"So fond of playing with whips? Then I’ll join you and play!" Mu Qingge’s sharp voice fell, and the Illusion Cloud Whip in her hand emitted a clear, crisp sound like silver bells, aiming at Lan Feiyue on the ground.

The whip shadow rushing forward suddenly enlarged in Lan Feiyue’s eyes.

She screamed in terror, "No!" covering her cheeks desperately with her hands and rolling away in panic. However, the Illusion Cloud Whip in Mu Qingge’s hand moved faster.

Even though she dodged in time, the whip still viciously struck her back.

"Ah——!" A heart-wrenching scream escaped from Lan Feiyue’s lips. Her blue dress was already stained with dust, and her back was whipped by the Illusion Cloud Whip, tearing her clothes apart, revealing blood and flesh with a hint of white bone.

The intense pain in her back caused Lan Feiyue to sweat coldly and shiver like a sieve, filled with anxiety. She shot her eyes, as venomous as poison, at Mu Qingge. And Mu Qingge’s second whip was already silently descending.

Lan Feiyue tried to dodge in disarray, but was hit on her waist, her whole body flying out and crashing hard against the wall.

"Pfft!" Lan Feiyue fell to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of foul blood.

The shadows of Mu Qingge’s whip continuously fell, Lan Feiyue scurrying like a rat in hot oil, unable to ever dodge the tracking of the Illusion Cloud Whip.

This was her most cherished weapon, accompanying her for more than ten years.

Yet now it fell into the hands of the person she hated most, causing such grievous harm.

Lan Feiyue occasionally let out painful wails, feeling not only deep hatred towards Mu Qingge, but also towards the Illusion Cloud Whip. The whip, once taken from her, became a weapon harming her, feeling like a betrayal!

...

"Emperor Yuan, isn’t this too much!" The Lan Family Head, distressed over his daughter, couldn’t help but pressure Huangfu Haotian.

Huangfu Haotian looked at him, seemingly not understanding the Lan Family Head’s words.

This bias made the Lan Family Head grind his teeth in hate. He restrained the urge to kill and said to Huangfu Haotian, "My daughter has already lost, yet Mu the young lord humiliates a woman like this—is this the conduct of a true man?"

Before Huangfu Haotian could speak, Jiang Li’s mocking voice came over, "Which ear did you hear your daughter say she concedes? Since she hasn’t conceded, the match naturally goes on."

"Witch, shut your mouth!" The Lan Family Head shouted fiercely at Jiang Li.

The blood of Divine Beasts flowed within the Ancient Witch Country’s veins. In his eyes, such blood became a half-human, half-monster existence.

Jiang Li’s eyes chilled, and a murderous intent surfaced.

Huangfu Huan immediately warned with a stern face, "Lan Family Head, you’ve gone too far."

Huangfu Haotian’s expression also darkened as he looked at the Lan Family Head, "Lan Qing’s love for his daughter is understandable, but he cannot vent his anger onto others. Does he not wish to apologize to Empress Jiang?"

The Lan Family Head’s face shifted between green and white under the scolding. Knowing pleading with Huangfu Haotian was useless, he refused to apologize to Jiang Li, merely snorting coldly and returning to his seat.

At present, he could only hope Mu Qingge wouldn’t be too harsh; if she indeed killed Lan Feiyue, then the Lan Family would be at endless odds!

The hand the Lan Family Head had placed on the armrest of his chair clenched tightly.

The Lan Family Head’s stance made Huangfu Haotian’s eyes flash coldly. After the cold glimmer dissipated, he turned to Jiang Li with a smile, "Empress Jiang, please don’t mind, the Lan Family Head was merely reckless in his urgency."

Jiang Li coldly laughed, "No matter. Today’s debt will have a chance for recovery."

Her words left both Huangfu Haotian and his son unsure how to respond, merely smiling to gloss over. The two exchanged a glance, both feeling this Lan Family was accustomed to borrowing power, now awakened from their dream, yet still not recognizing their position.

...

Pa—!

Papa—!

"Ah—!"

Although Lan Feiyue was now covered in wounds, her proud looks remained intact! That was her only consolation.

However, now her body was crisscrossed with whip marks, blood and flesh muddled, sand mixed with blood staining her wounds, filthy and unseemly. She had no strength left to resist.

She lay on the ground, eyes filled with hatred watching Mu Qingge slowly approach.

As Mu Qingge came near, the sunlight poured from behind her, casting a shadow before her, with Lan Feiyue lying ensconced within.

Lan Feiyue looked at her, panting heavily, hatred undiminished in her eyes.

Mu Qingge, however, showed a cold expression, indifferent to the hatred in her gaze, coldly asked, "Your first whip aimed at me, was it to ruin my looks?"

Though phrased as a question, the tone was irrefutable in affirmation.

Lan Feiyue’s eyes constricted suddenly, as if she guessed what Mu Qingge would do next!

"No—no—don’t!" Her eyes filled with terror. Even when whipped painfully by Mu Qingge with the Illusion Cloud Whip, she hadn’t shown fear until now.

Using her last bit of strength, she shook her head, pleading in her voice, attempting to retreat, move to safety. But alas, her strength exhausted, unable to move her body.

Mu Qingge slowly raised her hand, lifting the Illusion Cloud Whip.

She deliberately slowed her movements, giving Lan Feiyue a chance to flee, yet seemed to purposely humiliate her.

Lan Feiyue’s eyes grew increasingly terrified, unable to imagine life worse than death if her face were marred. Her visage was her pride.

If it were destroyed, how could she earn the favor of the Holy King in the future?

The Illusion Cloud Whip whistled, attacking Lan Feiyue’s face.

She froze, unable to move, staring wide-eyed at the descending whip.

Pa—!

"We concede!" The Lan Family Head’s voice sounded alongside the whip’s snap.

"Ah—!" Accompanied by Lan Feiyue’s heart-wrenching cries. She clutched her cheek, rolling on the ground, blood marking her face. Mu Qingge stood unfazed.

Her father’s words reminded her, and she shouted with a trembling voice, "I concede! I concede!"

"Whew—!" Huangfu Huan exhaled a turbid breath, leaning against his chair, his eyes admiringly said, "Mu the young lord really knows how to strike!" A ruthless flower destroyer indeed!

Of course, he dared not speak the latter half of the sentence in front of Jiang Li.

Jiang Li, naturally, coldly laughed, "Why pity your enemy? Enemy is enemy, irrespective of gender or beauty."

Her words left Huangfu Huan silent.

He sized up this Ancient Witch Country’s Jiang Empress seriously for the first time, sensing beneath her unique beauty and charm lay a distinct heart, captivating him.

Her decisiveness, fierceness, and clarity of rancor, coupled with her sunny disposition, started to allure Huangfu Huan.

"What are you looking at? Trying to take advantage of this Empress?" Jiang Li glared, giving Huangfu Huan a vicious sweeping glance.

However, this warning tone, in the ears of Huangfu Huan, sounded like playful teasing, enticing and endearing. He silently retracted his gaze, unwilling for Jiang Li to discover his thoughts.

Lan Feiyue conceded, the Xuan Iron Gate opened. The Lan Family members waiting outside hurried in, hurriedly carrying Lan Feiyue away.

"Wait." Just as the Lan Family was about to leave, Mu Qingge suddenly spoke.

The Lan Family members, now seeing Mu Qingge as a demon, were scared out of their wits when suddenly called.

Mu Qingge tossed the Illusion Cloud Whip, stained with Lan Feiyue’s blood and flesh, at their feet, sneering coldly, "Don’t forget your lady’s whip."

The Lan Family hastily picked up the whip from the ground and fled the enclosure.

Mu Qingge lifted her head, raising her chin, looking toward the Lan Family Head on the gallery.

Their gazes clashed midair, sparking a blaze.

The Lan Family Head gave a cold snort and directly swept his sleeves as he left. In his hurried manner, he seemed to be rushing back to treat Lan Feiyue’s injuries.

After he left, Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie exchanged glances in secret, their eyes simultaneously revealing an eerie and cold smile.

...

Tiandu, Lan Mansion.

Lan Feiyue, covered in blood and uncertain if she was alive, was carried into Lan Mansion, terrifying everyone in the residence.

In an instant, the atmosphere in Lan Mansion became tense.

The Lan Family Head stood outside Lan Feiyue’s room, watching the servants continuously enter and exit her room. The clear water that was taken in became blood water brought out.

Some of the blood water even had bits of flesh floating on it.

Every time he saw this scene, the hatred in the Family Head’s heart deepened. He was clenching his teeth so hard they hurt!

After waiting for over half an hour, he could no longer endure it and grabbed a servant who had just exited the room, asking, "How is the young lady now?"

The servant replied anxiously, "The physician is still cleaning and dressing the young lady’s wounds. It’s just that there are too many, and they’re too deep, so it’s taking time. The elixir the Family Head brought has been given to the young lady. The physician said her life is not at risk, but... but..."

She suddenly hesitated.

The Family Head frowned and demanded, "But what? If you don’t speak, I’ll kill you!"

"Spare my life, Family Head." The servant hurriedly knelt down, bowing her head, "The physician said that the wounds on the young lady are too deep, especially the one on her face, which has reached the skull. If you want the young lady to recover without any scars, you can only request a Spirit Level Beauty Pill from the Medicine Tower."

"Medicine Tower! Medicine Tower! Medicine Tower is in cahoots with that bastard surnamed Mu, how could they give me a Beauty Pill?" The Family Head was furious.

"Get out! Get out!" He vented his anger on the servant.

The servant hurriedly retreated, not daring to delay.

Afraid that if she slowed down even a little, her life would be in danger.

The Lan Family Head’s spiritual power was extremely violent, and he struggled to suppress the urge to kill, pacing back and forth with a grim face.

Lan Feiyue was the daughter he had painstakingly nurtured. Even if she couldn’t enter the Li Palace, with her beauty, she could have a good future and bring massive benefits to the Lan Family.

But now all his hopes had been ruined by Mu Qingge. How could he not hate?

Inside the room, on a carved bed, Lan Feiyue lay quietly. Two physicians in the residence were carefully treating her wounds. Now her upper body was bandaged, and half of her cheek was covered with gauze. It was only her legs’ injuries that were still being cleaned and treated.

Having taken the life-saving elixir, her life was no longer in danger.

However, the physical pain made it impossible for her to rest peacefully, and images of her injuries kept replaying in her mind.

After a while, her leg injuries were also treated. The physicians advised her to rest quietly and then left the room.

After talking to the physician, the Lan Family Head intended to come in and see his daughter, but a message of a guest visiting suddenly came from outside.

"What guest? Can’t they see the state of the residence now? Don’t see them!" The Lan Family Head waved irritably.

The messenger, frightened, stammered but still relayed the guest’s message: "Fa... Family Head, those two said they have elixirs that can restore the young lady’s appearance."

"What did you say!" The Lan Family Head instantly appeared in front of the messenger, grabbing his collar and lifting him to his face.

The servant trembled like a sieve, stuttering and repeating the message.

After hearing it clearly again, the Lan Family Head threw the servant to the ground. A cold gleam flashed in his severe eyes. He thought for a moment before calming down, "Take the guests to my study."

The servant immediately withdrew.

The Lan Family Head looked back at Lan Feiyue’s room before leaving with large strides.

Lan Feiyue’s courtyard gradually calmed down after the Lan Family Head left.

Lan Feiyue lay in bed, staring wide-eyed at the layers of gauze curtains.

At this moment, a close servant came to her side, holding the cleaned Illusion Cloud Whip, kneeling by her bed, and softly said, "Young lady, I’ve cleaned the Illusion Cloud Whip."

She had expected a word of praise from the young lady, as this was her favorite weapon.

But when Lan Feiyue heard the words ’Illusion Cloud Whip,’ a ferocious aura exploded from her. She ignored her injuries and sat up from the bed, her eyes coldly fixed on the close servant.

Shrouded by this icy gaze, the servant, not knowing the reason, shivered and trembled as she called, "You... young lady..."

Lan Feiyue suddenly had a fierce look in her eyes, raising her hand to take the Illusion Cloud Whip and lashed out at the servant.

"Ah—!"

The servant was just an ordinary person, bought into the Lan Mansion as a child to serve. She had never practiced any cultivation techniques and couldn’t withstand Lan Feiyue’s venting lash?

Immediately, she let out a painful scream and rolled on the ground, clutching her body.

Lan Feiyue rose from the bed, completely disregarding how her movements would tear her wounds, and raised the Illusion Cloud Whip to fiercely lash at the servant on the ground.

It seemed she had already taken this servant as Mu Qingge, venting the hatred in her heart.

She lashed again and again, and the servant’s blood splattered all over the room. The pitiful maid had already lost her breath in the process.

Others serving Lan Feiyue didn’t dare come close, each fearing for themselves, trying to make their presence as small as possible, afraid of becoming the next target of Lan Feiyue’s wrath.

After whipping for half an hour, until many of Lan Feiyue’s bandaged wounds tore open again, she finally threw the Illusion Cloud Whip onto the blurry mess of flesh on the ground with a gasp.

"Take the Illusion Cloud Whip and this wretch out to be burned together!" Lan Feiyue said coldly.

Her cruel demeanor contrasted sharply with her ethereal and beautiful appearance.

The servants, hiding to the side, looked at the unrecognizable mess of flesh on the ground, not daring to approach.

Lan Feiyue said with hatred, "What, do you want to end up like her?" Her cold gaze swept over them, and the servants could only suppress their fear and disgust, closing their eyes as they began to clean the bloodstains in the room.

Lan Feiyue lay back down, ordering coldly, "Call the physician."

The servants dared not delay and had to call back the physician to re-bandage Lan Feiyue’s wounds.

Once her mood calmed, she asked, "Where is father?"

Carefully, the servant replied, "The Family Head seems to be in the study receiving a guest."

"Receiving a guest?" Lan Feiyue’s voice suddenly grew harsher. "I’m injured like this, and he still has the mind to receive a guest?"

The servant hastily knelt, quickly saying, "Young lady, calm your anger. The Family Head initially didn’t plan to see them, but upon hearing that they might have elixirs that can restore your appearance, he went to see them in a hurry." She quickly relayed what she had heard.

An elixir that could restore her appearance!

Lan Feiyue’s heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously raised her hand to touch her bandaged cheek.

Thinking of her ruined appearance, the hatred in Lan Feiyue’s heart surged again. At that moment, she wished to kill everyone who had seen her ugly appearance!

As the murderous intent rose in her heart, she struggled to restrain it.

She said to the servant, "Dress me."

The servant looked at her in shock, "Young lady, the physician said you need to rest and not move around much!"

With a cold glare from Lan Feiyue’s eyes, the servant quickly shut her mouth.

Daring not to continue, she brought Lan Feiyue’s usual favored clothes and helped her change.

Once dressed, Lan Feiyue headed towards her father’s study.

At this moment, the study of the Lan Family Head was enveloped in a strange silence.

In the large study, aside from the Lan Family Head, there were two other people—none other than Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie.

The Lan Family Head’s silence seemed to be pondering their proposal.

The two exchanged a glance, and Lou Xuantie said, "Lan Family Head, as long as the Lan Family is willing to help, we will immediately offer the Beauty Pill. Moreover, after success, there will also be benefits for the Lan Family."

Their proposal was tempting to the Lan Family Head.

But he still had some concerns. "Your Majesty, the Holy King seems to regard Mu, the little bastard, differently. If we really join forces to kill him, won’t it anger the Holy King?"

Hei Mu curled his lips into an ugly smile, "I wondered what the Lan Family Head was worried about. That place is fraught with dangers; how many geniuses have fallen there during every Linchuan Conference? By then, if the one named Mu dies inside, as long as we act discreetly, and eliminate all who know the truth, who would know how he died? As for His Majesty, the Holy King, he merely loves talent. Once the one named Mu is dead, would he make things difficult for us over a dead person? Don’t forget, we represent two major forces in Linchuan and another family. How can a mere child compare to us?"

The Lan Family Head pursed his lips, his expression somewhat wavering.

Lou Xuantie pressed on, "What else is the Lan Family Head hesitating over? Earlier today, Miss Feiyue almost died at the hands of that little beast. Are you going to wait until that little beast really commits some heinous act before you’re determined?"

"How many people from your two families have come?" the Lan Family Head hesitated.

Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie exchanged another glance but did not answer his question.

Hei Mu simply said, "If the Lan Family Head agrees to our proposal and promises to join forces with us, we’ll tell you everything. For now, we can only say that the manpower we’ve prepared, even if there were ten Mu Qingges, they wouldn’t escape death!"

The Lan Family Head’s eyes brightened, his heart already wavering.

Lou Xuantie smiled, "Lan Family Head, consider it carefully."

At this moment, a voice came from outside the door, "No need to think, as long as it’s about killing Mu Qingge, my Lan Family will never back down."

The three people in the room turned towards the voice and saw Lan Feiyue pushing open the door, her face covered in bandages. At the cuffs and collar of her clothes, faint hints of blood-soaked bandages were visible.

Seeing her enter, both Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie exclaimed, "Miss Lan."

"Feiyue, why aren’t you resting properly? Why did you come out?" the Lan Family Head frowned.

Lan Feiyue walked directly to her father’s side and said to him, "Father, Mu Qingge humiliated me so, if I don’t take revenge, how shall I live?"

"I will consider this matter carefully, don’t worry," the Lan Family Head said solemnly.

"What is there to consider?" Lan Feiyue’s voice sharpened, saying with hatred, "He’s just a worthless peasant from a Third-class Country, what is there to fear? He’s simply lucky to have some talent. Do you really think His Majesty, the Holy King, cares about such a person? Dead is dead, there are plenty of geniuses in the world!"

"Feiyue!" the Lan Family Head said with displeasure. He did indeed consider His Majesty, the Holy King, and without understanding the relationship between His Majesty and Mu Qingge, he was unwilling to act rashly.

He really hated Mu Qingge, wishing to skin her alive as a warning to others.

However, in addition to being Lan Feiyue’s father, he is the head of the Lan family. He must prioritize the interests of the Lan Family, even to the extent of sacrificing Lan Feiyue if necessary.

"Father! Why have you painstakingly groomed your daughter? Are you now going to watch as Mu Qingge takes everything that rightfully belongs to your daughter, to the Lan Family? Without him, His Majesty, the Holy King, will notice me. By then, our Lan Family will be the most glorious family on the Linchuan Continent, rendering the Holy Yuan Empire insignificant. If you remain indecisive and miss this opportunity, and he truly climbs up to His Majesty, how will we ever act? Are we supposed to swallow our hatred?" Lan Feiyue’s voice was sharp.

Her appearance relaxed Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie almost instantly.

It seemed that the task of convincing the Lan Family Head had been taken over by Lan Feiyue herself.

The two tacitly remained silent, allowing Lan Feiyue to continue persuading the Lan Family Head.

Her words plunged the Lan Family Head into silence, as if engaged in a final internal struggle.

Lan Feiyue continued, "Father, great benefits come with great risks. If you want to make the Lan Family flourish, then some risks must be taken. How can you lead the Lan Family to its peak if you’re so hesitant?"

Suddenly, the Lan Family Head’s eyes turned resolute. Finally making a decision, he nodded, "Very well! Since it has come to a life-and-death situation, my Lan Family will take this risk! Exterminate that Mu brat and bring clear skies to Tiandu, preventing the Holy King from being deceived by a villain!"

"That’s the father I know!" Lan Feiyue smiled as she saw her goal achieved.

Though, at this moment, her smile appeared extremely ugly and sinister.

After reaching an agreement, Lan Feiyue immediately turned to Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie and said, "Gentlemen, my father has agreed to cooperate. What about the elixir you promised me?"

Thinking of restoring her appearance, Lan Feiyue became a bit impatient.

Hei Mu took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and tossed it to Lan Feiyue.

Eagerly, she uncorked the bottle, and a rich fragrance of elixir wafted out.

"This Beauty Pill was purchased by our Sect Master at a high price from the Medicine Tower three years ago. Our Myriad Beasts Sect is in constant companionship with spirit beasts, and occasionally, disciples get disfigured by spirit beasts. This Beauty Pill was prepared just in case," Hei Mu explained.

Hei Mu’s words went unheard by Lan Feiyue.

She only knew that this elixir could restore her disfigured, ugly face to its former state.

Without thinking much, she poured the elixir from the bottle into her mouth.

The elixir melted instantly in her mouth, flowing into her body through her limbs and bones.

Gradually, a force rose from her Dantian, creeping towards her wounded cheek, making her wound tingle with a pleasant itch.

Just as she instinctively raised her hand to scratch, Hei Mu’s voice came, "Miss Feiyue, don’t scratch. You only need to rest for the night, and after a night’s sleep, you’ll find your beauty restored, even more radiant."

Hearing Hei Mu’s words, Lan Feiyue lowered her hand.

She had no interest in staying in the study further and after bidding her father a hurried goodbye, she returned to her direction. According to Hei Mu, after a night’s sleep, she would once again be the number one beauty of Tiandu!

Meanwhile, Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie remained in the Lan Family Head’s study, discussing the various steps and details involved in killing Mu Qingge.

This time, they were determined; either they wouldn’t act, or they would kill for certain!

...

The second round of the Linchuan Conference had been underway for four days and nights.

Except for the first day, Mu Qingge hadn’t entered the field for the following three days. Once she was in the ring, no one dared to enter and challenge her.

And if she did see someone in the ring before she entered, those who had entered would flee, unwilling to face her in battle.

Such uninteresting matches left Mu Qingge bored, so she chose not to participate further, instead sitting quietly outside, waiting for Shen Bicheng’s appearance.

Another night descended.

In the valley, torches were lit for illumination.

And above the cage, for some unknown reason, the Imperial Family of the Holy Yuan Empire had brought out some treasure that floated above the five cages, emitting light akin to daylight, not hindering the night games.

However, these participants weren’t made of iron.

By night, fatigue was more pronounced than during the day. Thus, even though the cages were as bright as daylight, fewer matches occurred at night compared to the day.

Most of the time, participants from each country would sit in the corners of the valley, meditating to recuperate.

The number of matches in the second round was not limited anyway.

So even if everyone rested at night, no one would find fault.

Mu Qingge woke from meditation, just in time to hear footsteps approaching from two different people. She opened her eyes and looked up; the sky was gradually brightening as night passed once more. Approaching her were Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei.

In the past few days, they had also participated in their own country’s matches, with mixed results overall, but more wins than losses. In terms of current points, they were still close on the heels of the second-class countries, without too much disparity.

Meanwhile, Qin Country was still far ahead.

With the Dragon Tooth Guards present, the disadvantage Third-class Countries had against Second-class Countries was practically nonexistent, naturally leading to minimal point deductions.

"What’s up?" Seeing the two sitting beside her, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but raise her brows in inquiry.

Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei exchanged glances, eventually, Zhao Nanxing spoke, "Following our current pace in the competition, by the end of the contest, although our two countries will still be at the bottom, we won’t be too far behind. Thus, the final round becomes crucial."

Mu Qingge listened quietly to his words, nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Feng Yufei continued, "The third round is entering a Trial Space to undergo trials, and there is no limit on the number of people each country can send in. I’ve inquired before, and this Trial Space seems to have been specially captured by His Majesty the Holy King using Great Divine Power. Inside is a real world, vast in extent. According to the rules, our task is to find tokens that were previously buried inside, and teams can snatch from each other and must also guard against Spirit Beast attacks. Ultimately, the rankings are determined by who collects the most tokens. Similarly, different rankings award different points."

’A space captured by Si Mo?’ Mu Qingge was startled.

Then she lamented, ’It’s a pity Si Mo isn’t here. If he were, I could ask him about the situation of the Trial Space.’ Before entering the Trial Space, all nations would surely exhaust every means to ascertain the conditions inside. If she really did so, it wouldn’t count as cheating.

"We’re considering whether, for the third round, we should bring everyone in to strive for maximum victory!" Zhao Nanxing spoke, looking into Mu Qingge’s eyes.

Mu Qingge pressed her lips lightly and said solemnly, "I will bring all three hundred Dragon Tooth Guards who came with me. If the inside is so vast, then having one more person naturally means one more opportunity." She’d never be foolish enough to bring just a few people in, and then spend seven days without completing even a small search area, which would make her cry.

Besides, since the rules already don’t limit numbers, why be reserved?

Having spoken, Zhao Nanxing nodded in agreement, "My people aren’t as formidable as your Dragon Tooth Guards, but they can certainly assist in searching for tokens. I’ll bring three hundred people as well."

"In that case, I’ll also bring three hundred. Together, our three countries will have nine hundred people, which counts as a considerable force." Feng Yufei said.

As for how the tokens would be distributed after they were found, neither she nor Zhao Nanxing mentioned it.

Because they trust Mu Qingge to make the best allocation.

"I’ll join you as well." Suddenly, Jiang Li’s voice came from not far behind.

Mu Qingge turned to look at her, Zhao Nanxing, and Feng Yufei raised their eyes simultaneously.

"Why are you making a fuss?" Mu Qingge frowned.

Jiang Li shrugged, sitting beside Mu Qingge, "Anyway, I’m bored outside. So I might as well go in with you to take a look. I won’t bring others; just follow you, Mu Little Lord, inside, which doesn’t consider breaking the rules. Moreover, with my help, perhaps you might find a few more tokens."

"Decided?" Mu Qingge asked.

Jiang Li nodded decisively.

Knowing that once Jiang Li makes a decision, it’s hard to change. Since it wouldn’t affect anything, Mu Qingge didn’t say more, letting her be.

Mu Qingge pondered for a while, then asked Jiang Li, "Do you have any data on the Trial Space?"

"Do you think I’m your intelligence station!" Jiang Li playfully retorted.

But she still honestly shared what she knew, "I haven’t been inside the Trial Space either, but I’ve heard from the elders in the clan. This Trial Space was indeed captured with Great Magical Power by His Majesty the Holy King."

Speaking of Si Mo, Jiang Li cast an ambiguous glance at Mu Qingge, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"No one knows exactly how vast it is inside. But before entering, Emperor Yuan will provide each country with a map. The areas depicted on this map are where the tokens are hidden. Other areas without markings on the map indicate danger, and no tokens will appear there." Jiang Li said.

"Is the danger referring to Spirit Beasts?" Mu Qingge asked.

Jiang Li nodded. Her expression became somewhat solemn, and she said seriously, "The elders said that the Spirit Beasts in the Trial Space seem different from those seen in Linchuan. Rather than calling them Spirit Beasts, their fierce appearance resembles Fierce Beasts. They are kept in the Trial Space, but their wild nature is difficult to tame, and they are ferocious. Samurai below Green Realm in the face of these Fierce Beasts seem to be playing with fire. Moreover, these Fierce Beasts travel in packs; provoke one, and an entire tribe might be waiting for you. Tsk tsk~!"

Jiang Li slowly shook her head and looked at Mu Qingge, "There’s a cultivation limit for the Trial Space: only those from Green Realm to Purple Realm Peak can enter. Those with lower cultivation going in would be courting death, while Blue Realm Cultivators exceeding Purple Realm Peak, if entering, would risk destabilizing or even fracturing the space once combat begins."

Jiang Li’s words left the three in silence.

Mu Qingge wasn’t bothered as much; all three hundred Dragon Tooth Guards had Blue Realm Cultivation, so no one needed to be excluded. However, for Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, it was different, as their subordinates weren’t as formidable as the Dragon Tooth Guards. There were only a few who reached Green Realm; most remained in Green Realm and Yellow Realm.

Zhao Nanxing smiled wryly, "Looks like we’ll have to rely on the Little Lord for this third round!"

His half-joking remark made Feng Yufei chuckle, covering her mouth as she said, "In our third-class countries, now who doesn’t recognize the Little Lord? I’m afraid if she wanted to unite the Third-class Country borders, not spending a single soldier would be achievable. Who else to rely on if not her?"

Mu Qingge, teased by the two, laughed and said, "You guys flatter me too much! If we were to unite the Third-class Country borders, a fight would probably still be necessary. But even if unified, what significance does it have? Who would manage it? In any case, I’m not taking on such a bitter task!"

"Oh you! Everyone longs to ascend that supreme throne, yet you scoff at it." Feng Yufei said helplessly.

Mu Qingge teased her, "I’m carrying heavy responsibilities and will leave Linchuan sooner or later. If I stayed to become Emperor, what would happen to your Mu Yi sweetheart?"

"You!" Mentioning the person in her heart, the usually iron-willed Feng Yufei revealed a shy and gentle side.

Jiang Li curiously asked, "Who is Mu Yi? Is he the King’s Husband of the Crown Princess Feng?"

The smile on Feng Yufei’s face slowly faded.

The story between her and Mu Yi was well-known in Li Country. It was a knot in her heart; although mentioning it was nothing, recalling the events with Mu Yi still pained her.

However, since it was Jiang Li asking, someone she had come to like as the Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, she didn’t mind recounting her story with Mu Yi once more.

She even shared her agreement with Mu Qingge without any reservations.

After hearing Feng Yufei’s story, Jiang Li sighed with emotion, "You are truly infatuated!" Then, she turned to Mu Qingge and said, "Qingge, when you find this Mu Yi, if his actions are excusable, that’s fine. But if he has been unfaithful and wronged the Crown Princess Feng, you must teach him a harsh lesson!"

Mu Qingge had not yet spoken.

Feng Yufei’s words came through, "I believe Mu Yi would not deceive me."

"Ah, throughout history, love often brings nothing but regret," Zhao Nanxing sighed.

His sentimental manner made Jiang Li snort disdainfully. Mu Qingge teased, "Brother Zhao, are you missing Sister Shang?"

Zhao Nanxing was not shy and admitted frankly, "Yes! But, Prince Xiang dreams while the Goddess is indifferent, I really don’t know when I will be able to enter Zisu’s heart."

After saying this, he gave Mu Qingge a resentful glance.

For this ’rival in love,’ he truly had no outlet for his frustration!

Understanding the meaning in his eyes, Mu Qingge coughed twice to hide her amusement and encouraged him, "As the saying goes, sincerity can move even metal and stone. As long as Brother Zhao doesn’t give up, one day you will touch Sister Shang’s heart and let her see your good qualities."

"I hope so!" Zhao Nanxing said.

The few of them chatted casually as the sky brightened. Many people slowly woke from meditation, started stretching, and prepared for today’s competition.

After a while, Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei each went off to prepare.

Jiang Li stayed behind, accompanying Mu Qingge, and asked, "Is that madman Shen coming or not? More than half the time has passed, and he still hasn’t shown up. What’s with the mystery?"

Her displeasure made Mu Qingge smile gently.

Many times, Jiang Li seemed more concerned about Mu Qingge’s affairs than her own.

Perhaps, this is what is called a ’bosom friend.’

In her past life, she only had comrades, superiors, and enemies, such straightforward social ties. But in this life, she was fortunate to have family, friends, even bosom friends, and also... Si Mo.

Thinking of this man suddenly, Mu Qingge’s lightly lowered eyes reflected a soft light that was difficult to detect.

Although that day in the Li Palace, they had not exchanged many words, and their relationship was unclear, just as she had told Jiang Li, this man was hers and only hers!

As Mu Qingge was lost in thoughts of Si Mo, a shadow suddenly descended from the sky, enveloping her.

Annoyed by the intrusion, Mu Qingge looked up and met the beastly eyes full of fighting spirit of Shen Bicheng.

"I’m here!" Shen Bicheng said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge collected herself, stood up slowly.

Jiang Li also stood, criticizing Shen Bicheng, "Hey, you were the one who initiated the challenge, how dare you show up only now?"

"Got held up," Shen Bicheng explained briefly. But his eyes never left Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge smiled lightly, flicked a wrinkle in her brocade robe, and said to him, "Let’s go."

Without further delay, Shen Bicheng turned and headed toward a newly opened cage where no one had yet entered.