Outside Tiandu, surrounded by mountains.

In a circular valley, high walls of earth were erected layer by layer with spiritual power by powerful masters, and named ’The Cage’.

At the peaks of the surrounding mountains, connected by corridors where tables and chairs are placed, obviously meant for those who do not participate in battles to watch the matches.

This is the venue for the second round of the Linchuan Conference.

Inside the cylindrical high walls is the arena for personal duels. There are a total of five such cylindrical high walls in the valley, meaning five matches can be conducted simultaneously.

The rules for the second round are simple; each country sends six representatives for duels at will. The winners earn two points for their country, while the losers deduct two points from their original score.

The duration remains seven days, and within these days, there is no limit on the number of matches. As long as you think you can fight, you can go up. As long as there are no fatalities, there are basically no rules.

The high walls erected with spiritual power can withstand the strongest attacks from the Purple Realm, ensuring that matches go undisturbed.

As disciples from the four great families are included in the second round, if participants from other countries meet and defeat them, they earn three points; if they lose, no points are deducted.

Ultimately, the additional point awards for this round will be given based on the total score rankings.

The ’spectators’ sitting in the mountain corridors can take in the entirety of the five arenas in the valley, absorbing the full scene into their eyes.

Mu Qingge sat cross-legged in a corner of the valley, with a Dragon Teeth guard seated next to her. Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, along with their people, also sat nearby her.

From the nearby high walls, sounds of weapons clashing occasionally echoed, though unseen, the intensity of the battles could be guessed by the sounds.

Suddenly, a Mystic Iron Gate at the base of one of the high walls opened, and a familiar face to Mu Qingge walked out.

Behind him, an elite of Rong Country was carried out, now lying on a stretcher, barely alive. He walked towards Mu Qingge with a stern expression, while from another corner, several Rong Country elites, with hateful looks, hurriedly moved to aid their companion, seizing the time for treatment.

"Little Lord, mission accomplished without disgrace." He walked over to Mu Qingge and clasped his fists in salute.

Mu Qingge gave an almost imperceptible nod, her gaze sweeping to the empty space beside her, "Rest now."

Without any hesitation, the victorious Dragon Teeth guard immediately moved to the other side of Mu Qingge, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to meditate.

After he rested, the other Dragon Teeth guard who was initially sitting beside Mu Qingge stood up immediately, bowed his head slightly to Mu Qingge, then turned and walked into the opened Mystic Iron Gate.

Mu Qingge watched him enter without any worry.

Over at Rong Country’s side, when they saw Mu Qingge’s man enter again, some impulsive individuals wanted to enter ’The Cage’ to avenge their companion, but were held back by others to prevent reckless actions.

While they hesitated, someone from Di Country had already stepped into ’The Cage’, the tightly closed Mystic Iron Gate slowly shutting, blocking the outside view, only those seated high in the mountain corridor could catch a glimpse of what was happening.

Huangfu Huan walked to Jiang Li’s side, seeing her idle and eating fruit.

His gentle eyes carried a bit of a smile as he asked, "Why isn’t Empress Jiang accompanying Little Lord Mu today?"

Jiang Li glanced up at him, took a bite of fruit, and with a muffled voice said, "She’s competing, what do I need to do there?"

"I thought Empress Jiang would be concerned about Little Lord Mu’s match results." Huangfu Huan sat on the chair next to Jiang Li, casually chatting with her.

Jiang Li sneered disdainfully, "If she loses to these people below, I would really look down on her!"

"Empress Jiang truly has great confidence in Little Lord Mu." Huangfu Huan smiled.

"Of course!" Jiang Li’s golden pupils glowed brightly, reflecting her trust in Mu Qingge.

...

In the valley, Zhao Nanxing stood up and walked over to Mu Qingge, casually sitting in the vacant seat next to her.

"With the skills of the Dragon Teeth Guards, you actually don’t need to participate in the second round." Zhao Nanxing looked at Mu Qingge and said.

Mu Qingge nodded: "Originally, I didn’t plan to participate, but someone issued a challenge letter, how could I not come and honor their intentions?"

"Challenge letter?" Zhao Nanxing’s voice carried a hint of surprise.

"Hmm. Shen Bicheng from the Shen Family, one of the four major families," Mu Qingge said casually.

Shen Bicheng!

"That guy who’s nicknamed the Shen Madman?" Zhao Nanxing’s eyes narrowed, his voice suddenly raised.

"That’s him." Mu Qingge’s tone was indifferent, even her gaze was clear and calm.

Zhao Nanxing frowned and said, "Didn’t he have a draw with you in the Imperial Palace? Why is he still pestering you?"

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, "He felt that match wasn’t satisfying." It was true; she thought the same. The fight took place in the Imperial Palace of the Holy Yuan Empire, with Emperor Yuan and others watching, and neither had truly let loose.

"Just because he feels it wasn’t satisfying, you have to cater to him? He really is a madman! A brute!" Zhao Nanxing’s face darkened as he spoke.

Mu Qingge was their biggest trump card in coming to the Holy Yuan Empire, and rationally, he didn’t want Mu Qingge to reveal her true abilities too soon.

Moreover, he had heard Mu Qingge’s description of Shen Bicheng, who was simply a Martial Fool.

Mu Qingge was, after all, a daughter. If she suffered any injuries during the competition, how could he explain it to his master, senior brothers, and Zisu upon returning?

"No way! Since the two of you are evenly matched, there’s no point in continuing to fight. You’d better not go," Zhao Nanxing suggested.

Mu Qingge straightened her back, her smile carrying a hint of anticipation, "It’s precisely because we are evenly matched that there’s a thrilling feeling."

Her eyes glittered with bright sparks, looking forward to a fierce battle to hone her combat skills and practical experience.

"It seems you’ve already decided," Zhao Nanxing said helplessly.

Mu Qingge nodded slightly.

Zhao Nanxing shook his head and said, "I can’t convince you, so I can only let you go. In any case, take care of yourself and don’t push too hard. Also, you’re a Spirit Level Alchemist; if anything happens, remember to take the elixir, don’t worry about fairness. Shen Bicheng challenging you was already unfair."

Hearing the resentment in Zhao Nanxing’s tone, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but smile.

Of course, she understood what Zhao Nanxing meant by ’unfair’ at the end. Ever since Zhao had learned her true gender, he no longer treated her as a man. So to him, the gentlemanly Zhao Nanxing, Shen Bicheng, a man in his twenties, challenging a young lady of eighteen or nineteen was already unfair, so why not be polite to him?

Mu Qingge didn’t outright refute Zhao Nanxing’s good intentions.

Yet, in her heart, she didn’t feel that the duel with Shen Bicheng was unfair.

"Eh?" Zhao Nanxing glanced around, frowning in dissatisfaction, "That Shen Madman, since he issued the challenge, why isn’t he here now?"

"It’s no big deal." Mu Qingge nonchalantly flicked the fabric draped over her knees, stood up from the ground, hands clasped behind her back. "Whenever he decides to come, he will. And since I’ve taken the spot, I naturally have to earn points for our Qin Country, let’s treat it as a warm-up before the match." With that, she strode towards a newly opened Mystic Iron Gate.

Watching her back, Zhao Nanxing felt a mix of emotions.

This was Mu Qingge, free-spirited and charismatic. Even knowing she was a daughter, Zhao Nanxing still found it hard to believe there could be such a woman in the world whose radiant brilliance eclipses many fine men, shining like the dazzling sun.

Zhao Nanxing involuntarily raised his head, gazing through the valley at the blazing sun in the sky. That piercing brightness, which was impossible to look directly at, yet easily engendered a sense of trust and reliance, was akin to the feeling Mu Qingge gave.

The Mystic Iron Gate closed slowly, enclosing that captivating red hue within the ’cage’.

As Mu Qingge stepped inside, the spectators on the mountain corridor grew intrigued. Jiang Li’s eyes also brightened, her enchanting and charming eyes smiling like crescent moons.

She crossed her legs, swaying her small foot the size of a palm, and sighed, "It’s been boring for so long, finally something worth watching."

Huangfu Huan puzzledly said, "Worth watching? I don’t think anyone here is a match for Lord Mu." He had witnessed the fierce battle between Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng firsthand.

Therefore, he was certain that in Tiandu, or among the peers attending the Linchuan Conference this time, apart from Shen Bicheng, others were just cannon fodder.

"Who said we’re watching a duel?" Jiang Li scoffed at him with a mocking look in her eyes.

Huangfu Huan froze, seemingly unable to understand Jiang Li’s point.

Jiang Li then added, "Watching Mu Qingge overpower people is also a kind of enjoyment!"

"..." Jiang Li’s frank words left Huangfu Huan stunned, without words to reply.

...

In the ’cage’ where Mu Qingge stood, opposite her was a samurai from Yu Country. His strength was at the Green Realm Peak, making him a standout among the younger generation by the standards of a second-class country.

He stood opposite Mu Qingge, and when Mu Qingge walked in leisurely, his expression changed.

It seemed he didn’t expect his opponent to be Mu Qingge.

Upon first arriving in Tiandu, at the welcome banquet set by Emperor Yuan, he attended as a servant accompanying the envoys. Although at the entire banquet, everyone’s attention was drawn to Mu Qingge, leaving him no opportunity to make an appearance.

However, he personally witnessed the scene where Mu Qingge knocked the young sect master of the Myriad Beasts Sect flying with a single punch.

His combat prowess was not even on par with Taishi Gao. Now facing Mu Qingge, was there any need to think about the outcome?

As Mu Qingge gradually approached, his legs began to tremble uncontrollably. The blood in his body plummeted to freezing point, and even the once abundant spiritual power seemed to slow down, unable to circulate through his meridians.

Beads of sweat, as large as beans, dripped from his temples, soaking his collar.

When Mu Qingge stood still, his legs suddenly went weak, and he fell directly to the ground, trembling like a sieve.

Mu Qingge furrowed her brows. She hadn’t released a hint of aura, nor did she make a move, so why did her opponent collapse?

"Are you alright?" Mu Qingge asked with genuine concern.

However, this scared the Green Realm Peak samurai from Yu Country into a frenzy, crawling and rolling towards the tightly closed Mystic Iron Gate, crying out, "I lost! I lost!"

His tone was filled with fear, unable to shake the image of Mu Qingge making Taishi Gao continuously vomit blood from his mind.

He wasn’t Taishi Gao. If seriously injured, no one would sacrifice top-quality elixirs for his treatment. He didn’t want to die, not for a match that would ruin his future.

Having seemingly found his reason to flee from the battlefield, he suddenly flung open the Mystic Iron Gate and rushed out.

Mu Qingge watched his embarrassed retreat with a perplexed expression, unable to understand what she did or how terrifying she appeared.

And just like that, she won a round? Even Mu Qingge herself found it hard to believe.

This way of winning was a bit too simple!

She sheepishly lowered her head and raised her hand to rub her nose bridge.

"That’s it then!" Jiang Li punched the armrest, gritting her teeth and saying.

Huangfu Huan turned his eyes in surprise, his gaze moving from her clenched fist to her matchless stunning profile, "Why does it sound like Jiang Empress wasn’t hoping for Little Lord Mu to win?"

"What do you know! He conceded without even fighting; Yu Country’s people are too cowardly! I was looking forward to watching our dear Little Lord Mu teach them a lesson!" Jiang Li said hatefully.

Huangfu Huan’s mouth twitched sharply.

For the first time, he felt his ’long-sleeved and adept’ skills couldn’t grasp the mindset of Jiang Empress.

Meanwhile, as Mu Qingge felt the loneliness of a master, another person finally walked in through the Mystic Iron Gate. Mu Qingge looked up to see markings from Di Country on the newcomer.

It seemed this was a samurai from Di Country.

Compared to the samurai from Yu Country who fled without a fight, this one was more steely and courageous. He strode with big steps opposite Mu Qingge, his expression extremely earnest.

He clasped his fist towards Mu Qingge and said, "Little Lord Mu, I know I’m not your match, but I still want to give it a try. Please give me your guidance!"

His fearless attitude was much appreciated by Mu Qingge.

This was the attitude soldiers should possess, even when faced with challenging tasks, having the determination to overcome all difficulties!

’Di Country truly is a nation where everyone is a soldier!’ The person before her deserved enough respect, even though he seemed insignificant in her eyes.

"Please!" Mu Qingge straightened her spine, extending an invitation towards him.

The Di Country samurai’s eyes sharpened, his fist clenched, and a layer of azure light emerged from it.

"Wind Shadow Fist——!" he shouted loudly, initiating an attack towards Mu Qingge.

Green Realm Middle Rank!

A ghostly light flashed in Mu Qingge’s eyes, easily discerning her opponent’s strength. Green Realm Middle Rank, which was two small realms below the previous samurai from Yu Country.

However, this momentum akin to breaking bamboo greatly surpassed the former.

Mu Qingge was certain, if these two were to face off, the losing party would still be the samurai from Yu Country. Because he lacked a heart determined to become strong.

Mu Qingge stood her ground, not evading.

The wind stirred by the fist lifted her hair, making it sway in the air.

The enormous fist shadow fell from the Di Country samurai. To outsiders, only a piece of azure-like wind was seen rushing in. But in Mu Qingge’s eyes, countless fist shadows attacked her vitals from all directions, seemingly unavoidable.

"This Wind Shadow Fist is a combat skill nearly every soldier must cultivate in the Di Country army. Although it’s only a Mystic-level Combat Skill, its power is fierce. With thousands of fist shadows sealing retreat paths, it forces the opponent to confront head-on. However, facing head-on means enduring countless punches. It seems this Di Country contestant also knows his spiritual power doesn’t match Little Lord Mu, so he used his most familiar and reliable move right away." On the corridor, Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian nodded appreciatively.

At the same time, he harbored a touch of anticipation in his eyes, eager to see what kind of move Mu Qingge would use to counter.

"Interesting." The old man from the Medicine Tower squinted his eyes, revealing a smile of indeterminate meaning.

They couldn’t tell to whom these words referred.

Mu Qingge stood her ground like a reef wrapped in great waves, unyieldingly stable. The thousands of fist powers converged in her clear eyes, finally becoming a massive fist heading straight for her face.

Mu Qingge suddenly moved, raising her right hand and with an exceedingly slow trajectory, visible to anyone, extending towards that massive fist.

"To actually face head-on? Such an approach magnifies the pressure a thousandfold! Without great self-confidence, no one would resort to this counterattack strategy!" A flash of astonishment flickered in Huangfu Haotian’s eyes.

Mu Qingge’s fist appeared smaller and seemingly more fragile compared to the Di Country samurai’s.

Yet, it contained immense power.

As the fists neared, the Di Country samurai’s eyes widened, filled with disbelief.

Boom——!

The sound of a violent clash erupted within the ’cage’.

The enormous azure fist collided with Mu Qingge’s small fair fist, stirring up gigantic spiritual waves, repeatedly crashing into the high walls surrounding us.

Witnessing this scene, a ghostly light shone in Jiang Li’s eyes as she suddenly spoke to Huangfu Huan beside her, "I finally understand why these walls are built in a cylindrical shape. This shape best dissipates force. If it were a regular square shape, this strike would have already shattered the walls." Jiang Li said.

"Good eye, Empress Jiang." Huangfu Huan praised sincerely.

Jiang Li curled the corner of her mouth; she was most averse to this kind of pretend compliment. If Huangfu Huan wasn’t considered a decent person, she wouldn’t have bothered to deal with him.

Within the cage, the wave of energy raised dust from the ground, obstructing the view of those in the arcade corridor.

When the dust settled, the samurai from Di Country, standing with his hands lowered beside his legs, couldn’t be judged for the result of the battle.

"I lost." The Di Country samurai tightly pursed his lips before finally uttering the words.

Mu Qingge looked at him and said, "You’re pretty good."

These words relieved the Expression on the Di Country samurai’s face.

He lifted his head high and walked toward the Mystic Iron Gate with large steps, never looking at Mu Qingge again, and quietly said, "Thank you, Little Lord Mu, for showing mercy."

With that, he left quickly without glancing back.

As the wind from the gate blew a layer of dust into the cage from above, it lingered in the air, then fell helplessly to the ground.

During his fight with Mu Qingge, the power of her punch was something he simply could not withstand.

"""

The shadow punches landed on Mu Qingge, yet seemed utterly useless. He couldn’t imagine the resilience of Mu Qingge’s physique, only knowing that if Mu Qingge hadn’t timely withstood the force in the end, he would probably be carried out barely alive.

He lost, but accepted his defeat wholeheartedly!

Mu Qingge won two consecutive matches, turning the cage she was in into a forbidden zone where no one dared to provoke.

After waiting for a while with no one entering, Mu Qingge turned around and walked out.

As soon as she left, two people immediately jumped into the cage and continued the competition.

With a helpless smile, Mu Qingge could only return to her previous resting spot and sat cross-legged.

By this time, Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei were no longer outside, presumably having gone to other cages for matches.

...

In the corridor, Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie exchanged a glance. They had been watching each of Mu Qingge’s matches intently, cursing the uselessness of that guy from Yu Country while also assessing Mu Qingge’s real combat power.

Among these people, Hei Mu should be the one most familiar with Mu Qingge’s strength. The two had clashed twice, both times life-and-death battles, revealing all their cards to each other.

However, that was a long time ago. Given Mu Qingge’s monstrous talent, he couldn’t be sure to what extent Mu Qingge had now advanced.

Mu Qingge sat outside for nearly half a day until she saw Jing Tian from the four main families’ team walk into a cage.

Thinking for a moment, she stood up and headed towards that cage.

The unresolved matters between her and Jing Tian had reached a point where they should be settled.

Regarding Jing Tian, Mu Qingge didn’t exactly feel hatred.

After all, in the end, Jing Tian bore the consequences of his provocations.

Even though he once coveted Shang Zisu, he ultimately did nothing that warranted his death.

So if Jing Tian knew where to stop, she wouldn’t consider him an enemy. However, if he didn’t, she would have no choice but to eradicate the threat.

As Mu Qingge stepped into the cage, the Jing Family Head sitting in the corridor grew tense. His hands gripped the armrests of his chair tightly, his back leaving the chair’s backrest involuntarily.

Jing Tian’s grievances with Mu Qingge had already been thoroughly questioned by the Jing Family Head from his son after the fact.

Although he didn’t wish for this abruptly emerging genius to overshadow his son’s most proud talent, Mu Qingge’s current display of power compelled him to dissuade his son’s reluctance.

Especially after the expedition to Li Palace, the ambiguous relationship between Mu Qingge and that person from Li Palace gave the cautious and farsighted Jing Family Head reason to avoid enmity with Mu Qingge.

Thus, he’d repeatedly warned his son not to provoke Mu Qingge.

The past discords with Mu Qingge were also to be written off.

However, this son of his had never directly expressed his stance on the matter.

Today, with Mu Qingge proactively approaching his son, he couldn’t gauge Mu Qingge’s intention, nor could he shake the fear that his son might act irreversibly due to provocation.

But once inside the cage, no one from outside was allowed to interfere, no matter what transpired.

At this moment, all he could do was fret and do nothing else.

...

As Mu Qingge entered, Jing Tian’s complexion changed immediately, his gloomy face becoming even darker.

He pressed his lips tightly, seemingly struggling to restrain something, staring at Mu Qingge, with eyes no longer arrogant, but filled with vigilance and a hint of panic.

Mu Qingge gazed at him for a long time before slowly speaking, "Today, let’s settle the score between you and me."

Jing Tian remained silent.

His hands, hanging by his sides, clenched into fists, then relaxed, clenched again, then relaxed. Over and over...

The Jing Family Head was equally tense, worried his son would act impulsively!

Mu Qingge and Jing Tian both belonged to the Medicine Tower. As the two were about to compete, the Medicine Tower Director slowly opened his half-closed eyes, his smile fading.

Back when Jing Tian advanced to Spirit Level Alchemist, he ruthlessly broke ties with his mentor, but wasn’t expelled from the Medicine Tower. Firstly, his actions didn’t violate the Medicine Tower’s rules. Secondly, although he was arrogant and indifferent, he wasn’t a major villain. Thirdly, it was due to the consideration for the Jing Family.

Later, during the Dan Fighting with Mu Qingge, the Director proposed that the victor should become an Elder, intending to use Mu Qingge to temper Jing Tian’s arrogance and cultivate patience and tranquility.

However, if forced to choose between the two, his choice would undoubtedly be Mu Qingge.

Not only because of his appreciation for Mu Qingge but also because Mu Qingge’s future was tied to the Medicine Tower’s fate.

Currently, the situation’s development seemed to hinge solely on Jing Tian. His decision represented different choices for different individuals and concerns the future direction of the Medicine Tower and family.

The match had yet to genuinely begin. Yet, the tense atmosphere had already spread from the cage to the corridor above.

Lou Xuantie couldn’t help but taunt the Medicine Tower Director, "Between the two prized disciples of the Medicine Tower, who does the Director value more?"

The provocation was quite apparent.

Lou Xuantie’s words drew the Jing Family Head’s sidelong glance to the Medicine Tower Director.

The Medicine Tower Director laughed lightly without giving anything away, showing a relaxed demeanor as he replied to Lou Xuantie, "They’re all part of the Medicine Tower; no matter who wins, I, an old man, will feel honored."

This ambiguous answer left Lou Xuantie dissatisfied.

He wanted to make a few more pointed remarks but was stopped by Hei Mu, who restrained his impulsiveness.

They had remained dormant for this period in order to strike the enemy decisively and couldn’t afford to let the opponent detect anything as the plan commenced.

Lou Xuantie, seeing Hei Mu’s intent, could only snort coldly to conclude the matter.

The Jing Family Head’s tension slightly eased, his gaze returning to the cage. He silently hoped, ’Tian’er, you must not disappoint your father!’

As if hearing his father’s heart, Jing Tian, after a long silence, released the fists he had clenched again and looked at Mu Qingge, "The grudges between you and me were settled back at the Medicine Tower."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow.

Truth be told, Jing Tian’s response surprised her slightly. She initially thought that in such a fair and open setting, Jing Tian wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to duel her.

Yet he chose to forgo the fight?

Jing Tian suddenly moved, but instead of attacking, he walked steadily past Mu Qingge, heading towards the Mystic Iron Gate.

"Does this count as conceding without a fight?" Jiang Li frowned.

Huangfu Huan smiled meaningfully, nodding, "It seems Jing Tian, under Young Lord Mu’s pressure, is beginning to mature. If the Jing Family falls into his hands, the Jing Family Head can feel at ease."

Because of his words, Jiang Li turned her gaze towards the Jing Family Head sitting across from Emperor Yuan on her right. Sure enough, she caught a touch of gratified smile at the corner of his mouth.

She raised an eyebrow lightly, returning her gaze to Huangfu Huan, "Indeed, being part of the Four Great Families is no simple matter."

Huangfu Huan smiled, answering tangentially, "The Jing Family Head’s vision is something even my father, the emperor, greatly admires."

As a Family Head, every decision must be ensured correct.

Jiang Li, as the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, although the uniqueness of the Ancient Witch Country spared her many worries, she understood this principle.

She smiled and said, "The old fox of the Jing Family is still clever enough." Clever enough not to allow his son to indulge in enmity with Mu Qingge, as vengeance from Mu Qingge could lead to the reshuffling of the four main families in Tiandu, and the existence of the Jing Family would become an uncertain matter.

She then asked, "So Jing Tian just left like that?"

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow.

It seemed rather ludicrous to her.

Perhaps today’s fortune-telling advised against fighting; otherwise, why would two of her three opponents today back off without a fight?

However, after today, Mu Qingge felt that she would start appreciating Jing Tian.

Originally, she thought he was just a person relying on his talent, arrogant and unfeeling, but unexpectedly, he had this kind of hidden strength. Mu Qingge could see that Jing Tian’s final decision to give up was not for himself but for his family.

A person who can give up personal interests for the sake of family, even if bad, couldn’t be too bad.

What was thought to be a confrontation to resolve grudges, ended just like that.

Mu Qingge suddenly felt a bit uninterested, planning to leave the cage. However, the Mystic Iron Gate behind her suddenly closed. She turned back and saw that the young lady of the Lan Family, Lan Feiyue, had entered.

Mu Qingge’s eyebrows subtly raised. According to Jiang Li’s words, the elegant and ethereal woman before her was considered her rival in love.

Lan Feiyue wore a blue gradient dress, fluttering like an immortal in the breeze.

She held a soft whip in her hand, shining coldly, walking towards Mu Qingge.

Since coming down from the Li Palace, she no longer wore a veil. The same now. Mu Qingge could clearly see her face, cold as ice, filled with a fierce aura.

The look in her eyes towards Mu Qingge held an unhidden malice.

Mu Qingge slightly narrowed her eyes, really not understanding how she provoked this young lady again.

Even though she was summoned by Si Mo alone, it was in the guise of a man, could that still stir jealousy in this young lady? Although being a woman, Mu Qingge really couldn’t grasp the reasons for a woman’s jealousy.

"Mu Qingge, today let me see what exactly makes the Holy King value you!" Lan Feiyue shook her wrist, and the long whip that trailed on the ground suddenly coiled in the air like a snake, adhering to her side.

Mu Qingge’s gaze fell on the long whip, her eyes focused, ’Treasure Artifact!’

Mu Qingge sighed in her heart, ’The Four Great Families are indeed different! The weapons in the hands of the young disciples are actually Treasure Artifacts. So, do these profoundly rooted families have Divine Artifacts? The answer is probably almost certain!’

However, even for the Four Great Families, Divine Artifacts aren’t something they can casually bring out, right?

Mu Qingge speculated, if Lan Feiyue had a Divine Artifact in her hand, then what she would use against her now would definitely not be this Treasure Artifact.

Suddenly, Lan Feiyue’s long whip danced like a snake, emitting a crisp, bell-like sound.

The sound gradually echoed in the cage, at first Mu Qingge didn’t feel anything, but after listening for a while, a sense of dizziness suddenly attacked her, the scene before her eyes also became somewhat blurry.

’Such an insidious Treasure Artifact!’

Mu Qingge immediately used her spiritual power to dispel the feeling of dizziness, but her gaze still carried a look of confusion as she looked at Lan Feiyue. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Treasure Artifacts possess some auxiliary enhancement abilities, greater than those of Spiritual Artifacts, and more varied. If she wasn’t mistaken, Lan Feiyue’s long whip carried an auxiliary ability that could confuse the mind.

Once confused, making the opponent’s actions and reactions slow, for Lan Feiyue, it became the moment to start the slaughter.

Mu Qingge deliberately pretended to be confused by the long whip, wanting to see how Lan Feiyue intended to deal with her!

Sure enough, when her gaze was unfocused, and her expression dazed, Lan Feiyue’s eyes, seemingly soaked in hatred, focused, a fierce light shot out as if it were real.

She vigorously swung the long whip in her hand, the sharp whip mixed with spiritual power transformed into a light blade in the air, attacking Mu Qingge’s face. If hit, it wouldn’t just leave a scar, this power, enough to make the scar deep to the bone, difficult to heal.

’She actually wants to disfigure me!’

The trajectory of the whip strike allowed Mu Qingge to easily determine the purpose of this whip.

The whip shadow reflected in her clear eyes, gradually approaching.

Mu Qingge’s originally dazed eyes suddenly became sharp and cold. She leapt sideways, crossing paths with the descending whip. The whip missed, striking hard on the ground, immediately leaving a half-finger deep whip mark.

And Mu Qingge swiftly changed position, leaving a series of phantom shadows on the ground.

Having missed a strike, Lan Feiyue was filled with hatred towards Mu Qingge. She swung the whip again, continuously lashing at those phantoms, in the cage, the sound of falling whips continued echoing, countless whip shadows wove into a net, along with the rising dust, obscuring the upper part of the cage, and blocking the view of those in the gallery.

The Family Head of the Lan Family sitting in the gallery frowned, somewhat tense.

However, this effect was caused by his beloved daughter, what could he say? For now, he could only hope Lan Feiyue could successfully teach Mu Qingge a lesson, and vent her inner anger.

Gazing at the sky blocked by whip shadows and dust, Huangfu Huan suddenly said, "The Treasure Artifact belonging to Lan Feiyue is called Illusion Cloud Whip. It has four enhancement functions: illusion, speed, strength, and sharpness, compensating for her shortcomings as a woman in this area. Moreover, she has been practicing whip techniques for over a decade, wielding the Illusion Cloud Whip with perfection. Even Shen Bicheng would find her challenging to deal with."

He used Shen Bicheng as an example because Shen Bicheng could compete to a stalemate with Mu Qingge.

Jiang Li turned her gaze, her eyes falling on him, and saw the subtle worry between his brows. Although she could not quite understand why Huangfu Huan was so concerned about Mu Qingge’s safety, she still said, "Don’t worry, Mu Qingge won’t be easily defeated."

Huangfu Huan frowned slightly and instinctively looked toward his father.

Huangfu Haotian, receiving his son’s gaze, subtly shook his head, giving him a look of reassurance.

Pa, pa, pa, pa——!

The sound of the whip continuously echoed in the cage, with Lan Feiyue pushing her speed to the extreme, yet unable to hit Mu Qingge’s true form. She couldn’t even catch her movement with her eyes.

Angered in her heart, she coldly snorted, "Humph, you only know how to dodge like a rat. How could someone like you be favored by the Holy King!"

She wished to provoke Mu Qingge into confronting her head-on. In her view, Mu Qingge’s dodging only proved he was afraid to face her directly. Given this, should they fight head-on, she believed she could win and teach him a severe lesson!

Mar his alluring face that bewitched the masses!

Then, as her voice fell, Mu Qingge’s voice suddenly sounded behind her, "I have always been behind you, yet you failed to notice."

She had never dodged, nor did she take the Blue Realm Peak Lan Feiyue seriously.

Lan Feiyue was startled and her hands reacted even quicker.

The Illusion Cloud Whip swiftly retracted, striking toward the source of the sound.

However, just as her hand was raised, her wrist was grabbed by Mu Qingge, unable to move.

Lan Feiyue was shocked. Mu Qingge’s strength left her no room to resist!

With wide eyes, she stared at Mu Qingge at close range, feeling a sense of violation. Her brows furrowed as she called out with a ferocious expression, "I will gouge out your eyes!"

"Madwoman!" Mu Qingge coldly retorted, grabbing the Illusion Cloud Whip from her hand forcefully, and throwing her into the air.

"Ah——!" The sensation of weightlessness made Lan Feiyue scream in fright.

Her body, like a butterfly with clipped wings, left an arc in the air, landing heavily inside the cage, kicking up dust from the ground.

The Illusion Cloud Whip ceased its maneuvers, and the whip shadows and dust blocking the view gradually dispersed.

When the crowd clearly saw the situation inside, they saw Lan Feiyue awkwardly lying on the ground, while Mu Qingge stood unscathed, holding Lan Feiyue’s Illusion Cloud Whip in his hand.

The Family Head of the Lan Family was shocked, standing up from his chair with a dark and unsightly complexion.

Huangfu Haotian’s elegant eyebrows slightly raised, and his eyes seemed to carry a faint trace of amusement.

The old director of the Medicine Tower, half-asleep, muttered to himself, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie’s eyes held a hint of expectation, seemingly wishing for Mu Qingge to go even further, completely provoking the hatred hidden deep within Lan Feiyue’s heart!

Everyone else was eagerly awaiting Mu Qingge’s next move. Would he show mercy to Lan Feiyue and let her out of the cage, or would he do something else?

"Young Lord Mu has already won. Given his demeanor, he’s likely to go over and help Lan Feiyue up, escorting her out of the cage," Huangfu Huan said confidently.

However, Jiang Li scoffed at his words.

She leisurely remarked, "If it’s according to that guy’s demeanor, the match probably won’t end so soon."

Huangfu Huan looked at Jiang Li in confusion.

To him, the match was clearly already over. Lan Feiyue’s weapon was taken, and she was down, anyone could see the outcome.

But before he could inquire further, he saw Mu Qingge inside the cage already raising the Illusion Cloud Whip high in the air...