"What is this?"

Mu Qingge looked at the tray in front of her, holding several tokens, and turned to Si Mo in confusion.

Si Mo said casually, "Huangfu Haotian sent them, saying they’re meant for you to decide the remaining few who will qualify to enter the Ancient Ruins."

"..." Mu Qingge was at a loss for words.

This feeling of having a powerful backer was truly unique.

Since when was it up to a small noble from a third-class country like her to decide the rankings of the Linchuan Conference?

Mu Qingge flipped through the tokens in the tray, which were marked with the names of six countries. These were the six countries participating in the Linchuan Conference.

Three third-class countries, three second-class countries.

"Wait a minute." Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up as she picked up the token labeled Qin Country, shook it in front of Si Mo, and said with a strange expression, "How could they make this mistake?"

Si Mo glanced up, his amber eyes scanning the words on the token.

Besides Qin Country, there was a slightly smaller word, ’Second-class Country.’

What puzzled Mu Qingge was precisely this line of writing.

A faint smile appeared at the corners of Si Mo’s mouth as he looked down at Mu Qingge, "Pick up the one for Rong Country and take a look."

With suspicion, Mu Qingge picked up the token marked Rong Country. As her gaze swept over its contents, her eyes narrowed, and her eyebrows raised.

Her eyes darted back and forth between the two tokens in her hands. Suddenly, she laughed playfully, "In just one month, Qin Country becomes a second-class country, and Rong Country becomes a third-class country. If Emperor Yuan is truly so generous, why not give Qin Country a seat in a first-class empire?"

"Does Little Ge’er wish for Qin Country to become a first-class country?" Si Mo suddenly looked at her with a serious gaze.

Mu Qingge blinked and said with an awkward smile, "I was just joking; don’t you dare do that!"

Seeing Si Mo’s serious expression, she was truly afraid he would take her seriously and elevate Qin Country to a first-class country.

"Why?" Si Mo asked her with a smile.

Mu Qingge pursed her lips and gave him a sidelong glance, "With Qin Country’s foundation, even if you support it, it would become a target for all if elevated to a first-class country. To me, Qin Country is just my homeland. Whether it’s a third-class or a first-class country doesn’t matter. What I’ve always wanted is the stability of the Mu Family. Besides, I’m not the emperor of Qin Country, so why should I worry about its ranking?"

Si Mo looked at her seriously, his deep amber eyes gleaming like stars.

In his gaze, there was pampering, there was heartache, and there was some emotion Mu Qingge couldn’t comprehend.

"What’s wrong?" Feeling a bit uncomfortable under his gaze, Mu Qingge touched her cheek.

Si Mo slightly retracted his gaze, spread his long arms, and embraced Mu Qingge. In a low voice, he said, "I’m amused by how you always speak against your heart."

Mu Qingge was taken aback.

"Now you’re talking as if Qin Country doesn’t matter, but if anyone dared to offend it, you’d be the first to rush in." Si Mo’s long, graceful fingers gently tapped her nose.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, and she muttered, "Is it that obvious?" After speaking, her expression became somewhat dazed.

She was recalling Si Mo’s words.

Indeed, with Qin Country stable and the Mu Family secure, she could act as she pleased, doing what she wanted. But if Qin Country was threatened, if the Mu Family was threatened, she would be the first to rush forward, bearing everything.

Mu Qingge’s current appearance brought a hint of heartache to Si Mo’s eyes.

He held Mu Qingge tighter and spoke in an extremely gentle and soft tone, "You always act indifferent, as if the only thing you really care about is your family. In reality, you care about many things. Anyone you recognize as a friend, you will take under your wing and accept the role of protector. Not just Qin Country, even Li Country or Yu Country, as long as they seek your help, you will risk everything for Feng Yufei or Zhao Nanxing."

"Am I as great as you say?" Mu Qingge said with a slightly awkward expression.

Si Mo shook his head and said with a smile, "It’s not about greatness; it’s because my Little Ge’er values loyalty."

Mu Qingge raised her clear eyes to look at him. Her gaze was flowing and radiant, showing a charm rarely seen on her.

Gazing at Si Mo, Mu Qingge’s mouth slowly curved into a smile.

She reached out and pinched Si Mo’s perfectly sculpted nose, grinning, "As expected of my man, you understand me!"

Mu Qingge’s action made Si Mo’s body stiffen, his amber eyes gradually deepening in color, a mist lingering in their depths.

"Little Ge’er..."

"Let’s get down to business." Mu Qingge interrupted Si Mo’s words, jumped out of his embrace, and once more approached the tray with the tokens of six countries.

The fragrance in his arms faded, and Si Mo helplessly looked at his empty hands.

His Little Ge’er had become mischievous!

Suppressing the emotions stirred by Mu Qingge, Si Mo walked over and stood behind her, quietly watching her play with the six tokens in front of her.

"I definitely have to go in," Mu Qingge muttered to herself as she flipped the Qin Country token and tossed it aside.

Whether from a personal standpoint or based on the results of the Linchuan Conference, Qin Country obtaining the qualification was indisputable.

"The remaining three qualifications..." Mu Qingge frowned.

Her original plan was to bring both Li Country and Yu Country in. However, this time in the Trial Space, Yu Country and Li Country suffered heavy losses. Entering the Ancient Ruins again, the dangers might be even greater than in the Trial Space. Can they return unscathed?

She didn’t intend to bring back a pile of corpses!

After some thought, Mu Qingge slowly shook her head, her gaze shifted to Di Country, Yu Country, and Rong Country.

Di Country left a fairly good impression on her.

Even though they didn’t extend a helping hand when she was in danger, their attitude was still upright.

Mu Qingge’s eyes twinkled as she took out the token for Di Country.

Four qualifications, half gone.

The remaining two will be decided among the two countries.

Mu Qingge’s gaze moved between the remaining four countries, unable to make up her mind.

Entering the Ancient Ruins carries both risks and opportunities.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t have attracted the active participation of Linchuan’s entire government.

What’s under consideration now is simply gains and losses.

To gain opportunity, one must take risks. You can’t have both the fish and the bear paw; Mu Qingge understood this principle!

She hesitated, whether Yu Country and Rong Country are willing to take these risks. If not, the opportunities might just go to waste.

"Little Ge’er, would you like to see Qin Country become a first-class country?" Si Mo suddenly asked her, with seriousness in his eyes.

Mu Qingge blinked, giving a sheepish laugh, "I was joking, don’t do it seriously!"

Seeing Si Mo’s serious expression, she truly feared he might take it seriously and elevate Qin Country to a first-class country.

"Why?" Si Mo asked with a smile.

Mu Qingge made a face and cast him a glance: "Considering the foundation of Qin Country, even with your support, it would only become a target for everyone if it tries to become a first-class country. To me, Qin Country is just my homeland. Whether it’s a third-class country or a first-class one doesn’t matter. All I want has always been the stability of the Mu Family. Besides, I’m not an emperor of Qin Country. Why should I worry about its rank?"

Si Mo looked at her seriously, his deep amber eyes filled with a starlike gleam.

His gaze was full of pampering, of pain, and of some other emotions that Mu Qingge couldn’t comprehend.

"What?" Being gazed at made Mu Qingge slightly uncomfortably touch her own cheek.

Si Mo’s gaze slightly retracted, and with a sweeping motion of his long arm, he pulled Mu Qingge into his embrace. In a low voice, he said to her, "I smile because you always mean the opposite of what you say."

Mu Qingge was momentarily stunned.

"Now you say that Qin Country doesn’t matter to you, but if someone dared to offend Qin Country, I think you’d be the first to rush up." Si Mo tapped her nose lightly with his long, elegant fingers.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, and she mumbled, "Is it that obvious?" After speaking, her expression became a bit dazed.

Her mind replayed Si Mo’s words.

Indeed, with Qin Country stable and the Mu Family stable, she would act as she pleases, doing what she wants to do. But once Qin Country is threatened, once the Mu Family is threatened, she becomes the first to leap out and bear everything.

Mu Qingge’s current appearance caused a hint of pain to ripple through Si Mo’s eyes.

He hugged Mu Qingge tighter and said to her in a very soft, gentle voice, "You always pretend not to care, as if the only thing you truly care about is your family. In reality, you care about many things. For those you acknowledge as friends, you’ll take them under your wing and assume the role of protector. Not just for Qin Country, even for Li Country, Yu Country, as long as they need you, you’d risk everything for Feng Yufei and Zhao Nanxing."

"Am I really that great?" Mu Qingge said a little awkwardly.

Si Mo shook his head with a smile, looking at Mu Qingge with a twinkle in his amber eyes.

"It’s not greatness, it’s just that my Qingge is so loyal." He smiled.

Mu Qingge lifted her clear eyes to look at him. Her eyes sparkled with a charm rarely seen in her.

Fixing her gaze on Si Mo, Mu Qingge’s lips slowly curled up into a smile.

She reached out, pinching Si Mo’s perfectly sculpted nose, and grinned, "You’re truly my man, you understand me!"

Mu Qingge’s action made Si Mo’s body tense, the color of his amber eyes gradually deepening, with a misty glow swirling in the deep pupils.

"Qingge..."

"Let’s get to business." Mu Qingge interrupted Si Mo, jumping out of his embrace and walking towards the tray again, her tone decisive.

Si Mo’s mouth curled into a smile, "Ever assertive, my little Ge’er has become quite playful!"

Mu Qingge stopped in her tracks and turned around with a mischievous smile, before pinching Si Mo’s perfectly chiseled nose and grinning, "No wonder you’re my man, you understand me so well!"

Suddenly, Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up, and a few things she couldn’t understand before suddenly all made sense.

She looked at Si Mo and said, "So, you’re manipulating the Holy Yuan Empire in order to select suitable people during each Linchuan Conference to enter the Ancient Ruins, help you find that item, and bring it out to hand over to you?"

Si Mo nodded in acknowledgment once again.

After a moment of silence, Si Mo said to Mu Qingge, "The Ancient Ruins are remnants from the previous era and could be considered a deserted dojo. Due to the space-time rift, it is confined in the Linchuan Realm and appears intermittently. Whenever it appears, the forbidden techniques will loosen, allowing entry. However, for those who enter, it selects them on its own; only those whose cultivation does not exceed the Linchuan limit can enter."

He paused and specifically explained, "Even if the realm is suppressed to the limit, it won’t work."

With this explanation, Mu Qingge understood why he couldn’t enter.

But... what does the previous era mean? Is a dojo a place where a sect imparts its teachings?

These unfamiliar terms left Mu Qingge confused. It seemed that what Si Mo was speaking to her was a history sealed for a long time, an era full of grandiosity, unfolding its veil before her.

"Although the dojo is abandoned, some of the things inside are extremely valuable treasures for the people of Linchuan. The Thousand Thunder Technique I gave you also originates from there," Si Mo said.

"What! The Thousand Thunder Technique comes from the Ancient Ruins?" Mu Qingge was shocked.

Si Mo smiled lightly and said, "Every time people come out of the Ancient Ruins, the items they bring are inspected by me. If I’m interested in some things, I will naturally keep them."

’Damn! Do I even have to pay taxes? It’s literally the landlord class!’ Mu Qingge’s lips twitched, inwardly complaining.

But she understood that Si Mo did not do this out of greed for those items, merely to see if the thing he needed had been brought out.

The answer was obvious; surely not!

Otherwise, Si Mo wouldn’t have remained here all this time.

The mere information that the Thousand Thunder Technique comes from the Ancient Ruins made Mu Qingge feel like the ruins were a treasure trove! Her expectations grew even higher.

"Greedy fellow, do you want to bring out everything from inside? There are rules there; each person who enters can only take out three items." Seeing Mu Qingge’s expression, Si Mo knew what she was planning.

"How can there be such an annoying rule!" Mu Qingge exclaimed with agony.

Seeing countless treasures rushing past right in front of her, wasn’t this taking her life?

Her righteously indignant appearance made Si Mo burst into laughter, and he had to remind her, "If you have a space container that the Ancient Ruins cannot detect, you could manage to fool them."

Hmm?

Hmm hmm!

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up!

Space container! She has one!

With Mengmeng around, it should be no problem, right?

Just as Mu Qingge’s smile was emerging, she stiffened, her lips twitched twice. ’She knew she couldn’t hide her space ability from Si Mo.’

"Didn’t Little Ge’er forget? It was I who informed you of the origin of that blank token?" Si Mo teased.

Mu Qingge raised her head and sighed silently.

She resigned herself to fate; in front of Si Mo, she has no secrets whatsoever.

"What exactly are you after, why not just say it directly? If you did, I think anyone would help you bring it out." Mu Qingge tried to steer the topic back.

Si Mo’s smile slightly dimmed, a hint of gloominess between his brows. "It’s not that I won’t say it, but because I don’t know what the item looks like."

"What? You don’t know?" Mu Qingge was shocked once more.

Si Mo’s rosy lips pursed slightly, carrying a touch of allure that caused Mu Qingge’s gaze to waver, seemingly thinking about the taste of those lips.

Fortunately, Si Mo didn’t notice, and Mu Qingge’s momentary daze came and went quickly.

"It was once an item of my clan, but was inadvertently lost long ago. It somehow ended up in that dojo. Its aura has always existed in that dojo; that much is certain." Si Mo said.

Mu Qingge was even more puzzled, "Since it’s your own item, why don’t you know what it looks like?"

Si Mo’s handsome face showed a bit of helplessness in his bitter smile, "Because it’s been lost for too long, its records within the clan have become blurry. The only certainty is its aura; its actual existence is undeniable. This item is crucial to me, so I must obtain it."

’No concrete description, just an empty aura. How does one find this?’ Mu Qingge also furrowed her brows.

"Huangfu Huan and Shen Bicheng want me to accept them as disciples, don’t they? Little Ge’er can pass on that whoever brings that item out will be my disciple." Si Mo suddenly said.

However, this statement raised Mu Qingge’s displeasure.

Her lips curved into a cold smile with a hint of mockery in her clear eyes, "Does Your Majesty the Holy King think so little of me?"

Si Mo shook his head helplessly, "Don’t be angry, Little Ge’er; I just don’t want this to trouble you."

Mu Qingge furrowed her brows, her expression cold. She stood up, walked towards Si Mo with overwhelming momentum, and said to him, "What my man wants, I shall retrieve. Whoever tries to take it, I’ll kill them! If you still wish someone else to bring it back, please feel free."

Si Mo was stunned.

He looked at Mu Qingge, her assertive declaration shook him.

But for some reason, he liked Mu Qingge’s attitude towards him!

"Alright, my item will be retrieved by Little Ge’er." Si Mo revealed a dazzling smile.

The radiant smile on that handsome face could truly outshine the heavens; the scenery of the entire world was inferior to the charm between his brows.

Even Mu Qingge, who long believed she was immune to Si Mo’s appearance, was momentarily lost in his smile.

Mu Qingge blinked and forced herself to regain her senses, saying to Si Mo, "Since we can confirm the aura, is there a way to locate the item based on its aura?"

"The method is feasible." Si Mo nodded.

"But..." Mu Qingge frowned and said, "Isn’t the aura of that item something only you can sense?"

"Correct." Si Mo nodded again.

"That makes it difficult." Mu Qingge’s expression became somewhat serious.

She furrowed her brows in deep thought for a while, then raised her head and said to Si Mo, "Is there any method or treasure that would allow me, after entering, to lock onto the location of the aura emissions? Or is there anything with the opposite nature to that item that might react when approaching it?"

This theory was based on her past life knowledge about locators and magnetic field principles.

Just like on the modern battlefield of her previous life, a soldier clearing mines could make use of instruments for searching. When the instruments neared the mines, they would issue warnings.

Mu Qingge’s words made Si Mo fall into thought.

After a while, he stood up and said to Mu Qingge, "I need to think about it. Little Ge’er, remember, three days later is the time to enter the Ancient Ruins."

After speaking, Si Mo left Mu Qingge’s room.

Mu Qingge didn’t ask more.

Seeing Si Mo’s expression, it seemed her words inspired him to come up with a solution.

However, just as Si Mo exited, Mu Qingge heard a sound that made her skin crawl—

"Daddy, Yuanyuan wants candy! Daddy daddy daddy daddy daddy... daddy... that’s a total of..."

Mu Qingge’s eye twitched as she pushed the door open and saw Si Mo blocked at the door by Yuanyuan. And Yuanyuan? His chubby fingers were counting arduously.

Suddenly, Yuanyuan happily raised his delicately sculpted little face and gestured with his fingers to Si Mo, "Altogether called Daddy eleven times! Ah, now called twice more, a total of thirteen, give candy!" After speaking, his little hands extended in front of Si Mo.

Mu Qingge felt dizzy. ’This kid is gonna get beaten up by Si Mo, gonna get beaten up, beaten up, beaten up!’

This shameless kid, where did he even come from?

To eat Fire Lotus Seeds, he was willing to stoop this low? So shameless?

Yuanyuan’s cute voice called out several ’Daddy’ words in a row, making Si Mo inwardly delighted. With a wave of his hand, a handful of Fire Lotus Seeds fell into Yuanyuan’s palm.

The adorable red-hot look made Yuanyuan gulp down his saliva, eyes shining.

Just as he was about to start eating, Si Mo pressed down with one hand, smiling like an old fox, "There are at least thirty seeds here, dear Yuanyuan. Remember you still owe Daddy seventeen calls."

After speaking, he gracefully left.

Yuanyuan blinked his big eyes and immediately jumped up, shouting, "Stingy!" Ugh ugh ugh, he thought the extra ones were a bonus, but didn’t expect this ending!

So disheartening!

"Can you stop humiliating me?" Mu Qingge grabbed Yuanyuan by the ear and picked him up, speaking with exasperation.

Ever since a few days ago, when Yuanyuan was successfully tempted by Si Mo with a Fire Lotus Seed in the Trial Space, he had become uncontrollable.

Si Mo didn’t even need to take further action; this kid would cling to his leg and call him ’Dad’ the moment he got a craving.

Mu Qingge suddenly realized the real reason why Yuanyuan had applied not to return to the space during this period!

Yuanyuan was shaken back and forth by Mu Qingge.

Finally breaking free, he covered his ears with a resentful look and said, "Like mother, like son. Yuanyuan is just showcasing your greatest skills!"

"You cheeky brat, looking for trouble!" Mu Qingge was furious.

Yuanyuan took the chance to transform into a ball of transparent flame, disappearing before Mu Qingge’s eyes in an instant.

This cunning skill truly had the potential to surpass the master!

Mu Qingge was left alone, standing in place, not knowing how to vent her frustrations.

And, does Si Mo have an endless supply of Fire Lotus Seeds? Aren’t these Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures supposed to be extremely precious? How do they turn into candies to trick kids with him?

Mu Qingge suddenly realized with dismay that she was raising a group of foodies.

Mengmeng and Yuanyuan were little gluttons, while Bai Xi was a big one! The only normal one was Yin Chen!

Oh right! Yin Chen!

Suddenly remembering that Yin Chen had gone through the Life and Death Tribulation, but there was no reaction, Mu Qingge turned around and entered her own space.

She went directly to Yin Chen and saw a fox shimmering with silver and gold light, curled up with its eyes tightly shut. The fiery red between its brows was as brilliant as flames.

"Still unconscious?" Mu Qingge frowned.

"Qingge~!" A sweet, childlike voice suddenly called.

Mu Qingge looked over to see the beautiful snake Bai Xi slither over to her.

It had taken a lot of effort for her to get Bai Xi to change the way she addressed her, finally from ’mother’ to ’Qingge.’ Otherwise, with Bai Xi’s voluptuous figure calling her ’mother,’ she really couldn’t handle it.

"Didn’t you say you’d sleep when full? Why are you here?" Mu Qingge asked, puzzled.

Bai Xi clung to Mu Qingge bonelessly, draping her hands over her shoulders and resting her head against them, while her snake tail wrapped snugly around Mu Qingge, languidly saying, "I was going to sleep, but I suddenly caught your scent, so I came."

If Bai Xi were a man, she would easily ignite any man’s desire. However, Mu Qingge only felt it was more than she could bear. She pushed Bai Xi gently and said helplessly, "Can you be a little more reserved?"

But with a voice that was sweet and cute yet completely out of sync with her appearance, Bai Xi disdainfully said, "Restraint is for you humans; I don’t want it. I like you, so I like to stick with you."

"But I’m a person, not a tree!" Mu Qingge gritted her teeth and said.

Seeing Mu Qingge’s clear discomfort, Bai Xi let her snake tail fall off begrudgingly and put some distance between them.

"Where’s Mengmeng?" Curiously, after being here for so long, Mu Qingge hadn’t seen Mengmeng anywhere.

Bai Xi casually fiddled with her long hair and said lazily, "That little one has been doing something unknown ever since Yuanyuan went out."

Mentioning Yuanyuan, who was having fun outside, Bai Xi’s purple-gold vertical pupils lit up as she whined to Mu Qingge with a sweet voice, "Qingge~, I also want to go out, it’s so boring here!"

"Oh no, you’d better stay here." Mu Qingge firmly refused.

If this big eater accidentally gobbled up half of Tiandu, how would she compensate Emperor Yuan?

"How long are you going to keep me here?!" Bai Xi protested, unwilling to give in.

Mu Qingge felt a headache coming on and glanced toward Yin Chen. Worried, she asked, "You’re both spirit beasts; do you know what’s going on with him now?"

Bai Xi glanced at Yin Chen and arrogantly lifted her pointed chin, "How can such a low-level bloodline compare to me?"

These words made Mu Qingge’s face darken.

She looked at Bai Xi coldly, startling the latter.

"Bai Xi, there’s something you must remember. Regardless of your bloodline, once you’re with me, I treat everyone equally. Emotionally, Yin Chen has followed me longer, fought countless battles with me, we are family, friends, and battle comrades. If you keep following me, the same will hold true for you. So, I don’t want you and Yin Chen to have any notion of superiority or inferiority. Do you understand?" Mu Qingge said seriously.

Bai Xi’s purple-gold eyes widened in shock.

She seemed not to have expected Mu Qingge to say such things. She was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed playfully, her sweet voice carrying a hint of danger, "What if I refuse?"

"Then I’ll have to ask you to leave," Mu Qingge said without hesitation.

These words caused a glimmer of clear killing intent to appear in Bai Xi’s vertical pupils.

Mu Qingge, however, remained unafraid and said, "This is a group. Any group adapts individuals, not the other way around. If you can accept this way of interacting, I welcome you to stay. If not, I won’t insist, and we’ll part ways."

Mu Qingge’s resolute words made the killing intent in Bai Xi’s eyes show a few cracks.

After a long while, the murderous intent in her pupils dissipated, revealing a smile. "Qingge, you really are different. Fine, I understand."

Bai Xi finished, let her snake tail float over, and wrapped it around a pillar, then leaned her upper body against the beam, yawning and said to Mu Qingge, "Leave this little fox to me. Go about your business. I promise nothing will go wrong with him."

Bai Xi’s sudden change in attitude took Mu Qingge by surprise.

She didn’t doubt Bai Xi’s words because, with Bai Xi’s status, she wouldn’t lower herself to lie.

However, she was still worried about Yin Chen’s condition at the moment. She asked again, "Do you know what’s happening to him?"

Bai Xi spoke lazily, "With his kind of bloodline, going through a Life and Death Tribulation to become a divine beast involves transforming his blood, meridians, even bones, skin, and innate talents, and this takes time. Finally, when he completes his transformation, he’ll need to go through a Heavenly Tribulation to truly become a Divine Beast and transform into a human form."

"Heavenly Tribulation?" Mu Qingge was taken aback.

Bai Xi nodded her pointed chin and explained to Mu Qingge, "However, your space is independent and cannot attract a Heavenly Tribulation, so once his transformation is complete, you’ll need to find him a place for him to undergo the tribulation."

"I understand." Mu Qingge said in a serious tone.

After taking another look at Yin Chen, Mu Qingge turned to Bai Xi and said, "I’ll leave him to you."

"Why so polite?" Bai Xi chuckled seductively, though incongruously.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly and turned to leave.

She wanted to check on Mengmeng and see what that little brat was mysteriously up to again.

Mu Qingge had a connection with Mengmeng and could easily find her.

She wasn’t even close when she saw that little fellow, back facing her, swaying her hips in some unknown work.

"Mengmeng," Mu Qingge called out.

The sudden voice startled Mengmeng.

She quickly hid what she was holding in her hands behind her back and turned to look at Mu Qingge.

Her unusual movements made Mu Qingge suspicious. Staring at her hands behind her back, she asked, "What are you holding in your hands?"

"Nothing!" Mengmeng stiffened all over and promptly said.

This made Mu Qingge even more skeptical.

She took a large step forward, reaching towards Mengmeng, "Hand it over."

Mengmeng bit her lip and bowed her head, but didn’t act.

"Mengmeng." Mu Qingge’s tone grew more severe.

Feeling the anger in Mu Qingge’s voice, Mengmeng slowly brought out what she was hiding behind her back.

Seeing what Mengmeng held in her hand, Mu Qingge exclaimed in surprise, "What’s this?"

Mengmeng lifted her head, her large black eyes blinking at Mu Qingge, "Master, did you forget that after you advanced to the Spiritual Movement Stage, a part of the space would be unsealed again."

Mu Qingge blinked; she had indeed forgotten!

And completely forgotten!

Uh, really, it’s not her fault; so many things have happened recently that she forgot such an important matter! 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"What has been unsealed?" Mu Qingge instantly became interested.

"Uh, this time some treasure-level weapons have been unsealed, along with a few palaces and more advanced martial arts. However..." Mengmeng suddenly hesitated.

"However what?" Mu Qingge was listening excitedly when Mengmeng suddenly stopped, prompting her to ask immediately.

"A room storing artifact refining materials mysteriously became empty, leaving only this behind." Mengmeng handed over the blackened, charcoal-like object in her hand to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge furrowed her brow, her eyes locked on the arm-length piece of charred material.

"I’ve been studying this thing since I discovered it, but there’s been no result." Mengmeng added.

Even Mengmeng couldn’t figure out what it was?

Mu Qingge reached out to take the blackened material, wondering in her heart, ’Could it be some kind of refining material?’

Suddenly, as her hand touched the blackened piece, a sharp pain pierced her mind. The pain came without warning, catching Mu Qingge off guard, causing her to cry out and drop the charred material in surprise.

Once separated from the charred material, the stabbing pain in Mu Qingge’s mind vanished.

Mengmeng asked nervously, "Master Silver, what’s wrong?"

Mu Qingge looked at the blackened piece with confusion, then turned to Mengmeng and asked, "Didn’t you feel anything different when holding it?"

Mengmeng shook her head blankly.

This piqued Mu Qingge’s curiosity.

She bent down to pick the charred piece up from the ground.

However, upon touching it again, the pain surged back. This time, prepared, she clasped the material tightly instead of letting go.

Suddenly, chaotic and incomprehensible information flooded into her mind, intensifying the pain that nearly seemed to explode her head.

After holding on for a while, Mu Qingge was drenched in sweat and her face paled.

Mengmeng shouted nervously, "Master Silver!"

Mu Qingge released the charred piece, and the pain gradually subsided again. However, the information...

"What exactly is it?" Mu Qingge murmured.

"Master Silver, are you okay?" Mengmeng asked with concern.

Mu Qingge adjusted her breathing, then shook her head. She said to Mengmeng, "This thing is peculiar. Let’s save it for later study when we have time."

Mengmeng nodded and stored away the charred piece.

Mu Qingge left the space, but her mind lingered on the issue of the charred material.

Why did the different reaction occur only when she touched it? If it was because Mengmeng was an artifact spirit, would others react as well?

Perhaps she should find someone to try later when she had the time.

Putting aside the blackened piece for the moment, Mu Qingge composed herself and entered cultivation mode.

With the unsealed space and the knowledge from Mengmeng, she wasn’t in a hurry to check. In three days, they were set to depart for the ancient ruins, and she needed to continue cultivating to ensure the trip would be flawless.

The items Si Mo wanted, she was determined to retrieve for him!

Mu Qingge declared firmly in her heart.

...

Three days passed in a flash.

Si Mo’s suggestions had relieved Mu Qingge. Since everyone wanted to enter, they might as well enter together.

Only Si Mo knew the location of the ancient ruins and how to access them.

Thus, the departure point was at the foot of the Li Palace Mountain.

Before departing, Si Mo approached Mu Qingge.

"This is..." Mu Qingge looked at the gilded palace bell in Si Mo’s hand, remarkably exquisite and beautiful.

Si Mo smiled faintly and attached it to her waist ribbon.

The palace bell hung down, half-hidden by Mu Qingge’s red robe, adding intricate embellishment to her embroidered attire. Mu Qingge gently stroked the bell with her fingertips, producing a faint, gentle ringing.

The sound was crisp and pleasant, far from annoying.

"Do you like it?" Si Mo asked.

Mu Qingge nodded, "I like it, but what does it mean?" She teased, "Could it be a token of commitment?"

Unexpectedly, Si Mo nodded, "That’s exactly it."

Mu Qingge was stunned, staring at him in disbelief, "You vanished for three days just to study a token of commitment?"

Si Mo chuckled without replying, merely opening his white robe to reveal an identical palace bell attached to his own waist.

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up, seemingly understanding Si Mo’s intentions.

"This pair of palace bells, I modified them from a magical treasure, unique in the world. Originally one piece, they share a connection. I’ve infused them with both of our essences, so when you’re near the object in the ruins, the bell’s ability will relay that to me, enabling me to send you messages." Si Mo explained.

"This actually works?" Mu Qingge looked at the palace bells on herself and Si Mo in amazement.

"That’s not all. Carrying these bells, no matter how far apart, we can sense each other." As he spoke, Si Mo gently shook the bell at his waist.

The bell at Mu Qingge’s waist began to tinkle as well.

Wow!

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled.

Her first thought wasn’t touched by Si Mo’s romance but contemplating how this bell could serve as a communication device!

With agreed signals between her and Si Mo, no matter how far apart, they could use these bells to communicate.

For instance, one ring means ’I am fine.’ Two rings mean ’Stay put.’ Continuous ringing signals ’Danger ahead, retreat!’ and so forth.

The more she thought, the more she saw the bells’ extraordinary usefulness, intensifying the gleam in her eyes.

"What are you thinking about?" Si Mo asked impatiently, noticing her daydreaming.

Mu Qingge eagerly shared her thoughts with Si Mo, "...Don’t you think this is a valuable treasure? How was it made? I should refine a batch and give each Dragon Tooth Guard one, enabling instant communication!"

Mu Qingge’s excitement darkened Si Mo’s expression. "You want to give a bell to each Dragon Tooth Guard?" What happened to the token of commitment?

Uh!

Mu Qingge was jolted by his tone.

Realizing she’d said something wrong, she quickly retracted, "Just borrowing the concept, of course not as beautiful as these bells. Those rough men can settle for a simple tag."

Nevertheless, she was unwilling to let go of the idea.

Si Mo pulled her into an embrace, his voice deep and mellow in her ear, "That’s a good idea. However, I suggest our code be unique. For instance, one ring means you miss me. Two rings mean you miss me terribly. Three rings mean you miss me so much you can’t sleep. Continuous ringing means you want me by your side immediately!"

Mu Qingge listened, her complexion darkening, and asked through gritted teeth, "Why is it always me missing you, not the other way around?"

With that, she threw a punch towards his nose without mercy.

...

At the foot of Li Palace Mountain, a sixty-four-person team had already gathered, waiting on the mountain below.

They awaited the appearance of Your Majesty and Mu Qingge.

Since leaving the Imperial Palace Forbidden Area, Mu Qingge hadn’t been seen. Her female appearance that day left many captivated, lingering in their memory.

However, having just emerged from battle, Mu Qingge appeared disheveled, and Si Mo’s formidable presence deterred closer scrutiny.

So today, many among them were eager.

They were keen to truly see this genius who had captivated Your Majesty with her remarkable charm!

In waiting, the path up the mountain was revealed, and Gu Ya appeared first, followed by two striking figures in red and white...