novelraw Chapter 527 - 171: Departure for the Holy Yuan Empire!
Chapter 527 - 171: Departure for the Holy Yuan Empire!
The Eight Desolations Void Flame is invisible and shapeless, with no temperature, only identifiable by its faint outline and the surrounding changes in spiritual power.
Mu Qingge raised the Linglong Spear high, purple spiritual power spewing from the tip, striking the Eight Desolations Void Flame.
Bang——!
A thunderous rumble echoed, muffled and deep.
The Eight Desolations Void Flame, which was about to pounce on Yuanyuan, changed its motion and shot a streak of void flame at Mu Qingge.
The transparent flame came straight at her, burning the spiritual power in the air, as Mu Qingge watched her purple spiritual power vanish before her eyes.
Her eyes widened, she quickly retreated, swung her spear, and vast purple spiritual power surged, transforming into a purple mist that enveloped the sky above Eight Desolates Ridge.
’I see it!’ Mu Qingge observed the purple mist, her eyes lighting up with surprise.
Earlier, her spiritual power was burnt by the Eight Desolations Void Flame, giving her the sudden inspiration to use her own spiritual power to track the flame’s position.
Though this method wasted spiritual power, causing it to deplete rapidly, it allowed her to anticipate the movements of the Eight Desolations Void Flame, preventing surprise attacks.
Moreover, this tactic could infuriate the Eight Desolations Void Flame, making it temporarily abandon its attack on Yuanyuan to focus on Mu Qingge.
The mist created by the purple spiritual energy was continuously being incinerated by the Eight Desolations Void Flame, and Mu Qingge constantly replenished it.
Repeatedly escaping from the flame’s grasp, she successfully drew its attention.
A muffled growl filled with anger emanated from the void. Those void flames that narrowly missed Mu Qingge hit the ground, instantly igniting the land and causing it to vanish...
Mu Qingge was the bait attack, while Yuanyuan seized opportunities for a sneak attack.
Even without prior coordination, they worked in perfect harmony, swiftly turning the situation around and fighting the revealed Eight Desolations Void Flame to a standstill.
Purple spiritual power, Linglong Silver Spear, and Bone Demon Flame seemed to blindly shuttle through the air, yet they all targeted a single entity—the Eight Desolations Void Flame.
From a distance, the tribespeople, having moved away from Eight Desolates Ridge, gathered due to the phenomena in the sky.
"Look, why is that patch of purple cloud covering Eight Desolates Ridge?"
"Could it be the birth of a treasure?" Some speculated boldly.
"It might be extraordinary masters fighting there," someone else dampened the excitement.
"How terrifying! See how that purple cloud vanishes and reappears; it’s truly bizarre!"
"Have we offended the gods, making them angry?" an older voice spoke, and with that, the speaker trembled as he knelt down, clasping his hands, closing his eyes, and began to pray.
His actions led others in the tribe, young and old, to kneel and devoutly pray as well, beseeching the gods they worship to quell their anger and ensure the tribe’s safety.
Ooo——!
The horn messages between the tribal homes began to sound.
From the tribe nearest Eight Desolates Ridge, warriors were dispatched to relay the changes to allied larger tribes.
Soon, within half a day, the news reached the Hu Clan.
Fu Tianlong rushed into the elder’s room, exclaiming, "Elder, something has happened near Eight Desolates Ridge. Perhaps Mu Ge has found the Eight Desolations Void Flame and is battling it. Do you have any ideas on how to defeat it? I need to assist Mu Ge."
The elder struggled to open his heavy eyelids, sighing, "If I had a solution, I wouldn’t remain here. It’s his own choice; you mustn’t intervene."
"No, he’s my friend, and I brought him. I can’t just watch as something happens to him." Fu Tianlong declared stubbornly.
The elder slowly closed his eyes, his eyelids drooping, speaking feebly, "You can’t go... Everyone’s path differs, do not interfere. Besides, rushing over now, what could you achieve..."
"Elder!" The elder’s weak voice startled Fu Tianlong. He hurried over.
As he approached, the elder’s body collapsed backward.
Fu Tianlong quickly extended his hand to support him, gazing at the elder’s aged, somber face, which seemed cloaked in death.
"Elder! Elder!" Fu Tianlong shouted in alarm.
The elder laboriously raised his hand, tremblingly placed it on Fu Tianlong’s arm, and lightly patted twice, speaking his last words, "Finally, the moment has arrived. Tianlong lad, you are the Young Clan Leader of the Hu Clan, the hope for our future. Remember, you must not be reckless, nor stubborn..."
With that, the elder’s hand fell, life departed.
"Elder——!" Fu Tianlong bellowed.
...
"Cough, cough..." Mu Qingge fell onto the ground of Eight Desolates Ridge, her face pale, her forehead covered in cold sweat. She held the Linglong Spear with one hand and pulled out a medicine bottle with the other, removing the cap to pour all the elixir inside into her mouth.
The elixir dissolved immediately upon entering, flooding her veins and bones, restoring a hint of her depleted spiritual power.
Suddenly, the purple mist stirred, tearing a rift before her.
Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, her body flipping sideways to quickly evade.
Where she had stood moments ago was rapidly scorched, turned into void.
’That was close!’ Mu Qingge thought with lingering fear at the sight of the void.
Movement erupted within the purple mist again, as the Eight Desolations Void Flame charged at her, engulfing her, transforming her into void.
This happened in an instant; as ’Mu Qingge’s hair finished burning, another Mu Qingge appeared on the opposite side, her expression cold as she watched ’herself’ burn.
Seemingly realizing it was deceived, the Eight Desolations Void Flame let out a furious roar once more.
At that moment, a light appeared in the darkness.
The distant sun began to rise, heralding dawn.
In a battle that lasted all night and day, Mu Qingge had exhausted all her energy, yet the fight was far from over.
With her purple spiritual power about to burn out, Mu Qingge swung again, replenishing her inner spiritual power, and soon, another layer of purple mist covered Eight Desolates Ridge.
Suddenly, Yuanyuan appeared by Mu Qingge’s side, his chubby, adorable face filled with concern: "Mommy boss, you should go back to the space and rest. Yuanyuan can handle it!"
Mu Qingge gritted her teeth and shook her head, saying, "We’ve been battling it for so long, how can we give up now? Yuanyuan, stay alert; prepare to devour!"
Yuanyuan nodded firmly.
Suddenly, the Eight Desolations Void Flame’s attack, like a ferocious beast, charged at them, while Yuanyuan opened his mouth to spit out Bone Demon Flame, which burned alongside the Eight Desolations Void Flame.
Mu Qingge seized the chance to wrap her spiritual power around the Eight Desolations Void Flame once more.
Yuanyuan took the opportunity to rush at the Eight Desolations Void Flame, his body becoming hazy. It dimmed, resembling a piece of chaos.
He lunged at the Eight Desolations Void Flame, the two abnormal fires entangled together.
Mu Qingge’s released spiritual power was consumed furiously.
At that moment, a surge of the Eight Desolations Void Flame shot toward her, its speed so fast that Mu Qingge couldn’t evade in time, raising her hand to block.
This block produced a heart-wrenching pain, spreading rapidly across her arm.
The pain was indescribable. Unable to hold onto the Linglong Spear due to the agony, the crystal-clear spear fell with a thud to the ground, while Mu Qingge dropped from midair, landing on one knee.
"Hiss——!" Mu Qingge grimaced in pain, gritting her teeth in silence.
With her unharmed hand, she grasped the burned arm, raising her head to gaze with cold eyes at the Eight Desolations Void Flame battling Yuanyuan above.
She realized this was intentional by the Eight Desolations Void Flame!
Deliberately launching a surprise attack on her, injuring her and causing Yuanyuan to lose focus.
Therefore, she absolutely must not utter a sound and jeopardize Yuanyuan’s efforts!
"Master Yin, quickly return to the space! Otherwise, your hand will be crippled!" Mengmeng’s anxious voice sounded in her mind.
Mu Qingge lowered her gaze to her arm; the spot where she was hit was already scorched, flesh splitting open to reveal white bone, yet continuously healing due to her special physical condition.
One burning, one repairing...
Mu Qingge clearly felt that if it weren’t for her special physique, she might have already disintegrated into nothingness at this moment.
Experiencing firsthand the terror of the Eight Desolations Void Flame, she developed a determination to obtain it.
"If I leave, what about Yuanyuan?" Mu Qingge asked, enduring the pain.
"He’s already starting to devour it. From here on out, no one can intervene. It’s up to him alone!" Mengmeng quickly replied.
Glancing up once more, Mu Qingge eventually clenched her teeth and slipped into the space.
Upon entering the space, Mu Qingge staggered several steps, nearly falling.
Mengmeng and Yin Chen appeared instantly by her side, worriedly shouting, "Master Yin."
"Master!"
Mu Qingge clenched her teeth and nodded, focusing on her arm, then looked at Mengmeng.
Mengmeng quickly said, "The Eight Desolations Void Flame sticks like a maggot on a bone; once contaminated, it’s extremely difficult to expel. For now, I can only use the space’s time control ability to hold Master Yin’s condition in stasis, pausing the spread of the flame. We must wait for Yuanyuan to return, as only his devouring power can swallow the flame."
"Is this the only way?" Mu Qingge calmly asked.
Mengmeng shook her head: "Not the only way. But for the current master, it is."
Mengmeng’s words were clear to Mu Qingge. Ultimately, it was still because she’s too weak.
Mu Qingge’s clear eyes dimmed, and she asked her, "What is time control ability?"
"Time control ability can also be referred to as space stasis. This space has been refined, hence as the artifact spirit, I can slightly control the time inside. As Master Yin knows, time passes faster in the space, a few days here equate to a day outside." Mengmeng explained.
Mu Qingge nodded, indicating she understood. She sat cross-legged, ready, and instructed Mengmeng, "Go ahead."
Mengmeng nodded, and a pale golden force emanated from within her, quickly spreading throughout the space. Wherever this force touched remained static in its current state, unmoving.
Including Mu Qingge and Yin Chen.
Once everything in the space was immobilized, the only entity capable of movement was Mengmeng, the artifact spirit.
Outside the space, the Eight Desolations Void Flame and Yuanyuan were locked in a fierce and unrelenting battle.
Enduring against Mu Qingge for so long, the Eight Desolations Void Flame was also significantly depleted. Coupled with its lingering old ailments, it was gradually losing ground against the relentless Yuanyuan.
"Are you insane? I, an exalted abnormal fire, actually recognize a human as my master! It’s simply shameful!" the Eight Desolations Void Flame’s angry voice echoed.
Yuanyuan’s soft voice shouted back, "None of your business! I enjoy it!"
Bang bang bang—!
Bang bang bang bang bang bang—!
Intense crashing sounds continuously emanated from Eight Desolates Ridge.
This battle between abnormal fires persisted for three days and nights.
"Fine! If you want me dead, I’ll drag you down with me!" the Eight Desolations Void Flame erupted in fury, unleashing its maximum power. Instantaneously, a formidable force spread from Eight Desolates Ridge, enveloping the entire area.
"Ah—!" Forcibly bursting forth power, the Eight Desolations Void Flame exacerbated its old ailment, seized by Yuanyuan in one gulp, emitting a heartrending scream. "You ambushed..."
Boom boom—!
The Eight Desolations Void Flame blazed, seemingly intent on perishing alongside Yuanyuan.
The entire Eight Desolates Ridge was consumed, reduced to a void.
The original mountain range turned into a void black hole, abruptly appearing amidst Ba Country’s lofty peaks...
The Bone Demon Flame suddenly emerged, quickly enveloping the two warring abnormal fires within, forming a massive ice ball. Falling from the sky, it slammed into the void black hole.
Just as the ice ball smashed in, the void black hole seemed to get smoothed over, becoming untraceable.
From that day forth, Ba Country no longer had Eight Desolates Ridge. Eight Desolates Ridge abruptly vanished amidst Ba Country’s mountains.
Half a month later, when Fu Tianlong arrived once more at the foot of Eight Desolates Ridge, he was met with a flat expanse, devoid of any trace of Eight Desolates Ridge.
"What... what happened here... Where is Eight Desolates Ridge?" Fu Tianlong stared in shock at the flat terrain ahead, searching everywhere, but finding nothing.
Eight Desolates Ridge had disappeared!
Fu Tianlong shouted, "Mu Ge—! Mu Ge—!"
The sound echoed among the mountains, lingering for a long time, yet no response came.
Fu Tianlong waited day and night for seven days and nights at the former location of Eight Desolates Ridge, but neither Mu Qingge nor any clues surfaced. Helplessly, he returned to the clan.
However, due to Mu Qingge’s unresolved whereabouts, he didn’t return to Yu Country. Instead, he began inquiring about Mu Qingge’s whereabouts in Ba Country.
He harbored hopes that Mu Qingge had already left Eight Desolates Ridge and was safe, rather than vanishing along with it. If she had, guilt would gnaw at his heart.
It was he who informed Mu Qingge of the Eight Desolations Void Flame’s existence and led her to this place.
Three months later...
Amid Ba Country’s lofty peaks, an extraordinary youth in a flamboyant red robe strolls carelessly. Beside her walks a five or six-year-old child in red, with a remarkably cute, intricately sculpted appearance, chubby and petite. Upon close inspection, the child’s features bear a striking resemblance to the youth’s, suggesting a sibling duo.
"Mommy boss... Ouch!" Covering his head, Yuanyuan gazed at Mu Qingge with a pitiful and aggrieved look.
Mu Qingge glanced at him coldly, "I’ve told you many times, call me boss. Take back those two words ’mommy’.
Yuanyuan pouted and complied resignedly.
"Mom... Boss, where are we going?" Yuanyuan meekly asked, compelled to correct himself under Mu Qingge’s fierce smile.
Mu Qingge replied, "First pay a visit to the Hu Clan, then return to Qin Country."
This trip to Ba Country could be considered wrapped up.
Yuanyuan successfully devoured the Eight Desolations Void Flame, transitioning from infant to child. And the Eight Desolations Void Flame on her hand was removed by Mengmeng into the space and swallowed whole once Yuanyuan emerged.
After healing, Mu Qingge sensed a breakthrough barrier, decided to break through the bottleneck in space, advancing from the mid Purple Realm to the late Purple Realm, nearly reaching the Peak.
She planned to return to Qin Country and then seclude herself in space, using the difference in temporal flow between space and outside to elevate her cultivation to the Purple Realm Peak.
Thus, she was closer to leaving Linchuan and entering the Middle Ancient Realm.
Mengmeng informed her that outside three months had passed. Upon emerging, she was astounded to find Eight Desolates Ridge gone, further realizing the might of the Eight Desolations Void Flame.
Of course, her Yuanyuan’s ability to devour the Eight Desolations Void Flame was even mightier! No wonder it ranks No.1 on Han Caicai’s abnormal fire list!
A hint of pride flashed in Mu Qingge’s expression.
Just like a parent delighted with a child’s praise, she felt jubilant with satisfaction.
Following her original path, Mu Qingge reached the range of the Hu Clan.
But before she could enter the Hu Clan city, Fu Tianlong, who had long caught wind of her arrival, appeared before her.
"Mu Ge, is it really you? Am I seeing things?" Fu Tianlong looked at Mu Qingge in front of him with great surprise, rubbing his eyes vigorously.
Then, his gaze fell beside Mu Qingge, on Yuanyuan, who only reached her thigh level.
"This... this is..." Fu Tianlong blinked, carefully examining the features of the two, and suddenly said, "He must be your brother, right? But why is your brother here?"
Mu Qingge was somewhat surprised that Fu Tianlong was still in the Hu Clan, and smiled slightly. She didn’t explain Yuanyuan’s origin, simply saying, "This time I’m here, it’s to specifically bid farewell to the elder and thank him for his previous help."
She didn’t explain where she had been during this time, and having spent some time with Fu Tianlong, he knew her character, so he didn’t press for details.
Anyway, now that she’s back, that’s all that matters!
Upon hearing Mu Qingge mention the elder, Fu Tianlong’s expression immediately dimmed, and he said to Mu Qingge, "The elder has ascended to heaven."
Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly, this answer caught her by surprise. But, recalling what she saw last time, the elder indeed appeared to be near the end of his lifespan, which brought her some solace.
She regrettably said, "It’s a pity I didn’t get a chance to see the elder off."
The elder had reached the end of his lifespan, not due to illness. She still hasn’t managed to refine an elixir capable of defying the heavens and extending life, so she was powerless against such an outcome.
After spending a night in the Hu Clan, the next day, Mu Qingge left the Hu Clan with Fu Tianlong.
Fu Tianlong had stayed to find Mu Qingge, and now that she was back, he naturally had to return to Yu Country to accompany Shui Ling.
After leaving Ba Country, Mu Qingge bid farewell to Fu Tianlong and returned to Qin Country alone. She traveled day and night, using spiritual power, and when exhausted, Yin Chen carried her.
Finally, after a month, she returned to Qin Country.
Upon her return, Mu Qingge learned that Xue Qiao had left with Mu Lianrong, saying they would travel while heading back to the Xue Family in Yu Country, leaving Mu Xiong alone at the Mu Mansion.
After spending a few days with Mu Xiong, Mu Qingge announced she was going into seclusion.
She went alone to the Mu Family Army’s camp outside Luodu City, headed to the valley where the Dragon Tooth Guards had trained, and secretly entered the space to cultivate peacefully.
In Mu Qingge’s life over the past few years, such dedicated cultivation seemed rare.
She was always busy, not only for herself but for others as well.
Now, the Dragon Tooth Guards had begun to flourish, able to train independently, and mundane matters entangling her had mostly been resolved. She could finally focus on cultivation.
According to Mengmeng, she reorganized the time inside the space, making four months in the space equivalent to one month outside. Mu Qingge was very satisfied with this heaven-defying ability.
However, Mengmeng also said that to prevent a drastic difference between the space and the outside world, this method shouldn’t be used for too long. After Mu Qingge’s cultivation, it would be best to restore the time ratio to one-to-one.
Mu Qingge naturally had no objections to this.
Once everything was arranged, Mu Qingge began her cultivation.
This cultivation lasted three months in the outside world, equating to a year inside the space.
During this time, whatever happened outside was irrelevant to Mu Qingge and couldn’t disturb her.
One day, Mu Qingge was meditating in the space while cultivating, her entire being immersed in the Thunder Pool, with the violet-blue electric sparks like countless small snakes coiling around her, absorbed by her skin.
Suddenly, a whirlwind erupted above her head, a powerful vortex formed above her, drawing in all the spiritual energy from the space, channeling it into her head.
Mu Qingge’s entire body seemed to turn purple, emanating deep purple light from her skin, enveloping the entire Thunder Pool.
The waters of the Thunder Pool boiled, and the Power of thunder and lightning became violent.
More of the Power of thunder and lightning was absorbed into her body, and in the depths of her consciousness, the blue-violet specks representing thunder abilities grew more numerous and larger.
Above the Thunder Pool, the sound of thunder rumbled, shaking the entire space.
Yuanyuan arrived upon hearing the sound and, seeing Mu Qingge’s state, asked in surprise, "Is Mother Boss about to level up?"
Mengmeng nodded solemnly, whispering, "It’s fortunate that the Master is breaking through to the Purple Realm Peak inside the space, otherwise it would’ve caused quite a scene outside. Plus, I didn’t expect the Master’s Thunder Spirit Root to evolve, becoming purer and stronger!"
"What did you say? What Thunder Spirit Root?" Yuanyuan asked in astonishment, looking at Mengmeng.
"Nothing." Mengmeng’s eyes darted with panic, and she angrily scolded Yuanyuan, "You little brat, why do you ask so many questions?"
Yuanyuan was abruptly scolded by Mengmeng, and immediately crossed his arms, raising his thick eyebrows, angrily shouting back with a twisted face, "Who are you to speak to me like that? Aren’t you just a little brat too? Once I find the Abnormal Fire and swallow it, I’ll grow up, but you, hmph, will always be small!"
"You!" Mengmeng raised her tender pink finger angrily at Yuanyuan. Giving Mu Qingge a glance, she proudly said, "Once this breakthrough is successful, I can grow up. While you still have to wait to find the Abnormal Fire... hehe... Baby wishes you never find it! Hmph~!"
Leaving with a harsh remark, Mengmeng walked away angrily.
Yuanyuan’s face darkened, angrily baring his teeth and claws, chasing after her: "Stupid girl, what did you say! Try saying it again!"
"I said, I hope you never find the Abnormal Fire! Forever the little brat you are!" Mengmeng’s voice floated from afar.
"Say it again, and I’ll hit you!" Yuanyuan’s angry voice also gradually faded.
Their quarrel didn’t affect Mu Qingge, and seeing them leave, Yin Chen strolled out, standing at a distance and said to Mu Qingge, "Master, this breakthrough will also benefit me. As long as I survive the Life and Death Tribulation, I will become a true Divine Beast and manifest a human form. But... this Life and Death Tribulation..."
Yin Chen’s gaze dimmed.
His inherited memories informed him of the terrifying challenges of breaking through to become a Divine Beast.
Failure would mean his end.
Watching Mu Qingge, Yin Chen silently lay down and waited quietly.
Boom boom—!
The space suddenly shook as if it were experiencing an earthquake.
The unexpected tremor interrupted Mengmeng and Yuanyuan’s squabble. Yin Chen also stood up, looking wary.
He looked at Mu Qingge, watching as the swirling vortex above her head accelerated, gradually merging into her body. When the vortex vanished, powerful spiritual power burst forth from Mu Qingge.
Mengmeng and Yin Chen also emitted power.
"Wow! You’re glowing!" Yuanyuan jumped back in surprise, pointing at Mengmeng and shouted.
Before Mengmeng could react, she was enveloped in a giant cocoon.
Yin Chen also lay back down, seemingly absorbing the benefits of Mu Qingge’s successful breakthrough.
This time, Mengmeng didn’t stay inside the giant cocoon for long; she broke free as Mu Qingge emerged from the Thunder Pool.
Mengmeng remained Mengmeng, but she had grown noticeably taller.
Standing arrogantly with hands on her hips in front of Yuanyuan, Mengmeng patted his head and said disdainfully, "Little Yuanyuan, aren’t you going to call me sister?"
Yuanyuan grimaced, gritting his teeth, "Hmph, a little girl is a little girl, even if she grows taller, she can’t be my sister."
After saying that, he scampered over to Mu Qingge, acting spoiled, "Mother Boss, why does that stupid girl Mengmeng and Brother Yin Chen have changes, but Yuanyuan doesn’t?"
This question made the corner of Mu Qingge’s mouth twitch, not knowing how to respond.
She didn’t believe Yuanyuan was unaware of the reason behind it; asking this was merely a way of showing off in front of Mengmeng by acting spoiled, seeking comfort from her.
Which, coincidentally, happened to be her weak spot.
"Ahem. Well, I’ve been in seclusion for quite a while, I’ll head out first, you sort out your problems yourselves." Mu Qingge dropped the subject.
After taking a step, she thought of something, looked at Mengmeng and asked, "Is there a change in the space this time?" She remembered last time after Mengmeng’s evolution, the space underwent changes.
But this time, Mengmeng shook her head, "This is just a breakthrough in a minor realm, it’s getting increasingly difficult to unlock the space seal." She paused, then said to Mu Qingge, "Master has reached the Purple Realm Peak, do you feel anything?"
Mu Qingge furrowed her brows and reflected carefully, saying, "After I reached the Purple Realm Peak, I felt there was an endless blank space behind it, for potential growth." At this moment, she seemed to truly understand that the Purple Realm isn’t the end.
"That is the Spiritual Movement Stage!" Mengmeng explained.
"Spiritual Movement Stage?" Mu Qingge repeated Mengmeng’s words in surprise.
Mengmeng nodded seriously, and said to Mu Qingge, "Master Yin, you need to listen carefully to what I’m going to say next. The Purple Realm is the limit of Linchuan, but it’s the starting point elsewhere. After entering the Purple Realm, people from Linchuan cannot improve further, but there’s a realm called the Spiritual Movement Stage. This stage does not involve breakthroughs; it’s merely a process of continuously accumulating spiritual power. The longer you accumulate, the stronger your power. No matter how much you accumulate, outsiders will still see you in the Purple Realm. Unless, one day, you truly leave the Linchuan Realm. Once you leave Linchuan Realm, the Spiritual Movement Stage will directly advance, and the more refined and robust the spiritual power accumulated in the Spiritual Movement Stage, the faster and higher the breakthrough. Therefore, you must not slack off. From now on, you must seize every moment to accumulate spiritual power!"
Mu Qingge heard such a statement for the first time. After her shock, she nodded, "I understand."
After leaving the space, Mu Qingge’s heart had not yet completely calmed down.
Mengmeng’s words seemed to open a door before her, allowing her to touch a world she had never touched before. She originally thought that reaching the Purple Realm Peak meant she was ready to leave.
But unexpectedly, this was far from enough!
"Ah, the revolution has not yet succeeded, comrades still need to work hard!" Mu Qingge sighed and left the valley.
...
Mu Qingge had just returned to the Mu Mansion and was startled to see the person sitting in the main hall.
"Oh, little lord, you finally came back. I’ve been waiting for you with a restless heart." An effeminate voice squeezed out, and immediately, Mu Qingge was assailed by a strong perfume scent at her nose.
"Why are you at Mu Mansion?" Mu Qingge frowned involuntarily, avoiding this enthusiastic welcome, and walked toward the main seat in the hall.
"Aren’t I here under the Emperor’s orders, waiting for the little lord to return?" The eunuch twisted his body coquettishly and looked at Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge tugged at the corner of her mouth, lowered her eyes, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly, "Does Qin Jinchen have something for me?"
A trace of helplessness crossed the eunuch’s face, covered with thick makeup.
In Qin Country, the only one who dared to call the current emperor by name was the little lord of Mu Mansion!
He leaned near Mu Qingge, no longer attempting to get too close, bent his body servilely and said, "Indeed! The Emperor has been waiting for the little lord for several days." Saying that, he rolled his eyes and lowered his voice, "It seems something big has happened, and the Emperor needs the little lord to make a decision."
Big event?
Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows slightly, playing with the teacup in her hand, rotating it.
The eunuch nodded seriously, looking at her without blinking. His face was full of expectation.
Mu Qingge squinted slightly, a faint smile forming at the corner of her mouth, after the eunuch waited for a long time, she put down the teacup and stood up, "Let’s go."
Qin Jinchen rarely disturbed her for matters of Qin Country, but this time he had waited for her for so many days; it seemed something significant had indeed happened.
But... the third-class country is relatively peaceful now, what major event could occur?
’Could it be that my being wanted in Rong Country has spread to Qin Country? Or has my identity as a Qin Country person been exposed, and Rong Country sent someone to question?’ On the way to the Imperial Palace, Mu Qingge suddenly thought of this possibility, her eyes narrowed, a cold flash passing through the bottom of her eyes.
Arriving outside the Imperial City, Mu Qingge went directly into the palace without need for reporting or inspection, progressing unimpeded to the door of the Imperial Study Room.
At the door stood Qin Jinchen’s chief eunuch.
Upon seeing Mu Qingge, he promptly saluted, "Little lord, you’re here? Let me open the door for the little lord." Then he turned to push open the tightly closed study door.
"Wait." Mu Qingge suddenly spoke, making the chief eunuch pause his actions, turning to face her.
After glancing at him, Mu Qingge said, "Is it unnecessary to announce my arrival?"
The chief eunuch smiled, his expression growing increasingly respectful, "The Emperor had long instructed that within the palace, wherever the little lord goes, whatever he does, it should not be reported, nor stopped."
Ah, such immense privilege!
Mu Qingge sighed inwardly.
After nodding, the chief eunuch then turned to push open the door.
Mu Qingge stepped into the Imperial Study Room, and the door was closed behind her.
Behind the desk in the Imperial Study Room, Qin Jinchen sat on the Dragon Chair, meticulously reviewing the memorials in his hand.
Upon hearing someone enter, he lifted his gaze, his eyes, with contrasting black and white, seeming able to discern hearts, yet remained calm and detached, appearing before Mu Qingge.
"You’ve come, sit down first," Qin Jinchen said calmly.
Mu Qingge acknowledged with a slight nod, refraining from disturbing Qin Jinchen’s work, and proceeded to sit in a chair nearby.
In no time, a palace maid brought various exquisite snacks from the palace, along with premium tea, placing them in front of her.
Even a glance at the palace’s delicacies and tea had Mu Qingge starting to taste them.
She ate quietly, while Qin Jinchen continued to review the memorials in silence.
After a quarter of an hour, Qin Jinchen finally put down the vermillion pen in his hand, lifting his head to look at her.
Seeing her eating, Qin Jinchen was momentarily stunned, watching her with deep concentration, even somewhat spellbound.
Perhaps sensing this scrutinizing gaze, Mu Qingge looked up while chewing her food. Their eyes met midway, causing Qin Jinchen to hastily retract his gaze, lowering his eyes.
Mu Qingge swallowed the food in her mouth and asked, "Why did you call me here, is there something you need?"
As the matter was brought up, Qin Jinchen’s expression returned to calm. He took several letters from the desk and walked over to Mu Qingge. "The Linchuan Conference is about to start. Each time it convenes, our third-class countries secure three spots to attend Holy Yuan Empire. This time is no exception, and usually, to vie for these three spots, the third-class countries hold a contest first, and the winners get the spots."
Mu Qingge received the letters handed over by Qin Jinchen and replied casually, "Since that’s the case, why not follow the past procedure? Why bring me here?"
Then she blinked and inquired, "By the way, what is the Linchuan Conference?"
Qin Jinchen glanced at her, lowered his gaze, his long eyelashes shielding his emotions. He said, "Look at the contents of the letters first, and then I’ll explain to you."
True to his words, Mu Qingge looked at the letters in her hand; there were four in total. Strangely, among the five countries, besides Qin Country, these four letters came from the other four countries.
Feeling curious, she opened the letters.
After quickly reading them, Mu Qingge’s face showed a rather odd yet teasing expression.
Qin Jinchen looked at her, "Tu Country, Li Country, Yu Country, and even Ba Country have all coincidentally mentioned the Linchuan Conference in their letters. However, this time they’ve collectively agreed somehow to hand over the three spots heading to Holy Yuan Empire to you, allowing you to decide which three countries will represent the third-class countries in this event."
Mu Qingge returned the four letters in her hand to Qin Jinchen, raised an eyebrow, and said, "So you called me over just to confirm this matter about the spots?"
Qin Jinchen nodded, "Since they’ve all said this, we need not stand on ceremony. Once you’ve confirmed the spots, I can swiftly reply to them—there isn’t much time left before the Linchuan Conference."
"After saying so much, what exactly is the Linchuan Conference?" Mu Qingge asked.
After a moment of silence, Qin Jinchen replied, "The Linchuan Conference is a grand event where various countries of the Linchuan Continent come together. Externally, it’s explained as an exchange between countries, but in reality, the true purpose is only known to the rulers of each country. The Linchuan Conference is essentially preparation for entering an ancient ruin."
"What!" Mu Qingge’s eyes widened, her interest piqued immediately.
An ancient ruin, which implies treasures. Treasures, for her, are never to be missed!
Mu Qingge’s intensely interested appearance slightly curled the corners of Qin Jinchen’s lips. "There are several ancient ruins left from the olden days on the Linchuan Continent, full of treasures—martial arts, weapons, and even elixirs, elixir recipes, and more. Each opening, fraught with danger yet great fortune, makes the spots highly coveted. However, each entry to the ruins is limited to eighty people, turning these eighty spots into an object of contention among all countries and forces."
"Eighty people..." Mu Qingge muttered to herself.
Qin Jinchen continued, "Among these eighty people, divided into groups of ten, means only eight forces can enter. Among them, Holy Yuan Empire takes one exclusively, Ancient Witch Country gets one due to its special nature, and that’s two gone. Of the remaining, one goes to Medicine Tower, and Refining Tower along with Myriad Beasts Sect, both within Rong Country’s territory, must share one to prevent Rong Country from excessive swelling, which Holy Yuan Empire announced in the previous Linchuan Conferences. The remaining four are contested by the second-class and third-class countries."
"Four spots, the second-class gets three, even if the third-class has already eliminated two, there are still three left, totaling six countries vying for four spots. Sounds fair enough, but this represents an invisible battle. Facing second-class countries, the third-class stands little chance." Mu Qingge said with a cold laugh.
Qin Jinchen nodded in agreement, "True. To avoid embarrassment, third-class countries will first select among themselves, and the strongest will represent them. Securing even one spot is good, otherwise, it would be too disgraceful."
Mu Qingge looked at him with a playful smile, "Now they’ve handed this authority to me; it looks like I’ve gained so much from an outsider’s perspective, a supreme honor, yet why do I feel it’s just adding a burden to me?"
Qin Jinchen suddenly chuckled softly, "Well, who told you, Mu Little Lord’s fame has already spread across the third-class countries?"
"Alright! Since that’s the case, I’ll shoulder this burden!" On Mu Qingge’s stunning face rose a layer of dazzling brilliance, extremely captivating. After all, she planned to visit Holy Yuan Empire anyway! Right?