Red and white intermingling, graceful yet wild, solitary and unruly, as soon as the two appeared, the surroundings of the Li Palace Mountains instantly dimmed, as if the brilliance of heaven and earth had concentrated on these two people.

"Truly a perfect match!" Jiang Li smiled with curved lips, her golden eyes filled with joy for Mu Qingge.

Standing behind her, Huangfu Huan murmured, "I and the Empress are also a match."

This sentence immediately made the smile on Jiang Li’s face disappear, and her aura instantly became distant.

Sensing the change in her aura, Huangfu Huan sighed helplessly, choosing to remain silent.

Yet, his eyes were still full of fighting spirit, as if Jiang Li’s resistance only made the challenge greater, fueling his desire to win.

As Mu Qingge approached, everyone on the scene was filled with amazement.

Mu Qingge’s men’s attire had already astonished them, but they had not expected that upon changing back into women’s attire, she would not only avoid awkwardness but be so beautiful that it became hard to look away.

She possessed not only unmatched beauty but also unparalleled demeanor.

Everyone who saw her wanted to possess her, yet dared not profane her, only able to admire from afar.

Mo Yang, who had just arrived at Tiandu, was somewhat dazed while looking at Mu Qingge. This was his first time seeing her in women’s attire. She was so beautiful, beyond all he had ever imagined.

So much had happened, and the fact that he wasn’t by her side at such a time frustrated and filled him with regret.

Now, as she walked out holding someone else’s hand, even if they were a perfect match, even if this man was Linchuan’s strongest, he still didn’t want his little lord to be betrothed so easily.

When Mu Qingge arrived before the crowd, the awestruck people had already lowered their gazes, not daring to look straight at her.

After all, standing beside her was an even greater deity!

Si Mo’s icy gaze swept over them, extinguishing any wicked thoughts and chaotic emotions in their hearts.

Mu Qingge released Si Mo’s hand and walked towards Jiang Li and others.

Once before them, Mu Qingge smiled and asked, "Is everything alright now?"

Jiang Li nodded, "Thanks to you, I had quite a few elixirs sent by the Medicine Tower."

Mu Qingge chuckled, her gaze falling on Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei.

The two had suffered quite a loss this time, which made Mu Qingge feel apologetic. Yet seeing them today, there wasn’t a bit of blame visible.

Zhao Nanxing said to Mu Qingge, "Don’t worry about us; those injuries have long healed. My cultivation even advanced, so it was actually good."

Mu Qingge’s eyes shimmered with surprise, and upon careful inspection, Zhao Nanxing’s aura had indeed entered the blue realm’s middle rank.

"Congratulations, Senior Zhao." Mu Qingge nodded with a smile.

After exchanging pleasantries with the three, Mu Qingge’s gaze fell on the seven Dragon Tooth Guards, noticing Mo Yang, she was slightly taken aback.

She walked towards them and stopped in front of Mo Yang.

Mo Yang’s body stiffened, immediately kneeling on one knee, saluting, "I arrived late, please forgive me, little lord!"

Mu Qingge looked at him, "Stand up."

Mo Yang obeyed and stood, tightly pursing his lips, his posture upright like a sword, meeting her gaze.

"How’s the training going?" Mu Qingge asked.

"Everything proceeded according to the little lord’s plan, without any surprises." Mo Yang replied.

"Very good." Mu Qingge nodded, then turned and walked towards the Imperial Family and the three major families. Originally, the Lan Family’s positions had been divided among them, and at this moment, members from the three families and the Imperial Family stood together.

"Emperor Yuan, Shen Family Head, Jing Family Head, Hua Family Head." Mu Qingge greeted them one by one.

"Little Lord Mu."

These big figures, upon seeing Mu Qingge again, had tacitly established the hierarchy between them.

Actually, she had no substantial conversations with these people, as they wouldn’t enter the Ancient Ruins anyway. She simply greeted them, then turned her attention to Shen Bicheng, Hua Qinxin, Jing Tian, and Huangfu Huan.

In the Trial Space, when she was surrounded by the three major forces, they had extended help.

Whether or not it had any practical effect, at least their intent was received.

Shen Bicheng and Huangfu Huan were alright; in previous meetings, thanks had been given and words were spoken. What remained were Hua Qinxin and Jing Tian, whom she was seeing for the first time since then.

Seeing Mu Qingge again, and looking at her in women’s attire, Hua Qinxin felt a flooding grievance, biting her lip, her expression appearing pitiful.

The person she fancied had turned out to be a woman. What could she do?

Even though she didn’t mind that Mu Qingge was a woman, could Hua Qinxin compete with the Holy King for a woman?

Alas, all her resentment and discomfort could only be swallowed down in silence.

When Jing Tian saw Mu Qingge again, his feelings were the most complicated.

He hadn’t expected that the person who always overshadowed him, making him disdainful, grudging, and then jealous, only to finally admire, turned out to be an exceptionally beautiful woman.

Knowing Mu Qingge’s true identity, he often wondered, if he had known from the start that Mu Qingge was a woman, would he have continued along the same path?

Would he have admired Mu Qingge, would he have pursued such a woman, regardless of cost?

But all that was mere fantasy; what was done could not be repeated.

"Thank you for speaking out on that day in the Trial Space. If there’s a chance, I’ll repay the favor." Mu Qingge’s words were far more distant than with others.

Yet, it indicated her position. She acknowledged their support.

Hua Qinxin stomped her foot, coquettishly saying, "Who cares about your favor?" As she finished, she turned and walked towards her mother.

Hua Qinxin’s attitude made Mu Qingge’s lips twitch, but she said no more.

She looked at Jing Tian, who also said after a moment of silence, "I didn’t help much, instead fled at the last moment. Little Lord Mu need not mind."

"Given the situation, I wanted to leave too but couldn’t. Young Master Jing’s willingness to stand out was noted." Mu Qingge said, then turned towards the Qin Country’s team.

She did not return to Si Mo’s side, as from this moment, she represented Qin Country.

Each team had eight people who could enter the Ancient Ruins, and naturally, those Mu Qingge led in were her Dragon Tooth Guards.

Jiang Li brought her Ancient Witch Country’s female officials and guards.

Other countries also brought their chosen elites.

Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei split their eight into four for each country.

Similarly, Yu Country and Rong Country had four each.

Mu Qingge did not exclude Rong Country but rather gave them an opportunity to enter, winning their gratitude. Their resentment at being relegated to a third-class country also eased somewhat.

"Let’s go." With everyone assembled, Si Mo waved his hand, and a black hole the height of a person appeared before everyone.

Gu Ya was the first to leap inside, and the others followed.

Mu Qingge was in no hurry, only waiting for others to enter first.

Jiang Li came over, with a mischievous smile on her face, low whispering to her, "These days in the Li Palace, was the time well spent?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed as she looked at her, suddenly squinting, countering, "You’ve been having a good time too, haven’t you?"

"What?" Jiang Li hadn’t reacted immediately.

It wasn’t until Mu Qingge shifted her gaze to Huangfu Huan that Jiang Li’s expression changed, saying to her, "Stop talking nonsense, I have no interest in him."

"I think he’s quite good." Mu Qingge said curiously.

Jiang Li scoffed, "There are many good people under the sky. Am I supposed to accept them all? Not feeling it is not feeling it, and that’s an indisputable fact!"

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, knowing Jiang Li’s view on love was indeed different from most people’s in this era, so she didn’t try to persuade her.

When most people had gone, Si Mo’s gaze fell on her.

Mu Qingge cleared her throat lightly, urging Jiang Li, "Let’s go."

Jiang Li looked at her ambiguously, "Find a chance to tell me how far you two have progressed."

Mu Qingge coldly laughed, "If you aren’t afraid, you can ask him yourself."

Jiang Li paused, immediately saying angrily, "Mu Qingge, are you shameless to treat me like this? Burning the bridge after crossing, huh?"

Mu Qingge innocently asked, "How have I burnt the bridge?"

"You just want me to die!" Jiang Li gritted her teeth.

Mu Qingge laughed, "If you don’t ask, naturally you won’t seek death. Not seeking death, naturally you won’t die."

With that, she laughed heartily, leading her people towards the black hole.

Jiang Li stomped her foot in frustration, yelling, "You and your rogue logic!"

"What happened?" Mu Qingge walked to Si Mo’s side, and Si Mo raised an eyebrow asking.

"Nothing, just encountering a gossip." Mu Qingge smiled, meeting his gaze for a moment before stepping into the black hole.

Once she left, Si Mo furrowed his brow, murmuring softly, "Gossip?" Then his eyes, like amber, swept towards Jiang Li, who was so angry smoke was almost coming out of her seven apertures.

When Si Mo’s gaze swept over her, Jiang Li instantly felt a chill run down her spine.

She composed herself, and with the people from the Ancient Witch Country, quickly leaped into the black hole.

Those who were going to the Ancient Ruins had already entered the black hole. The remaining Emperor Yuan, the three Family Heads, and the guards who brought people to clear the area at the foot of Li Palace Mountain, all kneeled on one knee to bid farewell to Si Mo.

Si Mo looked at them indifferently and coldly said, "From now on, if anything happens to the Mu Family, I will bury the entire Linchuan with them! Take care of yourselves."

After saying this, he too entered the black hole. The black hole immediately disappeared.

A chill breeze brushed past the necks of those present, making their backs shiver and their hearts race.

Emperor Yuan and the three Family Heads exchanged glances, quickly analyzing the intentions of the Holy King.

Moments later, the Shen Family Head was the first to stand up, patting the dirt off his clothes, "I should hurry and send someone to check how many people there are in the Mu Family."

Emperor Yuan also stood up, "In the Mu Family, aside from the young Lord Mu, there’s Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong. If you include her husband, Xue Qiao of the Xue Family from Yu Country, there are just four of them."

The Hua Family Head glanced at them and ponderously said, "So does the Holy King mean that as long as those four are safe, or that no one related to the Mu Family can be harmed?"

Her words left everyone silent.

Eventually, the Jing Family Head said, "In any case, nothing can happen to the Mu Family. Otherwise, it’ll be bad for us."

...

The other side of the black hole was an endless desert.

As soon as they emerged, they felt the dry airflow and intense heat.

The harsh environment made everyone feel somewhat uncomfortable.

However, with Gu Ya standing there, no one dared to voice any complaints.

The Black Servant of the Holy King by Si Mo’s side was not someone to be trifled with!

After a while, Si Mo appeared.

He walked straight to Mu Qingge, who asked, "Why did it take so long?"

Si Mo smiled and replied, "Gave them a few instructions."

While the two talked, everyone automatically avoided them. Who would dare to eavesdrop? Were they tired of living?

"What instructions?" Mu Qingge asked curiously. For some reason, she felt that Si Mo’s words were related to her.

Si Mo didn’t hide it and told her, "I told them if anything happens to the Mu Family from now on, I’ll bury the entire Linchuan with them."

"Did you really say that?" Mu Qingge was stunned.

Si Mo nodded.

Si Mo’s actions surprised her, but they also touched her.

As clever as she was, how could she not understand Si Mo’s intentions in doing this?

Her days of leaving Linchuan were near, but she couldn’t take her grandfather and aunt with her. She had to walk her own path and couldn’t force her grandfather and aunt to accompany her.

So, the family she cared most about would stay in Linchuan.

This was her greatest tie and concern.

Si Mo’s actions undoubtedly gave her the greatest assurance. It allowed her to move forward without worries, not having to fret about her family’s safety.

She believed that with Si Mo’s words laid down, even if outsiders came to trouble the Mu Family later, the major powers in Linchuan would not sit idly by.

Of course, she would also strive to enhance the capabilities of the Mu Family Army and her grandfather before leaving.

The most reliable is always one’s own ability!

"Thank you," Mu Qingge softly said to Si Mo. Thanking him for considering everything for her, thanking him for his silent contribution.

Whether it was the previous Reverse Curse or the current verbal threat, it was all for her. If it weren’t for her, Si Mo would still be the aloof god indifferent to everything.

It was she who had brought him into the mundane affairs of the world.

Si Mo raised his hand, his elegantly long fingers brushing aside Mu Qingge’s long hair from her forehead, smiling at her: "If you truly want to thank me, why not marry me sooner?"

Mu Qingge was taken aback, then broke into a smile. She patted Si Mo’s chest and promised him, "Don’t worry. Sooner or later, I’ll carry you back with a grand eight-carriage bridal procession and a ten-mile red dowry!"

Having said that, she laughed heartily and walked towards the crowd.

Si Mo froze, seemingly contemplating the error in Mu Qingge’s words.

But then, a deep smile surfaced in his amber-colored eyes, and he thought, "Alright, I’ll wait for Ge’er to marry me."

"What is this place?" Mu Qingge asked as she approached Jiang Li.

Jiang Li rolled her eyes at her and replied, "Wandering Soul Desert."

"Wandering Soul Desert? The northernmost border of Linchuan?" Mu Qingge said in surprise.

They had merely passed through a small black hole and had appeared thousands of miles away!

Could it be that the Ancient Ruins Si Mo brought them to were somewhere within the Wandering Soul Desert? But—

Mu Qingge quickly glanced around, seeing only barren yellow sands with no buildings, much less ruins.

She wasn’t the only one puzzled.

It’s just that, with Gu Ya and Si Mo present, they didn’t dare discuss too much.

Then, Gu Ya approached and told everyone, "Rest on the spot." Having said so, he turned and left coolly.

"Rest on the spot?" Jiang Li looked around the desert. This dry environment made her very displeased. She nudged Mu Qingge’s arm and whispered, "Hey, go ask your almighty when we’ll leave this place."

Mu Qingge tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Since we have to wait, there must be a reason. Just be patient."

"You haven’t even married, yet you’re siding with the outside?" Jiang Li said angrily.

But Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows, smiling, "Who said I’m getting married? This lord is going to marry!"

Jiang Li was stunned, staring wide-eyed at her, unable to utter a single word, eventually giving her a thumbs-up.

...

With the order to rest on the spot, everyone sat down in groups of three or four.

Those sitting with Mu Qingge naturally included Jiang Li, Zhao Nanxing, and Feng Yufei. Huangfu Huan wished to join them, but Jiang Li glared at him, sending him back with a single look.

With the mighty present, no one dared to speak recklessly, so they quietly cultivated and patiently waited.

After some time, Mu Qingge slowly opened her eyes and said to Zhao Nanxing, Feng Yufei, and Jiang Li, "At the Ancient Ruins, each person can only bring out three items. No need to be overly eager. Don’t compete with others; prioritize your own safety."

Her words left them puzzled.

But Mu Qingge did not elaborate further. She couldn’t possibly tell them that she planned to use a space artifact to plunder the Ancient Ruins.

With this cheat-like Divine Artifact, her friends wouldn’t have to risk their lives for a treasure or two. Once they were out, she would naturally select a few treasures to give them.

"Understood." Though unsure of Mu Qingge’s intent, Feng Yufei trusted her completely.

No further questions, just compliance.

After pondering for a moment, Mu Qingge added, "Once inside, we might not be together, so don’t intentionally search for each other. Focus on honing your skills. If danger arises, don’t fight to the death; retreat to the safe zone and wait to be extracted."

They nodded in agreement.

Jiang Li eagerly said, "I’m really curious about what treasures might be in the Ancient Ruins."

"We can stay inside the Ancient Ruins for half a month. Above all, be cautious," Mu Qingge repeatedly urged.

Her demeanor left Jiang Li and the others puzzled.

Zhao Nanxing gently said, "Qingge, what are you worried about?"

Jiang Li bluntly said, "Why so fussy all of a sudden?"

Even Feng Yufei gave Mu Qingge a look of confusion and concern.

Mu Qingge smiled, but didn’t explain. Because she didn’t know how to explain, ever since she learned that the people before her had already died once, she couldn’t bear the thought of them getting into danger again.

That feeling of losing and regaining them was hard to articulate.

The Wandering Soul Desert, a rumored place where one leaves Linchuan. It is said that once this desert is crossed, one can enter the Middle Ancient Realm.

However, this was not the route Mu Qingge considered for departure.

The place she chose to leave from was the Bitter Sea next to the Ancient Witch Country.

Because in existing records, successful cases of leaving through the Wandering Soul Desert and entering the Middle Ancient Realm were only twice. Yet, there were seven successful cases of leaving through the Bitter Sea and entering the Middle Ancient Realm.

The ratio made her choose to leave via the Bitter Sea without hesitation.

Of course, she could also choose to have Si Mo take her into the Middle Ancient Realm, but then she would miss out on the experience of this journey and shorten the time to accumulate Spiritual Power.

Moreover, relying on Si Mo was not the strength she sought.

Si Mo had his own matters to attend to, and she needed to rely on herself to become stronger step by step!

In the Wandering Soul Desert, everyone silently waited.

Soon, a day and a night quietly passed.

When the early sun of the second day slowly rose from the horizon, casting a golden glow over the desert, far away, the contours of some grey buildings faintly appeared.

They seemed to move, with their positions shifting unpredictably.

"Everyone, prepare!" Gu Ya shouted.

Everyone ceased cultivating and stood up.

They likewise saw the shifting contours of those buildings, their eyes filled with awe.

These buildings seemed to have abruptly appeared, flickering between illusion and reality, floating and elusive.

"Is this the Ancient Ruins?" Mu Qingge murmured.

Suddenly, a powerful force pulled them, as if they were caught in the eye of a storm.

Mu Qingge instinctively looked at Si Mo, meeting his amber eyes. He gave her a gentle smile, and she nodded in return.

All at once, their vision was obstructed, as if they were wrapped in yellow sand, swept up and thrown into the air.

Mu Qingge heard exclamations at her ear, felt the sensation of weightlessness in her body.

In an instant, everything went black, and she lost consciousness.

When she regained consciousness, she only felt herself in a vast, cool place, completely different from the sweltering heat and dryness of the Wandering Soul Desert.

Mu Qingge leaped up from the ground, surveying her surroundings.

Clap, clap, clap—

A few sounds echoed near her ears. The darkness was chased away by sudden light sources, gradually revealing the shape of the place she was in.

"What is this place?" Behind Mu Qingge, Jiang Li’s voice rang out.

She turned to look, the sixty-four people who had entered were all here.

Everyone slowly got up from the ground at different times, gathering together, cautiously examining everything around them.

It seemed to be an enormous cave, yet also like a plaza.

The ground was paved with a type of stone slab, its shine dim yet extremely smooth, the color like ink. Those glowing stones were suspended in the air, resembling stars.

The sixty-four of them stood here, appearing very small, making it imaginable how large this plaza was.

"There seems to be a door over there." Zhao Nanxing pointed to a tall giant door ahead, speaking to Mu Qingge.

The giant door was ajar, through the gap, one could glimpse traces of structures inside.

"Could this be the entrance to the Ancient Ruins?" Mu Qingge speculated.

At this moment, someone impatiently said, "Already at the door, what are we waiting for?" He said, then charged towards the giant door.

However, as he had just taken a few steps, a crisp ’crack’ sounded suddenly throughout the space.

This noise echoed within the space, adding a degree of eeriness.

"Everyone, be careful!" Huangfu Huan cautiously shouted.

The impulsive person dared not act rashly again.

Everyone was carefully watching the changes in their surroundings.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came, echoing in everyone’s ears. The sound resembled flowing sand.

"What is this sound?" Jiang Li clung close to Mu Qingge, asking in a low voice.

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone saw countless golden fine sands emerging from the gaps in the stone slabs on the ground. They seemed to have life, constantly spreading over the floor.

This eerie scene startled everyone, causing them to draw their weapons.

Those who entered were without exception elite from various forces, their cultivation and weapons were exceptional too. But the current scene was too strange, making them feel perplexed temporarily.

Huangfu Huan looked at Mu Qingge, asking, "Mu Young Lord, what is this situation? Did the Holy King mention anything to you?"

This remark brought everyone’s gaze to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, and suddenly she felt like she was an examiner’s relative. Did they just assume Si Mo would give her hints?

Unfortunately, they were destined for disappointment; Si Mo hadn’t been here before, so he couldn’t give her any advice.

"No," Mu Qingge simply replied.

She didn’t pay attention to most people’s disappointed expressions, only focusing on observing the continually emerging, increasing golden sand.

"We can’t stay here, let’s charge towards the giant door first." Jing Tian frowned and shouted, leading the Jing Family’s people rushing towards the door.

His movement spurred some others, who followed towards the door as well.

The Shen Family wanted to follow, but were halted by Shen Bicheng.

Simultaneously, his gaze turned towards Mu Qingge.

Jing Tian and the others had just rushed a few steps, when the golden fine sands originally on the ground suddenly surged up, like ocean waves, crashing towards them.

Naturally, such unexpected attacks also hit them, harshly knocking back those wanting to charge at the door.

"These things seem to have consciousness," Jiang Li’s eyes narrowed, speaking deeply.

"Everyone be careful," Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly focused, reminding.

Jing Tian and others were knocked down, moaning painfully.

But quickly they climbed back up, becoming more cautious and careful.

The gold sands rapidly transformed, gradually, several tall human figures appeared before everyone.

"What the hell is this! Changing people suddenly?" Zhao Nanxing exclaimed.

Those individuals formed by golden sands were lifelike, with clear features, their eyes closed tightly. They wore gold armor, holding sharp and mighty spears.

They seemed like long-time battlefield soldiers, yet also like the Guardians here!

Continuously, more golden soldiers emerged, quickly filling the entire space, surrounding Mu Qingge and the others in the center. Those densely packed golden soldiers were like an army, intending to trap them within.

Suddenly, these soldiers opened their eyes, emitting coldness, while spears in their hands thrust towards them!

"Prepare for battle!" Mu Qingge shouted.

This command to her Dragon Tooth Guards also became the command for these sixty-plus people.

The chaotic battle began, the sixty-four people clashing fiercely with these golden sand-formed soldiers.

Quickly, they found that these soldiers were not highly skilled and were easily destroyed. However, once defeated, they would regenerate as if endlessly reincarnating.

"Continuing like this is not a solution, our spiritual power will be exhausted," Jiang Li leaned against Mu Qingge, resisting the soldiers’ attack in one hand, and speaking to her.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes calmly looked ahead.

She also destroyed soldiers, speaking to Jiang Li, "I think this is more like a trial to enter the Ancient Ruins."

"The question is how to pass it," Jiang Li asked.

Mu Qingge silently observed for a while, speaking deeply, "To pass, we’ll probably have to be faster!"

After she spoke, her eyes sharpened, suddenly leaping up, gathering spiritual power to her hands, and swinging continuously as she advanced.

Those soldiers couldn’t withstand her attacks, constantly dissipating and reforming.

But when they completed reforming, Mu Qingge had already reached the platform before the giant door.

Once on the platform, those sand-formed soldiers seemed deeply insulted, emitting a muffled roar. Hundreds of soldiers melded into one, becoming a fierce terrifying beast with a bloody mouth lunging towards Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed, her body dodging, directly slipping into the crack of the giant door.

When her figure vanished behind the door, the beast seemed to lose its target, roaring furiously, turning into a mass of golden sand falling, reforming into hundreds of soldiers, continuing their attack on the remaining people.

Seeing this scene, Jiang Li’s eyes brightened, shouting, "This tactic works!" Before long she too emulated Mu Qingge’s method, rushing towards the giant door.

She moved, followed by the Ancient Witch Country’s officials.

Mo Yang also led the Dragon Tooth Guards charging towards the giant door.

Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei did likewise, as did Shen Bicheng and Huangfu Huan. The sixty-four people, one after another imitating Mu Qingge’s method, using spiritual power to pave the way, rushed the fastest towards the giant door, squeezing through its gap.

Tens of thousands of soldiers, enraged by their actions, converged into a massive beast, its long arm fiercely swiping at the giant door.

As the long arm descended, the last person slipped through the door’s crack.

The long arm fell against the giant door, turning into sand falling down.

The enormous beast roared unwillingly, scattering into sand, disappearing into gaps in the floor.

This truly is a race against time!

Everyone who entered the giant gate felt lingering fear.

Especially the last person to enter. At that time, the monstrous beast’s giant arm was just an instant away from him, and for a moment, he truly felt the brink of life and death.

Upon entering, everyone took a moment to steady themselves. Subconsciously, they all searched for Mu Qingge with their eyes.

She was dressed in red, remarkably striking.

At this moment, she was standing ahead, hands behind her back.

In front of her stood a palace. Within the palace, there was nothing, but strangely there were eight doors.

Each door was carved with eight words.

They were ’Life Death Life Death Life Death Life Death’!

"Alternating gates of life and death, is this meant for us to choose?" Zhao Nanxing whispered to Mu Qingge as he stood beside her.

Huangfu Huan also stepped forward at this moment, looking at the eight doors, he frowned and said, "I’ve heard from my ancestors, these eight doors behind them symbolize different opportunities and dangers. How to choose depends entirely on luck. Everything inside seems random and not fixed."

"My Shen Family ancestors mentioned that choosing the gate of life or death doesn’t make much difference," Shen Bicheng said, then led the Shen Family directly into one of the death doors.

As soon as they entered, the word on that death door lit up.

Jing Tian said, "The eight doors represent eight qualifications. Looks like crazy Shen has already chosen for us." He looked at Hua Qinxin of the Hua Family, both seemed somewhat helpless, so they followed Shen Bicheng into that door.

Once they all entered, the death door suddenly closed, preventing others from entering.

"Since that’s the case, I’ll choose the death door too." Mu Qingge flicked her brocade robe and walked towards another death door, Mo Yang and others naturally followed closely.

As Mu Qingge moved, Jiang Li also took her people into a death door.

What’s left are one death door and four life doors.

The eight from the Medicine Tower, Mu Qingge didn’t recognize them, so didn’t pay much attention. At that moment, they smiled, and the leader said to the remainder, "We at the Medicine Tower perform alchemy for survival, let’s choose the life door." With that, he led them into a life door.

Left with three life doors and one death door.

Huangfu Huan representing the Holy Yuan Empire’s royal family had not yet entered. Di Country hasn’t entered, Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei haven’t entered, Yu Country and Rong Country haven’t entered.

Zhao Nanxing looked at Feng Yufei, they exchanged glances, Zhao Nanxing smiled and said, "For us from small third-class countries, survival is best." With that, he walked towards a life door.

As for the rest, Di Country chose the death door. Huangfu Huan and the Yu and Rong Country teams each entered a life door.

Behind the door was a narrow passage.

Dark and damp.

Mo Yang led three people in front, the remaining four followed behind, firmly protecting Mu Qingge in the middle.

The passage was deep, destination unknown.

After a long walk, all they could hear were each other’s footsteps.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge stopped, frowning slightly.

"There’s the sound of shackles," she said.

Shackle sounds?

Mo Yang and the seven Dragon Tooth Guards were shocked internally, thinking to themselves, ’Could there be living creatures here in the Ancient Ruins? If true, how many years has it been alive?’

Mu Qingge pressed her lips, pondered for a moment, then stepped forward again. "Since there’s the sound of shackles, it indicates the other party is locked. Let’s go over and take a look, everyone be cautious."

Mo Yang and the others nodded quietly, increasing their vigilance as they continued to walk inside.

The further they walked, the clearer and more distinct the shackle sounds became, accompanied by a foul stench.

’This stench doesn’t seem to be residual, could there truly be a living creature?’ Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly.

After walking a while longer, the shackle sounds seemed to echo right beside them, and their view suddenly opened up as the passage turned.

Though it opened up, what they saw before them stunned all eight of them, their eyes widening abruptly.

"Roar——!"

A violent beast roar squeezed out from its throat.

A creature with three heads was shackled, lying on the floor. Its drooling saliva continuously eroded the floor, the stench Mu Qingge and the others smelled originated from this.

This creature, possessing a lion’s body, had three heads which were a tiger head, a wolf head, and a leopard head.

Shackles separately bound its three heads.

Seemingly sensing the smell of living beings, the three heads slowly lifted up, eyes fiery red and the size of a human fist, gazing with greedy eyes at Mu Qingge and the others.

Mu Qingge’s gaze darkened, she commanded, "Kill it!"

Mo Yang and the Dragon Tooth Guards, following Mu Qingge’s order, their gazes turned sharp, rushed directly toward the creature.

The creature’s shackles restricted it, allowing the Dragon Tooth Guards’ close combat to be maximized.

Mu Qingge did not move, she simply stood, observing the battle between the creature and the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Edible food in sight dare attack it. The creature became angry, roaring as it stood, battling head-to-head with the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Upon it standing, Mu Qingge discovered it was resting upon human remains.

The haphazard pile of bones, evidently not from one person.

It seemed someone had come to face it before, ending up eaten by the creature!

"Roar——! Roar Roar——!" Attacked by seven Purple Realm Dragon Tooth Guards, the creature was furious.

Additionally, the Dragon Tooth Guards’ attacks were particularly cunning, striking at angles and positions limited by the creature’s shackles.

Such ruthless vision not only came from Mu Qingge’s usual training but also their constant combat training.

Soon, the creature was battered until nearly lifeless.

Mu Qingge casually said, "Wrap it up quickly."

Mo Yang’s gaze narrowed, brandishing his weapon, he directly cut off the central head. The other two Dragon Tooth Guards coordinated their actions, chopping at the left and right heads. The remaining four thrust their weapons savagely into its heart, throat, abdomen, ensuring its prompt death.

"Ow——!" The three-headed creature had become a headless monster.

Collapsed heavily to the ground.

"Move its corpse aside," Mu Qingge ordered.

Mo Yang and his allies worked together to relocate the creature’s corpse, revealing an entrance blocked by its body.

Mu Qingge’s lips curled lightly, she strode in. Mo Yang and others immediately followed.

Upon entering this room, Mu Qingge’s eyes brightened!

These glittering exotic treasures, though trivial as floating clouds and dirt, keeping a few big eaters at home meant meal expenses were indeed substantial!

Faced with mountains of gold, silver, and jade, Mu Qingge’s mouth widened into a grin. ’Mengmeng, get ready to receive!’

With a command, a wave of her hand, all the gold, silver, and jade were stored into her space.

In an instant, the room once filled with gold, silver, and jade became empty. Satisfied, Mu Qingge moved towards the second room, a sight Mo Yang and others were long accustomed to.

The second room was full of dried medicinal materials.

No need to think, collect them all!

The third room held various ancient-looking books, their content unknown but seemingly ancient.

Collect them! Sort them out later.

The fourth room was hung with assorted soft armors, their materials unknown, yet they felt light, breathable, soft, and warm.

Mu Qingge’s eyes sparkled even brighter.

Collect them all! Take everything away!

The fifth room... It was an orchard, with unknown fresh fruits that emitted pure spiritual power!

Collect them! There’s no way not to take them!

The sixth room, collect!

The seventh room, collect collect!

’Master Yin, can you not be more selective? Stop throwing all this trash into the space!’ Finally, Mengmeng couldn’t resist voicing her protest.

"Ahem, I’ll be careful." Mu Qingge chuckled awkwardly.

Arriving at the eighth room, it was very spacious, yet there was nothing inside. In the space stood three pillars, seemingly with something in between.

Mu Qingge walked towards the pillars, but barely a few steps, she was captivated by the murals painted on the walls...