novelraw Chapter 535 - 179: You Have No Chance—He’s Mine!
Chapter 535 - 179: You Have No Chance—He’s Mine!
Li Palace, the most mysterious and sacred place on the entire Linchuan Continent.
Because, here resides the only god!
Even in Linchuan Village, the oldest people don’t know when he came into existence or how many years he has lived. He gives people an illusion that he existed when Linchuan was born.
He accepts the tributes from all of Linchuan, but it doesn’t mean he will satisfy everyone’s wishes.
However, at the foot of Li Palace Mountain, incense smoke lingers every day, and countless people come from various countries, traveling thousands of miles to kneel and worship the saint in their hearts.
Arriving from Tiandu, a mighty procession gradually enters the Li Palace area.
The so-called Li Palace, built on the outskirts of Tiandu, atop a picturesque, charming mountain. The scenery here seems to encompass all four seasons and include the styles of north, south, east, and west.
Such ultimate beauty, in Linchuan, can only be exclusively enjoyed by one person.
When the crowd was a hundred miles from the mountains, they abandoned their horses and walked, even Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian was no exception. Walking to the foot of Li Palace Mountain is a sign of respect for that person, a rule that no one can violate.
On the roadside, many common people are devoutly bowing and slowly advancing. Their cloth at the knees has worn out, and their foreheads are bleeding, but it does not affect the determination in their eyes.
Mu Qingge was shocked to see all this, as if for the first time truly experiencing Si Mo’s influence on all of Linchuan.
Just how powerful is this man to make everyone so humble? To regard him as a True God?
The closer we get, the more people there are inside, and the aroma of burning incense fills the air with the unique sandalwood scent.
Seeing this scene makes Mu Qingge want to laugh.
Because it seemed like a scene only seen in a temple, where Si Mo was the Buddha sitting in the temple’s golden throne hall.
"Don’t laugh, be serious." Just as Mu Qingge’s lips curved slightly, Jiang Li softly warned beside her.
Mu Qingge turned to look at her, surprised to find that Jiang Li’s eyes were also filled with utmost piety.
"You don’t also regard the Holy King as a god, do you?" Mu Qingge said in astonishment.
Jiang Li gave her a sidelong glance with a fake smile, "If you have the guts, say that sentence out loud again."
Uh...
Fine, she didn’t have that kind of guts.
Mu Qingge conceded. She was sure that if she said that sentence loudly, she would be torn to pieces by the people here.
Jiang Li gave her a cold smile and arrogantly looked away.
"I didn’t expect to see the Holy King in the Holy Yuan Empire this time." Feng Yufei nervously pinched her hands and realized her palms were full of sweat.
Zhao Nanxing laughed, "Don’t be nervous, the Holy King won’t eat you. In fact, if we see the Holy King this time, it will be the second time I’ve seen the old man, and not only me but Qingge as well."
Feng Yufei looked at him and blinked, suddenly recalling, "Right! I vaguely heard that during the Medicine Tower Branch selection, the Holy King personally attended."
Zhao Nanxing smiled and nodded.
"So... is the Holy King really as formidable and awe-inspiring as the legends say?" Feng Yufei cautiously inquired.
Zhao Nanxing pondered for a moment, then told Feng Yufei, "Formidable for sure, but as for his actual prowess, since he didn’t take action, I don’t know. As for being awe-inspiring... I think anyone that powerful would be awe-inspiring."
His words made Mu Qingge turn her head to him, smiling, "Brother Zhao spoke very objectively." Then, she reassured Feng Yufei, "Don’t worry, the Holy King is not a raging beast; he won’t eat you. Just be yourself and don’t be too nervous."
Their words relieved some of the tension in Feng Yufei’s heart.
She nodded and showed a faint smile.
"Hey, did you notice something off about that woman from the Lan family today?" Jiang Li suddenly nudged Mu Qingge on the arm.
The Third-class Country was still at the back of the procession, which was actually a good position, allowing them to observe everyone in front.
And Jiang Li volunteered to walk with her at the back.
Mu Qingge followed Jiang Li’s words and looked towards the Lan family’s procession. Among them was Lan Feiyue, walking quite at the front.
Today, she was not wearing a blue dress but a flowing white dress that made her more graceful and ethereal, like a fairy.
"What’s wrong?" After watching for a while, Mu Qingge couldn’t see anything unusual.
Jiang Li shook her head speechlessly and whispered, "She dressed up meticulously today, surely for another purpose."
Mu Qingge was startled, "Can you even tell if she meticulously dressed up?"
Her expression brought a disdainful look from Jiang Li, as if saying, ’Are you even a woman? Can’t you detect even this sensitivity?’
To men, it is hard to tell if a woman has meticulously dressed up.
But to women, whether a woman has dressed up meticulously or intentionally shown off is easily detectable!
Mu Qingge surrendered, "What does it matter if she dressed up?"
Jiang Li rolled her eyes speechlessly and reminded Mu Qingge, "Didn’t I tell you that Lan Feiyue vowed since childhood to serve the Holy King? Looks like she is planning to recommend herself today."
Mu Qingge’s heart skipped, and her clear gaze flickered with a hint of ghostly light. Her gaze unwittingly fell on Lan Feiyue, and for some reason, after hearing Jiang Li’s words, an uncomfortable feeling surged in her heart.
"However, if even someone with her looks could catch the Holy King’s eye, I would really doubt whether the Holy King needs a clean eye wash." Jiang Li said disdainfully.
This was her self-muttering, unexpectedly echoed by Mu Qingge, "You’re right. If he fancies Lan Feiyue, he should really scoop out his eyeballs for a wash."
This was said in an extremely cool and ruthless manner.
Jiang Li looked at her in surprise, seriously sizing her up as if wondering what was happening to Mu Qingge.
"Why are you looking at me?" Sensing Jiang Li’s scrutiny, Mu Qingge turned to her.
Jiang Li puckered her lips, "You sounded weird just now."
"Weird?" Mu Qingge was a bit puzzled, frowning as she asked, "How was it weird?"
Jiang Li thought seriously, eyes suddenly lighting up, "The tone and expression you used just now reminded me of those women bickering over jealousy I saw in the Ancient Witch Country."
Mu Qingge’s face darkened, "What rivalry over jealousy? Can you describe it better?"
Jiang Li shook her head and sighed, "I also find it impossible. You’re not really a man and wouldn’t fancy Lan Feiyue, so how could you be jealous of her serving the Holy King?"
"..." Mu Qingge pressed her lips in silence.
Jiang Li’s unintentional words surprisingly sparked an inexplicable guilt in her heart.
"Let’s go, stop overthinking." Mu Qingge said somewhat awkwardly.
Fortunately, Jiang Li didn’t notice the change in her tone, nodded, and kept pace with her, continuing to approach Li Palace.
A hundred-mile journey wasn’t much for people like them. After an hour or so, they reached the foot of Li Palace Mountain.
Leading in the front, Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian stopped, and those following also halted.
At this moment, no one dared to speak loudly or cause any trouble without reason.
Mu Qingge halted with the team, looking up towards the mountain shrouded by clouds and mist. At the mountain’s peak, a palace seemingly made of glass faintly appeared and disappeared.
’This scene looks somewhat familiar...’ Staring at the ethereal palace, Mu Qingge pondered in her eyes.
Before long, her eyes slightly narrowed as she recalled when she had seen this palace.
It was when she was still in the Endless Swamp, using the God-piercing Mirror and accidentally arrived at this palace, where she saw Si Mo.
At that time, she panicked at her internal subconsciousness, and it was also the first time she faced her inexplicable interest in Si Mo. Unexpectedly, after all this wandering time, she truly arrived at the foot of this palace.
And he... would he be waiting for her in the palace?
"Little Ge’er, I’m waiting for you."
During the crossing of the Nether Sea, the words Si Mo said in the illusion realm echoed again in Mu Qingge’s ears. She seemed to hear the man’s gentle whisper in her ear, tender and lingering.
The heat rising on her cheeks brought Mu Qingge back from her reverie.
She blinked, controlled her emotions, and her cheek’s temperature instantly fell back to normal.
"Why aren’t we going up the mountain?" Mu Qingge casually asked Jiang Li beside her.
As the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, she knew far more about the continent’s matters than her, this frivolous little lord.
"There is a forbidden technique at the mountain’s base. If you intrude recklessly, you’ll be shredded to pieces." True to her word, Jiang Li provided an answer.
Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, understanding at last.
She surveyed the surroundings, everywhere were people prostrating themselves on the ground, devoutly bowing. In this land, it seemed the Holy King was all that occupied their eyes and hearts. Even if Emperor Yuan appeared before them, he would not stir them in the least.
Even Emperor Yuan...
Mu Qingge lifted her gaze and saw Emperor Yuan standing at the front. Even as the emperor of the most powerful empire on the Linchuan Continent, standing here, he was no different from a devout supplicant.
She withdrew her gaze and could not help but sigh, "What did the Holy King do to have so many people revere him as a god?"
"Being powerful is an ability in itself, to make people submit, to make them worship. Moreover, the Holy King has existed for an unknown number of years, experienced countless events, mysterious and powerful. Who could ignore his existence? The existence of the Holy King, even if he does nothing, is a form of balance and deterrence. No one dares to disrupt the current order or throw the Linchuan Continent into chaos under his watchful eyes. This invisibly prevents many wars and deaths..." Jiang Li said slowly.
Mu Qingge seemed to understand somewhat.
Si Mo actually did nothing, yet his existence was of the greatest value.
"Huangfu Haotian, leading envoys from various countries, the great families of Tiandu, and the princes, comes to pay respects to the Holy King. We humbly request an audience with His Majesty the Holy King!" Huangfu Haotian’s voice echoed in the mountains, drifting towards the palace at the mountain’s peak.
There, shrouded in white mist, was unreal, illusory and unpredictable.
It seemed to be built atop the peak and floated in the air. That place was the sole Holy Land in the hearts of countless millions on the Linchuan Continent. After Huangfu Haotian shouted these words, those who had bowed at the mountain’s foothill for an unknown duration all raised their heads, their eyes filled with anticipation and excitement as they gazed at the palace.
"Huangfu Haotian, leading envoys from various countries, the great families of Tiandu, and the princes, comes to pay respects to the Holy King. We humbly request an audience with His Majesty the Holy King!" Huangfu Haotian’s voice echoed in the mountains, drifting towards the palace at the mountain’s peak.
"Huangfu Haotian, leading envoys from various countries, the great families of Tiandu, and the princes, comes to pay respects to the Holy King. We humbly request an audience with His Majesty the Holy King!" Huangfu Haotian’s voice echoed in the mountains, drifting towards the palace at the mountain’s peak.
"Huangfu Haotian, leading envoys from various countries, the great families of Tiandu, and the princes, comes to pay respects to the Holy King. We humbly request an audience with His Majesty the Holy King!" Huangfu Haotian’s voice echoed in the mountains, drifting towards the palace at the mountain’s peak.
Huangfu Haotian’s voice was carried by the wind up to the peak, reaching the ears of two black-clad figures standing on the cliff’s edge.
"The little lord has arrived." Gu Ya looked down at the mountain’s base. Those white fogs obscuring the sight seemed nonexistent to him, capable of viewing the people below without hindrance.
"Should we lift the forbidden technique now?" Gu Ye looked at him and asked.
Gu Ya nodded, "Open it."
Gu Ye shifted his gaze from Gu Ya to the mountain’s base. Suddenly, he scoffed disdainfully, taunting, "This group probably never expected they’d get to climb the mountain today all thanks to the little lord’s favor."
In Gu Ya’s cold and sharp eyes, a dim light flickered momentarily. He faintly remarked, "The master has finally awaited the little lord’s arrival, yet it’s a pity..."
"I’ll go lift the forbidden technique." Gu Ye interrupted him.
In a flash, his figure blurred and dispersed, vanishing on the spot.
Immediately after, Gu Ye’s voice resounded like heavenly thunder, echoing from the sky—
"Entering Li Palace unpermitted means death! Wandering aimlessly means death! Speaking recklessly means death! You all have but one hour. Proceed!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Holy King! Thank you, Black Servant!" Huangfu Haotian gratefully bowed, immediately stepping into the forbidden zone.
In the eyes of the crowd, it simply appeared as if he’d taken a step forward onto the mountain-climbing steps.
Yet, as he set foot on the steps, his figure blurred, disappearing from everyone’s sight.
Mu Qingge widened her eyes, blinking.
At that moment, Huangfu Huan had already followed in his father’s footsteps, entering. Likewise, he vanished from the crowd’s sight just like Emperor Yuan.
The remaining people, one after another, entered the forbidden zone, disappearing from the spectators outside.
Those who had been waiting at the mountain’s base for an indeterminate period watched these prestigious individuals vanish one by one, their eyes brimming with incomparable envy.
Soon, it was Mu Qingge and her companions’ turn.
Mu Qingge was somewhat curious about this forbidden technique. From what those ahead had experienced, it seemed to reveal that this forbidden technique had a teleportation function.
With curiosity, she and Jiang Li took a step forward, setting foot on the mountain-climbing steps.
Similarly, in the eyes of everyone outside, they disappeared, as if turning into a wisp of white smoke.
However, Mu Qingge clearly felt as if she had passed through an invisible, elastic barrier. The moment she stepped into the forbidden area, she instinctively looked back.
But, apart from the dense white fog, there was nothing to be seen.
It seemed as though the people kneeling outside had also vanished.
The extreme quietness felt as though she had suddenly entered another world.
Retracting her gaze, Mu Qingge looked ahead.
A stretch of cold jade steps lay before her, winding up the mountain like a giant dragon hidden within the scenery. Those who entered before her were silently walking on these steps.
Even forces like the Refining Tower and the Myriad Beasts Sect, who were eager to kill her, now pretended not to recognize her, not daring to act recklessly.
Was it due to Si Mo’s deterrence, or was there another conspiracy...? Mu Qingge couldn’t ascertain for now.
Looking up to the mountain peak, the brilliantly-crafted palace became clearer, yet still felt ethereal.
"I previously thought an hour wasn’t short, but now it seems I was too naive. Just climbing to the top here and entering the palace will likely take half an hour. By the time we go back and forth, we barely have the time for a cup of tea to meet the Holy King," Jiang Li shook her head and sighed, her golden eyes filled with disappointment.
Mu Qingge turned her eyes towards her.
The previous words weren’t spoken by Jiang Li but transmitted directly into her mind. To outsiders, Jiang Li hadn’t uttered a single word just now.
Mu Qingge’s lips curled up slightly.
She knew that this Empress wouldn’t follow the rules.
Anyone who spoke out of turn would be killed!
This meant that absolute silence had to be maintained here.
This woman, how could she bear it? Hence, she chose to communicate through voice transmission.
But... was she sure that doing so wouldn’t be noticed by Gu Ya and Gu Ye? The speaker, addressed by Emperor Yuan as Lord Black Servant, was unmistakably Gu Ye’s voice, someone frequently beside Si Mo.
Although she didn’t interact much with Gu Ye and was more familiar with Gu Ya,
she was very familiar with Gu Ye’s voice.
’If Gu Ye is here, then he must be here too,’ Mu Qingge silently mused to herself.
Differing from others’ feelings, each step on the stairs made Mu Qingge more anxious. She wanted to finish the journey quickly yet hoped it would last forever.
This tangled feeling only arose whenever it related to Si Mo.
Despite the many people on the stairs, no sound was made.
The surroundings were so quiet as if devoid of any living creatures.
In the middle of the group, Lou Xuantie and Hei Mu walked one after another, occasionally exchanging obscure glances, seemingly communicating something.
Taishi Gao was among them, but his face was cold and displeased, exuding an unapproachable aura.
The old man from the Medicine Tower followed behind Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie, witnessing their exchange of glances with a cold smile in his eyes, as if mocking them for digging their own graves.
The four esteemed families followed Emperor Yuan, with Lan Feiyue walking behind Huangfu Huan. By rights, she did not have the seniority to walk behind Huangfu Huan.
Yet, she walked right behind him.
Of course, everyone seemed accustomed to or tacitly approved of her actions. No one stood up to raise any objections.
Lan Feiyue walked the steps, occasionally glancing at the lone palace atop the mountain, eyes filled with excitement and anticipation. The same sentiment was mirrored by the Lan Family members.
Their eyes reflected undisguisable excitement, as if today was the crucial moment to change their Lan Family’s destiny!
Behind the Lan Family followed the Jing Family.
Jing Tian followed behind his father.
Today, he was unusually quiet. Aside from a glance at Mu Qingge at the palace gates, he paid her no further attention. It was as if he had never known her.
Jing Tian’s silence made Mu Qingge glance a few more times at the head of the Jing Family. The Jing Family Head then nodded politely to her.
The attitude of this father and son left Mu Qingge somewhat puzzled.
It’s said that she and Jing Tian shouldn’t get along harmoniously.
And Jing Tian is definitely not a magnanimous person.
Following the Jing Family was the Shen Family.
Sure enough, Shen Bicheng was in the group. This Shen lunatic appearing here is probably because he hasn’t really given up on the matter of apprenticeship.
And the way he looked at Mu Qingge, it was filled with intense battle intent.
That day, when he invited her to fight again, it wasn’t just empty talk.
Walking last among the four great families was the Hua Family.
The daughter of the Hua Family kept looking at Mu Qingge and Jiang Li from the Imperial Palace to the foot of the mountain. It was only after reaching the mountain that her glancing subsided, and she no longer looked back.
This journey of detachment seemed to once again make Mu Qingge the focus of this group of people.
Even if there was no real interaction with her, their eyes never left her.
As for those with their own motives, Mu Qingge just smiled faintly, indifferent.
"Qingge, do you feel more and more tired as we go?" Jiang Li’s breathing became somewhat labored, her face turning somewhat pale as she looked at Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge was taken aback. She hadn’t felt anything different.
Looking at Jiang Li, she noticed a layer of fine sweat on her forehead, her breath exuding exhaustion.
Without much thought, she reached out to support Jiang Li.
With Mu Qingge supporting her, a trace of doubt flashed in Jiang Li’s eyes, and she asked using sound transmission, "Why are you fine?"
Mu Qingge was also a bit confused. She glanced at Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei behind her. Both were also panting heavily, their faces pale, drained of color.
Retracting her gaze, she looked at the people ahead.
Indeed, everyone ahead of her appeared exhausted, their steps as if filled with lead, each step taken with extreme slowness.
Except for her.
"What kind of monster are you? How come you’re perfectly fine?" Jiang Li looked at Mu Qingge with a resentful gaze.
How could Mu Qingge know why she wasn’t affected?
Through Jiang Li’s veil, she noticed her lips were already dry and cracked, the garment beneath Mu Qingge’s hand damp. Her eyes narrowed, ’This is a symptom of dehydration!’
She checked Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei; their lips were also showing varying degrees of cracking, and their collars were damp as well.
"You’re dehydrated, drink some water first." Mu Qingge slightly furrowed her brow and told the three.
She didn’t use sound transmission to say this, but lowered her voice because sound transmission can only work one-on-one, not one-to-many.
Dehydration?
The three were a bit confused by Mu Qingge’s words.
However, they understood the words ’drink water’. Mu Qingge’s mention of drinking water made them realize how parched their throats were, as if their bodies’ water and blood had dried up.
At the top of the cliff, Gu Ye looked at Gu Ya and said coldly, "I told you, those who speak recklessly will be killed."
Gu Ya glanced at him and calmly looked away, "I didn’t hear anything."
Gu Ye’s eye twitched hard, pressing his lips into silence. "Alright, he didn’t hear anything either."
They looked at the people below climbing the mountain, whispering in their hearts: it’s not so easy to see their master. Only those who could endure have the qualification to enter the Li Palace.
On the mountainside, heeding Mu Qingge’s reminder, the three tried to pull out their water bags to drink.
However, they unexpectedly found they couldn’t extract items from the Qiankun Bag.
They looked at Mu Qingge in surprise. Mu Qingge frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "Perhaps this space has also been restricted, preventing space-related containers from being opened."
"Then what do we do?" Jiang Li was extremely distressed.
Unlike others, she had half a Divine Beast bloodline. Although this bloodline granted extraordinary talent and explosiveness in battle, under these circumstances, it was as if the half of the blood was being fried in boiling oil, making her very painful.
If not for her amazing willpower, she might have already collapsed to the ground in agony.
"Quick, drink." Suddenly, a water pouch appeared in front of Jiang Li.
Her eyes lit up, and she seized the lifesaving straw, not even bothering to look up at who had offered help, snatching the water pouch and gulping quickly.
The water in the pouch seemed to extinguish the flames burning within her, allowing her immediate relief.
Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei watched her drink with anticipation but didn’t reach to grab it.
Mu Qingge looked at Huangfu Huan, who had appeared before them, with some surprise. He, on the other hand, gave a wry smile.
"That feels so much better!" Jiang Li remembered Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei needed water too, so she only drank a third before passing the water pouch to them.
She adjusted her golden veil, which covered her face, and then turned to look at Huangfu Huan, who had offered the water.
Huangfu Huan apologetically sent a sound transmission to Mu Qingge, "There has always been such a test when entering the Li Palace. Although it’s somewhat uncomfortable, passing it hasn’t been a problem, so I didn’t mention it. I didn’t expect today’s test to be harder, but fortunately, I always habitually bring a water pouch attached to my waist whenever I enter the Li Palace, or else..." He paused, sizing up Mu Qingge, a glint in his eyes, and continued, "However, you seem unaffected. It seems that Holy King indeed favors you greatly."
Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, unsure of how to explain.
Though she didn’t feel any test, from the reactions of those around her, she understood what the test was about.
It was testing a person’s willpower. If one wanted to meet Si Mo, they needed to show sincerity. If they couldn’t overcome even this test, what sincerity was there to speak of?
As for her, Si Mo was already aware of her willpower, so naturally, there was no need to waste effort.
Mu Qingge explained to herself internally.
However, she was completely unaware that her immunity to the test wasn’t because Si Mo was aware of her willpower, so there was no need to test, but because Gu Ya and Gu Ye dared not engage her. If they accidentally hurt her, Si Mo’s fury wasn’t something the two of them could handle.
"Thank you." Jiang Li, having caught her breath, sent a sound transmission to Huangfu Huan.
Huangfu Huan gave a slight smile, turned around, and caught up with Huangfu Haotian.
"He seems to like you a lot, huh!" Jiang Li remarked suggestively to Mu Qingge, watching Huangfu Huan’s departing figure.
Mu Qingge rolled her eyes at her, quite impressed by her gossiping nature.
She was very clear about why Huangfu Huan treated her well and naturally didn’t overthink it.
With Huangfu Huan’s water pouch, they relieved the dehydration feeling. But others weren’t so fortunate, and some couldn’t endure, collapsing on the stairs, unable to move.
And Huangfu Haotian, having prior experience entering the Li Palace, was prepared, hence could barely manage.
This was the case for all the four great families too.
Mu Qingge noticed that those who collapsed had no chance to catch their breath or explain; they simply vanished from their sight, expelled from the restricted area, losing the chance to enter the Li Palace.
Having walked nearly to the summit, Mu Qingge appeared unperturbed, arousing everyone’s curiosity.
They gazed at Mu Qingge with eyes as if looking at a monster.
Mu Qingge self-consciously touched the tip of her nose under everyone’s eyes, diverting her gaze as if appreciating the peaks’ scenery close by.
Suddenly, two figures appeared before everyone.
They were none other than Gu Ye and Gu Ya.
Huangfu Haotian greeted the two black-clad servants, "Huangfu Haotian greets the two Black Servant lords."
The crowd also hurriedly composed themselves, hiding their weakness and fatigue, and bowed to the two figures, saying, "Greetings to the two Black Servants."
Mu Qingge subtly bowed her head, but standing at the back, her actions went unnoticed.
A group of powerful figures on the Linchuan Continent, now standing here, were like anxious children, bowing to Gu Ya and Gu Ye. This scene... tsk tsk.
Gu Ya’s gaze swept indifferently over everyone, finally landing on Mu Qingge.
He lowered his eyes and almost imperceptibly nodded to her. It seemed he was saluting her.
After him, Gu Ye also looked over and similarly lowered his gaze and nodded.
While others were bowing to the two of them, they were bowing to Mu Qingge. If an outsider saw this, it would surely drop their jaw.
After paying their respects to Mu Qingge, Gu Ya coldly said, "Come with me."
With that, the two turned and left.
The crowd dared not delay and immediately followed.
Mu Qingge walked at the back, following the crowd towards the palace that gleamed like glass.
However, with each step forward, her heart pounded harder.
The closer she got, the louder her footsteps seemed, and the heavier each step became.
This palace, standing proudly atop the mountains, seemed unique in the world. Its glaze was exquisite and pure without a trace of impurity, exuding emptiness and solitude.
Even though it held the most precious treasures and rarest decorations of the entire Linchuan Continent, it could not wash away this aura.
This was a forbidden place where no one could tread without permission.
This was also her first time standing in a place that belonged to Si Mo... no, if you count the first time when Si Mo pulled her into a mystical space, then today marks the second time.
Only, that encounter felt like a dream.
But here, it was much more real!
As they neared the palace, a breeze with a peculiar fragrance suddenly swept past. The wind seemed to take away everyone’s fatigue, bringing a sense of lightness back to their bodies.
However, Mu Qingge did not feel this relief; she merely paused for a moment as she inhaled the long-lost fragrance.
This scent, she had smelled on Si Mo before.
Very distinctive and inimitable.
"Feeling better! It’s like a mental boost!" Jiang Li subtly stretched her shoulders and secretly communicated to Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge looked at the others and indeed saw surprise on everyone’s faces.
Yet, Gu Ya and Gu Ye remained expressionless.
Following the two, everyone stepped into the grand hall of the palace.
Upon entering the hall, everyone truly felt the vastness of the palace.
With so many of them present, they felt as insignificant as ants within.
The spacious palace towered dozens of meters high, with a length and width exceeding a hundred meters. Supported by countless densely packed jade columns, adorned with exquisite totems, they stood like giants.
In the center of the hall was a single massive chair. That chair seemed even more imposing and domineering than Emperor Yuan’s Dragon Chair, carrying an air of overseeing the world and wielding power.
The chair was so huge that it was practically a bed. Enough space remained for four or five people to lie down on it comfortably.
Upon seeing this chair, the same thought arose in everyone’s mind.
How enormous must the person who sits on it be?
Even Huangfu Huan, standing beside Huangfu Haotian, was utterly astounded. Although he had visited the Li Palace more than anyone else here, it was his first time entering this hall, and he was equally awestruck by the spectacle.
’He’s not here?’
Initially expecting to see Si Mo upon entering the hall, Mu Qingge felt a hint of disappointment rise upon seeing the empty throne, though she also felt somewhat relieved.
’If he’s not here, then where could he be?’
’Or is he somewhere hidden in this palace, secretly observing everything?’
’The time to stay in the Li Palace is limited, and half of it is already gone. Will she be able to see him today?’
’If not, then how long must she wait until they meet again? Until she can say what lies in her heart?’
Unable to see Si Mo, Mu Qingge’s mind was filled with endless musings.
Suddenly, Gu Ya’s voice came from ahead, "Master, Emperor Yuan brings envoys from various countries and the Tiandu family to pay respects!"
Mu Qingge suddenly looked up to see Gu Ya respectfully speaking to the empty throne.
She blinked, still unsure of what was happening, when she noticed everyone else dropping to their knees.
Suddenly, she felt her hand being grabbed and was pulled to kneel as well. Immediately, she heard Jiang Li whisper a warning in her ear, "Do you want to die?"
"With the Linchuan Conference approaching, Huangfu Haotian leads the crowd to pay respects to the Holy King, praying for a royal audience from the Holy King!" From the front, Huangfu Haotian’s voice resounded.
As soon as his voice fell, everyone followed with a chorus, "We beg the Holy King for a royal audience! To ensure the Linchuan Conference proceeds smoothly!"
"We beg the Holy King for a royal audience! To ensure the Linchuan Conference proceeds smoothly!"
Mu Qingge was somewhat puzzled. Why did she feel this visit to see Si Mo felt like a prayer for divine blessings?
To ask Si Mo to safeguard the Linchuan Conference? Would he be so idle?
Mu Qingge silently mocked in her heart but then immediately corrected herself internally: ’Hmm, he is quite idle.’ If he weren’t, why would he have time to come entangle with her?
Their voices continually echoed within the vast hall.
When the sound faded away, a scattering of starlight descended from above, converging but not dispersing, slowly taking shape atop the massive throne.
Everyone watched this scene in astonishment.
Even Mu Qingge was no exception.
The scattered starlight coalesced into a human form. Enormous in size, like a giant. They, these people prostrated at his feet, were like mere ants.
Just moments ago, they had wondered how such a large throne was seated, and now they had their answer.
The human shadow gradually became clear from vague outlines, vividly lifelike.
It was a face of peerless beauty, as if it encompassed the most magnificent views of the world. There was no other scenery on earth or in heaven that could rival the allure of this face.
A wide white robe, lazily flowing. Jet-black hair draped over his body, a tangled mix of black and white.
His presence was as indispensable as the sun and the moon. Such an aura of sovereignty only compelled everyone to humble themselves, with no reason but to kneel.
He leaned against the throne, his right hand resting on the armrest, with long and beautiful fingers lightly clenched into a fist, supporting his head. An exposed arm so attractive one couldn’t bear to look away.
He had his eyes closed, long lashes like fans, as if resting.
Appearing both real and illusory, with the truth blurred.
Were it not for the crystalline glow enveloping him, lending an air of illusion, one might truly believe Si Mo was sitting there.
This scene left everyone holding their breath, not daring to disturb.
"So beautiful! How is there such an exquisitely handsome man in the world? And he’s so powerful!" Jiang Li murmured in a mesmerized tone, eyes filled with admiration.
At this moment, she seemed to understand why Lan Feiyue sent herself into this cold palace.
To be beside such a man, to admire his unparalleled beauty, the face that could captivate nations, one could look for a hundred years—no, a thousand years and never grow bored!
Jiang Li felt as if something suspicious was dripping from the corners of her mouth.
Her eyes shone, declaring with determination, "I’ve decided! My imperial consort should be a man like the Holy King!"
This declaration reached Mu Qingge’s ears. Her eyes, also focused on Si Mo’s phantom, gently curved at the corners: "You have no chance; he is mine!"