The sunlight spilled, making the entire Jiang City glimmer as if a dream, almost like a fantasy realm.

Early in the morning, Jiang Li rushed into Mu Qingge’s room and pulled her out of bed.

"What’s gotten into you?" Mu Qingge rubbed her head, still looking sleepy.

Jiang Li looked at her in shock, "Did you steal something last night?"

Mu Qingge glared at her, sighed deeply, and sat dazedly on the bed, feeling complicated. What happened last night came somewhat suddenly and unexpectedly, and her aunt made an oath.

Though she didn’t understand matters of the heart, she could tell clearly that liking someone and loving someone were different.

Her aunt undoubtedly had feelings for Xue Qiao, but was it love?

After all, they hadn’t known each other long. If in time her aunt discovered her feelings for Xue Qiao weren’t love, yet she was bound by the oath, wouldn’t that be an unjust fate?

"Jiang Li, is it true that an oath made in the Ancient Witch Country will come true if broken?" Mu Qingge asked persistently to the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country.

Jiang Li nodded without a trace of hesitation, "Of course, it has never failed for thousands of years!"

"Why is that?" Mu Qingge frowned in confusion.

Jiang Li replied, "That’s the mystery of the Ancient Witch Country. Our ancient books contain vague hints. It seems that in ancient times, a great battle between gods and demons took place on this land, and afterward, for some unknown reason, both gods and demons laid divine and demon curses here, endowing the land with a special power—the power of oaths."

"Gods and demons again?" Mu Qingge’s eyes were slightly solemn.

She realized that ever since she took over the Mu Family’s heritage scripture from her grandfather, she had increasingly heard mentions of gods and demons.

The divine clan texts on the scripture remained indecipherable to her.

Now, hearing the legends of gods and demons from Jiang Li... Could it be that gods and demons truly exist in this otherworld? And how powerful are they in this world?

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Seeing Mu Qingge lost in thought, Jiang Li waved her hand in front of her eyes.

Mu Qingge blinked, coming back to her senses, and shook her head, "Nothing." Suddenly, inspiration struck her, and she asked, "Do you know the language of the divine clan?"

Jiang Li blinked, then laughed, "How would I know? Let alone gods and demons being so distant from us, even if we shared the same land, they’re separated by thousands of years. How old am I now?"

Mu Qingge forced a smile, not saying more.

Such an answer didn’t disappoint her too much; it had just been a spontaneous question. If the divine clan texts were so easily deciphered, the Mu Family’s ancestors wouldn’t have waited for her for so many generations.

She paused for a moment, then asked reluctantly, "Since the oath is real, is there any way to annul it? Or perhaps slightly alter the outcome?"

Jiang Li looked at her carefully for a while and finally asked, "Qingge, what exactly are you worried about?"

Mu Qingge smiled bitterly, sharing her concerns under Jiang Li’s gaze.

After listening, Jiang Li said speechlessly, "You’re worried about this? Your aunt isn’t afraid, so why are you?"

"She’s been swept away by emotion, but I’m clear-headed," Mu Qingge retorted.

"Isn’t love born from impulse? When two people are in love, where’s the room for rationality and assessment?" Jiang Li frowned.

Mu Qingge was taken aback; Jiang Li’s words seemed to strike her deeply, rendering her silent.

Jiang Li sighed and shook her head, "Really, who’s to say the ending of two people will be good or bad? As long as the original intention remains unchanged, isn’t that enough? Why overthink? You’ll get nothing in the end if you fear everything. You’re worried your aunt can’t tell if her feelings for Xue Qiao are romantic love, but how do you know her state of mind when she made the promise?"

Mu Qingge looked bewildered at Jiang Li, suddenly asking, "What kind of feeling counts as love?"

If her aunt hadn’t sworn an oath, she naturally wouldn’t worry. But now that the oath was made, regret would mean paying with her life.

Jiang Li was surprised, pointing to herself and asking, "You’re asking me? How would I know? I’ve never been in love. I only set a goal for myself: my imperial consort must be the strongest man, at least much stronger than me!"

Mu Qingge twitched her mouth, beginning to understand Jiang Li’s motive for setting up a challenge to find a husband.

"Ah, don’t worry needlessly. If you’re concerned, why not have a good talk with your aunt? Besides, I promised you to get information about the Xue Family and Xue Qiao within three days, so what are you afraid of?" Jiang Li said, shaking Mu Qingge’s arm.

Mu Qingge glanced at her, then lowered her eyes.

Now, she only had two relatives left; how could she not care about her aunt’s life-long matters?

However, Jiang Li was right. If she was worried, it would be better to ask her aunt clearly.

"Why did you come looking for me so early?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked Jiang Li.

Jiang Li was reminded of her initial reason for coming and immediately became excited. "You didn’t agree to my suggestion before. Now that both your aunt and Xue Qiao have made their vows, shouldn’t we not waste it?"

Mu Qingge naturally knew what Jiang Li meant by ’not wasting it,’ and immediately spread her hands, unable to laugh or cry, "How bored must you be as an empress to care about others’ marriages all day?"

"Hmph! If I hadn’t prepared everything and you call off the engagement, I wouldn’t bother!" Jiang Li fumed, twisting her body in annoyance.

Mu Qingge shook her head speechlessly, "Empress, where’s your promised high-cold tsundere demeanor?"

"That’s for outsiders, not for you." Jiang Li rolled her eyes.

Defeated by her enthusiasm, Mu Qingge could only say, "Fine, I’ll ask my aunt’s opinion."

"Great! Then that’s settled. You ask her, and once you have the result, let me know. If there’s no problem between them, we’ll hold the wedding in three days, just in time for you to get the Xue Family information and be at ease," Jiang Li clapped.

Mu Qingge smiled, not rejecting her suggestion.

At this moment, Shang Zisu’s figure appeared outside the open door.

She seemed to have come looking for Mu Qingge, but didn’t expect the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country to be in Mu Qingge’s room, and the two were so close. The Empress even sat directly on Mu Qingge’s bed.

Shang Zisu was startled, retreating to one side to hide herself, as if afraid of being seen.

However, the scene of the two happily chatting on the bed couldn’t be erased from her mind.

A trace of sadness appeared in Shang Zisu’s eyes as she tightly pressed her lips and turned to leave.

"See, you upset another girl." Jiang Li said, noticing Shang Zisu’s pained expression.

With both Mu Qingge and Jiang Li’s cultivation, they had sensed Shang Zisu approaching earlier.

Watching Shang Zisu’s retreating figure, Mu Qingge whispered, "There is someone better waiting for her."

Jiang Li sighed and asked, "Why don’t you just tell her the truth as you did with me? You two seem quite close as well."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, and she said with a wry smile, "I can’t just say, ’Hey, here’s a secret: I’m a girl!’ like I did with you."

Jiang Li sighed helplessly, "I guess there are benefits to being straightforward. At least you won’t be bullied by a heartless person like you for too long! This cold, aloof sulk’s got to deal with it."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, and she silently decided to maintain some distance from Shang Zisu, at least not letting her suffer too long.

Defeated by her enthusiasm, Mu Qingge could only say, "Okay, I’ll ask my aunt what she thinks."

"Great! That’s wonderful! You do that, and then we’ll move forward with our plan. And once you see the Xue Family’s information, you can be at ease too," Jiang Li clapped.

Mu Qingge smiled, not refusing her proposal.

Shang Zisu’s figure appeared outside the open room door at that moment.

She seemed to be looking for Mu Qingge, but didn’t expect to find the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country herself inside Mu Qingge’s room, and the two were so intimate. Gasping, she darted to one side as if afraid of being seen.

However, the two sitting closely inside were having such a good conversation that it made a lingering picture in her mind.

A trace of sadness appeared on Shang Zisu’s face as she pressed her lips together tightly and turned to leave.

"""

Mu Qingge considered herself very polite in her statement, completely without any other implications, but in Mu Lianrong’s ears, it turned into an ambiguous hint.

She immediately flung the door open, straightened her back, and loudly said, "What’s inconvenient? There’s no one else in the room!"

Mu Qingge blinked in surprise at her aunt’s overly strong reaction.

But then, she was pulled into the room by her aunt, and immediately the door behind her closed.

Mu Qingge turned to look at Mu Lianrong and found her somewhat nervous, even letting out a small sigh of relief.

"Auntie, are you okay?" Mu Qingge asked with concern.

Mu Lianrong quickly shook her head and said, "I’m fine, what could be wrong? Qingge, what did you come to see Auntie about? Come, sit down. Have a cup of tea first."

Mu Qingge followed Mu Lianrong to the table and sat down, discreetly glancing around to confirm the room was indeed empty.

Her aunt’s reaction just now was truly odd.

She suspiciously picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then put it down.

At this time, Mu Lianrong regained her composure, poured herself a cup of tea, and then asked, "Did you have something to discuss with me?"

Mu Qingge’s expression became a bit more serious as she looked at Mu Lianrong and asked, "Are you certain about your decision, Auntie?"

Mu Lianrong was taken aback, gave an awkward smile, turned slightly, avoiding her niece’s burning gaze. "I know what you’re worried about. You’re concerned that I made a promise on impulse. Once I come to my senses, I’ll regret it and face a great cost."

Mu Qingge pressed her lips together and said, "Auntie should know, this cost is something neither I nor Grandfather can bear."

The Mu Family was already scattered, leaving only the three of them.

None of them could be lost!

"I know." Mu Lianrong raised a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

After a moment of silence, she turned her eyes back to Mu Qingge’s, without any hint of avoidance, and said, "Last night, it wasn’t out of a rash emotional impulse. Actually... when I heard him say those words, I was happy in my heart. Even during the day at the plaza yesterday, I felt that if he really married the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, I would be sad. You know Auntie has always been single-mindedly dedicated to the Mu Family, never having any romantic affairs, nor understanding what love between a man and a woman is. But in that moment, I seemed to understand that I liked him, not wanting him to marry someone else, wishing to see him day and night, sharing in his joy and anger. But at that time..."

Mu Lianrong lowered her head, her long lashes hiding the emotions in her eyes.

However, Mu Qingge could feel that her eyes at this moment must be extremely gentle, just like those of a girl falling in love.

"At that time, I didn’t know his intentions, only feeling that I was so much older than him. He would’ve only seen me as a sister, never as a wife, so I dared not think of it nor could I think of it," Mu Lianrong said, sighing.

In the end, she lifted a happy smile, raised her head, and said to Mu Qingge, "Fortunately, he was braver than I. If both of us had been so timid, this fate would’ve surely been missed."

"So..." Mu Qingge said, "Auntie, you do have feelings for him, right?"

Mu Lianrong nodded seriously.

Receiving her aunt’s answer, Mu Qingge’s heart finally settled. She had been worried that her aunt’s promise wasn’t made out of love, fearing she would regret it after swearing allegiance. Now knowing her aunt’s feelings, she was relieved.

Indeed, just like Jiang Li said, it’s best to ask if you’re worried, rather than worrying blindly on your own.

"Since Auntie understands her own feelings, I won’t say anymore," Mu Qingge suddenly felt at ease. Recalling Jiang Li’s suggestion, she added, "The Empress suggested that the wedding things in the Imperial Palace are readily available. Since Auntie and Uncle have already made vows, why not hold an exotic wedding in the Ancient Witch Country? And when we return to Qin Country, we can hold another one according to our customs. As for matters on Uncle’s side, I’ll leave it. No matter what, we can’t let Auntie feel aggrieved."

"Have the wedding here?" Mu Lianrong said in surprise.

She seemed a bit taken aback by this suggestion.

Mu Qingge nodded and said, "Yes, if Auntie agrees, let’s set the wedding for three days later. After it ends, we’ll return to Qin Country together."

"This... I need to discuss it with Xue Qiao," Mu Lianrong said hesitantly.

"No need to discuss, I agree!" Suddenly, a firm voice came from outside the door.

Mu Qingge and Mu Lianrong turned back to see Xue Qiao striding over, his eyes only on Mu Lianrong. He reached her side, took her hand, and said to her, "I’m afraid you’ll change your mind, so let’s confirm our status first, that way I won’t be scared anymore!"

Mu Lianrong almost drowned in the tenderness of Xue Qiao’s eyes, her face flushed from his words.

Their completely engrossed and affectionate gaze made Mu Qingge, an unrelated person, automatically retreat from the room.

It wasn’t until she left the palace that Mu Qingge felt that the cloying feeling had moved away from her.

Outside the palace, Mu Qingge looked up at the sky and murmured to herself, "Aunt said she didn’t mind Xue Qiao’s confession, on the contrary, she was happy about it. She doesn’t want any other woman around Xue Qiao because she likes him. What about me? When he... confessed, I didn’t seem to mind either, nor did I reject his approach... Is this like?"

Unable to figure it out, Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze from the sky, closed her eyes, and shook her head.

When she opened her eyes again, clarity had returned to them.

After inquiring about Jiang Li’s whereabouts, she easily found Jiang Li. Upon telling her about her aunt’s decision, Jiang Li immediately announced that the wedding would be in three days.

...

The news of the wedding to be held in the Imperial Palace was immediately written on a royal proclamation and posted outside the palace, announcing it nationwide.

On the wedding day, the groom and bride will parade outside the palace, receiving blessings from the people, and then return to the palace to hold the ceremony. In the evening, there will be fireworks, and the fine wines and delicacies from the palace will be successively sent out, allowing the people to celebrate together.

However, it surprised the citizens of the Ancient Witch Country that the newlyweds were not their Empress, but the two who had previously confronted the Empress in the square.

This news immediately became the hottest topic in Jiang City, with countless people eagerly awaiting the wedding in three days, wanting to witness it firsthand and also to find out why the groom and bride had changed!

The news of the wedding also reached the Refining Tower Branch.

"Hmph, do they think they can sleep peacefully after offending my Refining Tower and fleeing to the Ancient Witch Country? How dare they hold such a blatant wedding!" Yan Hua, the head of the Refining Tower Branch, slammed the table, his tone full of cold ruthlessness.

"Director, what should we do? Should we report to the Main Courtyard?" The person reporting asked for Yan Hua’s instructions.

Yan Hua’s sharp gaze swept over, his voice violently saying, "By the time the Main Courtyard gets the news, the flowers will have wilted! Don’t bother with anything else, gather people, and act on the wedding day!"

The subordinate hesitated, asking, "But the bride and groom aren’t even him?"

"It’s related to him, isn’t it?" Yan Hua looked down with contemptuous eyes. "He and the bride are relatives. Since he wants to hold the wedding so grandly, we’ll go congratulate him then!"

A blood-stained wedding would surely be more unforgettable, wouldn’t it?

Yan Hua thought viciously to himself.

"But his cultivation seems to be high, and he has many techniques. Our Main Courtyard suffered greatly at her hands, even Elder Jin Gui perished by her hands. Besides, the wedding is held in the Imperial Palace, and Empress Jiang..." The subordinate was still worried.

Yet Yan Hua appeared arrogant, dismissing it indifferently, "Jin Gui’s death was because he self-destructed. What’s more, Jin Gui was just at Blue Realm Peak, and I have just advanced to the Purple Realm!"

His words immediately sparked wild joy in his subordinate’s eyes, who knelt and congratulated, "Congratulations, Director, on entering the Purple Realm, stepping into the Divine Dao from now on!"

Yan Hua waved his hand, unable to hide his pride. He confidently said, "It’s decided, you personally go and arrange everything. I want this wedding to become their nightmare!"

"Yes! I will deal with it immediately!" The subordinate took his leave.

However, due to certain objective and subjective reasons, they did not timely learn that Feng Kunhai also died at Mu Qingge’s hands, and she alone turned Wanfeng City upside down, even heavily injuring the Great Elder Hei Mu of Myriad Beasts Sect!

While this information was still spreading, the Refining Tower Branch had already begun to arrange the entire operation.

Holy Yuan Empire? Li Palace

This palace seems to float in the air, isolated from the world.

Flanked by mountains and cascades, white cranes fly across, and streams murmur, forming a picture of an immortal realm.

This is the most sacred place of the Holy Yuan Empire, not to be intruded upon without permission. Otherwise, no matter if you’re a commoner or a royal descendant, you will be reduced to dust by the outside forbidden technique, vanishing from the mortal world.

Every day, countless people, regardless of status, come to this outermost part of the palace to worship and pray. Some even kneel for a month, a year, just to seek a chance to enter Li Palace and serve that person.

Among these people, there were noble princes and princesses, scions of great families, as well as offspring of lowly commoners. Their purpose in doing so was singular: They all wished to change their destiny through that person.

The unfortunate ones became the darlings of destiny thereafter. Those already fortunate gained even greater luck, allowing them to ascend the heights and reach the peak!

Gu Ye stood atop a lone peak, overlooking the crowd below that grovelled like ants.

Every day, the incense smoke curled upwards; even standing here, a hundred miles away, he could smell it. These kneeling and pleading people stretched endlessly, beyond his sight.

However, there was not the slightest emotion in his brows, only endless indifference and ridicule.

It seemed that the actions of those people made him feel disdain, feel bored.

He truly couldn’t understand why these people persistently knelt here, even though his master had never paid attention to them. Instead of kneeling here, pleading for the master’s favor, they might as well go home to cultivate and improve themselves.

Such a simple truth, yet they, this crowd, did not understand?

These people from a first-class country, or even coming from a second-class country to "pay homage," were they no match for an impudent young lord from a third-class country?

His master had never pitied those who tried to pin their hopes on the strong.

"Gu Ye, what have you discerned from this?"

A shadow flickered behind him, and Gu Ya appeared, teasingly asking.

Gu Ye coldly replied, "I’ve seen the greed and ignorance of this crowd."

After speaking, he gave Gu Ya a sidelong glance and asked, "Have you completed what the master tasked you with?"

Gu Ya nodded, "I guarantee the Rong Country’s bounty on the young lord will completely vanish by tomorrow morning."

"And the Myriad Beasts Sect and the Refining Tower," Gu Ye frowned.

Gu Ya smiled slyly, "The Myriad Beasts Sect’s influence is in Rong Country and Yu Country, but the young lord is not in these places now, so no worries. As for the Refining Tower, I’ve slightly increased the difficulty of their information dissemination. From what I know about the young lord, she wouldn’t be too happy if we cleaned it all up for her."

Gu Ye gave him a faint look, "You’ve changed after following her for so long."

"Changed?" Gu Ya was taken aback, then squinted and coldly chuckled, "Have I become more treacherous?"

"No, you’ve become kinder," Gu Ye slowly shook his head.

"Kind!" Gu Ya’s eyes nearly bulged out.

Gu Ye’s gaze drifted into the distance, reminiscing somewhat, "When encountering such things before, why bother with so many tricks? Just slaughter them and be done."

Gu Ya’s mouth twitched faintly, silently thinking: Gu Ye’s personality is as straightforward as ever... straightforward!

...

Three days later, in Jiang City of the Ancient Witch Country.

Three days of preparation were enough to immerse the entire Jiang City in an atmosphere of celebration.

Every household was adorned with red silk and fresh flowers, adding a touch of splendor to Jiang City.

Within the Imperial Palace of Jiang City, meticulous decorations made it even more beautiful, with colorful flowers forming a sea of blooms, and sheer drapes flowing gracefully like a dream.

With a little over two hours until the wedding began, Mu Qingge, as the family member of the bride, was also forcibly dressed up by Jiang Li.

Speaking of dressing up with care, it was merely changing into a more exquisite and luxurious attire, making her appear more dashing and unrivaled in beauty.

"Here, what you wanted."

The sound of the door being flung open, accompanied by a woman’s voice.

Mu Qingge didn’t turn around, simply sighed and said helplessly, "When did you learn to knock?"

Jiang Li replied puzzled, "I’m the Empress. This entire palace is mine. Why should I knock when entering my own place?"

"..." Mu Qingge was speechless, feeling that it was impossible to have a pleasant conversation with this uniquely minded person.

After tidying up her lapel, she turned around.

Jiang Li’s eyes immediately lit up, exclaiming in amazement, "Going out like this, you’re sure to dazzle the ignorant young girls of Ancient Witch Country!"

"Thank you for your compliment," Mu Qingge replied with feigned annoyance.

Soon after, her gaze fell on the stack of documents in Jiang Li’s hand.

Her eyes narrowed suddenly, reaching out to grab them from Jiang Li, her tone slightly excited, "It’s here!"

"I told you, in three days. I always keep my word!" Jiang Li said as she moved past her, sitting at the table and taking a piece of fruit from the fruit plate to eat.

Mu Qingge did not respond to her, focusing intently on the information about the Xue Family and Xue Qiao.

The Xue Family truly was a great family in Yu Country.

How to put it?

Describing it like this... The Xue Family is like an ancient tree that has taken root on the land of Yu Country for a thousand years, though aged, still flourishing and dense.

Due to the passage of time, this grand tree has numerous branches and leaves, slowly spreading, with roots deeply embedded in the land of Yu Country, its leaves covering part of the sky above Yu Country.

The latest message in the intelligence was about a princess from the Imperial Family of Yu Country marrying the heir of the Xue Family, Xue Fan. It’s said that the Imperial Family was the one who proactively sought the marriage.

This shows how much influence the Xue Family has on the Imperial Family of Yu Country, making them wary.

The Xue Family primarily focuses on literature. Many serve as officials in the court, many more become great literati, and they have countless students across the world. Some collateral disciples also excel in commerce.

As for Xue Qiao, he is ranked seventh in the Xue Family. In Yu Country’s Xue Family, he is known as Xue Seventh Young Master, also regarded as an anomaly of the Xue Family.

It is said that from a young age, Xue Qiao never loved studying but was fond of reading travel notes and miscellanies, disliked literature but favored martial arts. His cultivation reached the Blue Realm as he turned twenty, and he is hailed as a genius in cultivation within the Xue Family. Meanwhile, most of his siblings at his age had only just entered the Green Realm or even the Blue Realm.

Since he was not the legitimate heir, the family did not impose strict restrictions on Xue Qiao, permitting him as long as he did not commit any disgraceful acts.

Xue Qiao, the Xue Seventh Young Master, had an unrestrained and carefree style, unbound by conventions, following his heart freely.

Five years ago, he left Yu Country to travel, and gradually, news of him dwindled.

After Mu Qingge finished reading the last page, Jiang Li said, "Now you can rest assured, right? This Xue Qiao is quite fitting. Whether it’s in terms of family background, identity, or even his appearance, character, and ability, he is worthy of your aunt."

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, giving her hand a shake, igniting a bluish-white flame in her palm.

The emergence of this flame caused the temperature in the entire room to drop significantly, as if it had plunged into an icy cellar. And the intelligence about the Xue Family and Xue Qiao in her hand was all burned into ashes by this chilling flame, turning into a few ice shards falling to the floor.

Jiang Li couldn’t help but shiver, rubbing her arms and asking, "What kind of flame is this, so cold?"

"Bone Demon Flame," Mu Qingge casually said, flicking her hand to make the flame disappear. The room’s temperature gradually returned to normal.

This is the benefit of having subdued the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame.

As long as Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame possesses a certain ability, she can use parts of it. However, the compatibility between her and Yuanyuan has not yet reached the highest level, so she can’t use much of the Bone Demon Flame.

The compatibility will naturally become higher the longer they are together, about this she isn’t worried.

Nonetheless, this method differs from Han Caicai’s method of devouring. She needs to borrow from Yuanyuan, and if Yuanyuan fights alone or leaves her, she cannot use the flame. But Yuanyuan can continue to exist, retaining consciousness, and while strengthening herself, she constantly tempers Mu Qingge’s physique, enabling her to adapt to more and more fire energy. Meanwhile, Han Caicai’s method involves directly assimilating the Abnormal Fire, erasing the consciousness of the Abnormal Fire, and embedding it in his fire vein, preventing further strengthening. Meaning, although Han Caicai can use the Fire Cloud Yang Flame anytime, the strength of this Abnormal Fire has become static and unchangeable.

Unless, he extracts the Fire Cloud Yang Flame from his body and assimilates another more powerful Abnormal Fire.

However, the process of stripping away and devouring is extremely dangerous and could be lethal at any moment!

"Bone Demon Flame! You can actually subdue an Abnormal Fire?" Jiang Li jumped off the table in shock, curiously circling around Mu Qingge to inspect her.

"From what I know, only the Ancient Clan with the Fire Spirit Vein can subdue an Abnormal Fire! Could it be you..." Jiang Li mused thoughtfully.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed as she asked in surprise, "You also know about the Fire Spirit Vein? You know about the Ancient Clan?"

Jiang Li rolled her eyes and said proudly, "Who am I? Don’t forget, this is the Ancient Witch Country. Initially, I thought you didn’t know, so I spoke vaguely. Since you already know, there’s no need for me to hide anything. The continent across the Bitter Sea is connected to the Middle Ancient Realm. In the Middle Ancient Realm, many families exist, among which the Ancient Clan has the strongest foundation. Even though they are in decline, it’s said that a starved camel is still bigger than a horse, and they are not to be trifled with. If you can safely cross the Bitter Sea, you’ll enter the Southern Continent of the Middle Ancient Realm. Exiting from the desert in Di Country leads to the Northern Continent of the Middle Ancient Realm. These two passages are the only routes from Linchuan Continent into the Middle Ancient Realm. However, as far as I know, the Ancient Clan with the Fire Spirit Vein bears the surname Han, not Mu..."

As she said this, a hint of doubt crept into Jiang Li’s voice.

Mu Qingge explained, "I don’t have a Fire Spirit Vein, and I’m not from the Han Family. I used another method to form a contract with the Abnormal Fire, enabling me to share some of its abilities."

"So that’s how it is!" Jiang Li understood suddenly.

She didn’t ask about the method Mu Qingge used to form a contract with the Abnormal Fire, nor did she become greedy upon learning that Mu Qingge possessed an Abnormal Fire.

This made Mu Qingge very happy.

"Since you know so much about the Middle Ancient Realm, have you ever heard of the Le Family in the Southern Continent of the Middle Ancient Realm?" Mu Qingge asked after some thought.

"Le Family?" Jiang Li was taken aback, shaking her head: "There are countless families in the Middle Ancient Realm, and the surname Le is not one of the Ancient Clan’s surnames, so how would I know? I haven’t heard of them."

Mu Qingge was a bit disappointed, knowing that the Le Family was her enemy.

Understanding more about the Le Family meant understanding more about her enemies.

"Have you ever heard of the Sang Family in the Western Continent?" Mu Qingge asked again.

Jiang Li smiled helplessly: "It seems you really are knowledgeable about the Middle Ancient Realm! The Sang Family is indeed an Ancient Clan surname, but I don’t know them. Although our Ancient Witch Country has many descriptions about the Middle Ancient Realm, much has been lost, damaged, and forgotten over time. Knowing about the Han Fire Clan is already impressive for me, so don’t make things difficult for me."

Mu Qingge burst into laughter, "Alright, I won’t ask anymore. But, if possible, could I take a look at your records about the Middle Ancient Realm when there’s an opportunity?"

She planned to visit the Middle Ancient Realm sooner or later, and it would be best to learn more about it before leaving.

Jiang Li readily agreed, "Of course. But those records are from a thousand years ago, so who knows how that side has changed over the millennium."

"No matter, thank you." Mu Qingge nodded in appreciation.

"Why are you pretending to be polite with me, hypocrite!" Jiang Li pouted and playfully punched Mu Qingge’s shoulder.

The two chatted and laughed for a while when suddenly, the bells from the Imperial Palace rang.

Jiang Li suddenly remembered and said to Mu Qingge, "Oh no! I almost forgot the time. Let’s hurry out; the wedding is about to start."

Mu Qingge smiled and nodded.

She took a deep breath and walked out with Jiang Li.

Why did she feel as nervous as if it were her own daughter’s wedding, even though it was her aunt’s?

Mu Qingge shook her head with amusement and went with Jiang Li to Mu Lianrong’s bridal chamber.

Shang Zisu had always been by Mu Lianrong’s side, being the ’only’ woman in the bride’s entourage.

Seeing Mu Qingge and Jiang Li arriving arm in arm, Shang Zisu’s wedding smile slightly faded.

"Aunt, you look truly beautiful today!" Mu Qingge said sincerely, walking to Mu Lianrong’s side.

After speaking, she glanced at Shang Zisu and nodded to her in gratitude, "Thank you, Senior Sister Shang, for your help today."

Shang Zisu forced a smile, indifferently saying, "No need for formalities between us, Junior Brother Mu."

"Wow! I didn’t expect you to suit our Ancient Witch Country’s bridal gown so well!" Jiang Li exclaimed in admiration, gazing at Mu Lianrong dressed in pink.

The pink color accented her, making her look as charming and youthful as a young girl.

The exquisite makeup and the floral ornament on her forehead enhanced her allure and beauty.

The Ancient Witch Country’s women’s attire excellently highlighted the feminine curves, and the graceful figure that Mu Lianrong usually hid under her battle robe was revealed at this moment.

The bridal crown on her head was extremely exquisite, with the gemstones dazzling brilliantly above it, and the white veil cascading like a waterfall, elegantly trailing on the ground.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mu Lianrong said with shyness in her eyes. She coyly remarked to Mu Qingge, "You’re teasing me."

Mu Qingge seriously replied, "I’m not teasing at all; it’s the truth!"

"The time has come, please have the bride get onto the bridal carriage," the bridal attendant cheerfully reminded.

Now was not a time for words, so everyone made way for Mu Lianrong to board the bridal carriage waiting outside the palace.

The bridal carriage, carried by the bride’s family and friends, would circle the city to receive the blessings of the people. Meanwhile, the groom awaited at the palace gate, ready to request permission to join the bride in the carriage.

The Ancient Witch Country is a matriarchal society that emphasizes the female’s role in certain critical wedding aspects.

Jiang Li previously told Mu Qingge that if the bride refused the groom entry into the bridal carriage, it meant the groom was essentially dismissed. If the bride took a liking to someone else, she could invite him into the carriage to continue the ceremony.

This custom was something Mu Qingge had never heard of before, finding it very interesting.

Mu Lianrong sat confidently in the bridal carriage.

Those tasked with carrying the carriage were Mo Yang and the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Mu Qingge, seeing her aunt immersed in the happiness of the floral carriage, suddenly moved forward, replacing one of the frontline Dragon Tooth Guards, placing the carrying pole on her own shoulder.

"Little Lord!" Mo Yang exclaimed in surprise, looking at her.

Mu Lianrong was also moved and called out, "Qingge, you..."

Mu Qingge turned her head and smiled at her, "How can I let someone else carry my aunt during her departure ceremony? Among everyone here, the most qualified person to lift the carriage is me."

With that, she called out loudly, and the bridal carriage was lifted steadily, heading out of the palace.

Along the way, female officials who had been waiting on both sides threw flowers into the carriage, symbolizing blessings for the marriage. Jiang Li and Shang Zisu followed behind the carriage, walking slowly.

However, upon reaching the palace gates, Jiang Li, due to her status, could only remain on the city tower to watch.

Shang Zisu continued onward.

When the bridal carriage arrived at the palace gate, Xue Qiao, wearing the groom’s attire of the Ancient Witch Country, had been waiting with flowers in hand. From inside the carriage, Mu Lianrong could see him, and a sweet smile appeared on her face involuntarily.

Xue Qiao effortlessly joined her in the carriage, and they sat together, carried by Mu Qingge and others towards the city center.

Several thousand citizens had already gathered there, eagerly tossing flowers into the bridal carriage.

In no time, the carriage was filled to the brim with fresh flowers.

Xue Qiao and Mu Lianrong exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with deep emotion.

This wedding would become a lifelong memory for them.

Weddings in the Ancient Witch Country are romantic and warm, overflowing with sweetness. Almost the entire city celebrated this wedding.

Mu Qingge, carrying the bridal carriage at the front, maintained a constant smile. She sincerely felt happiness for her aunt.

Suddenly, her smile froze, and a trace of coldness appeared in her eyes as she looked ahead at the hundreds of masked individuals suddenly emerging from the crowd, wielding Spiritual Artifacts...