"Ji Yaohua has arrived, where is Mu Qingge?"

The loud shout infused with spiritual power resounded across the Sunset Grassland. The shockwave centered around Ji Yaohua swept through everyone nearby.

"The cultivation of this young master Ji, I’m afraid in two more years, he could surpass us," Commander Xuan Yue sighed and slowly shook his head.

The pride of the younger generation made him feel as if he was growing old.

Back in the day, they too were full of vigor. Yet now, although they were not old, the feeling of being surpassed by their juniors brought about many sighs.

The commanders of Bailian and Giant Spirit also exchanged glances, the emotions in their eyes were quite similar to those of Commander Xuan Yue.

The three of them were the leaders of the three major Heavenly Level Floating Guest Teams, and at Ji Yaohua’s age, they were only at Silver Realm First Layer cultivation.

"The young master Ji is really strong!"

"Yeah! And so handsome too!"

"The young master Ji is a super genius ranked second on the Green Talent List, how could Mu Qingge be his match?"

"This duel, it’s entirely predictable."

"I’m just curious now about which move Mu Qingge will lose, to see how much I can earn. Hehe."

The surrounding discussions fell into the ears of those connected with Mu Qingge, making them particularly uncomfortable.

Ji Yaohua stood in the Sunset Grassland, dressed casually, holding a folding fan behind his back. While waiting, his hair and clothes moved without wind, and he always wore a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, giving his eyes a crescent shape that conveyed a friendly feeling.

Suddenly, amidst everyone’s anticipation, a formidable aura rushed in from afar.

As the aura dispersed, Mu Qingge’s figure appeared opposite Ji Yaohua.

Dressed in a crimson robe, exquisite soft armor, with an heroic appearance and flowing ebony hair. Holding the Linglong Spear, its shaft tall and straight, its tip sharp and keen, exuding a tenacious spirit.

Her perfect features revealed no thoughts about the duel; besides calmness, there was a hint of anticipation.

"Wow! So handsome!"

"Really handsome! If it’s about looks, I’d definitely vote for Prince Mu."

"Yeah, yeah! So handsome! I want to marry him!"

"Who would you marry, young master Ji or Prince Mu?"

"What if I want both?"

"Psh~! A bunch of flower lovers, can good looks be eaten? What’s most important is strength!" A certain man couldn’t help but retort.

Immediately, he attracted a glare from the crowd.

"Do you have strength? Neither good looks nor strength, yet still talking big! Get lost!"

The female guests of the Flowing Guest Realm were never known for their gentleness.

That male guest was immediately defeated.

’Mu Qingge, you came after all!’ When Han Caicai saw Mu Qingge appear, his heart sank, and a worried emotion seeped from his narrow eyes.

Standing next to him, Han Yiren furrowed her delicate eyebrows, looked at her brother beside her, and caught the worry in his eyes.

Gradually shifting her gaze, she looked at Mu Qingge. She hoped that Mu Qingge would completely lose, and ideally, the young master of the Ji Family would accidentally kill him.

Without this person, perhaps her brother wouldn’t have gone astray, enamored with men.

Han Yiren hid her thoughts well, and even Han Caicai didn’t notice.

In the Sang Family’s camp, Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen both wore serious expressions, standing behind the third elder of the Sang Family, unable to hide their inner worries.

The Third Elder turned his gaze to the two and said, "Xuewu, are you worried about Prince Mu?"

Sang Xuewu’s body tensed; she looked at the Third Elder and nodded.

The Third Elder advised, "This is just a competition, not a fight to the death. So, at most, Prince Mu will lose the duel, but he won’t be in any mortal danger. Don’t be too nervous." After speaking, he gave her a look full of deeper meaning.

That look held many meanings, making Sang Xuewu acutely feel that the Third Elder seemed to misunderstand something. However, she didn’t explain anything, just nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hmph, you say you’re not fond of Prince Mu," Sang Zilan, who had been watching Sang Xuewu’s every move, couldn’t help but scoff sarcastically.

"Zilan, why are you so concerned about that Mu fellow?" Sang Ye grumbled disapprovingly.

Sang Zilan shot him a glare, "Prince Mu is both handsome and responsible, and he has strength, so of course, he’s worth my attention!" She ignored the anger in Sang Ye’s eyes and returned her gaze to Sang Xuewu, coldly snorting in her heart: ’Anything Sang Xuewu wants, she wants to disrupt!’

She couldn’t stand Sang Xuewu’s pristine and pure facade!

"Do you really think you’re the Holy Daughter of the Sang Family?" Sang Zilan mocked coldly.

"Zilan, what did you say?" Sang Ye asked from the side.

"Nothing," Sang Zilan replied irritably.

On the other side, Sheng Yuli’s gaze never left Qin Yiyao. Seeing her tense expression, he could only suppress the bitterness in his heart and advised, "Miss Qin, Mr. Mu is no ordinary person, he must have a way to get through this safely, so you shouldn’t worry too much."

Qin Yiyao nodded slowly and softly uttered an ’uh’.

Mu Qingge’s appearance was but a moment.

In the hearts of the onlookers, various thoughts had already flashed by.

Ying Ze looked at the two standing opposite each other with an expressionless face, unsure of what he was thinking.

"You’re here." Ji Yaohua gave Mu Qingge a brilliant smile. The mildness of it didn’t seem like someone here for a duel at all.

Mu Qingge’s lips curled slightly, "Since I’ve promised Young Master Ji, I naturally wouldn’t break the appointment."

"Are you ready?" Ji Yaohua asked with a satisfied smile, placing the hand behind her back in front of her chest, and unfolding her folding fan, lightly waving it in front of her.

Mu Qingge’s gaze fell on the fan as soon as it appeared.

The fan surface and ribs looked ordinary, but Mu Qingge still sensed an aura of a Divine Artifact.

’That’s Ji Yaohua’s weapon!’ Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, immediately realizing.

Ji Yaohua had already displayed her weapon, which also meant she was ready.

Mu Qingge turned her wrist, and the Linglong Spear in her hand followed in a spin, its tassel lightly fluttering, emitting a crisp clangor.

Ying——!

The crisp sound echoed in the ears of the crowd, as though the evening bell and morning drum, clearing one’s mind.

"What a Divine Weapon!" The Third Elder of the Sang Family’s eyes narrowed sharply, exclaiming his praise.

Members of the Sang Family, an Artifact Refining family.

As the Third Elder, a core figure in the family, his words were enough to draw countless people’s attention to the Linglong Spear. A weapon praised by someone from the Sang Family was definitely extraordinary!

Everyone who heard this couldn’t help but look at the Linglong Spear in Mu Qingge’s hand.

The exquisite transparent spear shaft, uniquely shaped spearhead, silver tassel, every part seemed meticulously crafted.

Ji Yaohua’s eyes also narrowed slightly, smiling with squinted eyes, "What a Divine Spear!"

"Young Master Ji’s fan isn’t bad either." Mu Qingge responded indifferently.

But her words were mostly perfunctory. Although Ji Yaohua’s fan was a Divine Artifact too, in her eyes, it couldn’t compare to her Linglong Spear, and this fan still had many shortcomings.

The fact that the Third Elder of the Sang Family did not make any comments about the fan was the best proof!

"My fan is just not good enough, I wish the Sang Family could help redesign it sometime." Unexpectedly, Ji Yaohua looked at her own fan with disgust, then turned to smile at the Sang Family.

The look on his face seemed as if he had totally forgotten about the previous matter of abducting Sang Xuewu.

He had forgotten, but others would not.

The crowd with peculiar gazes, either teasing or mocking, all turned towards the Sang Family, especially Sang Xuewu. Those unaware of the details only knew this duel began because of Sang Xuewu but didn’t know Ji Yaohua’s real target was Mu Qingge.

In Young Master Ji’s eyes, the Sang Family seemed like nothing more than a tool!

Even though both are Ancient Clans, their statuses differ vastly.

The people of the Sang Family, from top to bottom, under these gazes, their expressions turned very unpleasant. If at this moment, the Third Elder of the Sang Family showed more stubbornness by directly rejecting Ji Yaohua’s request, perhaps in the eyes of others, they would think the Sang Family had some backbone.

However, the result of doing so could possibly lead Ji Yaohua to hold a grudge against the Sang Family, deliberately making trouble for them afterward, targeting them.

Such consequences were something the current Sang Family could not afford.

Therefore, after the Third Elder’s expression changed a few times, he still gritted his teeth and chose to remain silent.

Neither responding nor retaliating, making the mocking and contemptuous gazes around them even more intense.

The Sang Family seemed to suddenly become the target of all.

Mu Qingge stood opposite Ji Yaohua, clearly seeing the expression on his face.

She sneered coldly, "I’ve heard that the Divine Weapons crafted by the Sang Family are one in a million. I’m just not sure if Young Master Ji is fortunate enough for the Sang Family to craft a weapon for you."

Ji Yaohua’s gaze fell on Mu Qingge, innocently saying, "Isn’t my status as the Young Master of the Ji Family enough?"

The words harbored deep threats.

This made some people of the Sang Family secretly tense.

Mu Qingge curled her lips into a sneer, "I don’t know how the Sang Family will choose, but if it were me, I wouldn’t refine artifacts for Young Master Ji."

"Why?" Ji Yaohua asked curiously.

Mu Qingge’s smile grew more pronounced, and she said in a very slow, very cold voice, "Because, I’m not willing."

Tss——!

Arrogant! Too arrogant!

"So damned arrogant, isn’t it!"

"Bold enough! Dared to refuse the Young Master Ji like that."

"Is he afraid that he’ll look even worse losing later? So reckless!"

"It’s a pity he’s not from the Sang Family; if he were, I’d actually want to see if he has the guts to say such words."

"Haven’t you noticed that the Sang Family members look like quails, afraid to voice any opinion?"

Mu Qingge’s words were like a pebble tossed into a calm pool, stirring waves.

Even Ji Yaohua’s smiling eyes squinted slightly.

"Sang Xuewu also doesn’t want to refine artifacts for the Young Master Ji." Suddenly, a cold voice rang out like thunder.

The Third Elder turned sharply, shocked to look at Sang Xuewu.

But Sang Xuewu simply said calmly, "Third Elder, Xuewu represents only herself, not the Sang Family." Her meaning was that her decision was her own and unrelated to the Sang Family.

Having said that, her gaze bypassed everyone and fell on Mu Qingge.

Upon hearing her words, Mu Qingge’s lips curved slightly without any indication.

Ji Yaohua’s smile grew teasing; he ignored Sang Xuewu and looked at Mu Qingge, saying, "It seems today I must take this match seriously."

Mu Qingge smiled brightly, "Wasn’t the Young Master Ji planning to be serious earlier? If I recall correctly, this challenge was initiated by the Young Master Ji."

With a deft twist of words, everyone recalled that this highly mismatched competition was stirred up by Ji Yaohua, rather than Mu Qingge attempting to leverage his fame.

Everyone suddenly understood!

Ji Yaohua’s eyes glimmered, he laughed, "So sly, your intention was this."

Mu Qingge’s eyes were honest when she replied, "Is the Young Master Ji overthinking?"

As she finished, she pulled out the Linglong Spear stuck in the ground, tossing up the dust toward Ji Yaohua.

The dust whipped up with force, resembling hidden weapons, while Ji Yaohua’s figure was quick as the wind, blocking all the dust with the fan in his hands.

When the fan dropped, Mu Qingge was already thrusting the Linglong Spear towards him—

Ji Yaohua’s eyes flashed with divine light, his form quick as lightning, dodging left and right, continuously evading the spearhead of the Linglong Spear.

Each strike missed, but Mu Qingge seemed undeterred.

She kept attacking, yet each move was easily evaded by Ji Yaohua, giving a feeling that despite trying her best, she couldn’t even graze the opponent’s clothes. This immediately showed the surrounding spectators the skill difference.

In a blink, forty moves passed.

Mu Qingge halted her attack stance, and Ji Yaohua also stopped.

His steps were graceful, his figure seemed illusory, standing still like a leaf opposite Mu Qingge, smiling, "If that’s all you have, within three hundred moves, you won’t touch me."

He was reminding Mu Qingge of the test’s significance.

Ying Ze carefully watched the forty moves between them, frowning lightly. These moves were too simple, not reflecting Mu Qingge’s true capacity.

At the very least, someone who could withstand three of his moves and survive must have more skill than that.

"Why rush?" Mu Qingge’s eyes were cool, saying lightly.

She attacked again, using the Star Beginning Step.

Without using Spiritual Power, she directly employed Linglong Spear Technique against Ji Yaohua.

Ji Yaohua also refrained from using Spiritual Power, merely defending without attacking.

"The fifty-sixth move..."

"Fifty-seven!"

"Fifty-eight!"

"Fifty-nine!"

"..."

"Seventy-two!"

"..."

"One hundred and five moves!"

A third of the three hundred had passed.

"Look closely! He actually matched the Young Master Ji’s pace!"

"How could this be?"

Those with sharp eyes noticed that Ji Yaohua was no longer just dodging Mu Qingge’s attacks; they were now engaging.

And each engagement was filled with the flash of blades and swords.

The discovery made those seated instinctively lean forward, fingers tightly gripping the armrests of their chairs.

Ying Ze’s eyes flickered with an elusive light, his lips lifting in a barely noticeable smile.

In the camp of Dragon Tooth Guards, Bai Xi folded his arms across his chest, laughing, "Qingge is using that kid as practice."

"With Qingge’s nature, although she passively accepted this test, she’ll squeeze all the possible value from it," Yin Chen said indifferently.

The two have long accompanied Mu Qingge and understand her personality clearly.

The opportunity to use the second-place holder on the Green Talent List as practice isn’t common, nor is everyone so honored.

"One hundred and twentieth move!"

Someone exclaimed!

As the voice fell, the two combatants finally separated.

Ji Yaohua’s expression carried an inscrutable smile as he said to Mu Qingge, "How was I as practicing partner?" It seemed he had also discerned Mu Qingge’s intention.

"Not bad," Mu Qingge replied casually.

Ji Yaohua’s eyes darkened, smiling inscrutably at Mu Qingge, "Practice is over, now it’s time to get serious." After speaking, he immediately released a powerful aura.

His Spiritual Power soared skywards, silvery with a touch of gold.

"Wow! Truly the Silver Realm Sixth Layer, with one foot already in the Golden Realm!"

"So young and nearly a Golden Realm master already, how could that teach us to live?"

"Young Master Ji is truly amazing, a genius among geniuses!"

Their praises brought pride to the faces of the Ji Family members.

The glint of gold and silver Spiritual Power shone on Mu Qingge, whose expression remained indifferent, seemingly unaffected by the aura.

Under the gaze of many, Ji Yaohua’s aura began to change.

Starting from the Silver Realm Sixth Layer, it began to decrease.

Silver Realm Fifth Layer.

Silver Realm Fourth Layer.

Silver Realm Third Layer.

Silver Realm Second Layer!

Though the Spiritual Energy color remained unchanged, the oppressive feeling wasn’t as strong as before.

"If I’m guessing correctly, your cultivation now should be at the Silver Realm Second Layer," Ji Yaohua smiled at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge gazed at him, lips pursed silently.

"Even if Ji Yaohua suppresses his realm, the Young Master is still probably no match," Xuan Ya said with some seriousness.

Xie Ya lightly bit her lip, "I believe in the Young Master."

Xuan Ya turned to look at her, her gaze somewhat complex, but ultimately she remained silent.

Rationally, she wasn’t optimistic about this test. However, she felt Mu Qingge indeed needed various opportunities to hone herself, continuing to strengthen, continuously striving to prove her choice wasn’t wrong!

"Mu Qingge, I’m starting!" Ji Yaohua said, then charged towards Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge immediately released an aura identical to his, her silvery Spiritual Power enveloping her body, meeting him head-on.

Their movements were equally fast, too swift for anyone to follow, only the sparks of fierce combat visible, alongside the ever-changing silhouettes.

Those who attempted to count moves now couldn’t discern their techniques at all.

"So he really is at Silver Realm Second Layer!"

"This Mu young master should be younger than the Young Master Ji by several years; at such an age to wield Silver Realm Second Layer cultivation is impressive! Given time, he will surely make a name on the Green Talent List, but alas! Meeting Young Master Ji at this time."

"What’s the problem? No matter win or lose, today’s battle is enough for him to gain fame."

"Yes, yes! Including the previous fight against the Young Master of Ying Family."

"Haha, who would’ve thought this grand hunt at the Sunset Grassland would produce a true genius!"

The discussions spread, reaching countless ears.

Sang Yichen’s heart surged with excitement, his glance filled with pride and shared glory!

If he could, he would announce to the whole world that Mu Qingge was his sister! A prodigious genius who came from the Linchuan Realm, from the Red Realm!

What is Ying Ze, what is Ji Yaohua, they are nothing compared to her!

If Mu Qingge had grown up in the Middle Ancient Realm, starting from the Purple Realm, she would undoubtedly be number one on the Green Talent List!

He did not know that when Mu Qingge was not yet this Mu Qingge, she was just a useless person who couldn’t cultivate! The true start of her cultivation was just in the last seven or eight years, much shorter compared to these super geniuses from the Middle Ancient Realm.

Han Caicai had been watching the two people fiercely battling. He didn’t expect Mu Qingge to improve so quickly, but still felt that she could not win this battle.

’I never thought he could be this strong!’ Han Yiren’s eyes flickered, her mood somewhat gloomy.

The might of Mu Qingge made her feel a sense of crisis.

If her brother truly becomes deeply involved, and the two indeed do something against ethics, it might not be something the Han Family could stop.

Her brother, she understood him well.

A child abandoned by the family, left to fend for himself in the Linchuan Realm, yet he managed to return to the Middle Ancient Realm on his own strength, defeating other competitors and seizing the position of Young Master of the Han Family.

Such a person, coupled with the equally extraordinary Mu Qingge, if the two joined forces, it would definitely be a disaster for the Han Family!

Han Yiren did not want to see her brother turn against the family because of a man, nor did she want her hard-fought return of her second brother to lose everything because of such a man.

Therefore, she must end it all before everything happens!

At this time, Han Yiren looked at Mu Qingge with eyes filled with killing intent.

Even if she hid her killing intent carefully, Han Caicai beside her still felt it. He looked back at his sister beside him, his long eyes carrying a penetrating gaze.

Han Yiren was startled, quickly retracting, and said with an awkward smile, "Second brother, what are you looking at?"

"Han Yiren, don’t act smart." Han Caicai warned faintly.

No matter who Han Yiren’s killing intent was aimed at, he would not let her act recklessly.

Swoosh——!

A piercing screech arose, and the two figures locked in fierce combat finally separated once again.

As their figures became visible, countless gazes immediately fell on Ji Yaohua as if trying to see if any miracles had occurred. However, Ji Yaohua’s clothes were only slightly disheveled, without any rips or injuries.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingge’s expression remained calm, seemingly unaffected.

"Already two hundred and fifteen moves, eighty-five moves remain." Ji Yaohua reminded with a smile.

But Mu Qingge suddenly closed her eyes, holding the Linglong Spear as she charged at Ji Yaohua once more.

Ji Yaohua’s gaze suddenly narrowed, looking at Mu Qingge with some shock.

Ying Ze also abruptly stood up from his seat, looking at the two competing... no, he should be looking at Mu Qingge.

Not only him, even the three big leaders of the Flowing Guest Realm stood up.

What happened!

This was the question in countless people’s minds, yet now no one explained it to them.

Mu Qingge’s moves became fiercer and deadlier, and the angles were tricky, sealing off Ji Yaohua’s retreat, forcing him to use harsh measures to defend.

Ji Yaohua’s fan constantly swept through the air, emitting arcs of cold light.

Almost every strike would leave a thin, long wound on Mu Qingge’s body. Before long, Mu Qingge was covered with a dozen or twenty such wounds.

Though these wounds were not deep, they made her look quite disheveled.

Yet, Mu Qingge seemed completely unaware, continuing to wield the Linglong Spear with her eyes closed.

Suddenly, the aura around her changed, the momentum of Silver Realm Second Layer seeming as if it was about to break through its bounds.

"Qingge is about to break through!" Bai Xi exclaimed.

"Breaking through in battle!"

"That’s insane! Who breaks through without finding a quiet place to focus? How could such an insane person exist, breaking through while fighting!"

"Damn! Such a breakthrough is far too dangerous, what if she goes mad?"

"I’m worried that if she breaks through, might she turn the tide? I bet my entire fortune on Young Master Ji winning!"

"Don’t worry, Young Master Ji has the upper hand everywhere, even if she breaks through successfully, she’s not his match."

’Mu Qingge!’ Han Caicai’s hand, hidden within his wide sleeves, clenched tightly, his demonic features also tense.

His tension attracted looks from Han Yiren and Ruan Qinglian.

Boom——!

A powerful aura surged into the sky.

A dazzling silver light erupted from Mu Qingge, shooting to the heavens.

She broke through!

Silver Realm Third Layer!

"Qingge had already gained insights dancing with her spear at night, after three days of seclusion, today’s breakthrough is just a stroke of luck." Yin Chen said calmly.

"She broke through! She really broke through!"

"Damn! This is too strong, just like that she reached Silver Realm Third Layer?"

"Damn! If only I could level up that easily!"

"This is what it means to be a genius!"

Mu Qingge’s breakthrough during battle left some amazed, some delighted, and some dissatisfied.

But for those who cared about Mu Qingge, her sudden rank up and surge in strength was undoubtedly a joyous event, providing at least more security.

Ji Yaohua finally dropped his teasing gaze, pursing his lips tightly, focusing on the fight.

Mu Qingge’s spear technique was fast and fierce, he aimed at her wrist holding the Linglong Spear, and suddenly attacked. The fierce spiritual power struck Mu Qingge’s wrist, causing her Linglong Spear to fly out of her grasp.

The Divine Spear left her hand, and at this scene, everyone held their breath.

It seemed Mu Qingge’s sudden ascent could not alter her fate of eventual defeat.

Mu Qingge’s tightly closed eyes slowly opened, the clarity in her eyes was cold and indifferent, only a faint silver glow appeared. "Two hundred and eighty moves."

She didn’t call back the Linglong Spear, but charged at Ji Yaohua unarmed.

Close combat!

Close-quarters combat was her trump card!

The fusion of what she learned in her previous life and this life!

Inexplicably, Mu Qingge finally wanted to end this battle with this most direct fighting style.

The spiritual power in her body quietly transformed, the circulation pattern actually following the method in the Divine Strategy Upper Volume. Mu Qingge immersed herself in her world, feeling an inexhaustible power within, enough to destroy the world.

Her fist broke through the resistance of the wind, reaching directly before Ji Yaohua.

Ji Yaohua’s expression changed, his fan blocked before him, shielding Mu Qingge’s fist.

However, Mu Qingge’s fist did not stop, instead, it became fiercer.

Bam——!

With a loud bang, fist met fan.

The fan shattered into pieces, flying around, Ji Yaohua’s wrist shook violently, his face full of shock.

Breaking a Divine Artifact with one punch?

Even if that Divine Artifact wasn’t top-grade, it was still a Divine Artifact!

To shatter it in one punch, what kind of strength is this?

Afraid not, even Ying Ze with innate divine strength might not achieve it.

Unconsciously, everyone, overwhelmed by shock, turned their gaze to Ying Ze.

His cold face showing neither joy nor anger, only his tightly knit features indicated deep thought as he looked towards Mu Qingge’s direction.

The Sunset Grassland fell silent.

Everyone was stunned by the scene of Mu Qingge smashing Ji Yaohua’s Divine Artifact with one punch.

’Not enough! It’s not enough!’ Mu Qingge’s fist was still clenched, the previous punch was not enough to vent the wild and powerful force within her.

She attacked Ji Yaohua again, unleashing the sudden surge of power within her.

’His fist technique is so refined!’ Ji Yaohua found himself encircled by fist shadows, with no way to avoid them, he could only face these ferocious punches head-on.

Bang, bang, bang——!

Mu Qingge’s fists landed continuously on Ji Yaohua.

"Three hundred moves!"

As Ji Yaohua barely dodged, Mu Qingge suddenly lifted her eyes, with a cold look towards him, threw a right hook, directly hitting his jaw.

Thunk!

The punch nearly crushed Ji Yaohua’s jaw. If he hadn’t protected it with spiritual power at the last moment, his handsome face might have been ruined, ending with a dislocated jaw and shattered teeth.

Ji Yaohua spat a mouthful of blood into the air, his entire form flung backward, landing heavily on the Sunset Grassland.

The entire venue fell silent.

Even the sound of the wind could be clearly heard!

Did he just... win?

Not only did everyone else find it hard to believe their eyes, even Ji Yaohua, as she passed through the air, was unwilling to believe it.

He was punched by Mu Qingge, leaving him somewhat stupefied, the intense pain on his jawbone making him feel surreal!

He won!

Mu Qingge actually won!

He lost!

Ji Yaohua actually lost!

Their agreement was that if Mu Qingge could injure Ji Yaohua within three hundred moves, it would count as a win.

And now, on the three-hundredth move, Mu Qingge punched Ji Yaohua, sending him flying and causing him to spit blood. Isn’t that considered injured?

Mu Qingge stood on the ground, her hands still trembling faintly. Beneath her skin, there was a faint golden glow threatening to burst forth; the surging power inside her body had yet to dissipate.

She relied on her strong will to suppress the feeling of being torn apart inside, her facial features tensed.

Ji Yaohua covered his face and returned to face her.

"Winning or losing, what difference does it make?" Mu Qingge said coldly.

"You won." Ji Yaohua said, his palm emitting spiritual power as he continuously rubbed his jawbone, speaking to Mu Qingge with a disgruntled tone.

On the Sunset Grassland, the crowd was in an uproar.

Although the outcome was anticipated, hearing Ji Yaohua admit defeat was still surprising to many.

Mu Qingge’s features remained sharp as she nodded.

She raised her hand to summon back the Linglong Spear, then disappeared from the spot at the fastest speed.

"Hey! Why are you leaving so fast?" Ji Yaohua muttered.

Mu Qingge’s departure shattered the silence on the Sunset Grassland.

"Mu Qingge!"

"Mu Qingge!"

"Mu Qingge!"

The people on the Sunset Grassland, awakening from their shock, all shouted Mu Qingge’s name in unison.

Ji Family members rushed toward Ji Yaohua in concern. Ying Ze, after some thought, also approached him.

Mo Yang and others, seeing Mu Qingge leave in haste, felt worried, silently left as a group, returning to the Dragon Tooth Camp. Mu Qingge, who should have been basking in cheers, vanished from everyone’s sight.

Not until she had been gone for a moment did a wailing scream erupt from the crowd!

"Ah—! My entire fortune!"

This reminder sparked countless groans on the Sunset Grassland.

"How are you?" Ying Ze walked up to Ji Yaohua and asked softly.

Ji Yaohua shook his head, "It’s just superficial wounds. But I can’t understand how he possesses such immense power!"

Ying Ze was silent; Ji Yaohua’s perplexity was also his own, but unfortunately, no one could provide them with an answer.

...

Mu Qingge hurried back to the Dragon Tooth Camp and rushed directly into the main tent.

"Ah Mo!"

Si Mo, who was leisurely reading while leaning against a chair, looked up at the person rushing in from outside. His amber eyes flickered, and before his book could fall to the ground, he was already by Mu Qingge’s side.

"Little Ge’er." He held Mu Qingge steady, noticing the faint golden glow on her skin, his gaze darkened.

"I seem to have a very strong power inside me. If it doesn’t dissipate, I feel like I’m going to explode." Mu Qingge, her forehead already covered in cold sweat, described her condition to Si Mo with a pale face.

This feeling was consistent with the sensation of practicing the Divine Strategy Upper Volume in countless dreams, making her deeply believe that if she couldn’t release the power within her, her body would truly explode.

Si Mo took her hand, pressed it against his chest, and said in a deep voice, "Hit me."

What!

Mu Qingge looked up in shock at Si Mo.

What does he mean by hit him?

The punch she just threw at Ji Yaohua didn’t seem very forceful to her, yet it still sent him flying. If she were to hit Si Mo...

"Quickly!" Si Mo urged, without allowing any argument.

"Your injuries." Mu Qingge hesitated.

Si Mo’s eyes warmed, his little Ge’er was always concerned about his injuries.

"I’ll be fine. Just release all the power inside you." Si Mo smiled, and that kind of smile made Mu Qingge trust him completely. Unconsciously, she did as he said.

Biting her lips, she finally released the power inside her.

A massive, unrivaled force surged from her fist, pouring into Si Mo’s chest.

His chest seemed to become a gigantic vortex, continuously devouring the power that gushed out from Mu Qingge’s body.

After a full fifteen minutes, Mu Qingge felt that the power within her had been mostly absorbed. She breathed a sigh of relief and said to Si Mo, "I’m fine now. How are you?"

Si Mo slowly shook his head and gently caressed Mu Qingge’s brows and eyes, "I’m fine."

Retracting her hand, Mu Qingge curiously asked, "What exactly is going on?" She had a vague feeling it was related to the Divine Strategy Upper Volume but couldn’t pinpoint why.

If Si Mo hadn’t timely absorbed her power, her fate might have been the same as in countless dreams—an explosion.

"The cultivation of the Divine Strategy is different from the way you are currently practicing, so it creates resistance. It’s alright. Slowly learn to control it." Si Mo soothed her.

Mu Qingge nodded thoughtfully.

However, when Si Mo’s gaze fell on the chaotic wounds on Mu Qingge, a sudden chill surged.

He knew well that these injuries had mostly healed by now, leaving only the tattered clothes behind.

Yet, he couldn’t control the murderous rage that welled up inside him.

"Mu Qingge, I need to talk to you outside," Han Caicai’s voice suddenly rang from outside the tent.

Mu Qingge was taken aback, looked at Si Mo.

Si Mo smiled and said, "Go ahead."

"You’re not jealous?" Mu Qingge looked at him, curious about his reaction.

Si Mo said, "I trust you."

Mu Qingge planted a quick kiss on his cheek and turned to leave the main tent. Outside, Han Caicai was nowhere to be seen. As soon as this thought occurred, she vanished from the spot.

When she reappeared, she found herself in a secluded place outside the Dragon Tooth Camp.

"Mu Qingge, I need to talk to you; come out and see me." Suddenly, Han Caicai’s voice sounded from outside the tent.

Mu Qingge paused, looking surprised. As her mind raced, she vanished from the spot.

When she reappeared, she was already in a secluded area outside the Dragon Tooth Camp.

"Mu Qingge, you must leave him. You cannot be together." Han Caicai said, with an unprecedented seriousness shining in his long eyes.

Mu Qingge blinked slightly, her voice cooled a few degrees, "Han Caicai, just because I consider you a friend doesn’t mean I will allow you to interfere in my life."

"Whether we’re right for each other, I know for myself; there’s no need for you to worry." Mu Qingge said, her tone calm but firm.

"Whether you’re right for each other, I know." Han Caicai’s voice was intense. "Mu Qingge, he’s the enemy! A demon, do you understand? If one day, we can enter the legendary Divine Demon Continent, you and he will be on opposite sides. Even if you can’t get there, it’s still impossible for you to be with him. Do you think he would spend his life loving you?"

A demon! Si Mo is a demon!

It was, at last, an answer, even if Si Mo had not admitted it himself.

...

Back at the Ji Family camp, Ji Yaohua swallowed a healing elixir.

After taking the elixir, he no longer felt the pain.

"But—"

Suddenly, Ji Yaohua froze and stared intently at his face in the bronze mirror inside the tent, muttering, "It seems like my face is completely crooked."

Suddenly, his eyes gleamed, and he shouted sharply, "Who are you?"

This person appeared in his tent without alerting the family, and more importantly, he couldn’t feel any presence until he saw a figure in the mirror.

"Who are you?" Ji Yaohua shouted loudly.

But the person who appeared remained unyielding, simply replying, "I’m here to give you a message."