Bang!

In the forest, a gunshot startled the ordinary birds and beasts.

A Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast fell to the ground, not even managing a whimper.

A figure swiftly moved through the forest, quickly arriving at where the Earth Dragon Beast lay. Though it bore the name of a dragon, it actually had no relation to the Dragon Clan.

It looked more like a lizard, only its head carried a trace of the Dragon Clan’s ferocity.

The Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast’s attack power was not strong, but its defense was extremely formidable, almost reaching a human’s Silver Realm Sixth Layer level. Its scales were difficult to penetrate even for ordinary treasure artifacts.

A man dressed in strong light armor approached the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast, confirmed its death, and immediately pulled out a dagger. With skilled hands, he extracted the beast core and, after some effort and sweat, managed to skin its armor carefully and completely.

After securing it, he chopped off the Earth Dragon Beast’s two plump legs and quickly departed.

Elsewhere in the mountains, Xuan Kui lay prone on the ground, his sniper rifle aimed at a Cloud-piercing Leopard twenty miles away, that was in the midst of hunting.

This Cloud-piercing Leopard had reached the Silver Realm Fourth Layer, several small realms higher than Xuan Kui’s cultivation.

Furthermore, the Cloud-piercing Leopard was revered for its speed, and when it hunted, its movements were as fast as lightning, making it elusive. Xuan Kui patiently waited for the perfect opportunity.

Suddenly, the Cloud-piercing Leopard bit into its prey’s neck, slowing its movements.

At this moment, Xuan Kui pulled the trigger, and the gunpowder, energy transformed by the beast core, enveloped the bullet as it spun out of the barrel, speeding towards the Cloud-piercing Leopard’s eye.

With the sound of the gun, the Cloud-piercing Leopard collapsed as it was eating.

With a face full of joy, Xuan Kui leaped up from the ground, diving into the forest like a beast, heading towards the Cloud-piercing Leopard.

When he returned, he was holding a complete leopard skin. Since the wound was in the eye, the leopard skin was entirely undamaged.

The sound of sniper rifles frequently echoed throughout the forest.

The Canglan Mountain Range was vast, stretching hundreds, even thousands of miles. These gunshots were swallowed by the mountains, unnoticed by other floating guests.

The day quickly passed, and by evening, the snipers of the Dragon Tooth Guards returned to their temporary camp to submit the day’s results to Mu Qingge, who was stationed at the main base.

Mu Qingge sat on a rock, in front of her neatly laid out were numerous beast skins and beast cores.

Several snipers, including Xuan Kui, respectfully knelt on one knee.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen, the sister and brother, stood curiously to the side, observing.

Si Mo, still holding a Hou, lounged lazily a short distance behind Mu Qingge with a leisurely expression.

The sniper’s hunts were not accompanied by Sang Yichen and Sang Xuewu. Mu Qingge had no interest in honing them, but merely had them follow her to ensure no mishaps occurred.

It wasn’t that she distrusted others; it was because the Dragon Tooth Guards had their training tasks and objectives to complete.

Bringing along Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen would only hinder their tasks.

On Mu Qingge’s side, she was only conducting special training with the snipers, which was much better in comparison.

Clear eyes scanned the beast skins spread in front of her; finally, Mu Qingge’s gaze lingered on the skin of the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast.

"Xuewu, these spirit beasts are not ordinary, with high cultivation. How on earth did the leader’s subordinates manage this? They can peel off the entire beast skin undamaged, and none of them have suffered any injuries." Sang Yichen whispered incredulously to Sang Xuewu.

Sang Xuewu slowly shook her head, her eyes also filled with shock.

She thought she had already greatly esteemed Dragon Teeth’s combat prowess, but seeing it today, she felt what she had witnessed before was merely the tip of the iceberg.

Dragon Teeth was even more formidable than she had imagined!

The most unimaginable thing was that whether it was their sister or Dragon Teeth, they all came from Linchuan, that place despised by the people of the Middle Ancient Realm.

It could be imagined that Mu Qingge and Dragon Teeth would be dazzling in the Linchuan Realm!

In Sang Xuewu’s eyes, a glimmer of longing gradually appeared.

In the past, she only listened to her mother’s stories. Now, seeing it with her own eyes made her more curious about Linchuan and the Mu Family.

"Little Lord, the skin armor of this Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast is very tough. It took a lot of effort for me to peel it off," said the Dragon Tooth Guard who sniper-killed the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast, while pulling out his dagger from his breast pocket, respectfully presenting it to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked up, noticing the Earth Dragon Beast because its skin had been roughly cut, with jagged and even torn marks.

Her gaze fell on the dagger in the Dragon Tooth Guard’s hand. With a wave of her hand, the dagger flew from his palm towards her.

With a slight turn of her wrist, Mu Qingge had already grasped the dagger.

She drew the dagger from its sheath. The blade was already blunt, pitted with many nicks.

"What kind of dagger is that? I’ve never seen anything like it," murmured Sang Xuewu softly, as she looked at the dagger with a unique design that Mu Qingge had personally crafted.

She was the prodigy of the Sang Family and had studied all weapon diagrams since childhood, understanding the structure of various weapons.

However, the dagger in Mu Qingge’s hand was one she had never seen before.

Yet, even though she had never seen it, with talent and intuition, she could still discern the sharpness and power the dagger once had.

"The blade has one side for stabbing, which can create a hideous wound that is hard to heal. The other side is smooth as a mirror, capable of trimming hair by blowing on it. The tip is sharp and comes with a blood groove, ensuring profuse bleeding when stabbed, causing rapid blood loss and death! What a formidable design, whose handiwork could this possibly be?" Sang Xuewu murmured softly, her eyes more and more astonished.

Generally speaking, a dagger just needs to be sharp to be top grade. However, the one in Mu Qingge’s hand combined different functions and maximized each, perfectly embodying the art of killing.

’With such excellent weapons, no wonder, no wonder they disdain the Sang Family’s three treasure artifacts!’ Sang Xuewu marveled in her heart.

"What an impressive dagger, I wish I had one too," came the voice of Sang Yichen beside her, filled with admiration and envy.

Mu Qingge examined the dagger for a bit, then tossed it back to the Dragon Tooth Guard. He caught it and carefully stowed it away.

"It seems your current equipment is indeed insufficient to deal with these Beast Clan," Mu Qingge said with a slight heaviness in her voice. During the battle with the Triangular Poison Wolf King in Jing Hai, she already sensed this issue.

This time, she instructed Xuan Kui and the others to bring back beast skins and beast cores during their sniper training to verify this issue.

Clearly, in close combat using these weapons, likely injuries or death would be among the Dragon Tooth Guards. Such a situation Mu Qingge would not allow to happen.

After some thought, Mu Qingge turned her gaze towards Sang Xuewu.

Being glanced at, Sang Xuewu immediately composed herself, awaiting her inquiry.

"In the Middle Ancient Realm, Sang Family’s weapons are quite famous, but for those who cannot obtain Sang Family weapons, particularly the Floating Guests, what do they do?" Mu Qingge asked.

Without much thought, Sang Xuewu replied, "Besides the Sang Family, there are also some Artifact Refiners. If someone commissions them and provides materials, they can forge decent quality weapons too."

Her words made Mu Qingge understand, "It seems the issue still lies in the refining materials."

Her Dragon Tooth Guard, well-equipped with armor and weapons that she meticulously designed, yet there’s a gap when it comes to materials.

Good refining materials can raise a weapon’s level by more than one tier.

Once again, Mu Qingge’s gaze fell on the beast skin of the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast.

At this moment, Sang Xuewu’s voice rose again, "In the Middle Ancient Realm, some people can sense fire. With some training, they can become Alchemists and Artifact Refiners. This fire-sensing ability is different from fire manipulation. In the Middle Ancient Realm, apart from the Sang Family, most Artifact Refiners are those who can sense fire. Though their weapons are good, they can’t perfectly integrate all materials and explore new potential like the Sang Family. So, their weapons still have a gap compared to the Sang Family’s."

In these words, Sang Xuewu unconsciously revealed a trace of pride.

A pride stemming from the Sang Family bloodline.

While Sang Yichen looked desolate, seemingly feeling dejected for not inheriting the Sang Family bloodline.

Mu Qingge glanced at Sang Xuewu, then over at Sang Yichen. She had heard similar words before, so she wasn’t surprised.

If all weapons in the Middle Ancient Realm were crafted by the Sang Family, the Sang Family wouldn’t have declined.

"It’s just unfortunate that now the Sang Family’s talents have dwindled, and the bloodline fades with each generation. Although I’ve inherited the Sang Family bloodline, I’ve yet to forge a single Divine Artifact, and Yichen hasn’t inherited the Sang Family bloodline at all." Whether it was because Mu Qingge directed the topic to the Sang Family, Sang Xuewu spoke more, seemingly wanting Mu Qingge to understand more about the Sang Family’s situation.

Mu Qingge simply responded indifferently, "The Mu Family bloodline is also quite good."

These words caused a sudden brightness in Sang Yichen’s dull eyes. Whether Mu Qingge meant it or not, these words were undoubtedly a great encouragement to him!

Yes! He is a descendant of the Mu Family, so what if he hasn’t inherited the bloodline of the Sang Family? So what if he can’t forge artifacts?

Sang Yichen was encouraged, but Sang Xuewu’s face turned pale, hastily explaining, "Boss, I... I didn’t mean it that way."

Mu Qingge almost imperceptibly nodded, ceased conversing with them, and instead held the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast’s skin in her hands. Upon contact, she sensed its toughness, understanding what level of weapon could easily penetrate the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast’s defense.

"Boss, if you want to make armor from this Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast skin, I can help you refine it," Sang Xuewu offered proactively.

She really wanted to demonstrate some of her value in front of Mu Qingge, as if the years she spent learning in the Sang Family were all for this day’s performance.

However, she missed the disdain and ridicule that silently flashed in the eyes of the kneeling Dragon Tooth Guards after hearing her words.

Does their little lord need someone else to refine artifacts?

The young lord is a master refiner herself, right?

Actually, Sang Xuewu never inquired about whether Mu Qingge inherited the Sang Family bloodline, simply because she assumed that without family awakening, Mu Qingge wouldn’t be aware of it even if she carried the bloodline.

She had no idea that Mu Qingge, through fortunate circumstances, had long known about her refiner’s bloodline. To activate it, she chose the riskiest way—letting an Abnormal Fire enter her body.

Though she hadn’t received Sang Family’s training, her talent in artifact refining was not inferior to any Sang Family member! Especially since she independently created a method to engrave a Forbidden Technique into weapons, increasing auxiliary capabilities.

Sang Xuewu’s words were scorned in the hearts of the Dragon Tooth Guards.

But Mu Qingge calmly lifted her eyes, looked at her, and asked, "Are you interested?"

Sang Xuewu nodded repeatedly.

It’s not about interest or no interest; she just wants to do what she can.

As soon as she nodded, Mu Qingge threw the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast skin in her hands towards her. Sang Xuewu caught it in a panic, feeling a surge of joy.

This scene made Si Mo silently smile, without saying a word.

"Prepare dinner." Mu Qingge ordered, and several Dragon Tooth Guards, along with Xuan Kui, stood up and started bustling around.

Sang Yichen looked around, then went over to help.

He felt that Mu Qingge wasn’t wrong at all; he was indeed a person of the Mu Family, and that the feeling he had while interacting with the Dragon Tooth Guards was very close. If he had grown up in Linchuan, he might have already inherited the position and become a famed Young General.

Sang Xuewu, on the other hand, sat on a rock holding the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast skin, carefully feeling its structure and sketching an armor design in her mind.

Mu Qingge, with her hands behind her back, walked in another direction by herself, with Si Mo silently following.

With diminished presence, any of his movements didn’t draw the attention of others. He accompanied Mu Qingge to a quiet place and asked, "Is Xiaoge’er hoping to observe the Sang Family’s artifact refining techniques?"

Mu Qingge nodded, "I’ve seen the Sang Family’s weapons before, but only in passing. This time, I want to see where exactly my gap with the Sang Family lies."

"In my eyes, Xiaoge’er is more capable of crafting better weapons than those from the Sang Family," Si Mo smiled.

Mu Qingge turned to look at him, raising her eyebrows playfully, "You really know how to flatter me."

Si Mo shook his head, "Not flattery. The decline of the Sang Family is due to several reasons: their thinning bloodline and their lack of innovation. The Sang Family’s artifact refining methods are the most ancient; while they assure quality, they’re missing some contemporary elements."

Mu Qingge stared in amazement at Si Mo.

Is Si Da God not a transmigrator? He even understands the idea of ’keeping up with the times’!

Seeing her astonished expression, Si Mo chuckled and explained softly, "Living long and seeing much, some things naturally become clear."

"You’re really not modest at all." Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, teasing him.

"Xiaoge’er, if there’s an opportunity, I hope you can truly get in touch with the Sang Family’s artifact refining techniques and combine them with your innovations. Perhaps you’ll make new breakthroughs in refining," Si Mo said earnestly.

This was something Mu Qingge had considered.

Finding the Sang Family was not only about uncovering the circumstances of Sang Lanruo’s disappearance but also understanding what exactly the Sang Family’s refining techniques entailed.

"I’ll go to Fusha City, meet who I need to meet, and do what needs to be done," Mu Qingge told Si Mo.

As for her being burdened with a refiner’s bloodline, there was no need for the Sang Family to know.

"Although the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast’s skin is hard, it’s still not enough," Si Mo reminded.

Mu Qingge nodded, "I know." When she touched the Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast’s skin, she realized that using it for armor would be harder than ordinary armor, but still not quite up to her expectations.

"It’s hard to find suitable materials in a short time. The armor is fine; the Dragon Tooth Guards’ armor is made from Flood Dragon skin. Although that Flood Dragon is only at the Purple Realm level, the defense of the Qilin Armor is decent. But weapons..." Mu Qingge frowned.

Si Mo’s lips curled, "I know, in the Canglan Mountain Range, there’s a clan of Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses. And, at the bottom of the Dark Abyss Pond in the Canglan Mountain Range, there’s also a Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon with a Gold Realm Third Layer cultivation level."

"Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros! Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon!" Mu Qingge was shocked, her eyes widened.

Her clear eyes gleamed like gold, as if seeing a great treasure.

As a refiner, she was naturally not unfamiliar with the two Spirit Beasts Si Mo mentioned!

"Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros, the legendary defense king that even Gold Realm experts find hard to break? The bones of the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon are said to be incredibly hard, sharp as blades, capable of piercing Divine Level Armor with ease?" Mu Qingge’s voice was excited.

As she said this, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind.

That was using the bones of the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon to pierce the skin of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros, wondering what kind of effect it would have.

Of course, this idea was just a product of her imagination, and it was dismissed almost immediately.

Mu Qingge’s excitement pleased Si Mo.

He smiled and nodded, his eyes carrying a hint of doting affection.

"Where is it? Take me there!" Mu Qingge eagerly demanded.

"What about them?" Si Mo laughed, glancing towards the direction of the Dragon Tooth Guards and the Sang siblings.

Mu Qingge frowned, gave it some thought, and said to Si Mo, "Bring them along."

Hunting the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros would be a rare sniper training opportunity.

As for Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen, having taken the Sang Family’s three hundred intermediate Spirit Stones, they naturally couldn’t be left behind.

"Tomorrow, let’s first go to the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros’s location, then head to the Dark Abyss Pond for the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon after that," Mu Qingge instructed Si Mo.

Si Mo nodded.

Mu Qingge said excitedly, "To peel off the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros’s skin, you need sharp daggers. I’ll go refine a few." With that, she turned and disappeared in front of Si Mo.

Si Mo chuckled and shook his head.

He had long guessed that this girl would find an excuse to slip away, but still couldn’t help but bring it up because he didn’t want to see distress on her face.

...

That night passed without incident, and the Dragon Tooth Guards and Xuan Kui were well aware of Mu Qingge’s sudden disappearance.

After all, this kind of ’disappearance’ had happened more than once or twice.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen were very curious, but didn’t dare to ask much. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

At first light, when Mu Qingge came out from the space, Xuan Kui handed her the jerky cooked the morning before. "Young Master, you didn’t eat last night. Have some jerky to fill your stomach."

Mu Qingge took the jerky, and a water flask was handed to her as well.

Looking up, Mu Qingge saw Sang Yichen smiling warmly.

Accepting the flask, Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze and instructed everyone, "Let’s set out."

Then, she and Si Mo led the way.

Si Mo took a packet of snacks from his bosom and handed them to Mu Qingge, taking the jerky from her. In her surprised gaze, he explained, "Jerky is too tough, not good to eat too much. These snacks were prepared by You He when we set off."

Uh!

Although Mu Qingge wasn’t some pampered lady, she had eaten raw meat, dirt in tough environments, and even considered insects for their high protein content.

However, holding the snacks that Si Mo had specially prepared for her in her hands, she felt a little touched in her heart.

Suppressing the slight sourness in her nose, Mu Qingge opened the wrapped paper. The snacks inside were still intact, not crushed at all. She picked up a piece with her fingers and put it in her mouth. The feeling of it melting immediately brought a sweet sensation in her heart.

To save time, after walking for a while, Mu Qingge instructed the Dragon Tooth Guards to release their flying beast. The group stood on the back of the flying beast, heading towards the territory of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros.

To do artifact refining, just the main materials are not enough; auxiliary materials are also needed. Fortunately, in Mu Qingge’s space, there was a tool library with refining materials she had collected recently, along with some left behind by Mengmeng’s previous owner.

As long as she obtained the two main materials, she was confident she could upgrade all of the Dragon Tooth Guards’ equipment.

"Xiao Ge’er doesn’t have a flying beast yet, right?" On the back of the flying beast, the wind blowing past them, Si Mo suddenly said.

Mu Qingge nodded and laughed, "Back then, the eggs I brought out from the Trial Space, Bai Xi stole a few and a few others got spoiled. The ones that hatched were just enough for the Dragon Tooth Guards."

Si Mo’s eyes filled with tenderness.

His Xiao Ge’er always had the habit of putting herself last, always thinking of others when it came to good things.

Even though the Dragon Tooth Guards were Mu Qingge’s trusted aides, her sharpest sword, to Si Mo, they were still ’others.’ With a helpless sigh, Si Mo said to her, "How about I give you one?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up and she said unabashedly, "Sure." If Si Mo was going to give it, it would definitely not be an ordinary item!

Her demeanor made the pampering look in Si Mo’s eyes deepen. "I’ll bring it to you next time."

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled as she playfully said, "You can just send Gu Ya or Gu Ye to deliver it. You’re so busy; it wouldn’t be good to always trouble you."

Si Mo’s amber eyes darkened, his voice carrying a hint of danger. "Is Xiao Ge’er tired of me? After enjoying, you want to shirk responsibility?"

Damn!

Mu Qingge was shocked as she looked at Si Mo, unable to comprehend how someone with such a god-like appearance could utter such shameless and resentful words.

With an embarrassed smile, Mu Qingge tried to smooth things over, "How could I? Am I that kind of person? Don’t worry, since you’re already my man, I won’t abandon you. Come whenever you want."

Mu Qingge’s response had Si Mo gritting his teeth in frustration, wishing he could take a bite out of her.

But he wouldn’t do that because he couldn’t bear to.

Helplessly, Si Mo could only sigh and say, "In the heavens and earth, across three thousand worlds, only you dare to treat me this way." Making me helpless yet extremely doting, unwilling to harm.

"In the heavens and earth, across three thousand worlds, I will treat only you this way." Mu Qingge arched her brow.

The arrogance and domineering nature were unmistakably evident in her demeanor.

Si Mo was taken aback, the corners of his mouth lifted as he suddenly burst into laughter. The laughter carried endless joy, as if announcing to everyone that he was truly happy.

The laughter from the front surprised the few following behind.

They exchanged glances, unclear about what had just happened at the front.

"Who exactly is that person? So close with the boss, yet I always forget him," Sang Yichen curiously asked Sang Xuewu.

Sang Xuewu frowned, shaking her head, "I don’t know either."

After half a day’s flight, under Si Mo’s direction, everyone landed.

"Ahead in the canyon, there are currently nineteen Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses." Si Mo pointed to an entrance of a canyon ahead, speaking to Mu Qingge.

"Nineteen?" Mu Qingge mentally calculated and then nodded, "That’s enough."

Saying this, she turned to look at Xuan Kui and the other Dragon Tooth Guards, instructing them, "The target is within the canyon. Sneak over, occupy a high point, and try to resolve the battle quickly. Remember, the skin of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros is tough; aim for the eyes or mouth."

Xuan Kui and the others nodded and immediately spread out, heading in different directions towards the canyon.

In their arms, they carried specific skinning knives that Mu Qingge had crafted for peeling the skins.

"Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros!" Sang Xuewu exclaimed in surprise. Until now, she hadn’t known that Mu Qingge was targeting the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros.

The defense of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros was astounding, normally difficult for anyone to breach.

Thus, while the skin of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros was an excellent refining material, it was very difficult to obtain.

If Mu Qingge’s people could indeed get the skin of a Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros, she would surely have the confidence to refine Divine Level Armor, surpassing her current artifact refining realm.

Sang Xuewu became excited and nervously requested Mu Qingge, "Boss, can I go over and take a look?"

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at her, speaking directly, "You also want the skin of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros?"

Sang Xuewu did not deny it and candidly said, "I’ve been stuck at Treasure Level in artifact refining for a long time. I want to use this opportunity to break through to the Divine Level."

Treasure Level Refiner!

Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly narrowed.

Currently, she could only refine Treasure Level weapons herself, still a step away from Divine Level. She hadn’t expected Sang Xuewu, so young, to also be a Treasure Level Refiner, no wonder she was so favored in the Sang Family.

Judging from the Third Elder’s attitude towards her, Mu Qingge could easily deduce Sang Xuewu’s status within the Sang Family.

"You don’t need to go; I’ll deliver you a piece of skin later." Mu Qingge refused Sang Xuewu’s participation, not wanting the sniping gun to be exposed prematurely.

Even if that person was her own sister, it was not allowed.

Being refused by Mu Qingge, Sang Xuewu felt a bit disappointed but did not insist. She quietly found a place to sit and continued studying her Qilin Armor Earth Dragon Beast Skin.

Refining wasn’t possible now, but she could think through each crucial step, figure out which materials to use for matching so that when she returned to the Sang Family, she could begin refining.

Sang Yichen stood by with nothing to do. In fact, he also wanted to join the battle, but since Sang Xuewu had been rejected, it wasn’t proper for him to ask.

Bang, bang——!

Suddenly, gunfire rang out.

Sang Xuewu immediately stood up, looking up with Sang Yichen towards the sky, from which some birds and small flying beasts began to emerge from the direction of the canyon, flying away into the distance.

"What’s that sound?"

"It seems to be coming from the canyon."

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen said one after another.

After speaking, they both looked towards Mu Qingge, who remained as calm as ever, seemingly unconcerned about the safety of her subordinates.

Suddenly, Si Mo looked at Mu Qingge, walking towards her, transmitting, "The communication talisman has been delivered to Mu Mansion."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up, her gaze shifting slightly. ’This means that, soon, she would receive news from Grandfather.’

Understanding the intent in her eyes, Si Mo smiled and nodded, "Indeed, as soon as tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest, you will receive the message."

Wonderful!

Mu Qingge’s expression revealed a hint of delight.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen noticed the change in her expression but didn’t know what had caused it.

Mu Qingge glanced at them but said nothing.

Once she received Mu Xiong’s message, perhaps she’d know how to treat these two.

Bang, bang, bang——!

Soon after, more gunshots echoed.

From within the canyon, the roars of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros could be heard, seeming to grow restless.

Faintly, the ground quivered, as if giants were running.

After a while, everything finally calmed down.

With her thoughts stirred, Mu Qingge spoke, "Let’s go, take a look."

Saying so, she eagerly headed towards the canyon.

Si Mo naturally followed closely, and Sang Xuewu and her brother quickly followed, not daring to delay for a moment.

Walking into the canyon, the cliffs on both sides blocked the view, and a shallow river flowed on the ground, winding into the distance with no end in sight. On the bank of the shallow river lay the bodies of more than a dozen Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses.

These Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses were all as sturdy as bulls, their bodies like small mountains, lying on the ground and appearing like hills from Yuanyuan’s perspective.

Xuan Kui and several Dragon Tooth Guards were busy hidden among these "hills."

Sang Yichen quickly examined the bodies of a few Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses, then ran to Sang Xuewu’s side and whispered in shock, "They were all blind. It seems some kind of weapon pierced through their eyes, killing them without damaging their hides."

Sang Xuewu was extremely shocked to hear this.

Outside, people desperately sought after Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses, yet here they were easily slain!

A complete Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros, if taken to auction, could fetch a high price of tens of thousands of intermediate Spirit Stones. Coupled with other refining materials, if handed over to the Sang family craftsmen, it could undoubtedly be forged into an impenetrable Divine Level Armor!

Even Golden Realm experts would find it difficult to break through its defense!

Sang Xuewu’s hands trembled slightly; she was an excellent Artifact Refiner, and seeing such prime refining materials, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmingly tempted.

Ripping sounds —

The skins of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses were completely stripped, cleaned, and laid out on the open ground.

When the last skin was processed, Si Mo waved at the nineteen Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses, instantly refining their flesh and blood into Blood Pearls. The Blood Pearls flew to Mu Qingge, who raised her eyes in surprise.

Si Mo explained, "The flesh and blood of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros can strengthen the body and temper the muscles and bones. I’ve refined these nineteen Blood Pearls; you can dilute them for the Dragon Tooth Guards to consume."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up.

The bodies of the Dragon Tooth Guards had first been modified with diluted Genetic Transformation Agent, then tempered with Flood Dragon blood. With the addition of Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros blood, they would surely become even more formidable. Even without armor protection, it would be difficult for ordinary people to break through their physical defenses.

Plus, with their self-healing abilities, this would allow her to pursue strength more confidently, eliminating any future worries!

"Thanks," Mu Qingge waved her hand, accepting the nineteen Blood Pearls.

"Between you and me, there’s no need for thanks," Si Mo smiled and said.

The two of them stood a little farther away, so Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen couldn’t hear a thing. They only saw the mysterious person who always followed her sister, waving a hand and refining the flesh and blood of the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses, causing the bodies to disappear. Then, the blood transformed into Blood Pearls, which flew to Mu Qingge and were collected by her.

Suddenly, Xuan Kui approached Sang Xuewu with a folded Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros skin in his hands. "This is sent by the Young Master."

Mu Qingge had promised to give a Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros skin to Sang Xuewu, and now she was fulfilling that promise.

Sang Xuewu was a bit taken aback, somewhat surprised.

Perhaps she hadn’t expected her sister to remember an offhand remark.

She wasn’t pretentious and reached out to take the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros skin from Xuan Kui, placing it in her Sumeru Ring, "Thank you."

Xuan Kui shook his head and said, "I’m just acting on the Young Master’s orders. Miss Sang needn’t thank me." After speaking, he turned and left with big strides. Sang Xuewu’s beauty seemed no different than ordinary in his eyes.

The remaining eighteen Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceros skins were collected by Mu Qingge. One skin was enough to make forty to fifty sets of armor; eighteen skins were certainly sufficient.

"Shall we head straight to Dark Abyss Pond, or would you like to find a place to rest and go tomorrow?" Si Mo asked.

Mu Qingge looked up at the sky; it was only the afternoon, too early to rest. But if they headed to Dark Abyss Pond now, nightfall might make combat unfavorable when they arrived.

After some thought, she looked at Sang Yichen and Sang Xuewu and murmured softly, "Since we’re here, we can’t come for nothing."

She beckoned some Dragon Tooth Guards, "You guard the two of them as they explore nearby. If there are Spirit Beasts, you don’t need to intervene immediately; only step in if they can’t handle it."

The Dragon Tooth Guards accepted the orders and led Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen out of the canyon.

Xuan Kui, gazing at the distance, turned to Mu Qingge and said, "Young Master, the scent of blood here is attracting many Beast Clan; we should leave."

Mu Qingge nodded, left the canyon with Si Mo and Xuan Kui.

Shortly after they left, dust rose on the other side of the canyon, and a large group of Spirit Beasts arrived with a roar, wandering where the Mystic Armor Dragon Rhinoceroses had been.

Leaving the canyon, Mu Qingge chose a high ground to set up camp.

Xuan Kui gathered firewood and, following Mu Qingge’s instructions, spread beast-repelling powder around the perimeter. Then, he roasted the hind leg and an entire back piece of a Cloud-piercing Leopard over the campfire.

The sizzling fat from the meat dripped into the campfire, igniting flames. The crispy, golden surface was very enticing, especially as Xuan Kui kept sprinkling spices over it.

Hou squatted nearby, drooling.

Finally, unable to resist, he looked to Mu Qingge and said, "I’m hungry."

Mu Qingge and Si Mo both looked at him, the former raising an eyebrow, "And?"

"I want to eat brain matter!" Hou ground his teeth.

Mu Qingge nodded in understanding and said, "Go ahead, come back early."

Hou sprang up from the ground, his short furry limbs bounding away cheerfully. However, he soon came back, his golden eyes like flames staring at the roasting meat, ordering Xuan Kui, "Kid, save some of that meat for me! If I come back and it’s gone, I’ll roast you instead!"

After saying so, he darted back into the bushes, disappearing from the trio’s sight.

Xuan Kui was stunned, holding his spice pack, apparently not thinking about how he had been threatened by a rabbit. After a moment, he looked at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge curled her lips and said, "Roast some more."

This time, Hou had shown some utility; naturally, she wouldn’t let it go hungry.

As the meat finished cooking, the sky darkened, the orange-red sunset sinking toward the mountains.

"It smells great!" Sang Yichen’s excited voice came from afar.

He quickly darted to the campfire, reaching out eagerly.

"Yichen, did you wash your hands?" Sang Xuewu came up from behind, scolding Sang Yichen like a mother.

Sang Yichen quickly withdrew his hand, reluctantly standing up to wash his hands in the nearby spring water.

Mu Qingge watched this scene silently, glancing at Sang Xuewu a couple more times.

’For the past ten years, Sang Lanruo has focused her efforts on reviving Mu Liancheng, likely neglecting the children. Watching Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen’s interaction, it seems this twin sister has assumed a maternal role in caring for him.’ Suddenly, Mu Qingge seemed to understand the reason behind Sang Xuewu’s willingness to compromise.

A person’s character is inseparably linked to their upbringing.

Sang Xuewu’s maturity and Sang Yichen’s straightforwardness are likely not coincidences.

Silently lowering her gaze, Mu Qingge concealed her emotions. Seeing this, her impression of Sang Lanruo worsened. Perhaps, she was a devoted wife, but she was definitely not a good mother.

Neither for Mu Qingge, nor for Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen!

"Here, Boss." As Mu Qingge was lost in thought, Sang Xuewu had already sliced a piece of roasted meat, placed it on a clean leaf, and handed it to her.

Mu Qingge looked up at her, silently accepting the roasted meat.

Then, she watched as Sang Xuewu smiled and turned away, returning to the campfire to cut a piece for the eagerly waiting Sang Yichen.

"Eat slowly, don’t be such a child." Seeing Sang Yichen eagerly devour the food, she helplessly shook her head in advice.

’Perhaps, for Sang Yichen, Sang Xuewu is more like a sister. As for her...’ Mu Qingge sneered internally. She never took such careful care of others, nor was she meticulous.

After dinner, everyone rested around the campfire.

When the moon reached its zenith, Mu Qingge suddenly opened her eyes, seeing a "meteor" streak across the night sky.

The "meteor" shot towards her.

As it neared, it transformed into a dragon eye-sized light ball, halting before her nose.

Mu Qingge sprang to her feet, and the light ball moved upward with her.

Si Mo’s voice sounded from behind her, "A message from Linchuan has arrived."