Boom boom boom——!

The Trial Space seemed on the brink of destruction, a powerful suction force pulling everyone within, dragging them out of the Trial Space...

Over Tiandu, the sky, covered in multicolored radiance, appeared to be viciously torn apart by a giant hand, revealing a ghastly rift.

Countless figures fell from it, crashing down.

Of course, the commoners far from the Imperial Palace could only see the terrifying, ghastly rift and something being thrown out, unable to discern anything else.

However, this scene was enough to cause a sensation, making the people of Tiandu blanch with terror, as though the end of the world had arrived.

In an instant, chaos engulfed Tiandu City.

Even the well-trained soldiers of the Holy Yuan Empire struggled to maintain order, with little effect.

Wanxiang Building.

"Young Master, something’s happened at the Imperial Palace!" A servant rushed hastily to where Han Caicai was, his expression slightly tense.

Imperial Palace!

Han Caicai’s heart tightened, and he strode out of the room, heading to the balcony, looking towards the sky above the Imperial Palace.

When the ghastly, terrifying rift appeared before his eyes, his pupils contracted intensely, and a glint flickered in his long eyes.

Suddenly, he transformed into a shadowy figure, disappearing from the spot, rushing toward the Imperial Palace.

"Young Master——!" The servant who followed Han Caicai out barely finished his call when Han Caicai’s figure was already gone from view.

Just when he thought his Young Master had left far away, Han Caicai’s voice suddenly echoed in his mind, startling him.

"Give the order, no one in Wanxiang Building is allowed to act rashly."

The servant’s face changed, quickly kneeling on one knee, responding seriously, "Yes!" He didn’t care whether Han Caicai could hear him or not.

The upheaval in the Imperial Palace caused chaos in the residences of the four great families of Tiandu.

The reason being, all their Family Heads were currently in the Imperial Palace.

Now, with the bizarre situation in the Imperial Palace with no discernible cause, who knew if their Family Heads were safe?

Almost simultaneously, except for the Lan Family, the other three families used their cultivation power to rush to the Imperial Palace at top speed. To the commoners in the Outer City, it seemed like wisps of light were continuously streaming towards the Imperial Palace.

As for the Lan Family, they were heavily surrounded by the Household Ministers of the Huangfu Royal Family and the army of the Holy Yuan Empire. Initially, they made no move.

In fact, several of the royal family tribulators surrounding the Lan Family changed expressions and grew worried when they saw the sudden change in the Imperial Palace.

"Should we go and have a look?" the Sixth Tributor asked.

The other tribulators hesitated, their eyes shifting to the seemingly calm, deathly-still Lan Family.

They all very much wanted to see what had happened at the Imperial Palace. After all, ensuring the survival of the Huangfu Family was their greatest duty. However, they received commands from Huangfu Haotian to guard the Lan Family here, allowing no one to leave.

If they left without authorization and something happened here with the Lan Family, what then?

"Gentlemen."

As they hesitated, the voice of the Lan Family’s old patriarch suddenly boomed like thunder.

His voice, without hiding, resounded above the entire Lan Family.

Even the Lan Family Head, who was slumped in a room, lifted his head in a daze.

At the sudden speech of the Lan Family’s old patriarch, the six tribulators of the Huangfu Royal Family were taken aback.

The six of them exchanged looks, and finally, the Great Sacrificial Officer stepped forward, "What is it?" Normally, when meeting old monsters at the Spiritual Movement Stage, they would naturally exchange pleasantries.

But since they had already determined Lan Family’s nefarious intentions, they no longer needed to be too courteous.

Even if the speaker was the Lan Family’s patriarch, whose cultivation level nearly reached the peak of the Spiritual Movement Stage.

The rudeness of the royal tribulators didn’t bother the Lan Family patriarch. He merely snorted unhappily before saying, "Something clearly happened on the Imperial Palace side, and you all are curious; this old man is also very curious. In such a case, why don’t we go together and have a look?"

"Humph, are you trying to lure the tiger away from the mountain, to trick us into leaving so your descendants can escape?" the Third Tributor scoffed.

"Insolent! When I made my name, you didn’t even know where you were. What right do you have to speak with me now? Stand down!" The last two words were accompanied by a rolling wave of power aimed straight at the Third Tributor.

The peak power of the Spiritual Movement Stage wasn’t a simple matter.

Let’s just say that ten at the early stage of Spiritual Movement couldn’t stand against one at its peak.

The Third Tributor, being only at the mid-stage currently, faced the direct force from the Lan Family patriarch, his pupils shrank, and his complexion changed dramatically.

As the power wave was about to hit the Third Tributor, a figure flashed in front, the Great Sacrificial Officer stood before him, raising a hand to effortlessly dispel the Lan Family patriarch’s power wave into nothingness.

The Third Tributor, standing behind the Great Sacrificial Officer, secretly let out a breath, not daring to speak further.

The Great Sacrificial Officer calmly looked toward the Lan Family, saying to the Lan Family’s patriarch, "Since you suggest this, I’ll accompany you."

"Big brother!"

"Big brother, don’t!"

The remaining tribulators urged with fervency.

The Sixth Tributor advised to the Great Sacrificial Officer, "The Lan Family is always cunning, brother, you shouldn’t take risks."

The Great Sacrificial Officer, however, waved them off, whispering to the tribulators, "Something happened at the Imperial Palace; I must take a look. My cultivation is equal to that old monster Lan’s; even if he wants to kill me, it’s no easy task. You five stay here to prevent any from the Lan Family from escaping."

Seeing the Great Sacrificial Officer’s firm decision, the remaining tribulators couldn’t say more and only nodded silently.

"What, have you all decided?" the Lan Family patriarch’s mocking voice sounded.

This remark slightly darkened the tribulators’ expressions.

The Great Sacrificial Officer tilted his head up and said, "Let’s go."

As soon as he spoke, a figure suddenly leaped from the depths of the Lan Family residence. Despite the thin and frail appearance, and the aged look, the person’s eyes were exceptionally shrewd, with a trace of fierceness buried within.

The smirk on his face unsightly and off-putting.

He was the patriarch of the Lan Family, the great-grandfather of Lan Feiyue!

As soon as the Lan Family patriarch appeared, the Great Sacrificial Officer also stepped forward, and then both promptly vanished. When they reappeared, they were at the edge of the Imperial Palace.

This ability to travel a thousand miles in a step, akin to shrinking ground into inches, is only possessed by those who have reached the peak of the Spiritual Movement Stage.

When they simultaneously reappeared, their exchanged gaze was filled with heated battle intent.

At their level of cultivation, it was rare to find opponents in Linchuan. Both had reasons not to leave Linchuan or their families, leading to a feeling of solitude among experts.

It was only natural to desire a match with someone equally strong when the opportunity arose.

Had circumstances allowed, they might have confronted each other upon sight!

"It’s been years, Great Sacrificial Officer, I see your cultivation has greatly improved. Another day, I, Lan, will certainly want to learn from you!" The Lan Family patriarch sneered.

The Great Sacrificial Officer maintained a calm demeanor, answering firmly, "Happy to oblige."

Their silent competition paused, and they simultaneously took another step and disappeared.

Meanwhile, within the Imperial Palace Forbidden Area, those like Huangfu Haotian, who had firsthand witnessed the incident, stood rooted in shock, at a loss.

No one had anticipated the forbidden area’s sky, originally the portal to the Trial Space station, to suddenly be torn open with a ghastly rift. The chaotic, fierce whirlwind inside wreaked havoc, pushing them away.

Following that, they saw people continuously falling from that rift.

The people being ’spat out,’ dizzy and unstable, could only collapse on the ground, pale-faced.

Evidently, the sudden ’ejection’ wasn’t a pleasant experience.

Among those in the forbidden area, Huangfu Huan was the first to react, pointing to one person and shouting, "Taishi Gao!"

His exclamation brought Huangfu Haotian back to his senses.

Upon close inspection, the people spilling out like scattered beans were actually from the Lan Family, Refining Tower, and Myriad Beasts Sect!

Of course, the few from Third-class Countries were ignored by him.

Finally, faced with the people he despised deeply, Huangfu Haotian bellowed, "Guards, seize these rebels for me!"

At his command, the Imperial Palace Guards stationed nearby immediately drew their weapons, surrounding the people from the Lan Family, Myriad Beasts Sect, and Refining Tower.

As for the Dragon Tooth Guards, Zhao Nanxing, Feng Yufei and others who fell, no one bothered to check on them.

Fewer and fewer people were falling from the gaping maw.

When the Family Head of the Shen Family saw his son, covered in blood, fall out of it, he cried out in shock, "Little Third!" Then, he leapt into the air, caught Shen Bicheng’s falling body, brought him back to where his family was, and poured all the elixirs he carried straight into Shen Bicheng’s mouth without hesitation.

At this point, Han Caicai had already arrived.

He landed like a cannonball in the forbidden area, but Huangfu Haotian and Huangfu Huan only glanced up at him before ignoring him.

Just as Han Caicai arrived, people from the other three major families also showed up.

Among them were Jing Tian and Hua Qinxin, who had returned.

The people from the Second-class Country who had come out of it didn’t even leave the Imperial Palace; in fact, they were the first to arrive when the anomaly occurred. Xue Qiong was also among the Yu Country’s group.

He hadn’t participated in the Linchuan Conference, only coming as a leading envoy.

However, he learned about the happenings from other Yu Country contenders and had pitied Mu Qingge earlier, never expecting a turn for the better?

More and more people gathered in the forbidden area.

Just after Shen Bicheng was "spat out," another person fell from the gigantic, ghastly maw.

When this person appeared, Huangfu Huan’s eyes narrowed, and without a second thought, he rushed forward, holding that alluring body steadily.

Jiang Li, albeit weak and breathing heavily, had eyes filled with shock.

When she was embraced by Huangfu Huan, she was startled; her golden eyes quickly clouded with slight anger, glaring at him as she shouted, "You bastard! How dare you take advantage of this Empress!"

Huangfu Huan, smiling bitterly without letting go, said, "Empress, if I let go now, you’ll fall and hurt yourself." His eyes were filled with joy, happy that Jiang Li was alright and still had the energy to quarrel with him.

Jiang Li’s mouth twitched slightly, snorted at him arrogantly, and said no more.

Currently, with her spiritual power exhausted, she really didn’t want to get hurt from a fall.

Well, let him hold her then!

Jiang Li’s silence greatly excited Huangfu Huan. Luckily, he never showed his emotions, so others noticed nothing unusual.

Only Huangfu Haotian, knowing his son, found it somewhat puzzling.

However, given the situation, he didn’t ask, merely suppressing his confusion without saying more.

"Are you alright?"

"Where is Mu Qingge?"

As soon as Jiang Li’s feet touched the ground, both Huangfu Huan’s concerned inquiry and Han Caicai’s nervous question rang in her ears.

One was concerned for her, the other for Mu Qingge.

Reminded by Han Caicai, Huangfu Huan also remembered that the most crucial person had yet to appear, suddenly feeling tense as he quickly changed his question, "Empress Jiang, where is Young Lord Mu? Is he injured?"

Jiang Li furrowed her brows slightly, looking up at Han Caicai.

With Han Caicai’s Wanxiang Building’s intelligence capabilities, knowing her closeness with Mu Qingge wasn’t difficult. She frowned, but only in pity for him.

A pity indeed! This Young Master of Wanxiang Building, no matter how exceptional, despite how he feels about Mu Qingge, was ultimately a step too late.

"Her?" Jiang Li’s exquisitely beautiful features displayed a peculiar smile, not answering their question but looked up at the menacing giant maw in the sky.

...

The forcibly torn space entrance was filled with raging, sharp space whirlwinds, tearing and twisting the spatial passage.

And within the Trial Space, above the Divine Abandoned Land.

Two figures tightly clung to each other, their black hair interwoven, red and white in harmonious, breathtaking correspondence, leaving a stunning impression.

The raging winds in the passage affected the Divine Abandoned Land.

Their garments flapped loudly in the wind, hair wildly dancing.

Mu Qingge’s face was pressed tightly by someone’s hand against his broad, warm chest, feeling an exotic fragrance and warmth emanating from him.

That warmth seemed to form a protective shield around her, shielding her from the outer storm.

In the shadows, Gu Ya and Gu Ye exchanged a silent glance and quietly vanished.

They certainly didn’t want to be silenced afterwards. They should do something meaningful, like noting those eyeing their lady!

The departure of Gu Ya and Gu Ye didn’t affect the two who were embracing each other.

The strong, powerful heartbeat dispelled the cold aura from Mu Qingge.

She obediently stayed in the man’s embrace, inhaling those reassuring scents. Her hands unconsciously wrapped around the lean waist, feeling the muscle’s strength.

The two gradually descended, finally landing on the ruinous stones of the Divine Abandoned Land.

The stones slipped under their feet, producing a slight sound, waking Mu Qingge. Lifting her head from the comfortingly warm embrace she almost grew fond of, she looked at Si Mo’s impeccably perfect face and asked, quite surprised, "Did you finish your task?"

This question caused Si Mo’s porcelain-like gaze to darken; he almost wanted to spank that naughty girl hard. Such grave events happened, yet what concerned her most was whether he finished his task?

Would she not confide in him about being bullied?

But, that’s just Mu Qingge.

The one he adores!

Strong, independent, never relying on anyone. Even knowing she could achieve her aims by showing a little weakness, she wouldn’t choose that path.

The pearl-like eyes brimmed with heartache.

Si Mo’s tense countenance made Mu Qingge curiously frown, "Are you angry? But why... Uh..."

Unspoken words were forced back by the dominant, fierce kiss.

Mu Qingge’s eyes widened in disbelief that she was unexpectedly kissed by the old monster!?

Her lips were slightly pained from the ravishing.

The man’s kissing skills...

Even with minimal experience, based on a woman’s intuition, she figured out that his skills were horribly awkward! Moreover, it felt more retaliatory.

Yet, what was Si Mo retaliating for?

Hiss!

While daydreaming, the sudden sting on her lips yanked Mu Qingge back to reality.

When confronted with the man’s threatening gaze, she seemed to comprehend somewhat.

Uh, it seems this man blamed her for not focusing on enjoying his kiss offering?

... Mu Qingge felt a bit disoriented.

How did what began as a fight turn into a tender scene?

Si Mo’s kiss gradually calmed down, lacking the previous roughness and turbulence. Lingeringly capturing those rosy soft lips he missed day and night, the cautious savoring, warm moistness of the tongue’s tip and gentle licking made Mu Qingge shiver.

A warmth arose from her dantian, swiftly spreading to every limb, instigating an unfamiliar heat throughout her.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes displayed a hint of fascination.

’So fragrant!’ She never knew that a man’s scent could be so comforting. Si Mo’s kiss didn’t repel or displease her, rather it sparked a yearning to immerse herself deeper.

Gradually, Si Mo’s kiss became more tender. Gone was the former roughness and wildness. He gently kissed the soft, moist lips he longed for, the careful savoring, the warmth and gentle licks of his tongue made Mu Qingge’s whole body experience an unfamiliar yet pleasurable heat.

Mu Qingge’s clear, bright eyes became slightly hazy.

’So this is perfume!’ She had never realized a man’s scent could be so incredibly soothing. Far from provoking discomfort, Si Mo’s kiss was inviting her to immerse even further.

Gradually, the two lost sight of their initial intentions amidst this long kiss.

A sedating perfume of deep passion began to permeate them both.

As the kiss gradually slowed, becoming less aggressive and more gentle, Si Mo turned, tenderly caressing the soft, ruby lips that haunted his dreams, his warm, moist tongue delicately grazed them, inciting a foreign warmth throughout Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s translucent eyes showed a hint of enchantment.

Gradually, the fragrant melody of passion unfolded over them.

As that constricting sensation surfaced, Si Mo lifted her up, holding her close in his arms.

That sense of urgency made Mu Qingge feel her entire being on the verge of succumbing to the warmth of the man’s embrace.

Surprisingly, she couldn’t see Si Mo’s closed eyes and repressed expression.

She couldn’t quite comprehend the man’s actions.

After a long while, once Si Mo’s breathing had calmed significantly, she heard the man murmur softly in her ear: "Little Ge’er, you scared me."

Mu Qingge froze, feeling somewhat bewildered.

When did she scare him?

She lifted her head, her hands gently pushing away to create some distance between them, looking at Si Mo with confusion.

She didn’t understand, and he wouldn’t explain either.

As long as she’s fine now, nothing else matters.

However, just because Si Mo didn’t speak didn’t mean Mu Qingge wouldn’t continue pondering over his words. When she saw in his amber eyes her gender flickering due to the damaged purple earrings, she suddenly understood!

Instantly, she burst out laughing.

Si Mo blinked, not understanding what had happened to his Little Ge’er.

Mu Qingge laughed so hard that tears fell, which Si Mo gently wiped away with his fingertips.

After laughing, she awkwardly said, "Looking like neither a man nor a woman, and you can still kiss me? Must’ve scared you." Saying this, she raised her hand and, under Si Mo’s gaze, removed the earrings.

With the illusionary artifact taken off, Mu Qingge returned to her absolutely beautiful feminine form.

Yet, Si Mo’s expression remained unchanged.

He knew his Little Ge’er had misunderstood, but he didn’t want to explain. He merely followed her words and revealed his true feelings, "To me, as long as it’s you, Little Ge’er, that’s enough; gender doesn’t matter."

The deeply affectionate confession gave Mu Qingge goosebumps.

She exclaimed in shock, "You’d love me even if I were a man?! Can you not be so passionately intense?"

"Love!" Si Mo resolutely answered without any hesitation.

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched suddenly, laughing awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

Her embarrassed demeanor brought Si Mo great joy, and he couldn’t help but hold her in his arms again, lowering his head to kiss her forehead.

This time, Mu Qingge didn’t push him away.

Her change in attitude filled Si Mo with delight, and exuberant joy swept over him. "Little Ge’er, you..."

It was the first time Mu Qingge had seen Si Mo like this, as happy as a child. Having clarified her feelings, she wouldn’t avoid them anymore.

Moreover, one of the reasons she came to Tiandu was to make things clear with Si Mo.

"Yes, I’ve decided. Since you’re so sincerely devoted, let’s try dating. But, if you dare to stray or fall for another woman, I’ll let you experience a life of ambiguity," she said, her eyes sharply sweeping over Si Mo’s white robe.

Si Mo’s lips curled slightly.

His Little Ge’er, even when confessing, is so audacious!

In the Great Thousand World, she’s the only one who dares to threaten him like this.

It seems he is truly ensnared in her hands.

Then, Si Mo said, "What do you mean, try? It’s certain, you can never escape! You are destined to belong to me for eternity!"

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows at him, defiantly saying, "Wrong!" She pointed at Si Mo, then at herself, "It’s you’re mine!"

This unique, domineering confession made Si Mo’s smile grow even broader. Mu Qingge’s words ’you are mine’ delighted him unexpectedly.

Never before had anyone become his possession or an accessory.

Today, being labeled by Mu Qingge like this didn’t anger him; instead, it made him secretly happy?

Indeed, he was not well!

Suddenly, Mu Qingge’s gaze sharpened, noticing small drops of blood on his lapel. Her expression immediately turned sharp, her voice filled with hostility as she said, "Which bastard dared to harm you?"

Her protective nature was fully displayed in her concern for Si Mo.

As if Si Mo were an untouchable treasure.

Mu Qingge’s words, falling into Si Mo’s ears and heart, began to thaw the emotions he’d kept frozen for countless years. He had never before experienced the feeling of being so protected by someone, anxious over a few drops of blood.

So, he told a small lie, "It’s not mine."

His answer changed Mu Qingge’s momentum, relaxing as she said, "Oh, as long as it’s not yours. Who could possibly have the ability to harm you?"

This tone made Si Mo barely able to contain his amusement.

As if others couldn’t kill him, but he could kill others at will! This bandit logic, well... it truly resembles his Little Ge’er. Certainly, it also resembles him!

Suddenly, Si Mo impulsively asked, "If someone really hurt me, what would you do?"

This question turned Mu Qingge’s gaze sharp, as she squinted and sneered coldly, saying, "Dare to harm mine? I’ll make them regret being born human!"

These words made Si Mo pause.

Then he burst out laughing.

His joyful laughter echoed throughout the Trial Space. Those terrifying spirit beasts, turned into forbidden grounds, trembled at this sound, whimpering in fear.

Mu Qingge slightly tilted her head to look at him.

Her height was already considered tall among women, at least enough to disguise as a man without feeling small. But, standing in front of Si Mo, she still needed to look up to see him.

Si Mo’s cheerful laughter made her lips curl into a smile.

It was the first time she experienced the sensation of ’his joy, my joy. His anger, my anger.’

Suddenly, Si Mo lowered his head, his amber eyes sparkling with brilliance as they locked onto Mu Qingge, his long arms wrapping around her, greedily inhaling the fragrance from her hair.

His wide white sleeve danced with the wind, and the bright red figure in his arms was tightly protected, so cautiously that if any of Si Mo’s acquaintances were to see, they would surely be shocked.

Being embraced by Si Mo again, Mu Qingge no longer felt awkward.

She began to get accustomed to everything about this man.

This was the person she had chosen; no matter what, she would walk alongside him.

Not long ago, she regretted not having the chance to express her feelings clearly to this man, but he returned just in time.

"That’s good," Mu Qingge murmured softly.

The words drifted into Si Mo’s ears with the wind.

He asked, "What’s good?"

Mu Qingge’s lips curved into a cold smile as she said, "A bunch of old dogs almost ruined things for us. Luckily, you returned."

Indeed! Outside, a group of old dogs, wanting to kill his Little Ge’er, needed to be dealt with!

Si Mo’s aura chilled as he said to Mu Qingge, "Their death can’t offset the crime of harming you. The Linchuan forces ought to reshuffle by now."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and smiled, asking, "Won’t this be overly reckless?" If this spreads, his reputation would be completely overturned for acting like this because of her.

"Daring to harm you means certain annihilation," Si Mo responded firmly.

Mu Qingge gifted a dazzling smile, satisfied with his attitude. She patted the back of Si Mo’s hand, calming him as she said, "This trivial matter, you don’t have to handle it yourself. Just stand behind me, letting me flaunt borrowed strength, and lend me Gu Ya and Gu Ye."

"What does Little Ge’er plan to do?" Si Mo’s eyes sparkled, watching her with interest.

Mu Qingge angled her chin with a smile, saying, "Wasn’t there rumors of me beguiling people with beauty, being a seductive enchantress? Since they’ve bestowed such a title upon me, wouldn’t it be a shame not to do something about it?" As she spoke, her eyes narrowed, their slits reflecting a sharp glow. "Let me be a seductress for once!"

"They said Little Ge’er was beguiling people with beauty?" Si Mo raised an eyebrow, struggling to suppress his smile as he looked at her.

Mu Qingge’s exquisite, unrivaled face could indeed be considered the peak of ’beauty.’

But, those daring to insult his Little Ge’er, were they courting death?

"Am I not beguiling you with beauty?" Mu Qingge squinted and sneered.

That smile concealed malevolence. Si Mo immediately realized, correcting with seriousness, "Utter nonsense! It’s clearly I who am beguiling my Little Ge’er with beauty!" What dignity, what face? In front of Little Ge’er, to hell with them!

Mu Qingge’s brows arched with laughter.

Seeing someone happy, Si Mo finally said, "But, Little Ge’er. As your husband, I can’t contain my anger either. You have to let me handle at least one myself."

"Bah! We’re just dating now, not discussing marriage!" The phrase ’as your husband’ brought a rare blush to Mu Qingge’s face. She glared at Si Mo, correcting him.

Knowing his Little Ge’er is emotionally awkward and that opening up like this is hard-earned, Si Mo didn’t dare press further, instead going along with her correction, "Alright, once you officially become my wife, then it’ll be time to change."

Mu Qingge automatically ignored his words, thought for a moment, and said: "You clean up the Lan Family, after all, it was your charm that caused the trouble."

"What does it have to do with me?" Si Mo said with extreme grievance.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes were filled with teasing as she looked at him: "Holy King, have you forgotten? Miss Feiyue of the Lan Family insists on marrying you!"

"What Miss Lan Family? I don’t know her." Si Mo said with a face full of confusion.

What else could Mu Qingge say to his reaction?

She twitched the corner of her mouth and then said to Si Mo: "Let’s go. We’ve stayed here too long, the outside is probably already in chaos."

Si Mo said indifferently: "Let it be chaotic, what’s it to us? But if little Ge’er is eager for revenge, let’s head out now."

"Okay." Mu Qingge nodded vigorously. A mysterious light flashed in her clear eyes.

Revenge! She couldn’t wait any longer.

They bullied her earlier; she would pay them back tenfold or a hundredfold!

Now that there’s a great deity backing her, why should she fear any old monster at the Spiritual Movement Stage?

Si Mo wrapped his arms around Mu Qingge’s waist, their figures flashed, disappearing from the Divine Abandoned Land of the Trial Space.

...

At the Imperial Palace Forbidden Area, the Imperial Army naturally couldn’t resist the old monsters of the Spiritual Movement Stage.

However, this was different from the Trial Space; in front of Emperor Yuan and other family heads, they couldn’t be too arrogant.

It should be noted that families with old monsters at the Spiritual Movement Stage weren’t just the three major forces.

Especially the Refining Tower and Myriad Beasts Sect, their headquarters were not in the Holy Yuan Empire, so if it really came to a fight, they would also be at a disadvantage.

What worried them most was, before being thrown out of the Trial Space, whose voice descended from the sky?

"Lan Xuanfeng, Lan Gang... Myriad Beasts Sect, Refining Tower. Fine, you’re all very good!" Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian gnashed his teeth and said hatefully.

Seeing this group who ignored rules and were brazen beyond belief, Huangfu Haotian was so angry he wanted to kill.

"Emperor Yuan, look what Mu Qingge has done to my face?" Lan Feiyue exclaimed angrily, covering her face.

Her once proud looks were now utterly ruined. In her rage, she had completely forgotten her identity and where she was.

"Impudent!" Huangfu Haotian’s eyes glared, sending a sharp glance her way.

Lan Feiyue was startled by the shout.

"Who dares to be disrespectful to my family’s Feiyue!" Suddenly, a domineering voice fell from the sky.

A powerful surge of energy rushed straight at Emperor Yuan.

Huangfu Huan and the Seventh Tributor paled in shock.

Huangfu Haotian also immediately backed away.

At that critical moment, another powerful energy intervened from the sky, repelling the previous energy surge, resolving Huangfu Haotian’s crisis.

This sudden change left Huangfu Haotian pale-faced.

Huangfu Huan hurriedly left Jiang Li and ran back to his father. Even the Seventh Tributor dared not be careless anymore, directly guarding Emperor Yuan.

It was just a moment’s work, and afterward, two figures exchanged a few moves in the air before slowly landing.

Once the two stood firm, Lan Feiyue shouted joyfully, "Great-grandfather!"

Huangfu Huan also respectfully saluted the Great Sacrificial Officer standing in front of the Seventh Tributor, confronting the Lan Family’s old ancestor: "Great Sacrificial Officer!"

The appearance of these two super strong men calmed the area momentarily.

The situation seemed to become unclear again.

Standing next to Jiang Li, Han Caicai furrowed her brows and whispered, "The Lan Family’s old ancestor and the Imperial Family’s Great Sacrificial Officer actually came? It seems this time Mu Qingge surviving the disaster in the Trial Space and reappearing will face another calamity. Whether she can survive depends on the Imperial Family’s determination."

"She’ll be fine," Jiang Li said with an easy expression.

Her confident tone made Han Caicai suspicious. Her narrow eyes scanned Jiang Li, a sharp light flashing in her eyes, full of scrutiny.

Jiang Li let him scrutinize without speaking.

In her heart, she thought, ’That man is back; what can happen to Mu Qingge? The ones in trouble should be the arrogant Lan Family, Myriad Beasts Sect, Refining Tower. She just waits to see how embarrassed they’ll be next after being so arrogant in the Trial Space.’

She sighed internally, ’Indeed, if you’re looking for a man, find one with great power! This way, when bullied, you can cling to your powerful support for retaliation!’

"Crown Prince, there’s no need for such courtesy." The Great Sacrificial Officer didn’t even turn his head, just kept his eyes on the Lan Family’s old ancestor, talking to Huangfu Huan.

Along the way, he had been wary of the Lan Family’s old ancestor making any moves, yet to his surprise, the calm old man suddenly ambushed Emperor Yuan as soon as they reached the Forbidden Area.

If he hadn’t reacted quickly, it might have been Huangfu Huan’s turn to ascend the throne of the Holy Yuan Empire!

’The Lan Family, from the old to the young, are all cunning scoundrels!’ The Great Sacrificial Officer concluded about the Lan Family in his heart.

"Great Sacrificial Officer, thank you," Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian said with lingering fear to the Great Sacrificial Officer.

The Great Sacrificial Officer nodded slightly, looking calmly at the Lan Family’s old ancestor: "You’re a senior, attacking a junior, and an emperor of my Holy Yuan Empire no less, aren’t you ashamed?"

The Lan Family’s old ancestor retorted disdainfully, "Isn’t it because you’re here? Would you watch me harm him a bit?" There was no respect in his tone for Huangfu Haotian.

As if the emperor of Linchuan’s greatest empire was no different in his eyes from a commoner, to be killed whenever he wished.

Huangfu Haotian’s eyes filled with anger.

At this moment, those from the Lan Family, who had felt somewhat weak earlier, upon seeing their old ancestor appear, whether it was Lan Xuanfeng or Lan Gang, all shouted at him—

"Old Ancestor!"

"Old Ancestor!"

"Old Ancestor!"

Among them, Lan Feiyue’s pitiful voice was the most conspicuous, and the Lan Family’s old ancestor looked over. Upon seeing Lan Feiyue’s broken face, his eyes narrowed, and his anger almost exploded.

He roared, "Who dares to harm my Lan Family’s princess?!"

With the old ancestor backing her, Lan Feiyue felt even more wronged. She ran to the Lan Family’s old ancestor and shed tears silently beside him.

If her face hadn’t been destroyed, her tears would undoubtedly have aroused the sympathy of many men, standing up for her. But now, with her face mutilated, half her face was gruesome, terrifying, with her neck and shoulder flesh carved out, exposing blood vessels and bones. Such an appearance wouldn’t arouse pity but rather induce dread, keeping people away.

Yet, she seemed unaware of herself, continuing to feign pity, trying to provoke the Lan Family’s old ancestor’s biggest anger.

"Feiyue, who hurt you like this? Don’t you know your looks were to serve Holy King? Now looking like this, how can you go to Upper Li Palace?" the Lan Family’s old ancestor said furiously.

Jiang Li listened to the shameless old-young duo dialogue and couldn’t help but laugh mockingly: "Please, wasn’t your Miss Feiyue just blown out of Li Palace by Holy King? Now, looking like this, aren’t you afraid of dirtying Holy King’s eyes if you return to Upper Li Palace?"

"Who’s speaking!" the Lan Family’s old ancestor glared fiercely.

This time, he didn’t attack, probably knowing with the Great Sacrificial Officer here, even if he did, there’d be no result, so he didn’t bother wasting his spiritual power.

While Lan Feiyue also glared venomously at Jiang Li.

To the Lan Family’s old ancestor’s words, Jiang Li sneered and ignored him.

Seeing no one else speak, the Lan Family’s old ancestor then looked back at Lan Feiyue and asked: "What exactly happened?"

Last time Feiyue was driven out of Li Palace, she said it was because of someone named Mu Qingge. Last time’s disfigurement was also because of him, could this be the same person again?

If so, the feud between this Mu and their Lan Family just got bigger!

"It was that rogue Mu Qingge! He coveted Feiyue’s beauty, couldn’t have her, so he destroyed it!" Lan Feiyue shamelessly lied.

Jiang Li’s eyes widened, taking a deep breath, internally questioning her, ’Woman, do you have any shame?’

Han Caicai’s eyes flickered as she heard Mu Qingge being called a rogue.

Others had varying expressions.

For most, Lan Feiyue’s reason held water. Otherwise, why would Mu Qingge, a grown man, keep disfiguring a woman?

Yet, they didn’t know, initially, it was Lan Feiyue trying to disfigure Mu Qingge, making her retaliate tit for tat.

This time’s disfigurement was purely accidental. Mu Qingge’s spear aimed for her life, but she narrowly avoided it, ending up disfigured instead.

While everyone was bewildered by Lan Feiyue’s blatant lies and while the Dragon Tooth Guards couldn’t hold back their defense for their master, a playful voice descended from above, "Where did I lust over you? With you, I wouldn’t even bother!"