Chapter 649: Chapter 84: Accidentally Flirting with the Goddess!

Quiet courtyard, a rocking chair under the tree.

Mu Qingge sat leisurely, her eyes half-closed, looking quite lazy. In her hand, she held a beautifully crafted invitation, fanning herself absentmindedly, with elegant handwriting faintly visible on it.

Jiang Li returned from outside and saw this scene. She raised an eyebrow and walked towards Mu Qingge under the tree, saying, "I heard you came out of seclusion today. How did you become so tired and lazy after just a stroll outside?"

Mu Qingge’s lips curved slightly, and a clear light shone from her half-closed eyes as she looked at her.

"What are you looking at?" Jiang Li, taken aback by her sudden gaze, touched her own cheek and asked.

Mu Qingge laughed, "It’s been a few days since we last met, and Your Majesty has become even more beautiful. Truly, it makes one’s heart skip a beat!"

Jiang Li was amused by her teasing tone, and she swayed her graceful figure on Mu Qingge’s lap, raising her eyebrow as she asked, "Has the young master finally seen the beauty of this empress? I thought you only had eyes for that one person." With that, she suddenly snatched the invitation from Mu Qingge’s hand and jumped off her lap.

Though the invitation was taken, Mu Qingge didn’t get angry. She continued to sit in the rocking chair, swaying gently.

Jiang Li opened the invitation and quickly scanned its contents. She looked up with a frown, asking, "What is the background of this Xi Qianxue? If I remember correctly, she’s ranked fifth on the Green Talent List, right? How did the eldest lady of the Xi Family suddenly come to Fusha City and challenge you? How did you get this invitation?"

Mu Qingge finally opened her eyes, with amusement in their glow. "I just returned from outside and met a pretty maid at the front gate, who entrusted me to deliver this invitation to Mr. Mu."

Jiang Li blinked and immediately laughed, "Did you tease her?"

Mu Qingge slightly frowned, innocently saying, "I wouldn’t call it teasing. She just asked if I was from the Sang Family and if I had heard of a Mr. Mu. She didn’t ask if I was the Mu she was referring to!" She spread her hands.

"Hmph!" Jiang Li gave her a sidelong glance, unwilling to argue further with her.

She knew Mu Qingge had the leisure to do these things because her artifact refining was successful, fulfilling a significant task in her heart.

Sighing, she shook the invitation in her hand. "This Xi Qianxue really knows how to pick a time; she came just as you exited seclusion. What’s the grudge between you and her?"

Mu Qingge looked more innocent than ever, "I only know of her as the daughter of the Xi Family in Central Continent, a Goddess of the Divine Hall, and ranked fifth on the Green Talent List. Other than that, I know nothing, nor have I interacted with her. She just arrived and issued a challenge; I’m just as baffled."

"Goddess? What kind of nonsense is that?" Jiang Li exclaimed in bewilderment.

Mu Qingge turned to her and burst out laughing, "What kind of nonsense is Goddess, huh? That’s a thought-provoking question. It’s said to be a certain special status in the Divine Hall, seemingly able to communicate with the Divine Clan on the Divine Demon Continent."

"That’s amazing!" Jiang Li’s eyes brightened.

While calling it amazing, what she revealed was her curiosity about the Goddess’ mystical ability to communicate with the Divine Clan.

"That’s just what I’ve heard." Mu Qingge quickly said. She thought that if she didn’t say something soon, Jiang Li might develop some outrageous ideas.

Sure enough, as soon as her words finished, Jiang Li excitedly suggested, "Why don’t we capture her and study how she communicates with the Divine Clan? While we’re at it, we can ask where the Divine Demon Continent is and how to get there?"

Mu Qingge was taken aback, speaking with a mix of amusement and dismay, "I thought I was brave enough, but compared to you, my courage is insignificant. Your Majesty, I’m not fully equipped yet and don’t want to provoke the entire Divine Hall’s pursuit."

What a joke, kidnapping a Goddess?

Does she want to live too long?

The Divine Hall, with its intricate connections to the Divine Demon Continent, has stood in the Middle Ancient Realm for hundreds of thousands of years; how could it be easily dealt with?

"I was just kidding, why are you so scared?" Jiang Li pouted.

Her demeanor made Mu Qingge suspect that if given the chance, she really might turn her previous bold idea into reality.

"Speaking of which, how do you plan to deal with this Xi Goddess?" Jiang Li placed the invitation on the table next to the rocking chair and asked seriously.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, her expression calm, "Since the invitation has come to me, naturally I should go once. Only by meeting her will I know why she issued this challenge."

"It seems you’ve already decided to accept the invitation?" Jiang Li asked.

Mu Qingge nodded. She got up from the rocking chair, stretched lazily, and turned her neck, "After being in seclusion for refining for so long, it’s time to stretch the body. Since the fifth rank on the Green Talent List is here to spar, why not take advantage of it?"

"You seem very confident, are you sure you can win? The invitation said to go all out; there’s no agreement about three unbroken moves or injuring her in three hundred moves." Jiang Li reminded.

Mu Qingge, however, said confidently, "Whether we can win or not, we have to fight it out first."

"The time is set for tomorrow morning. You should take this time to cultivate a bit more. I’ll go with you tomorrow," Jiang Li said with concern.

Mu Qingge shook her head, "It’s said, sharpening the spear just before a battle may not make it sharper, but it’s still helpful. But now, with less than twelve hours before the decisive battle, no matter how much I cultivate, I can’t break through to the Silver Realm Fourth Layer. I might as well relax."

"That Xi Goddess’s cultivation is probably already at the Silver Realm Fourth Layer, right?" Jiang Li said with a slight frown.

Mu Qingge nodded, "It is said that the top five ranked on the Green Talent List are all above the Silver Realm Fourth Layer. This Xi Goddess ranks fifth, so even if she’s not at the Fourth Layer, she’s not far off."

"And you’re still so nonchalant?" Jiang Li frowned.

If it were her own problem, she might not be worried. But since it was about Mu Qingge, her friend, she couldn’t help but worry about her safety.

"Don’t worry, I’ve been through great storms and waves. How could I possibly capsize in front of a Goddess?" Mu Qingge reassured.

"Little Shu Snake, don’t worry too much. Qingge’s opponents have always had higher cultivation levels than hers, but haven’t they all been utterly defeated by her in the end? You can’t measure her combat power just by her cultivation," Bai Xi appeared out of nowhere, lazily saying.

Unlike Jiang Li, she had great confidence in Mu Qingge and wasn’t at all worried about tomorrow’s duel.

In her opinion, let alone Silver Realm Fourth Layer, even the Fifth Layer would be no match for Mu Qingge.

Cultivation only represents the use and storage of Spiritual Power. Although Mu Qingge’s cultivation may be a bit inferior, in terms of body defense, explosiveness, and sharpness of moves, she far exceeds the average person. Moreover, she has endless tactics.

"Don’t call me Little Shu Snake!" Jiang Li said with a dark face.

Bai Xi was indifferent.

Mu Qingge seized the moment and said, "Hmm, Bai Xi is leaving tomorrow and taking Xuan Ya with her. Let’s have a farewell dinner tonight!"

"What’s for dinner?" As soon as food was mentioned, not only did Bai Xi’s eyes light up, but Yuanyuan also jumped out.

Jiang Li looked at Yuanyuan, surprised, and muttered, "Aren’t you hanging out with Mu Yichen all day during this period? When did you pop up?"

Before Yuanyuan could speak, a smiling face appeared from behind him. Who else could it be but Mu Yichen?

Mu Qingge glanced at him, nodded, and said, "Whatever you want to eat tonight, go tell Xie Ya. I’ll go find Brother Mei first."

"Boss, can we have Xuewu over tonight as well?" Mu Yichen asked suddenly before Mu Qingge left.

Mu Qingge turned to look at him and saw his awkward manner, she chuckled, "She really doesn’t have your thick skin, coming every night uninvited."

Mu Yichen was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood Mu Qingge’s meaning, and said excitedly, "Then I’ll go call her now!"

He dared not mention his mother in front of Mu Qingge, fearful of angering the boss.

However, since dinner was usually with the younger folks, he thought his mother might not feel comfortable coming. Mu Yichen reassured himself and quickly went to find Mu Xuewu.

Mu Qingge hadn’t gone far when she heard Yuanyuan shout loudly, "I want hot pot tonight, and also barbecue!"

Smiling quietly, Mu Qingge walked towards the room where Mei Zizhong was staying.

...

"Come in." Just as the knock sounded, Mei Zizhong’s voice came from inside the room.

Mu Qingge pushed the door open and immediately saw the ethereal man sitting in the room against the light.

"Brother Mei," Mu Qingge addressed him.

Mei Zizhong offered a gentle smile to Mu Qingge and nodded slightly, "Has Qingge come to me for something?"

Mu Qingge nodded and sat down in front of him. Her eyes landed on several medicine bottles on the table, the faint medicinal aroma letting her know what was inside.

Mei Zizhong smiled and said, "These are some medicines for conditioning the body. After taking these, madam’s body will be completely healed."

Mu Qingge nodded imperceptibly and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

"Why be so formal with me, Qingge? Alchemy is my duty," Mei Zizhong said with a smile.

Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze and said to Mei Zizhong, "I came to see you today because I’d like to discuss something."

"Please go ahead, Qingge," Mei Zizhong said.

A hint of seriousness added to his brows.

Mu Qingge hummed softly before speaking, "It’s like this, Bai Xi is returning to Luoxing City tomorrow with Mu Chen and Xuan Ya. Luoxing City is my domain, as you know, Senior Brother. The city is under renovation, and much is in disarray; I wonder if you’d like to go have a look? Of course, if you don’t want to go, I won’t force you. You can stay here or go anywhere else you wish."

Mei Zizhong didn’t respond immediately to Mu Qingge’s words; he remained silent for a while.

Mu Qingge did not rush him either.

After a short pause, Mei Zizhong lifted his gaze to her and said, "I will follow your arrangements, Qingge."

Mu Qingge smiled and shook her head, "Senior Brother, you’re not my subordinate. You don’t need to obey my instructions. I’m here to consult with you, not to force you. Go if you wish; if not, then don’t."

Mei Zizhong looked at her, his reflection clear in her transparent eyes. "I want to be with you, Qingge, but I feel Luoxing City might need me more. So, I’m willing to go to Luoxing City." Because, Qingge, it’s your city, and I want to guard it for you.

His words left Mu Qingge momentarily stunned, creating an awkward feeling between them.

She gave an awkward smile, stood up, and said to Mei Zizhong, "Since you’ve decided, Senior Brother, get everything ready to leave with Bai Xi and the others tomorrow."

"Alright," Mei Zizhong nodded.

Mu Qingge quickly exited Mei Zizhong’s room, ready to breathe a sigh of relief, only to see Jiang Li’s teasing expression. Giving her a signal with her eyes, the two quietly left.

What she didn’t know was that inside, Mei Zizhong continued to watch her departing figure.

...

"Why so disheveled?" Jiang Li teased.

That gloating look clearly indicated she knew everything and was teasing Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge coughed lightly and muttered, "I find Senior Brother Mei a bit odd today." His words seemed to imply something else.

Jiang Li laughed aloud, "Stop pretending to be dumb. Can’t you see that taciturn guy likes you?"

"Don’t say such things!" Mu Qingge was instantly shocked.

Senior Brother Mei likes her? How come she never knew? She just thought his words were odd today.

Jiang Li looked at her speechlessly and shook her head, "One is reserved, the other foolish. It seems you two are fated but not destined to be together. Besides, you now have a great deity watching over you."

"What fate but no destiny, stop talking nonsense," Mu Qingge said with a frown.

Jiang Li sighed, "Fortunately, your Senior Brother Mei knows his boundaries well. Even if he likes you, he never expresses it and quietly stays by your side, doing what he can for you."

Mu Qingge frowned deeper, "The more you say, the less I know how to face him in the future."

"What’s there not to know? Just be the same as before. Anyway, he also knows your heart belongs to someone else and that you view him only as a senior brother. He won’t do anything," Jiang Li shrugged.

Mu Qingge frowned and said nothing.

Jiang Li sighed, "Actually, I quite admire this kind of protective dedication. Perhaps someone outstanding will appear and let him retract the feelings he poured into you."

"..." Mu Qingge was silent.

After a brief pause, she sighed, "It seems better to go to Luoxing City. Mei Zizhong is different from Han Caicai. The latter expressed his feelings and was possessive, so she could righteously refuse. But the former hides everything in his heart, and both know it’s impossible. This silent dedication is the hardest to articulate."

"I remember Zhu Ling seems to have deep feelings for Senior Brother Mei," Mu Qingge suddenly murmured.

Immediately, upon hearing this, Jiang Li said, "Zhu Ling? Forget it. If there was a chance, they would’ve been together long ago."

"That’s true," Mu Qingge nodded.

In any case, she couldn’t shove a woman into Mei Zizhong’s arms to cut off his feelings for her. She could only set her attitude straight and not give him any hope.

Moreover, with Mei Zizhong’s intelligence, he should also understand that they could only ever have a brother-sister relationship.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Mu Qingge shook her head and said to Jiang Li, "What a mess! Previously, I vaguely felt that Mu Xuewu had some feelings for Mei Zizhong, so how did it suddenly become Mei Zizhong having a crush on me?"

However, she wouldn’t meddle in Mei Zizhong’s affairs or Mu Xuewu’s feelings.

Whether they are destined is up to fate!

"Let’s go back," Mu Qingge said, looking up at the sky as she flicked her sleeves at Jiang Li.

...

As night fell, the small courtyard regained its usual liveliness.

For Mu Qingge’s challenge the next day, those who knew about it didn’t take it seriously, and those who didn’t, naturally wouldn’t know.

On the table, the hotpot kept bubbling, and there was a brazier for grilling meat beside it. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and several wine jars were emptied.

Halfway through the wine, Mei Zizhong suddenly called Mu Xuewu aside.

Having drunk some wine, Mu Xuewu appeared even more charming. Being suddenly called aside by Mei Zizhong made her heart inexplicably race, and her cheeks felt aflame.

"Miss Xuewu, these elixirs are for the lady’s continued treatment. Administer them daily, and once they’re finished, she should be fully recovered. Also, ensure she practices cultivation daily as strengthening oneself is better than relying on elixirs," Mei Zizhong handed a few bottles of elixir to Mu Xuewu.

Mu Xuewu was stunned for a moment and then reached out to take the elixir bottles.

For some reason, Mei Zizhong’s words left her slightly disappointed, and her cheeks were no longer ablaze.

"Master Mei, why..." Mu Xuewu was curious why Mei Zizhong gave her all the elixirs.

Mei Zizhong smiled, "I’m leaving tomorrow, but fortunately, the lady’s health is not in danger."

"Master Mei is leaving?" Mu Xuewu said in surprise.

Mei Zizhong nodded, "Yes, I’ve been an imposition on the Sang Family for many days. Now that there’s no pressing matter, it’s time for me to go." He didn’t disclose his destination primarily because he worried that Mu Qingge didn’t want too many people knowing about Luoxing City.

"Does my sister... does our boss know?" Mu Xuewu asked.

Mei Zizhong nodded again.

This answer made Mu Xuewu feel even more disappointed. Clutching the elixir bottles, she looked down, lightly biting her lip. After a while, she slowly said, "Will you come to the Sang Family again, Brother Mei?"

Unconsciously, she had changed her term of address for Mei Zizhong from "Master" to "Brother." This small change reflected her different mindset.

But Mei Zizhong didn’t notice this, simply replying, "If there’s a chance, I will. Qingge has to stay at the Sang Family for a while longer, doesn’t she?"

Mu Xuewu felt a slight pang in her heart. She knew she wasn’t the reason for Mei Zizhong’s return to the Sang Family but felt no resentment. She looked up, smiling at Mei Zizhong, "Well, whenever Brother Mei comes to the Sang Family again, Xuewu will warmly welcome you."

Mei Zizhong nodded with a smile and gracefully departed.

His elegance left Mu Xuewu silently heartbroken once more.

...

The next day, in the small courtyard, everyone was still not sober from the night before.

Bai Xi led Mei Zizhong and Xuan Ya, and with Mu Qingge seeing them off, they joined Mu Chen and the others, journeying grandly toward Luoxing City.

After seeing them off, Mu Qingge did not return to the Sang Family. Instead, she headed to the location mentioned in the challenge letter.

Xi Qianxue had arranged to meet her at Iron Tree Forest, fifty miles north of Fusha City. The Iron Tree Forest was a unique sight of Fusha City.

The so-called iron tree does not bloom.

Outside Fusha City, the Iron Tree Forest stretches like a black river from afar. The trees in this forest are entirely black, as hard as refined iron, with trunks and branches but no leaves or flowers.

Underneath the trees, layers of yellow sand cover the ground, and the fierce wind sweeps up layers of fine sand into the air.

At this moment, three graceful women were in the Iron Tree Forest.

They were dressed in light and thin dresses, exuding an ethereal elegance. Among them, the skirts of two figures flipped in the breeze, revealing hints of pink, adding a touch of liveliness to the forest. Their faces were veiled with translucent scarves, showcasing only a pair of intelligent eyes.

The two women were on guard, standing under the tree, vigilantly observing the surroundings.

Sitting in the iron tree they were guarding was a stunning woman in a snow-white dress. Although her face was also covered by a veil, it couldn’t hide her unmatched beauty.

Just her alluring and graceful posture was enough to captivate one’s soul and allure one’s heart.

She sat lightly on the tree trunk, holding an unsheathed treasure sword in her hand. The blade emitted a shimmering light, clearly not a low-level weapon, at least at the divine level.

Interestingly, she directly held the weapon, rather than a transformed Divine Artifact, which was somewhat intriguing.

"Wu’er, what time is it?" Xi Qianxue asked slowly, her voice exceedingly pleasant.

The maid under the tree looked up and said, "Goddess, the time has come, but there’s no sign of him. Could it be he’s afraid to duel with the Goddess, so he ran away?"

Her speculation made Xi Qianxue slowly shake her head. "If he were such a coward, I wouldn’t have bothered to come here."

"Then why hasn’t he come yet?" Wu’er asked in puzzlement.

Suddenly, Liu’er raised her hand and pointed into the distance, exclaiming, "Look, someone’s coming from over there!"

Her words caught Xi Qianxue and Wu’er’s attention.

They looked towards the direction Liu’er pointed to and indeed saw a person dressed in red walking through the black Iron Tree Forest.

Too far away to see clearly, they could only make out the silhouette, feeling the person’s steps were relaxed, strolling leisurely, not at all like someone coming for a fierce battle.

’Is it him?’ Xi Qianxue frowned slightly, wondering in her heart.

The person’s leisurely demeanor made her uncertain about his identity.

"Huh?" Wu’er blinked in surprise, rubbed her eyes, and then looked up at Xi Qianxue in the tree and said, "Goddess, that person seems like the one I met outside the Sang Family yesterday."

Xi Qianxue’s gaze flickered. "Wu’er, are you sure?"

Wu’er nodded. "Though it’s difficult to see clearly from afar, the demeanor is very similar. Yesterday, I even talked with Liu’er about meeting an overwhelmingly handsome young man at the Sang Family’s gate; he helped me deliver the invitation into the Sang Family."

"Oh! Silly Wu’er. Since he took the invitation and now appears here, he must be the person we’re looking for!" Liu’er stamped her foot.

Without listening to the maid’s conversation, Xi Qianxue fixed her gaze on Mu Qingge, as that blood-red figure gradually became clear in her eyes.

Upon seeing Mu Qingge’s appearance, she couldn’t help but inhale sharply, a stunning admiration surfacing in her eyes. She had never seen such a handsome man; that kind of indistinguishable beauty could captivate both men and women.

Moreover, not only was he handsome, but even the expression between his brows was unforgettable, easily making one obsess.

Xi Qianxue abruptly closed her eyes. When she reopened them, her eyes were clear, free of any amazement or sentimentality.

"Is the one in the tree Xi the Goddess? Mu Qingge here greets you." Mu Qingge approached leisurely, having already noticed the three people on the tree and the ground.

"You really are Mu Qingge! Then why did you deceive me yesterday?" Before Xi Qianxue spoke, Wu’er was already speaking in challenge.

Mu Qingge looked at her and smiled faintly, a smile that was absolutely enchanting. "Lady, you exaggerate. You never asked me if I was Mu Qingge. How could that be considered deception? Besides, your goal was to deliver the challenge letter to Mu Qingge. Now that I’m here, your task is complete."

"You... you..." Wu’er was left speechless, her cheeks puffed out in annoyance.

Suddenly, a strong spiritual power descended from the tree.

Mu Qingge glanced up and saw Xi Qianxue gently descending from the tree, like an ethereal fairy.

Silver spiritual power swept around.

Mu Qingge turned to avoid it. When she looked back, Xi Qianxue was already standing before her, with the two maids standing behind her.

Mu Qingge looked at Xi Qianxue and saw her cold, water-like eyes. Xi Qianxue drew the Divine Sword, and a clear sound echoed in the Iron Tree Forest.

The sharp sword tip pointed at Mu Qingge, as Xi Qianxue said indifferently, "Let’s begin."

"Wait." Mu Qingge spoke. "You can fight, but at least tell me why you’re after me?"

However, Xi Qianxue said calmly, "We’ll talk after the fight. If you lose, there’s no need for a dead person to know. If you win, you might learn the answer."

Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes and chuckled teasingly, "So, this fight is about life and death?"

"Exactly." Xi Qianxue nodded slowly.

As soon as the words were spoken, she rose from the ground, moving gracefully towards Mu Qingge.

Her sword aimed straight at Mu Qingge’s throat; if not dodged, it would pierce her with a single stroke.

This direct, swift attack made Mu Qingge raise an eyebrow. She easily dodged the move, instantly appearing behind Xi Qianxue.

Xi Qianxue pushed off the trunk of an iron tree, changing direction, attacking Mu Qingge again.

Mu Qingge used the Star Beginning Step to constantly evade in the forest, her hands always behind her back, not retaliating.

From the start, Xi Qianxue’s two maidens retreated far away, neither disturbing their battle nor preventing others from intruding and affecting them.

Xi Qianxue’s flowing skirt swirled as she continuously changed forms, yet could not reach Mu Qingge, who used the Star Beginning Step.

After fighting for several rounds, Xi Qianxue suddenly stopped, performing a sword flourish, and asked, "Why don’t you fight back? Do you look down on me?"

Mu Qingge slowly shook her head, really not understanding how Xi Qianxue ranked fifth on the Green Talent List.

Of course, it’s not that Xi Qianxue wasn’t strong, but her moves, to Mu Qingge, were too flashy, beautiful but impractical, wasting many opportunities to break through her defenses, not in the same league as Ying Ze and Ji Yaohua.

Xi Qianxue’s disappointing gaze made Xi Qianxue’s eyes harden.

Raising her sword, she attacked Mu Qingge again.

This time, she seemed genuinely furious, launching an assault with tremendous force, aggressive spiritual power falling on Mu Qingge’s position.

Mu Qingge slid her foot, dodging the attack. A deep gash had already formed where she previously stood.

Avoiding Xi Qianxue’s attack, her right hand, initially behind her, finally stretched out, using two fingers to flick Xi Qianxue’s sword forcefully.

The force of the flick sent Xi Qianxue flying, but she turned agilely in the air, lunging at Mu Qingge again.

Her moves, though still as flashy as before, became increasingly fierce and varied, finally piquing Mu Qingge’s interest a bit.

Ducking and darting, Mu Qingge finally extended her right hand lightly. With a flash of light, the Linglong Spear was in her grip, lifted to deflect Xi Qianxue’s sword.

Though Xi Qianxue launched move after move, she couldn’t get closer to Mu Qingge, let alone take her life.

Xi Qianxue’s eyes grew sharper, her lips pressed into a line beneath the thin veil, her Divine Sword suddenly changing.

The sharp, translucent blade seemed to turn into water flow, wrapping like ribbons towards Mu Qingge.

Around Xi Qianxue, it seemed as if a monstrous wave rose, with fierce water roaring towards Mu Qingge.

"This is the Innate Water Spirit Root!" Mu Qingge was slightly surprised, marveling at how Xi Qianxue’s weapon could align so well with her Innate Water Spirit Root.

Si Mo once said that the Goddess of the Xi Family had an Innate Water Spirit Root.

She originally thought the Spirit Root would be like those Water Ability Users she had seen in her previous life, summoning water blades, forming a water shield, or having healing effects.

Unexpectedly, upon seeing Xi Qianxue today, she could create such a grand spectacle!

In an instant, Mu Qingge found her vision covered by the surging tides, as if she were in the midst of a swirling vortex, with all her strength and Spiritual Power caught in the vortex’s pull, slowing her down.

Grasping the Linglong Spear, she resisted with all her might against the vortex trying to drain her Spiritual Power, noticing Xi Qianxue manipulating the water flow entirely with the sword hilt she held in her hand.

In fact, these overwhelming waves seemed to have transformed from the Divine Sword she previously held.

This discovery caused Mu Qingge’s gaze to sharpen, gripping the Linglong Spear with both hands, she unhesitatingly executed the Stunning Shot move, charging straight at Xi Qianxue.

The Stunning Shot, carrying an immense force, crushed everything.

Under this force, the overwhelming waves were successfully suppressed, while Mu Qingge seemed to charge at Xi Qianxue with a powerful army.

Mu Qingge’s breakthrough attack startled Xi Qianxue. Yet, Mu Qingge’s figure rapidly approached her, coming with an unstoppable momentum, leaving her without a chance to evade.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing echoed.

Xi Qianxue felt a pain in her wrist, and the sword hilt she tightly gripped flew out of her hand.

As the hilt left her hand, the intimidating waves instantly disappeared, and the vanished sword reappeared on the hilt.

Startled, Xi Qianxue reached out wanting to catch her Divine Sword.

However, just as her hand was about to touch the falling hilt, the spear tip of the Silver Spear pierced forward, hitting the bottom of the hilt, lifting it back into the air.

Xi Qianxue’s hand missed, and her gaze at Mu Qingge bore a hint of urgency.

In a battle, losing one’s weapon is a disaster!

She dodged Mu Qingge’s attack and went to grab her sword again. But each time she was about to touch it, Mu Qingge, as if intentionally, thrust the spear from various tricky angles, lifting the Divine Sword higher, causing her to miss repeatedly.

This fight, the more Xi Qianxue battled, the more flustered she became, while Mu Qingge grew more skillful.

A well-matched duel was turned by Mu Qingge’s intentional acts into something resembling a tease of the Goddess.

Xi Qianxue’s two maids stood in the distance watching the fight, seeing their Goddess’s weapon slip from her grasp, the Divine Sword symbolizing her identity flying back and forth in the air, while she could only fight Mu Qingge barehanded, they couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Clang!

Mu Qingge once again used the Linglong Spear to flick the Divine Sword into the air, smiling playfully at Xi Qianxue.

In Xi Qianxue’s beautiful eyes, a thin layer of anger finally appeared, and disregarding her own safety, she charged at Mu Qingge barehanded.

But her outstretched hand was easily caught on the wrist by Mu Qingge.

If it came to close combat, Mu Qingge had never feared anyone!

Suddenly grabbed, Xi Qianxue angrily struggled, but to no avail.

At this moment, as the Divine Sword fell again, Mu Qingge swung her spear with one hand, hitting the sword and sending it flying sideways, deeply embedding it into an Iron Tree trunk.

Mu Qingge then thrust the Linglong Spear forcefully into the ground, also abandoning her weapon, starting a close combat fight with Xi Qianxue.

Without weapons, it seemed both had returned to the starting line.

Yet, after engaging Mu Qingge in hand-to-hand combat, Xi Qianxue quickly realized this person was even more adept and formidable in close combat!

’Miscalculation!’

Xi Qianxue’s features beneath the veil displayed shock.

Moreover, Mu Qingge didn’t care that she was a woman, fighting without any scruples, making her hands and feet uncoordinated avoiding sensitive spots.

The longer Xi Qianxue fought, the more embarrassed and angry she felt.

Yet, her stubborn nature prevented her from saying anything, only responding more fiercely, wanting to severely punish Mu Qingge.

However, she was unaware that Mu Qingge didn’t even realize she was a woman. To be precise, Mu Qingge was a woman herself, so what was there to avoid?

In close combat, the aim is to target weak points, striking hard at vulnerabilities.

When fighting men, one might even use moves like the monkey grabs the peach or the crotch kick, not to mention fighting a woman?

Xi Qianxue became more and more restrained, while Mu Qingge became increasingly free and easy in her movements.

Their fight resulted in Xi Qianxue being steadily pushed back.

"Ah!" Suddenly, Xi Qianxue felt a dark shadow coming at her chest, and she cried out in surprise, retreating, and in a moment of panic, slipped and fell toward the ground.

Just as she thought she was about to hit the ground, she felt a sudden tightness around her waist.

Looking up, she found Mu Qingge had actually grabbed her belt, preventing her fall.

A woman’s waist is such a sensitive area, how could she allow a man to touch it? Xi Qianxue, feeling both ashamed and angry, said, "Let go of me!"

Raising an eyebrow, Mu Qingge said playfully, "For a beautiful woman like you, if you fall and accidentally hurt your face, wouldn’t that be a pity?"

With that, she exerted strength with her hand, pulling Xi Qianxue up from the ground, causing her to uncontrollably throw herself forward.

"Ah—!" This sudden movement made Xi Qianxue cry out in surprise.

She thought she would fall into Mu Qingge’s embrace, causing her to close her eyes in shame and anger. Unexpectedly, after a moment, she landed safely, only feeling a cool breeze on her face as her veil was pulled down.

"Truly a beauty!" came the sudden playful remark.

Xi Qianxue abruptly opened her eyes, covering her face with both hands.

She looked at Mu Qingge in shock, but saw her releasing the grip, allowing the veil to fall to the ground.

Though she was called a beauty, Xi Qianxue did not see any infatuation or astonishment in his eyes; those eyes remained clear and composed.

Being looked at by such calm eyes, Xi Qianxue’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

Mu Qingge, however, turned away, retrieving her Linglong Spear. The silver light flashed as the Linglong Spear transformed into a Finger Cover in her hand. Stroking the Finger Cover, Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow at Xi Qianxue. "Godess Xi, tell me, why have you come looking for me?"

Xi Qianxue’s gaze flickered, answering calmly, "After my seclusion ended, I heard of your feats at the Sunset Grassland, and wanted to learn from you."

This answer made Mu Qingge shake her head slowly, a teasing smile on her lips. "It seems Goddess Xi is unwilling to tell the truth. No worries, if you don’t want to say, I won’t force you. Go back, if you ever wish to kill me, you’re welcome anytime."

"You won’t kill me?" Xi Qianxue was momentarily stunned, looking at Mu Qingge in surprise.

In this skirmish with Mu Qingge, it seemed like a playful exchange. Yet, she clearly felt that if Mu Qingge wanted to kill her, she wouldn’t survive!

"Kill you?" Muh Qingge laughed, "You’re merely following orders. Killing you means others will come, and compared to others, I find you more to my taste."

Finishing her sentence, Mu Qingge leapt up, standing in the air, looking down at Xi Qianxue: "Next time, if you want to kill someone, refrain from using such overt methods. Even if you try a hundred times, you won’t succeed in killing me."

With that, Mu Qingge disappeared from her sight, her speed leaving Xi Qianxue utterly shocked.

...

Mu Qingge returned to the small courtyard where the Sang Family was temporarily staying, heading directly to the High Priest’s room.

Kicking open the High Priest’s door, her face appeared stern, startling the High Priest. "Young Master, has something happened?"

Mu Qingge’s expression was somber as she said, "The people of the Divine Hall want to kill me; who do you think would give such an order?" Her clear eyes seemed to already contain the answer!