Chapter 637: Chapter 72: You Want to Marry Sang Xuewu? You’re Not Worthy!

"This Fusha City truly lives up to its name!" Dragon Teeth covered his mouth and nose, his eyes full of disdain.

Mu Chen, who was walking behind him, glanced over with a low warning: "Luofeng, watch your words."

A trace of coldness flashed in Dragon Teeth’s eyes, but no one could see it. He turned his gaze, already displaying a submissive and obedient demeanor. "Uncle, I’m only speaking the truth. Look at how a gentle breeze stirs up so much sand and dust here—it indeed matches the city’s name."

Mu Chen looked at him indifferently, sighing in his heart. Still, he explained: "Fusha City is dominated by the Sang Family, an Ancient Clan with inherent talent in artifact refining. Their city is naturally centered around refining. Most shops in Fusha City focus on selling refining materials, crafting weapons, and selling weapons, so the dust here is naturally more than in other cities. Additionally, being in the Western Land, where wind and sand are abundant, it’s not surprising to see some dust blowing around."

"Understood, Uncle." Dragon Teeth said with a forced smile.

But from his expression, Mu Chen could tell that he hadn’t truly listened. Or rather, he wasn’t interested in listening.

Mu Chen shook his head silently, reminding: "Since you want to propose to the Sang Family and marry the first beauty of the West Continent, if you can’t even show the minimum respect to the Sang Family and Fusha City, then I see no reason to propose this marriage to the Sang Family for you."

"Uncle, please no!" Dragon Teeth grew anxious immediately. His eyes flashed as he said to Mu Chen: "You promised me that if I break through, you’d help me arrange a marriage. I’m not young anymore; without a woman to take care of me, how can I fully devote myself to cultivation?"

"If you could break through to the Silver Realm and then talk to me about this, I’d be much more relieved," Mu Chen said helplessly.

What nonsense about not being able to focus on cultivation without a woman? It’s clearly youthful infatuation, wanting a wife! Mu Chen wasn’t clueless—how could he not see it?

He simply didn’t want to find just any woman to serve Dragon Teeth, distracting him from cultivation, thus he proposed that if he wanted a wife, he must choose well.

Unexpectedly, Dragon Teeth himself suggested that the first beauty of the West Continent, Sang Xuewu of the Sang Family, was a good choice.

This is the reason they left their secluded place to visit the West Continent.

"Uncle, I’m already at the sixth layer of the Gray Realm, only a step away from the Silver Realm. It’s just a matter of time before I enter the Silver Realm. You’ve always taught me that cultivation can’t be rushed, it’s a matter of course. Why rush now?" Dragon Teeth replied impatiently.

How could he not harbor resentment in his heart? He wondered if Mu Qingge had perished at the hands of the Su Family and Yan Family in Anmo City. If not, that’s perfect! Once he breaks through to the Silver Realm, he will seek him out, humiliate him severely, and then kill him. He’ll reclaim those two stunning servants and show them who their real master is!

"Great Elder, there’s an inn up ahead," Mu Peng suddenly interjected, interrupting the unpleasant conversation between Mu Chen and Dragon Teeth.

Mu Chen looked up at the inn, which was simply decorated but not shabby. He nodded and instructed Mu Peng, "We’ll settle here for now, and visit the Sang Family tomorrow."

Once he decided, Mu Peng signaled the accompanying guards to handle the arrangements.

Dragon Teeth also looked towards the inn, wearing an expression of disdain. He thought to himself: ’Can such a rundown place accommodate someone like him? He’s the Young Master of the Mu Clan! Why not choose a luxurious inn?’

However, he dared not go against Mu Chen’s decision, so despite his immense distaste, he reluctantly followed along.

His attendant noticed his displeasure and whispered, "Young Master, you will see the legendary first beauty of the West Continent tomorrow. Don’t sweat the small stuff."

Dragon Teeth’s eyes lit up, and the displeasure over the choice of inn vanished instantly. He turned to the attendant and quipped, "If the Sang Xuewu you spoke of isn’t as beautiful as you described, see how I’ll deal with you!"

The attendant grimaced and replied, "Young Master, I... I only heard others say so! She’s called the first beauty of the West Continent; she can’t be too unattractive, can she?"

"Hmph." Dragon Teeth snorted coldly, raised his chin, and followed Mu Chen into the inn.

Inside the inn, once they settled down, Mu Chen called Mu Peng to his room.

The two engaged in a low conversation.

"Great Elder, are we really to propose on behalf of the Young Master? Young Master Mu Feng is a few years older yet hasn’t thought of marrying; he’s focused on cultivation," Mu Peng expressed some discontent.

Mu Chen sighed silently, "He made the request, and I used the advancement in cultivation to challenge him. Now that he’s broken through, how can I go back on my word?"

"But... aren’t you worried that once he’s married, he might indulge in romance and neglect his cultivation?" Mu Peng asked with concern.

"That’s precisely why the choice of wife must be prudent. A wise marriage is essential, and choosing the wrong wife could ruin Luofeng’s life," Mu Chen said in a serious tone.

After a moment of silence, he continued, "Sang Xuewu is on the Cub Phoenix List of the West Continent, with strength and talent not to be underestimated. Moreover, she possesses the artifact-refining bloodline of the Sang Family and is highly valued there. If we could indeed form an alliance with the Sang Family, it might become a great support for us. Additionally, I’ve heard that Sang Xuewu has a good temperament, is pragmatic, and very resilient. Such a woman is exactly what Luofeng needs. Tomorrow we will visit the Sang Family and see for ourselves. If she is indeed as described, Luofeng marrying her would be the right choice."

"After all, the Sang Family is an Ancient Clan. Would they consider our Young Master?" Mu Peng still felt uneasy.

The Mu Clan, although having a long history, hasn’t been prominent in the Middle Ancient Realm lately. Besides, since this faction is a split-off, how could they convince the Sang Family to marry their daughter?

Mu Chen pondered for a moment and said, "If it were the old Sang Family, it wouldn’t be possible. But now, the Sang Family has fallen, teetering on the brink, and is no longer brilliant. It’s a time that requires the injection of new strength. Luofeng has good talent, and with our people, it’s not entirely impossible."

Seeing Mu Chen’s mind was made up, Mu Peng said no more.

A moment later, Mu Chen said to Mu Peng, "Since we’ve come out, send someone to the Floating Guest Clan to investigate if anything major has happened recently in the Middle Ancient Realm. Also, check Mu Qingge’s whereabouts. The map is with her, and we must cooperate with her no matter what; otherwise, Luofeng’s opportunity is indeed slim."

Mu Peng lowered his eyes, bowed his head, and said, "Yes."

...

Fusha City, Sang Family.

The Sang Family’s mansion lacked luxurious decorations and instead gave a sense of simple yet profound solidity. Inside, any random pillar’s age might be older than even the elders of the Sang Family.

A stable and grand mansion, who would have thought that inside, talents had long withered and the bloodline had faded?

Entering the Sang Family, the sounds of artifact refining are ubiquitous, and even the air tastes of refining materials.

Outsiders entering might feel uncomfortable. However, for the Sang Family members, this environment is the most comforting to them.

After returning from the Sunset Grassland, the Third Elder would report to the Family Head. Before leaving, he specifically invited Sang Xuewu.

Sang Xuewu had no choice but to hand over the Earth Emperor Pill brought back from Wuyin Mansion to Sang Yichen, letting him return home first and give it to their mother. As for Mu Qingge’s matter, it was left unsaid, waiting to be discussed after she returned.

Sang Xuewu followed the Third Elder to her grandfather’s courtyard, waiting outside.

Soon, a servant from the clan came out to summon them.

Before entering the room, Sang Xuewu took a deep breath before following the Third Elder inside.

The study of the Sang Family Clan Leader looked very much like a small weaponry. Various weapons hung on the walls everywhere, but these were merely molds and lacked lethality.

Sang Xuewu knew that in this room, the only weapon capable of killing was the broken blade placed on the stand at her grandfather’s desk.

Upon entering, King Sang Shun was carefully wiping that broken blade and was seemingly oblivious to the two who had entered.

The Third Elder and Sang Xuewu quietly waited, not disturbing him.

After the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, King Sang Shun put the polished broken blade back into its stand on the desk and looked up at the two standing in the room.

On his handsome but frost-haired face, the most memorable feature was his profoundly deep eyes, like zircon.

Under the gaze of those eyes, Sang Xuewu softly called, "Grandfather."

King Sang Shun slowly nodded, his powerful cultivation preventing time from leaving marks on him. Yet, the future of the Sang Family had turned his temples white.

Otherwise, from his appearance, no one would guess he was currently one hundred and eight years old; he seemed more like a middle-aged man in his thirties or forties.

"Xuewu happened to cross paths with the Old Third," King Sang Shun spoke, his voice steady, carrying the authority of the Family Head.

The Third Elder smiled slightly and respectfully said, "Big Brother, Xuewu heard about the grand hunt at Wuyin Mansion, so she went to Liuhuo City where she ran into us."

"Hmm." King Sang Shun hardly noticeably nodded, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger. He only asked, "How was the harvest this time?"

The Third Elder sighed with a complex smile and said, "This time it was really a blend of risks and surprises!"

"Oh?" King Sang Shun’s eyes inquired.

Immediately, the Third Elder began recounting everything that happened at the Sunset Grassland.

This included Sang Xuewu encountering Ying Chuan at Wuyin Mansion, leading to a dispute, and the subsequent trouble caused by Ying Ze of the Ying Family at the Sunset Grassland, all the way until the grand hunt ended.

The entire account took the Third Elder over an hour to tell.

After finishing his speech, his mouth was dry. Sang Xuewu, understanding, poured a cup of tea and handed it to him. The Third Elder took it and said to her, "Xuewu is always considerate."

Then, after drinking all the tea in the cup, he finally felt a little more comfortable.

"Old Third, this trip must have been hard on you. Go back and rest first." King Sang Shun, after listening, didn’t seem particularly interested, only telling the Third Elder to go back and rest.

The Third Elder was taken aback, gave an awkward smile, put down the teacup and left the room.

Sang Xuewu was about to leave as well, but King Sang Shun’s voice came, "Xuewu, stay."

The Third Elder gave her an assuring look and left with big strides. Sang Xuewu had no choice but to turn around and face her grandfather again.

Honestly, when facing King Sang Shun alone, Sang Xuewu felt uneasy. Not just because of the aura King Sang Shun possessed, but also because Sang Xuewu was afraid of being asked about her sister.

Sure enough, King Sang Shun slowly walked over to her. His tall and upright figure standing before Sang Xuewu gave her a strong sense of oppression. "Mu Qingge?"

Sang Xuewu lowered her eyes, her long and curled eyelashes hiding the emotions within them.

King Sang Shun’s deep eyes gazed at her in silence. After a long time, he slowly nodded, "To have the perseverance and strength to come from Linchuan, she’s a good child."

Sang Xuewu suddenly raised her head, staring at her grandfather in astonishment.

King Sang Shun snorted coldly, reproaching, "Your mother is my daughter. Do you think I, as a father, don’t know the name of my daughter’s child?"

Sang Xuewu’s face turned pale. She had never been able to understand her grandfather since she was a child, unable to guess his thoughts, only certain that he truly cared for their siblings and their mother. But what about her sister?

The sister who was left behind at Linchuan Mu Mansion, whom she had never met, what was her grandfather’s sentiment towards her?

"Go see your mother."

Just when she didn’t know how to answer, King Sang Shun suddenly let her leave.

Sang Xuewu nodded and turned to leave.

As she stepped out of the door, King Sang Shun’s voice came again: "If anyone dares to disrespect you in the future, just kill them. The Sang Family isn’t what it used to be, but a lady of the Sang Family isn’t someone everyone can bully."

Sang Xuewu’s back stiffened, a layer of moisture welled up in her eyes.

She bit her lower lip to keep herself from crying, took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in her heart, and replied, "Yes, Grandfather!"

Sang Xuewu left, her footsteps gradually fading from King Sang Shun’s hearing.

At this moment, a complex expression flashed deep within his eyes. He sighed, whispering, "Mu Qingge..."

...

In the vast mansion of the Sang Family, there is a place most secluded.

The courtyard there was once abandoned.

Later, when Sang Lanruo returned from Linchuan, it became their home.

This wasn’t King Sang Shun’s decision; it was Sang Lanruo’s own choice. She said she didn’t want to be disturbed by the outside world and wanted peace and quiet.

So, King Sang Shun ordered that no one was allowed to step foot there unless necessary.

Gradually, over nineteen years, it became a forbidden area in the Sang Family.

And Sang Lanruo seemed self-restrained, rarely stepping out. Every time she appeared, it was for the revival of Mu Liancheng.

As Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen gradually grew up, they took on more interactions with the outside world, while she focused more on staying in the courtyard, accompanying Mu Liancheng.

As Sang Yichen stepped into the small courtyard at home, having been away for over a month, he almost couldn’t adjust to the home’s temperature.

It was very cold here, the coldest place in the Sang Family, or rather the entire Fusha City.

Because here, underneath this courtyard, was an ice cellar where his father’s body was kept. It was also where his mother spent the most time daily.

Sang Yichen shivered, and upon adjusting, he headed toward the room.

"Mother, I’m back!" As soon as he entered the house, Sang Yichen shouted loudly.

But there was no response from inside.

"Mother?" Sang Yichen looked around again, confirming there was no one in the room. Only then did a hint of resigned helplessness appear in his eyes. He clenched the box containing the Earth Emperor Pill and walked toward his mother’s room.

The entrance to the ice cellar connected directly to his mother’s room.

Skilled at opening the secret door, he descended the steps, and the penetrating cold air kept closing in, making his limbs stiff.

Sang Yichen circulated the Spiritual Power within his body to dispel the coldness surrounding him, walking into the deepest part of the ice cave.

As he approached, he heard his mother’s voice—

"Liancheng, you’ve been asleep for so long and if you don’t wake up, I’m going to grow old."

Sang Yichen’s eyes showed a trace of heartache as he slowed his steps to enter.

As he walked down the steps, he saw his father lying on a millennium-old Mystic Ice, and next to him, his mother sitting there, using a cloth to wipe his father’s arm, cleaning him.

In fact, there wasn’t any dust that could reach his father while he lay here.

However, his mother stubbornly believed the wind and sand in Fusha City were too much and feared his father would find it dirty, so almost daily she would come back to wipe his body.

And she would say the same words.

For so many years, she repeated them daily without giving up.

"Mother." Sang Yichen called out.

The woman with her back to him paused her hand movements and slowly turned around, revealing a breathtaking face.

You can’t deny, a woman who could give birth to children with looks like Mu Qingge, Sang Xuewu, and Sang Yichen, couldn’t be ugly! But, on her breathtakingly beautiful face was overly pale skin, and haggardness.

Sang Lanruo saw Sang Yichen and gave a slight smile, raising her hand to beckon, "Come."

Sang Yichen walked forward and knelt down beside his parents.

His father’s sleeping face was as it always was. And his mother seemed even more haggard.

Sang Lanruo took Sang Yichen’s hand, looked at Mu Liancheng, and said, "Liancheng, our Yichen is back. Would you like to hear what interesting things he encountered on this trip?"

Saying this, she turned her gaze to Sang Yichen and said, "Why don’t you tell your father about the things you encountered on this trip? Did you cause any trouble?"

Sang Yichen, heart full of pain for his mother, with tightly pursed lips that trembled slightly.

Under his mother’s gaze, he turned his head to look at his father. The secret in his heart could no longer be hidden, nor wait for Sang Xuewu’s return. "Father, on this trip, I saw sister. Our sister, Mu Qingge!"

Bang!

The basin of water beside Sang Lanruo fell, the water splashing onto the ice cellar, instantly crystallizing into ice flowers.

Her eyes widened, filled with shock and excitement, breathing rapidly as she said, "What did you say? Who did you say you met?"

Sang Yichen’s clothes were gripped by his mother, forcing him to look at her.

Sang Yichen’s gaze landed on Sang Lanruo’s hands, reddened and swollen from the cold, pulling at his heartstrings. He lifted her from the cold ground, saying, "Mother, let’s go out first, we’ll talk outside."

"No! I want you to tell here, with your father and I present, make it clear, who did you meet?" Sang Lanruo insisted.

Sang Yichen understood his mother’s temperament and could only say, "I met sister, Mu Qingge. She’s come from Linchuan!"

Sang Lanruo staggered as if all her strength had been drained.

"Mother!" Sang Yichen hurriedly supported her, preventing her from falling.

"My child, my child... My poor child... I have wronged her... Ge’er..." Sang Lanruo tightly grasped Sang Yichen’s arm, the pain in her heart howling as she cried out.

It was as if the yearning and guilt suppressed in her heart for more than ten years were suddenly overwhelmed.

...

When Sang Xuewu returned home, she saw Sang Lanruo sitting on a chair silently shedding tears, clutching a child’s shoe in her hand, her expression somewhat dazed.

That shoe, she knew, as her mother had told her, was worn by her sister Mu Qingge when she was young. Back then, when her mother left the Mu Mansion, her sister had cried out, begging her not to go. Helplessly, her mother took one of her shoes and promised her sister that when she returned, she would personally help her put it back on.

Sang Yichen stood awkwardly to the side.

Seeing Sang Xuewu return, he ran toward her as if seeing a savior.

"What happened to mom?" Sang Xuewu asked urgently.

Sang Yichen guiltily said, "I... I told our parents about meeting the eldest sister."

"You!" Sang Xuewu’s eyes widened, stomping her foot in anger. "You know mom can’t handle any shocks right now, so how could you say it directly? I told you to wait for me, didn’t I?"

"I... I just thought it would have to be said sooner or later anyway." Sang Yichen said aggrievedly.

Sang Xuewu glared at him hard, then walked quietly towards Sang Lanruo. Kneeling before her, she placed her hands on her mother’s legs, looking up and calling, "Mom..."

The call of her daughter brought Sang Lanruo back to her senses. Her tear-reddened eyes stared at Sang Xuewu, her voice hoarse, asking, "Xuewu, does your sister blame me, resent me, hate me?"

Sang Xuewu quickly shook her head, then secretly turned to look at Sang Yichen. He waved his hands, indicating he said nothing, only that they had seen her sister.

Returning her gaze, Sang Xuewu softly said, "Mom, how could she? Sister originally planned to come back with us to see you, but there are some important matters she has to handle first. She will come to Fusha City a little later."

Sang Lanruo slowly shook her head, a bitter expression on her face. Clutching the small shoe in her hand, she murmured, "I once promised her that when I returned, I would put the shoe on her. But now, she can never wear it again."

"Mom!" Sang Xuewu’s nose tingled with sorrow.

"I can’t even forgive myself; how could she not blame me?" Sang Lanruo kept shaking her head, her hoarse voice full of sorrow.

"Mom, please stop thinking about it. When sister arrives, we will ask her for forgiveness together." Sang Xuewu urged. "Mom, I brought the Earth Emperor Pill from Wuyin Mansion, let’s give it to dad first."

"Earth Emperor Pill?" Upon hearing the name, a trace of vitality returned to the dead look in Sang Lanruo’s eyes.

She nodded slowly and stood up from the chair.

Sang Yichen hurriedly said, "Mom, let me go."

He truly couldn’t bear his mother facing that bone-chilling feeling again, which is why he said so. Initially, he thought it would be in vain since his mother never entrusted the task of caring for his father to anyone else, not even her children.

However, this time, she sat back down after Sang Yichen’s words and nodded.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen exchanged a surprised look, and the latter quickly headed back to the ice cellar, afraid his mother might return. Sang Lanruo, however, tightly grasped Sang Xuewu’s hand, her voice trembling as she asked, "Tell me about your sister, what does she look like now? Is she doing well?"

’Turns out, mother really wanted to know about sister and didn’t want to delay.’ Sang Xuewu thought in her heart.

...

Night fell, and Fusha City quieted down early.

It was because the wind and sand at night were much stronger than during the day, and no one was willing to venture outside against the wind.

The people sent to gather information had already returned and reported their findings to Mu Peng.

After hearing the report, Mu Peng’s expression was somewhat grim as he quickly headed to Mu Chen’s room.

"You mean, someone posted a task looking for Luofeng at the Floating Guest Clan?" After hearing Mu Peng’s report, Mu Chen’s expression darkened as well.

Mu Peng nodded. "According to those who returned, the young master’s portrait is posted in the task room of the Floating Guest Clan, and anyone who can provide clues could receive a reward."

"Who could be looking for Luofeng?" Mu Chen stood up and walked to the window, peering at Fusha City through the hazy window mesh.

"We don’t know. But the people we bribed for information said it’s rumored that the one who released the information is a young woman." Mu Peng replied.

"A young woman? Why is she looking for Luofeng? Could it be related to Qingge Young Master? I recall there are quite a few young women around her." Mu Chen speculated.

Mu Peng, however, couldn’t understand and said, "But why would Qingge Young Master be looking for our young master?"

Indeed, why would Mu Qingge be looking for Mu Luofeng? If so, it should be them approaching her!

This was something Mu Chen couldn’t comprehend either.

"Should we ask the young master? Perhaps he knows who is looking for him and why?" Mu Peng suggested.

Mu Chen slowly shook his head, "Don’t tell him yet. Keep investigating to find out who exactly is looking for Luofeng. Once we find the person and ask everything clearly, then we approach him. If it’s nothing major, you can resolve it without disturbing him."

"Understood!" Mu Peng replied.

Having discussed their young master’s matter, Mu Peng continued, "Great Elder, there’s another piece of news about Qingge Young Master."

"Oh?" Having Mu Peng discover something about Mu Qingge was a random order by Mu Chen. He didn’t expect that the Floating Guest Clan would indeed have news about Mu Qingge.

Mu Peng nodded, his expression complicated, "Recently, a big hunt at Sunset Grassland was held in Flowing Guest Realm. Qingge Young Master appeared there and made a stunning impression!"

Mu Chen’s eyes suddenly narrowed, and Mu Peng’s expression made his heart skip a beat for no reason.

"Allegedly, the Dragon Teeth team, which rose from zero to Heavenly Level within six months, is under his command. Moreover, at Sunset Grassland, he had a contest with both Sang Xuewu and Ying Family’s young master as well as Ji Family’s young master, and won in each case. Furthermore, it is said that he possesses a very powerful spirit beast that seems harmless but can, with just a roar, defeat anyone below the Sixth Layer of the Silver Realm. In short, now Qingge Young Master’s name is highly reputable in the Floating Guest Realm and among many clans." Mu Peng said.

"You are referring to Ying Family’s young master and Ji Family’s young master, Ji Yaohua, ranked second on the Green Talent List, and Ying Ze, ranked fourth?" Mu Chen asked in shock.

Mu Peng nodded.

Mu Chen exclaimed, "How is that possible? The Ying family has the Giant Power bloodline, and Ying Ze’s cultivation must be at least in the Silver Realm Fourth Layer, while Ji Yaohua is even more remarkable. The Ji family’s Wind Control bloodline is extremely potent in him, and his cultivation surpasses that of Ying Ze! How could he be their match?"

"It’s true." Mu Peng remarked with a bitter smile, "However, it wasn’t a formal contest between them. With the Ying family’s young master, it was agreed that Qingge Young Master would win if he survived three moves. As for the contest with Ji young master, it involved injury to the latter within three hundred evenly restricted moves."

"That’s impressive nonetheless." Mu Chen sighed, "The Giant Power of the Ying family is something even we must avoid at its peak. Yet, he could endure three moves. And Ji Yaohua... even with cultivation restricted to the same level, the gap between the two is insurmountable."

"It is said... it is said..." Mu Peng hesitated, "that during the fight with Ji young master, Qingge Young Master barehandedly destroyed Ji young master’s personal weapon, a divine artifact."

Mu Chen inhaled sharply!

Mu Qingge had brought him too many shocks, and he was beginning to regret not witnessing these scenes himself.

As Mu Chen and Mu Peng exchanged rueful smiles, the person they initially disregarded continued to challenge their perceptions, leaving them repeatedly second-guessing their choices.

They were even embarrassed to think of what the outcome would be if Mu Luofeng were to fight Ying Ze and Ji Yaohua.

What a blow! It was too much of a blow!

Mu Qingge’s existence seemed specially designed to disillusion Mu Luofeng.

"Great Elder, everyone is saying that Qingge Young Master’s contest with Ying and Ji Family’s young master is related to Sang Family’s Xuewu, and some say they were seen very close during the big hunt. Could it be that Qingge Young Master also has an interest in Xuewu?" Mu Peng speculated.

His words prompted Mu Chen.

His eyes sharpened as he said to Mu Peng, "This time, we cannot afford to lose. Early tomorrow, let’s visit the Sang Family and finalize the marriage first."

Mu Peng nodded in understanding and left Mu Chen’s room.

...

The stars faded away, and the sun rose.

Fusha City began bustling once more. However, the scene of yellow sand everywhere was still something that outsiders found hard to adjust to.

Mu Luofeng raised his hand, continuously brushing against his sleeve to shield himself from the sandstorm.

Mu Chen frowned more than once.

Arriving at the outskirts of the Sang Family, the ancient and heavy doors finally sparked a bit of interest in Mu Luofeng. He lowered his sleeve and smiled at Mu Chen, saying, "At last, something resembling the ancient clans."

"Luofeng, once we’re inside, don’t speak carelessly." Mu Chen warned.

A hint of gloom from being reprimanded flashed in Mu Luofeng’s eyes, but he put on a smile of humble acceptance, cupped his hands to Mu Chen and said, "Understood, Uncle."

Mu Chen nodded slowly, then said to Mu Peng, "Go and deliver the visiting card."

Mu Peng took the card from his bosom and walked towards the Sang Family’s gate.

...

In a secluded courtyard of the Sang Family, Sang Lanruo, accompanied by Sang Yichen and Sang Xuewu, was reluctantly having breakfast. She had not slept all night, and after hearing Sang Xuewu’s description of Mu Qingge, she couldn’t bear to delay any longer and wanted to see her child. Whether she was hated or not, she just wanted to see her with her own eyes.

In the morning, Sang Lanruo’s eyes were red, and although her expression was still haggard, there was more vitality than before.

The family of three ate breakfast peacefully, when suddenly a voice from outside the courtyard came requesting a meeting.

Sang Xuewu put down her porridge spoon and said to Sang Yichen, "Go see who it is."

Sang Yichen stood up and walked towards the courtyard entrance.

Soon after, he led a Sang family disciple inside. The person was about the same age as Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen. He came in and stood outside the house in the courtyard, addressing Sang Lanruo inside, "Xuezhi greets Auntie."

Sang Lanruo put down her bowl and chopsticks. She was no longer accustomed to such social interactions, but still forced a smile and said, "Xuezhi? You’re the grandson of Third Uncle."

"Yes, Auntie." Sang Xuezhi replied, lowering his eyes.

Sang Lanruo smiled, "What brings you here?"

Sang Xuezhi raised his head and replied, "Xuezhi comes on the Family Head’s orders. Early this morning, a group of people came to the mansion’s gate with a visiting card, requesting to see the Family Head. After seeing the card, the Family Head sent me, asking Auntie to bring Xuewu and Yichen to the main hall."

"If someone seeks a meeting, why involve me?" Sang Lanruo frowned, unwilling to leave the place.

Sang Xuewu, however, sensed something, stood up and asked, "Brother Xuezhi, do you know the surname of the people seeking a meeting?"

Sang Xuezhi thought for a moment and uncertainly said, "I seemed to hear the Family Head mutter a surname Mu seeking a meeting..."

"Surname Mu!" Sang Lanruo stood up abruptly, even knocking over the bowl of porridge on the table, letting the clear porridge spill out. Her reaction was more intense than anyone else’s, leaving Sang Xuezhi quite surprised.

"Is it her who has come? How do I... how do I meet her in this state?" Sang Lanruo fumbled with her hair, looking towards Sang Xuewu.

"Mother!" Sang Xuewu grabbed her mother’s hand, forcing her to calm down. She said, "Let’s go to the main hall first."

She was equally excited inside, never expecting Mu Qingge to arrive at the Sang Family so soon.

She glanced at Sang Yichen, who was equally excited, even impatient to rush to the main hall.

"Alright, alright! Let’s go." Sang Lanruo murmured. Then, still not reassured, she asked, "Am I really okay like this? I’ve aged a lot since before, will she still recognize me?"

Sang Xuewu smiled and said, "Mother, you look the same as when you were young, not changed a bit."

After comforting Sang Lanruo, Sang Xuewu helped her out of the house. As they approached Sang Xuezhi, he felt a chill approaching him, involuntarily taking a step back.

This retreat caused Sang Yichen to frown.

Sang Lanruo also managed a smile and said, "Xuezhi, did I scare you?"

Sang Xuezhi hurriedly shook his head, "No, Auntie. It was Xuezhi who was caught off guard." He glanced at Sang Lanruo and, with lowered eyes, said, "I heard my father speak of Auntie’s incomparable beauty, and today Xuezhi was fortunate enough to see it, still amazed by Auntie’s beauty, forgive my rudeness."

His timely recovery eased Sang Lanruo’s tense mood a bit, and relieved the sinister aura between Sang Yichen’s brows.

Sang Lanruo was not ugly; on the contrary, she was very beautiful. However, having stayed in an icy dungeon, living among the dead for years, she radiated an intense chill and a pervasive deathly atmosphere.

"Let’s go," Sang Lanruo said.

Her heart hadn’t raced like this in a long time. She was eager to see Mu Qingge, yet also somewhat afraid to meet her. She had countless things she wanted to say to her, but didn’t know where to start.

Her heart was tormented by various complex and contradictory feelings, causing her body to tremble slightly with excitement.

Reappearing in the Sang Family after many years,

Sang Lanruo was supported by Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen as they made their way to the main hall. As they passed through other parts of the Sang Family, many people looked on curiously. The name Sang Lanruo was not unfamiliar to anyone in the Sang Family, but the person was. Especially among the younger generation.

The former pride of the Sang Family, her beauty, talent, and bloodline were the pride of the clan. Yet she had faded into obscurity because of a man from a barren place like Linchuan.

When the three arrived at the main hall, many people were already seated inside.

The face most familiar to Sang Lanruo was her father sitting in the main seat. By her count, it had been about five years since she last saw him.

When she first returned, her father frequently accompanied her, but over time, those meetings became less frequent.

"Perhaps father had long since given up on such an unfilial daughter like me. And have I not also harbored grievances against him?" Sang Lanruo’s emotions were exceedingly complex upon seeing her father again.

On either side of King Sang Shun sat two middle-aged men, the Second Elder and the Third Elder of the Sang Family.

Sitting in the guest seats were four or five people.

After scanning past her father, Sang Lanruo’s gaze immediately fell upon the youngest youth among the guests.

Xuewu had mentioned that her Ge’er still wore the Illusionary Artifact she had left, presenting himself to the world as a young man.

Among those four or five people, only one matched the age of her Ge’er.

But...

A trace of doubt crossed Sang Lanruo’s excited eyes, for that young man with delicate features and somewhat cocky brows looked nothing like the Ge’er in her memories.

Moreover, his left ear did not bear the Illusionary Artifact she had personally crafted!

"Not her!" At this moment, Sang Xuewu’s disappointed voice reached Sang Lanruo’s ears. Though quiet, she could hear it clearly.

Indeed, it was not her!

Sang Lanruo felt equally disappointed with this realization. Since it was not the person she wished to meet, she had no desire to remain present.

However, before she could leave, her father’s voice called out, "Lanruo, come in and sit down."

As she was about to leave, Mu Luofeng stood up anxiously, his eyes fixated on Sang Lanruo’s still captivating figure, while he seemed to automatically ignore Sang Yichen.

Beautiful! Truly beautiful!

Indescribably beautiful!

’How wonderful would it be to embrace two beauties like them!’ Mu Luofeng thought lecherously to himself.

"Clan Leader is having a conversation, what purpose does my presence serve as a woman?" Sang Lanruo attempted to say coolly as she turned to leave.

Wishing to leave, Mu Luofeng jumped up anxiously, his eyes fixed on Sang Lanruo’s still charming figure, while ignoring Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen.

"What are you looking at!" Sang Yichen had long noticed Mu Luofeng’s gaze and couldn’t help but step in front of his mother and sister to block his leer.

Having his admiration of beauty interrupted made Mu Luofeng stand still, his eyes darkening.

At that moment, King Sang Shun spoke again, "Lanruo, this is Young Master Mu Luofeng, who has come to seek your daughter’s hand in marriage. He is here to discuss this matter with you and Xuewu."

"What! He wants to marry Xuewu? Is he worthy?" Neither the shocked Sang Lanruo nor the astonished Sang Xuewu got a chance to oppose before Sang Yichen already protested first!