novelraw Chapter 530 - 174: No Slapping—I’ll Drive You Mad!
Chapter 530 - 174: No Slapping—I’ll Drive You Mad!
The Refining Tower, Myriad Beasts Sect, Jing Tian...
This palace banquet unexpectedly gathered all of Mu Qingge’s enemies!
The sudden shout left others confused. Looking up, the speakers were surprisingly the eldest son of the Jing Family, Jing Tian, and the Great Elder Hei Mu of the Myriad Beasts Sect.
The person they targeted was this astonishingly beautiful young man!
"How..." The inquiry, slow yet with imperial majesty, descended from the highest dragon chair.
These two words made some who were excessively surprised by Mu Qingge’s appearance sober up.
What kind of occasion is this?
Jing Tian’s face clouded with changing expressions, his resentful gaze harshly piercing Mu Qingge before sitting down reluctantly. Hei Mu also wore a gloomy face, slightly nodding towards the high Reverend Huangfu Haotian, forcing a smile, "Emperor Yuan, it’s nothing."
"Hmm." A vague response fell from the dragon chair, and the Emperor Huangfu Haotian of the Holy Yuan Empire said to Mu Qingge and the others, "Envoys from the Third-class Country, please take your seats."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Mu Qingge slightly bowed and, after casting a cold glance at Hei Mu, Jing Tian, and others, walked with her people to the seats in the farthest corner.
"Great Elder, is he the one who injured me that day?" Hei Mu’s unusual demeanor led Taishi Gao to suspect. He had not clearly seen Mu Qingge’s appearance in the underground that day. The disgrace of that day had always been a painful memory, desiring to kill the enemy day and night.
Seeing the enemy today made Taishi Gao especially furious, almost rushing to kill Mu Qingge as soon as Hei Mu nodded.
Hei Mu, sensing the killing intent emanating from the Young Sect Master, hurriedly grabbed his hand and warned in a low voice, "Young Sect Master, don’t forget where we are. We cannot bring our enmity with him to the forefront; it can only be settled in secret. A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years; now that we know who he is and where he is, there’s no worry of missing the chance for revenge. Besides, we are apparently not the only ones who hold a grudge against him." After speaking, Hei Mu’s eyes subtly glanced at the Jing Family seats, where Jing Tian’s handsome features twisted slightly due to Mu Qingge’s presence.
It’s indeed him!
Taishi Gao’s heart burned with rage, his chest heaving violently, his resentful snake-like eyes fixed desperately on Mu Qingge, wishing to tear her apart.
Yet Hei Mu’s words forced him to suppress his instincts.
Because Hei Mu spoke the truth; no matter what, their hatred with Mu Qingge was part of the martial world feud, and here was the court of the Holy Yuan Empire, a banquet hosted by the emperor. Causing trouble now would be disrespecting the Holy Yuan Empire.
"Elder Hei Mu, why are you so furious?" Suddenly, the Refining Tower’s director asked in a low voice from the neighboring seat.
Hei Mu looked at him, his eyes suddenly flashing with realization, remembering that Feng Kunhai, who had clashed with Mu Qingge multiple times in the Refining Tower, was dead. The Refining Tower people, including the director, had never truly seen Mu Qingge.
Moreover, that portrait... truth be told, after seeing Mu Qingge again, even Hei Mu felt it wasn’t a true likeness.
Thus, upon hearing the Refining Tower director’s question, Hei Mu’s thoughts turned, letting out a cold silent laugh, and he lowered his voice to say, "What? Do you not know who your enemies are when Refining Tower’s Jin Gui and Elder Feng Kunhai died in his hands?"
The Refining Tower director’s eyes abruptly widened, his pupils contracting, his expression instantly turned ashen, and his fierce gaze swept towards Mu Qingge, grinding his teeth, "It’s him!"
He didn’t doubt Hei Mu’s words, as Hei Mu was the only one who had contact with that person back then.
And the Refining Tower’s enmity with Mu Qingge wasn’t limited to that; the branch of the Refining Tower painstakingly built over years in the Ancient Witch Country was also destroyed by Mu Qingge, with even the director and all disciples tragically dying at his hands.
Now, the courtyard of the Refining Tower truly wishes to drink his blood, eat his flesh!
With the enemy right before him, under the table laden with delicacies, purple light faintly glimmered in the palm of the Refining Tower director.
"Director, tonight is a banquet hosted by Emperor Yuan, we must not disrespect him," Hei Mu suddenly reminded.
The Refining Tower director froze, his gaze changing a few times, and only then did the purple light in his hand gradually fade.
He was no longer the impulsive fool who messed things up; Hei Mu’s words brought him back to rationality. No matter how much he wished to kill Mu Qingge now, he wouldn’t act recklessly without considering the consequences.
Within moments, Mu Qingge narrowly escaped a life-and-death crisis.
However, this wasn’t an end, but merely the beginning.
Meanwhile, over at the Jing Family seat, the Family Head likewise asked Jing Tian a similar question, "Tian’er, do you know that person from the Third-class Country?"
The wine glass in Jing Tian’s hand had long since been crushed, yet his expression had not improved in the slightest.
There was actually no need to ask; just the way he looked at Mu Qingge with that desire to eliminate him immediately revealed the significant enmity between them.
However, since Jing Tian returned home from the Medicine Tower Headquarters, he never mentioned anything about it, so the head of the Jing Family remained unaware.
His father’s inquiry made Jing Tian’s face look even worse.
At the Medicine Tower Headquarters, his dan contest with Mu Qingge was seen as a humiliation by him. Since it was a disgrace, naturally he did not want many people to know about it, so he blocked the news at the Medicine Tower Headquarters and didn’t mention a word upon returning home.
In the eyes of the family, he remained the most gifted young alchemist in the Jing Family, and even in the entire Holy Yuan Empire.
And now, unexpectedly, Mu Qingge appeared before him again. How was he supposed to explain to his father’s inquiry? Explain the dan contest at the Medicine Tower Headquarters, and how he lost? Lost to someone from a barren place like a third-class country? Even the position of Medicine Tower Elder he had long yearned for was easily taken away by Mu Qingge?
That was not all; the woman he found appealing was actually also infatuated with Mu Qingge, and even followed him after the competition ended!
These disgraces, each one enough to make Jing Tian want to kill Mu Qingge a hundred times over, yet now, especially in such an occasion, he could not explain to his father.
Helpless, he could only suppress the anger and resentment in his heart, and said sullenly to his father, "Met a few times at the Medicine Tower Headquarters."
"Oh?" The head of the Jing Family’s eyes lit up as he pursued, "The people coming from a third-class country were actually at the Medicine Tower too?" Then, pursing his lips in thought, he asked, "How is his talent?" The implication was clear that there was an intent to recruit him.
Upon hearing this, Jing Tian immediately assumed a stern expression and said, "Father, having me as an alchemist in the Jing Family is enough."
The head of the Jing Family gave Jing Tian a meaningful look and slowly said, "Tian’er, you are going to be the head of the Jing Family in the future, everything must be for the benefit of the family!"
Jing Tian fell silent.
Silence did not mean he agreed with his father, but that he saw no need to discuss this matter. Between him and Mu Qingge, the enmity was already destined to be an endless battle!
On the right-hand side, the atmosphere was unpredictable, with undercurrents surging.
On the left-hand side, just as Mu Qingge sat down, Jiang Li’s voice came over.
"Hey, how did you manage to offend the Jing Family, one of the four great families of Tiandu?"
Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed as he retorted, "The four great families?"
She knew very little about the forces of Tiandu in the Holy Yuan Empire, and this was the first time she had heard of the so-called four great families.
Hearing the confusion in her tone, Jiang Li sighed helplessly before explaining in a low voice, "You see, they are the ones sitting next to the Refining Tower. The Jing, Lan, Shen, and Hua families, their legacies are ancient, almost as old as the Holy Yuan Empire itself, with unfathomable backgrounds. Even on the court of the Holy Yuan Empire, people from the Huangfu Family have to show them some respect. The man who looked at you with such deep hatred just now is the Jing Family’s eldest young master, Jing Tian, who is said to be the most gifted alchemy genius in a thousand years."
"An alchemy genius unseen in a thousand years?" Zhao Nanxing had a peculiar smile on his face upon hearing Jiang Li’s evaluation of Jing Tian.
"And the Lan Family, see them? The girl in the blue dress with a veil sitting in the middle," Jiang Li said, lifting her chin.
Mu Qingge followed her gaze, taking in the people of the so-called four great families. The girl dressed in blue that Jiang Li mentioned was naturally no exception.
Veiled, her appearance was unseen. But from those eyes exposed and the aura she exuded, one could determine that she was a beauty.
"She’s the Lan Family’s daughter, Lan Feiyue," Jiang Li said with a sneer, continuing, "Rumored to be the number one beauty of Tiandu, and some even say she’s the number one beauty in the world. Her cultivation talent is said to be remarkable, having reached the Blue Realm Peak at just nineteen. However, she’s always wearing a veil. Who has actually seen what she looks like? I really don’t know how that number one beauty’s name spread, it must be the Lan Family boasting her up."
Jiang Li’s tone was full of disdain. Perhaps it’s the case of mutual dislike among females.
Mu Qingge found it amusing internally and calmly withdrew her gaze.
"And over there, that’s the Hua Family. The Hua Family is run by women, and their history is rather controversial. Can you guess what it is?" Jiang Li looked at Mu Qingge with a smile.
Mu Qingge looked towards the Hua Family’s seats, indeed, they were all women.
And each was blessed with enchanting beauty, like the moon and flowers, with various charms and allure. Among them, there seemed to be one who was covertly glancing at Mu Qingge; when her eyes suddenly caught Mu Qingge’s gaze, she not only refrained from showing shyness, but boldly gave Mu Qingge a bewitching glance so charming it could move autumn waters, causing Mu Qingge to have goosebumps all over.
This scene happened to fall into Jiang Li’s eyes, making her lower her head in a gentle laugh. She couldn’t help but tease Mu Qingge: "Young Lord Mu really is irresistible!"
Mu Qingge tugged at the corners of her mouth, no longer looking at the Hua Family’s seats, nor did she answer Jiang Li’s previous question.
Fortunately, after teasing her, Jiang Li did not continue to keep secrets, but said to her, "The Hua Family is able to rapidly develop and maintain its existence mainly through marital relations. In Tiandu, almost every family with power and influence is related by marriage to the Hua Family."
Mu Qingge understood.
Zhao Nanxing also understood.
Feng Yufei instantly understood as well.
In simple terms, the Hua Family is a family that relies on marrying off daughters, using women to weave a complex web of connections!
"There are actually such families!" Zhao Nanxing exclaimed quietly.
Feng Yufei, however, was open-minded, "What’s so strange about this? There is little fairness for women in this world. The Hua Family’s way of securing its place among the four prominent families in Tiandu may be criticized, but is it not also a form of protection for women?"
Jiang Li swept her golden gaze across them, finally landing on Mu Qingge’s face with a mischievous blink. Then she said, "The last one is the Shen Family, but their genius has not arrived today."
"Who is the genius of the Shen Family?" Zhao Nanxing asked inquisitively.
Jiang Li was not shy to answer, "The wealth of the Shen Family can almost rival Wanxiang Building, but the genius of this generation is not a business prodigy, but a martial fool. Shen Bicheng, the third in line. So he’s also known as Shen San Shao. He seldom makes appearances in Tiandu, supposedly immersed in cultivation. From the information I gathered, this Shen San Shao is only twenty-two and has already entered the Purple Realm. Which layer exactly, perhaps only he knows."
After listening to Jiang Li’s introduction to the four prominent families, Mu Qingge had a basic understanding of them.
Among the four, the Jing Family represented by Jing Tian probably wouldn’t be friendly to her.
Upon entering Tiandu, one of the four became an enemy, and along with the Refining Tower and Myriad Beasts Sect, Mu Qingge suddenly laughed.
Her laughter was abrupt, even catching Emperor Yuan’s attention.
"Mu Qing, why do you laugh?" From the high dragon chair, Emperor Yuan’s voice fell like thunder.
Mu Qingge restrained her smile, replying to Emperor Yuan, "It’s nothing, just thought of something amusing."
"Oh? What amusing thing? Why not share it so everyone can enjoy?" Emperor Yuan seemed very interested in Mu Qingge, constantly focusing on her.
Others felt this, and so did Mu Qingge.
She looked up at Emperor Yuan with some confusion, seemingly trying to discern something from his expression. However, the dragon chair was high, surrounded by a misty light that made the person sitting upon it appear as if in a dream, unclear.
"How dare you! A mere third-class citizen, brazenly staring at the imperial visage!" A sudden angry voice emerged, silencing the seated crowd.
Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze, her eyes lightly shifting to the speaker.
She didn’t recognize this person, but guessed his identity from his attire. "Dean of the Refining Tower, what guidance do you have?"
She remained calm and composed, her demeanor earning some admiration.
"You, a mere third-class citizen, dare to openly gaze at Emperor Yuan, it’s sheer boldness and extreme audacity!" The dean of the Refining Tower was already troubled not finding fault with Mu Qingge, so how could he miss such an opportunity now?
He stood up, righteously declaring to Emperor Yuan, "Emperor Yuan, this lad is too arrogant, seemingly a tyrant in his third-class country. To act so rudely towards Emperor Yuan, shouldn’t he be punished?"
"Oh my, this old thing is really turning black into white! What’s wrong with looking for a moment? It’s not like it costs him anything!" Jiang Li angrily retorted.
It seemed she was ready to roll up her sleeves for a fight at any moment!
Yet, Mu Qingge stopped her with a look. She could guess the scheming in the dean of the Refining Tower’s mind without much effort. However, she was not in a rush to expose him.
"Emperor Yuan, although Mu Qingge comes from a third-class nation, she’s also a rightful elder of our Medicine Tower Main Courtyard." Suddenly, the elder from the Medicine Tower side spoke up with a smile.
After saying this, without waiting for anyone to recover from their shock, he turned to the dean of the Refining Tower and said, "Why, is the conduct of my Medicine Tower Elder a topic for your Refining Tower to criticize?"
Hiss—!
He is actually an elder of the Medicine Tower Main Courtyard?
How old is he?
And from a third-class country?
Could it be an unparalleled genius has suddenly emerged?
Rumors spread across the second-layer platform.
The dean of the Refining Tower did not expect things to escalate like this, and Jing Tian, being dragged into it, hated Mu Qingge all the more.
"Tian’er, is he really an elder of the Medicine Tower Main Courtyard?" His father’s questioning voice followed.
This made Jing Tian feel even more humiliated, wishing he could immediately kill Mu Qingge.
But he couldn’t.
Under the pressure of his father’s gaze, he reluctantly uttered an ’um’."
His answer made the head of the Jing Family’s eyes shine, calculating and warning Jing Tian, "Tian’er, regardless of any grudges you’ve had with him before, let it all go. Invite him out someday and win him over. The gains and losses of a young man’s competitiveness shouldn’t be taken to heart."
"Father, I..."
Jing Tian’s objection was cut off by the Jing Family Head. He glanced at the Hua Family’s seats, lowering his voice to Jing Tian, "Such talent cannot be taken by the Hua Family first. No matter what happened between you two, as long as he agrees to join our Jing Family, you will be his master in the future, and that will be enough!"
Becoming Mu Qingge’s master?
These words seemed to sway Jing Tian.
A scenario floated in his mind where he becomes Mu Qingge’s master, commanding him as he wishes. Imagining that detestable face begging gratitude in front of him seemed more satisfying than killing him!
A sinister smile flashed in Jing Tian’s eyes, and his resistance to his father’s suggestion softened.
"Mu Xiao Lord, young in age, coming from a third-class country, yet becoming an elder of the Medicine Tower Main Courtyard. Everyone knows the Medicine Tower’s recruitment is very strict, and to be promoted to elder requires being a Spirit Level Alchemist and passing severe tests. Could it be Mu Xiao Lord is already a Spirit Level Alchemist?" Suddenly, from the Hua Family’s seats, the family head, though over thirty and still charming, lifted a silk cloth, covering her mouth as she laughed lightly and looked at Mu Qingge.
Her words seemed to be confirming this, but if listened carefully, they subtly elevated Mu Qingge’s status.
As for the reason... well, looking at the girl beside her, casting flirtatious glances at Mu Qingge would reveal much.
The Hua Family Head’s question was clearly directed at Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge did not know why the elder from the Medicine Tower suddenly revealed her status as a Medicine Tower elder, but since it was said, there was no need to hide.
So, in response to the Hua Family Head, she calmly nodded, "Just luck."
"Hehe... Mu Xiao Lord is truly modest. Even a Spirit Level Alchemist can be achieved by luck, it seems Mu Xiao Lord’s alchemy talent is really frightening!" The Hua Family Head laughed charmingly.
Mu Qingge smiled silently.
"You are actually an elder of the Medicine Tower? Keeping it a secret like this! How infuriating!" Jiang Li jeered at Mu Qingge.
Because of their friendship, Jiang Li had never investigated Mu Qingge’s background.
Now that Mu Qingge suddenly became an elder of the Medicine Tower Main Courtyard, she said she was angry, but her heart was happy for her friend!
Mu Qingge tugged at the corners of her mouth.
She didn’t know why things turned out this way. Just moments ago, she was being blamed, but now it had turned into praise?
Is this the reason the elder of the Medicine Tower deliberately revealed her status?
Involuntarily, Mu Qingge looked at the old man from the Medicine Tower.
But the old man gave her a childlike smile and winked, making her find it quite amusing. Suddenly, she felt that this sly old man was quite interesting.
"Mu Little Lord is so young and already a Medicine Tower Headquarters Elder. My son Jing Tian should learn from you more!" The words of the Jing Family Head drew Mu Qingge’s gaze onto him.
The Jing Family Head was elegant and handsome, very similar in appearance to Jing Tian. But the wisdom hidden in his eyes was something Jing Tian lacked.
Or rather, Jing Tian’s eyes carried more arrogance.
From Jing Tian’s expression, it wasn’t hard to judge that there was a grudge between them, and Jing Tian was always hailed as the number one in the younger generation in alchemy.
Now, she has unexpectedly appeared and directly affected Jing Tian’s reputation. Yet, as the head of the Jing Family, he still managed to speak to her kindly. Either the Jing Family Head had a generous heart that tolerated what others couldn’t, or he was deeply scheming, cleverly hiding his true emotions.
But no matter which it was, Mu Qingge didn’t want to be deeply entangled with the Jing family.
So, she smiled faintly and said, "The Jing Family Head praises me too much."
Without extra pleasantries, she didn’t follow the Jing Family Head’s lead to bring the topic to Jing Tian, using a gentle approach to resolve the dispute between them.
Her reaction exceeded the Jing Family Head’s expectations.
He was momentarily stunned, his smiling face froze slightly before returning to normal.
The Jing family and the Hua family successively greeted Mu Qingge, giving full face to the Medicine Tower. Of course, more so because of Mu Qingge, the young Spirit Level Alchemist, bringing the effects of the Medicine Tower Elder.
The remaining Shen Family and Lan Family also did not miss out.
The Shen Family, known for business, were slick as businessmen, except for the Martial Fool Shen Bicheng.
The Shen Family Head raised the wine glass in front of him and respectfully toasted Mu Qingge from afar: "Unexpectedly, Mu Little Lord has such skill. You must visit the Shen Mansion someday so we can extend our hospitality. I shall drink this glass first as a gesture of welcome using wine from Your Majesty!"
Having said that, he drank the wine in one go without putting on any airs.
In this manner, Mu Qingge naturally couldn’t deny him face. Hence, she also raised her glass and drank it all clean.
The Shen Family Head’s words made Emperor Yuan quite pleased as well.
Laughter resonated from the Dragon Chair as he addressed the awkwardly standing, expression changing Dean of the Refining Tower: "The banquet tonight should be casual, Dean Lou, don’t be too serious."
Emperor Yuan offered a way out, and it was difficult for Lou Xuantie not to take it. Moreover, everyone here was drawn to Mu Qingge being a Medicine Tower Elder, a Spirit Level Alchemist. Saying more would only spoil the fun. "Yes, Emperor Yuan."
Lou Xuantie sat down sullenly, and Hei Mu took the chance to say, "Dean Lou, this Mu bastard is very cunning and hard to deal with. We should bear with it first and reconsider after tonight."
Lou Xuantie stared at Mu Qingge, his gaze sharp as a knife.
He listened to Hei Mu’s words, but he couldn’t swallow this resentment. He knew he couldn’t kill Mu Qingge tonight. However, making a fool of him was possible, but to humiliate her was out of reach?
"Since everyone has spoken, my Lan Family should also express our stance." Lan Family Head also raised his glass to toast Mu Qingge casually, with a proud demeanor.
The veiled Lan family lady, the first beauty of Tiandu, only glanced coldly at Mu Qingge before withdrawing her gaze.
It seemed Mu Qingge, the Spirit Level Alchemist, wasn’t worth her attention.
Lan Family’s indifferent attitude appeared to be coerced by the others doing the same, so they had to act likewise. That unwilling demeanor made Mu Qingge amused inside.
Yet she still picked up her glass and drank again.
With such a mix-up, the banquet seemed to return to a harmonious atmosphere.
The drums and music resounded in unison, dancing girls swirled gracefully, akin to heavenly halls.
Mu Qingge sat in her seat, feeling the occasional venomous gazes directed at her. These gazes weren’t from the same person, but they all shared the same hatred towards her.
After pondering, Mu Qingge picked up her wine glass she was playing with, and from afar toasted towards Lou Xuantie, Hei Mu, Taishi Gao, and Jing Tian’s direction. With a playful smile, she drank the wine in her cup.
Hate as much as you want, have the skill to come and kill her!
Her carefree distant toast made these few gnash their teeth in anger.
Taishi Gao slammed the table in rage with an urge to stand up, but Hei Mu held him back in time, "Young Sect Master, calm down! Don’t fall for that bastard’s trick!"
Honestly, the utensils in the palace banquet were very sturdy.
Without shattering from Taishi Gao’s slap, and without making too loud a sound, thus did not attract others’ attention.
Taishi Gao was held back by Hei Mu, his eyes dark with venom towards Mu Qingge, "Great Elder, he is so arrogant. How can you expect me to endure? Tonight, I must personally kill him!"
"Small impatience spoils great plans!" Hei Mu reminded.
He wants to kill Mu Qingge no less. But, it must be the right opportunity!
If he were just a hereditary little lord of a third-class country, it would be simple. But, now he’s rumored to be Medicine Tower’s Elder, a highly talented, promising Spirit Level Alchemist, this makes it difficult.
Didn’t you see how many forces are trying to recruit him? If rash actions are taken, who knows how many forces will unknowingly be offended.
Firstly, with the old man’s character from the Medicine Tower, Myriad Beasts Sect won’t be able to buy any elixir from Medicine Tower after this!
"There is a chance, though." Suddenly, Lou Xuantie projected his voice across.
Hei Mu and Taishi Gao looked in his direction.
Lou Xuantie coldly laughed: "If it’s a fair duel, even if you kill him, it can be said the sword had no eyes, who can dispute it?"
His words sparked light in Taishi Gao’s eyes. He said to Hei Mu, "This plan is good, I will challenge him to a duel under the guise of a friendly match, and then kill him, at worst claim missteps."
Hei Mu frowned, looking at Taishi Gao, subtly reminded him, "Young Sect Master, are you confident?"
Taishi Gao’s smile stiffened, Hei Mu’s words brought back memories of his humiliating defeat at the hands of Mu Qingge, where he deceived others with fake death.
"I’ve fought that bastard twice, his cultivation might be at Purple Realm Middle Rank. Young Sect Master, you are not his opponent. Onstage, it’s not an opportunity to kill him, but rather a chance for him to kill you." Hei Mu was the most clear-headed among them, not blinded by anger.
Hei Mu’s words also brought silence to Lou Xuantie.
Earlier, he wanted to kill Mu Qingge urgently, almost forgetting two of their key elders died by Mu Qingge’s hands, and the branch was destroyed by him.
If Mu Qingge was truly at Purple Realm Middle Rank strength, then his talent was even more remarkable.
"If we don’t eliminate him soon, perhaps there won’t be another chance." Lou Xuantie said deeply.
Hei Mu agreed with this statement.
No one could understand more than he Mu Qingge’s terrifying abilities. If allowed further growth, it might be beyond their control.
Yet, if they were to act during the banquet, these seasoned veterans couldn’t move, which young member could be Mu Qingge’s opponent?
Suddenly, Lou Xuantie looked at the seats of the second-class countries and smiled coldly. "It seems we needn’t act."
"What do you mean, Dean Lou?" Taishi Gao frowned.
Lou Xuantie laughed: "It seems someone else hopes Mu Qingge is humiliated."
Hei Mu and Taishi Gao looked where Lou Xuantie was gazing, noticing the representatives of three countries in the second-class seats all had unpleasant expressions, especially Rong Country’s representative seemed displeased with Mu Qingge’s attention.
"Rong Country’s envoy apparently doesn’t appreciate that Mu fellow either." Lou Xuantie coldly smiled.
It seemed that Mu Qingge having one more enemy made him a bit happier.
Hei Mu pondered for a moment, then smiled: "Rong Country and we are quite connected, why not let them explore the path for us first. It’s impossible to kill the one with the surname Mu tonight, but perhaps we can dampen his spirit a bit."
"Great Elder, you’ve said the one with the surname Mu has very high cultivation, how can just a few guys from Rong Country dampen his spirit?" Taishi Gao asked, confused.
He couldn’t wait for Mu Qingge to die soon, so he could reclaim the Beast Taming Flute from him.
It seemed that only with Mu Qingge’s death, could he wash away the stain on himself.
Perhaps because they all hated the same person, Jing Tian instinctively looked in the direction of Taishi Gao and others, seeing the sinister looks they cast at Mu Qingge.
His eyes flashed, and with a cold face, he said to the Family Head of the Jing Family: "Father, Mu Qingge is young and arrogant, not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth, nor how many people he has offended. I see that both the Refining Tower and the Myriad Beasts Sect are eager to get rid of him. If our Jing Family really wants to recruit him, are we also going to clean up these messes for him?"
Even though he was gradually persuaded by his father’s words, he still couldn’t bear to see Mu Qingge prosper.
He hoped even more that Mu Qingge would be so miserably dealt with by these great forces that he could then appear, take him into the Jing Family as a benefactor, and only then could he freely humiliate Mu Qingge in the future to avenge himself!
The Head of the Jing Family listened to Jing Tian’s words and his gaze lightly shifted to the positions of the Refining Tower and the Myriad Beasts Sect.
Sure enough, he saw that among the leaders of these two great forces, many were gritting their teeth at Mu Qingge.
He slightly frowned, seemingly seriously considering Jing Tian’s words.
After a while, he nodded imperceptibly and said to Jing Tian: "What you said makes sense. No matter how talented a genius is, if they die prematurely, they are of no value. Let’s temporarily hold off on recruiting Mu Qingge and see what happens first."
His father’s words allowed Jing Tian to breathe a sigh of relief.
Otherwise, asking him to immediately reconcile with Mu Qingge was something he couldn’t accept psychologically.
At the banquet, various attitudes were displayed, each with different thoughts, and schemes were brewing. Yet, Mu Qingge, who was surrounded by intrigue, seemed oblivious, occasionally chatting with Jiang Li without any other reaction.
As the wine flowed, a person suddenly appeared before Mu Qingge.
The appearance of this person caused the surrounding area to fall into silence.
Already slightly tipsy from drinking, Mu Qingge felt a shadow suddenly cast over her head, looked up, and saw the Holy Yuan Empire’s Crown Prince, Huangfu Huan, wearing a python robe, adorned with a golden crown, handsome and tall, with a smile on his face.
The wine-induced haziness faded from Mu Qingge’s clear eyes, revealing a trace of surprise.
She didn’t understand why the lofty Crown Prince of the Holy Yuan Empire would suddenly appear before her, holding a cup of wine with a very evident purpose.
No wonder the surroundings had fallen into silence.
Even the people of the four great families had various expressions. Who was Huangfu Huan? The Crown Prince of the Holy Yuan Empire, the future Emperor Yuan.
Most importantly, his name was personally bestowed by the Holy King.
Rumor has it that every prince of the Huangfu Imperial Family is taken by Emperor Yuan to the Holy King’s residence in the Li Palace to request a name shortly after birth.
This tradition has been passed down in every generation of Emperor Yuan.
However, among so many princes sent into the Li Palace to request a name, only Huangfu Huan received this honor.
Therefore, he was destined to be more dazzling than other princes and became the key to becoming the Crown Prince. No one dared to disobey because it was the Holy King’s choice!
Such a person was actively favoring Mu Qingge?
What was happening?
The conspiracies surrounding Mu Qingge came to a temporary halt at this moment.
Everyone turned their gaze towards the seat where Mu Qingge was.
The second layer of the platform was so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard. And the officials of the Holy Yuan Empire on the first layer seemed to sense the stillness above and gradually fell silent as well.
Huangfu Huan stood in front of Mu Qingge, his eyes filled with a kindly smile.
Mu Qingge was very puzzled, puzzled by the origin of Huangfu Huan’s goodwill. She was sure she had never met this highly favored Crown Prince before.
She picked up the wine cup from the table and slowly stood up.
Facing each other, Huangfu Huan spoke first: "Young Lord Mu, I’ve long admired your name. Seeing you today is my honor, and this cup is to welcome you."
Such humble words from the mouth of the future heir of the First Empire shocked everyone immensely.
Only Emperor Yuan, sitting on the Dragon Chair, was unsurprised by his son’s actions, rather seeming to approve of them.
Mu Qingge, filled with confusion, drank the wine with Huangfu Huan.
Afterwards, she said to Huangfu Huan: "Has the Crown Prince heard of me?" She didn’t believe that the Crown Prince of the Holy Yuan Empire would pay attention to the affairs of a hereditary Young Lord of a third-class country.
Huangfu Huan suddenly laughed and silently mouthed four words...
Mu Qingge’s eyes widened, and her heart was shaken like a thousand waves.
If she hadn’t seen it wrong, the four words Huangfu Huan mouthed silently were ’Holy King Your Majesty’!
Could it be Si Mo!
Mu Qingge couldn’t have imagined that the reason for Huangfu Huan’s special attention to her was due to Si Mo. Upon hearing news of this man, her heart suddenly skipped a beat.
After the shock, a warmth flowed into her bones.
She couldn’t be sure what Si Mo had told Huangfu Huan, nor did she know how much Huangfu Huan knew about her.
"Some words are inconvenient to say much here. If the Young Lord Mu has time, after the banquet, I would like to have a private conversation by candlelight with you," Huangfu Huan issued an invitation.
This sentence gave Mu Qingge some confidence.
It seemed that her identity as a woman was unknown to Huangfu Huan. Otherwise, he would never make such an invitation as a private conversation by candlelight. But, she really wanted to know how Huangfu Huan knew about her. According to her understanding, Si Mo would never casually tell others about her.
So she slightly nodded, accepting Huangfu Huan’s invitation.
After achieving his purpose, Huangfu Huan turned and returned to his seat, not staying at Mu Qingge’s table.
"Why would Huangfu Huan look at you differently?" Just after Huangfu Huan left, Jiang Li couldn’t hold back and leaned towards Mu Qingge to ask.
Mu Qingge looked at her, met her gossiping eyes, rolled her eyes, and said calmly: "Because I have an endearing face."
"Mu Qingge, don’t you want any face!" Jiang Li made a gagging gesture, looking disdainful.
Mu Qingge raised her hand to touch her cheek and said flatly: "This face of the Young Lord isn’t bad."
Jiang Li turned her head away, unable to take it.
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei covered their mouths and giggled behind Mu Qingge.
Huangfu Huan’s sudden intervention made Mu Qingge a focal point again. The assessment of her value among the four great families seemed to need reassessment.
The calm on the second layer platform was broken.
However, the atmosphere carried a kind of eeriness. It seemed that this eeriness was centered around Mu Qingge.
"Emperor Yuan Your Majesty!" Suddenly, someone broke the silence.
Mu Qingge looked up and saw that the envoy from Rong Country suddenly stood up and clasped his fists towards Emperor Yuan on the Dragon Chair, saying: "Tonight is a banquet held by Emperor Yuan to welcome us, but just sitting and drinking is somewhat boring. Why don’t we add some interesting things to help liven things up for Emperor Yuan!"