"Elder Sang, please take these three Treasure Artifacts back." Mu Qingge spoke up.

Her words took the five members of the Sang Family by surprise.

Whether it was the Third Elder, Sang Xuewu and her brother, or Sang Zilan and his, they all held the same thought—

Mu Qingge refused!

The Third Elder’s expression froze momentarily, a hint of surprise in his eyes. These three Treasure Artifacts, while not Divine Artifacts, still held considerable value.

Even though he had scolded Sang Zilan and Sang Ye, he didn’t internally deny what they had said.

Mu Qingge refused without a second thought?

Since when did the weapons forged by the Sang Family become so undervalued?

"Would Young Master Mu reconsider?" the Third Elder asked, unwilling to give up, suppressing the anger within him, and shamelessly asked again.

If this were the past, faced with such a situation, he would have stormed off in rage. However, the current Sang Family lacked that kind of confidence.

"Third Elder, since they’re not interested, why should we insist?" Sang Zilan said discontentedly.

Sang Ye chimed in, "Exactly, Third Elder, why not offer our Sang Family weapons to any other Floating Guest?"

This time, the Third Elder did not stop them and seemed intentional about letting the two young ones express his own dissatisfaction.

The atmosphere in the main tent was somewhat awkward.

Sang Xuewu looked at the Third Elder with some concern and then stole a glance at Mu Qingge.

However, Mu Qingge remained indifferent, seemingly not caring what the people from the Sang Family were saying.

After a while, Mu Qingge slowly said, "Indeed, I do not need the weapons from the Sang Family, but if the Sang Family can provide five hundred Intermediate Spirit Stones, I could take on this task."

She didn’t want artifacts; she wanted Spirit Stones!

Of course, if the Sang Family had offered three Divine Artifacts instead of Treasure Artifacts today, she would have accepted them.

Treasure Artifacts simply held no allure for her.

"What! You want five hundred Intermediate Spirit Stones? Isn’t that a bit too exorbitant?" Before the Third Elder could speak, Sang Zilan’s sharp voice rang out in the tent.

Mu Qingge’s clear gaze swept over her, a teasing arc appearing at the corner of her mouth, "Who is this young lady? Speaking out of turn, one might think she’s the one managing the affairs for the Sang Family."

"Zilan, shut your mouth, this is not your place to speak." The Third Elder immediately spoke up, chastising Sang Zilan.

"But... Elder, he’s gone too far!" Sang Zilan protested discontentedly.

The Third Elder, however, grew angrier, "When did it become your place to comment on my discussions with Young Master Mu? Learn from Xuewu!"

At the mention of Sang Xuewu, a trace of anger flared in Sang Zilan’s eyes, giving Sang Xuewu an angry glare.

This action didn’t escape Mu Qingge’s eyes, causing her gaze to become enigmatic and difficult to decipher.

After reprimanding Sang Zilan, the Third Elder turned to Mu Qingge, "Young Master Mu, aren’t five hundred Intermediate Spirit Stones a bit too expensive? Can’t we negotiate..."

"I’ve changed my mind." Mu Qingge suddenly interrupted the Third Elder.

The Third Elder paused, waiting for Mu Qingge to continue.

With a lazy lift of her hand, Mu Qingge pointed in the direction of Sang Zilan, "With her, seven hundred Intermediate Spirit Stones. Without her, three hundred Intermediate Spirit Stones. Non-negotiable."

Once she finished speaking, silence fell within the main tent.

After digesting the words, the Third Elder looked back at Sang Zilan and then at Mu Qingge.

Sang Zilan was utterly confused, seemingly not yet comprehending the situation.

Meanwhile, Sang Yichen was silently holding back a laugh on the side.

"What did you say!" Sang Zilan finally figured it out, exclaiming in exasperation.

The Third Elder wore a peculiar expression, "Young Master Mu, this..."

"She’s a nuisance." Mu Qingge stated simply but clearly.

The word "nuisance" made Sang Zilan’s features twist, and Sang Ye’s expression turned one of indignance, seemingly unfair on her behalf.

However, the Third Elder understood Mu Qingge’s implication.

In her eyes, Sang Zilan was nothing but a troublemaker. With her present, the difficulty of the task would increase, thus she demanded a higher price. If she was not accompanying them, Mu Qingge was willing to settle for two hundred fewer Intermediate Spirit Stones.

Having grasped the meaning, the Third Elder fell silent, contemplating carefully.

His goal was to create an opportunity for Mu Qingge and Sang Xuewu to spend time together. The talks of bringing young members from the Sang Family for training were merely a façade.

With Sang Zilan’s temperament, there was indeed the possibility she could destroy everything he had carefully planned.

The Third Elder nodded, having made a decision in his heart. "Alright, as Young Master Mu said, taking only Xuewu and Yichen is acceptable."

"Third Elder, why!"

"Yes, Third Elder, that’s too biased!"

Sang Zilan and Sang Ye couldn’t help but cry out.

The Third Elder’s expression darkened as he said to the two, "I think the two of you aren’t sincerely wanting to train, better to stay by my side."

"Third Elder, I refuse to accept this!"

"I refuse as well!"

Sang Zilan and Sang Ye protested vehemently.

"Are you rebelling? When has my decision ever required you to comment? Shut up, all of you! One more word, and you’ll be sent straight back to Fusha City." The Third Elder finally snapped.

The more he observed Sang Zilan and Sang Ye’s antics, the more he believed Mu Qingge’s foresight was right: not taking these two along was necessary!

The flame of his anger directed at them—it’s hard to tell whether it was sparked by Mu Qingge or these two juniors infuriating him.

"Young Master Mu, it’s settled then. When we depart tomorrow, Xuewu and Yichen will bring the three hundred Intermediate Spirit Stones to rendezvous with you." The Third Elder rose and said.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen were a little surprised, but a hidden trace of joy flickered in their eyes toward Mu Qingge.

This hidden joy was well-concealed. But it was still caught by Sang Zilan, who glared daggers at Sang Xuewu with eyes full of resentment.

Mu Qingge nodded slightly, instructing Mo Yang, "Send the guests off."

The members of the Sang Family left the Dragon Tooth Camp.

Having concluded a big matter, the Third Elder felt entirely relaxed. Even though the previous conversation had vexed him, the thought of possibly changing the relationship with Dragon Teeth brought him a sense of satisfaction.

"Xuewu, when you follow Dragon Teeth into the Canglan Mountain Range tomorrow, be considerate, don’t cause trouble for them, and don’t let others look down on you." The Third Elder advised Sang Xuewu.

"I will, Third Elder." Sang Xuewu responded softly.

The Third Elder nodded in satisfaction and then turned to Sang Yichen, "This time you’re accompanying your sister, so don’t be mischievous and cause trouble. Learn from the Dragon Teeth folks, they’re not much older than you but are far steadier."

"Understood, Third Elder." If it were anyone else, Sang Yichen would be resentful. However, since it was about his sister, he naturally obeyed.

The three walked ahead, chatting and laughing as they went.

Behind them, Sang Zilan and Sang Ye followed with dark expressions.

The atmosphere was light-hearted, full of chatter and laughter. But behind them, Sang Zilan and Sang Ye walked with gloomy faces, their resentment evident.

"Usually acting as if she’s some kind of Holy Daughter, and now she’s just a problem," noted Sang Ye, equally indignant. "Back to Fusha City as soon as possible once the Third Elder takes her side this time," he said, a hint of malice in his eyes.

This statement made Sang Zilan’s gaze flash with resentment, "When will you ever surpass Sang Xuewu in cultivation?"

Sang Ye responded with a note of resignation, "If you can’t, how could I?"

This comment turned Sang Zilan’s eyes dark and unclear, "When will you ever grow stronger at cultivation than Sang Xuewu?"

Sang Zilan’s words hinted at a sense of betrayal, and shook her head in disappointment, her anger evident. She said, "One day, I will surpass her in cultivation."

In the Dragon Tooth Camp, as soon as everyone left the main tent, Mu Qingge was pulled into Si Mo’s embrace.

The latter looked at her with brooding eyes, that clenched-teeth expression made Mu Qingge incredibly delighted.

"Little Ge’er, after you lit the fire, you ran off. Have you ever considered how I felt?" Si Mo looked at the woman in his arms with annoyance, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Mu Qingge turned around and poked his chest, asking, "Do you realize the power of your lord now?"

That little proud look on her face made Si Mo sigh helplessly, he could only nod along. If he continued to be stubborn, he might not even make it to bed tonight.

"Are you going to enter the mountain with me?" Mu Qingge asked proactively.

"Of course I am." Si Mo answered without thinking.

After the grand hunt is over, he will have to leave. Every moment spent with Mu Qingge is something he cherishes immensely.

"Then come along, but mind your manners. Don’t embarrass me in front of others." Mu Qingge warned sternly. She was really a bit afraid of what this man might do if he went wild, disregarding the situation in public.

Mu Qingge noticed that ever since she had opened his eyes to certain things, his behavior in a certain aspect was nothing short of beastly. He could become aroused anywhere, anytime!

"Is little Ge’er hinting at something?" Si Mo blinked his amber eyes innocently.

Mu Qingge twitched the corner of her mouth and clenched her teeth, "Don’t pretend to be innocent or pure with me!"

"Then tonight, you’ll have to feed me well. If I’m well-fed, I naturally won’t do anything outrageous. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee anything." Si Mo threatened.

Mu Qingge took a sharp inhale, her eyes widened as she looked at him. She thought to herself, ’Is he even satiable?’

...

The next day, it was time to set off for the Canglan Mountain Range.

According to the grand hunt rules, each floating guest team entered the mountain to spend ten days. Any spirit beasts, beast cores, medicinal materials collected during that time can be taken as their bounty as well as a record of their accomplishments.

Mu Qingge set out in light gear, appearing refreshingly crisp and efficient before the Dragon Tooth Guards.

This time, it was like when she returned to Qinling, entering the mountain alone with the Dragon Tooth Guards for training.

Si Mo appeared beside her, still holding that peculiar rabbit in his arms.

However, his presence was normal to Mo Yang and the other Dragon Tooth Guards, but to others, he was always somewhat indistinct, leaving no impression.

"Ready, then let’s move out." Mu Qingge said to the Dragon Tooth Guards with her hands behind her back.

Hundreds of people, neatly walked out of Dragon Tooth Camp and immediately saw Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen waiting outside.

The pair walked towards Mu Qingge, and Sang Xuewu took out three hundred intermediate-level spirit stones, handing them to Mu Qingge. "The Third Elder asked me to bring these."

Mu Qingge glanced at them and unceremoniously let Mo Yang receive them, then said to the two, "Follow along."

Her tone was cold and detached, yet it didn’t diminish the delight of Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen.

And Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen seemed to not notice Si Mo at all, practically ’turning a blind eye’ to him. Mu Qingge gave him a curious look, wondering how he managed that.

Feeling Mu Qingge’s gaze, Si Mo proudly glanced over, his amber eyes filled with amusement.

Walking down from a hill, an unexpected arrival made Mu Qingge pause.

Beside her, the suddenly changed aura made her twitch the corner of her mouth. This aura carried a hint of impatience. For someone to provoke impatience in Si Mo was, in some way, quite remarkable.

After a bit of thought, Mu Qingge walked toward the person blocking the path.

"What are you doing here?" She asked proactively upon reaching that person.

Sang Yichen stood close to Sang Xuewu, curiously observing, "I think I’ve seen this person before, seems to be at the North Continent Han Family’s camp."

Sang Xuewu gave him a glance and whispered, "Say less."

Sang Yichen shrunk his neck and kept quiet.

The person appearing in front of everyone was naturally Han Caicai.

He scanned his surroundings, with a faint hint of confusion, but facing Mu Qingge’s inquiry, he still revealed a confident smile, "I am naturally here to join you in entering the Canglan Mountain Range. With the tacit understanding between us, entering the mountain together is the best choice."

Mu Qingge didn’t miss the confusion in his eyes.

It seemed, he was puzzled over Si Mo’s nonappearance.

Though in fact, Si Mo was right before him, merely overlooked by him.

She also didn’t miss the rising confidence in his eyes, a confidence that seemed certain she would accept his proposal to accompany him into the mountain. In her interactions with Han Caicai, many times he carried a poised demeanor, one Mu Qingge once admired for its confidence.

Yet now, she found herself disliking that same confidence in Han Caicai.

"No need." Mu Qingge directly rejected.

This unexpected answer made Han Caicai’s expression stiffen, his long narrow eyes flickered several times, and he lowered his voice, "Are you still mad at me?" His tone was as if coaxing a child.

What he referred to was naturally the unpleasant conversation the day before.

"No, I’ve accepted Sang’s family’s commission, and to avoid any task mishaps, I won’t be accepting other family commissions." Mu Qingge explained calmly.

Han Caicai’s gaze shifted from her, landing on Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen.

"Sang family members." Han Caicai muttered softly, turning back to look at Mu Qingge, almost smiling, "I remember you once said you wouldn’t care about Sang family’s affairs."

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, "You overthink it, I’m just doing my job for money." To her, Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen held a different significance than ordinary Sang family members.

Even if only for the sake of Mu family’s patriarch, she couldn’t turn a blind eye.

Of course, there was no need for her to explain this reason to Han Caicai, nor would she explain it to anyone.

"In that case, how about I pay you?" Han Caicai suddenly suggested.

Mu Qingge frowned, was Han Caicai planning to incessantly entangle her? What prompted him to change his previous attitude? The former Han Caicai was persistent but not offensive, while his current relentless pursuit left her feeling resistant.

"Second brother."

"Cai brother!"

Suddenly, two voices called from afar.

Han Caicai and Mu Qingge lifted their gaze, seeing Han Yiren and Ruan Qinglian walking towards them.

"Second brother, so this is where you are, we had a hard time finding you. Especially Qinglian, not seeing you made her very anxious." Han Yiren said with deliberate ambiguity.

Ruan Qinglian blushed shyly at this, glancing lovingly at Han Caicai.

Han Yiren’s words made Han Caicai frown with displeasure, while Mu Qingge thoughtfully observed the trio. Finally, she said to Han Caicai, "Since someone is looking for you, I won’t disturb you." With that, she turned and walked back.

When she stopped by Si Mo’s side, Han Caicai finally noticed that the person he thought hadn’t appeared had actually been standing beside Mu Qingge all along.

Suddenly, his eyes darkened, pursed lips forming a tight line.

Yet Si Mo didn’t spare him a glance. It seemed that Han Caicai’s presence had never held any significance.

Si Mo wouldn’t typically bother with Han Caicai, but since his interest lay in his little Ge’er, he had warned Han Caicai, but only so. If Han Caicai remained obstinate, he truly would kill him to end it once and for all.

"Let’s go." Mu Qingge looked up at Si Mo.

Si Mo nodded.

And at this moment, Han Yiren, having trailed her gaze after Mu Qingge, also spotted Si Mo. At the sight of Si Mo, Han Yiren became completely bashful.

She originally brought Ruan Qinglian to prevent an encounter between Han Caicai and Mu Qingge, but unexpectedly, she met her own heart’s desire.

Han Yiren suddenly released Ruan Qinglian’s hand, and to her surprise, dashed straight to Si Mo, disregarding Mu Qingge entirely, exclaiming joyfully, "So you were here!"

Her enthusiasm made Mu Qingge raise her brows while bringing a hint of confusion to Si Mo’s eyes.

Clearly, he didn’t recognize this girl who had suddenly appeared.

Amber eyes reflected a faint detachment, accompanied by an endless coldness. If Han Yiren was a fire, then Si Mo was an ice block that hadn’t melted in a millennium.

As Mu Qingge’s playful gaze swept over, Si Mo’s aura grew even colder, and he uttered a single word to Han Yiren, "Scram."

Indeed, this was Si Mo’s style!

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Han Yiren, however, paused, her once smiling face showing a crack.

"What... what did you say to me?" Han Yiren looked at Si Mo in disbelief.

Si Mo didn’t bother with her any further, instead stepping past her to gaze at Han Caicai, his eyes reflecting an undeniably genuine intent to kill. "Leave, or die."

He didn’t even bother to call his name, not out of unwillingness but out of disdain.

Han Caicai’s face immediately darkened, his hand hidden within his sleeve clenched tightly. If he had enough power at this moment, he might rush forward to have a fair fight with Si Mo.

However, his reason told him he wasn’t enough! He was far from being Si Mo’s match and could not defeat him!

Involuntarily, Han Caicai’s gaze drifted toward Mu Qingge, as if hoping she would say something on his behalf. At least, defend him with a few words.

Unfortunately, he was disappointed again.

Mu Qingge remained as composed as ever, her expression unaffected.

She didn’t even show dissatisfaction because her friend was threatened. A friend, at least they were friends, right?

Han Caicai’s expression changed multiple times in an instant, but ultimately, he used spiritual power to pull the stunned Han Yiren back to his side. His actions were rough, seemingly venting the pressure he felt before Si Mo.

Han Yiren was abruptly dragged back, falling heavily to the ground, utterly embarrassed.

"Ah!" Han Yiren cried out in pain as she sat on the ground.

Ruan Qinglian immediately rushed to her side, concerned, asking, "Yiren, are you alright?"

Han Yiren bit her lip, shook her head in humiliation, and angrily stared at Han Caicai, who didn’t even glance at her.

Han Caicai, however, only looked at Mu Qingge with eyes that seemed to carry a faint disappointment.

Disappointment?

Mu Qingge perfectly deciphered the emotion in his long, narrow eyes, inadvertently letting out a cold laugh in her heart. She took a few steps forward, approached Han Caicai, and whispered in his ear, "Han Caicai, you should be grateful. This time, she coveted my man in front of me and still lives."

After saying this, Mu Qingge subtly increased the distance between them, allowing Han Caicai to clearly see the hint of mockery and irony flashing in her eyes.

True, they were friends, but that didn’t mean this relationship allowed him to condone his sister’s infatuated behavior!

Lord Mo is hers; anyone daring to covet him is asking for death!

She hadn’t directly killed Han Yiren, which was already giving face to Han Caicai. If Han Caicai continued to be stubborn, their last bit of relationship might break, and who would care about Han Yiren’s fate?

Mu Qingge’s words made Han Caicai’s whole body stiffen.

His thoughts suddenly became clear. Of course, how could he forget, Mu Qingge was always domineering; anything that belonged to her was absolutely forbidden from being touched.

Han Caicai’s lips curled into a bitter smile as he watched Mu Qingge lead the Dragon Tooth Guards away.

"Second brother, what were you doing just now?" Han Yiren angrily stormed in front of Han Caicai.

Han Caicai suddenly looked at her, his long, narrow eyes filled with cold glare, "Next time you seek death, don’t do it in front of me! I warned you not to provoke him!"

Han Yiren’s face also instantly turned ugly, just as she was about to retort, Ruan Qinglian rushed between the siblings, pacifying them, "Alright, alright, don’t argue anymore."

"Shut up!"

"Shut up!"

Han Caicai and Han Yiren simultaneously yelled at Ruan Qinglian.

Two sudden shouts left Ruan Qinglian stunned on the spot, looking at them with a puzzled expression.

The words just out of her mouth, Han Yiren soon realized, her expression changing a few times before saying to Ruan Qinglian, "Sorry, Qinglian, I was in a bad mood just now."

Ruan Qinglian looked at Han Yiren, showing a relieved smile, still warmly holding her hand, comforting, "It’s alright, I don’t blame you."

As for Han Caicai, he simply glanced at them coldly and turned away, his sleeves fluttering as he left. He warned Han Yiren not to seek death, yet wasn’t he also courting death himself? It all stemmed from the ’unresolved’ issue in his heart!

Discovering Si Mo’s true identity, he realized this was a perfect opportunity, a temptation that somewhat induced him into losing his mind, falling into delusions. Mu Qingge’s final mocking look made him fully awaken.

...

From Sunset Grassland to Canglan Mountain Range, everyone chose to walk.

The Dragon Tooth Guards raised the Dragon Tooth Flag as their emblem.

In the distance, many teams also entering the Canglan Mountain Range could see this group from afar.

Whether it was Dragon Teeth or Mu Qingge, they’ve become hot topics recently.

Many came for Dragon Teeth, but ended up witnessing the rise of a new star in the Middle Ancient Realm, who, as long as she doesn’t fall early, is destined to shine upon the Middle Ancient Realm!

Such ’prediction’ has become a shared belief among the tens of thousands at Sunset Grassland almost overnight.

Even those who weren’t seeing Dragon Teeth and Mu Qingge for the first time still cast curious glances.

Because, both Dragon Teeth and Mu Qingge have equally mysterious origins, virtually emerging out of nowhere, descending from the heavens.

"Once the grand hunt ends, many will probably investigate your origin." On the road, Sang Xuewu walked beside Mu Qingge, speaking to her.

She and Sang Yichen followed on Mu Qingge’s left and right, seemingly like two little tails pushing Si Mo aside.

After all, who told Lord Mo to automatically diminish his presence, making people unable to sense him?

"Let them investigate if they want." Mu Qingge said unconcernedly.

Her origin was never a secret, nor did she mind others knowing she came from Linchuan Realm, the backward and impoverished place in everyone’s mind within the Middle Ancient Realm.

Sang Xuewu bit her lip, reminding, "What I’m saying is, if they were to find out, what will happen if enemies can’t defeat you, and shift their anger to Linchuan Mu Mansion?"

Her words made Mu Qingge’s eyes turn cold.

Sang Yichen immediately chimed in, "Dare they! Anyone daring to mess with my family, I’ll take them down first!"

Mu Qingge glanced at him, studying him for a moment.

Should these two truly bear the Mu bloodline, today in Sang Yichen’s words, she saw some clues.

Yet, she bitterly laughed, shaking her head internally.

Sang Xuewu’s compromise and her big-picture view, isn’t she more like a Mu Family member?

These siblings are quite interesting; one inherits the Mu Family’s fierce ambition, while the other inherits the family’s patient silence.

"Once, three people from Middle Ancient Realm found the Mu family at Linchuan. They died in Linchuan, and not long ago, their families were completely erased from Middle Ancient Realm." Mu Qingge withdrew her thoughts and said indifferently.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen were simultaneously stunned, carefully interpreting this, they understood Mu Qingge’s message!

This example represents Mu Qingge’s attitude, right?

No matter what happens in the future, anyone daring to trouble the Mu family must first prepare to face her retaliation!

Sang Yichen’s eyes became fervent, gazing at Mu Qingge filled with admiration.

This big sister made him admire more and more, willingly calling her big sister! If before, there was more guilt toward the big sister his mother talked about, now after seeing her in person, he feels mostly admiration.

He paced forward quickly, showing an admiring gaze beside Mu Qingge, "Big sis, can you tell me how you arrived at Middle Ancient Realm from Linchuan?"

Mu Qingge suddenly halted her steps, looking at Sang Yichen with an expression of surprise.

What shocked her wasn’t Sang Yichen, but the title he used. She’s in menswear now, isn’t calling her ’big sister’ awkward?

She felt awkward hearing it.

"Call me Lord Little." Mu Qingge said with a somber expression.

Sang Yichen disagreed, "Why? I’m your real brother, not your subordinate!"

Brother?

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched, can someone tell her how to get along with brotherly creatures?

She had never learned in this life or the previous one how to interact with siblings, mutual respect and love were far too unfamiliar.

Sang Xuewu hurriedly restrained Sang Yichen, looked at Mu Qingge with apology, "He’s just that kind of a person, don’t blame him."

"Sang Xuewu, you drive me mad. Big sister is big sister, recognized or not! You can’t keep calling her Mu Gongzi, right?" Sang Yichen shrugged off Sang Xuewu’s tugging sleeve, eagerly looking at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s clear gaze fluctuated a bit, eventually looking at the siblings, "If you don’t want to call me Lord Little, then call me Boss."

With that, she resumed walking away.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen stood there stunned, for a while, Sang Yichen then asked Sang Xuewu, "What does this mean? Does it count as accepting us?"

He looked expectant, while Sang Xuewu seemed somewhat uneasy, shaking her head, "I don’t know."

They simply didn’t know that the reason Mu Qingge said that last phrase was because she remembered the nickname given to her by Shao the fatty. That brother-like bond without being blood-related!

"Whatever! Boss is the boss, it all means the same, this way we can avoid hassle!" Sang Yichen exclaimed enthusiastically.

Having said that, he ran joyfully towards Mu Qingge, shouting loudly, "Boss, boss! Wait for me—!"

Mu Qingge, hearing his voice, not only didn’t stop her steps but walked even faster, making it impossible for Sang Yichen to catch up.

"What’s the matter?" Si Mo finally returned to Mu Qingge’s side, his amber eyes filled with laughter.

Sang Yichen’s voice continued to echo behind them.

Mu Qingge half-jokingly asked him, "Do you have brothers or sisters? Can you share some insights on getting along with them?"

Unexpectedly, her question caused Si Mo’s smiling expression to suddenly fade, and he said, "I do have many siblings, but they’re all dead now. If Ge’er wants to learn how to kill her siblings, I could impart some knowledge."

Uh!

Mu Qingge was stunned; this answer was completely unexpected.

Seeing Mu Qingge’s frozen expression, the light in Si Mo’s amber eyes dimmed slightly, "Does Ge’er think I’m cruel?" It seemed that the cold, distant isolation that had left him was gradually returning.

Mu Qingge, realizing this, immediately reacted, "This poor child, how much suffering has he endured in the past?"

Her reaction left Si Mo momentarily surprised.

Mu Qingge took the opportunity to pinch his handsome, charming face and then pretended to be serious, "I believe you have your reasons for doing what you did. Besides, you’re a ruthless person and I am too." She was just as ruthless towards her enemies, giving them bloodthirsty retribution.

Mu Qingge’s slightly cheeky words improved Si Mo’s mood.

Looking at her, he said sincerely, "Thank you, Ge’er." Thank you for not despising how bloodthirsty and dirty I am!

"Why be so formal with me?" Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows.

She didn’t press Si Mo for his past, yet could grasp from his inadvertently revealed words that he had a story to tell.

Killing one’s siblings? If someone could go as far as to annihilate their kin, they must have endured immense hardship and coercion to drive them to such a desperate measure.

What did Si Mo go through to become like this?

She didn’t believe Si Mo would kill without reason, just as he trusted every decision she made carried thoughtful consideration.

Han Caicai said they weren’t alike, but in reality, they were exactly alike!

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have walked this path hand in hand.

Of course, Si Mo was unwilling to speak, and she wouldn’t ask. Someday she would truly enter his world, see all of him, and understand his past.

"Want to go see your little disciple?" Si Mo suddenly said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled with interest, "Thrown into the Canglan Mountain Range for days, I really want to see how he’s grown."

"Shall we go then?" Si Mo laughed.

Mu Qingge nodded lightly, turned to Mo Yang, and commanded, "I’ll go first, you follow with them."

Mo Yang acknowledged.

Mu Qingge and Si Mo then unleashed their movement techniques and disappeared from everyone’s sight.

"Boss, Boss!" Sang Yichen shouted, straining his neck, but nothing changed.

Disappointed, he muttered to himself, "Why did they leave us behind? Clearly, there was an opportunity for us to be together openly."

Hearing the disappointment in his words, Sang Xuewu gently patted his shoulder and said, "Don’t be sad. There will be plenty of opportunities to be together in the future."

This remark reignited hope in Sang Yichen’s heart.

He said to Sang Xuewu, "When will the boss come with us back to Fusha City? After the great hunt ends?"

Sang Xuewu couldn’t answer his question, only saying, "I too wish to take her home to see mother, see father, after the great hunt is over."

...

Si Mo led Mu Qingge through the Canglan Mountain Range, holding in his arms a rabbit that appeared weak but was actually powerful. In the Canglan Mountain Range, in the places they passed, all the spirit beasts were terrified, prostrating on the ground, not daring to breathe out loud.

Roar—!

Suddenly, a beast’s roar came from afar.

Si Mo gracefully landed, dispersing a few fallen leaves on the ground with his energy. Mu Qingge followed suit, standing beside him.

"What’s happening?" Mu Qingge asked curiously.

Si Mo lowered his gaze and patted Hou’s head, saying in a low voice, "Restrain your aura, now there’s no need for it."

Hou glared at him in frustration, secretly grumbling: ’Damn you, what do you take me for?’ Sigh, having no choice but to submit when under another’s roof, Hou was frustrated but still had to suppress his aura under Si Mo’s overbearing pressure, making himself appear more like an ordinary rabbit!

As Hou’s aura was restrained, the hidden Beast Clan auras around gradually started to surface again.

Mu Qingge glanced playfully and looked at Si Mo.

Si Mo smiled at her, "Not far from here, let’s walk over." Then he explained, "If this guy’s aura isn’t withdrawn, it might hinder your little disciple’s cultivation."

Having said that, he reached out his hand to Mu Qingge.

Canglan Mountain Range felt like being back on Guji Mountain outside the Golden Sea Prefecture, Mu Qingge’s eyes carried a smile as she placed her hand in his large palm.

Mystic Robe and scarlet robe, resonating amidst the forest, strolling leisurely, faintly visible.

The distant beast roar drew nearer, clearer.

Mu Qingge’s eyes, brimming with curiosity, deepened even more.

"Just ahead." After walking a bit, Si Mo pulled Mu Qingge to hide in a concealed spot.

He emitted black mist from his body, enveloping the two, completely concealing their aura. Now, even if the Beast Clan with the strongest sense of smell came right in front of them, they would mistake them for grass, a tree.

Mu Qingge’s eyes brightened, and she smiled at Si Mo, "This hiding technique is quite good, teach me when you get a chance."

"Alright." Si Mo’s amber eyes were filled with laughter, all full of indulgence and doting.

It seemed that if Mu Qingge wanted the stars in the sky, he would pluck them for her and make them into the finest adornments, to decorate her.

Roar—!

The beast’s roar interrupted their conversation.

The grass and trees ahead rustled, hurried footsteps and the sound of pursuit echoed.

Soon, a lean figure dashed into their view.

’It’s Jing Hai!’

Mu Qingge’s eyes darkened, immediately recognizing the somewhat disheveled young boy in front of her eyes as her only disciple.

At this moment, Jing Hai could only be described as ragged. His clothes were torn and tattered, and on his face and limbs, there were multiple injuries of varying depths.

In just a few days, the greenness on his face had receded considerably, and his facial contours had become sharper and more resolute, showing a bit of a warrior’s demeanor.

Just as Jing Hai appeared before them, a Triangular Poison Wolf King burst from the thorny underbrush, appearing behind Jing Hai.

As it emerged, the force of its forepaw’s strike directly flipped Jing Hai onto the ground.

Jing Hai reacted swiftly, rolling forward along the momentum to increase his distance from the Triangular Poison Wolf King, transforming from a disadvantageous back-facing position to a face-to-face confrontation.

Jing Hai’s lips were tightly pursed, his simple eyes revealing a determination as solid as substance.

He hunched his body, vigilantly staring at the Triangular Poison Wolf King, the muscles on his back tense.

Meanwhile, the Triangular Poison Wolf King didn’t immediately pounce but glared at Jing Hai with fierce eyes, its sharp teeth exuding a foul smell, and the poisonous saliva dripping from its fangs corroded the plants on the ground.

Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, tilted her body, leaned toward Si Mo, and found a comfortable position to watch.

Si Mo gazed down at her, faithfully providing support for her, his eyes filled with indulgence.

Growl—!

Triangular Poison Wolf King bared its fangs, launching an attack on Jing Hai.

The strength of the Triangular Poison Wolf King equated to between the Sixth Layer of Gray Realm and the First Layer of Silver Realm, whereas Jing Hai had just entered the First Layer of Gray Realm not long ago. This was almost an entire realm of difference, and Mu Qingge thought Si Mo wanted her to see how Jing Hai would bridge this gap...