Mu Qingge unexpectedly fell into a man’s embrace.

"Why is it you?"

Upon seeing the man’s appearance and feeling the familiar aura, she was stunned.

Si Mo held the beautiful face gazing at him with shock, and amusement flickered in his amber eyes like starlight in the night sky, radiant and enchanting.

"Doesn’t Ge’er want to see me?" Si Mo furrowed his brows, his tone somewhat hurt.

"No!" Mu Qingge straightened up from Si Mo’s embrace, her clear eyes blinking, "Didn’t you leave? How come you’ve suddenly appeared?"

"Ge’er still seems unwilling to see me." The hurt in Si Mo’s eyes deepened.

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched as she looked at the man feigning innocence, reaching out to rub his cheek like coaxing a child, "Alright, alright, why wouldn’t I want to see you?"

"Then Ge’er misses me." Si Mo’s eyes sparkled with joyous surprise.

Uh...

Mu Qingge awkwardly smiled at the handsome face so close.

"Does Ge’er not miss me?" Si Mo’s tone carried a trace of danger, pulling Mu Qingge closer.

"Why exactly are you here?" Mu Qingge gritted her teeth and asked.

Si Mo wasn’t a person who would randomly show up if there wasn’t an important matter.

"I’m here to deliver something to Ge’er." Si Mo laughed lightly, finally revealing his purpose.

"Deliver something?" Mu Qingge looked at him with curiosity.

Si Mo nodded, released her, and placed his large palm before her, revealing two gold rings.

Mu Qingge stared at the two gold rings, her mind running wild, thinking, ’Is this man planning to propose again? Does this Otherworld also have engagement rings?’

"Put this on Hou."

Huh?

Si Mo’s words broke Mu Qingge’s wild thoughts.

She looked up, bewildered, at Si Mo.

Si Mo was puzzled by her confusion but didn’t inquire further, instead picking up one ring and grabbing Mu Qingge’s wrist to measure it against the gold ring.

The gold ring suddenly emitted golden light, some mysterious runes appeared from the ring, circling around, and gradually the ring in Mu Qingge’s eyes became larger, turning from a ring into a bracelet.

Si Mo placed the gold bracelet on Mu Qingge’s wrist, and as it touched her skin, the mysterious runes embedded themselves into the bracelet, forming a mysterious and beautiful pattern.

Mu Qingge raised her hand, shaking her wrist, and curiously examined the gold bracelet, her questioning gaze fell on Si Mo.

Si Mo placed the other ring in Mu Qingge’s hand and explained, "This is called the Mother and Child Rings. You wear the Mother Ring, and this is the Child Ring. The Mother Ring can control the Child Ring—you put the Child Ring on Hou, and if he doesn’t follow your orders, you can use the Mother Ring to control him."

So that’s what this treasure is!

Mu Qingge instantly understood, her eyes bursting with delight as she gazed at the gold bracelet on her wrist.

Momentarily, she turned her gaze to Si Mo, extremely interested, "How does the control work?"

"If Hou doesn’t listen to you, you just need to shake the Mother Ring, and the Child Ring will cause Hou immense pain, forcing him to comply," Si Mo explained.

In Mu Qingge’s stunned silence, he added, "Once the Child Ring is on, no one but the wearer of the Mother Ring can remove it—not even Hou."

Amazing!

Mu Qingge thought to herself, ’This is practically Sun Wukong’s tightening spell!’

Mu Qingge carefully stored away the Child Ring, pulled her sleeves to cover the gold bracelet on her wrist, and said to Si Mo, "The problem is, Hou won’t willingly put it on."

"He doesn’t need to willingly put it on, you just throw it at him, and the Child Ring will naturally latch onto him, unable to escape," Si Mo said.

Mu Qingge’s heart warmed, and she looked at the man with smiling eyes. It turned out that this man was worried she couldn’t control Hou, so he traveled so far to bring her such a treasure.

But...

"This Mother and Child Rings could have been delivered by Gu Ya or Gu Ye; why did you come personally?" Mu Qingge asked amused.

"They went to the Desert Sea," Si Mo provided a seemingly reasonable explanation.

This reason might fool a simple little sister, but for Mu Qingge, it was too easy to see through. Although she knew Si Mo was punishing them by sending them to the Desert Sea, they could still have carried out this task of delivering the rings. There’s no need for him to come in person.

Knowing that Si Mo was using this as an excuse to see her, Mu Qingge chuckled internally and didn’t expose his reason.

"Now that you’ve delivered the items, you can leave." Mu Qingge playfully said to Si Mo.

Si Mo’s face darkened, and he immediately pulled her into his embrace, angrily saying, "Does Ge’er really want me to leave?"

Mu Qingge feigned innocence and said, "Didn’t you say you came to deliver something? You’ve delivered it, and I’ve expressed my thanks—why aren’t you leaving? What’s there to do sticking around?"

"When did Ge’er thank me?" Si Mo’s amber eyes narrowed slightly.

Mu Qingge looked up at him, her clear eyes playfully blinked, suddenly revealing a stunning smile as she leaned closer to his face and said, "Isn’t that exactly what I’m about to do?"

She murmured at his lips, and without Si Mo’s any expectation, captured his cool lips.

Her cherry blossom pink lips were like blooming peach flowers, full of temptation.

Si Mo’s body momentarily froze, overwhelmed by joy from Mu Qingge’s unexpected move. His long arms tightened around Mu Qingge’s waist, gently lifting her so they were even closer.

"My Ge’er, my little Ge’er..." Si Mo whispered, responding to Mu Qingge’s kiss.

In the main tent, the mystic robe and red robe were tightly embraced, with faint firelight casting warm orange glows around them, leaving a combined silhouette on the wall.

Suddenly, Si Mo swept Mu Qingge into his arms.

The sudden lift made Mu Qingge’s heart skip, her hands instinctively wrapped around Si Mo’s neck, her clear eyes innocently watching him like a curious little creature.

In the presence of this man, she shed all her armor and defenses, being her truest self.

Lying in his arms, she could enjoy the laziness, no longer needing to expend mental energy, strategizing and analyzing, and could temporarily put cultivation aside.

Si Mo’s amber eyes laughed at her, carefully holding her as if treating a rare treasure, step by step he moved toward the bed.

The night on the Sunset Grassland was quiet, the Floating Guests’ chatter and gatherings had ended, and all around turned silent.

In the main tent, seemingly only the sound of alternating breaths from two people remained.

Mu Qingge widened her eyes to look at him, while Si Mo also fixated on her.

The appearance of the bed gradually entered Mu Qingge’s peripheral vision. Suddenly, it seemed she heard the sound of her own heartbeat. ’What’s this man intending?’ she asked herself inwardly, mixed with a bit of anticipation and a bit of fear.

When Si Mo bent over to lower Mu Qingge on the bed, her body lightly touched the bed, and her spine suddenly stiffened, a trace of panic flashed across her beautiful face.

Seeing that slight tension, Si Mo suppressed a laugh, laying her flat and himself beside her, side profiling.

Si Mo’s hair fell against Mu Qingge’s chest, merely touching, yet that contact made Mu Qingge’s whole body heated.

She involuntarily gulped, fixed on Si Mo, motionless.

’What’s he intending? Could it be...’

Mu Qingge’s mind raced, unlike previous mutual teasings, this time it seemed this man was serious!

What to do? Comply or resist?

While Mu Qingge’s mind was in turmoil between ’comply’ and ’resist,’ Si Mo’s hand gently stroked her left ear, asking in a low voice, "Where’s the Illusionary Artifact?"

"Damaged, under repair." Mu Qingge replied reflexively, entirely bypassing her mind.

Her honesty cooled Si Mo’s entire aura, his extraordinarily handsome face covered with terrifying gloom. "Who?"

Eh!

Who? Clearly asking who harmed her. To damage the Illusionary Artifact, Mu Qingge must have suffered a strong attack, getting injured assuredly.

Someone dared to harm his Ge’er that much?!

Killing intent slowly overflowed from Si Mo, as if with just a blink from him, the entire Sunset Grassland would become a carnage.

Feeling the murderous aura emanating from the man, Mu Qingge felt reassured and raised her hand to smooth the air in front of his chest, "It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s all in the past. Besides, it was a bet I agreed to, and now I’ve won."

"Risking yourself again?" Si Mo’s expression didn’t improve with Mu Qingge’s reassurance.

Hearing the anger and reproach in his tone, along with a hint of helplessness, Mu Qingge promised, "I assure you, I’ll be more careful next time and won’t take such risks so easily." Anyway, no matter what, she had to soothe this young master first.

"There will be a next time?" Si Mo was both angry and amused as he spat out the words through grit teeth. This little fellow simply wouldn’t rest until she drove him crazy!

Mu Qingge blinked innocently, looking nothing like the majestic and domineering little lord.

"Too much anger is bad for your health. I’ve already promised you, what more do you want?" Mu Qingge soothed Si Mo with a somewhat aggrieved tone. Wasn’t it hard enough for her? She was severely injured and still had to be responsible for soothing this man’s mood!

As she continued to smooth the air, Mu Qingge even felt she was getting a bit agitated herself.

"Ge’er, what am I going to do with you?" Si Mo suddenly pulled Mu Qingge into his arms, and the two of them snuggled together, lying on the bed fully clothed.

Si Mo held her tightly yet gently.

Mu Qingge remained motionless, letting him hold her, her clear eyes rolling around.

"Sometimes, I truly wish I could take you away, preventing you from facing any danger. But I know you’re not the kind of woman to be treated like a pet; you have your own pursuits and your own resolve. So, I let you fly freely, but each time you end up battered and bruised, it pains my heart," Si Mo’s voice was full of pleading.

Such a powerful man now pleaded with her to learn to cherish her body!

This realization enveloped Mu Qingge in warmth and moved her deeply.

She had met many outstanding men, but none could move her like Si Mo. Why? Perhaps, it was because he truly understood her.

Lying in Si Mo’s arms, Mu Qingge slowly recalled the process of their acquaintance in her mind.

Looking back, she realized that from the very beginning, this man had quietly, bit by bit, infiltrated her world, making her accustomed to his presence and starting to trust him.

The man she loved had once been her imagined enemy.

Yet, Mu Qingge now realized that even at the beginning, she never truly treated him as an enemy, and in subtle ways, had started to trust him.

"Let me rub it for you, it won’t hurt anymore." Mu Qingge extended her hand to press against Si Mo’s chest, rubbing it seriously.

She wanted to be strong, so in the process of becoming stronger, she couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t get hurt.

So, she could only trouble Si Mo.

Or perhaps, not letting him see her get hurt, not letting him know of her injuries, maybe it would be much better.

"You dare to hide it from me, just try." Si Mo’s large hand caught Mu Qingge’s hand, threatening her.

Mu Qingge chuckled awkwardly, this man saw through her thoughts so quickly.

Si Mo brushed aside the hair on her forehead, and gently said, "Ge’er, don’t forget, you still have me. Don’t push yourself too hard, let me show my worth too."

"Okay." Mu Qingge readily agreed.

However, Si Mo could only smile wryly.

He knew that although Mu Qingge agreed so straightforwardly, she didn’t actually take it to heart, and would continue to do as she pleased in the future.

With a light sigh, Si Mo could only blame himself. After all, this was Mu Qingge, and she was exactly the Mu Qingge he liked.

"Be good, sleep now." Si Mo murmured by Mu Qingge’s ear as he held her.

Ah?

"Sleep now?" Mu Qingge said in surprise. But as soon as she spoke, she regretted it, and her whole face turned red.

Si Mo chuckled lowly, his voice teasing, "If you’re not sleeping, what else does Ge’er want to do? Ge’er just got injured, it’s not suitable for intense activities, so hold back."

I... damn...!

Mu Qingge’s temple throbbed; she didn’t mean it that way at all!

This damn man, how dare he twist her words!

She just thought that this was so out of character for a certain someone!

No, what was she thinking?

Was she expecting Si Mo to take liberties with her?

Mu Qingge became muddled with anger.

By the time her anger subsided, the sound of even breathing had already come from beside her.

The calm breathing seemed to touch the softest part of her heart. She lifted her eyes to look at the sleeping face so close to her.

Long lashes, distinct and fan-like, drooped lightly.

Perfect features and exquisite contours formed the face of this man, unmatched in the world.

At this moment, he was asleep, yet exuded a baby-like serenity, devoid of the inherent aloofness. Countless centuries of solitary seclusion had gradually softened and dissipated into nothing.

This face alone could captivate countless souls.

And it was most capable of stirring Mu Qingge’s heart.

She gently kissed his lips, nestled into the most comfortable corner in the man’s embrace, and fell asleep peacefully. ’Treasure it well, perhaps when you wake, the bed will be occupied by only yourself.’

Mu Qingge slept soundly.

Though it was just a short two hours before the sky gradually brightened.

Outside the main tent, the Dragon Tooth Guards had begun their daily training. The orderly sounds of drills echoed throughout the camp.

Mu Qingge gradually woke up to the sound of the Dragon Tooth Guards’ training. The sunlight from outside had started to seep into the tent through the gaps.

Gazing at the tent’s ceiling, Mu Qingge recalled what had happened before she fell asleep.

She suddenly turned her face to the side, and there, still resting quietly beside her, was a sleeping face.

’He didn’t leave after all?’

This discovery made Mu Qingge somewhat pleased.

Mu Qingge turned to her side, propped a hand under her head, and looked at Si Mo. With her other hand, she playfully curled the man’s hair around her finger. "Sleeping so deeply, must be exhausted?"

She didn’t know that Si Mo hadn’t closed his eyes for a long time, all to meet her.

Only after finishing his piled-up work could he properly accompany his Ge’er.

Last night was a sweet slumber for Mu Qingge, and for him too, in its own way.

Watching Si Mo for a good half an hour, and still not seeing any signs of him waking up, Mu Qingge gently rose from the bed. Then, she carefully covered the man with the quilt before standing in the main tent, taking out her purple earrings.

The earrings had been repaired.

Which meant she could transform back into male attire.

Placing the earring back on her left ear, Mu Qingge once again became the elegant, free-spirited, and carefree young lord.

After glancing once more at the sleeping Si Mo, Mu Qingge lifted the curtain of the main tent and stepped outside.

"Little Lord!"

As soon as she came out, she saw You He and Hua Yue approaching the main tent. Both women held trays filled with dishes she enjoyed.

"Set it up outside, I’ll eat outside," Mu Qingge instructed. She didn’t want anyone disturbing Si Mo’s rest.

The main reason was, she selfishly didn’t want to share the sight of Si Mo sleeping with others.

You He and Hua Yue immediately set up a table and recliner on the platform outside the main tent, covering the recliner with a soft beast skin.

Mu Qingge reclined on the chair, basking lazily in the sunlight and watching the distant training of the Dragon Tooth Guards. Hua Yue naturally moved to her side, her hands landing on Mu Qingge’s shoulders, massaging earnestly.

You He sat beside them, serving the food in bowls and passing them to Mu Qingge.

From a distance, this scene appeared exceedingly extravagant!

Soon, Xie Ya and Xuan Ya appeared before her. Seeing her unharmed, they finally relaxed.

"Young Master."

"Young Master."

The two women bowed before her.

Mu Qingge slightly nodded, swallowed her food, and said to the two women, "I have nothing here that requires your attention. You don’t have to stay by my side."

However, Xie Ya and Xuan Ya shook their heads together.

Xie Ya said, "We are the servants of the Young Master, and it is our duty to serve you."

Xuan Ya also said to You He and Hua Yue, "Dear sisters, I am new here and not familiar with the Young Master’s habits. I hope you can instruct me."

You He and Hua Yue both looked towards Mu Qingge, who smiled playfully, "Then you should learn from each other."

Xie Ya and Xuan Ya stayed, learning from You He and Hua Yue, and also understanding Mu Qingge’s habits.

The four beauties gathered, creating an aura of elegance!

Mo Yang walked to Mu Qingge and said to her, "Little Lord, the duel between you and Ying Ze yesterday has spread across the entire Sunset Grassland. Today, everyone is speculating about your injuries and wondering if you can recover."

Mu Qingge nonchalantly said, "Hmm, let them guess. For the next few days, tell anyone trying to inquire that I’m still recovering and meeting no one."

"Yes, Little Lord." Mo Yang accepted the order and left.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold smile played on her lips. She preferred not to reveal her recovery ability. However, if she remained in seclusion for a few days, unexpected things might happen.

Before long, Bai Xi, Yin Chen, Yuanyuan, and Jing Hai all came to visit Mu Qingge. After sending them away, she continued to lazily sit on the recliner, watching the Dragon Tooth Guards train.

With their master supervising, today’s Dragon Tooth Guards trained with extra diligence and effort.

...

The Sang Family’s camp had only a sparse few tents. It wasn’t that they were impoverished, but because most camps here were set up based on numbers. Few could match the neatness and scale of the Dragon Tooth Camp.

Floating guests were just that—floating guests, not a well-trained army.

One could say that the Dragon Tooth Camp, amongst the various groups in the Sunset Grassland, was as distinctive as a fortress, blocking everyone’s curious gaze and becoming even more mysterious in many eyes.

Especially since there was someone inside whose life and death everyone was concerned about!

Sang Xuewu lifted the tent flap and entered her tent.

Then, someone followed her in, impatiently asking, "So? Did you find out anything?"

Sang Xuewu shook her head and said to Sang Yichen, "The Dragon Tooth Camp gate is firmly closed. Many people have tried to inquire about her, some even attempting to visit under the pretext, but they were all turned away, saying she’s healing and not fit to receive guests."

"So how is she? How are her injuries?" Sang Yichen asked anxiously.

Sang Xuewu also looked worried and said, "I don’t know."

Sang Yichen paced back and forth in the tent, worriedly saying, "What Ying Ze said was ambiguous. What does ’wait until she appears alive’ even mean?"

Sang Xuewu pursed her lips and fell silent.

Sang Yichen murmured to himself, "According to the agreement, as long as she took three moves, that would be the end of it. She’s already taken those three moves, does he plan to keep pursuing it?"

"I’m not worried about what Ying Ze wants to do now; I’m only worried about how she is." Sang Xuewu said.

"Xuewu." Suddenly, the voice of the Third Elder of the Sang Family came from outside the tent.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen quickly exchanged glances, both dropping the previous topic.

The Third Elder entered the tent, paused upon seeing Sang Yichen, then immediately regained his composure and smiled, "Yichen lad is here as well."

"Third Elder."

"Third Elder."

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen stood up simultaneously to address the Third Elder.

The Third Elder nodded, walked inside the tent and sat down, looking at Sang Xuewu, "Xuewu, how much do you know about that Mu gentleman? How did you two come to know each other?"

His words made a light flash across Sang Xuewu’s eyes, and Sang Yichen also looked at her.

Sang Xuewu lowered her gaze and said to the Third Elder, "To answer the Third Elder, I met Mr. Mu by chance. It was at Wuyin Mansion when he intervened to help me as Ying Chuan bullied me. Afterwards, we had no interactions until unexpectedly meeting at Sunset Grassland."

The Third Elder nodded as he listened, waiting for her to finish before saying, "If Mr. Mu can recover, what do you think are the chances of cooperation between our Sang Family and the Dragon Tooth Camp?"

"This..." Sang Xuewu hadn’t anticipated this question from the Third Elder. After a moment of silence, she shook her head, "I don’t know."

This response disappointed the Third Elder a bit.

He pondered for a moment and then asked, "Xuewu, do you think that the repeated rescues from Mr. Mu indicate he might have intentions towards you?"

"That’s impossible!" Sang Xuewu immediately denied.

The Third Elder was momentarily stunned, misunderstanding Sang Xuewu’s reaction as shyness. He laughed heartily, "Xuewu, don’t be shy. You’re at a marriageable age. If you find someone you like, the Third Elder would be happy for you."

"Elder, that’s not what I meant. It’s impossible for things to be as you think between us." Sang Xuewu explained helplessly.

The Third Elder seriously pondered Sang Xuewu’s words, and finally sighed, "It seems our Xuewu doesn’t think highly of Mr. Mu! Alright, let’s leave it at that. However, Mr. Mu is indeed an benefactor to our Sang Family; we should at least express our gratitude."

Sang Xuewu said, "Understood, Third Elder. However, with the Dragon Tooth Camp closed now, and she still presumably recovering, it’s better to wait a few days before visiting."

"Hahaha... You girl, always so stubborn." The Third Elder laughed heartily, made a meaningful remark, and left Sang Xuewu’s tent.

After he left, Sang Yichen scratched his head and said to Sang Xuewu, "I think the Third Elder might have misunderstood something."

Sang Xuewu shook her head helplessly and said to Sang Yichen, "I’ve already explained."

"But evidently, your explanation didn’t work." Sang Yichen shrugged.

"Oh right!" Sang Xuewu suddenly widened her eyes, looking at the startled Sang Yichen, "That Illusionary Artifact, I wonder if the Third Elder has seen it."

Sang Yichen’s face changed as well, pacing before Sang Xuewu, "I remember now, mom said after the Illusionary Artifact was made, only grandpa saw it, and no one else knows about it."

Sang Xuewu let out a long sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, otherwise it would have been hard to keep it secret."

Sang Yichen nodded to her, "We must meet her before the Third Elder does; otherwise, not knowing each other’s plans, we won’t know what to do."

"But right now she can’t be seen." Sang Xuewu bit her lip.

"How about sneaking in?" Sang Yichen suggested.

Sang Xuewu glared at him and retorted, "Do you think I could deceive those formidable figures?" Among those who appeared yesterday, several gave her a clear sense of pressure.

"She has so many masters by her side!" Sang Yichen also exclaimed.

Sang Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "Let’s wait for now."

...

In Sunset Grassland, Mu Qingge’s name had already become known. Her bet with Ying Ze, the fourth on the Green Talent List, was also spreading.

Now, before the grand hunt officially began, her life and death became the matter of utmost concern to everyone.

Of course, they were not concerned about whether Mu Qingge was dead or alive, but rather what decision Ying Ze would make based on her fate.

All of this stemmed from his ambiguous statement.

In the Ying Family’s camp, Ying Ze listened to his subordinate’s report—

"The Dragon Tooth Camp’s gate is closed tight. Some floating guest groups attempted to gather information under the guise of visiting the sick, but were all turned away. Their Commander Mo Yang came out afterward to announce that the Dragon Tooth Camp would not receive guests for three days, as their master needs peace and quiet for recovery."

"Hmm, you may go." Ying Ze nodded slightly, his gaze revealing no trace of emotion.

"About the Sang Family..." the subordinate tentatively asked.

"Ignore them." Ying Ze’s simple four words made clear the Sang Family’s insignificance in his eyes.

Ying Ze’s subordinate withdrew.

Ying Ze’s gaze darkened, as if deep currents were flowing within.

That Mu Qingge could withstand his third move without dying truly surprised him. Only he knew that in the third move, he had utilized his Bloodline Power, to the point of losing some control. He also suffered some backlash, but concealed it well, unnoticed by others.

Under such power, even his father at Golden Realm Second Layer couldn’t have safely withstood it, yet Mu Qingge did, and without dying!

This abnormal phenomenon piqued his intense curiosity.

So, in the end, he said such a sentence, attracting everyone’s attention to the life and death of Mu Qingge.

"Ying Ze, you’re really going backwards as you age! Letting a nobody step on you to make a name? I just arrived at the Sunset Grassland and heard about your bet with that Mu Qingge." A mocking voice suddenly appeared in the tent.

Ying Ze glanced up coldly and said, "Ji Yaohua."

A figure flashed into the tent right after he spoke, casually sat on a chair as if boneless, picked up the teapot and teacup in front of him, and poured himself a cup of tea, without any politeness.

Ying Ze, unfazed, picked up his teacup, brought it to his lips, took a light sip, and said blandly, "Since you’re here, it seems that people from the Northern Continent have also arrived."

Ji Yaohua, ranked second on the Green Talent List, the genius young master of the Ji Family from the Northern Continent, with a cultivation at the Silver Realm Sixth Layer, ready to break through into the Golden Realm at any time.

Ji Yaohua’s face carried a teasing smile, making his handsome face with elegant features appear even more dashing. His attire was unkempt and casual, yet within that casualness lay his unique style.

It seemed only Ji Yaohua could pull off such a casual way of dressing.

"The grand hunt is so exciting, how could we miss it," Ji Yaohua said with a smile.

"Which families from the Northern Continent came?" Ying Ze asked.

Ji Yaohua opened his mouth, ready to answer, but Ying Ze interrupted, "Forget it, asking you is like asking nothing. When have you ever cared about things that have nothing to do with you?"

Ji Yaohua paused, withdrew the words on his lips, and with a roguish smile said, "You really understand me. That’s why, among us, I like you the most."

Ying Ze’s eyes turned cold as he said to him, "You are just my challenge target."

"Don’t be so heartless," Ji Yaohua’s figure flashed, appearing in front of him, saying with a grin.

"Stay away from me," Ying Ze frowned with disgust.

Ji Yaohua pretended not to hear, only asking with interest, "Tell me, what’s going on between you and that Mu Qingge? How did you get bullied by someone nobody’s ever heard of?"

"I wasn’t bullied," Ying Ze said with a gloomy face.

"Didn’t you lose?" Ji Yaohua blinked.

Ying Ze said with a dark face, "The outcome is not yet decided." He must see Mu Qingge alive before acknowledging his loss.

Ji Yaohua paid attention to his expression and nodded, "It seems you care a lot about this Mu Qingge!"

Ying Ze glanced at him and said without denial, "He is indeed a noteworthy opponent."

"But why haven’t I heard of his name before?" Ji Yaohua frowned.

"Neither have I. He and his Dragon Teeth seemed to appear out of nowhere. But after this grand hunt ends, I will have someone thoroughly investigate them," Ying Ze said.

Ji Yaohua was stunned, stared at Ying Ze for a long time, before exclaiming, "Never seen you say so much at once. It seems you really regard this person highly. Now, I want to meet him too."

Ying Ze looked at him expressionlessly and said, "You’re here; what about the others?"

Ji Yaohua shrugged and said, "Xi Qianxue probably won’t come, Wei Molili’s whereabouts are unknown, and Yao Xinghai is said to be currently in seclusion for alchemy. Among the five heroes of the Green Talent List, it seems only the two of us came."

"What five heroes? Just each other’s opponents," Ying Ze frowned, dissatisfied with Ji Yaohua’s wording.

In fact, apart from being somewhat familiar with Ji Yaohua due to family relations, he was not well acquainted with the other three. Likewise for Ji Yaohua, but he had the ability to make it seem like there was a close relationship between them.

"I dare say, if Xi Qianxue knew you called her Xi sister behind her back, she would definitely hunt you down," Ying Ze said.

Ji Yaohua said with anticipation, "Great, let her come after me. Being chased by the Goddess is also a kind of happiness! Maybe during the chase, I’ll bring her home as my wife."

"You’re crazy, the Goddess cannot marry," Ying Ze warned.

Ji Yaohua shook his head in disdain, "Sigh, Aze still has no sense of humor at all."

Ying Ze ignored him, just regrettably said, "Thought Yao Xinghai would come."

"You want to challenge him?" Ji Yaohua immediately understood Ying Ze’s intention.

Ying Ze didn’t reply, but his intent was clear.

Ji Yaohua’s interest was piqued, and he pointed to himself backwards, "You can challenge me!" He said, flashing a brilliant smile at Ying Ze.

"Can’t beat you," Ying Ze coolly dropped a sentence, stood up, and walked towards the tent entrance.

"Hey! How about I let you use one hand?" Ji Yaohua immediately chased after, pestering Ying Ze.

The Ji Family from the Northern Continent has arrived, and the Han Family is here too.

The person who came was none other than Mu Qingge’s old friend, Han Caicai. As soon as he entered the Sunset Grassland, he heard rumors about Mu Qingge, and was momentarily stunned.

Almost immediately after learning of her injury, he hurried to the Dragon Tooth Camp.

Unfortunately, even he faced a closed door and returned in frustration.

"Damn it! Even I can’t see her!" Han Caicai gritted his teeth in anger, still as flamboyantly dressed as ever.

"Second brother, what’s wrong?" A young woman walked in and, seeing Han Caicai’s grim expression, asked with concern.

Beside her was a pretty young woman, who also chimed in, "Brother Cai, what’s the matter?"

"It’s nothing, why are you two here?" Han Caicai replied irritably.

The woman who called him "second brother" walked over to him coquettishly, "Qinglian saw you storm back in anger, worried something happened, so she asked me to come see you. You see how much Qinglian cares for you."

Han Caicai sneered sarcastically and said to the pretty young woman, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Ruan. The Sunset Grassland isn’t the Ruan Family, nor is it the Northern Continent. No one knows the jewel of the Northern Ruan Family here. Miss Ruan, you’d better return to your camp to avoid any danger. My Han Family can’t take responsibility."

"Second brother!"

Ruan Qinglian quickly said, "It’s okay, it’s okay. As long as Brother Cai is fine, I’ll leave." With that, she left Han Caicai’s tent, looking back every few steps.

"Second brother, why are you like this with Qinglian? She truly likes you."

Han Caicai ignored his sister’s reproach and warned, "Han Yiren, don’t meddle in my affairs. If you like her, then marry her yourself. Don’t drag me into it."

"You! I’m doing this for your own good. If you marry Qinglian, who could shake your position in the Han Family?" Han Yiren stomped her foot in frustration.

"I’m not going to marry her. Get out." Han Caicai’s narrow eyes narrowed dangerously.

Han Yiren felt a shiver down her spine, glared at him hatefully, and turned to leave.

The tent returned to quiet. But Han Caicai’s mood remained restless. There was only one person he ever wanted to marry, yet that person had no intention of marrying him!

...

Within the Dragon Tooth Camp, thanks to the advantageous terrain and the main gate outside the camp, many prying eyes were kept at bay.

Mu Qingge finished sunbathing and stretched as she entered the main tent.

Upon entering, she looked towards the bed, where someone was lounging lazily, smiling at her.

Mu Qingge hesitated for a moment, then smiled and walked towards Si Mo, "Awake? Do you want something to eat? I can have someone make it."

Si Mo extended his hand, and Mu Qingge compliantly placed hers in it. Suddenly, her hand was seized and she was pulled into his embrace.

"I want to eat you," Si Mo whispered in her ear.

Mu Qingge’s face flushed crimson, and she struggled out of his arms, scolding playfully, "No decorum!"

Si Mo leaned closer, "Only in front of you."

Mu Qingge, both amused and annoyed, said, "Seems like you’re not that hungry, so there’s no need to prepare food, right?"

Si Mo didn’t argue, instead grabbing Mu Qingge’s hand, and said, "Can I stay with little Ge’er for a few more days?"

"Aren’t you in a rush to return?" Mu Qingge asked in surprise.

"There’s nothing urgent lately. I can stay a while longer," Si Mo replied with a smile.

"How long can you stay?" Mu Qingge asked, her clear eyes showing a hint of anticipation.

Si Mo thought for a moment, then replied, "Until the Great Hunt ends."

’That’s a whole month!’ Mu Qingge was pleasantly surprised. Though they were always together briefly, now they had a month to spend together, which was unexpected.

"Alright then, I’ll take care of you for a month! But I won’t do it for free, you need to prove your value," Mu Qingge said half-jokingly.

Si Mo, with an innocent look in his amber eyes, said to Mu Qingge, "Little Lord, I can fight monsters by day and warm the bed at night. Please take me in, Little Lord."

"Hahahahaha—! Alright, I’ll take you in!" Mu Qingge burst into laughter.