Letter from Linchuan!

These four words brought an expression of excitement to Mu Qingge’s eyes. She raised her hand and grabbed the light ball the size of a longan, her five fingers tightly clasping it, concealing its radiance.

Then, she swept a cool gaze around, seeing that everyone was still asleep and hadn’t been disturbed.

She and Si Mo turned and left the camp, heading to a secluded place.

After walking a distance and confirming there was no one around, Mu Qingge finally released her tightly clenched hand, letting the light ball fly out. The light ball didn’t fly far but hovered in front of Mu Qingge.

Shortly after, the light ball flickered and transformed into a glowing human figure, appearing before her.

Fixing her gaze on that vivid yet ethereal figure, Mu Qingge’s eyes suddenly shrank, and she cried out involuntarily, "Grandpa!"

The figure before her was none other than Mu Xiong, who was far away in the Mu Mansion of the Linchuan Qin Country.

"Ge’er, have you missed Grandpa?" The ethereal figure suddenly spoke, as if he could see Mu Qingge standing in front of him.

"Qingge has missed Grandpa." Mu Qingge murmured.

When not seen, perhaps one doesn’t feel the longing.

But now, ’Mu Xiong’ was vividly standing before her, and she felt she missed home.

Scenes belonging to Linchuan, belonging to Qin Country, belonging to family and friends kept flashing through her mind.

"Ge’er, you’ve worked hard." ’Mu Xiong’ sighed with emotion. His little granddaughter left her hometown, ventured far away from family, and he could no longer protect her as he once did, something that weighed heavily on Mu Xiong’s heart.

"Ge’er, sometimes Grandpa thinks, knowing you’d face such hardship and bear so much responsibility, I’d rather exhaust this old body to raise you into a true prodigal, living a peaceful and simple life." ’Mu Xiong’ lamented.

This wasn’t empty talk, but the truth.

When Mu Qingge was not yet Mu Qingge, he had already prepared every backup plan for this sole ’grandchild’. Even if it meant sacrificing the entire Mu Family, he would ensure her safety.

If Mu Xiong’s care for her wasn’t genuine, it wouldn’t earn Mu Qingge’s true affections in return.

’Mu Xiong’s’ words brought tears and laughter to Mu Qingge. Knowing Mu Xiong couldn’t hear her, she still softly said, "The path this granddaughter chose, no matter how bitter or difficult, I must continue. Even if Grandpa is willing to let me be a prodigal, I am not willing myself."

’Mu Xiong’ took a deep breath, a hint of excitement in his expression. Mu Qingge even saw his hand, hidden in his sleeve, trembling slightly: "Ge’er, I received your communication talisman. After receiving it, I couldn’t calm down for several days. Liancheng’s death, after so many years, I’ve long let go. When you see your mother, tell her for me, nineteen years have passed, it’s time to let go. The departed are gone, she shouldn’t be too attached and must take care of her health. The dead cannot be revived, and Grandpa hopes that your father’s matter won’t cause anyone else harm, especially you. Additionally, tell her I know her leaving was not intentional, so I don’t blame her. Besides, she gave birth to you, this treasure for our Mu Family, which alone makes her a great benefactor to us. And..."

’Mu Xiong’ pursed his lips and fell silent.

It seemed his emotions were too intense, making it difficult for him to speak, forcing him to stop and calm himself before continuing.

Mu Xiong’s words brought a tinge of bitterness and warmth to Mu Qingge’s heart. She couldn’t match the old man’s tolerance and generosity. The broken Mu Family over the years was supported by his relentless effort.

Let’s not forget, back then, Mu Xiong also experienced the pain of losing his wife and sons. And it wasn’t just one son; he lost two, leaving only a daughter.

For Mu Lianrong, she lost not only her mother but also her idolized elder brother and her twin second brother.

It can be said that the three left at Linchuan Mu Mansion leaned on each other, bore the pain, and walked through it with strength.

"...Our Ge’er is also a sister now. Your aunt has given you a younger brother, a precious one with a big temper. When you return, you must properly discipline him. Did you know, when your cousin gets into trouble, your aunt can’t bear to scold him and uses you to frighten him, making him fear you since childhood. Oh, by the way, your cousin’s name is Xue Qingxiang." ’Mu Xiong’ spoke again, this time about the aunt’s family matters.

Mu Qingge let out a ’pfft’ of laughter, feeling somewhat helpless.

Unexpectedly, she had the potential to be a ’big bad wolf grandmother’, all thanks to her good aunt!

Her illustrious image, perhaps, had already been demonized in her little cousin’s young mind.

"Xue Qingxiang, it’s quite a nice name." Mu Qingge murmured.

She felt that Grandpa initially wanted to talk about her twin siblings but ended up introducing her cousin instead.

’Mu Xiong’ paused again. After a while, he continued, "Oh, Ge’er. Your friends came to the Mu Mansion not long ago to see this old man. They said they’re heading to the Middle Ancient Realm to find you and came to see me on your behalf. They’re thoughtful indeed."

Friends!

Mu Qingge’s heart stirred, and she immediately thought of Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, Shang Zisu, and Zhu Ling. Back at the Medicine Tower Branch, they had promised to travel the world together and leave Linchuan together.

Now, she had come a step earlier. Were they ready to come find her?

The thought of soon reuniting with her old friends added a touch of expectation in Mu Qingge’s heart.

’Mu Xiong’ continued speaking about Linchuan, Qin Country, the Mu Mansion, and Shao Fatty... Shao Fatty, surprisingly, got married to a lady from a prestigious family in Luodu. This was beyond Mu Qingge’s expectations.

She was somewhat curious about what kind of woman could hold onto Shao Fatty’s wandering heart, making him give up the flowers and grass outside.

In the end, ’Mu Xiong’ ran out of things to say and asked tremblingly, "Ge’er, how are your younger siblings? Do they look more like your father or your mother? Alas, I’m so confused. When your parents left, you were just a child, how could you remember their appearances? Ge’er, they are the flesh and blood of the Mu Family, your little siblings. As their elder sister, you must keep them in line, don’t let them disgrace the Mu Family. If necessary, you can scold or beat them without hesitation; grandpa will back you up. If there’s a chance... if there’s a chance, let them come back to Linchuan to see me, their grandpa."

"Ge’er, grandpa knows you’re upset. But let it go, our Mu Family members are not narrow-minded. No matter what, she is your mother. If you can’t get over it, at worst, I’ll scold her harshly on your behalf when I see her. Grandpa also knows you’re a child with your own ideas; I won’t interfere with you. You can do as you please, grandpa just hopes you won’t feel wronged or hurt yourself," Mu Xiong gently advised.

He seemed lost in memories, murmuring, "I still remember when you were only a few years old, waking up from a dream at night, holding your aunt, crying and calling for your mother..."

’Mu Xiong’ gradually faded, turning into a dim light, disappearing into nothingness.

Mu Qingge stood in place, knowing the Communication Talisman’s effect had ended.

’Grandpa, she’s your true granddaughter, not me.’ Mu Qingge silently responded to Mu Xiong’s last words in her heart.

Mu Xiong’s intention was clear to her.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen were of Mu family blood; no matter what, they must acknowledge their heritage and become Mu Xuewu and Mu Yichen.

As for Sang Lanruo, Mu Xiong didn’t blame her, nor did he mind whether Mu Liancheng could be revived. After all, in his heart, that proud son of his had been dead for nineteen years.

Revival from death is too vague, even though he hoped for his son’s return, he knew the cost was high. If it meant the living had to lose something to bring back the dead, he’d rather give up such hope.

His words were meant for Sang Lanruo, as well as Mu Qingge.

Now, Mu Qingge was the person he cherished most. He didn’t wish for Mu Qingge to be harmed or put herself in danger because of this.

Even though Mu Xiong didn’t explicitly say it, Mu Qingge could sense his meaning.

Whether Mu Qingge forgave Sang Lanruo or accepted this mother, he wouldn’t interfere. Just advising Mu Qingge that she had yearned for a mother since childhood, not to let resentment make her miss the chance.

So Mu Qingge replied in her heart, she wasn’t the Mu Qingge who cried for her mother.

If she were the real Mu Qingge, she might forgive her mother after resenting her, yearning for the motherly love she lacked from childhood.

However, she was just a soul from another world that took her place.

She had no expectations or attachments towards Sang Lanruo.

"Xiao Ge’er, are you okay?" Mu Qingge’s silence made Si Mo somewhat worried.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at him, saying with an odd expression, "You never told me the Communication Talisman conveys messages this way."

"..." Si Mo was at a loss for words. Was this the point?

Mu Qingge approached him, gritting her teeth and saying, "I remember when I sent the message to grandpa, I had just bathed, hair loose, and you were just as scantily clad sitting beside me."

Damn it! Although they got intimate that night, when the message was sent, she was still an untouched maiden.

If grandpa saw the image at that time, what would he think?

"Xiao Ge’er..." Si Mo blinked, feeling somewhat wronged.

Mu Qingge’s eyes widened, and a murderous intent appeared in her gaze.

"Xiao Ge’er, rest assured, our affair is already well-known in Linchuan, no one will laugh at you," Si Mo’s explanation was worse than no explanation.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched hard, and she punched Si Mo in the eye socket.

Si Mo didn’t dodge, enduring the punch head-on.

"Hmph." Mu Qingge turned and left proudly, no longer paying any attention to this cunning man.

...

Early the next morning, Mu Qingge called Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen aside.

"I hope you can return to Linchuan once." Her words were non-negotiable, unlike Mu Xiong who gave people choices.

Since she could make it to the Middle Ancient Realm, what difficulty could there be for the two of them to head to Linchuan?

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen were quite startled by these words.

They exchanged glances, then both looked at Mu Qingge simultaneously.

Mu Qingge turned to face them and said unarguably, "One year, I’ll give you one year. No matter what means you use, return to the Mu Mansion in Linchuan to meet Grandfather. Also, you must change your surname to your father’s surname. Before I left Linchuan, Grandfather had already passed the position of Family Head to me. If you meet my requirements, I will permit you to be included in the Mu Family Tree. If you cannot, you will have no further ties with the Mu Family."

This was a command, not a negotiation.

Mu Qingge had always been tough, she could see that these two had the Mu Family in their hearts, so she gave this opportunity. If they regarded themselves only as people of the Sang Family, she wouldn’t even mention these two to Mu Xiong, to spare him disappointment.

"Eldest Sister, have you already contacted Grandfather? Can you let us speak a few words with him too?" Sang Xuewu immediately understood.

This reminder made Sang Yichen excited as well.

If Mu Qingge, this elder sister, had become his new idol, then Mu Xiong had always been a grand, heroic figure in his childhood memories, built up by his mother’s words.

For this loyal and courageous battlefield hero, Sang Yichen had always been very proud, taking pride in being his grandson.

Mu Qingge remained calm, and amidst their excited expressions, she said indifferently, "Meet my requirements, and you’ll naturally see him."

"But, but the teleportation array passed down by the Sang Family is already damaged and cannot be used anymore. The elders in the family wouldn’t open the passage to Linchuan for us. How do we get back?" Sang Yichen anxiously said.

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed as she directed her gaze towards Sang Yichen.

His words caught her attention.

"Are you unaware of the Bitter Sea and the Wandering Soul Desert?" Mu Qingge squinted her eyes and asked.

Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen exchanged a glance and shook their heads at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge lightly frowned, pursed her lips, and remained silent.

The Bitter Sea and Wandering Soul Desert connected to the Middle Ancient Realm; this was something known to anyone with some experience in Linchuan. Why, in the Middle Ancient Realm, did Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen react as if they’d never heard of it?

’Little Ge’er, the spiritual pressure from Linchuan to the Middle Ancient Realm and vice versa is different. Although people from the Middle Ancient Realm can use this passage to enter Linchuan, most people won’t choose this arduous method. Teleportation arrays or temporarily opened passages are the usual methods for the Middle Ancient Realm to reach Linchuan,’ Si Mo’s voice echoed in Mu Qingge’s mind.

’I see!’ Mu Qingge roughly understood.

Perhaps the difficulty of traveling from the Middle Ancient Realm to Linchuan is several times greater. According to the common knowledge of people in the Middle Ancient Realm, it seems not worth spending so much effort and time to reach a barren place.

Thus, this method was gradually abandoned and not known to later generations.

"To reach the Linchuan Realm, you don’t necessarily need to seek help from others," Mu Qingge said to the two.

Seeing their serious expressions, Mu Qingge continued, "At the southernmost point of the Southern Continent, there is a sea. By crossing that sea, you can reach the Ancient Witch Country in the Linchuan Realm."

This was the route she had taken, and it was the safest route.

The tribes over the Bitter Sea, the Sea Demons, had connections with her. As long as they had her token, it should be easy to pass through the sea, as long as they guarded against attacks from spirit beasts in the sea.

Moreover, considering the strength of people from the Middle Ancient Realm, dealing with those sea spirit beasts should be more than sufficient.

Once they entered the Ancient Witch Country, no unexpected incidents would occur. Finding Jiang Li would naturally ensure their safe passage to the Mu Mansion in Qin Country.

This was the safest route, costing only time and determination.

If they didn’t possess this bit of determination and courage, how could they talk about returning to the Mu Family?

"Really?! That’s great! I thought we needed to find a teleportation array to enter the Middle Ancient Realm." Sang Yichen immediately exclaimed excitedly.

Sang Xuewu also showed a beautiful smile and said to Mu Qingge, "Big Sister, since there is a route, we can walk back. After things here are settled, we will return to Fusha City to see Mother, explain everything to her, and then set off for Linchuan immediately."

"When we leave, we will also ask our grandfather to change our surname back to Mu. From now on, I will be Mu Yichen!" Sang Yichen immediately added.

"Grandfather?" Mu Qingge squinted her eyes slightly.

Sang Yichen nodded and said, "Yes, our grandfather is also your grandfather, the current Family Head of the Sang Family."

So Sang Lanruo was the daughter of the Sang Family Clan Leader, no wonder the Sang Family went through so much effort to find her and bring her back to the family.

Mu Qingge understood a little more in her heart.

"Originally, I only planned to give you a year, but according to the route I mentioned, from leaving the Southern Continent’s coast to reaching the Ancient Witch Country in Linchuan, it would take almost a year. Therefore, I will extend it by another six months. Six months is enough for you to reach Qin Country’s Mu Mansion from the Ancient Witch Country," Mu Qingge said to the two.

She insisted on them returning to Linchuan just because of a sentence in the message from Grandfather, hoping that these two grandchildren whom he had never met could go back to the Mu Mansion in Linchuan to acknowledge their ancestors.

Thus, she set this as a condition.

If they accomplished this, she would acknowledge these siblings.

Although there was no childhood bond, with the recognition of this title, she would bear the responsibility of being the eldest sister.

If they failed, then Sang Xuewu and Sang Yichen should stop pursuing her. The best would be for everyone to part ways like strangers.

...

After giving instructions, Mu Qingge ordered to set off for the Dark Abyss Pond.

This time, however, Mu Qingge didn’t let others accompany her but instructed them to meet up with Mo Yang’s group. Only she and Si Mo proceeded to the Dark Abyss Pond.

"The cultivation of the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon has reached the Golden Realm Third Layer. Be careful during the battle," Si Mo reminded on the way.

Mu Qingge was taken aback for a moment, then replied with a confident smile, "I like challenges, you know that, Si Mo."

Si Mo paused, then smiled gently and said, "Qingge, I like that about you."

With a beautiful smile, Mu Qingge lifted her head and said, "Hmm. I don’t want to lose my fighting spirit."

Si Mo chuckled softly, not offering any further explanation for his earlier statement as they continued their journey.

Her whole expression more relaxed than before, Mu Qingge said, "If you enter first and create a disturbance in the pond, it will appear. Once you enter the Ancient Witch Country, there will be no accidents, and you will easily find Jiang Li, who can safely bring you back to the Mu Mansion in the Qin Country."

This is the safest route; all it requires is time and determination.

If they lack even this much determination and courage, talking about returning to the Mu Family is futile.

"Is it really true?! This is wonderful!" Sang Xuewu exclaimed happily.

"Since there’s a way, we’ll find it and return. Once things are settled here, we’ll ask our grandfather to change our last name to Mu. Then I will be Mu Yichen!" Sang Yichen declared.

With that, Mu Qingge smiled beautifully, her expression one of encouragement and pride.

She knew that someday they would succeed, they just needed time and determination.

With her mind set, she ordered to head towards the Dark Abyss Pond.

But before they set off, Mu Qingge quietly whispered to Si Mo, who was standing next to her, "You take the lead and stir up the water in the pond, it will appear. As soon as it appears, we’ll take action."

Si Mo gave a start, then smiled gently and said, "Qingge, I like your boldness."

This was met with Mu Qingge’s confident answering smile filled with determination.

Knowing that Si Mo was leading the way gave her more confidence and determination in her heart.

"""

After passing through a small grove, Mu Qingge heard the sound of trickling water. It sounded like the roar of a waterfall cascading from a height. Following the sound, she discovered, beneath a cliff waterfall, a pool of dark water.

The water was murky, bottomless, yet eerily calm. Apart from the splashing at the waterfall’s entry point, the rest of the pool was quiet like a mirror.

With a flash of silver light in her right hand, the Linglong Spear appeared in her grasp.

She cautiously approached the Dark Abyss Pond, carefully surveying it before executing the actions Simo had instructed her.

Mu Qingge leapt lightly into the air, holding the Linglong Spear upside down, thrusting the spearhead into the pond and stirring with Spiritual Power.

As she stirred, a swirling whirlpool formed on the once-calm pond’s surface, making the water even more turbid and dark.

"Roar——!"

From the depths of the pool came an angry beast’s roar.

Mu Qingge’s eyes sharpened as she pulled out the Linglong Spear and flipped backward onto the edge of the Dark Abyss Pond.

Just as her feet touched the ground, a high column of water erupted from the stirred pond, revealing a fierce ancient beast that soared from the depths, exposing itself to Mu Qingge’s view.

The beast, elongated like a python, bore two menacing heads. Its body, about a hundred yards long, only one-third of which was above the water. Its entire form constructed of bones, with skin as thin as wings, so clear that its internal organs and blood flow were visible.

The four eyes on its two heads were as large as a copper bell, glowing dark red and radiating a chilling cold light. Atop its head were ferocious horns, one gold and one silver, appearing razor-sharp.

"Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon!" Mu Qingge said in a low voice.

Her grip on the Linglong Spear involuntarily tightened.

An unprecedented tension rose in her heart, not from fear, but from excitement. A thrill of confronting a master in battle!

Facing this Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon, even a human of the same Golden Realm Third Layer would only be toyed with!

This was the Beast Clan’s advantage, offering her a perfect sparring match!

"Today, let me test your strength!" Mu Qingge grinned wildly, the Linglong Spear waving, tracing a silvery line as she soared into the air to confront the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon directly.

For Mu Qingge, the greatest advantage against the enormous Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon was her agility. She could launch effective attacks before the beast reacted.

The spear’s shadow moved like lightning, so fast that Mu Qingge’s form was a blur.

The Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon’s twin heads began attacking, chasing Mu Qingge in vain, with all attempts missing.

In its fury, it let out a roar, spine bone spines raised, firing upon Mu Qingge. The dense spines, like arrows, shot towards Mu Qingge, who positioned her hands to the spear’s middle shaft, spinning it rapidly to deflect the spines.

The deflected spines grazed past her, shattering the stones and trees they struck into dust.

’So powerful!’ Mu Qingge internally praised.

The Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon’s attack power truly lived up to its reputation!

Even the bone spines were so sharp and formidable, not to mention other parts of its skeletal frame.

After the failed assault, the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon’s two heads roared in anger, its voice shook the mountains and forests, stones flying, gravel dancing. The launched bone spines flew back, reentering its body.

At this moment, Mu Qingge noticed its golden and silver horns emitting a spiritual glow, with formidable Spiritual Power turning into countless Light Blades sweeping toward her.

Mu Qingge employed the Star Beginning Step, constantly shifting her form yet still appearing somewhat disheveled.

Before long, her robes were torn in places.

"Roar!"

A huge pressure descended from the sky, crashing directly onto Mu Qingge’s shoulder, driving her from the air, her feet buried in the ground up to her knees.

Cold sweat broke out along Mu Qingge’s back, drenching her clothes instantly. Her face turned pale as she barely lifted her head, bloodshot eyes fixed on the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon.

’The Spiritual Pressure of a Golden Realm powerhouse!’

The sudden pressure on her body revealed her predicament.

In the Four Eyes of the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon, a deep mockery emerged.

It gazed at Mu Qingge as one would look at an ant to be trampled at will.

’So, under the pressure of a Golden Realm powerhouse, I don’t even have the strength to resist.’ Mu Qingge gritted her teeth, holding on. She felt as if her entire body’s bones were cracking aloud, muscles compressed with tear-like pain, blood flow hindered, and her Spiritual Power held captive in her Dantian, unmovable.

At this moment, Mu Qingge felt like a wooden person who could feel pain. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

’Puh!’

A soft sound was that of blood vessels bursting.

The Spiritual Pressure on Mu Qingge had nearly reached her limit.

"A Mo!" Mu Qingge squeezed out the name that brought her comfort. The sound was faint, but she was certain Si Mo could hear her call.

As soon as her voice fell, the Golden Palace Bell tied at her waist moved without wind, the crisp bell sound suddenly ringing, causing the surrounding Spiritual Pressure to instantly alleviate and vanish into thin air.

Soon after, Mu Qingge was swept into a familiar embrace.

"Little Ge’er." Si Mo’s tender whisper sounded in her ear.

Mu Qingge leaned on him with a bitter smile, saying, "I can’t beat it." Her tone was somewhat frustrated, yet not defeated.

"It’s alright, I’ll help you fight." Si Mo comforted in a low voice, raising his eyes to the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon with an aloof, arrogant tone, "Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon, do you remember me?"

The ferocious, domineering Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon, upon hearing Si Mo’s voice, shuddered, and both heads lowered instantly, answering in a respectful, humble tone, "Master, it’s you!"

Having two heads, its speech sounded like a double echo.

’Si Mo knows the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon?’ The dialogue between man and beast piqued Mu Qingge’s curiosity, and she turned her small face up to look at Si Mo.

But Si Mo showed no intention of explaining, his eyes calmly fixed on the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon, his cool, solitary voice saying, "Do you remember what you owe me?"

"I owe you my life, Master," the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon said humbly.

"Good." Si Mo raised an eyebrow, "Then, it’s time to repay that life."

The response from the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon surprised Mu Qingge. Her gaze shifted to the beast, and she saw a sorrowful aura enveloping it, its two heads cast a deep look at her before letting out a long wail.

This wail shook the forest, making the whole earth tremble and whipped up a fierce wind.

Mu Qingge stared blankly at the scene of the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon self-destructing its heart. She watched its body fall from the sky, crashing heavily near the pond.

The suddenness of it all left Mu Qingge with a sense of speechlessness, although her ultimate goal was to kill the Two-headed Bone Flood Dragon, seeing its corpse lying there brought her no satisfaction.

’I understand. It’s just,’ she looked at Si Mo and said, "If it were killed by me or by you, at least I would feel a sense of achievement." Her voice was tinged with regret, but the feeling of helplessness when facing the strong made her all the more understand the game played in this world.

If Si Mo had not been there today, when she faced such a powerful opponent, would she be powerless under the Spiritual Pressure and have to face death in humiliation as well?

Get stronger! Even stronger!

Mu Qingge straightened her back, a surge of fearless courage rising from the depths of her heart, stimulating her desire to become stronger.

"Amo, I’m still too weak." Mu Qingge said to Si Mo.

Si Mo, however, raised his hand to touch her forehead, speaking gently, "My little Ge’er is already very powerful."

...

On the other side of the Canglan Mountain Range, Mo Yang led the Dragon Tooth Guards in cleaning up the battlefield.

This was already the seventh day of entering the mountain range. The dispersed Dragon Tooth Guards were gradually regrouping, preparing for the return journey.

"Big Brother Mo Yang, why do we have to clean up the bloodstains?" Sang Yichen, who had met up with Mo Yang and the others two days ago, asked curiously, approaching Mo Yang in a friendly manner.

Mo Yang’s face showed no extra expression. He glanced at him and replied, "Habit."

Uh...

Sang Yichen was stunned by this answer.

He felt that Mo Yang was brushing him off but didn’t know that ever since the Dragon Tooth Guards were established, Mu Qingge had trained them to clean up the scene after every battle.

Doing this was not only to eliminate traces but also to reduce the enemy’s understanding of them.

An experienced opponent could analyze the opponent’s strength, numbers, and even powerful moves from the traces on the battlefield.

Mo Yang naturally wouldn’t explain the underlying reasons in detail; he just used the simplest summary. Habit; indeed, this was a habit deeply ingrained in the Dragon Tooth Guards, and Mo Yang wasn’t lying.

Not staying long with Sang Yichen, Mo Yang turned to check the cleanliness of the area.

As for the Spirit Beast corpses, the Dragon Tooth Guards buried them on the spot, only extracting their Beast Cores. When encountering some Beast Clan with shiny fur, they would skin the whole hide and later sell it in the city for a considerable income.

"So many Spirit Beasts have died here!"

On the ground, there were quite a few Spirit Beast corpses, some still at a distance that the Dragon Tooth Guards had not yet picked up. But then a female voice suddenly sounded, drawing everyone’s attention to a young lady who looked like she came from a noble family, picking up the corpse of a One-winged Beast from the ground.

Before Mo Yang could speak, Sang Yichen shouted out, "Hey, let go. That’s our spoils of war!"

As soon as he spoke, the young lady looked up. Behind her, more people gradually walked out, all bearing a team emblem on their chests.

Mo Yang’s gaze swept over the emblem, his eyes darkening as he whispered, "People from Bailian."

The opponent was actually from the Bailian, one of the three giants!

This realization made Mo Yang alert.

"What do you mean your spoils of war? I picked this up from the ground." The girl, seemingly a young miss from some family, had entrusted Bailian to enter the Canglan Mountain Range for practice. Hearing Sang Yichen’s words, her arrogance flared up, and she retorted.

Mo Yang’s expression shifted slightly as he glanced at Sang Yichen, then at the mocking expressions on the faces of the Bailian people, remaining silent. Sang Yichen’s fearlessness was the perfect opportunity to test the opponent’s true strength.

"Are you shameless? If we hadn’t killed it, would it just die in front of you for you to pick up?" Sang Yichen mocked.

Sang Xuewu, standing to the side, seeing Sang Yichen in conflict with the other party, wanted to intervene but stopped when Mo Yang’s gaze swept over her.

On second thought, she guessed Mo Yang’s intention. After pondering, she pressed her lips together and remained silent, not stopping Sang Yichen from stepping forward.

The young lady’s eyes flared in anger, her temper igniting as she pointed at Sang Yichen, "It died right in front of me, so it’s my spoils of war. What do you intend to do about it?"

"You’re simply unreasonable!" Sang Yichen fumed.

"You dare say I’m unreasonable? Fine! I’ve set my sights on this One-winged Beast, come and take it if you have the ability!" The young lady raised her chin, casting a provocative glance toward Sang Yichen.

After speaking, she retreated into the crowd, allowing the Bailian people to protect her inside.

This small gesture already showcased her cunning.

"You! Spoiled, domineering, arrogant! How can there be such a woman in the world!" Sang Yichen said, bitterly.

After saying so, he intended to rush over and snatch the One-winged Beast back.

However, as he charged towards Mo Yang, Mo Yang raised a hand to stop him.

Mo Yang looked at the Bailian people over there and slowly said, "Are Bailian people planning to snatch the spoils of our Dragon Teeth?"

From the Bailian side, someone stepped forward. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be the leader of this team. Faced with Mo Yang’s questioning, he smiled maliciously and lazily said, "You Dragon Teeth better not falsely accuse us from Bailian. We haven’t even lifted a finger; our task is to protect Miss Gong Mifang of the Gong Family."

What he said made Gong Mifang among them grow even more smug.

Earlier, when she heard the name ’Dragon Teeth,’ a flash of panic crossed her eyes. During her time at Sunset Grassland, she’d heard of the renowned Dragon Teeth and the name Mu Qingge.

However, when the Bailian people spoke fearlessly, it reminded her that the mercenary group hired by her family was also a veteran Heavenly Level team, no less than Dragon Teeth, and her confidence returned immediately.

The Bailian people’s words shirked responsibility quite clearly.

They were clearly using this Miss Gong to create difficulties for Dragon Teeth, yet the naive Gong Mifang was entirely unaware. Their task was to protect her, and she took Dragon Teeth’s spoils, these were two separate issues.

If a fight broke out, Bailian’s logic wouldn’t lose an argument.

Bailian had planned this well.

Mo Yang’s gaze darkened slightly as he looked at the Bailian leader and said, "In that case, make her hand over the item. If not, then no one leaves."

Hmm?

The Bailian leader’s face changed, looking at Mo Yang with brooding eyes.

Perhaps he hadn’t expected Mo Yang to give such a response, seemingly not at all concerned that they were both Heavenly Level teams and shouldn’t easily become adversaries.

"Are you threatening me?" he asked, displeased, his tone no better.

Mo Yang merely raised his hand coldly, and the Dragon Tooth Guards behind him immediately spread out, swiftly surrounding the area.

The movement from Dragon Teeth startled the Bailian people, putting them on guard immediately.

The previously proud expression on Gong Mifang’s face vanished instantly, her meticulously decorated face full of panic.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Sang Yichen itched to act, while Sang Xuewu’s charming face turned cold.

"Today, if I let you leave, wouldn’t it mean telling everyone that anyone can rob Dragon Teeth’s spoils?" Mo Yang stated blandly, making his stance clear.

If they wanted to leave, they’d have to put down the One-winged Beast and apologize before leaving.

If not, then they’d settle this with force.

Having followed Mu Qingge for so long, he naturally learned her formidable demeanor. Even when facing those with far superior cultivation than his, he wouldn’t bow his head or show weakness.

The Bailian leader furrowed his brow, his face icy as he solemnly demanded, "Do you Dragon Teeth really want to wage war against us Bailian?"

If they fought, it would represent the beginning of animosity between the two teams; he didn’t believe the other party would care so little about this.

"It was you who crossed the line first. If the situation were reversed today, would you pretend nothing happened and let me leave?" Mo Yang challenged calmly.

This question left the opponent speechless.

The answer, naturally, was no!

Daring to steal Bailian’s spoils would simply be courting death!

Yet, although the rationale was clear to both sides, surrendering so easily was a disgraceful matter.

"The person who took your spoils was not one of us from Bailian." As the tension grew, Bailian’s leader tried to weasel out again, distancing themselves from the issue.