The Ghost Sea, like a land of broken stars, shimmers with countless starlight in its deep blue.

Here, it seems as if from sky to ground, there is only one color. It’s called a sea, but it resembles a barrier more.

It’s said that whoever leaves here, never returns.

It’s said that within the Ghost Sea, another world is hidden...

In truth, the Ghost Sea is just a realm filled with countless illusions. Being within it makes it hard to distinguish truth from illusion, and perhaps one will forever wander and drift within it until the end of life.

The ships crossing this sea are also unlike the usual ones.

An oval-shaped vessel, calm and quiet, drifts into the Ghost Sea, its oars extending from the ship’s bottom, paddling through the blue starlight at an extremely slow pace.

The high ship rails block the view of the banks, one can only see ahead.

It’s said, this is to block some of the illusions from getting in. However, illusions are omnipresent within the Ghost Sea, rendering such design largely for comfort than practicality.

Inside the ship, the cabin is constructed along the high ship rails like cliffs, tier by tier, while the central deck remains flat and unimpeded. The tall mast stands in the ship’s center, overreaching the railings. The white sails hung above control the ship’s direction.

At the bow, Mu Qingge stands with her hands behind her back, admiring the scenery of the Ghost Sea.

In reality, the scenery of the Ghost Sea is quite monotonous, those minuscule changes perhaps pass by before you even notice. Yet she remains there, unmoved, for a full two hours.

Beside her squats a snow-white fox, with nine tails forming a fan shape behind it, fluttering in the air while waving freely.

This fox is exceedingly beautiful, its eyes red as jewels, an enchanting rune at its brow that adds to its mystery.

When Mu Qingge was on her way to the Ghost Sea, Yin Chen finally awoke from its advancement. This advancement has brought it to the threshold of qualifying as a Divine Beast, only awaiting the Life and Death Tribulation to transform into one.

Yin Chen’s promotion also benefited Mu Qingge, its master.

The aftereffects of using the Qiankun Secret Array in Wanfeng City have been completely dissipated. She has regained her Spiritual Power Cultivation at the Middle Rank of the Purple Realm, not only that, because her persistent cultivation in the absence of power, her power has ascended another level, faintly sensing the barrier to the High Rank of the Purple Realm.

Such terrifying cultivation speed is unmatched!

"Yin Chen, what do you think the illusions in the Ghost Sea are?" Mu Qingge suddenly asks softly.

Her eyes, tinted deep blue from the sea’s color, holding the shimmering starlight, make her gaze even brighter.

Yin Chen tilts its head to look at her, and after a while, replies: "Master, people’s hearts differ, just as illusions do. Actually, the Ghost Sea has no illusions, only a power to build dreams. It allows those who enter, unknowingly, to enter their heart’s most desired dream, reluctant to wake up. Even if you escape one dream, another awaits, so one cannot tell dream from reality amidst the cycle."

"Then what can you do?" Mu Qingge asks with unclear intentions.

But Yin Chen understands. Its blood-red eyes fix on Mu Qingge as it says, "I can repel that power, keeping you, and everyone on this ship, awake and on course out of the Ghost Sea, entering the Ancient Witch Country."

Mu Qingge finally turns her eyes toward it, meeting its red gaze with a smile, "Why so serious? I was just asking casually."

"Does Master want to experience the illusions of the Ghost Sea?" Yin Chen exposes Mu Qingge’s thoughts.

Mu Qingge lowers her head, her fingertips brushing her nose, feigning a cough, "Well, it’s boring anyway, hard to come by such a journey to the Ghost Sea, it’s a rare opportunity."

Indeed, she is somewhat curious about what lies in her own heart.

’Master Yin, Master Yin, if you’re bored, come in and bring the child!’ Suddenly, Mengmeng’s protesting voice explodes in Mu Qingge’s mind.

Instantly, the image of Mengmeng, on the verge of tears, appears in her mind, beside a baby even bigger than itself!

No, it’s the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame!

Yes, Mu Qingge has given him a baby name, Yuanyuan.

As for a proper name, Mu Qingge says she will think about it when she has time. Anyway, Yuanyuan won’t grow up too soon; the baby name suffices for now.

Seemingly to declare alliance, Yuanyuan also ’hums’ a few aggrieved sounds by Mengmeng’s side, its chubby form exceptionally adorable, making one eager to pick him up and munch on him.

But surely!

Mu Qingge knows well the consequence of such action!

The sudden sharp pain in her teeth, as if seared by fire, compels her to raise her hand and rub her cheek displeased.

This consequence ensures no desire for closeness with Yuanyuan will arise within her again! Hmph!

"Well... Though it seems calm, much danger lies beneath the calm surface, never be careless." Mu Qingge sternly stares at the Ghost Sea, seemingly responding to Mengmeng’s protest.

"Wow—Mama doesn’t want Yuanyuan anymore—wow—!" The chubby Yuanyuan immediately burst into a howl of tears.

In an instant, Mengmeng standing beside him is frozen into an ice stick by the cold air he emits.

Mu Qingge mercilessly sends the two back into the space and continues to stand at the bow looking at the scenery with pretended righteousness!

"Mu Shidi."

As soon as she dismissed Mengmeng and the Yuanyuan cub, Mu Qingge heard Shang Zisu’s voice from behind her.

Turning around, Mu Qingge smiles at Shang Zisu, "Does Shijie need something?"

Shang Zisu slowly shakes her head, walking towards her. Staring at her for a while, she says nothing, just stands beside her, shifting her gaze lightly to the Ghost Sea.

She, along with Mo Yang, had been waiting for Mu Qingge at the edge of the Ghost Sea for a long time.

Even during the wait, they saw wanted notices of Mu Qingge in the cities near the Ghost Sea.

She doesn’t know why she felt worried, fearful, and those feelings only eased upon seeing Mu Qingge. But before she could say anything, Mu Qingge had already ordered to board the ship and set off.

Just now, she clearly meant to ask Mu Qingge why she was wanted and if she was hurt or encountered danger.

However, when she saw Mu Qingge standing fine before her, she couldn’t ask anything at all. She just wanted to stand beside her without saying a word.

"It’s truly beautiful here," Shang Zisu says sincerely, gazing at the miraculous Ghost Sea.

"Yes, very beautiful," Mu Qingge agrees.

Yin Chen lifts its head, glancing at the two, wanting to vanish of its own accord.

However, as soon as it moves, pain surges through its tail.

Looking down, it finds Mu Qingge’s foot firmly planted on one of its tails. Yin Chen’s blood-red eyes trail up to Mu Qingge’s face meeting her rising cold smile.

’Awoo!’ Yin Chen’s pointed ears droop down as it lowers its head obediently continuing to act as a ’light bulb’.

After preventing Yin Chen’s departure, Mu Qingge raises her head, glances sideways at Shang Zisu, and then fixes her gaze on the Ghost Sea.

The water of the Ghost Sea, seemingly descending from the sky, with starlight interspersed within the deep blue glow, is splendid and mysterious.

After watching for a long time, Shang Zisu can’t resist reaching out, hoping to catch those faint rays of light falling from the sky with her hand.

But just as her hand reaches the side of the ship, Mu Qingge sharply pulls her back.

Shang Zisu looks at Mu Qingge in surprise.

Mu Qingge, however, says with a serious expression, "There is a mysterious substance in the Ghost Sea that can cause hallucinations. We are safe because we are on the ship, protected by Yin Chen. If you extend your hand outside, what might happen is unpredictable. It’s best not to take such risks."

Shang Zisu’s eyelashes quiver lightly; she murmurs, "I was careless." Her gaze lingers on their joined hands, slightly lost in thought.

Following her line of sight, Mu Qingge quickly lets go and awkwardly says, "I’m sorry."

The gentle hand falls from the air, Shang Zisu lowers her eyes showing a hint of forlornness. She shakes her head, saying, "It’s alright."

Their silhouettes at the bow fall into the eyes of Mo Yang standing behind the mast.

No emotion is discernible on his facial features.

Instead, a Dragon Tooth Guard walking up from behind, after seeing the scene at the bow, teases, "Our little lord’s charm is boundless; what are we real men supposed to do!"

Mo Yang turns his head, casting a cold glance at him.

He immediately straightens his back, reining in his playful expression.

Seeing he stops joking, Mo Yang slowly withdraws his gaze.

Yet, the fearless Dragon Tooth Guard quietly probes, "Boss, why so tense? Could it be, after all this time spent together, you’ve fallen for that Shang girl?"

"Feeling itchy?" Mo Yang responds coldly.

A pair of eyes, sharp as knives, swept over.

This fearless Dragon Tooth Guard immediately showed submission, forcing a smile and retreating.

Mo Yang has now entered the Blue Realm Initial Rank, while they are still at the Green Realm High Rank, how could they not recognize their own folly in seeking abuse?

After the Dragon Tooth Guard retreated, Mo Yang turned his gaze back to the bow of the ship.

But, if someone were to look into his eyes at this moment, they would find that he was actually only looking at one person...

’Don’t long for things that should not be hoped for. Otherwise, I’m afraid I won’t even have my current position, let alone be able to watch her like now.’ Mo Yang told himself three times in his heart, then lowered his gaze and turned to leave.

On the bow, it was unclear whether Shang Zisu was accompanying Mu Qingge or Mu Qingge was accompanying Shang Zisu. After standing for over an hour, they each returned to their cabins.

Yin Chen remained at the bow, continuing his mission.

Mu Qingge’s room was naturally much better than the giant ship traveling from Mu City to the Medicine Tower Headquarters. Even though this ship was not large, due to her status, she received the best.

This was not her request, but had already been arranged by Mo Yang when he built the ship.

Apart from her room, Shang Zisu, as a guest, also enjoyed better resources. On the contrary, Mo Yang and the Dragon Tooth Guards only had simple cabins, without much decoration or finery.

In the spacious, exquisite, comfortable, and tidy cabin, Mu Qingge lay on her large bed.

Actually, she wasn’t sleepy.

After talking with Yin Chen, she felt a bit curious.

Last time, Yin Chen used the Illusion Realm to let her ’return’ to a past life and back to Earth. She wondered if Ghost Sea could have the same effect?

Besides, she always thought she understood her own heart well. But recently, she found she couldn’t see through it clearly.

It seemed something was slipping out of her control.

She urgently needed to know what it was, then regain control over it!

Mu Qingge seemed to give herself a good reason.

She sat up from the bed and called to Yin Chen in her heart, "Yin Chen, Yin Chen." She and Yin Chen had a contract, allowing them to communicate even over long distances. What’s more, they were just on the same ship?

Soon, Yin Chen responded, "Master?"

"Yin Chen, I want to experience the illusion of Ghost Sea. If something goes wrong, you should pull me out." Mu Qingge said straightforwardly.

"Is Master sure?" Yin Chen furrowed its brow, seeming somewhat displeased with Mu Qingge’s decision but unwilling to defy her wishes.

"Yes. There’s no harm in trying." Mu Qingge nodded.

Seeing Mu Qingge’s decision, Yin Chen no longer dissuaded.

After a moment of silence, it said, "I will let in a thread of Ghost Sea’s power, Master should stay in the room."

Suddenly, a strand of golden shimmering fox fur appeared in Mu Qingge’s hand.

Yin Chen’s voice came again, "If Master can walk out of the illusion by oneself, it will also be extremely beneficial for the tempering of Spiritual Sense. If trapped, throw out the fur in your hand, and I will bring Master out."

"Okay." Mu Qingge held onto the fur tightly.

...

On the bow, Yin Chen closed its eyes, the rune on its brow emitting a mesmerizing golden light.

Outside the ship, a layer of golden light shield gradually appeared. Outside the shield, many starlights attempted to invade but were blocked.

Suddenly, a crack appeared on the shield, allowing some starlights to squeeze in.

Then, the shield recovered and disappeared.

Yet those infiltrated starlights were sent into Mu Qingge’s room by Yin Chen.

With ghostly blue starlights, fluttering like ribbons, they entered Mu Qingge’s room, under Mu Qingge’s gaze, into her nostrils.

Even though Mu Qingge was prepared, she still felt a bodily tremor.

Gradually, a look of confusion appeared in her eyes, and she slowly fell backward onto the bed, closing her eyes.

Mu Qingge felt as if she was in the midst of a starry sky, surrounded by endless darkness. The constantly twinkling starlights guided her forward.

She felt her body becoming very light, like a kite, floating in the wind.

However, she could control her direction, flying towards those star lights.

’Is this the illusion of Ghost Sea?’ Mu Qingge thought in her heart.

After flying for a while, Mu Qingge asked herself again in her heart, ’Is there anything troubling my heart?’

Suddenly, she felt a heavy descent, pulling her body down rapidly.

She opened her mouth in surprise but couldn’t make a sound.

Then, as her vision blurred, she found herself enveloped in darkness.

In a daze, Mu Qingge didn’t know how long she had been unconscious. It might have been just a moment, maybe a day, or even a year.

It seemed time was no longer important.

As her consciousness gradually returned, Mu Qingge opened her heavy eyelids.

Her vision, blurry, became clear.

The scenery was very familiar; familiar enough that she recognized it at a glance.

"Mu Mansion!" Mu Qingge sat up abruptly.

After looking around to confirm, she realized she was back at her family home in the Mu Mansion.

At this moment, she was lying in her own bed, with the surroundings unchanged.

Just then, a pretty maid walked in, seeing her sit up, she greeted with a gentle smile, "Little Lord, you are awake."

She naturally recognized this maid. "You He?"

You He approached Mu Qingge and served her in getting off the bed as usual, "Why is Little Lord so surprised? Not happy to see me? Should I call Hua Yue instead?"

"No, you all..." Mu Qingge’s thoughts became somewhat chaotic; as if something was forgotten.

But she also seemed to know that everything in front of her shouldn’t be this way.

She raised her hand and hit her head.

Ouch!

"Little Lord, what are you doing?" You He grabbed her arm in terror, stopping her self-harming behavior.

Mu Qingge muttered woodenly, "There’s pain? Isn’t this an illusion?"

"What illusion? Did Little Lord wake up confused?" You He stomped anxiously.

Mu Qingge lightly shook her head and replied according to You He’s words, "Maybe."

In bewilderment, Mu Qingge was led by You He to the side to get dressed.

She kept thinking about the lost memories in her mind, missing the fact that what You He dressed her in was her usual red attire.

After dressing, she was led to sit in front of the dressing table by You He.

"Who is this!" Mu Qingge exclaimed upon seeing herself in the mirror.

You He was startled by her, "Little Lord, this is you! What happened, are you ill?"

Mu Qingge looked in disbelief at the mirror’s enchanting beauty, the features were her own, undoubtedly. But the problem was she always appeared in men’s attire; how could she suddenly appear in her true form?

She looked at the collar of the clothes in the mirror and lowered her head, realizing she was wearing a woman’s dress.

Raising her head again, she touched her left ear and found the purple earring that concealed her identity was actually gone!

"Where is my earring?" Mu Qingge turned to ask You He.

You He looked at her worriedly and replied, "Earring? Little Lord, didn’t you give it to the Young Master as a token of affection?"

Young Master? Token of affection?

Mu Qingge’s eyes widened, utterly refusing to believe what You He said. "What Young Master? Token of affection? What nonsense is this?"

Seeing her like this, You He became nervous too. She grabbed Mu Qingge’s arms and tried hard to explain, "Little Lord, what’s wrong with you? The Young Master is your husband, you just got married last month! At that time, the whole of Linchuan celebrated it; it was so lively. Half a year ago, you brought the Dragon Tooth Guards and a betrothal gift spanning hundreds of miles to the Young Master. You took off your earring, revealed your female identity to the world, and vowed to bring the Young Master back to the Mu Mansion! Have you forgotten the scene of that time? Countless women were heartbroken for you, countless men were bewitched by you, your proposal to the Young Master shocked the entire Linchuan. Countless people laughed at your foolishness, yet the Young Master agreed, giving them a hearty slap in the face..."

’Is this really her? Is the person You He speaks of really her? Did she actually go and propose to a man? And say she would bring him home?’ Mu Qingge covered her cheeks with her hands, totally unable to believe You He’s words.

However, in her mind, the blurry images that emerged because of You He’s words seemed to confirm their truth.

If these things were indeed done by her, she would really want to die!

Mu Qingge suddenly looked up at You He.

Her eyes, excessively shocked, made You He jump in fright. "Who exactly did I propose to?"

"To me." Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the doorway.

Mu Qingge turned her head abruptly, seeing a figure in white, tall and elegantly handsome, unmatched in the world, appeared in her sight.

"How can this be possible..." Mu Qingge’s eyes shrank instantly, she was so frightened that she stammered.

"What’s wrong with you, little Ge’er? Wasn’t it you who personally proposed to me? Now, in this manner, do you want to back out?" Si Mo’s deep and exceptionally beautiful eyes narrowed dangerously.

In an instant, he was in front of Mu Qingge and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

In the depths of Mu Qingge’s terrified widened eyes, the white silhouette of Si Mo reflected back. For the moment, she forgot to resist.

You He, seeing Si Mo’s appearance, covered her mouth and giggled, then abandoned her master and fled, leaving Mu Qingge to face Si Mo alone.

"You you you you..."

The danger in Si Mo’s eyes turned into amusement, and he spoke softly, "How has one mere night passed, and Lady has become a stutterer? Could it be that you are tired out from last night?"

The suggestive words made Mu Qingge’s cheeks instantly become burning hot.

She pulled Si Mo’s hand from her waist and jumped out of the man’s embrace, eyeing him warily.

"Where does little Ge’er feel uncomfortable? It’s my fault, I’ve worn you out these days. However, your grandfather keeps talking about wanting a great-grandchild, so as a grandson-in-law, I couldn’t be too neglectful, right?" Si Mo took a step closer to Mu Qingge, and his words made her feel utterly shameless!

"Don’t come any closer!" Mu Qingge raised her hand between them, using the other hand to hold her head, "Let me calm down first!"

Suddenly, she felt herself lighten underfoot and found herself lifted by Si Mo, heading towards the bed.

"What are you doing!" Mu Qingge exclaimed in horror.

Si Mo looked down at her, his eyes full of affection, "If you’re tired, just rest more. I promise, I won’t trouble you today."

Mu Qingge felt her mouth twitch uncontrollably and stared blankly at Si Mo, completely bewildered about how to react.

Why, why do those chaotic and unclear memories in her mind get automatically filled in with scenes because of what You He said, because of what Si Mo said? That kind of realism, as if they were her original memories.

Being embraced in Si Mo’s embrace, that distinctive fragrance on him continuously wafted into Mu Qingge’s nose, awakening her deepest memories. No one could imitate this fragrance, he was Si Mo.

Mu Qingge suddenly felt calmed down, snuggling against Si Mo’s chest, listening to the ’thump thump’ coming from his heart.

"I understand now." Mu Qingge suddenly said.

Si Mo looked at her, with a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if to ask her what she ’understood.’

Mu Qingge spread open her left hand, revealing a white fox fur lying in her palm. She looked up at Si Mo. Her other hand slowly lifted and caressed Si Mo’s flawlessly handsome face. "You are my heart."

Si Mo gave her a slight smile.

That smile carried indulgence, affection, and endless love.

Mu Qingge sat up from his embrace, looked at Si Mo with an unprecedented seriousness, and said to him, "Wait for me, I will come find you!"

As she finished speaking, the fox fur in her palm emitted a golden light, instantly enveloping Mu Qingge, making her silhouette blurred.

"Little Ge’er, I’ll wait for you." Si Mo suddenly laughed.

But his words made Mu Qingge, who was disappearing, suddenly widen her eyes!

...

The ship in the Ghost Sea moved forward slowly.

In Mu Qingge’s cabin, a flash of golden light appeared suddenly. When the light disappeared, Mu Qingge abruptly sat up from the bed.

"This is impossible!" Her face still showed an expression of disbelief.

Mu Qingge furrowed her brows tightly and muttered to herself, "That was clearly my illusion, my inner self. He couldn’t have reacted that way! It was all false, just a depiction according to my heart."

She admitted it, admitted that there was Si Mo in her heart.

She admitted that this thousand-year-old undying monster did move her heart, but that was all.

But what did that sentence spoken by Si Mo’s illusion mean? In that instant, Mu Qingge even felt that it wasn’t an illusion at all, but Si Mo himself!

But, is that possible?

"Master?" It seemed that Yin Chen sensed Mu Qingge’s unstable aura upon awakening from the Illusion Realm and worriedly spoke up.

This voice, like a lifeline, made Mu Qingge grasp onto it firmly. "Yin Chen, can anyone enter another’s illusion?"

She asked urgently.

Yin Chen was silent for a moment, then affirmed, "Of course, it’s possible. Haven’t I entered Master’s illusion before?"

"That’s different." Mu Qingge denied, "You did that with your own consciousness, creating an environment based on my memories to let me enter. What I mean is, if I am in the Illusion Realm myself, can someone else appear in it with their true body? That person I thought was my illusion, but he was actually real?"

Mu Qingge’s words were somewhat difficult to comprehend, but Yin Chen still understood.

This time, it remained silent for even longer, seemingly pondering over the possibility Mu Qingge mentioned. After a while, it finally answered Mu Qingge, "Unless that person is extremely powerful, mastering certain Laws. Moreover, they must know Master’s aura, be able to sense the sudden change in Master’s aura, and follow it into the illusion. Such a person, in my inheritance, is typically called a God!"

A God!

Mu Qingge was startled. The image of Si Mo appeared in her mind.

He was so formidable, wasn’t he like a deity?

"What do you mean by a sudden change in aura?" Mu Qingge asked.

This time, Yin Chen didn’t remain silent. It promptly answered, "When a person falls into the Illusion Realm, their aura changes. Ordinary people can’t sense it, but a God can easily capture it."

At this moment, Mu Qingge had completely calmed down. She said in a calm tone, "Then, if that God enters the illusion, can they alter the course of the illusion?"

"Theoretically, yes. Because a God is so powerful, they can invade with their consciousness and thus change the illusion. Minor adjustments could be made, or it could be significantly altered, deceiving one’s true heart," Yin Chen explained.

"I understand. I’m a bit tired, I’ll rest for a bit." After saying this, Mu Qingge lay back on the bed.

The voice of Yin Chen also disappeared from her mind.

Yin Chen’s words brought Mu Qingge into confusion once again. If Si Mo in the illusion was not her illusion, then what the illusion represented — was it real?

Was it hers, or did it belong to Si Mo?

Mu Qingge thought she finally saw clearly her heart, which was mired in confusion and entanglement, but she found herself perplexed once more.

...

Floating aimlessly for over half a month on the Ghost Sea, the vague outline of land finally appeared in the distance.

Three days later, Mu Qingge and the others finally disembarked in the Ancient Witch Country.

Since almost no one could pass through the Ghost Sea, the pier here had long fallen into disrepair. After getting off the ship, Mu Qingge directly stored the ship into her space and led the others towards the capital city, Jiang City, of the Ancient Witch Country.

The Ancient Witch Country, the most unique nation on the Linchuan Continent.

Its uniqueness was not only because its southernmost point was the continent’s barrier — the Bitter Sea. But also due to the legend that the people’s lineage in this country contained the blood of divine beasts from the sea.

It is said that a long time ago, the people of the Ancient Witch Country mated with some powerful Transformed Divine Beasts from the Bitter Sea. Their offspring retained human forms and also possessed some of the powers of the divine beasts.

They possess formidable abilities and high talent, just like those perfect mixed-blood individuals Mu Qingge had seen in her previous life, with outstanding appearances and exceptional intelligence.

Their extraordinary nature stems from the uniqueness of their bloodline.

They are peace-loving and prefer staying within the Ancient Witch Country, seldom venturing out, and despising warfare.

Their most distinctive trait is that their ruler is female—a Empress! The royal surname is Jiang, a venerable ancient name associated with Witch God Power, honoring women as supreme.

"Mu Shidi, I heard that the people of the Ancient Witch Country have eye colors different from ours, and even their hair color is somewhat distinct," Shang Zisu said with curiosity.

Mu Qingge smiled and replied, "We’ll soon reach Jiang City, and then we can verify it firsthand."

Then, she instructed Mo Yang, "Aunt mentioned traveling in the Ancient Witch Country, check if she contacted the nearby Dragon Tooth Guards or Thousand Fierce Army, and see if there’s any news of her."

Mo Yang quickly relayed Mu Qingge’s instructions.

The population of the Ancient Witch Country is small, only a few thousand. Most reside in the capital, hence people from the Ancient Witch Country are rarely seen outside Jiang City.

Instead, one can see people from other countries visiting for exploration.

There is another matter that Mu Qingge kept in mind.

The Refining Tower Branch is established within the Ancient Witch Country.

However, unlike the Medicine Tower Branch, it doesn’t recruit external disciples; the Main Courtyard sends people every few years to guard it.

The Refining Tower Branch was set up to covet the precious materials from the outer regions of the Bitter Sea.

Although she left Rong Country, Mu Qingge remained wary of being a wanted figure by the Refining Tower, unsure if her image was circulated to the branch, she remained cautious.

The Ancient Witch Country isn’t very large, but after two days of walking from the shore, the group arrived at the capital, Jiang City.

Seeing the arc-shaped city walls, Mu Qingge realized Jiang City is actually a circular city. Such circular walls are inherently stronger against attacks.

Nearing a hundred zhang tall, the walls towered high, enclosing the city tightly like a cylinder. Upon the walls were splendid structures adorned with coral, resembling an underwater world.

At the city gates, the guards seemed to only inspect foreigners, without checking the locals.

"Little Lord, the latest news from Miss was five days ago, she is in Jiang City," Mo Yang informed Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge nodded subtly and said to the group, "Let’s go in then."

...

Inside Jiang City, magnificent buildings with jade and exquisite structures stood. People of the Ancient Witch Country seemed to particularly favor curved lines and vibrant colors. The city was filled with architecture different in style from other nations, uniquely decorated with paint and shells.

The clothing style in the Ancient Witch Country was also distinctive.

Men mostly wore sleeve-less open jackets, loose pants, with silk tying at the waist and ankles, and wooden clogs on their feet.

Women’s clothing varied, but most showcased their alluring figures, with exposed waist and abdomen, particularly enticing.

Upon entering, Shang Zisu’s face appeared mildly flushed.

Seemingly unaccustomed to the open style of the Ancient Witch Country’s people.

Yet she couldn’t help but curiously observe those with silver, red, blue, and black hair, and faces filled with exotic appeal.

"They all look quite attractive," Shang Zisu commented.

Mu Qingge nodded in agreement.

She admired inwardly: ’In whatever world, mixed-blood individuals are blessed with unique genes!’ Even though some people in the Ancient Witch Country had shimmering scales on their necks or pointed ears, it didn’t detract from their beauty.

Men were handsome, women were fair; this was nearly a summary of the people’s appearance in the Ancient Witch Country.

The marketplace streets of the Ancient Witch Country aren’t particularly wide but aren’t narrow either.

Besides shops, temporary markets were set up with fabric sheds. As sunlight shone, the shells on the buildings glittered, making the whole city appear to glow.

Here, nearly everyone had smiles, with eyes void of excessive desires, indicating they were quite content with their current life. Such a tranquil and simple country made Mu Qingge’s admiration for it rise abruptly.

Suddenly, many people brushed past them, rushing in the same direction.

"What’s happening up ahead?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, asking.

Mo Yang promptly grabbed someone to inquire.

Soon, he returned and reported to Mu Qingge, "There’s a square ahead, the venue for important gatherings of the Ancient Witch Country. Today, their Empress is selecting a husband there, she favored someone, but there was opposition, and the man seemed unwilling too. It’s said the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country is stunning, a rarity that few men can resist, which is why everyone is rushing to watch the spectacle."

"Empress rejected a marriage proposal, yet the citizens rush to watch?" Mu Qingge’s expression turned bizarre.

This truly is an amazing country!

"Mu Shidi, perhaps we should avoid going," Shang Zisu suddenly suggested to Mu Qingge after Mo Yang’s account.

Mu Qingge looked at her puzzledly.

Under Mu Qingge’s gaze, Shang Zisu bit her lip and said, "What if... what if the Empress takes a liking to you, then what?"

’Haha!’

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched.

Mo Yang and the Dragon Tooth Guards also showed odd expressions.

Although the possibility raised by Shang Zisu was significant, they knew Mu Qingge would never agree to marry the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country.

"Didn’t they already say the Empress has chosen?" Mu Qingge said, touching her nose awkwardly, "No worries, we’ll just blend into the crowd and watch, nothing will happen."

Given the rare chance to visit the Ancient Witch Country and encounter such an intriguing event, she wouldn’t miss it due to some nonsensical worry instead of satisfying her curiosity.

Moreover, since there’s a precedent of being turned down already, there’s no fear of being rejected again!

Mu Qingge was quite confident in her appearance, never considering the possibility that the Empress might not fancy her!

Of course, this confidence also stemmed from countless evidence of Mu Qingge’s irresistible allure, leaving her no choice but to be self-assured!

Shang Zisu, unable to dissuade her, had to follow Mu Qingge and the others into the crowd heading towards the square.

At the moment, indeed a battle for a husband was unfolding in the square—

On the circular square stood a tall, pointed tower, within it stood a noble and graceful woman.

Below the square stood a man and a woman facing her.

Surrounding them were Ancient Witch Country guards, clad in Qilin Armor, holding Bone Spears, aiming at the man and woman.

Among them, the woman angrily addressed the woman on the tower, "You’re the Empress, why force others? He clearly rejected you, yet you’re attempting to seize him?"

"He won the tournament, he’s to be my husband." A haughty and cold voice echoed from the tower.

The woman angrily retorted, "But the tournament initially never stated it was for choosing a husband, this is deception!"

"Everyone here knows," the Ancient Witch Country Empress continued in a proud tone.

Then the man stepped in front of the woman, shielding her from the Empress, and said, "I’ve said, I will not marry you."

"No one asked you to marry me, instead you’re to wed me," the Empress replied with arrogance.

The man’s face twisted in humiliation, he retorted, "That is impossible!"

"Either come to the palace with me or face death." The Empress offered two paths.

However, to the man and woman, both paths meant an end.

At this point, Mu Qingge had squeezed into the crowd with Shang Zisu. The Dragon Tooth Guards subtly formed a circle around them, preventing disturbances from the throng.

Swiftly, Mu Qingge reached a position towards the front.

She then heard the Empress’s domineering proclamation.

She glanced up at the tower, but the glare prevented her from seeing the Empress clearly. Then, she looked at the man and woman on the square.

Upon seeing the woman’s appearance, Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed suddenly.

In her ears, Mo Yang’s shocked voice sounded, "Miss!"