"Tell me everything!" Mu Qingge took a step forward, pressing closely toward Gu Ya and Gu Ye.

Gu Ya and Gu Ye continued to remain silent.

Their attitude made Mu Qingge’s eyes narrow slightly.

A violent aura coiled in her heart.

This violent aura wasn’t directed at anyone else but herself.

Waiting too long without a result, Mu Qingge suddenly turned around and headed toward the palace. "If you won’t tell, I’ll ask him myself!"

She was forcing Gu Ya and Gu Ye.

She figured that they did not want her to pursue this matter with Si Mo.

Sure enough, when she was about to reach the palace steps, Gu Ye spoke up, "Wait."

Mu Qingge stopped, her exquisite features showing no pride in achieving her goal, instead, they became even colder.

She lightly clenched her fist, turned back, and faced Gu Ye and Gu Ya.

Gu Ya looked at Gu Ye, seemingly with eyes asking, ’Are you really going to go against the master’s orders and say it?’

Gu Ye merely returned his glance and no longer paid attention.

He took large strides toward Mu Qingge and stopped when he was less than a zhang away. "Young Lord, you are destined to be our future mistress. This is something the master has acknowledged, so we as servants have nothing more to say. As for this matter, the master said not to tell you, and we can’t defy the master’s order. No matter where you got the news from, I can only tell you, if you truly want to help the master, you’d better focus on cultivating and improving your own cultivation as soon as possible. I know you have talent in alchemy, but now it’s not enough. If one day, you can refine a Holy Level Elixir, maybe then it will be useful."

"Is he injured?" Mu Qingge’s eyes suddenly narrowed, asking nervously.

But Gu Ye said, "The master has fought for years, and although he is powerful, there are few who can harm him. But he can have hidden injuries and old ailments. Originally, these were no problem. However, now that his cultivation has been reduced by ten thousand years, combined with..."

He suddenly stopped, causing Mu Qingge to have a foreboding feeling and frown.

"Combined with what?" Mu Qingge pressed on.

But Gu Ye no longer continued speaking.

He looked deeply at Mu Qingge, suddenly lowered his eyes to her, and then turned to leave.

Mu Qingge watched his retreating figure, a gloom accumulating between her brows.

After Gu Ye disappeared from sight, Gu Ya finally walked over to Mu Qingge.

Compared to Gu Ye, Mu Qingge was more familiar with Gu Ya.

As soon as he approached, Mu Qingge said, "His situation is really bad now, isn’t it?"

Gu Ya stopped and said solemnly, "You don’t need to mind Gu Ye’s words too much."

Mu Qingge slowly shook her head, "No, he is right. What I need is to improve my own strength, not to question things that have already happened."

Gu Ya frowned and said, "The master doesn’t tell you, because he doesn’t want to affect your normal cultivation speed."

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows at him and suddenly showed a faint smile, "Do you think I would be impatient for success? That I would stop at nothing to quickly improve my cultivation?"

Gu Ya was silent. This meant he did have such concerns.

Mu Qingge laughed, but there was a heaviness in her smile. "Don’t worry, I know what I should do."

"He has quite a few enemies, doesn’t he?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked.

Gu Ya was stunned, seemingly not understanding Mu Qingge’s question. But he still nodded truthfully.

Mu Qingge’s brows slowly relaxed as she gazed at the clouds entwined with the mountains, "So his current situation absolutely cannot be leaked."

This remark made Gu Ya understand her meaning.

He sighed and said to Mu Qingge, "As long as he doesn’t engage with true experts, keeping it a secret is not difficult. But if he does engage them, I’m afraid..."

The latter part of Gu Ya’s words went unsaid. Mu Qingge had already guessed the answer.

"Do you remember the previous events?" Mu Qingge knew little about the Reverse Curse. But judging by Gu Ya and Gu Ye’s expressions, they clearly remembered.

Gu Ya explained, "The Reverse Curse is ineffective at erasing the memory of the caster, and at that time we were right beside the master, so we were affected." Reverse is meant to change, naturally not erasing the caster’s memory.

"What exactly happened that would make him take such a risk?" Mu Qingge couldn’t help but ask.

Gu Ya thought carefully, what Mu Qingge asked was not about his master’s situation, so even if he told he wouldn’t be violating the master’s orders.

So, he recounted what he saw at the time, "...When we arrived, the Trial Space had already shattered, everyone was dead, and you were dying, engulfed by necromantic energy."

’Really so tragic!’ Mu Qingge’s expression turned cold upon hearing this.

She seemed to understand why Mengmeng said she had almost died once before.

Gu Ya glanced at her and added, "We persuaded the master, saying your body was special and not necessarily doomed. But the master said, for you, he was unwilling to pin hopes on chance. What he wanted was certainty."

Mu Qingge’s heart was hit hard by the words ’certainty.’

Her clear eyes quickly became misty.

She blinked, pushing the mist back, but her eye rims still turned slightly red.

"Thank you for telling me this." Mu Qingge said solemnly and turned to leave.

She’d asked what she should and shouldn’t ask.

She’d learned what she should and shouldn’t know.

Strong! She had to become stronger!

As Mu Qingge’s steps became more determined, she ascended the steps, standing so resolute and unyielding.

As her silhouette gradually faded, a shadow flickered by Gu Ya’s side, and Gu Ye appeared hugging a sword beside him.

Gu Ya frowned and said, "Was it too early for us to tell her these things today?"

But Gu Ye didn’t agree and said, "If she wants to stay by the master’s side forever, she must become strong as soon as possible. If she can’t bear even this pressure, it’s better she leaves. If she can withstand it, then she’ll be qualified to battle alongside the master."

"If the master finds out what we did today..." Gu Ya looked at him.

But Gu Ye didn’t think so and said, "The master previously explained that I should handle the follow-up, so I’ll go ahead first, leave you to serve the master."

"Damn it!" Gu Ya was a step too late; he could only grind his teeth and watch as the shadow disappeared.

Having suddenly learned this news, Mu Qingge was unable to know all the political intricacies at work, nor did she care.

Instead of returning to the Post House to check on everyone, she only wanted to seize every minute and second for cultivation.

Back in her room, Mu Qingge immediately began practicing.

Following Si Mo’s guidance, she continuously compressed and stored her spiritual power for cultivation.

When she was tired, she would train her alchemy skills.

The old head of the Medicine Tower had once said that when she advanced to a Treasure Level Alchemist, she should find him, indicating there was something he wanted to give her.

A month quietly passed by like this.

During this month, Jiang Li, Zhao Nanxing, and Feng Yufei had visited Upper Li Palace to look for Mu Qingge.

The situation in Linchuan had been surging, and a new round of power reshuffling was drawing to an end.

The Lan Family was destroyed, and the Imperial Family along with the three main Family Heads divided all the Lan Family’s assets. Harbin Families and even medium-sized families had also taken the opportunity to spring up like mushrooms after a rain.

The news that Khitan Country’s envoy frequently made things difficult for Mu Qingge had spread, causing Rong Country to fall from a Second-class Country to a Third-class Country.

Meanwhile, the land of Linchuan was showing signs of a trend towards instability. In the last days of this month, two decrees from the Holy Yuan Empire were sent, one to the Third-class Country Qin Country, which was upgraded to a Second-class Country, enjoying all the resources of a Second-class Country.

This news caused the entire territory of the Third-class Country to boil over.

And Rong Country could only swallow the bitter pill when word spread that the envoy from Rong Country continuously made things difficult for Mu Qingge, causing Rong Country’s status to plummet.

The shifting trends and upheavals in power on Linchuan’s land were entirely unknown and insignificant to Mu Qingge.

Because, it was time for her to leave the Linchuan Realm. She had to head to the Middle Ancient Realm, yet solve a series of troubles and seek some answers.

Once she finished the final matters, it would be her time to depart.

Time was already running short.

...

Boom——!

In a clear sky, thunder suddenly roared.

This surprised the pilgrims at the foot of the Li Palace Mountain, prompting them to look up in amazement.

They saw a huge mass of dark clouds swiftly gathering over the Li Palace, with occasional flashes of lightning appearing from within.

"Is this a tribulation cloud?" someone speculated.

"What is undergoing the tribulation? And it’s happening inside the Li Palace?"

"It seems something significant is happening in the Li Palace."

The discussions at the foot of the mountain didn’t affect those in the Li Palace above.

When the tribulation clouds dispersed, no one knew what had taken place atop the Li Palace.

In Mu Qingge’s room, the rich fragrance of Dan gradually gathered, not leaking a bit outside. Opening her eyes, she waved her hand to retract the Heaven-Burning Furnace, looking at the crystalline elixir in her palm, she exhaled a deep breath, "Finally crafted a treasure-level elixir."

"Congratulations, Ge’er," Simo’s voice suddenly descended.

Surprise flickered in Mu Qingge’s eyes, and she stood up.

As that figure in white appeared in her sight, she bloomed into the most beautiful smile, approaching him, "You came out of seclusion."

This sentence, in fact, was meaningless.

Yet, she chose to say it.

She glanced at Simo, who remained as indifferent as smoke, giving off a mysterious and powerful aura.

It seemed as if there was no force in the world that could defeat him.

Responding to Mu Qingge’s words, Simo nodded cooperatively, "I came out yesterday, I knew you were refining elixirs, so I did not disturb you." His gaze fell upon the treasure-level elixir in Mu Qingge’s hand, a slight smile gracing his lips, "Perfect treasure quality, Ge’er indeed has great talent."

Mu Qingge handed the elixir to him, casually saying, "This is the first treasure-level elixir I’ve crafted, it’s for you."

Simo’s eyebrows slightly raised, accepting the elixir with a smile, holding it in his palm. "Alright, anything Ge’er gives me, no matter what it is, I shall keep it carefully."

"Elixirs are not meant for collection," laughed Mu Qingge. "This treasure-level elixir has the effect of consolidating vital energy. If you feel unwell or tired, you can take it."

"Oh?" Simo’s eyes glimmered a few times.

His gaze, capable of seeing through hearts, made Mu Qingge feel somewhat guilty.

"I have something to ask you." Mu Qingge changed the subject, casually grasping Simo’s wrist. Her fingers just happened to rest on Simo’s pulse.

Pulling him, they sat together on the edge of the bed.

This small action made Simo’s eyes flicker, but he said nothing, just followed her words and asked, "What does Ge’er want to ask me?"

"Have you heard of the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python?" Mu Qingge asked while listening to the pulse.

"Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python?" A trace of surprise flashed in Simo’s blue eyes. He scrutinized Mu Qingge for a long time before smiling and shaking his head, "Ge’er, I have to say again, you truly are lucky."

Mu Qingge couldn’t comprehend and frowned slightly.

Simo raised his hand to brush away the creases between her brows, saying with amusement, "If I guessed correctly, you obtained the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, right?"

’His body is indeed in bad condition,’ Mu Qingge released her hand, responding along with Simo, "Hmm."

Simo’s body had some hidden injuries that ordinarily showed nothing, but at crucial moments would affect his spiritual power circulation, and also slowly devoured his body.

As if the injuries he had suffered before left hidden dangers that erupted instantly.

You could describe Simo’s current body as a dormant volcano, ready to erupt at any moment.

Yet, this was just the tip of the iceberg that Mu Qingge had caught a glimpse of.

The cost was too great!

Mu Qingge’s heart sank slightly. She had to quickly improve her alchemy abilities and soon refine Holy-level elixirs to solve the problems within Simo’s body, allowing him to easily deal with the calamity brought by casting the Reverse Curse.

"Ge’er, don’t worry." Simo grasped Mu Qingge’s hand, soothing in a low voice.

No matter how small Mu Qingge’s movements were, how could he not feel she was probing his physical condition?

He didn’t stop her because he decided not to hide it from her anymore.

Because he knew his Ge’er’s temperament. It’s better not to know; once she knew, continuing to conceal it might push her away.

She was never a woman who needed to grow under the protective wings.

Mu Qingge raised her head to look at him, seeing his exceedingly handsome face still bearing a calm smile, and his blue eyes full of casual amusement.

Suddenly, she felt a tinge of heartache.

She knew she couldn’t fool Simo, yet she couldn’t help but probe his internal condition.

Mu Qingge stood up, cradled Simo’s face with both hands, and her gaze meticulously wandered over his perfect features. Finally, it fell on his rosy lips.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge’s face enlarged in Simo’s blue eyes.

Those soft, fragrant, red lips pressed upon his rosy ones.

Four lips met, a subtle and peculiar sensation spreading across both of them. Simo’s eyes slightly widened; this was the first time his Ge’er had taken the initiative to kiss his lips.

Mu Qingge planted a heavy kiss upon Simo’s lips.

As if making a promise.

Before Simo could even react, her lips departed. Her clear eyes earnestly looked at him, "I will definitely heal you, trust me!"

Mu Qingge’s words blossomed within Simo’s heart.

A sensation of being cared for gradually grew.

Simo’s lips curled slightly upwards, he suddenly hugged Mu Qingge around the legs, lifting her up.

This sudden action surprised Mu Qingge, but she didn’t struggle free.

Simo carried Mu Qingge and twirled around the room twice, looking up, their eyes meeting, his gaze devoid of any impurities, he said, "Alright, I will wait for you."

Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a smile.

She was delighted by Simo’s belief in her.

The old ailment within Simo had always been there, only indicating that among those he knew, none could refine a Holy-level elixir, so he could only rely on his strong cultivation to suppress it.

If outsiders couldn’t be relied upon, then she would rely on herself!

Mu Qingge’s smile caused a momentary daze in Simo’s eyes.

It was the same for Mu Qingge.

Their heads gradually leaned closer, their foreheads touching, breaths intertwining.

In Mu Qingge’s clear eyes, a splendid color circulated, she smiled softly, and took the initiative to kiss Simo’s lips. This time, they took things at an extremely slow pace, savoring it, pure and beautiful, devoid of any impurities.

Until the air in their chests was gradually exhausted, only then did they part. A thin layer of pink had already stained both of their cheeks.

Looking at him, Mu Qingge smiled and said, "If it goes on like this, I might become addicted to your taste."

"The honor is mine," Simo replied with a smile.

Coming out of Simo’s embrace, Mu Qingge tidied her clothes slightly, remembering the main matter.

"What exactly is the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python?"

The earlier kiss seemed to have indeed left Simo quite satisfied. At this moment, in a very good mood, he answered Mu Qingge’s query with a wealth of information.

"The Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, from ancient times to present, only one exists." Simo’s statement astounded Mu Qingge. Bai Xi had just broken out of the egg... uh, although her development did seem a bit rapid...

Simo was amused by Mu Qingge’s stunned look.

He continued, "The Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python is an ancient sacred beast that emerged in the early stages of Chaos. Its bloodline and abilities can compare with those of the Dragon Clan, Phoenix Bloodline, these well-known top-tier sacred beasts. The Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python refers to her having nine extremely powerful abilities, one of which is eternal life. The so-called eternal life means that when the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python dies, she will return to her initial state, slowly hatch, and start anew. Her various abilities, too, would gradually resurface following her awakening, including memories from every past life. So to speak, it is impossible to completely eliminate the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python."

"So powerful!" Mu Qingge’s eyes widened in surprise.

Who would’ve thought Bai Xi would be so formidable!

Simo nodded, "Yes, throughout millennia, no matter which record bore mention of the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, effectively it was always the same one. Just a reflection of her past and present lives. However, the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python could never appear in a plane like Linchuan. But she appeared, was acquired by you, and was incubated. Tell me, aren’t you a lucky little fellow that makes others envious?"

Simo smiled indulgently.

Mu Qingge did not deny it, instead raising an eyebrow, using her fingertip to lift Simo’s chin, she teasingly said, "Obtaining you is already something to be envied."

Si Mo grabbed her hand and lightly kissed it by his lips. "Having you is my greatest fortune too."

Mu Qingge’s face turned red, yet she did not show the usual shyness of a woman.

She had figured out Bai Xi’s origins, which gave her a bit more confidence.

With such a Spirit Beast as a companion, her hope of advancing on the path to becoming strong increased a bit more.

"However, the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python is not easy to raise." Si Mo suddenly said.

Uh... raise?

Mu Qingge seemed to have never pondered this question; although she had many non-human beings in her space, she hardly worried about their daily meals except occasionally tossing some elixirs to them as snacks.

However, Si Mo’s words reminded Mu Qingge of the previous scene where Bai Xi stole bird eggs, causing her to twitch her mouth in thought, and she blinked at Si Mo.

That innocent look made Si Mo feel amused.

He said, "Do you know why it’s called the Heaven-devouring Python?"

Mu Qingge shook her head honestly.

"Because she can eat. The more she eats, the faster she grows. If you let her eat freely, she could even devour the sky." Si Mo said.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched fiercely!

Bai Xi, that beautiful snake, turned out to be a big foodie!

Being able to eat even the sky, how could someone as poor as her afford to keep her fed? Mu Qingge’s little face immediately fell.

"No need to worry too much, the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python eats a lot each time, but there is a long interval between her meals," Si Mo comforted her.

"How long is a long time?" Mu Qingge’s expression did not improve accordingly. She silently calculated in her mind how much of her entire savings could feed Bai Xi a few times.

Si Mo thought seriously and answered, "Once a year."

"Cough, cough!" Mu Qingge choked herself.

She looked at Si Mo with a dire expression, "Once a year?"

"Yes."

Seeing Si Mo nodding earnestly, Mu Qingge felt desperate. Would her future life revolve around busying herself with collecting food for Bai Xi?

Seeing her like this, Si Mo laughed and said, "She can find food for herself, so you don’t need to worry."

Can she support herself?!

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up, and her dejected aura instantly vanished.

But, when thinking of those bird eggs that Bai Xi stole from her, Mu Qingge quickly tensed up and asked, "What does ’finding food for herself’ mean in terms of range?"

Si Mo laughed and said, "Whatever she sees and finds tasty, she will eat until she is full, then she will stop."

Mu Qingge once again felt her mouth twitching. "She won’t eat people too, will she?"

"That would depend on her mood." Si Mo answered.

Mu Qingge rolled her eyes.

Why did she feel that Bai Xi had become a great trouble?

"What is Xiao Ge’er worrying about?" Si Mo laughed and said, "Since you have become her master, you can stipulate what she can and cannot eat."

"Will she listen?" Mu Qingge said dejectedly. Bai Xi seemed much stronger than her.

Si Mo replied, "The Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python rarely acknowledges a master, but once they do, they are incredibly loyal. So you do not need to worry about that."

After speaking, he took Mu Qingge’s hand and started walking out.

"Where are we going?" Mu Qingge asked blankly.

"Naturally, to let your Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python have a feast first," Si Mo responded.

"Here?" Mu Qingge asked in surprise.

Are there enough things to eat at the Li Palace?

Was Si Mo planning on letting Bai Xi eat all those who came to worship him down the mountain?

As Mu Qingge was pulled into a familiar place by Si Mo, her wild thoughts came to a halt.

"Trial Space?" Mu Qingge stood amidst the Phoenix Tree Forest and recognized the place at a glance.

Si Mo smiled without speaking, only saying to her, "Let your Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python out."

Mu Qingge instinctively nodded and, in the blink of an eye, Bai Xi emerged from the space.

Bai Xi, upon coming out, lost the enchanting appearance of a beautiful snake and transformed into a mini white snake, affectionately wrapping around Mu Qingge’s arm, flicking its tongue on Mu Qingge’s cheek, making it ticklish.

"Bai Xi, don’t mess around." Mu Qingge turned her head away.

Si Mo’s cold gaze swept over, causing Bai Xi to shiver, its purple and gold vertical pupils cautiously looking at him.

Si Mo calmly withdrew his gaze, and when he looked at Mu Qingge, the amber hues of his eyes were filled with tenderness. "Let her eat. In the Trial Space, there are many Spirit Beasts she can gorge on. Once she’s full, for at least a year you won’t need to worry about how to feed her."

Mu Qingge stared at him in shock.

She didn’t expect Si Mo to use the Trial Space prepared for the Linchuan Conference as Bai Xi’s hunting ground.

But, it was indeed a good idea.

Nodding, Mu Qingge raised her arm wrapped in Bai Xi and said, "Bai Xi, go ahead."

Bai Xi’s vertical pupils immediately sparkled, and in a flash, disappeared from Mu Qingge’s arm. A white shadow streaked by, and Bai Xi transformed into an enormous python capable of blocking out the sun, happily heading towards the Spirit Beasts in the Trial Space.

The first to suffer were the bird eggs in the Phoenix Tree Forest!

"So big—!" Only after Bai Xi’s figure moved away did Mu Qingge mutter those two words in a daze.

She hadn’t realized Bai Xi’s true form was so colossal, now she seemed to understand why Bai Xi was such a glutton!

Si Mo held her hand, walking leisurely in the Phoenix Tree Forest as he said to her, "You named the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python Bai Xi?"

"Yes." Mu Qingge nodded.

Then, she asked in return, "Is there a problem?"

Si Mo shook his head and laughed, "No, it sounds nice. I remember the last time I saw the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, she didn’t have a master and gave herself the name ’Heaven-devouring,’ which she thought was very domineering."

Heaven-devouring?

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched. Why did that name conjure up an image of a burly man in her mind?

Eh?

Mu Qingge looked at Si Mo in surprise, "You said you saw her last time?"

Si Mo nodded.

Mu Qingge took a deep breath and squeezed out a question, "Honestly, how old are you really?"

Si Mo was stunned, the smile on his face instantly replaced by grievance. "Does Xiao Ge’er think I’m old?"

Hehe...

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched fiercely, deciding not to continue this utterly pointless conversation.

Redirecting her gaze to the surrounding scenery, she recalled the peculiar feeling during her first entry into the Trial Space and asked, "Why do I find the time here strange, and each place linked abruptly?"

"That’s not surprising," Si Mo answered calmly. "This Trial Space is actually a haphazard collection of spatial fragments pieced together by me. Each scene you see here is actually a different world, so their time flow will vary, and the seams will be quite awkward. I have no interest in painstakingly grinding these spaces into one and recrafting a new one."

Mu Qingge listened, stunned.

That answer surprised her too much.

What surprised her even more was how powerful Si Mo truly was?

"The purpose of you bringing this Trial Space together is to select people to head to the Ancient Ruins? Why?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked.

Si Mo’s steps halted briefly, this time without a response, "I’ll tell you about it in a while."

Si Mo’s evasion made Mu Qingge frown.

However, she did not press the matter.

Suddenly, she remembered something and said to Si Mo, "Why are the Spirit Beasts here so strange, different from those outside? Also, I found their Beast Cores seem to be wrapped in a layer of black material. It seems this thing enhances their fierce aura."

"Great Thousand Worlds, Small Thousand Worlds. The world is always bigger than you imagine, and many things are unique. These are by no means inferior to the things of Linchuan, so it’s no surprise you don’t recognize them." Si Mo broadly explained to Mu Qingge but did not say why there was black material covering the Beast Cores.

Si Mo’s words made Mu Qingge feel a bit odd.

She could sense that he seemed to be bypassing something crucial. Was it something unspeakable? Or was it another case of timing not being right?

For people Mu Qingge acknowledged, she wouldn’t dig to the root of things.

Since Si Mo now does not intend to explain in detail, she also stops. She believes that no matter what the answer is, someday, she will know.

Perhaps, by that time, she will understand herself and will no longer need explanations from anyone.

Howl——!

Suddenly, a mournful beast cry came from a distance.

Mu Qingge was startled and immediately wanted to go over and see. "Could it be that something happened to Bai Xi?"

But Si Mo grabbed her and said, "Don’t worry, here, no Spirit Beast is a match for the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python."

"But..." Mu Qingge was still a bit worried.

Si Mo said, "She is enjoying her meal now; if we go over, we might disturb her interest."

Hearing Si Mo’s words, Mu Qingge abandoned her plan to go over.

The two of them chose a scenic spot for a while, and Mu Qingge suddenly remembered the matter of Huangfu Huan and Shen Bicheng going up to the Li Palace.

"By the way, Huangfu Huan and Shen Bicheng came over, hoping you would take them as disciples," Mu Qingge said to Si Mo.

Si Mo was not surprised, as if he was already accustomed to it. "They are indeed good candidates, one is academic, the other is martial."

Mu Qingge looked at him in surprise, "Did you get interested?" She originally thought that Si Mo would dismiss these two people.

Her words made Si Mo frown, he stretched out his long arms, embraced her waist, pulled her into his arms, and said softly, "I am only interested in you."

Uh...

Mu Qingge knew she’d said the wrong thing, so she explained, "I mean, did you start considering taking them as disciples?"

"Does little Ge’er wish for me to take them in?" Si Mo asked in return.

’There it is again!’ Mu Qingge silently complained in her heart. "Whether you plan to take disciples or who to take, I will not interfere and have no personal opinion."

Si Mo chuckled, nodded, and said, "Alright, I understand. I will handle this."

Mu Qingge nonchalantly said, "Anyway, I’ve said what I needed to say; as for the result, I haven’t made any guarantees."

"Little Ge’er, when will you accompany me back to the Qin Country?" Si Mo suddenly asked.

"Back to the Qin Country?" Mu Qingge’s voice suddenly heightened.

Si Mo nodded, gazing at her, "Since our matters are already settled, I naturally have to explain to your grandfather."

Mu Qingge was stunned, her mouth agape, stammering, "You...you mean...to..."

"Yes! To propose." Si Mo nodded, saying what Mu Qingge couldn’t bring herself to say.

Propose! Marriage!

These two words made Mu Qingge’s eyes widen instantly. She inhaled sharply!

"Haha, is it moving too fast?" Mu Qingge laughed awkwardly.

Si Mo’s amber eyes dangerously narrowed, "Does little Ge’er have someone else in mind?" His demeanor suggested he’d kill that person if necessary!

"No! Absolutely not! I’m not the fickle sort, since I’ve chosen you, I won’t stray." Mu Qingge immediately assured.

"That’s better." The killing intent around Si Mo dissipated, and he once again exuded warmth like a spring breeze.

Mu Qingge glanced at him, as if asking, ’What about you?’

Si Mo immediately understood, sincerely saying, "I have only ever been interested in you, in the past, now, and in the future."

Things that once seemed cheesy, now filled Mu Qingge’s heart with sweetness.

Suddenly, she found that a change in attitude really can make different landscapes visible.

They gazed at each other silently, their hearts merging.

In this atmosphere of deep affection, a voice suddenly and unexpectedly entered Mu Qingge’s mind.

’Mommy boss, let me out. Yuanyuan wants to get some air!’

Mu Qingge was startled by the voice, pulling Si Mo’s arm off her waist, stepping back.

Si Mo did not stop her, only slightly raised an eyebrow.

Mu Qingge smiled awkwardly, asking Yuanyuan, ’Why do you suddenly want out?’

Yuanyuan snorted proudly, ’This little master doesn’t want to be around that shorty, I want out!’

Mu Qingge could guess it was the squabble between the two little ones again.

’Mommy boss, please let me out! The pretty snake was let out too!’ Yuanyuan implored incessantly.

Mu Qingge, left with no choice due to his pestering, remembered that at this moment, besides her and Si Mo in the Trial Space, there were no outsiders.

After a moment of hesitation, she agreed.

’Okay, I’ll let you out, but don’t cause trouble.’ Mu Qingge warned Yuanyuan. If this kid went wild and burnt the Trial Space down, where would she find another for Si Mo?

Upon hearing he could come out, Yuanyuan immediately nodded and promised, "Yes, yes! Rest assured, Yuanyuan won’t cause trouble for mommy boss!"

Mu Qingge took Yuanyuan’s promise with a grain of trust.

With a wave of her hand, an exquisitely carved, child-sized little boy suddenly appeared in front of Si Mo.

His amber eyes gleamed briefly, and he smiled, "Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame."

Upon hearing that someone had instantly recognized his true form, Yuanyuan immediately looked at Si Mo. Originally wanting to show off, as soon as Yuanyuan saw Si Mo, his expression changed dramatically, and he quickly skittered behind Mu Qingge, clutching her leg, nervously asking, "Mommy boss, who is he? His presence is so strong! Yuanyuan can’t beat him!"

In her heart, Mu Qingge chuckled twice, "You are indeed honest." Yuanyuan’s behavior truly surprised her.

The ever-so-proud Yuanyuan acknowledged his defeat upon first seeing Si Mo?

Seems like this kid is quite shrewd too.

"He won’t harm you." Mu Qingge pulled Yuanyuan out from behind her.

Yuanyuan clung desperately to Mu Qingge’s robe but was still set down in front of Si Mo, landing on his little behind on the grass.

Si Mo looked down at him, although smiling, he still made Yuanyuan feel a chill of fear.

’So powerful! So terrifying! How does mommy boss know such a formidable person? Wailing, baby regrets it, I want to return to the space!’

If he’d known such a formidable figure existed outside, he wouldn’t have come out in a huff, preferring to suffer Mengmeng’s mockery of cowardice instead.

"Hey, show some backbone. I said he won’t hurt you." Yuanyuan’s cowardice irritated Mu Qingge.

Look at the aloof Gu Ya and Gu Ye beside Si Mo, and then look at this little cutie before her.

The looks are up there, but they lack the imposing aura.

Yuanyuan looked up at Mu Qingge pitifully and begged, "Mommy boss, Yuanyuan wants to go back now, can’t I go back?"

Whimpering, baby wants to go back, I want to go back to the space.’

Suddenly, Si Mo spoke. "What do you call her?"

Yuanyuan’s breath hitched, and puckering his lips, he looked at Si Mo. Inside, he was protesting, I don’t want to, but his expression changed immediately when he saw Si Mo, ducking behind Mu Qingge, holding onto her leg and poking his head out.

Mu Qingge chuckled in her heart, "You’re really honest." Yuanyuan’s behavior had taken her by surprise.

The always proud Yuanyuan was showing shrewdness now.

"He won’t hurt you." Mu Qingge assured Yuanyuan, pulling him out from behind her and placing him before Si Mo.

Sitting there, Yuanyuan looked pitifully at Si Mo, his pudgy little face had turned pale.

Si Mo looked down at him, inspecting him closely. He suddenly opened his hand and revealed a few fire lotus seeds enveloped in flames.

Yuanyuan exclaimed, "Fire Lotus Seeds!"

"Fire Lotus Seed, what’s that?" Mu Qingge still didn’t understand, and could only ask again.

Yuanyuan stared at the fire lotus seeds in Si Mo’s hand with fascination, his face filled with awe.

’Silly owner, fire lotus seeds are very powerful to all mystical beings!’ came Mengmeng’s voice in Mu Qingge’s mind, explaining her doubts.

’So amazing!’

Si Mo smiled and said to Yuanyuan, "Come, call me daddy, and I’ll give you a piece of candy."