Chapter 632: Chapter 67: It Feels Great to Have Someone Backing You! Lord Hou Takes the Stage

"The one who took your spoils is not me, Bailian." The atmosphere began to tense, but the leader of Bailian still wanted to argue, trying to distance himself from the situation.

His words made Gong Mifang unhappy. She immediately shouted, "Hey, what are you talking about?"

However, the leader of Bailian didn’t have time to respond to her, only watching Mo Yang cautiously, preventing any sudden moves from him.

Mo Yang looked at him calmly, showing a sneer, "She doesn’t understand the rules, does Bailian not understand either?"

This was truly a joke!

The leader of Bailian frowned and pondered for a moment, then said, "We are only responsible for protecting Miss Gong’s safety, we cannot interfere with her actions."

After speaking, he looked at Gong Mifang.

If at this time, Gong Mifang was a bit clever and backed down by putting down the One-winged Beast, this matter would come to an end. However, she didn’t do that; instead, she held the One-winged Beast tighter and shouted loudly, "I found this. Why do you say it’s yours and it’s yours?"

She pointed at the other spirit beast corpses on the ground, righteously said, "Besides, you already have so many, how can you be so shameless to compete with me?"

Entering the Canglan Mountain Range for seven days, she hadn’t personally hunted any spirit beasts.

This One-winged Beast corpse wasn’t killed by her, but she found it. By any measure, it counted as her trophy, and she wouldn’t give it up for anything!

Determination shone in Gong Mifang’s eyes, unwilling to compromise in the slightest.

Her unreasonable arguments made Mo Yang impatiently frown.

Sang Yichen couldn’t help but say, "Do you have no shame? How can you brazenly say such things!"

"What did you say, you brat?" Gong Mifang immediately yelled at Sang Yichen.

At this moment, she seriously looked at Sang Yichen, examining him thoroughly. Instantly, she recognized his identity. "Oh, I know who you are. You’re that waste from the Sang Family, right? All glitz with no substance, unable to inherit the Sang Family’s bloodline."

Gong Mifang’s tone was full of disdain and mockery.

She noticed Sang Xuewu standing in the crowd. Being from a West Continent family as well, she naturally recognized Sang Xuewu, especially since Sang Xuewu had gained some fame in the Sunset Grassland recently.

Guessing Sang Xuewu’s identity, she surmised that the man constantly contesting with her was Sang Xuewu’s infamous waste brother.

"You!" Sang Yichen was trembling with anger.

Sang Xuewu instantly appeared beside Sang Yichen, her exquisite features ice-cold, coldly glaring at Gong Mifang, "Miss Gong, please choose your words carefully. Yichen is by no means a waste."

Gong Mifang’s gaze cut harshly over Sang Xuewu’s body, filled with thick jealousy. She mocked, "What? Have I said something wrong? This is a well-known fact in the West Continent!"

"Who are you calling a waste?" A cold, arrogant voice suddenly interjected, instantly drawing attention from both sides.

The crowd followed the voice to see two people walking out from the forest behind the Dragon Tooth Guards.

One person in crimson clothes, elegant and carefree. Another, tall in a mystic robe, mysterious and elusive. They clearly saw this person, yet their impression of him was very vague, so much so they couldn’t even remember his appearance. They only vaguely recalled him holding an adorably foolish rabbit.

His presence made people automatically overlook him, directing all attention to the red-clad individual walking in front.

When that stunningly beautiful, gender-indistinct face, like a sunrise illumination, appeared before everyone, both men and women couldn’t help but be dumbstruck.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Mo Yang immediately knelt on one knee, and the other Dragon Tooth Guards followed his lead, kneeling in unison, loudly shouting, "Little Lord!"

Mu Qingge strolled leisurely past them, walking to the forefront to confront the people of Bailian. "Rise."

Mo Yang and the others stood following orders. After Mu Qingge appeared, their demeanor became even sharper, like a treasure sword newly drawn from its sheath and polished.

"Was it you who called him a waste?" Mu Qingge spoke again, her gaze skipping over the people of Bailian, landing on Gong Mifang.

It was as if the people of Bailian were insignificant in her eyes.

This feeling left the people of Bailian inexplicably embarrassed.

Mu Qingge’s voice snapped Gong Mifang out of her amazement. Seeing Qingge looking at her, her cheeks flushed, and she nodded shyly.

In her dazed state, she hadn’t comprehended what Mu Qingge was asking.

"Very well." Seeing her admit, Mu Qingge coldly uttered two words.

Very well? Very well, what?

Gong Mifang was completely baffled.

"Come over here." Mu Qingge didn’t explain, just called out.

For some reason, Sang Yichen knew Mu Qingge was calling him. He rushed to her side, feeling aggrieved like a child, muttering softly, "Boss."

"Challenge her." Mu Qingge didn’t even glance at him, directly giving the order.

Huh?

Sang Yichen raised his head in shock, looking at Mu Qingge, then at the still-baffled Gong Mifang.

Not only Gong Mifang, but even the people of Bailian and Sang Xuewu were puzzled by Mu Qingge’s words.

Seeing Sang Yichen stagnant, Mu Qingge’s gaze slightly shifted toward him, mocking, "What? Are you attached to that ’waste’ title?"

Sang Yichen’s body tensed, instantly understanding Mu Qingge’s meaning.

Taking a deep breath, he strode out, addressing Gong Mifang, "I challenge you." Then looked at the people of Bailian, confidently stating, "This is a matter between our families. Does Bailian intend to interfere?"

This statement stopped the Bailian deputy leader, who was about to speak.

Earlier, he had completely distanced himself from the situation. If he were to meddle in an inter-family challenge now, wouldn’t he be slapping his own face?

The Bailian leader closed his mouth with an embarrassed expression, and Gong Mifang bit her lip in anger, glaring at Sang Yichen without saying a word.

Sang Yichen laughed mockingly, "Can’t even accept a challenge from a waste?" He deliberately emphasized the word ’waste,’ as if releasing long-suppressed resentment.

Sang Xuewu felt heartache listening on the side.

Just because Yichen hadn’t inherited the Sang Family’s artifact refining bloodline, he was mocked as a waste.

Despite his exceptional cultivation talent, he wasn’t valued.

Gradually, he hid himself, quietly cultivating, never explaining anything to anyone. Only she and their mother knew that their Yichen was not a waste.

Sang Xuewu lifted her eyes to Mu Qingge’s back, feeling a twinge of bitterness.

The elder sister’s appearance seemed to be silently changing their current way of life, allowing them to gradually let go of some concerns and justifiably be themselves again.

Although Mu Qingge wouldn’t acknowledge them, she made them feel supported, like they had someone to rely on.

So she could muster the courage to refuse when Ji Yaohua mocked the Sang Family. So Yichen could stand bravely after being called a waste, to prove himself to the world!

Such things she could not accomplish, but their elder sister could easily do.

Can’t even accept a challenge from a waste?

Gong Mifang’s rage soared! With so many people here, if she really chickened out today, wouldn’t today’s events get out, and she would lose face completely?

"Challenge? Challenge! A waste seeking humiliation, should I feel sympathetic?" Mind heated, Gong Mifang agreed.

So quickly that the Bailian leader couldn’t stop her, cursing internally, ’Really a pig brain! How cannot someone notice such obvious provocation?’ He was a seasoned Floating Guest with far more experience than these family-raised clan members who only saw a limited world.

From the moment Sang Yichen stepped up and actively challenged, he suspected this so-called waste wasn’t as simple as rumored. Having protected Gong Mifang all along, he knew her capabilities.

A person at the Gray Realm Second Layer was nothing but a weakling to him.

Unfortunately, Gong Mifang had already agreed, so now he could only hope Sang Yichen was indeed as worthless as rumored, incapable of defeating even someone at the Gray Realm Second Layer.

"Miss Gong, if you can’t hold out, admit defeat yourself. Don’t act rashly." The Bailian leader kindly reminded before Gong Mifang stepped forward.

After all, they bear the duty of protecting Gong Mifang. If Gong Mifang gets hurt in the challenge, it would be hard to explain to the Gong Family upon returning.

However, Gong Mifang wasn’t appreciative at all. Instead, she furrowed her eyebrows and shouted at him, "Do you think I would lose to a useless fool?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes hinted at a sneer, and he leisurely instructed Sang Yichen, "Fight however you want, it doesn’t matter even if you kill her."

These words were undoubtedly the greatest encouragement for Sang Yichen!

"Understood, boss!" He immediately straightened his chest and cast aside all his concerns!

Of course, he couldn’t really kill Gong Mifang and bring trouble for Mu Qingge. A thorough lesson was unavoidable.

Sang Yichen’s smile turned slightly sinister as he began to flex his wrists.

At this moment, Gong Mifang also stood at the forefront, standing opposite him.

She tossed the One-winged Beast to the leader of Bailian team and commanded with a hostile tone, "Hey, take good care of this Missy’s pet. Give it back to me after I’ve taught this useless fool a lesson."

Up to this moment, she was still brimming with confidence.

However, before starting, she glanced cautiously at Sang Xuewu, telling her, "Let’s agree first, if I win, you can’t challenge me again." Sang Xuewu was on the Cub Phoenix List, and she simply couldn’t beat her.

"I’m not going to interfere." Sang Xuewu replied crisply.

This trash, even her brother could easily handle, where would there be an opportunity for her to make a move? Besides, if there’s someone even Sang Yichen couldn’t defeat, then she wouldn’t be able to either. Sang Yichen’s cultivation is higher than hers, after all.

Having received Sang Xuewu’s assurance, Gong Mifang felt slightly relieved. Then, with sultry eyes, she looked at Mu Qingge coquettishly and said, "Mr. Mu, this is a matter between our families. If Mifang happens to win, you mustn’t interfere and help them bully me, alright?"

This affected tone made the Dragon Tooth Guards shiver with goosebumps all over. Even the Bailian people felt the same!

Mu Qingge, however, maintained a calm smile and said, "Rest assured."

See!

Isn’t this what you call disparity?

To endure what others cannot, their young lord is no ordinary person indeed!

From unseen angles, the Dragon Tooth Guards cast admiring glances at Mu Qingge. Only Si Mo, being ignored, stared coldly with a murderous gaze at the woman who dared to seduce his woman right in front of him... hmm... that woman.

Gong Mifang, completely unaware of the strange looks around her, raised her proud chin, pointing at Sang Yichen. "Hey, Sang Family’s trash, don’t say this Missy bullied you, I’ll let you strike first."

This pig!

The leader of Bailian felt his vision darken.

Sang Yichen, however, chuckled playfully, and without a shred of politeness, said to her, "Then, thank you very much!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure flickered and appeared in front of Gong Mifang. His speed left her no time to detect his approach. When Sang Yichen appeared before her, she froze on the spot, momentarily forgetting to respond.

Sang Yichen gave her a shy smile, but his hands showed no mercy.

Bam—!

What is sparing a tender hand? To a young man like Sang Yichen, who’s yet to experience love, he simply doesn’t understand!

A punch landed directly on Gong Mifang’s face, jolting her back to her senses, tears bursting forth.

"Ah! You dare hurt me, I’ll kill you!" Gong Mifang was utterly enraged, consumed by irrational madness.

A flash of light in her hand produced her weapon, swinging it towards Sang Yichen with real killing intent behind her vicious moves.

Sang Yichen easily dodged, still dealing with her barehanded.

With a sidestep, he seized Gong Mifang’s wrist, twisted it forcefully, prompting a cry of agony from her.

"Ah—!"

With her scream, her weapon fell to the ground with a clatter. Without her weapon, she was even less of a match for Sang Yichen.

She was simply being thoroughly dominated!

"Trash! Trash! Daring to call me trash!" Sang Yichen roared with anger, venting his frustration while pummeling Gong Mifang.

The Bailian people watched on, their hearts gripped with fear, the leader acutely aware that against Gong Mifang, Sang Yichen wasn’t even utilizing spiritual power.

’Is he really trash? Perhaps... he’s just not skilled in artifact refining...’ The Bailian leader inadvertently guessed the truth.

"Ah—!"

"Ah ah—!"

Gong Mifang kept screaming, tossed around like a sandbag.

If both parties were men, this scene would still be fine, but to see a woman beaten like this stirred a sense of pity in the Floating Guest’s hearts.

Aside from the Dragon Tooth Guards who felt nothing, only Si Mo looked on with delight, suddenly finding Sang Yichen more agreeable.

"Mr. Mu, please, enough is enough." The Bailian leader really couldn’t bear to watch any longer and spoke up.

Mu Qingge, however, maintained a faint smile and looked at him, "I haven’t heard Miss Gong concede yet, meaning she can still endure. Who knows, maybe in a while, she’ll recover and fight back?"

’Could she possibly recover and fight back in that condition? Mr. Mu, are you trying to fool a three-year-old?’ The Bailian leader complained internally.

So cunning! Too cunning!

"Ah—!" Gong Mifang screamed again, crashing heavily to the ground, spurting blood from her mouth.

Her face, beaten into the size of a pig’s head, was unrecognizable; as for her body, obscured by clothes, it’s unclear how serious her injuries were, but given Sang Yichen’s merciless methods, prospects weren’t good.

"Miss Gong!" The Bailian leader internally cried ’not good!’ and led the Bailian team to rush forward.

As soon as the Bailian team moved, the Dragon Tooth Guards immediately surrounded them, stopping any further advances.

Mu Qingge’s cold voice floated over from behind the Dragon Tooth Guards, "Don’t think of breaking the rules. If you want to fight, the Dragon Tooth is here till the end."

The Bailian leader was both furious and anxious, blocked by the Dragon Tooth, he could no longer see Gong Mifang’s miserable state, only hearing her continuous screams.

Helplessly, he could only shout, "Miss Gong, concede quickly!"

Being reminded, Gong Mifang weakly cried, "I... I concede... I lost..."

Once she shouted these words, Sang Yichen’s fist stopped before her nose, scaring her almost to faint.

Sang Yichen turned his head to look at Mu Qingge. After the latter gave a slight nod, he withdrew his fist, stepped back, and tidied his clothes.

With the battle over, the Dragon Tooth Guards quickly retreated, reforming behind Mu Qingge.

Allowing the Bailian team to finally see Gong Mifang’s current state.

Hiss—!

Seeing her clearly, Bailian members couldn’t help but gasp. They admired inwardly, ’That Sang Family kid really has harsh hands! Miss Gong, though not a surpassing beauty, is a delicate young lady, yet he had the heart to beat her into a pig’s head.’

Sang Yichen returned to stand behind Mu Qingge, his breath slightly heavy from the earlier fight... uh, one-sided thrashing rather.

He said nothing, just tightly pursed his lips, his eyes earnestly fixed on Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s clear gaze swept over Gong Mifang, and he spoke calmly, "Since Miss Gong hasn’t conceded, this means she can still take it. Who knows, perhaps she might bounce back for a counterattack?"

Upon hearing this, Gong Mifang’s eyes went black, fainting in rage.

The face of the Bailian leader shifted several times, his tone slightly cold as he said, "Mr. Mu, even though it was a fair duel, Young Master Sang beat Miss Gong like this; we cannot explain this to the Gong Family."

Meanwhile, Sang Yichen stared at him angrily.

Mu Qingge curled her lips into a cold smile, "Bailian, a Heavenly-level Floating Guest Team, can’t even handle an unknown family. Aren’t you afraid of embarrassing your Commander if this gets out? Not to mention, she started it first. If Bailian is too timid to cause trouble, you can have someone from the Gong Family come find Dragon Teeth and talk to me. I happen to want to settle the score with them for their young lady snatching away Dragon Teeth’s battle spoils."

These words thoroughly ridiculed Bailian’s people, while also holding them accountable, leaving Bailian’s side speechless.

"Are you not taking her away yet? Is Bailian interested in picking up Spirit Beasts here?" Mu Qingge playfully said.

She had arrived long ago but had been hiding in the shadows, watching everything. She only stepped out when Sang Yichen was mocked as a waste.

Bailian’s leader’s face turned stern, and he gritted his teeth, ordering his men to take away the unconscious Gong Mifang.

Before leaving, he said to Mu Qingge, "Mu Gongzi, the green mountain stays, the blue water flows, we shall meet again."

"The grand hunt is not over yet, so there’s no talk of meeting again." Mu Qingge said mockingly.

Bailian’s leader’s face turned grim, and he ordered Bailian’s people, "Let’s go."

Bailian’s people came hastily and left hastily.

This matter was just an interlude, something none kept in their hearts. Except Sang Yichen and Sang Xuewu.

Up until they left the Canglan Mountain Range, they both had an indescribable feeling in their hearts, ’It really does feel good to have someone backing you!’

...

Ten days quickly passed, and once out of the Canglan Mountain Range, Mu Qingge issued an eviction order, directing Sang Yichen and Sang Xuewu to return to the Sang Family Camp, while she, accompanied by the Dragon Tooth Guards, returned to the Dragon Tooth Camp.

Various Floating Guest teams gradually returned from the Canglan Mountain Range, each with different spoils.

In the following five days of rest, everyone started a temporary market on the Sunset Grassland, selling beast skins, beast cores, medicinal materials, minerals, etc., brought back from the Canglan Mountain Range.

Those trading were not only Floating Guests but included many family members.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Mu Qingge also had the Dragon Tooth Guards set up a stall in the temporary market, but the ones managing it were You He and Xuan Ya.

Since the rough men of the Dragon Tooth Guards weren’t cut out for business?

If they were to buy things, Mu Qingge might lose so much, she’d vomit blood!

On the second day after their return, someone from the Gong Family came to find her. However, they weren’t there to hold her accountable but to offer a sincere apology.

Mu Qingge received them in her main tent.

The one who came was a steward from the Gong Family, holding a high position and also responsible for overseeing the affairs during this trip to the Sunset Grassland.

Upon seeing Mu Qingge, he instantly put on a respectful demeanor, offering a hundred Low-level Spirit Stones along with some fresh medicinal materials picked from the temporary market.

"Haha, Mu Gongzi, I’ve heard from Bailian about Mifang’s incident. It definitely was Mifang’s mistake; she shouldn’t have claimed Dragon Teeth’s spoils. Being taught a lesson is warranted. These small gifts are to apologize to Mu Gongzi and Dragon Teeth, hoping Mu Gongzi can be magnanimous and not take offense at a child’s folly." The steward from the Gong Family spoke very diplomatically, exuding a pacifying attitude.

Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, a playful glint flashing through the slits.

This person avoids mentioning Sang Yichen’s matter, either with other intentions or finds it more dignified to wrong Dragon Teeth than to lose to a waste?

’This is also an old fox.’ Upon first meeting, Mu Qingge internally labeled him.

She lowered her gaze, her expression unreadable, and said, "It’s just a mere One-winged Beast, yet Steward Gong’s courtesy is far from meager." A One-winged Beast’s market price is merely thirty Low-level Spirit Stones.

Steward Gong smiled apologetically, saying, "This isn’t about the One-winged Beast but about Mifang breaking the rules first." Meaning, this apology isn’t tied to the One-winged Beast’s value.

Mu Qingge slightly nodded, half-smiling, half-not, asking, "How is Miss Gong’s injury?"

"Oh, it’s just superficial wounds. After taking the elixir, she’s much better now. Hopefully, this lesson helps Mifang restrain her character and improve her temperament." Steward Gong immediately replied.

"The fair competition between Miss Gong and Sang Yichen..."

Mu Qingge deliberately emphasized the word ’fair.’

The steward of the Gong Family’s facial muscles twitched slightly, forcing a smile, "What Master Mu says is indeed true. I hadn’t expected that Young Master Sang’s abilities were extraordinary. It seems the rumors outside are not all to be believed. Mifang’s skills were not as good, and losing was inevitable. When she works hard in the future and masters her skills, if she wishes to challenge Young Master Sang again, that will be their business, and our Gong Family will not interfere."

He voiced what Mu Qingge desired to hear, which was to not pursue the matter with the Sang Family. Yet, he didn’t show weakness, indicating that although Gong Mifang lost this time, one day she would regain her position.

To this, Mu Qingge was rather indifferent.

Sang Yichen had the skills, so naturally he would not fear Gong Mifang’s challenge again. If he lacked skills and lost to a former defeated opponent, it could only be said he was useless.

"The Gong Family is indeed a great family that understands reason and discerns right from wrong." Having received a satisfactory answer, Mu Qingge did not hesitate to give praise.

These words truly brought a smile to the steward’s eyebrows, straightening his back a bit.

He seized the moment to mention another intention. "Since the misunderstanding is cleared, I shamelessly ask Master Mu a question. Is there a possibility of cooperation between the Gong Family and Dragon Teeth in the future?"

Mu Qingge’s smile deepened as she made a promise, "As long as it is mutually beneficial and a win-win situation for both parties, Dragon Teeth will never reject a cooperative partner."

"Great! With Master Mu’s words, I can rest assured." The steward stood up from his chair and said to Mu Qingge, "I shall take my leave today. When there is an opportunity for cooperation, I will visit again."

Mu Qingge lightly nodded, instructing the Dragon Tooth Guards stationed outside the door, "See the guest out."

Coming out of the Dragon Tooth camp, the attendant next to the steward asked in confusion, "Steward, why does our Gong Family have to be humble to Dragon Teeth?"

The steward glared at him, correcting, "What do you mean humble? If you can’t speak properly, don’t speak."

"Yes, yes, I understand my mistake." The attendant quickly said.

Perhaps the steward was in a good mood, for after reprimanding the attendant, he explained with some pride, "Dragon Teeth is a dark horse, and we are not the only ones who want to associate. Previously, I was concerned about not having a chance to establish connections with Dragon Teeth. Unexpectedly, Mifang gave me a surprise."

The attendant scratched his head, "Steward, I don’t understand. Our miss was beaten like that, and it is still a surprise?"

"What do you understand?" The steward glanced at him. "If Mifang hadn’t caused this incident, how could we have had the opportunity to enter the Dragon Tooth camp? Dragon Teeth’s combat capabilities are too astonishing, and the potential of Master Mu is infinite. Cooperation with them could allow the family to confidently delegate many tasks in the future, largely reducing risks in transportation. For the whole family, this is a good thing. Mifang’s grievance, exchanged for such huge benefits, is still quite worthwhile."

"So, is the incident of our miss being beaten just dismissed?" the attendant asked.

The steward sighed and nodded, "That Master Mu is also as cunning as a fox. In our conversation just now, he kept forcing me to express my stance. I have already said that this time Mifang lost, our Gong Family acknowledges it. But in the future, when Mifang’s cultivation comes to fruition and she challenges that Sang kid again, no one can interfere. If I hadn’t said this, I’m afraid further cooperation couldn’t even be discussed."

The attendant nodded in semi-understanding.

The steward waved his sleeve, saying, "Let’s go back and comfort Mifang. Her temperament does indeed need some change."

The steward left the hill where the Dragon Tooth camp was situated with the attendant.

Meanwhile, in the Dragon Tooth camp, Mo Yang stood in Mu Qingge’s main tent, listening to her instructions.

"The Gong Family truly is a family that can bend and stretch. If such a disposition passes down through three generations, they will surely hold a seat among the great families of the West Continent. In future cooperation with them, you must pay extra attention not to be calculated. That Gong Family steward’s apology was false; seeking cooperation was the true intention."

Mo Yang raised his eyes, looking at Mu Qingge in confusion, "Little Lord, I don’t understand. Since the Gong Family is quite cunning, why should we agree to cooperate with them? Currently, there aren’t few families wanting to cooperate with Dragon Teeth."

With many choices, why choose a family with past conflicts?

Mu Qingge’s fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the chair, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Mo Yang. She slowly said, "Mo Yang, remember, here is the Middle Ancient Realm, not Linchuan. Everything here begins from zero; we have no powers to rely on. There is no Mu Mansion, no Mu Family Army, nor the Imperial Family. For us to strengthen and establish a stable foundation, rapid development is necessary. The first step is to create interest links with families in the Middle Ancient Realm. The Gong Family is just one of many cooperative partners. Casting a wide net, only then can you derive a list suitable for long-term collaboration."

"Little Lord, I understand." Mo Yang replied solemnly.

Mo Yang took out a plan from his bosom, placing it on the table in front of Mu Qingge before leaving.

Mu Qingge opened it to find it was a plan regarding the expansion of Dragon Teeth.

This matter was mentioned by Mo Yang on the very day Mu Qingge first arrived at Sunset Grassland. Her response back then was to let him think it through before giving her a written plan.

Now, this plan was laid before her.

For the next three days, Mu Qingge did not leave her tent.

She stayed inside the main tent, refusing requests from families of other forces to meet, discussing only with Si Mo about the future development of Dragon Teeth.

"You’ve also seen Mo Yang’s plan, what are your thoughts?" Mu Qingge sat cross-legged on the bed; facing her, also cross-legged, was Si Mo.

Si Mo was peeling the fruit for her, his long eyelashes covering the emotions in his eyes. That focused manner made Mu Qingge involuntarily swallow.

Carefully peeling the fruit and removing the pith from the pulp, he handed the clean fruit to Mu Qingge’s mouth. After watching her eat, he said, "Every army has a core component, Ge’er need not worry about this. You can create a troop of Dragon Tooth Guards, and you can equally create distinct Tiger Tooth Guards or Wolf Tooth Guards. Therefore, Mo Yang’s plan doesn’t have too many issues. The crucial thing is how to restrain these newly recruited people and how to ensure their unwavering loyalty to you."

Mu Qingge chewed the fruit pulp and frowned, "That’s exactly what’s bothering me. A team requires a collective belief, which is very important. For subordinates, unique loyalty is also crucial. However, I don’t have the time to foster such loyalty, such beliefs."

This was the main reason Mu Qingge had been hesitating whether to expand recruitment.

If the recruited people caused trouble all day, she might as well not recruit them in the first place. Keeping the five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards pure is also a great option.

Si Mo put down the fruit pulp in his hand, looked up at Mu Qingge, and said, "Ge’er, do you know the garrison locations of the three heavenly-level teams: Xuan Yue, Bailian, and Giant Spirit?"

Mu Qingge was stunned; she really didn’t know this.

She had left matters concerning the Floating Guests to Mo Yang and hadn’t paid much attention.

Seeing her reaction, Si Mo smiled. "In each continent, there are cities primarily comprising Floating Guests. There, the managers are not families, but heavenly-level Floating Guest teams."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up! "Is there really such a thing? So, each of these three giants holds control over one city?"

Si Mo nodded with a smile. "Xuan Yue’s managed city is in the Northern Continent, Bailian’s city is in the Eastern Continent, and Giant Spirit’s city is at the junction of the Southern and Western Continents."

"Are you suggesting that Dragon Teeth should also take over a city?" Mu Qingge tentatively asked.

After all, Dragon Teeth is now a heavenly-level Floating Guest team, and it’s not reasonable to continue roaming without a permanent place! Plus, it’s not conducive to future development.

Si Mo shook his head, "At the junction of the Central Continent and Western Continent, there’s an abandoned city. I think it’s very suitable for Dragon Teeth to occupy."

"An abandoned city?!" Mu Qingge exclaimed.

One question after another arose in her mind.

What kind of city had been abandoned?

In such a sensitive location between the Central and Western Continents, is it really unclaimed?

Why does Si Mo suggest choosing an abandoned city and starting from scratch? Why not take over a fully equipped city?

Seeing her full of doubts, Si Mo reached out and ruffled her hair, chuckling softly, "After things here are settled, I’ll take you to see it, and then explain it to you thoroughly."

Mu Qingge took a deep breath and nodded, "It seems the development of Dragon Teeth is imperative." In the Mu Mansion of Qin Country, she only wanted to be a carefree little lord, but unexpectedly, she had to become a City Lord in the Middle Ancient Realm?

Thinking of this made her feel exhausted.

However, it was indeed imperative!

"You have plenty of people around you, why don’t you put them to good use?" Si Mo reminded her.

Mu Qingge was stunned for a moment, blinked, and then slyly smiled: "Exactly! Letting them perform their duties can save them from wasting their time around me." Most importantly, she could continue being a hands-off shopkeeper, which was great!

Unburdening herself, Mu Qingge felt significantly lighter.

She lazily stretched her body, comfortably saying: "Tomorrow is the final event of the Grand Hunt, where Floating Guest teams above Earth Level will set up arenas, and anyone can come to challenge. In common terms, defending well maintains the team’s prestige, and losing brings disgrace."

"In the first two rounds, Dragon Teeth shone brightly; in this final one, Ge’er must defend well," Si Mo laughed.

The stalls set up by Dragon Teeth, once their ’products’ appeared, indeed left many people astonished.

Mu Qingge laughed: "That’s for sure. Who do you think should go to defend?"

Si Mo’s amber eyes flashed a light, smiling, "I think Hou is a good choice!"

...

The last event of the Grand Hunt was held at Sunset Grassland.

At dawn, the arenas for each Floating Guest team were already set up in the Sunset Grassland. Only Floating Guest teams above Earth Level could have arenas; those below could only envy.

The Grand Hunt is actually a grand gathering in the Floating Guest community, a day for everyone’s enjoyment. There’s no strict schedule and no extra rewards, but if you shine, you can become quite prominent in the Floating Guest community.

Dragon Teeth’s arena was placed alongside those of Xuan Yue, Bailian, and Giant Spirit.

The four heavenly-level teams occupied four directions. Dragon Teeth was in the west.

The wind roared on Sunset Grassland, blowing Dragon Teeth’s flag, which had a ferocious dragon head and sharp teeth, full of majesty.

Other arenas were already crowded with people.

Those chosen to defend the arena are the elites of each team.

Some Earth Level teams even have their team leader or commander standing as the defender.

Only Dragon Teeth’s arena was empty, save for a dumb and cute rabbit squatting on it. The rabbit looked somewhat unusual. Its body was white, but its long ears were black. Its golden eyes flickered like flames, and it had a gold ring around its neck, just like a pet some women might keep.

"Huh? Why is there a rabbit on Dragon Teeth’s arena?"

"Yeah, where’s the defender?"

"This is really strange, there’s no defender on the arena, just a rabbit squatting there! Hahaha..."

Gradually, the crowd gathered around Dragon Teeth’s arena out of curiosity, pointing and laughing at Hou. It’s not their lack of judgment or experience, but rather Hou’s deceptively innocent appearance.

Who could guess that beneath this dumb and cute exterior lay the Ancestor of Fierce Beasts?

’Damn humans! I want to suck out all your brains! How dare you laugh at me! And Mu Qingge! Letting me guard the arena and be ridiculed!’ Hou roared angrily in his heart, but due to the gold ring around his neck, he couldn’t express his dissatisfaction.

To think, as dignified Lord Hou, how did he end up like this? If this spread, how could he face other beasts?

Right now, he was just hoping someone would step onto the arena to seek death, so he could vent some of his pent-up rage.

It seemed the heavens heard his prayers, as someone indeed stepped onto the arena, standing opposite him.

Hou’s gaze slowly moved up and finally fixed on a face full of mockery.

The person standing on the arena shook a leg, looking at Hou with contempt. "Little rabbit, are you here on this arena to help Dragon Teeth defend it?"

’Congratulations, you guessed correctly!’ Hou thought fiercely.

But he was bound by a certain man’s restriction, unable to speak.

"Since you’re here, I won’t be polite. If I accidentally beat you to death, don’t blame me!" With that, the person raised his fist.

"Roar—!" A loud roar resounded from Dragon Teeth’s arena, deafening everyone and almost knocking them off their feet.

The crowd only saw a figure spewing fresh blood, flying off Dragon Teeth’s arena and soaring towards a far-off location on Sunset Grassland.

What was that situation?

Those stunned by the scene froze on the spot.

Meanwhile, Hou smacked his lips, showing a look of disdain. ’Too weak!’

Recovering from the shock, those standing below the arena looked up at the dumb and cute rabbit on the arena. Even the nearby arenas halted their competitions, looking over.

A middle-aged man at the Silver Realm Second Layer leapt onto the arena.

"Roar—!"

Again, a roar, and this time everyone saw clearly. The roar came from that dumb and cute rabbit squatting in the middle of the arena!

Immediately, the middle-aged man at the Silver Realm Second Layer, like the previous challenger, flew off the arena spitting blood and fell unconscious somewhere on Sunset Grassland.

The crowd gasped, all staring in shock at that dumb and cute rabbit...