"Fusha City."

Mu Qingge concentrated on the region belonging to the woman with the surname Sang’s rank and got the answer she wanted.

This was a bit of a surprise; she had originally planned to inquire about the Sang family at Wuyin Mansion. But unexpectedly, she got the location of the Sang family from the Cub Phoenix List.

This whisper of hers was very light, and originally wouldn’t have disturbed anyone.

However, the woman standing next to her heard it. For some reason, she turned her head, and her gaze fell on Mu Qingge.

It seemed that at this moment, she realized there was another person standing beside her.

As if by telepathy, Mu Qingge also turned her eyes back at this time, and their gazes met halfway, seeing each other.

Boom!

When Mu Qingge saw the woman’s face clearly, her heart was inexplicably struck, and a kind of indescribable fondness spontaneously arose in her.

This kind of feeling was something she never had before!

The woman in front of her was very beautiful. As beautiful as a finely painted portrait, there wasn’t a single blemish to be found in her features, and she carried an unearthly aura, with a pristine air.

The woman’s figure was tall, just slightly shorter than Mu Qingge’s. Her expression and eyes naturally carried an ethereal charm.

Looking at her, Mu Qingge felt a spontaneous trust, a feeling of wanting to care for her.

If she were a man, Mu Qingge might think this inexplicable fondness stemmed from love at first sight between a man and a woman. But she was a woman, and for a woman to have this kind of inexplicable fondness for a stranger she met for the first time was abnormal.

Mu Qingge frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled by her unusual behavior.

However, when she frowned, the woman opposite her also lightly frowned. The shock in her eyes slowly subsided as she took the initiative to ask, "Sir, have we met before?"

This question made Mu Qingge squint her eyes and smile, "Never."

"Is that so?" The woman seemed somewhat doubtful. She looked at Mu Qingge seriously and finally said, "It seems we indeed haven’t met, but you gave me a feeling of déjà vu. My apologies."

"You are too kind, miss." Mu Qingge replied indifferently.

The woman didn’t say anything more, merely nodded slightly to Mu Qingge, then turned and left the Cub Phoenix List, walking down the steps.

Mu Qingge watched her disappear from view before withdrawing her gaze.

"Young Master, do you have any instructions?" Xuan Ya asked softly as she approached Mu Qingge, who stood there motionless and seemingly in thought.

Mu Qingge collected her thoughts and looked once more at the Cub Phoenix List, pausing a little longer on the name Sang Xuewu before withdrawing her gaze again and saying to everyone, "Let’s leave here first and find a place to stay."

"Little Lord, shall we rent a small courtyard like before, or should we stay at the inn?" Hua Yue asked.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment and replied, "We won’t be staying long this time, just a few days. Find a quiet inn."

"Yes." Hua Yue accepted the order and withdrew. Xuan Kui automatically followed her to find a suitable inn together.

At this time, only Xie Ya and Xuan Ya were left by Mu Qingge’s side.

With two of them gone, their group became even more eye-catching. The outstanding appearance of the three was like two stars accompanying the sun, automatically attracting everyone’s attention no matter where they went.

Fortunately, these people merely gazed in awe, whispering among themselves, without actually disturbing them.

Wuyin Mansion was about the same scale as the Golden Sea Prefecture, only more prosperous. The people walking on the streets also had a more imposing manner, although materially there wasn’t much difference.

While strolling on Wuyin Mansion’s streets, waiting for Hua Yue and Xuan Kui, Mu Qingge casually roamed with the two women.

Naturally, whether she liked it or not, she had to accept the envious, jealous glares cast from all around.

After all, the sight of her alone with two ultimate beauties was truly dazzling!

The men around would all have loved to take her place in an instant, standing between Xie Ya and Xuan Ya.

"You two standing together are really too conspicuous." Mu Qingge sighed helplessly, shaking her head after a while.

Her teasing landed in Xie Ya and Xuan Ya’s ears, prompting them to exchange a glance, and each couldn’t help but think, ’Young Master, are you underestimating your own ability to attract attention?’

While the men envied Mu Qingge, the two women were bearing the hateful glares of the street-side ladies, weren’t they?

"Let’s sit over there." Mu Qingge saw a pavilion tea stall by the street and signaled the two women to head that way.

The tea stall wasn’t doing much business, and the owner was dozing off by the side.

Mu Qingge and the other two walked past him, directly entering the pavilion and sitting down.

Xuan Ya approached the owner and said softly, "Owner, you have customers."

The tea stall owner drowsily opened his eyes, looking up to down at Xuan Ya. When he saw Xuan Ya’s seductive and charming face, he couldn’t help but let out an exclamatory, "Ah!"

Xuan Ya’s face wore a bright smile, repeating, "Owner, you have customers. Could you please prepare a pot of fine tea for us and some snacks to go with it?"

"Alright, alright!" The tea stall owner replied repeatedly.

Xuan Ya returned to the pavilion, and the tea stall owner became busy at once. Before long, he had prepared what Xuan Ya asked for and brought it to the pavilion.

Upon entering the pavilion, he finally saw the faces of Mu Qingge and Xie Ya clearly and was again heavily struck in his heart, standing in a daze.

With a smile, Xuan Ya stood up, took the tray from his hands, placed it on the table, and took out a small piece of silver from her bosom, placing it in the owner’s hand that was still holding the tray. Only then did she tell him, "Owner, you may leave now."

"Ah!" The tea stall owner snapped back to his senses but walked out of the pavilion absentmindedly, as if not fully returning to reality.

"Young Master, I’m afraid there isn’t much good tea here; we’ll just have to make do." Xie Ya quietly said to Mu Qingge while rinsing the teacups.

Mu Qingge shook her head, not minding it at all, "I don’t claim to be knowledgeable about tea; any tea tastes the same to me, no need to make do."

Mu Qingge looked at Xuan Ya and said, "Did your clan send you to my side without any resistance from you?" She remembered that even Xie Ya, when she first appeared, carried a hint of unwillingness towards this Exiled Clan Princess in her heart.

Of course, that unwillingness was not directed at her, but at destiny.

Xuan Ya seemed taken aback by Mu Qingge’s sudden question. She thought carefully before replying, "From birth, this mission fell upon me. All the training I’ve received, everything about me, is to one day serve the Young Master. I don’t find it difficult to accept this."

Mu Qingge gave her a glance, lowered her eyes, and picked up the hot tea cup in front of her, bringing it to her lips to gently blow.

’Xuan Ya is a very intelligent woman with a strong mind. Would such a woman surrender to the dictates of fate or submit to the orders of her clan? She didn’t believe it.’

"Young Master, are you doubting Xuan Ya’s loyalty?" Xuan Ya asked directly.

Mu Qingge lifted her eyes, her clear gaze fixated on Xuan Ya as she slowly put down her teacup. "No, I’m not doubting your loyalty. But, I don’t want people around me carrying other motives. The same goes for you, and the same goes for Xie Ya."

After speaking, her gaze fell on Xie Ya.

Xie Ya’s bright eyes dimmed slightly because of Mu Qingge’s words. She bit her lip lightly and said firmly, "Young Master, indeed I came with the task of supervision. To supervise the Young Master, to urge the Young Master to continue progressing, to guide the Young Master onto the right path. Moreover, when the true Young Master emerges, only that person will receive the true allegiance of all forces. But, they are not me. Having recognized Young Master as my master, Xie Ya will never betray. Even if one day, the Young Master is defeated and killed, Xie Ya will follow, never to live ignobly!"

Xie Ya became more agitated as she spoke, not only shocking Xuan Ya but also causing a slight ripple in Mu Qingge’s normally calm eyes.

Such words were not meant to be spoken to Mu Qingge!

Xuan Ya looked at Xie Ya, astonished by her honesty and pledge.

Choosing Mu Qingge, their Exiled Clan would naturally support her wholeheartedly!

However, if Mu Qingge couldn’t make it to the end and failed to become the ultimate victor, they would pledge allegiance to the eventual winner after her demise, at which point loyalty would be absolute.

But what did Xie Ya’s words mean?

If Mu Qingge were to fail and perish, would she follow? This was no longer loyalty to the Young Master of the Mu Clan, but personal loyalty to Mu Qingge herself!

Between the two, there’s a fundamental difference!

Xuan Ya is indeed not Xie Ya, she doesn’t have Xie Ya’s intertwined destiny. However, her motives aren’t entirely pure either. She wants to choose a competitive Young Master, then support them step by step to reach the Peak, leading her clan to a higher level.

It can be said that Xuan Ya has a stronger sense of the big picture, which means she will be more rational.

Therefore, at this moment, she doesn’t understand Xie Ya’s position, and is a bit worried that this stance might cause Mu Qingge to have a gap with her.

Just as she was quickly thinking about how to remedy this, how to prevent Mu Qingge from becoming displeased with her, Mu Qingge spoke up.

"Actually, you don’t have to take it so seriously. To me, you’re just looking for the map of the Divine Strategy Middle Volume, and for you, I’m just a pawn. Everyone gets what they need, it’s not about loyalty."

"Young Master!"

"Young Master!"

Xuan Ya and Xie Ya said in unison.

Mu Qingge’s words left them inexplicably flustered.

Their panic was different.

Xie Ya was somewhat hurt by these heartless words but couldn’t refute them. Xuan Ya, on the other hand, was at a loss, as if everything was exceeding her expectations, making her unable to grasp the rhythm.

Mu Qingge stood up with her hands behind her back. She didn’t look at Xuan Ya, but directed her gaze at Xie Ya, who was looking up at her with tears in her eyes. Under Xie Ya’s gaze, she raised her hand, lightly patting the bun on Xie Ya’s head twice, and said softly, "I know who is truly good to me."

After speaking, she withdrew her hand and said to the two women, "In a while, you both go find Hua Yue and Xuan Kui. I’ll go for a walk alone."

Leaving these words behind, Mu Qingge walked out of the teahouse pavilion alone and into the crowd.

"Young Master!" Xuan Ya stood up, wanting to chase after.

Xie Ya raised her hand to stop her.

Made dazed by Mu Qingge’s actions before leaving, she didn’t forget Mu Qingge’s command. "The Young Master said she wants to walk alone."

Xuan Ya withdrew her gaze from chasing after Mu Qingge and looked at Xie Ya.

After a long time, she warned, "Sister, we are servants. It’s not good to fall in love with the master."

Xuan Ya’s words pricked Xie Ya’s heart. She stubbornly pressed her lips together, her gaze falling to the distance, "I only know loyalty to the Young Master, never betrayal. I don’t want to think about anything else, nor will I."

"Sister, have you forgotten the mission of our people?" Xuan Ya frowned and said.

Xuan Ya, however, kept her refined features tense and remained silent.

Xuan Ya stared at her and said solemnly, "Our people are originally Mu Clan’s subordinates. Therefore, allegiance to the Mu Clan will never change, we just have to be cautious in choosing who to be loyal to. This rule of the game is not set by us, but by the Clan Leader of the Mu Clan. We are just executing it, we are not wrong, don’t lose your reason."

"Sister, this is where I differ from you. You live for the clansmen, to guard a rule. But I can’t do that, I am human, the Young Master treats me well, I can’t be loyal to someone else." Xie Ya said in a softened tone.

Xuan Ya looked at her, gazing silently.

Xie Ya sighed, looked at her, and said, "Sister, now I don’t want to argue with you more. I believe, if you follow the Young Master for a while, you will naturally see his merits. Perhaps by then, you will understand my choice. My allegiance is only to Mu Qingge, not to any Young Master of the Mu Family!"

With a determined tone and an undeniable choice.

And Mu Qingge’s parting words left something deeply ingrained in Xuan Ya’s heart shaken like never before.

She focused on Xie Ya and finally said, "Has my sister made her decision?"

Xie Ya nodded.

Her choice meant that if Mu Qingge ultimately failed, she would not leave Mu Qingge, her master would no longer be the Young Master of the Mu Clan.

Xuan Ya gave up trying to persuade her and said, "We’ll talk about this matter later." Suddenly, she let out a bitter smile and slowly shook her head, "I’m afraid, after today’s talk, the Young Master may have a gap with me and not trust me anymore."

Xie Ya looked at her, her bright eyes devoid of any impurities, "Sister, you don’t need to worry. The Young Master’s heart is not something we can imagine. To gain the Young Master’s trust, we must also do things that can make him trust us."

These words made Xuan Ya nod in agreement.

Xie Ya took her hand and earnestly said, "Regardless of how Sister chooses in the future, for now, I hope Sister can wholeheartedly assist Young Master Qingge with me, without any reservations."

Under Xie Ya’s gaze, Xuan Ya finally nodded.

...

Mu Qingge walked out of the teahouse, her mood quite calm, not affected in the slightest by the previous incident.

What Mu Clan, what Young Master of the Mu Clan, what mission of the Mu clan’s Young Master...

All this, she had always been confused, unclear. Although she could roughly guess some of it, there were still many doubts left unresolved.

Her continuous growth in strength was to seize control of her own destiny. She didn’t want to follow all the arrangements set by ancients from who knows how many years ago.

Therefore, what she told Xie Ya and Xuan Ya earlier was not wrong.

So far, her only concern was the Divine Strategy Middle Volume!

As for the rest, it would depend on her conversation with the High Priest among the Princess of the Exiled Clan from Duole Island before making any considerations.

Moreover, she estimated that even her grandfather didn’t know about these matters. If he did find out, what would he do?

Thinking of Mu Xiong, a hint of gentleness appeared in Mu Qingge’s eyes. Based on her understanding of the old man, after learning these secrets, he probably wouldn’t change anything, let alone force Mu Qingge to do something or bear certain responsibilities.

Because, that old man truly cared for her, even placing her higher than the Mu Family.

’When will I be able to return to Linchuan to take a look?’ Mu Qingge nostalgically said in her heart. Her nostalgia was not just for Mu Xiong alone. There were also her aunt and those close friends of hers.

’I wonder how Brother Mei and the four of them are doing? Back then, we had agreed to leave Linchuan together, to explore the Middle Ancient Realm, but I ended up coming first on my own. And Jiang Li...’ Mu Qingge’s lips curled up slightly.

Among her friends, being with Jiang Li was when she felt most at ease. No matter what, she didn’t have to hide anything, and Jiang Li’s words always helped her see things more clearly.

She was the legendary divine supporter!

Mu Qingge’s smile had already spread to her eyes. These emotions were not easily gained and were especially cherished by her.

’And who knows how that girl is handling being the Empress now, or if she’s found the King’s Husband, the martial power protector she dreams of,’ Mu Qingge asked in her heart.

Thinking of her friends and family in Linchuan, Mu Qingge’s mood became lighter and more joyful.

The street scenes of Wuyin Mansion gradually entered her vision.

"Ying Chuan, what are you doing? Move aside!" A cold and tender shout reached Mu Qingge’s ears.

For some reason, though the street was bustling, she specifically heard this sentence and followed the source of the voice.

She turned into a less crowded alley.

A few pedestrians hurried in her direction, their faces filled with fear and panic, as if they were trying to escape something.

As Mu Qingge’s mind wondered, she heard an effeminate male voice say, "Sang Xuewu, who would have thought we’d meet at Wuyin Mansion? Why don’t you come back with me to the Ying Family today, and I’ll have my brother propose to the Sang Family another day?"

Sang Xuewu! Ying Family!

Mu Qingge’s expression shifted.

These two terms were not unfamiliar to her. On the West Continent’s Cub Phoenix List, the only woman to make the list was Sang Xuewu. She hadn’t expected to find her in Wuyin Mansion.

And the Ying Family, if she remembered correctly, the one who held fourth place on the Green Talent List for three consecutive years was from the Ying Family, located in the West Continent.

Only, Ying Chuan...

Mu Qingge frowned. She recalled that the fourth place on the Green Talent List was named Ying Ze. She didn’t know what relation this Ying Chuan had with him.

The matter seems to be related to the people of the Sang Family and the Ying Family. Mu Qingge thought for a while and continued walking inside.

When she reached the alleyway, the entire alley was devoid of anyone except for the two confronting parties.

Although it was said to be two parties facing off, in reality, on the other side, there was only a woman standing tall and proud, with her back facing Mu Qingge.

’This silhouette seems somewhat familiar.’ Staring at that back, Mu Qingge mused to herself.

Suddenly, a blurred figure rushed into her mind.

’It’s her!’ Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed as the back in front of her gradually overlapped with the one in her memory.

’I didn’t expect her to be Sang Xuewu, a member of the Sang Family!’ Mu Qingge’s gaze turned dim for a moment.

"Ying Chuan, stop deluding yourself. I will not marry you. Leave immediately, or don’t blame me for taking action!" Sang Xuewu coldly responded to the provocation.

"Xuewu, why are you so stubborn? The Sang Family has fallen, while we, the Ying Family, are still prosperous. My brother is ranked fourth on the Green Talent List. As long as we marry, with the support of the Ying Family, the Sang Family could rise from the ashes again," the leading man facing Sang Xuewu persuasively advised.

Mu Qingge stood in an inconspicuous corner, examining the person speaking.

The man wore a flamboyant red robe with a gold belt around his waist. Though he was rather handsome, his demeanor was overly effeminate, giving off an inescapable melancholic air.

Behind him stood two attendants. Judging from their aura, their cultivation level was at least around the Third Layer of the Gray Realm.

"Ying Chuan, the Sang Family matters are for us Sang Family people to handle, without your intervention. I will not marry into the Ying Family because of this; this is the last time I tell you, do not entangle yourself with me again," warned Sang Xuewu as a silver longsword appeared in her hands with a glint.

Mu Qingge noticed it was transformed from a ring on her finger; it seemed to be a Divine Artifact.

The Sang Family’s Divine Artifact!

Curiosity piqued Mu Qingge, and she withdrew her step that had just moved forward.

"Xuewu, you really don’t know how to appreciate favors! I, Ying Chuan, am determined to have you! If you don’t come with me today, I’ll have to be rude!"

As Sang Xuewu drew her sword, Ying Chuan’s expression turned grim.

He gave a fierce threat and stepped back, instructing his attendants, "Go! Capture this little wench for me!"

As the derogatory words left his mouth, Mu Qingge frowned in displeasure, while Sang Xuewu remained unaffected, only shaking her head slowly, "They are no match for me."

With those words, her sword emitted a resonant hum, the ice-blue blade radiating dazzling light, shooting forward.

Ying Chuan’s two attendants’ faces changed; they swiftly launched a fierce attack on Sang Xuewu.

Sang Xuewu wielded her sword with finesse, adroitly handling the attacks of the two. Her movements were graceful, like a dance, magnificent and splendid.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge felt a chill approaching.

A trace of coldness descended from the sky, landing on her cheek.

Startled, she raised her hand to see a snowflake gently falling onto the back of her hand, melting into a puddle of snow water.

’How can it snow?’ Mu Qingge lifted her eyes in surprise to see snowflakes drifting in the alley, most concentrated around Sang Xuewu.

With every sword swing, her blade would disperse a layer of snowflakes, those snowflakes whirling and landing on the two attacking her, gradually covering their arms, bodies, and legs.

Any part covered by the snowflakes slowed down, becoming sluggish.

Noticing this change, Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed in concentration. She identified internally, "The ability of this Divine Sword, unexpectedly, is to slow down! What’s most exquisite is that Sang Xuewu can integrate her swordsmanship with it!"

In an instant, Mu Qingge understood.

These snowflakes were transformed from Sang Xuewu’s Spiritual Power into the Divine Sword, then into snowflakes attaching to opponents’ bodies, making their movements sluggish.

In a duel between masters, a moment’s delay could be fatal.

When in combat, if every move becomes sluggish, the consequences are imaginable!

’Indeed, a position in the first hundred of the Cub Phoenix List is not easily achieved.’ Mu Qingge thought to herself.

Earlier, she had been puzzled. The Middle Ancient Realm is vast. Forget the Green Talent List, but the Cub Phoenix List starts at the Gray Realm, and throughout the lands, those who can reach the Gray Realm, even with age restrictions, are countless.

So, what use is the Cub Phoenix List?

Now watching Sang Xuewu’s battle, she gradually understood. Cultivation strength is one thing, but actual combat strength is an extremely important evaluation.

With Sang Xuewu’s unique swordsmanship and such a ’slowing’ capability, even against opponents with a slightly higher realm, she could definitely defend herself.

Sang Xuewu’s swordsmanship seemed to open a new path of thinking for Mu Qingge. She couldn’t help but lower her gaze to her own Linglong Finger Ring.

The Linglong Spear could enhance speed and strength but lacked a special ability.

’Perhaps, it is time to reforge the Linglong Spear!’ Mu Qingge pondered internally.

At this moment, the battle on Sang Xuewu’s side was nearing its end. As she stated, Ying Chuan’s two attendants were simply no match for Sang Xuewu.

With a swift flash of sword light, both attendants were left with a bloodstained gash on their chests and retreated.

Sang Xuewu held her sword horizontally before her chest, her gaze icy as she spoke to Ying Chuan, "Today, for the Ying Family’s sake, I won’t make things difficult for you. Next time, don’t provoke me again!"

However, Ying Chuan seemed entirely unaffected by the warning.

He shoved aside the two injured attendants beside him and revealed a cunning smile, looking at Sang Xuewu, "Xuewu, do you feel a bit weak now, and is your spiritual power gradually fading?"

A subtle glint flashed in Sang Xuewu’s eyes, her pretty face taut and tense.

Similarly, hidden in the shadows, Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered as well, her gaze landing on Sang Xuewu. Her posture was equally upright, without showing any signs of weakness.

However, Ying Chuan’s words made Mu Qingge notice something different from before.

Ying Chuan’s voice continued, "Did you think I didn’t know your Wind Flower Snow Moon Sword Technique has the ability to slow down opponents? Knowing they couldn’t match you yet still attacked—I’m no fool. To tell you the truth, while those two tangled with you superficially, they actually, during the fight, dusted you with a colorless and tasteless powder. This powder’s effect is specifically to inhibit your spiritual power, making you weak and powerless, unable to resist."

"Despicable!" Sang Xuewu exclaimed with hatred, her gaze at Ying Chuan turning icier.

If she could, she would now kill this despicable man!

Yet, her body at this moment, just as Ying Chuan said, was becoming increasingly frail, even her wrist holding the sword hilt trembled lightly within her sleeve.

Now, she was merely a spent force, relying on sheer willpower to hold on.

"Despicable? No, this only shows my determination to have you! Once you become my woman, you’ll thank me," Ying Chuan declared with growing smugness.

"Thank you? Hmph!" Sang Xuewu sneered mockingly.

Noticing Sang Xuewu’s subtle tremble, Ying Chuan approached her leisurely as he spoke, "Of course, thank me. Once you become my woman, become the wife of the Ying Family, you won’t have to struggle so hard to bear the burden of the Sang Family, and can focus on having children for me! Hahaha—!"

Ying Chuan laughed obnoxiously.

As he neared Sang Xuewu, she used her last bit of strength to swing her sword out.

The flash of the sword scared Ying Chuan into rapidly jumping back, narrowly avoiding Sang Xuewu’s sword. However, after this swing, Sang Xuewu could no longer hold on, and her sword flashed and disappeared, transforming back into a ring on her finger.

She herself staggered a few steps, almost falling.

Ying Chuan regained his composure, and seeing Sang Xuewu’s plight, he grew even more delighted. "Do you still want to resist? I’m telling you, today, nothing can change your fate!"

"Miss Sang, so you are here."

Just as Ying Chuan finished speaking, a clear voice resonated, mixed with a hint of surprise.

Ying Chuan and Sang Xuewu both looked at the newcomer, only to see a person of unparalleled beauty in a crimson outfit emerge from the alley. Her beauty was rare both in heaven and earth, and her aura was extraordinary, hard to forget once seen. The enchanting red robe on her body seemed perfectly natural, immediately overshadowing Ying Chuan, who also wore a red robe.

The stark contrast was akin to the difference between a swan and a duck.

"It’s you!" Sang Xuewu’s eyes narrowed slightly, immediately recognizing Mu Qingge.

The two had a brief encounter before the Cub Phoenix List. However, she had never revealed her name; how did this person know it?

While Sang Xuewu was puzzled, Mu Qingge had already walked up to her side and, after smiling at her, looked at Ying Chuan, revealing a bright smile, "And this young man is..."

Ying Chuan’s face darkened again, saying to Mu Qingge: "Get lost! Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?"

Mu Qingge’s smile remained unchanged, "So the young master is busy; then we won’t disturb you." After saying that, she helped Sang Xuewu up, intending to leave.

The sudden intimate gesture of being supported by a stranger she had only met once left Sang Xuewu shocked.

Seeing this, Ying Chuan’s brows were clouded with darkness, and he shouted harshly: "Let her go! How dare you touch my woman? Looks like if you want to leave today, you’ll have to leave your hands behind first."

"Ying Chuan, don’t act recklessly and harm the innocent!" Sang Xuewu coldly warned upon hearing this.

Sang Xuewu’s protection made Ying Chuan’s features contorted. "Oh! You’re defending him! You two must have a secret affair. I thought you were pristine like jade, Sang Xuewu, but I didn’t expect you to secretly harbor a lover! Truly so fickle, I spit on you!"

"You’re talking nonsense!" Sang Xuewu was so angry her face turned red.

Mu Qingge’s gaze also turned cold, and she said indifferently, "Nothing good ever comes out of a dog’s mouth."

After saying this, her eyes flashed with a silver light, and a thin silver beam shot towards Ying Chuan at lightning speed.

"Ah!" The movement was so fast that no one could clearly see it or react in time. Only a painful scream from Ying Chuan reverberated, his hands covering his bloody mouth.

And on the ground, half a tongue was still warm.

"Ah ah—! Ah—!" Ying Chuan was in indescribable pain, a mix of shock, fear, and hatred swirling in his mind.

His two attendants were also stunned by this scene, forgetting what to do.

Sang Xuewu was dumbfounded as she watched this scene, unable to believe that the person beside her actually cut off Ying Chuan’s tongue! And did so without hesitation?

Did he not realize what kind of person he had just cut the tongue off of?

"He’s Ying Ze’s younger brother," Sang Xuewu snapped back to reality, worriedly reminding Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge had already speculated about Ying Chuan’s identity in her heart. Hearing Sang Xuewu’s words, she wasn’t surprised. But just because he was Ying Ze’s brother, did it mean he could do whatever he wanted?

Mu Qingge sneered coldly.

She waved her hand, and Yuanyuan suddenly appeared in the alley.

The incredibly handsome youth in purple clothes appeared abruptly, a vermillion mark between his brows as bright as fire.

Sang Xuewu’s eyes suddenly narrowed, and she whispered softly, "Abnormal Fire!"

Mu Qingge gave her a curious glance, and Yuanyuan also cast a curious look her way, then smiled brightly. Looking at Mu Qingge, he said, "Boss, what are your orders?"

Mu Qingge nodded toward Ying Chuan and his companions, instructing Yuanyuan, "Teach them a lesson on how to behave. Just don’t kill them."

Yuanyuan’s eyes lit up, and he twisted his wrist, excitedly saying, "I guarantee to complete the task!" With that, his figure blurred, charging forward.

Mu Qingge supported the stunned Sang Xuewu, turning to leave the alley, leaving behind a cool remark: "Finish up and come back, don’t wander around."

"Got it, boss—!" Yuanyuan’s voice was super excited, accompanied by the three’s tragic screams that drifted over.

Sang Xuewu was in a daze, led away by Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge directly took her to a restaurant, used a piece of gold to secure a private room, and ensured they wouldn’t be disturbed.

Inside the private room, Mu Qingge directly checked Sang Xuewu’s pulse and then told her, "It’s not some powerful drug. In an hour, the medicinal power will fade. If Miss Sang isn’t in a hurry, you can stay here for a while, wait for the medicinal power to dissipate, circulate your spiritual power once, ensure nothing is wrong, and then leave."

She then poured Sang Xuewu a cup of hot tea.

Looking at the steaming tea in front of her, Sang Xuewu raised her eyes to look at Mu Qingge, "Ying Ze is the fourth on the Green Talent List, the leader of the young generation of the Ying Family. His publicly announced cultivation is the Silver Realm Fourth Layer. Ying Chuan is his younger brother and dearly cherished. Today, Ying Chuan lost his tongue and got beaten; he won’t let it go, and neither will Ying Ze."

"Have I caused Miss Sang trouble?" Mu Qingge asked calmly, also pouring herself a cup of tea.

Sang Xuewu shook her head slowly, "You saved me, I won’t stand by and do nothing. I just want to remind you, the Ying Family is powerful, always domineering and self-centered. Ying Ze is famously like that too. Those who dare to provoke him end up miserably. You must be careful. At least, avoid Ying Ze until I resolve this matter."

This unexpected answer made Mu Qingge look up, curiously asking, "How does Miss Sang plan to resolve it?"

Sang Xuewu pressed her lips together, "Since you know my name, you must have guessed my identity. The Sang Family and the Ying Family are both from the Ancient Clan. Once I return to my family, I’ll inform the elders. They will explain everything to the Ying Family and resolve this feud."

Peacefully resolve, huh?

Mu Qingge slowly lowered her gaze, lifting her teacup to her lips for a light sip.

From the beginning, Sang Xuewu had been tolerating Ying Chuan. Even if her words warned him, she never truly harmed him. And the way she planned to resolve this was still about minimizing the issue.

Relying on the family’s elders to explain, letting the Ying Family understand that Ying Chuan provoked this, then the Sang Family offering a couple of Divine Weapons as compensation for Ying Chuan’s lost tongue, to smooth things over?

A cold light appeared in Mu Qingge’s eyes, thinking to herself: ’Has the Sang Family really declined to such an extent?’

She set down the teacup in her hand, saying faintly, "Since Miss Sang mentioned the Ying Family’s usual dominance, why would they accept the Sang’s explanation? Aren’t you afraid, Miss Sang, that the Ying Family will seize the opportunity to make excessive demands?"

Sang Xuewu’s brows showed distress.

Of course, she was worried, but what choice did she have? The Sang Family could not afford to offend the Ying Family, or they’d face destructive retaliation.

"Rest assured, sir, the cause of this issue lies with me; you merely acted against injustice. Sang Xuewu is not ungrateful, I won’t drag you into this. I will handle it properly," Sang Xuewu assured Mu Qingge.

"Miss Sang isn’t planning to, if it comes to it, just marry Ying Chuan, right?" Mu Qingge looked at her and said.

Sang Xuewu’s heart trembled.

That was indeed what she thought, but she did not expect Mu Qingge to see through her directly.

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, "Ying Chuan’s tongue was cut by me, and I had him beaten. If the Ying Family wants revenge, let them come for me."

Sang Xuewu looked at her in shock, seemingly unable to understand where her confidence came from.

Provoking the Ying Family, even if she could deal with Ying Chuan, the Ying Family had many more formidable people. Those at the Silver Realm Fifth Layer, Sixth Layer, or even Golden Realm elders might not be seen in smaller families, but they were numerous in the Ying Family.

"Sir, perhaps you don’t understand what the Ying Family represents," Sang Xuewu urgently explained.

However, Mu Qingge stood up, interrupting her.

She looked at Sang Xuewu, her tone calm, "Miss Sang hasn’t asked my name or my intentions; I appreciate your kindness. Yet, I’m not one to act without taking responsibility. Since I did it, when the Ying Family comes, you can tell them the truth, no need to hide anything for me."

"You..." Sang Xuewu stared at her, speechless.

Mu Qingge also sighed inwardly.

Regarding Sang Xuewu, she genuinely did not want her to be harmed. Otherwise, why would she interfere in others’ business? But since she did, she wouldn’t later abandon her actions.

"My name is Mu Qingge, if the Ying Family asks, you can tell them," Mu Qingge said, then turned and left the private room.

Only when the door closed did Sang Xuewu wake from her shock.

She shot up from her seat, her expression changing dramatically, "Mu Qingge! She is Mu Qingge?"

As if receiving an enormous shock, Sang Xuewu immediately rushed out of the room, but the corridor had already no trace of Mu Qingge.

Sang Xuewu was utterly stunned, mumbling, "Mu Qingge, could it be that Mu Qingge? She..." A layer of mist suddenly rose in her eyes, her serene and calm gaze revealing hidden excitement.