novelraw Chapter 538 - 182: The Little Lord Who Serves with Beauty
Chapter 538 - 182: The Little Lord Who Serves with Beauty
Dong dong dong——!
The sound of drums echoed constantly on the Royal Training Grounds of the Holy Yuan Empire.
The expansive Royal Training Grounds, where the Forbidden Guard of the Holy Yuan Empire usually trained, accommodated up to a hundred thousand troops for daily exercises.
A few days ago, the training grounds had been newly arranged, with six massive arenas rising from the ground.
Even if fifty people were competing at the same time on the arena, it wouldn’t feel crowded.
The closest position to the center of the six arenas was also built into a high platform, equipped with seats and fruits, resembling a viewing area.
The high platform was filled with the military flags of the Holy Yuan Empire, while the six arenas were each adorned with the flags of the six countries participating in the first round of the competition.
They were the second-class countries Di Country, Yu Country, and Rong Country, and the third-class countries Qin Country, Li Country, and Yu Country.
Half an hour before the competition was set to begin, the three second-class countries had already arrived at the training grounds, standing before their respective arenas waiting.
The three third-class countries, however, were nowhere to be seen.
After waiting a while, the Rong Country envoy impatiently said, "What are these third-class countries up to? Could they be too afraid to show up?"
Emperor Yuan, Huangfu Haotian, looked down with an inscrutable expression and said, "Be patient; there’s still some time before the competition begins."
With his words, the Rong Country envoy had to fall silent.
On the central high platform sat the factions not needing to compete; in the first row, naturally, sat the Emperor and the Crown Prince of the Holy Yuan Empire. In the second row were representatives from three forces on the Linchuan Continent.
Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie exchanged a look in secret, then parted without a trace.
Yet, at such an important occasion, Taishi Gao was nowhere to be seen.
The four major families of Tiandu sat in the third row, but the younger generation was absent. There was also an empty seat likely reserved for Empress Jiang of the Ancient Witch Country.
As the competition time approached, it was only at the last moment that Mu Qingge arrived leisurely with the people from the third-class countries.
She walked alongside Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, each followed by fifty people. On half of their clothes was written the word ’defense’, and on the other half ’attack’.
The three walked to the front of the high platform and saluted Emperor Yuan, Huangfu Haotian.
"Emperor Yuan, we’re not late, are we?" Mu Qingge asked.
Huangfu Haotian smiled and said, "A bit later, and you would have been."
Mu Qingge smiled slightly, turning to look at the fifty Dragon Tooth Guards standing behind her. Their cold and composed demeanors pleased her. Her gaze shifted lightly to Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei. After a slight nod to them, she led the people of Qin Country to their arena.
After she left, Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei also led the elites selected from their respective countries toward their own arenas.
Mu Qingge had suggested using Dragon Tooth Guards in place of their people for the competition. However, her proposal was unanimously refused by them both.
Their reasoning was well-founded, making it difficult for Mu Qingge to argue.
Zhao Nanxing said it was a rare opportunity to exchange skills; if not cherished, the trip would be in vain.
Feng Yufei said that since it’s a point-accumulating competition, there was no need for Mu Qingge to take action all the time; the first round was crucial for training, and the points would eventually come.
Since both insisted, Mu Qingge naturally wouldn’t force it.
The Dragon Tooth Guards were her trusted aides; they shouldn’t have been on the stage. Those on stage should be the Qin Country soldiers who came with her. However, even the thousand people Qin Jinchen assigned to her were considered Qin Country elites, yet they could not contend with the elites of the second-class countries; their role was more to make up numbers.
Mu Qingge was confident that if these people got on the stage, they would face disqualification frequently. And Qin Jinchen’s goal for her was to ensure Qin Country secured a place to enter the Ancient Ruins.
Since the goal was set, she had to win.
Since Qin Jinchen’s people were inadequate, she used her own; after all, they were all Qin Country soldiers, weren’t they?
Mu Qingge led her people to the front of the arena, and Jiang Li also arrived leisurely.
Upon her arrival, instead of heading to the high platform, she walked toward Mu Qingge.
"You don’t need to personally compete in this round, do you?" Jiang Li asked Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge nodded.
Jiang Li immediately smiled, her golden eyes gleaming like a crescent moon: "Good, then accompany me to sit. Otherwise, facing that crowd for seven days and nights would bore me to death."
"Alright." Mu Qingge agreed without refusal.
After arranging her fifty people, she followed Jiang Li up to the viewing platform.
Although Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei refused her assistance, since she brought them here, she naturally helped where she could. Her order for the attacking Dragon Tooth Guards was that if the second-class countries oppressed Li Country or Yu Country, have them suspended for a cycle.
Mu Qingge followed Jiang Li up the platform, drawing numerous gazes.
Since returning from the Li Palace that day, she hadn’t left her chambers.
The past few days, invitations from various families had been continuously sent to the third-class country post houses, but without response.
Seeing Mu Qingge today, the heads of the other three families, except for the Lan Family, smiled at her kindly.
Mu Qingge slightly nodded, following Jiang Li to the seat of the Ancient Witch Country.
As soon as they sat down, Jiang Li asked, "I heard the younger generation from the four major families will form a team to join in this time?"
Mu Qingge nodded.
Jiang Li frowned slightly, "What madness drives them?" She looked around but did not see the disciples of the four families and asked curiously, "Where are they?"
Mu Qingge explained, "They’re participating in the second and third rounds, not the first."
Jiang Li blinked, comprehending and nodded.
As they conversed, the competition on the arenas had already begun.
The attack and defense sides commenced their respective duties.
Mu Qingge watched for a while and felt that the Qin Country side shouldn’t have any problems.
After all, the current Dragon Tooth Guards were not what they used to be. Initially, they were at the Red and Orange Realms, but now they had advanced to the Green and Blue Realms, and some have even entered the Purple Realm.
With such strength, battling the second-class country’s Green and Blue Realm individuals shouldn’t pose any issue.
However, while Qin Country had no concerns, it was different for Li Country and Yu Country.
The second-class country people had more at the Green Realm, fewer at the Blue Realm, with occasional Blue Realm individuals.
On the other hand, Li Country and Yu Country had more at the Blue Realm, fewer at the Green Realm, and none at the Blue Realm.
The difference in realms, coupled with the martial arts levels practiced, doomed these two countries to a particularly tough seven days.
Yet, if they managed to endure these seven days, the participants in this competition would receive a qualitative leap in growth.
"Why don’t you let your people substitute for Li Country and Yu Country in the competition?" Jiang Li asked.
Mu Qingge’s lips curled slightly, "They refused."
Jiang Li’s eyes brightened, and her golden gaze laughed like a crescent moon: "They’ve got some spirit, it seems."
The competition continued on the arenas, and time ticked away.
By noon, most people in the stands had gotten up and left. The seven-day and night competition didn’t require their constant presence.
Jiang Li reached out and poked Mu Qingge on the arm, suggesting, "Shall we go grab something to eat first?"
Mu Qingge’s gaze swept over the solemn Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei standing at the edge of the arena, slowly shaking her head, "I won’t go."
Jiang Li was about to say something, but at that moment, she sensed someone approaching them.
Mu Qingge and Jiang Li simultaneously looked up. Upon seeing the visitor, they were somewhat surprised—Xue Qiong had come.
Xue Qiong stood before them, smiling, with a refined and handsome demeanor. "Empress Jiang, Lord Mu Qingge, would you do me the honor of letting Xue Qiong host you for an evening?"
Mu Qingge’s clear eyes slightly flickered, and she readily stood up, "Alright."
Xue Qiong would never seek her out without a reason, perhaps it was related to her aunt. With this thought in mind, Mu Qingge accepted Xue Qiong’s invitation.
Since Mu Qingge agreed, Jiang Li naturally did not object.
Upon leaving, Mu Qingge gave Zhao Nanxing some instructions before departing with Xue Qiong.
Xue Qiong did not take them to any lavish place; he instead chose a nearby, quietly elegant restaurant in the marketplace nearest to the training ground and led them into a private room.
Upon entering the private room, Mu Qingge and Jiang Li saw the table filled with dishes.
The dishes were exquisite and mild, fitting the taste of the people of Yu Country. However, for someone like Mu Qingge, who prefers spicy food, they seemed somewhat bland.
Upon seeing the table full of dishes, Mu Qingge realized that Xue Qiong’s invitation was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
After taking their seats, Xue Qiong gestured for the waiter to bring a few more dishes.
These dishes were all somewhat spicy, and they were placed directly in front of Mu Qingge.
"Qin Country favors spicy food, yet I shy away from spicy flavors. These dishes are the only spicy options at this restaurant; I wonder if they suit your taste, Lord Mu Qingge," Xue Qiong explained.
In agreeing to dine with Xue Qiong, Mu Qingge’s goal was not actually to eat.
The type of dishes served really didn’t matter.
Thus, she simply nodded in agreement, politely saying, "Thank you for your efforts, Prime Minister Xue."
Xue Qiong smiled slightly, appearing quite courteous. He then turned to Jiang Li, "The Ancient Witch Country is by the sea, pursuing freshness in cuisine, which is quite similar to Yu Country’s preferences."
Jiang Li, while talkative with Mu Qingge, maintained a somewhat aloof demeanor with unfamiliar people.
Xue Qiong’s words only prompted her to glance at him, and she was so sparing that she didn’t even bother to offer a single word in response.
Fortunately, Xue Qiong didn’t mind, inviting them to start eating and personally pouring wine for both of them.
After some casual conversation, Xue Qiong finally set down his chopsticks and got to the point. "To be frank, by the time I left Yu Country, my family had already received a letter from my seventh brother, Xue Qiao. The letter mentioned his marriage to Lord Mu Qingge’s aunt, as well as the wedding presided over by Empress Jiang in the Ancient Witch Country."
Jiang Li set down her chopsticks, speaking indifferently, "No need to thank me; I did it for Qingge’s sake."
Xue Qiong smiled again but did not respond to that.
Jiang Li’s meaning was clear to him—the relationship between her and Mu Qingge was indeed extraordinary!
Mu Qingge also set down her chopsticks, picked up a handkerchief, and wiped the corner of her mouth. She casually asked, "What does the Xue Family think of this marriage?"
Xue Qiong smiled faintly and did not answer immediately.
He paused as if weighing his words, then eventually said, "Lord Mu Qingge is a smart person; I won’t use ornamental words to obscure the truth. To be honest, when my father first received the letter from my seventh brother, he was furious. Although my seventh brother is not fond of literature, he is a rare genius within the Xue Family, and the family had high hopes for him. But who could have imagined that he would return from his travels with a bride? And this bride not only hails from a third-class country but is a few years older than him."
As Xue Qiong spoke, his eyes subtly swept over Mu Qingge’s expression.
Observing expressions is an essential skill for an official, and he hoped to discern emotion from Mu Qingge’s face. However, he was disappointed, for the first time doubting his abilities.
Mu Qingge simply lowered her gaze to drink tea, seemingly indifferent to his words, almost as if the woman he was referring to wasn’t her aunt.
A trace of confusion flashed in Xue Qiong’s eyes; he couldn’t fathom Mu Qingge’s current mood.
After a short pause, he continued, "Lord Mu Qingge, do you not worry about your aunt’s future life in the Xue Family?"
Mu Qingge put down her teacup and looked up at Xue Qiong.
The white vapor from the tea cup rose up like smoke, shrouding Mu Qingge’s face. She calmly replied, "My aunt did not marry into the Xue Family; she married Xue Qiao."
Xue Qiong was stunned.
Jiang Li leaned back against her chair, her hands resting on the armrests, her fingertips tapping lightly to make a ’tap, tap’ sound. She lazily said, "Xue Qiao probably isn’t at the Xue Family often, and with Aunt Lianrong following him, she’s probably not there often either. Even if the Xue Family is dissatisfied with her, what can they do? They might even lose a son. Besides, Xue Qiao swore an oath in the Ancient Witch Country, and you should know the consequences of breaking an oath there, right?"
Xue Qiong’s eyes narrowed slightly.
A look of shock appeared on his handsome features, "What? Xue Qiao actually made an oath in the Ancient Witch Country?"
Jiang Li said, schadenfreudely, "Yes! He was so enthusiastic, as if he was scared Aunt Lianrong would run away. No one could stop him from making that oath."
Mentioning this incident made Mu Qingge’s face darken a bit.
Her aunt’s oath left her with some resentment.
And her expression made Xue Qiong even more convinced of what Jiang Li said. Xue Qiao was simply thick-skinned and wanted to marry her aunt, not because of some family’s speculation that Xue Qiao had fallen into the Mu Family’s trap.
Moreover, after he saw Mu Qingge, the abilities she displayed didn’t need to rely on the Xue Family.
"Prime Minister Xue, I would like to hear the current sentiments in the Xue Family." Mu Qingge said to Xue Qiong with a cold tone.
Since it was already mentioned that the Xue Family wasn’t very accepting of her aunt getting married, why should she continue to show any pleasantries?
Xue Qiong had a flash of embarrassment on his face.
The family was greatly shocked upon receiving Xue Qiao’s letter. They quickly sent people to investigate everything about the third-class Qin Country and about the Mu Family.
It must be said that the results of the investigation surprised their family.
The Mu Mansion, such a dwindling family, could actually stir up storms in the Qin Country and even produced a prodigy like Mu Qingge.
In fact, one could say that the Mu Family was the true emperor of the Qin Country. Mu Lianrong’s status was equivalent to that of a princess.
However, the Xue Family was a family to which even the princess of the Yu Country would marry, so how could they care about a noblewoman from a third-class country? Even if her status was akin to that of a princess.
So, the Xue Family was quite resistant to Mu Lianrong’s appearance.
This time, one of his tasks in the Holy Yuan Empire was to contact Mu Qingge.
To personally experience the Mu Family members, and then plan accordingly.
"Marquis Mu, when I left the Yu Country, my seventh brother had not yet brought your aunt home. After my business in the Holy Yuan Empire is concluded, Xue Qiong would like to invite Marquis Mu to Yu Country, where Qiong will certainly extend my hospitality." Xue Qiong said to Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered slightly, and she slowly revealed a smile, saying to Xue Qiong, "Alright. I will definitely visit the Xue Family in the Yu Country someday."
Upon receiving Mu Qingge’s promise, Xue Qiong stood up and took his leave from the two, "Qiong will not disturb your meal further and will take his leave first. I have already settled the bill, and this restaurant has private rooms for rest. If you two feel tired, you can rest here for a while. I’ve asked the innkeeper to reserve two adjacent private rooms for you."
With that, Xue Qiong turned and left the private room, seeming to feel that after his departure, the two of them would enjoy a more pleasant meal.
After he left, Jiang Li looked confused and said, "What did he mean by that? What does he mean by us resting together in adjacent rooms? Why do I feel like he’s hinting at something?"
Mu Qingge glanced at her and laughed, "Who doesn’t know by now that you are my woman?"
Jiang Li was stunned, her face showing a bit of grievance, "Mu Qingge, you’ve ruined my innocence, you need to take responsibility!"
"I’ll take responsibility, I’ll take responsibility. If someday you truly can’t get married, I’ll marry you, how about that?" Mu Qingge laughed.
Jiang Li, however, pulled her chair away to keep a distance from her, her voice revealing timidness, "No, you better stay away from me. I don’t want to die mysteriously. Your ’him’ could kill me as easily as slicing a fish."
"You’re wrong." Mu Qingge said with a smile that was somewhat malevolent, "At most, you could only be likened to slicing a snake."
Jiang Li let the words circle around in her mind and realized. Her eyes widened, and she pounced on Mu Qingge, warning, "Mu Qingge, do you have a death wish?"
After a bout of playful fighting, they calmed down, and Jiang Li said to Mu Qingge, "What did Xue Qiong mean by inviting you to the Yu Country in the end?"
Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly as she slowly said, "From his tone, the Xue Family’s attitude is very clear. He wants me to go to the Xue Family just to back up my aunt. After all, he is part of the Xue Family, and some things are better said by me, an outsider, than by him."
Jiang Li pondered for a moment and then nodded, "It seems he’s had a good impression of you during this time. He even thinks you have great potential, so he no longer opposes the marriage. However, he feels that words alone are too feeble to persuade his family, so he’s asking you to visit, to settle it once and for all. So, at least he accepts this marriage."
Mu Qingge nodded, "Xue Qiong is someone in the officialdom, and he’s not concerned about whether Aunt and Xue Qiao genuinely love each other. What he’s concerned about is whether such a union can bring benefits to the family. Of course, what he values is also what most of the Xue Family members care about. After arriving in the Holy Yuan Empire, perhaps he saw the Emperor Yuan’s attitude towards me, or he learned of my status as a Medicine Tower Elder, or maybe events at the Li Palace made him feel my influence is growing. Rather than saying he accepted my aunt, it’s more accurate to say he’s interested in the benefits I, Marquis Little Mu, can bring."
Mu Qingge’s words made Jiang Li shake her head repeatedly. Not because she disagreed with Mu Qingge, but because she thought that even if Xue Qiong was rumored to be a genius, once he entered the bureaucracy, it would be difficult to maintain the integrity likened to a clean lotus emerging unstained from the mud.
...
When Mu Qingge and Jiang Li returned to the training ground, the stands were already empty.
It seems that the first round of competition wasn’t very appealing to the others.
Mu Qingge walked over to Zhao Nanxing and asked, "How is it?"
Zhao Nanxing looked at her and replied, "Currently, Qin Country has twenty-seven points, Di Country has twenty-four points, Yu Country has twenty-one points, and Rong Country has eighteen points. Li Country has eleven points, and Yu Country... eight points."
"Why does Yu Country only have eight points?" Mu Qingge frowned.
Zhao Nanxing smiled wryly, "Failed to defend the challenge, resulting in a one-round suspension. Attempted to win the challenge ten times, but only succeeded four times."
Mu Qingge looked at Zhao Nanxing. Though he was anxious and worried about temporarily falling behind, his eyes still burned with fighting spirit. She patted him on the shoulder and walked toward Qin Country’s arena.
At Qin Country’s arena, the Dragon Tooth Guards were handling the defense effortlessly. Since Qin Country was currently leading, Rong Country, Yu Country, and Di Country — the three second-class countries — all targeted Qin Country, hoping to successfully challenge and suspend Qin Country for one cycle.
However, while ideals are beautiful, reality is harsh.
The Dragon Tooth Guards were carefully trained trusted aides by Mu Qingge, and no mere arena tournament could defeat them. Therefore, those who challenged continually failed and only ended up donating points to Qin Country.
On the offense side, Qin Country didn’t face much pressure.
This seven-day and seven-night point competition almost turned into a game for the Dragon Tooth Guards.
After watching for a while, Mu Qingge beckoned the team leader responsible for the challenges.
The person approached Mu Qingge and respectfully saluted, saying, "Little Lord."
Mu Qingge said directly, "Right now, Yu Country’s score is a bit low, pay attention to this."
The Dragon Tooth Guard instantly understood and retreated.
Soon, Qin Country’s challenge team went up to Yu Country’s arena. After exchanging several moves, the Dragon Tooth Guard was knocked off the arena, earning points for Yu Country.
While Yu Country was being targeted, Yu Country was successfully challenged by the Dragon Tooth Guards, forcing a one-round suspension.
The sudden change in tactics made people from other countries curse the Dragon Tooth Guards for being shameless.
But what else could they do?
The Dragon Tooth Guards did not violate the game rules, they just enjoyed helping their allies score points and defeat bosses. What’s it to you? It’s called the camaraderie between allies!
The people from the second-class countries were grinding their teeth in anger, but this did not affect Mu Qingge’s mood.
She watched for a while and then left with Jiang Li, not like Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, who stayed there without daring to leave.
The seven-day and seven-night point competition was quite dull during the first few days. Probably only in the last day or two, when rankings are determined, will it attract the attention of major figures from various sides.
The first round of competition wasn’t something Mu Qingge cared much about.
She cared about the second round.
The second round is an individual ranking match, with each country sending six representatives, and then rewards are distributed according to the ranking order.
The individual match focuses more on personal cultivation and practical experience.
Moreover, the young generation of the four major families will also join.
In the following three days, Mu Qingge did not go to the Royal Training Ground again. She stayed at the post house but actually entered her own space.
In three days, she refined a batch of Spirit Level elixir.
She packed three of them into separate jade bottles and put them away.
Han Caicai had revealed before that there would be a map of West Continent of Middle Ancient Realm at this Wanxiang Building’s auction. She needed to go to the Middle Ancient Realm to find her mother’s family; this map was a must-have for her.
To avoid lacking funds, she specially prepared these three Spirit Level elixirs just in case her money runs out, she can use elixirs.
Having everything prepared, Mu Qingge came to the seven-colored egg’s side.
Since the last reaction in Ancient Witch Country, it seemed to have gone silent for this while, almost like it had fallen asleep.
She had asked Jiang Li.
During their contest, she felt a pressure that made her lose directly.
Jiang Li was serious, but the answer was vague.
She could feel the pressure was directly crushing the bloodline within her, indicating that the beast possessing this pressure was not simple. It must be very advanced!
However, she couldn’t say for sure what it specifically was. Only vaguely feeling a surpassing crush of similar species, or perhaps some kind of serpent-like Divine Beast.
According to Jiang Li’s statement, the seven-colored egg Mu Qingge possessed had already reached the Holy Beast Level.
Whether this was accurate, it depended on when it hatched.
Mu Qingge squatted in front of the seven-colored egg, and flicked its shell lightly. The previously quiet seven-colored egg immediately wobbled side to side, like a tumbler.
"What exactly are you? When will you break out of your shell?" Mu Qingge muttered to the seven-colored egg.
Unfortunately, besides shaking a few times, the seven-colored egg did not answer Mu Qingge’s question.
Mu Qingge frowned, "If you don’t come out soon, I’ll boil you and eat you as a hard-boiled egg!"
The seven-colored egg seemed to hear Mu Qingge’s threat, and dimmed its seven-colored glow for a moment.
Mu Qingge’s eyes brightened, and she smiled, "Looks like you can hear and understand my words. So I’ll give you some more time, if you still don’t come out, don’t blame me for being ruthless with my egg-breaking hands!"
Having thoroughly threatened the seven-colored egg, Mu Qingge stood up triumphantly and headed outside.
On the grass, Mengmeng and Yuanyuan were playing and frolicking together.
For Yuanyuan, he didn’t seem to need special cultivation. As long as Mu Qingge could continuously find Abnormal Fire for him to consume, he would be able to grow and transform.
And Mengmeng... having known her for so long, Mu Qingge had never seen her cultivate.
Asking her about it, she would respond with contempt, saying, ’Master, have you ever seen an Artifact Spirit needing cultivation? My strength depends on you! The stronger you become, the more you unlock the space seal, the stronger I naturally become!’
In short, among the quirky beings in her space, aside from herself, only Yin Chen took cultivation seriously.
Mu Qingge walked to where Yin Chen was, saw him curled up, eyes closed, seemingly in cultivation.
She frowned; lately Yin Chen seemed to have become more silent, immersing himself in cultivation daily. In the past, he would sometimes bicker with Mengmeng and Yuanyuan, but now he rarely interacted with them.
This anomaly for some reason made Mu Qingge worried.
Mengmeng had mentioned, for Yin Chen to become a true Divine Beast and even advance to Holy Beast, he must undergo a Life and Death Tribulation and be reborn anew. Yin Chen’s long-awaited tribulation was still nowhere in sight, and this was something Mu Qingge was particularly concerned about.
She didn’t know what a spirit beast’s Life and Death Tribulation entailed, but Yin Chen’s recent odd behavior made her feel the tribulation seemed imminent.
Silently watching Yin Chen for a while, Mu Qingge pursed her lips and left her space.
Even after returning to the post house, the frown between her eyebrows hadn’t eased.
Counting the time, more than half of the first seven-day and seven-night points competition had passed. Only three days remain until the end, and she’s unsure about the current points situation.
Mu Qingge left the post house and headed towards the Royal Training Ground.
Just as she reached outside the training ground, Mu Qingge encountered Shen Bicheng blocking her way.
Looking up at him, Shen Madman expressionlessly said, "In the second round of the competition, you will fight me!"
Mu Qingge’s eyebrow raised lightly.
Shen Bicheng, after saying this, walked past her. As he passed, he suddenly stopped and said, "I want a fair competition with you, so the Four Great Families joined the tournament."
After saying that, he coolly strode away.
Mu Qingge watched Shen Bicheng leave with confusion, unable to understand the necessary link between their competition and the Four Great Families participating.
"Hehe." Suddenly, a charming laugh came from ahead.
Mu Qingge turned her head to see Hua Qinxin from the Hua Family.
"Miss Hua," Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered as she greeted.
Hua Qinxin leaned forward and said to Mu Qingge, "Did Young Master Mu not hear that madman’s words? How about I explain it to you?"
Mu Qingge thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
Hua Qinxin drew closer to her, eyes shining as she said, "Originally, the Four Great Families didn’t need to participate to enter the Ancient Ruins. However, Shen the Madman suddenly proposed to Emperor Yuan that he wanted to join the tournament for a fair competition with you. He wanted to know why he knelt outside the Li Palace for a whole year and couldn’t move the Holy King, while you went to the Li Palace just once and succeeded. Originally, it was only his matter. But the Family Heads of the Lan and Jing Families seized the opportunity, stating it was a great chance to train the younger generations of the Four Great Families, so they collectively proposed to Your Majesty that the Four Great Families participate in the second and third rounds of the competition. Of course, the condition was that, regardless of win or lose, it wouldn’t take up the slots belonging to the Second-class and Third-class Countries."
So that’s how it is!
Mu Qingge finally understood why the Four Great Families, who clearly didn’t need the competition to gain qualifications, suddenly got involved in this Linchuan Conference.
It turns out it was because of the repercussions of the Li Palace incident.
Of course, it wasn’t all because of that.
Because there was already a pre-arranged duel between her and Shen Bicheng.
"Young Master Mu, if we meet on the stage, please go easy on me," Hua Qinxin suddenly said tenderly and affectionately to Mu Qingge.
Hua Qinxin suddenly leaned toward Mu Qingge, but Mu Qingge gracefully stepped aside to avoid her. Hua Qinxin staggered, steadied herself, turned, and looked at Mu Qingge with eyes full of resentment.
"Miss Hua, please take care of yourself," Mu Qingge nodded lightly to her and strode away.
"What a clueless fool who doesn’t know how to cherish beauty!" Hua Qinxin stomped her foot, biting her lip, staring at Mu Qingge’s back.
...
After Mu Qingge entered the training ground, she found that many people had already arrived on the elevated stage in the middle.
Jiang Li was also up there and waved at her when she saw her coming.
Mu Qingge gave her a small smile but didn’t go over immediately; instead, she walked towards Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei.
"How are things now?" Mu Qingge asked.
Compared to three days ago, the two seemed more relaxed.
Zhao Nanxing joked, "With the Dragon Tooth Guards providing escort, although we’re still at the bottom, at least the gap isn’t too big."
"In the first round, everyone hoped not to fall too far behind others. Now it seems, the goal has been achieved," Feng Yufei added.
Mu Qingge observed intently for a while, confirming this was the case.
It seemed everyone had reached this understanding. In this first round, no one showed their true abilities.
"However, you have to be cautious," Zhao Nanxing reminded, "Now Qin Country is far ahead with 197 points, and the second-place Di Country only has 89 points. Besides that, the gap among others isn’t large. I guess in the next three days, the three second-class countries might unite to deal with Qin Country, trying to reduce the gap among each other."
Mu Qingge smiled and generously said, "It’s alright, let them come."
For now, the points Qin Country acquired had met her expectations, so the remaining three days could be spent at leisure.
This first-round competition tested not only endurance but also strategy.
Just like her previous order to the Dragon Tooth Guards to assist Li Country and Yu Country was also a kind of strategy. And now, if the other three second-class countries united against her, it would still be a strategy.
She didn’t know what the Ancient Ruins were, but judging from the rules of these three rounds of competition and how seriously each country took them, it must be a treacherous place.
Not only would they have to face potential dangers within the Ancient Ruins, but they also had to guard against others entering together.
So, the Linchuan Conference tests not individuals, but teams.
And in this aspect, her Dragon Tooth Guards are an absolute formidable presence!
After glancing briefly, Mu Qingge returned to the viewing platform.
As she passed by Xue Qiong, the latter nodded to her in greeting, and she returned the gesture.
She sat down beside Jiang Li, but before they could speak, Huangfu Huan approached. "Little Lord Mu, have you been resting at the Post House these past few days?"
Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows slightly and nodded.
Huangfu Huan pulled a chair over and sat beside them, smiling, "Then perhaps Little Lord Mu is unaware of the two topics currently abuzz in the marketplace."
Having said that, he looked at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li smiled, "Since you come here to curry favor with her, why do you look at me? Just speak your mind, I am too lazy to waste words."
Jiang Li’s unceremonious words made Huangfu Huan shake his head and smile wryly, yet he still thanked Jiang Li, "Thank you, Empress Jiang, for allowing me."
Only then did he speak to Mu Qingge, "The two matters that are the talk of the town now, one is the auction that Wanxiang Building is holding in six days. The other is the matter of the Lan Family, which, speaking of, has some ties to you, Little Lord."
Mu Qingge curled her lips into a smile, her tone tinged with amusement, "I know about Wanxiang Building’s auction. But what has happened with the Lan Family, and how are they involving me?"
Huangfu Huan smiled, "For some reason, Lan Feiyue was expelled from the Li Palace, and rumors of the Holy King abandoning her have spread. Now, Lan Feiyue is under such public attack she dares not show her face. She was once highly praised, and now she’s under heavy suppression. And there’s also the matter that you were favored by the Holy King and met with him alone in the Li Palace, which has been circulating. Now everyone in Tiandu is guessing what kind of person you are, Little Lord, and why you garner the Holy King’s favor. Some people even compile your deeds into ballads to sing in the teahouses."
Mu Qingge listened in amazement, unable to fathom how such changes unfolded in the world after three days of her seclusion.
What one calls a day in the mountains is a thousand years in the world, she truly felt it firsthand.
"Ahem, what purpose do you have in telling me all this, Crown Prince?" Mu Qingge feigned a couple of coughs and asked Huangfu Huan.
Huangfu Huan, hiding his intent, glanced towards the people from the Lan Family, then at Mu Qingge, a smile full of meaning on his lips, "Perhaps, Little Lord, you should ask Empress Jiang about the latest rumors."
Hmm?
Mu Qingge turned to look at Jiang Li.
Just then, Huangfu Huan stood up and took his leave.
Watching his retreating figure, Jiang Li said venomously, "He’s a sly one! Says the pleasant things, leaving the unpleasant for me to say!"
"Unpleasant?" Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li snorted coldly, disdainfully saying, "What else could it be? Originally beneficial rumors for you, under the manipulation of some, now portray you in the storybooks as a courtesan serving with charm."
"Serving with charm?" A cold gleam flickered in Mu Qingge’s slitted eyes as her smile became increasingly mocking.
Jiang Li remarked calmly, "In a different version of your story. Your service with charm is not the first time, but back when you were in Qin Country, even as a supposed waste, your extraordinary beauty could allure the Qin Imperial Family, causing strife among the princes over you. Ultimately, the Mu Family became the biggest beneficiary, and the winning Prince Xian was even said to be your close ally. Now, messing up Qin Country isn’t enough, you’re here to beguile the Holy King for ancient tricks, seeking to eliminate opposition and control all Linchuan."
Mu Qingge listened, her smile gradually cooling. "Control all Linchuan? Whoever spread these rumors really overestimates me. This version’s portrayal makes me seem like a femme fatale deserving everyone’s condemnation."
"After these rumors surfaced, the Huangfu Family immediately sent people to quell them, and I did too. But the effects were minimal; it seems the force behind these rumors is more than one. Oh, I discovered when I sent people to investigate that Wanxiang Building is also involved." Jiang Li said, throwing a flirtatious glance at Mu Qingge, smiling, "Looks like that Young Master Han is quite attentive to you."
Attentive? Not stabbing someone in the back would already be commendable.
Mu Qingge felt she knew all too well Han Caicai’s awful character.
"Have you found the source?" Mu Qingge asked Jiang Li.
Jiang Li shook her head, "Not yet, but Huangfu Huan’s earlier words seemed to imply this might be related to the Lan Family."
Mu Qingge fell silent, her gaze coldly sweeping over to the Lan Family’s location. She withdrew her gaze blandly, saying, "When I came in, I didn’t sense anything unusual."
Jiang Li laughed, "Naturally. Those rumors are only believed by the ignorant commoners outside; everyone here knows a bit about your capabilities, so how could they easily believe them?" She continued, her gaze becoming sharp, her voice grave, "However, I’m curious, what’s their purpose in smearing you? Is it simply to divert public attention from Lan Feiyue?"
"I’m curious too." The smile on Mu Qingge’s lips turned playful.