"Scoreboard, first place Qin Country with 268 points, second Di Country with 106 points, third Yu Country with 97 points, fourth Rong Country with 95 points, fifth Li Country with 93 points, sixth Yu Country with 90 points."

After seven days and seven nights of round-robin battles, the Holy Yuan Empire’s people in charge of tallying the scores announced the final scores.

It turned out Mu Qingge’s lack of concern was justified. Even when three second-class countries united in the last two days to try to stop Qin Country, they ultimately failed, only creating opportunities for Li Country and Yu Country to catch up and narrow the gap.

After the first round of competition, there were three days of rest before starting the second round.

During this time, the auction at Wanxiang Building was also about to begin.

...

"Speaking of, the young Lord Mu from the third-class Qin Country has always had delicate features, a refined appearance, soft complexion, and a voice that matches his looks. Even as a child, he was known as the most beautiful in Luodu, comparable to the princes of the Qin Imperial Family..."

In a teahouse in Tiandu, a storyteller on the table drummed his gavel as he vividly narrated tales about Mu Qingge.

The seats were packed, and many without seats squatted, stood, or leaned, listening intently.

When they heard that Mu Qingge used his beauty to sow discord between the princes, leading to the tragic death of the princess, curses immediately echoed throughout the teahouse. Patrons munching on seeds angrily threw them on the ground, their expressions intense as if they were characters in the story.

In a secluded corner of the teahouse, separated by a screen, blocking any prying eyes, yet allowing inside people to take in the scene.

Hearing the incessant cursing, a person sitting with their back to the screen lazily reclined on a chair, elbow resting on the armrest, holding a teacup and looking down.

One could only faintly see the corners of her mouth slightly turned up.

The person facing her was dressed oddly, different from the surroundings; their face, below the eyes, was covered with a veil woven with gold threads, exposing only a pair of pupils that glimmered faintly gold, watching the person opposite.

Behind each of them stood several guards.

From their attire and positioning, it could be deduced that these were their personal guards.

"I really can’t understand you. Even when people speak about you like this, you can still stay calm?" Jiang Li looked at Mu Qingge, shaking her head lightly.

Mu Qingge’s turned-up mouth deepened its smile.

She lightly placed the teacup in her hand onto the table, slowly looked up at Jiang Li, "Rumors stop at the wise. Can getting angry change anything?"

Jiang Li said, "You’re right. But in the current situation, I don’t think staying silent will cause these slanders to disappear."

"Will anyone believe if I clarify?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and asked her.

Jiang Li was stumped by her question. After a moment, she sighed and said, "I can’t argue with you."

Mu Qingge smiled, leaned forward, picked up the teapot, and poured a cup for Jiang Li, "Have some tea to calm down. They’re talking about me; I’m not angry, so why are you?"

Jiang Li picked up the teacup, took a big gulp, put it down heavily, and said angrily, "If it were about me, at worst, I’d cut off the gossips’ tongues as a warning. But they’re talking about you, and I’m angry for you; yet, you act like you don’t care."

"Who said I’m not angry?" Mu Qingge’s eyebrows arched higher.

Jiang Li blinked and curiously asked, "What are you planning to do?"

She thought Mu Qingge already had a comprehensive plan because, in her mind, Mu Qingge was always someone who planned before making a move.

Yet, just as she awaited Mu Qingge’s brilliant plan, Mu Qingge shook her head calmly, "No plans whatsoever."

"What did you say?" Jiang Li nearly dropped her chin onto the table.

She stared wide-eyed at Mu Qingge, her eyes full of disbelief.

No plan, no strategy, and yet she could remain so composed? Acting like she had everything under control?

Jiang Li’s expression made Mu Qingge feel innocent.

She spread her hands and said to Jiang Li, "I’m just a mortal; it’s normal to be at a loss sometimes."

"..." What else could Jiang Li say?

Was she supposed to admit she’d overestimated Mu Qingge’s intelligence, or feel she was too dulled to be affected by such harm?

"You’ve said that ever since these rumors spread, you, the Huangfu Family, and Wanxiang Building have been investigating the source, only to find muddy waters. This indicates that behind this, it’s not just one party involved. Considering those I’ve offended and who could manage such things, it’s not hard to guess who’s pulling strings. But even knowing, what next? Hope they come forward and clarify themselves?" Mu Qingge stated calmly.

Jiang Li retorted, "Of course, clarifying themselves is impossible, but this needs to be resolved, right? If left unchecked, it won’t be long before you’re Tiandu’s public enemy."

At this moment, outside the screen, the storyteller talked about Mu Qingge entering Li Palace in Tiandu, trying to charm the Holy King Your Majesty with his beauty.

Mu Qingge’s gaze moved slightly, landing on the silhouettes faintly visible through the screen. After a few seconds of silence, she said to Jiang Li, "Since it never happened, it won’t become real. Let’s go."

With that, Mu Qingge tossed a piece of broken silver on the table and was the first to walk out of the teahouse.

"Hey, wait for me." Jiang Li quickly got up and followed Mu Qingge.

Leaving the teahouse, entering the bustling marketplace of Tiandu, the two of them mutually restrained their aura, diminishing their presence.

It’s not that they feared someone on the street would recognize Mu Qingge and verbally attack him.

But because their looks were too striking, to avoid unnecessary trouble and commotion, keeping a low profile was necessary.

"Wanxiang Building is on East Main Street; should we head over now?" Jiang Li caught up to Mu Qingge and asked.

Today was the start of the Wanxiang Building auction, and Jiang Li naturally received an invitation.

Mu Qingge checked the time and nodded, "Let’s head there now."

The two of them walked towards Tiandu’s East Main Street, passing some playful children, hearing them sing a song that made Mu Qingge stop and watch involuntarily.

"Lan Family’s daughter grows into womanhood, standing gracefully, envied by many. Offers to serve beside the King, yet the King shows no interest. With a wave of his sleeve, she’s rejected at the door, her beauty fading as she retreats home in tears..."

Jiang Li stopped with Mu Qingge and listened carefully, then laughed in surprise, "Could the person in the children’s song be who we think it is?"

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly, smiling, "It’s mentioned so clearly; who else could it be but her?"

Jiang Li glanced up. On the street, many children were playing, and they were all singing the same song.

Mu Qingge reached out to pull a little girl over with a smile and asked, "Little sister, who taught you this song?"

The little girl was about to cry when suddenly pulled, but upon seeing Mu Qingge’s face, she stopped, blurting out, "Brother, you’re so pretty!"

Embarrassed by the innocent child’s comment, Mu Qingge’s face showed rare awkwardness. She repeated her question, and the little girl said, "It was an uncle this morning. He said if we sang every day, he’d give us candy."

"What did that uncle look like, do you remember?" Mu Qingge asked again.

Unfortunately, the little girl’s description was of a very ordinary person that would blend into a crowd.

Choosing someone with no distinguishing features for this task showed the manipulator’s meticulousness, leaving no clue for pursuit.

Mu Qingge pondered and asked the little girl, "So... when will he bring the candy?"

The little girl shook her head, "Uncle gave money to the vendor uncle; we can ask the vendor for candy after we sing."

After the little girl’s explanation, Jiang Li came over from the other side.

She looked at Mu Qingge, shaking her head gently.

Mu Qingge smiled at the little girl, "Thank you. Go play now."

The little girl turned and left, and Mu Qingge’s smile slowly faded.

Jiang Li looked at her, "Seems you found nothing either."

"It’s not like there’s nothing to gain," Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes slightly.

Jiang Li looked at her curiously, waiting for her next words.

With her hands clasped behind her back, Mu Qingge said to Jiang Li, "This matter wasn’t done by you. If Huangfu Huan was involved, it wouldn’t be in such a subtle manner. Among the people I know, there is only one person who would make such a move. And this kind of traceless approach fits that person’s character perfectly."

"Are you saying..." Jiang Li turned her eyes in thought and gave her answer: "It’s Wanxiang Building?"

Recently, while investigating the forces slandering Mu Qingge, aside from her and the Huangfu Imperial Family, only Wanxiang Building remained. Besides, Mu Qingge had mentioned her close relationship with Han Caicai.

Mu Qingge nodded slightly to confirm Jiang Li’s guess.

Jiang Li was instantly amused and teased: "That young master Han, I’ve heard he’s always been quite proud, never getting close to anyone, let alone treating someone like this. It seems he really has true feelings for you!"

Mu Qingge shot her a glare and sneered, "He’s just forcing me to make a move."

"Forcing you to make a move?" Jiang Li said in surprise.

Mu Qingge smirked, "Han Caicai is someone who likes to watch shows. He’s probably doing this to force me to deal with those rumors." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Is that enough to force you to make a move?" Jiang Li was confused and still didn’t understand.

Mu Qingge explained, "If you were from the Lan Family, and you heard this song, what would you think?"

"The most unbearable scar being exposed, of course one would go all out to find the person spreading it." Jiang Li answered immediately.

Mu Qingge nodded, "And when this song spreads, who would benefit the most?"

"The biggest beneficiary?" Jiang Li thought for a moment, looked at Mu Qingge, and widened her eyes.

Mu Qingge smiled, "It seems you’ve figured it out. Actually, the best way to suppress a public opinion is to create another one that’s more compelling. The previous Lan Family affair, before it could escalate to public discourse, was replaced by this rumor about me. Whether or not the Lan Family is behind it, they are the biggest beneficiaries. Now, this song’s purpose is to divert public attention, rehashing old events, and gradually diminishing the attention on the rumor about me. After all, to the residents of Tiandu City, I’m merely a passerby. The Lan Family, having existed in Tiandu for so many years, and Lan Feiyue, being seen as a woman who could enter the Li Palace for all these years, will surely garner more attention from Tiandu’s residents than me. Once public opinion forms, I’ll become a past topic, and the Lan Family will be pushed to the forefront. Therefore, the one who benefits the most from this whole affair is me, and I’ll become the Lan Family’s suspect. Whether or not I did it, I’ll be suspected of manipulating the rumors about the Lan Family."

"I get it!" Jiang Li suddenly said, "That guy Han is trying to tell you that, in any case, you’re going to be blamed. So, rather than waiting passively, you might as well take the initiative and fan the flames."

Mu Qingge nodded.

"But why is he doing this?" Jiang Li was puzzled again.

If Han Caicai liked Mu Qingge and didn’t want her to suffer, he should step in. So why push her to the forefront? Why not considerately help her resolve everything, maybe Mu Qingge would even feel touched.

To this, Mu Qingge wasn’t surprised. "That’s just the kind of person he is. He sees everything as a game or distraction. This matter is no exception; he views it as a chess game. He’s made his move, and now it depends on how I respond. Whether to follow his arrangement or make an unexpected move."

Is that really what he thinks?

Jiang Li thought to herself. She always felt that Mu Qingge over-complicated Han Caicai’s intentions.

However, without evidence, Jiang Li wouldn’t say anything recklessly. Besides, she didn’t know Han Caicai, so why speak on his behalf?

So, she discarded this dilemma and asked Mu Qingge, "What do you plan to do next? Still ignore it, or take action?"

Mu Qingge chuckled, "Despite being told how to proceed, which annoys me. However, his provocation reminded me."

She looked at Jiang Li, smiling meaningfully, "Sometimes, turning the tables isn’t just about defamation."

After speaking, she beckoned her accompanying Dragon Tooth Guards and whispered a few words to them.

After that, the Dragon Tooth Guards dispersed into the crowd.

"What did you send them to do?" Jiang Li asked quietly, walking beside Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge mysteriously smiled, "You’ll soon find out. Let’s go, we still need to visit Wanxiang Building."

"Why speak in riddles?" Jiang Li grumbled discontentedly, following Mu Qingge.

...

On East Main Street, the sign of Wanxiang Building was particularly eye-catching.

Today was Wanxiang Building’s auction, and the major families and forces in Tiandu City had received invitations.

When Mu Qingge and Jiang Li arrived, the exterior of Wanxiang Building was already crowded. Carriages lined up, entering through the gate of Wanxiang Building.

"We should have come by carriage too," Jiang Li said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge simply smiled and said nothing.

Suddenly, a carriage stopped beside them.

They turned their heads and saw Hua Qinxin’s pretty face behind the lifted carriage curtain.

"Little Lord Mu, why did you come on foot? Why not take my carriage!" Hua Qinxin invited Mu Qingge, ignoring Jiang Li beside her.

Hua Qinxin had never hidden her intentions from the start.

Mu Qingge naturally avoided her.

"Thank you, Miss Hua, but that’s not necessary," Mu Qingge declined.

Just as Hua Qinxin was about to persuade further, another carriage approached, stopping in front of Mu Qingge and Jiang Li.

The curtain lifted, and Huangfu Huan leaned out, giving Mu Qingge and Jiang Li a courteous smile: "Little Lord Mu, Empress Jiang. What a coincidence, how about joining us?"

He spoke as if he had just noticed Hua Qinxin, nodding politely at her: "Oh, Miss Hua is also here."

"Crown Prince," Hua Qinxin’s smile froze upon seeing Huangfu Huan.

"Then, thank you, Crown Prince," Mu Qingge readily agreed, pulling Jiang Li along to board Huangfu Huan’s carriage.

Hua Qinxin bit her lip, watching dejectedly as Mu Qingge boarded Huangfu Huan’s carriage, reluctantly lowering the curtain.

Inside the carriage, Hua Family Head, who had been resting with closed eyes, slowly opened his eyes, looking lovingly at his daughter, "It seems Little Lord Mu doesn’t have interest in you."

"Mother, I won’t give up!" Hua Qinxin insisted.

Hua Family Head sighed softly but did not persuade further, closing his eyes again to rest.

Mu Qingge and Jiang Li boarded Huangfu Huan’s carriage, discovering he was the only one present.

Before they could inquire, he explained that he was representing the Imperial Family at the auction. The three chatted casually for a while and soon arrived at the entrance of Wanxiang Building.

After handing over their invitation cards from the carriage, they were surprised to hear an unexpected statement from outside.

"Is Little Lord Mu in the carriage? My young master said Little Lord Mu is an honored guest of the building, and specially prepared the best room. Please, Little Lord, step down so I may escort you."

Mu Qingge frowned, the first thought being, ’What’s Han Caicai up to?’

"So Little Lord Mu also has ties with the young master of Wanxiang Building," Huangfu Huan smiled meaningfully.

"You should go and see what he’s up to. If there’s any trouble, just scream, and I’ll come to rescue you!" Jiang Li said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, feeling a bit speechless towards Jiang Li.

Of course, she didn’t hesitate. After disembarking from the carriage, under the watchful eyes of the public, she followed the person from Wanxiang Building into the building.

Mu Qingge was led down a secluded path, growing quieter the further they ventured, seemingly away from the auction hall ahead.

"I’m here for the auction," Mu Qingge reminded.

This auction had something she absolutely needed. If she missed it, who knew when she would have another chance.

The servant leading the way stopped, turning to Mu Qingge with respect, "Please rest assured, Little Lord Mu. The young master said it wouldn’t interfere with your matters."

The servant turned around and continued to lead the way.

Mu Qingge frowned and had no choice but to follow.

Tiandu Wuxiang Building is indeed very large, resembling a palace.

Mu Qingge followed the servant, winding around for quite a while before entering the building.

Inside the building, there were countless corridors, dense and crisscrossed, resembling a labyrinth. Without someone to guide you, it’s easy to take the wrong path and lose your way.

Mu Qingge followed the servant winding around. As she passed along a corridor, she saw the auction hall scene.

By this time, it was gradually filling up with people.

Many were faces Mu Qingge had become familiar with during her time in Tiandu.

The four major families, three major powers, second-class countries, and even Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei were among them. As she was about to pass the corridor, she also saw Jiang Li and Huangfu Huan.

The end of the corridor was a turn.

After the turn, the surroundings instantly became quiet.

After climbing several layers of stairs, descending several layers, and crossing an arched bridge, Mu Qingge was finally led to a three-floor building resembling a pagoda.

The decor inside the building seemed extremely extravagant to Mu Qingge. The flamboyant pink and gold were everywhere, indicating whose territory it was.

The servant led Mu Qingge in, then quietly retreated.

Once the door closed, Mu Qingge scanned her surroundings and frowned, saying sternly, "Han Caicai, what trick are you up to again?"

"Can’t you treat me with a bit more courtesy?" Han Caicai’s lazy voice came.

Following that, some young girls walked in, pulling up the layers of curtains obstructing Mu Qingge’s view, revealing Han Caicai lounging inside on a bed.

Han Caicai was lounging on the bed, propped up on one hand, with his hair casually scattered, his front wide open, exposing his alluring collarbone and chest line. That gaudy floral brocade made him look like a demon.

His long, narrow phoenix eyes were filled with starry glimmers, melancholic and mysterious.

Mu Qingge looked at him calmly for a moment, then said coldly, "I’m going to the auction, is this the room you prepared for me?"

Han Caicai wasn’t bothered by her tone, only replying indifferently, "The thing you want is with me, what’s the point of attending the auction?"

"The map is with you?" Mu Qingge frowned, doubtfully.

But Han Caicai seemed to have anticipated her skepticism long ago. With a sweep of his wide sleeve, he revealed a wooden box hidden beneath it.

Mu Qingge’s gaze fell directly on that wooden box, as if the Middle Ancient Realm West Continent map she wanted lay inside.

"Taking the client’s belongings privately doesn’t conform to the rules of Wanxiang Building, does it?" Mu Qingge squinted, asking cautiously.

"As long as I can get the client what they want, what’s the difference in where it’s placed?" Han Caicai suddenly sat up on the bed.

His feet moved, revealing from under his robe.

Only now did Mu Qingge realize that this guy wasn’t even wearing shoes or socks and was barefoot.

Mou Qingge moved her gaze away from Han Caicai and asked, "What does the client want?"

"A Treasure Level Elixir that can defy destiny," Han Caicai replied.

Treasure Level Elixir!

And to defy destiny!

Mu Qingge fell silent.

Lately, she had been pursuing breakthroughs in her realm, not having invested much in Alchemy Dao or Artifact Refining Technique.

Currently, her alchemy skills were still at the Spirit Level Alchemist stage. Despite reaching the Perfect Realm, she remained a Spirit Level Alchemist and hadn’t advanced to Treasure Level Alchemist.

As for Artifact Refining, it was somewhat embarrassing to admit. She could now create Treasure Artifacts, but crafting Divine Artifacts was still very challenging.

"I don’t have a Treasure Level Elixir," Mu Qingge confessed after a moment’s silence.

"I know," Han Caicai replied unsurprisingly.

If he knew, what was Han Caicai insinuating?

Mu Qingge looked at Han Caicai, bewilderment evident in her gaze.

Han Caicai picked up the wooden box on the bed and suddenly tossed it towards Mu Qingge. Mu Qingge’s gaze narrowed, and she reached out to catch it, though her expression grew more puzzled.

Han Caicai’s lazy voice floated, "I’ve already made arrangements with the other party—within three years, you will bring the Earth Emperor Pill to the Middle Ancient Realm to find him."

"What did you say?" Mu Qingge’s eyes widened, incredulous that Han Caicai dared to make decisions for her privately.

Earth Emperor Pill! The other party wanted the Earth Emperor Pill!

The Earth Emperor Pill is indeed a Treasure Level Elixir, and its role is to prevent a corpse from decomposing for a hundred years and keeping the Divine Soul intact.

If given the chance, it could revive the dead!

Who could possibly need the Earth Emperor Pill?

"Why are you so surprised? Even if I hadn’t agreed, upon knowing these conditions, you would have agreed, wouldn’t you?" Han Caicai said indifferently, seeing Mu Qingge’s face darken.

Mu Qingge fell silent.

Indeed, the promise of three years in exchange for a Middle Ancient Realm map, she would accept without hesitation.

Moreover, advancing to a Treasure Level Alchemist within three years wasn’t particularly challenging for her.

But why did Han Caicai agree on her behalf?

"I’m the one who has to fulfill the promise; if you’ve agreed on my behalf and I can’t do it, then what?" Mu Qingge asked icily.

However, Han Caicai showed no concern: "I have faith in you."

"..." What else could Mu Qingge say?

No agreeing had already become agreeing.

Her gaze shifted downward, focusing on the wooden box in her hand.

With a flick of her fingers, she undid the clasp and opened the lid. Inside the wooden box lay a map drawn on unknown beast skin.

Mu Qingge took the map from the wooden box and spread it in her hands, scanning it.

The names on the map were unfamiliar to her, labeled with ’Middle Ancient Realm West Continent’. The map covered a vast area, even rivaling all of Linchuan.

She raised her eyes, calmly addressing Han Caicai, "How do I know this map is real?"

Han Caicai flicked his sleeve and said, "Wanxiang Building never sells fake goods. Moreover, I personally checked this map."

Mu Qingge pondered silently. Han Caicai’s family had origins in the Middle Ancient Realm, possibly more familiar with West Continent’s geography. Thus, ensuring the map’s accuracy.

Folding the map in her hands and tucking it into her sleeve, Mu Qingge asked, "Who is the client? How do I deliver the Earth Emperor Pill to them after crafting it?"

Han Caicai’s lips curved slightly, revealing an enchanting smile, lazily instructing, "That’s not something you need to worry about. After you craft the Earth Emperor Pill, just deliver it to the local Wanxiang Building."

Mu Qingge furrowed her brow at Han Caicai and said, "In three years, I can’t guarantee I’ll still be in Linchuan."

"Wanxiang Building is not only in Linchuan. Three years from now, I won’t be here either," said Han Caicai.

Mu Qingge squinted slightly, pondering the meaning behind Han Caicai’s words. Connecting this with Jiang Li’s previous description of Han Caicai, she had already guessed that Han Caicai was probably planning to return to the Han Family in the Middle Ancient Realm to clear his disgrace.

But, was he so certain that he could succeed this time? And be able to control the Han Family? If the Middle Ancient Realm also had a Wanxiang Building, it could only come from the Han Family.

Since Han Caicai mentioned asking her to hand over the Earth Emperor Pill to Wanxiang Building, it showed he had enough confidence to control the Han Family in the Middle Ancient Realm within three years.

Was it because the Fire Cloud Yang Flame gave him such confidence?

Mu Qingge pondered for a while in her heart.

Suddenly, she brushed away her thoughts. Lifting her eyes to look at Han Caicai, she gave her promise: "In three years, I will deliver the Earth Emperor Pill to the Wanxiang Building in the Middle Ancient Realm."

Han Caicai was not a reckless person. He wouldn’t have said so unless he’d had a complete plan, meaning she needn’t worry about anything.

"I’ve got what I came for. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave," Mu Qingge said to Han Caicai.

Han Caicai chuckled lightly, "You really know how to demolish the bridge after crossing the river!"

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, asking, "Is there anything else?"

Han Caicai’s lips curled into an ambiguous smile, his long, narrow eyes glinting with shreds of light. "You heard the street ballad, right?"

"So it was you," Mu Qingge responded to his words without the slightest surprise.

Han Caicai innocently pursed his lips and said nonchalantly, "I saw you hesitating to make a move, so I had to act on your behalf."

Mu Qingge stared at him in silence for a long time. It was only when Han Caicai restrained his smile and frowned that she suddenly warned, "Han Caicai, do not meddle in my affairs in the future."

After speaking, she turned and left with large strides, without a trace of nostalgia.

Watching her departing figure, Han Caicai shook his head and sighed, "Truly a heartless... person."

He held back the word ’woman’ that was about to slip out. He seemed to have already determined Mu Qingge’s true gender, yet without witnessing it for himself, he became somewhat uncertain.

Yet, he knew clearly in his heart that whether Mu Qingge was male or female, she seemed to have already taken residence in his heart, making it impossible for him to ignore her existence.

The smile in Han Caicai’s long, narrow eyes gradually faded. His thin lips pressed tightly, his brows furrowed slightly, and his expression became somewhat complex.

...

Having achieved her goal, Mu Qingge felt there was no need to return to the auction hall.

On her way back, passing by the auction hall, she glanced inside at the lively scene and left without any nostalgia.

While returning from Wanxiang Building to the post house, the rumors on the street had already started to shift direction.

A true version of Mu Qingge’s experiences began to spread throughout Tiandu.

The original rumors painted Mu Qingge as a frivolous son of nobility who used his beauty to manipulate various forces for his own ends, a blue-eyed disaster.

In the new rumors, she became a young general famed for a battle that became known throughout the world, a hero resisting imperial power for the sake of her family and soldiers, and a person who sacrificed personal affections for her country and world.

Whether it was her leading five hundred trusted aides to the border, battling spirit beasts to save countless soldiers’ lives, proposing the use of spirit-eating beasts in place of military provisions in times of shortage, or her return to Luodu, where she audaciously killed the Imperial Uncle in the streets and firmly returned to the border—each became a household story.

When she achieved success and fame, she harbored no attachment to power and wealth, went incognito across the nations, entered the Medicine Tower Branch, outshone other disciples, and became the first Spirit Level Alchemist from a third-class country. She also frankly accepted a challenge at the Medicine Tower Headquarters from their then-first genius, making a name for herself again and becoming the youngest Elder in the Medicine Tower’s history... none of this was omitted.

Even her deeds after entering Tiandu were similarly compiled into tales, beginning to circulate in Tiandu.

A person who dared to floor someone who provoked her upon entering Tiandu; a person at a state banquet who smiled in the face of provocations from various countries and forces and fended them off with ease; a person who could draw with Tiandu’s number-one madman, Shen Bicheng—could she really be someone who served others with her looks?

After hearing these authentic rumors, the citizens of Tiandu began to doubt the authenticity of what they’d previously heard.

As Mu Qingge said, lies can never become truths!

Behind those false rumors were merely hearts filled with unfulfilled jealousy.

Rumors about Mu Qingge began to shift direction. Another narrative subtly surfaced, revealing its real face: the story of Miss Feiyue from the Lan Family, being rejected and expelled from the Li Palace by the Holy King...

Smash!

Clang—!

From the deep courtyard of the Lan Mansion came the sound of shattering porcelain.

Along with it were the angry shouts of a woman.

"Get out! All of you, get out! Who is it? Who is behind the slander against me?"

Lan Feiyue stood amidst the broken porcelain, trembling with anger.

Still in her usual blue attire, gone was the ethereal aura; instead, her features appeared terrifying and twisted.

The servants attending to her were shaking in terror, not daring to approach.

After a while, the head of the Lan Family, who had hurried back from Wanxiang Building, rushed in, seeing the heap of shattered fine porcelain, and pointed at his daughter with distress, saying, "What are you doing? These are all top-quality official kiln porcelains, any one piece is enough to let those peasants live for a lifetime!"

"Father, haven’t you heard the rumors about me outside?" Lan Feiyue turned sharply, looking at her father with resentment.

The Lan Family Head was taken aback, silently looking at his daughter with anguish in his voice. "You’re being impulsive! These are high-quality imperial porcelains, each one worth a lifetime for those commoners!"

Lan Feiyue, with her exquisite yet cold features, addressed her father: "Do you think I’m worthless? Do you really think the Holy King abandoned me and expelled me?"

The Lan Family Head was stunned, silently looking at his daughter with some pity.

Previously, he thought that his daughter would win the favor of the Holy King. After all, the Holy King was also a man, and no man can resist loneliness. This belief gave him great confidence in his daughter.

However, clearly the experience at the Li Palace awakened him from his sweet dreams. Unable to blame the Holy King, he could only feel that his daughter was not perfect enough.

But his daughter’s face remained icy, her features nothing short of stunningly beautiful. She said to the Lan Family Head with a cold expression, "Does father think I’m useless? Do you also think the Holy King turned me away because he didn’t want me?"

The head of the Lan Family paused, silently looking at his daughter. He too was unwilling, but what else could he do? "Well, what else can be done?" he said, sighing heavily.

"You want me to marry?!" Lan Feiyue’s voice suddenly rose.

"What else can be done?" the Lan Family Head exclaimed in frustration. He himself was unwilling, but what use was it? "Previously, I tried to pave the way for you with the Li Palace. To prevent too many people from knowing about your rejection, I did as you wished and had people smear that Qin Country’s little Lord. But now the truth is out, and they’ve turned against you. If you don’t seize this opportunity to find a way out, our whole family will suffer because of you."

"It’s all because of Mu Qingge! If it weren’t for her!" Lan Feiyue’s eyes were filled with hatred. She slammed her fist down on the table, and the table shattered into pieces.

"If she hadn’t shown up, that day at the Li Palace the Holy King’s attention should’ve been on me! She’s just a hereditary little lord from a mere third-class country; what can she compare to me, what right does she have to win the Holy King’s favor?"

At this moment, Lan Feiyue directed all her bitterness and resentment towards being expelled by Si Mo onto Mu Qingge. She believed it was all due to Mu Qingge.

Clearly, at this moment, Lan Feiyue had thoroughly turned her hostility towards Mu Qingge. Previously, she might have been haughty in Mu Qingge’s face, but now, all of that disdain transformed into hatred.

Bluntly put, it was nothing but jealousy taking its toll—a woman’s jealousy so extreme that it could destroy anything in sight, underscoring the depth of her madness.

"What do you want then?" the head of the Lan Family anxiously asked, sensing the fierce killing intent from Lan Feiyue.

Lan Feiyue’s eyes gleamed with a murderous vengeance, her hair standing on end with a violent aura.

"I want to kill him!" Lan Feiyue’s response to her father dripped with burning hatred.