm was merely the beginning; everyone was born with Purple Realm Cultivation.

This disparity was determined innately and couldn’t be changed.

The news from over there stated that the Mu Family heir from Linchuan had barely entered the Middle Ancient Realm for a year... even if his talent was astounding, at most he’d be at the Gray Realm Third or Fourth Layer of strength.

And Mu Luofeng?

Mu Chen’s gaze fell on Mu Luofeng, showing a trace of relief. Mu Luofeng had been cultivating for only five years and had already reached the Gray Realm Fifth Layer. Such talent was praiseworthy.

It was only the Mu Clan’s discretion that kept his name off the Cub Phoenix List.

Consider that Mu Feng began his cultivation at the age of four, and when they left, he had only reached Gray Realm Third Layer. Five years passed, and he might not even compare to Mu Luofeng now.

"Clan Uncle, you mustn’t bolster his morale and crush our own spirit!" Mu Luofeng couldn’t hear the provocation in Mu Chen’s words, only dissatisfied with his praise for Mu Qingge.

Mu Chen glanced at him and fell silent.

"Clan Uncle, why don’t we just take a peek, even if just a glance?" Mu Luofeng curiously suggested.

Mu Chen slowly shook his head.

"Cough cough, well then." Mu Luofeng suddenly relented. He feigned a couple of coughs and moved towards the door, "Clan Uncle, it’s so lively outside, I’ll take a look and be back soon."

With that, the door opened and Mu Luofeng rushed out.

"Young Master, wait for me," a servant’s voice promptly followed.

Mu Chen lowered his eyes, shook his head, and solemnly called out, "Follow him, ensure the Young Master’s safety."

"Yes, Elder," a voice responded.

Once the room quieted again, Mu Chen couldn’t help but sigh.

...

On the streets of Anmo City, the crowd was bustling.

"Young Master, where are we going?" Mu Luofeng’s servant squeezed beside him, bowing and looking up to his master strutting down the street with his chin lifted and an air of arrogance.

"I naturally want to see what my young master’s servant looks like. If she’s too ugly, I’d rather not have her and give her to the bumpkin from Linchuan. An ugly girl paired with a bumpkin is a perfect match!" Mu Luofeng said arrogantly.

Last night, he had already eavesdropped that the servant from the Wandering Soul Desert had now been placed in another inn, guarded by people from both sides.

"Young Master, can’t you see her tomorrow? Why are you in such a hurry to go there? You are the master, after all," the child servant scratched his head, asking in confusion.

Tomorrow was the agreed deadline, but Mu Luofeng couldn’t wait.

Perhaps the arranged marriage between the Yan Family and the Su Family made his heart itch. He thought of himself being twenty-one years old and never having touched a woman’s hand, which was really shameful!

"I told you to go, so go, why so much nonsense?" Mu Luofeng said impatiently.

He looked at the child servant with an aloof gaze.

He had long forgotten that before Mu Chen and the others found him, his situation was not much better than the servant beside him.

Mu Luofeng always remembered that when Mu Chen and the others found him, his world began to turn upside down. He believed himself to be a destined strongman, a True Dragon.

Hiding in the depths, making a stunning entrance!

All those who opposed him would meet a miserable end!

"Make way, make way——!"

"Everyone make way, the Su Family’s carriage is coming, bystanders make way!"

Suddenly, a domineering shout was heard on the crowded street. People in front hurriedly moved aside to both sides of the street.

Mu Luofeng was initially unwilling to move aside, but upon hearing the words ’Su Family’, he had a change of heart and retreated to the side of the street with the crowd.

At this moment, a Spiritual Beast Car slowly approached. Under the eaves of the carriage hung a string of wind chimes, swaying a clear, melodious sound as it moved, enchanting the soul.

Many people craned their necks to look, and whispers spread around.

"Look quickly, that’s the Su Family Miss’s carriage."

"I heard Miss Su is the number one beauty in Anmo City, I really want to see how beautiful she is."

"Heh, beautiful or not, it has nothing to do with you. She’s already the Yan Family’s bride."

"Tch, the marriage isn’t settled yet, right? If she’s truly a great beauty, even risking being killed, I’d snatch her away!" someone said half-jokingly.

But then, someone immediately rushed into the crowd, dragging out the loudmouth, and threw him in front of the Spiritual Beast Car.

The Spiritual Beast Car stopped, and a guard of the Su Family drew a weapon, placing it at the person’s throat.

Mu Luofeng stood on the street beside the carriage, and through the pink sheer curtain, he vaguely saw a beautiful silhouette.

A breeze blew, lifting a corner of the sheer, revealing the true appearance of the person sitting inside, only to conceal the peerless beauty again in an instant.

But just that one glance made Mu Luofeng feel his heart ’thud’, as if it had been brutally struck. He gazed vacantly at the pink sheer curtain.

"Miss, this person insulted you," the Su Family guard said.

"Kill him." From inside the carriage, a soft female voice floated out.

The simple two words were like ice water pouring down, awakening the surrounding crowd.

The Su Family guard’s hand rose, the blade fell, not giving the man on the ground a chance to explain, beheading him and spraying blood on the street.

"Ah——!"

In the crowd, there were elderly and children, this bloody scene elicited cries of alarm from many.

"Too cruel." Mu Luofeng’s child servant said softly, turning away, not daring to look at the dead on the ground.

However, Mu Luofeng didn’t pay attention to this scene at all, only muttering, "What a lovely voice."

The Su Family’s Spiritual Beast Car gradually disappeared from the crowd’s sight.

Recovering his senses, Mu Luofeng felt somewhat bored, a light sense of longing, as if his soul had left with the Su Family’s Spiritual Beast Car. His previous curiosity about the servant’s appearance also waned, losing interest.

"Young Master, Young Master?" After a long while, the child servant’s voice became clear to his ears.

Mu Luofeng turned to look at him.

The child servant was startled by his gaze, timidly asking, "Are we still going to see the servant?"

Mu Luofeng shook his head, sighing, "Having seen Miss Su today, I truly envy the young man of the Yan Family." Suddenly, he blurted, "What do you think, if your Young Master proposed to the Su Family, what would happen?"

The child servant was startled, quickly waving his hands, "Young Master, you can’t do that! The Su Family is a big family in Anmo City, and the Yan Family is the same."

Mu Luofeng’s face darkened, "Are you saying I’m unworthy of being the Su Family’s son-in-law?"

"No, no, no, that’s not what I meant." The child servant stiffened, immediately saying, "What I meant is, how could the Su Family’s Miss be worthy of you, Young Master?"

This sentence brought a sunny change to Mu Luofeng’s face, his brows raised in delight. He said proudly, "Then tell me, what kind of woman is worthy of me?"

The child servant felt troubled, quickly thinking. Suddenly recalling a rumor he had heard, he said flatteringly, "I heard someone mention that the most beautiful woman in the West Continent is Sang Xuewu of the Sang Family in Fusha City. Not only is Miss Xuewu extraordinarily beautiful, a peerless beauty, she is also on the Cub Phoenix List of the West Continent. At the very least, such a person is worthy of you, Young Master."

"Sang Xuewu?" Mu Luofeng’s eyes flickered.

What he cared more about was the phrase ’the most beautiful woman in the West Continent.’ If this Sang Xuewu was truly so beautiful, then the Su Family’s Miss would appear too petty.

Mu Luofeng regretfully shook his head, saying to the child servant, "You’re right, this Su Family’s Miss isn’t worthy of me. If there’s a chance, we’ll go to Fusha City to visit this West Continent’s number one beauty you mentioned."

Seeing Mu Luofeng finally give up the idea of ’kidnapping for marriage,’ the child servant secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said to Mu Luofeng, "Young Master, since we’re not going to see the servant, shall we return?"

"What’s the rush? It’s rare not to cultivate, I want to have a good stroll," Mu Luofeng said spiritedly.

Suddenly, he turned his eyes and gestured to the child servant.

Not understanding, the child servant leaned his ear over.

Mu Luofeng whispered, "Is there a place in Anmo City where you can listen to music and watch dances?"

The child servant looked at him in confusion, seeing the hidden flame and ambiguous look in his eyes, he immediately understood. Still, he said nervously, "But the elder told you not to go to those places."

Mu Luofeng said impatiently, "I’m the Young Master, now I’m ordering you to take me there!"

The child servant shrank his neck, tremblingly agreeing. He led Mu Luofeng into another street.

...

Nightfall came, and Mu Luofeng hadn’t returned.

Mu Chen looked at the night outside the window, and the gradually quieting Anmo City, frowning involuntarily.

Suddenly, the tightly closed door was pushed open, and the child servant helped a tipsy Mu Luofeng walk in.

Seeing Mu Chen inside, the child servant was so scared he almost dropped Mu Luofeng.

Mu Chen stood up, walked to Mu Luofeng, the strong smell of alcohol and powder made him uncomfortable. He silently looked at the two, then coldly said, "Take care of the Young Master, afterward receive twenty strokes."

"Yes... yes..." the child servant stammered.

Mu Chen walked out of Mu Luofeng’s room, on the corridor outside, his people who were sent to secretly protect Mu Luofeng were standing at the door.

Mu Chen glanced at him, signaling him to leave together.

"The Young Master originally intended to see the servant, but finally encountered the Su Family Miss’s carriage, changing his mind, and ultimately went to Hua Street." The person who secretly followed reported Mu Luofeng’s actions.

Mu Chen listened with a frown, finally sighing helplessly.

He walked further away before saying, "The Young Master has grown up, it’s time to have a woman by his side to take care of him."

"The servant from the Wandering Soul Desert is the best choice," that person said.

Mu Chen nodded in agreement but said anxiously, "It’s just that I don’t know if the servant will choose the Young Master."

"If we don’t choose the Young Master, could she possibly be interested in someone from Linchuan?" For those from the Middle Ancient Realm, there’s always a deep-rooted sense of superiority.

Mu Chen glanced at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

He simply said indifferently, "Everything depends on tomorrow."

...

In Anmo City, within a private courtyard leased at the Si Ke Lai Inn, outside a tightly closed room door, stood a young man with bronze skin and resolute, handsome features.

He stood outside the door, seemingly preventing anyone from barging in.

And in the courtyard in front of him, from dawn, two people stood in opposition, wary of each other.

One of them was the Dragon General whom Mu Qingge had met before.

The other, named Mu Peng, was appointed by Mu Chen to go to the Wandering Soul Desert.

The person inside the closed room was naturally the woman who came from the Wandering Soul Desert, another servant.

With half an hour left until the appointed time, Mu Chen brought the now sober Mu Luofeng to the Si Ke Lai, entering the courtyard.

The hangover left Mu Luofeng feeling a bit dizzy, his complexion very poor.

Besides the two of them, the Hidden Guard who valued Mu Luofeng more yesterday also came along. As for Mu Luofeng’s servant boy, he stayed at their original inn after being punished, with the remaining three Hidden Guards.

Upon their arrival, Mu Peng immediately saluted Mu Luofeng, "Young Master." Then, slightly adjusting his position, he addressed Mu Chen, "Great Elder."

The Dragon General also fixed his eyes on Mu Luofeng, scrutinizing him carefully.

’Is this the heir chosen by the Mu Family in the Middle Ancient Realm?’ Seeing the still-hungover Mu Luofeng, a layer of disdain rose in the eyes of the Dragon General.

Recalling the first time he saw Mu Qingge, she was far more imposing than this Mu Luofeng.

"Is this the Dragon General from the Bitter Sea’s tribe?" Mu Chen approached the Dragon General, greeting him proactively.

Still harboring contempt for Mu Chen and his group’s choice, the sudden appearance of Mu Chen made the Dragon General quickly restrain his inner emotions.

He turned his gaze towards Mu Chen.

Mu Chen said, "I am Mu Chen, an Elder of the Mu Family in the Middle Ancient Realm."

The Dragon General nodded and returned the salute, "You can just call me Dragon General."

His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant. In his view, or perhaps in the eyes of Mu Chen and Mu Peng, there was no problem. However, Mu Luofeng discontentedly looked up, arrogantly addressing him, "Hey, why aren’t you saluting me? You’re just a servant of the Mu Family, how dare you ignore me."

"Luofeng!" Mu Chen turned and sternly stopped him.

The Dragon General’s eyes turned cold as he mocked, "Seems this one doesn’t quite understand the rules. Our Bitter Sea tribe recognizes Mu Qingge from the Mu Family as the Young Master, anyone else means nothing to us. If you want our tribe to submit, wait until this one defeats the other candidates first."

"What did you say!" Mu Luofeng’s gaze turned sinister, glaring fiercely at the Dragon General.

Unfortunately, the Dragon General merely scoffed, completely disregarding him.

"Luofeng, shut up." Mu Chen reprimanded.

His tone was like a senior reprimanding a junior. Mu Luofeng bit his teeth, swallowing his discontent, but still fiercely glared at the Dragon General.

"Dragon General, Luofeng is still young, please don’t take it to heart," Mu Chen apologized.

The Dragon General taunted with a smile, "I truly can’t agree with your family’s choice."

Mu Chen gave an awkward smile, and Mu Peng’s expression didn’t look any better.

Having spent their days by Mu Luofeng’s side, they naturally saw his flaws clearly. If there were a better choice, why would they choose Mu Luofeng?

Simply put, the only aspect they valued in Mu Luofeng was his talent!

In other words, if the Mu Feng they left behind at the Mu Family had Mu Luofeng’s talent, they wouldn’t have left, and wouldn’t even know there was someone like Mu Luofeng in the world.

Perhaps, even if they knew, they would let him fend for himself.

This little conflict was clearly seen by the young man outside the door. However, he showed no reaction, like a statue, just his hawk-like eyes silently recording everything.

’Could this ostentatious person before me be the master of my sister? Is this the choice of the entire Wandering Soul Desert tribe?’ he thought secretly in his heart.

And behind him, inside the closed room, a pair of calm eyes also gazed out through the semi-transparent paper of the door, observing everything outside.

Frustrated by the humiliation from the Dragon General, Mu Luofeng’s mood seemed even worse.

He walked to the steps in front of the door, frowning, "Who are you, blocking here? I’m already here, does a mere servant still dare to put on airs?"

The young man at the door coldly turned his eyes toward him, "One person is still missing."

The implication being that the door behind him would only open once Mu Qingge arrived.

Mu Peng walked over, pulling Mu Luofeng back. Unable to resist asking quietly, "Young Master, what’s the matter with you today? Be patient."

Not yet seen, he’d already offended the two tribes of the Bitter Sea and Wandering Soul Desert.

For any candidate, these two forces were extremely formidable.

Mu Luofeng, continuously reprimanded and suffering a splitting headache, felt extremely displeased. He forcefully pulled his sleeve back and sat at a stone table nearby, shouting to the Hidden Guard, "Why haven’t you poured tea for this Young Master yet!"

The Hidden Guard glanced at him, and silently turned around. Shortly after, he carried a pot of hot tea to Mu Luofeng’s table.

Mu Luofeng picked up the hot tea, took a sip, and finally felt a bit more comfortable inside.

Nevertheless, he still complained, "What time is it already, why hasn’t that bumpkin from Linchuan arrived yet? Are they planning to forfeit?"

This time, Mu Chen and Mu Peng didn’t stop him, but both looked at the Dragon General.

In their hearts, they too hoped that Mu Qingge wouldn’t come on time and would withdraw automatically, allowing Mu Luofeng to win effortlessly. Otherwise, with his current state, it’s hard to say who would win.

The Dragon General, unhurried, replied, "There’s still a quarter of an hour until the appointed time, what’s the rush? Our Young Master is always punctual."

A quarter of an hour, a quarter of an hour is not long, will the candidate from Linchuan be able to arrive on time?

Mu Chen and Mu Peng exchanged a look secretly, hoping Mu Qingge wouldn’t show up, yet at the same time wishing she would, to see just what kind of a talent Linchuan’s candidate was that could garner such admiration from the Bitter Sea tribe.

They didn’t miss the contempt in the Dragon General’s eyes when he looked at Mu Luofeng, nor the pride when he mentioned Mu Qingge.

If there wasn’t deep satisfaction with that candidate, such expressions wouldn’t exist.

The group waited silently for a while, as time slowly passed.

When the time arrived, the youth standing outside the door lifted his head to look at the sun in the sky and said calmly, "The time has arrived."

At these words, the impatient Mu Luofeng jumped up from the stone bench and rushed to the door. He looked around and immediately laughed, "Seems that bumpkin from Linchuan has given up voluntarily, quickly open the door!"

The Dragon General frowned, tightly pressed his lips, and looked toward the entrance of the courtyard.

A trace of disgust passed in the eyes of the young man, but he had no choice.

Just as he was about to open the door behind him, a clear, unrestrained voice came through. "Sorry I’m late."

Everyone turned their heads on hearing this, and a flash of blood-like crimson red burst into view. In sauntered Mu Qingge, with an aura that commanded the attention of all in the courtyard, including the pair of calm eyes watching from behind the half-transparent paper of the door gate.

Mu Chen and Mu Peng, even their Hidden Guard, upon seeing Mu Qingge, couldn’t help but be amazed.

Mu Qingge, with an outward appearance already striking enough, shone out even more brightly in that situation, reducing Mu Luofeng to but a pale imitation.

"Young Master." The Dragon General stepped forward, bowing with respect.

Mu Qingge stood poised and confident, her eyes shimmering with a reckless smile, looking over everyone in the courtyard without a hint of fear.

"""

Her gaze did not linger on Mu Chen and Mu Peng, nor did she spare a second glance at Mu Luofeng; instead, it stopped for a moment on the young man outside the door.

"Those eyes are not bad," she remarked calmly.

No one could comprehend this comment, but the young man blocking the door narrowed his eyes slightly. It felt as though she had seen through his eyes.

Indeed, his eyes were exceptional; he could see very far. As long as there was no obstruction, he could see everything within a hundred miles clearly.

Having spoken, Mu Qingge gave a faint smile, turned her gaze to the Dragon General, and nodded, saying: "You’ve worked hard on this journey."

The tone was entirely that of a superior speaking to a subordinate.

Mu Chen and Mu Peng were shocked in their hearts.

Is this really someone from Linchuan? Why is she, despite being about the same age as Mu Luofeng, so steady and magnanimous, neither self-deprecating nor timid, without the slightest bit of inferiority often associated with people from Linchuan Realm?

She harbored no intention to please the relict tribes; the statuses of master and servant were very clear.

"Serving the Young Master is my honor!" replied the Dragon General respectfully, feeling extremely proud inwardly. He thought to himself, ’Look, this is the difference! How could the one you’ve chosen compare to ours?’

"Uncle Dragon General," Xie Ya approached, addressing the Dragon General affectionately.

The Dragon General looked up at her, smiling in a parental fashion, "Xie Ya, have you served the Young Master well on this journey? Don’t cause any trouble for the Young Master."

Xie Ya nodded, glanced at Mu Qingge, and replied, "The Young Master treats me very well, and I’ve learned a lot by following the Young Master." She had already reached the Gray Realm Fifth Layer and was just a step away from the Sixth Layer, soon to break into the Silver Realm.

Such speed was already considered fast among her peers in the Middle Ancient Realm.

Skeptically, it seemed that those gathered around Mu Qingge were not ordinary people; their cultivation speed was extraordinarily fast.

Once Xie Ya spoke, she immediately drew attention to herself.

Her elegance was unmatched, like a Moonlight Fairy, causing Mu Luofeng to direct his attention away from Mu Qingge.

Through her dialogue with the Dragon General, Mu Chen and Mu Peng speculated about her identity; she was the servant from Bitter Sea who had been following Mu Qingge for more than a year.

"It seems everyone is here," Mu Qingge said blandly.

These words were directed at the Dragon General.

She was a bit surprised; previously on Duole Island, the Dragon General hadn’t been so respectful. How come, after not seeing each other for so long, he’s become so enthusiastic?

In fact, what Mu Qingge didn’t know was that before she arrived, the Dragon General had enough of Mu Luofeng’s haughty style, eagerly wishing for Mu Qingge to appear to cleanse his eyes and maybe deal a severe blow to Mu Chen and the others.

So, when she appeared, he was exceptionally respectful.

"Reporting to the Young Master, everyone is gathered," the Dragon General replied.

Mu Qingge nodded, walked a few steps forward, standing in the open area of the courtyard.

She found it quite amusing; traveling so far just to let a woman choose her master. Mu Qingge sighed inwardly; if it weren’t for that half-page map, she wouldn’t have come at all.

Mu Luofeng’s gaze was fixed on Xie Ya, occasionally drifting to Hua Yue, his eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred towards Mu Qingge’s "romantic fortune."

At the same time, he spitefully thought, ’Both are Young Masters of the Mu Family, yet why is there such a huge difference? He cannot approach women, while this fellow before me can enjoy the company of beauties on both arms and live in such opulence?’

Feeling uncomfortable under his blatant gaze, both Xie Ya and Hua Yue stood behind Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes lifted, and she snorted coldly.

An invisible force aimed toward Mu Luofeng.

Mu Luofeng didn’t notice, but Mu Chen and the others did.

In shock, Mu Chen intervened, blocking the attack before it could reach Mu Luofeng. "Why such a heavy hand, sir?"

Mu Chen blocked Mu Qingge’s attack, and with a flick of his sleeve, kept his hand behind his back. He was secretly astounded. That attack, it had at least the power of the Silver Realm First Layer. Isn’t this person from Linchuan? How did he break through so quickly?!

Though the attack was blocked, Mu Luofeng remained unaware. Only when Mu Chen spoke did he realize he was almost attacked. Angrily, he said, "You hillbilly, you dare attack me!"

With a mocking gaze, Mu Qingge replied in a relaxed yet sharp tone: "If you don’t restrain those eyes of yours, next time I’ll gouge them out and give them to my maid as hairpins."

"Master, I don’t want anything so bloody. If you give them to me, I’ll stomp on them instead," Hua Yue teased coquettishly.

Xie Ya also spoke calmly, "Young Master, I don’t want them either. Dirty."

Their clear disdain made Mu Qingge’s lips curl in delight.

Mu Luofeng’s face darkened, and he spoke in an icy voice, "Oh, two despicable servants dare speak to me like this? Uncle of the clan..."

"My maids, can you call them despicable?" Mu Qingge’s gaze turned sharp, interrupting Mu Luofeng’s words directly as she employed the Star Beginning Step, her figure like an illusion as she instantly bypassed Mu Chen and appeared before Mu Luofeng.

Slap—!

The sound of a sharp slap echoed.

By the time everyone reacted, Mu Qingge had already returned to her original position.

Hua Yue promptly offered a clean handkerchief, and Mu Qingge leisurely wiped her hands amidst the crowd’s astonished gazes, as if she had just come into contact with something filthy.

"You hillbilly, you dare hit me! I’m going to kill you!" Mu Luofeng recovered, his cheek burning with pain, filling him with fury.

Mu Peng quickly stopped him, looking toward Mu Qingge in shock.

The people alongside Mu Luofeng were utterly stunned, while the Dragon General watched with delight. He was acutely aware of Mu Qingge’s cultivation when she was on Duole Island. In just over a year, she had reached such heights, surprising him immensely!

"Sir, aren’t you being excessive as a fellow Mu Clan candidate?" Mu Chen said, standing in front of Mu Luofeng, his face dark as he looked at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge, however, sneered: "As a candidate, all you do is hide behind others, truly impressive to behold."

Her words sent a chill through the hearts of Mu Chen and the others, causing Mu Luofeng to cease his struggles, staring intensely at Mu Qingge with brooding eyes.

"Sir, is there a need to be aggressive?" Mu Peng interjected.

Mu Qingge tilted her head back and laughed wildly.

Finishing her laugh, she looked at them playfully, "I’m defending my maids, and you call it aggression? Your skill in turning things on their head, I cannot match."

After that, she shook her head with a cold smile and said toward the closed room door, "You servants inside, listen. My time is limited; if you can’t make a decision immediately, I’ll be taking my leave."

Seeing the Mu Family candidates from the Middle Ancient Realm had left her deeply disappointed.

Originally, she hoped to explore the relationship between the Mu Family of the Middle Ancient Realm and the Mu Family of Linchuan Realm, but now there seemed to be no need. Regardless of any blood relations, she no longer had an interest in them.

She came for the map, and if she returned empty-handed, so be it. For she held the other half of the map, and if these Mu-named people wished to find the Divine Strategy Middle Volume, they would have to cooperate with her.

Mu Qingge turned, preparing to leave.

She wasn’t bluffing, nor feigning any intention to stay; she genuinely intended to go.

This action caught the Dragon General off-guard, and even Mu Chen’s side, including Mu Luofeng, stood frozen.

Suddenly, the tightly shut door opened, the young man standing beside the door stepped aside.

A regal figure with wheat-colored skin and features exuding a wild charm stepped gracefully from within the room. As she emerged, she knelt on one knee, announcing in a clear voice towards Mu Qingge: "Young Master, please wait!"

As soon as she spoke, the man standing by her side also knelt on one knee toward Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge stopped and turned to look at her.

Mu Chen and the others, however, were shocked as they looked toward the door. Unlike them, Mu Luofeng was entirely captivated by the ambitious, sensuous appearance of the woman.

"Xuan Ya, at your service to the Young Master Qingge! I and my clan vow allegiance to the Young Master unto eternity!" declared the alluring woman to Mu Qingge.

"Xuan Kui greets the Young Master Qingge!" added the young man with bronzed skin, presenting his name.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile.

"Wait, why make a decision now?" Mu Luofeng finally regained clarity.