"Wait, on what basis do you make your choice now?"

Mu Luofeng awoke from amazement and questioned loudly. A hint of greed lay hidden in his eyes. At this moment, he wanted not only to win over Xuan Ya but also to snatch Xie Ya from Mu Qingge.

His gaze swept to Mu Qingge with sharp hatred. ’They are both mine, clearly mine! A bumpkin from Linchuan dare to compete with me?’

The trace of greed in his heart gradually transformed into jealousy and hatred.

Right now, in Mu Luofeng’s heart, Mu Qingge was simply a petty thief who stole everything from him!

Despite Mu Luofeng’s eyes filled with hatred, Mu Qingge remained indifferent and even displayed some disdain. This time, she truly hadn’t thought of using intrigue or schemes.

Xuan Ya’s choice was truly her own, which somewhat surprised Mu Qingge.

However, since Xuan Ya chose her, it would save her the trouble of worrying about the other half of the map in the future.

Facing Mu Luofeng’s questioning, Xuan Ya looked up at him and calmly said, "Xuan Ya believes Young Master Qingge is more suitable to be Xuan Ya’s master."

The reason? What reason is needed, the difference is clear to anyone with eyes, isn’t it?

Xuan Ya’s answer made Mu Luofeng’s face darken, and Mu Chen and Mu Peng’s expressions weren’t any better.

"Miss Xuan Ya, making a judgment like this, isn’t it too hasty? You know, many times, one may know a person’s face but not their heart. Our Young Master may be youthful and rash, but he’s straightforward and sincere. You should reconsider," Mu Peng stood up, his words carrying a different meaning.

Upon hearing his words, Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a mocking smile. ’What does knowing a person’s face but not their heart mean, is he talking about her?’

"Hey, what do you mean by knowing a person’s face but not their heart?" The Dragon General directly jumped out and questioned Mu Peng.

Mu Peng was no longer amiable as before, unwilling to let Mu Luofeng just be abandoned like this, he could only try to win the opportunity. "I didn’t mention anyone, just don’t want Miss Xuan Ya to regret in the future."

Seeing Mu Peng speak, Mu Luofeng immediately said triumphantly, "Exactly." He turned to Xuan Ya, showing what he thought was his most charming smile, and sincerely said, "Miss Xuan Ya, I am the destined True Dragon. You mustn’t be deceived by some false dragon."

"Who are you calling a false dragon? Our Young Master is the true True Dragon. The false dragon refers to you!" the Dragon General said angrily.

Holding an important position and having stayed in the Bitter Sea for a long time, his eloquence naturally fell short of these people.

At this moment, he could only use the rise and fall of his chest and the fierce gleam in his eyes to express his anger.

"Truly a lively drama," Mu Qingge suddenly spoke with mockery, the sarcasm in her tone undisguised.

As she spoke, the courtyard immediately fell silent.

Everyone’s gaze turned to her, seemingly wanting to see what she’d do next. Unexpectedly, Mu Qingge had no interest in this dispute.

The expression only lacked the words ’boring’ written all over it.

She said to the Dragon General, "Why lower yourself to compete with them?"

The Dragon General froze, a bit unsure of Mu Qingge’s meaning. Xie Ya walked to the Dragon General’s side, her tone gentle, "Uncle Dragon General, we just rushed over, exhausted along the way and still hungry. You’ve been in Anmo City for days, why not take us to eat something?"

"This... this..." The Dragon General looked at Xie Ya in astonishment and then at Mu Qingge. He couldn’t understand, at such a crucial moment, how could they just leave?

Xie Ya gently tugged at the Dragon General’s sleeve, stopping him from speaking further.

The Dragon General, bewildered, followed Xie Ya to Mu Qingge’s side, unexpectedly Mu Luofeng spoke again, "Wait, aren’t you a Servant from the Bitter Sea? Where are you going? You must stay; I am your master!"

As soon as he said this, Mu Chen and Mu Peng’s faces changed.

Even Mu Qingge cast a cold gaze towards Mu Luofeng. Attempting to snatch people directly from her?

"What? Is a false master making you linger?" Mu Luofeng mocked.

Xie Ya’s bright eyes looked at Mu Luofeng, her tone calmly cold, "Xie Ya’s master is solely Young Master Qingge, this gentleman should show respect."

"Your name is Xie Ya? Not bad," Mu Luofeng seemed to automatically ignore Xie Ya’s words, remembering only her name.

With his foolishly lustful appearance, Mu Qingge’s gaze grew even colder. She stood before Xie Ya, blocking Mu Luofeng’s covetous gaze. "It seems you took no heed of my previous words."

Disgust showed in Mu Luofeng’s eyes but before he could speak, someone stood before him.

It was Mu Chen.

"Young Master Qingge, our Young Master was abrupt. Since Miss Xie Ya has recognized you as her master, she naturally remains your Servant, this point will not change. However, regarding Miss Xuan Ya, we still need to discuss between both parties," Mu Chen said.

These words didn’t change Mu Qingge’s mood.

She remained detached, her clear eyes showing no trace of emotion.

In this confrontation, Mu Chen felt a kind of oppressive aura. This aura, surprisingly appeared in a young person weaker than him in cultivation, which astonished him greatly.

Mu Qingge’s gaze swept across the four opposing people with contempt, finally landing on Mu Chen, calmly saying, "What a pity, a jewel cast into darkness." With that, she turned to Xie Ya and said, "If anyone dares to insult you next time, kill them directly. With me here, the sky won’t fall."

These words shocked two groups of people.

The first sentence stunned Mu Chen.

The phrase ’a jewel cast into darkness’ struck him deeply, as if touching upon a secret he himself dared not confront. Mu Peng and the Hidden Guard all similarly turned their gaze to Mu Luofeng.

The second sentence shocked Xie Ya and the Dragon General, as well as Xuan Ya, Xuan Kui, the siblings on the other side.

A trace of emotion appeared in Xie Ya’s eyes, but she controlled it well, simply bowed to Mu Qingge, "Xie Ya understands."

Mu Qingge nodded imperceptibly and stepped toward the courtyard gate.

Xie Ya and Hua Yue followed closely behind. The Dragon General froze for a moment but could only grumble before following in their wake.

Mu Qingge was about to leave, Mu Luofeng naturally felt happy, although a bit regretful that Xie Ya was leaving along, and Mu Qingge’s attitude toward him was still the same, at least Xuan Ya and the others remained.

’No hurry, take it slow. Someday they’ll know who is their true master.’ Mu Luofeng said to himself.

He turned to Xuan Ya, wanting to say some kind words to earn some favor.

Yet Xuan Ya stood up and said to Xuan Kui, "Xuan Kui, let’s go."

With that, the siblings descended the steps, ignored Mu Luofeng’s existence, directly headed towards Mu Qingge’s group, following them out of the courtyard gate, disappearing from sight.

Mu Luofeng was stunned, unable to recover for a long time.

Only after a gust of wind blew did he suddenly wake up, shouting uncontrollably, "This is rebellion! A mere Servant, how dare they act like this to me! Uncle Clan Leader, send someone to capture them, they are mine! Mine! And that bumpkin from Linchuan dares to steal my people, I want him dead! I want to kill him!"

"Enough!" Mu Chen suddenly turned, his face cold, silencing Mu Luofeng.

Mu Luofeng had never seen Mu Chen look so grim and immediately fell silent in fear, his face pale. As if, in an instant, he returned to the timid state before meeting Mu Chen.

Mu Chen gazed at him, unable to help but sigh inwardly. He wanted to reprimand a few words but didn’t know where to start. A feeling of unprecedented fatigue washed over him, leaving him expressionless.

"You want to kill him, can you?" After a moment, Mu Chen furiously rebuked.

He saw clearly if Mu Qingge intended to kill Mu Luofeng, she had countless opportunities to do so earlier.

"Elder, what do we do now?" Mu Peng walked up to Mu Chen and asked softly.

Mu Chen sighed, his gaze lightly moved to the sky, faintly saying, "Do what? What else can be done. We return first, they certainly won’t immediately leave Anmo City, and we’ll find another chance to discuss. Trying to snatch the Servant was for the Divine Strategy Middle Volume clues, since we can’t get them, we can cooperate."

"Cooperate?" Mu Peng said in surprise.

Mu Chen frowned and slowly nodded. He looked at Mu Luofeng’s aggrieved face, unaware of his own failings, and sighed and shook his head again.

...

Coming out from Sike Lai, Mu Qingge suddenly stopped and turned to look at Xuan Ya and Xuan Kui following them.

Seeing her gaze, Xuan Ya, leading Xuan Kui, walked to Mu Qingge’s front and respectfully bowed, "Young Master."

Mu Qingge looked at her, his eyes betraying no emotion. He simply said, "Have you thought it through?"

Xuan Ya nodded with a smile, "The Young Master is Xuan Ya’s choice, and also the choice of all the stranded tribes of the Wandering Soul Desert." Is there even a need to choose? Between Mu Qingge and Mu Luofeng, anyone with a bit of intelligence would choose Mu Qingge, rather than that immature, arrogant, and flamboyant Mu Luofeng.

Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze, turned around, and continued walking forward. "Then follow along."

She accepted Xuan Ya and Xuan Kui.

The two maps regarding clues for the Divine Strategy Middle Volume were finally in her possession. The remaining crucial task was how to obtain the map, a troublesome problem indeed.

With matters on her mind, Mu Qingge paid little attention to the liveliness of Anmo City along the way.

The Dragon General led them into a rather upscale inn, renting the entire inn for their rest and temporary stay.

After settling down, Hua Yue went to prepare a meal. Xuan Ya had her brother Xuan Kui accompany him, saying it was to help Hua Yue carry things.

In Mu Qingge’s room, only Xuan Ya, Xie Ya, and the Dragon General were present.

Mu Qingge sat in a chair in the room, pointing to several other empty chairs and said, "Sit."

The Dragon General complied and sat down.

Xie Ya also intended to sit down, but seeing Xuan Ya remain unmoved, she reconsidered.

Xuan Ya’s unwavering stance subtly raised Mu Qingge’s brow.

Xuan Ya replied, "The Young Master is the master, we are the servants. How can a servant sit with the master?" Both she and Xie Ya were meticulously trained servants, naturally not making mistakes on matters like this.

Her response elicited an indistinguishable smile on Mu Qingge’s lips.

After Xuan Ya finished speaking, Mu Qingge said, "In my presence, the first rule you must follow is to obey my orders. Sit down."

"Yes, Young Master." Xie Ya, having been with Mu Qingge for so long, perfectly understood her habits.

Without hesitance, she sat on the chair beside the Dragon General.

Seeing Xuan Ya still stunned in place, she softly called, "Sister, come and sit down, don’t anger the Young Master."

Xuan Ya, slightly dazed, nodded and sat on the remaining chair. She was somewhat puzzled, following Mu Qingge, must she forget the hierarchy and etiquette she had learned?

With all three sitting down, Mu Qingge looked at the Dragon General, "When will you return to Duole Island?"

"Is the Young Master trying to chase me away?" The Dragon General joked with a hearty laugh.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, calmly saying, "A fledgling must grow and experience the storm personally. With an eagle hovering nearby, one might develop dependency when danger arises."

Her words resonated with the Dragon General.

He nodded at Mu Qingge, saying, "My task was to bring Xuan Ya to the Young Master. Now that the task is complete, I will return when the Young Master leaves Anmo City."

Mu Qingge lightly nodded, saying to him, "When you return, convey a message to the High Priest for me."

"Please go ahead, Young Master." The Dragon General promptly straightened upon hearing there was a task.

Mu Qingge said, "Ask him to meet me in the Middle Ancient Realm when he has time." She had too many questions and sought answers, and the High Priest of the stranded tribes was an ideal choice.

That old fellow seemed to have lived for a long time and knew many secretive truths.

The Dragon General was momentarily stunned, his eyes flickering, and he nodded in agreement.

"You may leave now. I have something to discuss with these two alone." Mu Qingge said, looking at the Dragon General.

The Dragon General got up and left.

When only the three of them remained in the room, Mu Qingge directly looked at Xuan Ya and asked, "Is the other half of the clue to the Divine Strategy Middle Volume with you?"

Mu Qingge’s critical question caused Xuan Ya’s eyes to slightly narrow.

But she stood up and nodded to Mu Qingge. "Yes, Young Master."

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched slightly, and she forced a question, "Uh... does it require some special means to obtain it?"

At her words, Xie Ya was the first to blush.

It seemed she recalled the night she offered herself and was refused by Mu Qingge.

"Yes." Xuan Ya’s straightforward answer piqued Mu Qingge’s curiosity.

She blinked, her eyes darting between Xuan Ya and Xie Ya, as if pondering what kind of education these two children received from childhood.

Were they taught from a young age to offer themselves to others?

"Ahem, is there any other method to obtain the map?" Mu Qingge asked.

With both of them here, she had to consider the map issue.

Xuan Ya, puzzled, looked at Xie Ya and suddenly exclaimed in shock, "Could it be that sister hasn’t served the master yet?"

Mu Qingge’s face showed awkwardness.

Xie Ya’s face also flickered with embarrassment, and she said in a low voice, "The Young Master refused."

At this, Xuan Ya was even more surprised, looking at Mu Qingge with eyes swirling with vibrant thoughts, uncertain of what she was thinking.

"I do need the map to the Divine Strategy Middle Volume, but I don’t want it at the cost of harming you," Mu Qingge said with a steely expression.

"This isn’t considered harm; we are originally the Young Master’s people," Xuan Ya said, puzzled. "Xuan Ya doesn’t understand. As long as the Young Master takes our bodies, he can easily get the map. Why does he choose the difficult path?"

Xuan Ya’s confusion was also shared by Xie Ya.

If Mu Qingge could not accept offering herself to a stranger, what about after over a year of acquaintance with him?

A faint sense of loss emerged in Xie Ya’s eyes.

Indeed, she had once resisted her fate but was grateful for Mu Qingge’s words, ’I will never take away your virginity.’

However, after spending time together,

She found her mindset shifted, no longer resisting offering herself to Mu Qingge, even expecting it a bit.

Yet, after that night, Mu Qingge seemed to never broach the subject again.

Keeping her by his side seemed to wait for this moment when both servant girls stood together, waiting for the map to unite.

If there were other ways to obtain the map, would she then be useless to Mu Qingge?

Suddenly, a fear gripped Xie Ya’s heart, fear of being cast away by Mu Qingge.

She lifted her eyes, those bright eyes that seemed to see through to one’s heart, fixating tightly on Mu Qingge, as if trying to know what he was truly thinking.

"Anyway, I won’t touch either you or Xie Ya. If you wish to follow me, you don’t need to consider offering yourself. Just do what I instruct. If you don’t know another method, we’ll discuss this matter later," Mu Qingge said.

At this moment, she felt some regret.

Upon meeting Si Mo, she should have asked him if there was any way to obtain these two beauties’ maps.

The map on Xie Ya’s back would reveal itself in a warm environment.

But she had tried, able to see it but not remember it.

’Do I really have to let them soak in a hot spring and trace it with ink?’ Mu Qingge thought.

"Young Master..." Xuan Ya was confused by Mu Qingge’s decision.

"Sister, the Young Master is tired. Let’s go out first." Xie Ya stood up, pulling a puzzled Xuan Ya out of Mu Qingge’s room.

Closing the door, Xie Ya turned and met Xuan Ya’s inquisitive gaze.

"If Sister has something to ask, let’s talk elsewhere," Xie Ya said calmly.

Xuan Ya nodded and followed Xie Ya to another room.

Xie Ya poured her some tea, "Sister should be older than me, and since we are both Young Master’s servants, let’s call each other sisters from now on."

"It should be so." Xuan Ya nodded, lifting her teacup, she said to Xie Ya, "Sister has been by the Young Master’s side for some time. If there are any rules I don’t understand in the future, I hope Sister will generously teach me."

"Sister is too polite. We ought to watch over and help each other," Xie Ya nodded.

After some pleasantries, Xie Ya finally said, "If Sister has something to ask, just ask."

Xuan Ya nodded, "I do have many questions, so I’ll bother Sister." She paused, then asked, "Has the Young Master really never touched Sister?"

This topic made Xie Ya blush.

But she still nodded calmly. She said to Xuan Ya, "The Young Master never speaks hypocritically. When he says he won’t touch us, he truly won’t. In fact, I’ve been by his side for so long and have never seen him touch any woman. The Young Master... the Young Master is truly a gentleman of virtue."

"The Young Master has an extraordinary appearance and outstanding temperament. Whatever kind of woman he wants must be very easy to obtain, yet he’s not swayed by feminine wiles?" Xuan Ya said in surprise.

She secretly admired it in her heart.

She had heard of men being lecherous many times and had seen it with her own eyes many times too. Is there really a man in the world who is not swayed by beauty?

"Sister’s beauty is ethereal and fairy-like, and yet she couldn’t move the Young Master?" Xuan Ya looked at Xie Ya, and added another sentence.

Xie Ya gave a sheepish smile, gazing out of the window, she murmured, "Indeed, there are many women enamored with the Young Master, but he has never taken advantage of this. I think... the Young Master must be waiting for someone he truly likes to appear."

After she spoke, she turned her eyes to Xuan Ya, giving her a faint smile, "In time, Sister will naturally understand what kind of person the Young Master is. The Young Master is the best master in the world."

Xuan Ya looked at Xie Ya for a long time before saying, "Sister has already fallen for the Young Master, hasn’t she?"

Xie Ya was startled, but she didn’t deny it.

Then, she also said with relief, "Xie Ya is a slave to the Young Master in life, and a slave to the Young Master in death, that will never change. Being able to accompany the Young Master in achieving great things is already my fortune; anything else, Xie Ya never hopes for."

Xuan Ya looked at her as if in thought.

Finally, she nodded with a smile, "I understand Sister’s meaning. Since the Young Master has no interest in us, we should perform our duties as servants. I will send a message back to my clan to find other ways to separate the map piece. Sister, please give it a try as well. We must work together to ease the Young Master’s burdens."

"Alright." Xie Ya nodded.

Xuan Ya extended her hand, and Xie Ya also extended hers, their hands clasped together.

...

As night fell, Anmo City quieted down once more. In three days, it would be the betrothal ceremony between the Yan Family and the Su Family. After watching this lively event, those who should leave would have to leave, and even those who didn’t want to, would have to go.

In the inn, Mu Chen stared at the starlight under the sky, silent for a long time.

Mu Peng walked up behind him, looking at his somewhat hunched back, and said in a low voice, "The Young Master has already gone to bed."

Mu Chen’s lips curled into a wry smile, "Before sleeping, he must have complained incessantly again, right?"

Mu Peng smiled, the answer was already implied.

The two fell silent, and the night dew enveloped their surroundings with a layer of chill.

After a long time, Mu Peng looked at Mu Chen, and hesitantly spoke, "Elder, do you think... our choice was wrong?"

Was it wrong?

This question, even without the appearance of Mu Qingge, Mu Chen dared not ponder. And now, with such a stark contrast, he dared even less to consider it.

"Mu Peng, do you remember why we left the main house?" Mu Chen suddenly asked.

Mu Peng was taken aback, then nodded, "Of course I remember. Though Young Master Mu Feng had exceptional perseverance, his talent was somewhat lacking. In today’s Middle Ancient Realm, there are countless talents, and with the talent of Young Master Mu Feng, it’s hard for him to stand out, let alone lead the Mu Family and Mu Clan back to their homeland. After discussing with the Family Head, Elder led us away for the great cause of the Mu Clan, searching for the Mu Family’s bloodline left outside, ultimately finding Young Master Luofeng."

Mu Chen nodded slowly. What Mu Peng said was like a scene from yesterday, vividly before his eyes.

No one knew that his departure was for a sliver of hope for the Mu Clan’s future. Perhaps no one would understand, he left the Mu Family peacefully, and for this bit of hope, he even took away half of the resources the Mu Family had accumulated in secret.

Mu Luofeng, into whom he had poured five years of his efforts.

But now...

"Mu Peng, what do you think of Luofeng?" Mu Chen suddenly asked. He turned around, looking into Mu Peng’s eyes, "I want the truth!"

Mu Peng looked at him.

Tonight, Mu Chen seemed particularly melancholy, as if deeply troubled.

Being stared at by Mu Chen, Mu Peng could only say, "Young Master Luofeng has outstanding talent, which Young Master Mu Feng cannot compare to. However, in terms of temperament and perseverance, Young Master Luofeng cannot match Young Master Mu Feng. Moreover..."

Mu Peng hesitated.

"Moreover what?" Mu Chen pressed on.

Gritting his teeth, Mu Peng continued, "Moreover, Young Master Luofeng seems to lack the other conditions of a strong leader. Aside from talent, he has nothing else to commend him. The leader of the Mu Clan should not only have an extraordinarily high talent in cultivation, able to quickly improve his cultivation, but also sufficient wisdom to strategize and plan, and the charisma to command the loyalty of thousands, and the decisiveness to make bold decisions!"

Mu Chen listened and nodded slowly.

After Mu Peng finished, he sighed, "Indeed! Everything we have done is for the future of the Mu Clan. But it seems Heaven played a joke on us."

Mu Peng was stunned, and with a sense of realization, said, "Is the Elder talking about Young Master Qingge?"

Mu Chen looked at him, nodding almost imperceptibly.

He said, "Mu Feng’s talent is lacking, while Mu Luofeng has talent but little else. Both have their shortcomings. I often think, how great it would be if the two could be combined? I never thought this unrealistic thought would appear in another person today."

Mu Peng was shocked in his heart.

He did think Mu Qingge was extraordinary, but he didn’t expect Mu Chen to hold him in such high regard!

"I cannot make other judgments, but in terms of talent, he is not inferior to Luofeng. Indeed, his talent might be even higher than Luofeng’s. Do you know? When I blocked his attack, I felt the power of the Silver Realm. And he had only come from Linchuan, entering the Middle Ancient Realm in less than a year. Moreover, from his words and actions, and the attitude of the Dragon Generals towards him, he surpasses Luofeng by far," Mu Chen said solemnly.

"Silver Realm! How is this possible?" Mu Peng exclaimed, shocked.

Mu Chen gave a bitter smile, "I also wish it were false, but that power cannot be faked."

"If that is truly the case, then his talent... his talent..." Mu Peng was so shocked he couldn’t finish his sentence.

"His talent is probably not inferior to those ranked at the top of the Green Talent List," Mu Chen finished the sentence for Mu Peng.

Mu Peng was petrified.

Mu Luofeng’s talent was good, but that was relative to Mu Feng. When compared to those elites among the elites in the Middle Ancient Realm, he was certainly not a match.

But what about Mu Qingge?

Suddenly, an unknown seemed to appear on her, making people anticipate.

"Elder, if this is truly the case, then we probably did choose wrong," Mu Peng took a deep breath, shaking his head with a wry smile.

Mu Chen’s smile was somewhat bleak, "What if we chose wrong? We didn’t know there was someone like Mu Qingge back then. Moreover, Linchuan... was too far."

"Linchuan, was there really a branch that went to Linchuan back then?" Mu Peng inquired.

Mu Chen nodded, "According to the records passed down from the ancestors, there was indeed a line that went to Linchuan, and moreover..." Mu Chen suddenly stopped, pursed his lips tightly, and frowned.

"Moreover what?" Mu Peng pressed.

Mu Chen hesitated for a moment before saying, "I suppose there’s no harm in telling you. The Family Head and I have surmised that the lineage that went to Linchuan was the direct lineage of the Mu Clan back then. However, the records are ancient, and many details are unclear, so no one can be certain."

Mu Peng took a sharp breath, shocked, "Then does that mean Young Master Qingge could very well possess the bloodline of the Mu Clan’s direct lineage!?"

"I’m not certain, but it’s highly possible," Mu Chen said in a lowered voice.

"What should we do next?" Mu Peng was a bit flustered.

Mu Chen said, "The clan leader of the Mu Clan at the time set this rule to indicate that the position of the Mu Clan leader is for the capable. Whether direct or branch lineage, as long as they have Mu Family blood, they can participate. Who would have thought, after ten thousand years, the direct lineage’s bloodline is still the strongest."

After lamenting, Mu Chen said to Mu Peng, "Tomorrow, I’ll go and meet Young Master Qingge to discuss cooperation with him. Since we have already chosen Luofeng, we must be loyal to him while the outcome is yet undecided. As for the future, let’s leave it for later."

Mu Peng nodded, as if this was the best choice.

Some people, some matters, they missed them somehow?

That night, no one knew of the conversation between Mu Chen and Mu Peng. Mu Luofeng, who was in his dreams, was still dreaming his sweet dreams, believing that he was favored by destiny, that one day he would soar through the sky with a Holy Artifact in hand and a True Dragon at his feet, surrounded by beauties.

...

"Young Master, Elder Mu Chen has come to visit." Early in the morning, just after finishing breakfast, Xuan Ya reported from the doorway.

Mu Qingge wiped the corner of her mouth, nodded, and said, "Let him in."

Xuan Ya bowed and retreated, and shortly after, Mu Chen appeared alone before Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge raised her hand to indicate for him to sit, and with a playful tone said, "Elder Mu’s sudden visit, could it be to discuss the matter of Xuan Ya’s affiliation?"

Right from the start, she was aggressive yet controlled the situation completely.

Mu Chen’s eyes narrowed somewhat, his evaluation of Mu Qingge rose another notch.

"You jest, Young Master Qingge. Since Miss Xuan Ya has chosen Young Master Qingge, we shall naturally step back," Mu Chen said with a smile.

Mu Qingge gave a faint smile, "Then what brings Elder Mu today? If I understand correctly, we’re still in a competitive relationship, aren’t we?"

Mu Chen’s expression turned a bit awkward.

The young master in red before him spoke casually and mildly, yet it was inexplicably hard to respond to, rendering one defenseless.

After adjusting his mindset, Mu Chen stated his purpose: "I came to discuss cooperation with Young Master Qingge."

"Cooperation?" Mu Qingge’s eyes took on an even more playful glint. She leaned back in her chair, lightly tapping the armrest with her fingertips, making a ’pa-pa’ sound in the room.

Mu Chen’s heartbeat began to sync with Mu Qingge’s tapping fingers.

He looked at Mu Qingge, only to see her half-narrowed eyes and a faintly mocking curve at the corners of her mouth, making it impossible to fathom her thoughts at the moment.

He proposed cooperation, but her attitude gave no indication of her reaction... anticipation or rejection?

None at all!

Mu Chen, having seen countless people, rarely found himself unable to read a young person’s thoughts.

"Cooperation... Is Elder Mu referring to the Divine Strategy Middle Volume? It’s said that collecting all Three Divine Strategies makes one the Mu Clan’s Young Master. In that case, does Elder Mu think I would share the clues I’ve already obtained with others?" Mu Qingge looked at him with an amused gaze.

Her straightforward manner left Mu Chen no room for evasiveness.

He could only speak plainly, "Young Master Qingge, there’s no need to hurry in refusing. Although you currently have two great servants and hold clues to the Divine Strategy Middle Volume, ancestral records say it is hidden in the Middle Ancient Realm. Young Master Qingge, being an outsider, is unfamiliar with the realm. Even with a map, to confirm its location and how to search for it would likely waste time. If both sides cooperate, our knowledge of the Middle Ancient Realm means we could quickly find the location indicated on the map, then search for the Divine Strategy Middle Volume together. As for who the treasure belongs to, it would go to the capable, wouldn’t it be mutually beneficial?"

Mu Qingge would provide the clues, they would search, and after confirming the location, both sides would move together to find the Divine Strategy Middle Volume. Whoever could obtain it depended purely on skill.

Such cooperation, in Mu Chen’s view, left Mu Qingge scarcely any reason to refuse.

However, just when he was fully confident, Mu Qingge slowly shook her head, her ever-present smile containing a trace of mockery.

"Elder Mu, are you confused? Admittedly, I’m unfamiliar with the Middle Ancient Realm, but there are certainly others who know about it besides just your side. Why should I work with you instead of others without conflicting interests? At least in that way, I can avoid being stabbed in the back during the treasure hunt. Sorry, the terms you’re offering don’t appeal to me at all."

Mu Chen was stunned.

Mu Qingge’s words left him speechless.

"If Elder Mu came solely for this matter, then please leave. I’m quite selfish and not fond of sharing," Mu Qingge said with an ever-so-slight smirk.

Mu Chen walked dazedly out of the inn where Mu Qingge resided, only to regain his senses when he reached the street, enveloped by the blazing sun.

Though now aware, a shock still lingered in his eyes.

Returning with a pale complexion to his quarters, Mu Peng was startled upon seeing him. He quickly inquired, "Elder, what happened?"

Mu Chen waved his hand, sitting down despondently on a chair. Seeing this, Mu Peng promptly poured him a cup of hot tea, as Mu Chen appeared to have been through a fright.

After drinking a cup of hot tea, Mu Chen’s complexion finally improved a bit.

Mu Peng then asked again, "Elder, what exactly happened? Didn’t you go to see Young Master Qingge?"

Mu Chen chuckled ruefully, setting down the teacup, and looked at Mu Peng as he self-mockingly said, "Mu Peng, do you think I’m truly getting old? I can’t even see things as clearly as a young person."

Following that, Mu Chen recounted his visit to Mu Qingge to Mu Peng.

When he repeated Mu Qingge’s final words, Mu Chen only felt that he had been utterly foolish.

Where is this place? The Middle Ancient Realm!

Granted, Mu Qingge is an outsider, but there are local people everywhere around her. What advantage do they have? If Mu Qingge seeks cooperation with another faction, she can likewise find the location the map indicates.

Yet, he went flourishing in confidence to propose such terms to Mu Qingge.

After hearing everything, Mu Peng also appeared shocked. He couldn’t help but look up at the room upstairs, convinced that if the same scenario unfolded with Mu Luofeng, he would never discern this point.

Maybe, in a surge of emotion, he would have agreed to the cooperation.

Indeed, it’s not that they are foolish, but that they are ensnared in the game, unable to see the bigger picture. Whereas Mu Qingge, although in the game, manages to maintain a broad view, unshaken by appearances.

’This Young Master Qingge is truly extraordinary!’ Mu Peng thought to himself.

The more he perceived Mu Qingge’s uniqueness, the less regard he held for Mu Luofeng. But any regret was futile. Unless Mu Luofeng died or failed in the competition, following him was their only option.

"Ah, let’s pack up and prepare to leave," Mu Chen finally decided in disappointment.

"Yes, Elder." With the cooperation talks failing, they had no reason to linger. Mu Peng understood Mu Chen’s mood, resonating with his own.

They were so engrossed in conversation that they failed to notice someone eavesdropping from a hidden spot on the second floor.

Mu Luofeng, who planned to confront Mu Qingge, heard the conversation, his expression shifting unpredictably. He couldn’t believe those he entrusted would go behind his back to bargain humbly with Mu Qingge!

The worst part was being refused!

Mu Luofeng wasn’t foolish, merely a bit flamboyant. He could detect Mu Chen’s appreciative tone towards Mu Qingge, something he never received. That feeling sparked intense jealousy deep in his Yin Zhe eyes.

"Young Master, is it really okay for us to listen to the elders’ conversation like this?" Mu Luofeng’s servant nervously rubbed his still aching backside, quietly reminding.

But Mu Luofeng cast a cold, sharp glance, silencing him instantly.

Once Mu Chen and Mu Peng finished their discussion, Mu Luofeng snorted coldly and left the inn through the back door with his servant.

"Young Master, Young Master, wait for me!" the servant called out as he hurried after Mu Luofeng.

Finally catching up, he was abruptly intimidated by Mu Luofeng’s overwhelming hostility. Startled, he asked, "Young Master, what are you going to do?"

"To kill someone!" Mu Luofeng declared with icy determination in his eyes.