"Qing... Qingge!" The sudden voice was tinged with a hint of uncertainty, but mostly filled with surprise.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes and saw a familiar figure, more excited than the approaching crowd, running towards her.

Mu Qingge’s lips slightly lifted, but before she could step forward to greet the person, a cold voice suddenly intervened.

"Stop!"

As soon as the voice sounded, Xue Qiong, who had been smiling by Mu Qingge’s side, had his expression slightly stiffen and his eyes held a warning as he looked towards his family.

Mu Lianrong listened and paused, standing in place, unable to move forward or retreat, feeling somewhat awkward.

Mu Qingge quietly lifted her gaze and saw the person who had spoken standing among the crowd.

It was a woman, about fifty years old. Dignified and grand, bearing the grace of a wealthy family. However, the expression between her brows carried some sternness, and not only that, the two words she shouted earlier were filled with contempt and disdain.

Mu Qingge’s gaze swiftly moved from her to her aunt.

"Lianrong, slow down, be careful," Xue Qiao’s voice interjected. He walked quickly out from the crowd, holding Mu Lianrong’s trembling hand, using his back to shield her from the woman’s aggressive stare.

Xue Qiao’s silent comfort made Mu Lianrong’s eyes show gratitude. But in the moment she turned and met Mu Qingge’s gaze, Mu Qingge read too many complex emotions within.

There was yearning, joy, but also sadness.

Sadness?

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly and she turned to look at Xue Qiong beside her, raising her eyebrows to ask him, "Prime Minister Xue, what is the meaning of this? I was invited to your Xue Mansion to visit my aunt and uncle. How come I can only stand here dryly?"

Xue Qiong’s face quickly flashed a hint of embarrassment. Just as he was about to explain, the elderly woman interrupted. "Since Mu Lianrong is married into our Xue Family, becoming a daughter-in-law, she must follow our family rules. It’s disrespectful and ignorant to rush out when elders are present."

The old woman’s voice carried an indisputable sternness.

She had no cultivation power whatsoever, but her aura was sharp and strong. It seemed she was a figure having held authority for many years.

After her words fell, Mu Lianrong’s face turned paler and her gaze dropped, unsure where to look.

Her suppressed appearance made Xue Qiao’s expression reveal an unappeased and indignant look.

It also made Mu Qingge frown.

Her aunt, the eldest lady of the Mu Mansion in Qin Country, the spirited female general of Qin Country, when did she become such a submissive little wife?

"Mother!" Xue Qiao couldn’t help but speak.

"Shut up!" Lady Xue threw a domineering glance, interrupting Xue Qiao’s words.

"Husband..." Mu Lianrong clutched Xue Qiao’s sleeve tightly, imperceptibly shaking her head at him. She motioned him not to confront his parents for her, nor to make a bigger issue out of the matter.

Yet, Mu Lianrong wanted to keep the peace but forgot that Mu Qingge was extremely protective!

If she hadn’t run into it, it would have been fine. But now, facing her, bullying her aunt like this, do they really think she’s a decoration?

And what about that Xue Qiao, what happened to the vows he made when he wanted to marry her aunt? How come once he returned to the family, he turned into a wimpy quail?

Mu Qingge’s gaze turned cold, and she directed an inexplicable smile at Xue Qiong, "Prime Minister Xue, who is this..." Her gaze lightly shifted to Lady Xue.

Xue Qiao’s words had actually made her guess the elderly woman’s identity.

Yet, she asked knowingly.

Xue Qiong’s lips twitched and he lowered his head to reply, "That’s my mother, Lady Xue, the current matriarch of the Xue Family."

"I see, Lady Xue." Mu Qingge smiled with a hint of mockery. Lightly she said, "In the Xue Family, the head of the household hasn’t spoken, yet the matriarch took the lead, which is quite an eye-opener for me."

This old lady of the Xue Family criticizes her aunt’s lack of manners, then she’ll use manners to slap her in the face!

Doesn’t your Xue Family value rules highly?

Then why hasn’t the man of the house spoken and yet you, a woman managing the inner courtyard, started scolding in front of guests?

Xue Qiong’s face changed, showing a ’there’s going to be trouble’ expression.

Sure enough, as Mu Qingge’s words fell, Lady Xue’s voice turned sharp, "How dare you say I’m without manners? Not knowing to salute when seeing elders, humph, is this what the Qin Country’s Mu Family teaches its descendants?"

"Silence!" The head of the Xue Family, father of Xue Qiao and Xue Qiong, finally spoke.

He was naturally stopping his principal wife.

"Husband, you’re yelling at me? Did I say anything wrong?" Lady Xue expressed dissatisfaction.

In her understanding, no matter how formidable Mu Qingge was rumored to be outside, she was just a guest at the Xue family. As a guest, she should act accordingly.

Moreover, she was a junior to Mu Lianrong, who was her daughter-in-law, so Mu Qingge should show respect to her and the entire Xue Family.

Furthermore, she didn’t think she did anything wrong in stopping Mu Lianrong earlier.

Mu Lianrong, being a daughter-in-law of the Xue Family, should set aside her maiden family. She could reminisce, but she must go through the formalities first, then ask her permission to meet with family, only after she as the matriarch would allow, could Mu Lianrong meet Mu Qingge.

This is the rule!

The heritage of a great family!

"Step back, is there a place for you, a woman, to speak here?" Xue Laoye reprimanded Lady Xue.

Lady Xue was always in charge of the inner courtyard affairs of the mansion, ignorant of the world’s affairs, which was understandable. But as the clan leader of the Xue family, he couldn’t be ignorant!

Mu Qingge’s fame in third-class countries was well known, and she was renowned throughout the Linchuan Conference.

Even his most proud son, Xue Qiong, couldn’t stop praising Mu Qingge. The main point was, not only was Mu Qingge powerful herself, but she also owned a group of strong aides capable of sweeping any second-class country. Her relationship with the Holy King was not to be underestimated!

If her relationship with the Holy King was indeed true, then not just the Xue family, even the entire Linchuan would never dare provoke her!

This time he wanted Xue Qiong to invite Mu Qingge to the Xue family under the guise of visiting relatives, aiming to strengthen ties between the two families, and it must not be wrecked by his rigid wife.

"Husband you..." Lady Xue looked at Xue Laoye in shock.

But Xue Laoye frowned and commanded sternly, "Still not stepping back!"

Lady Xue felt indignant, but constrained by her role, she had to retreat.

Her aggressive stance was hidden within the immense crowd of the Xue family.

Yet Mu Qingge just coldly laughed, looking at Xue Laoye.

She perfectly understood the old man’s intentions, otherwise she wouldn’t have agreed to come with Xue Qiong.

Having stopped the escalation, Xue Laoye picked up his amicable smile and said warmly to Mu Qingge, "Young Lord Mu, coming from afar, must be tired. Why not rest for a while, and then we’ll host a banquet for you later."

Saying this, he didn’t give Mu Qingge a chance to respond and looked at Xue Qiao and his wife, smiling, "Old seventh, you and your wife show Young Lord Mu to Tingtai Pavilion to rest."

Xue Qiao looked at his father, slightly puzzled, but still nodded.

This Xue Qiao, though having good cultivation talent, was frankly like a block of wood when it came to social interactions.

He didn’t grasp Xue Laoye’s arrangement purpose, just following orders to host Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge, with a faint smile on her lips, didn’t refuse the Xue family’s arrangement but calmly followed Xue Qiao and Mu Lianrong.

Once she left, Xue Laoye’s smile gradually faded, exchanging a glance with Xue Qiong, sharing unspoken words with a look.

A good welcoming ceremony destroyed by his wife, the Xue family members who intended to be introduced to her had turned into background.

"Humph, disperse now. Return to your courtyards and keep that arrogance in check. Do you think our Xue family controls everything?" Xue Laoye scolded them before leaving, with Xue Qiong quickly following.

As soon as he left, the group of young Xue Family members who came along with curious expressions dispersed separately.

They were gathered here because they were told they would meet an important figure.

However, before the person could be introduced, everything ended hastily. So, their only impression of Mu Qingge is that she is an exceptionally rare beauty.

Her beauty even makes the acknowledged first beauty of Yu Country, the fiancée of her eldest brother Xue Fan, look dull and ordinary by comparison.

...

Mu Qingge was brought to Tingtai Pavilion by Xue Qiao, a place where the Xue Family specifically hosts distinguished guests. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Before Mu Qingge arrived, all the furnishings, bedding, teaware, incense, etc., had been replaced with new ones, tailored to Mu Qingge’s liking or what she is used to.

The members of the Xue Family had naturally learned Mu Qingge’s likes from Mu Lianrong.

Once inside Tingtai Pavilion, only family remained.

After Mo Yang and others saluted Mu Lianrong, they automatically withdrew.

Having not seen Mu Qingge for a long time, this time she appeared in women’s attire, which surprised and puzzled Mu Lianrong. She wanted to ask what was going on but was startled by Mu Qingge’s cold, icy demeanor.

"Xue Qiao, is this how you take care of my aunt?" Mu Qingge directly questioned Xue Qiao.

Xue Qiao was taken aback and his face turned red. He didn’t meet Mu Qingge’s gaze, instead pursing his lips tightly.

He seemed to acknowledge his own weakness, yet felt helpless.

Mu Lianrong saw Mu Qingge’s anger and quickly explained, "Qingge, it’s not as you think. Xue Qiao has always been good to me. I just don’t want him to misunderstand with his parents over me."

Mu Qingge laughed angrily, "How did my straightforward and heroic aunt turn into such a mild-mannered little wife after marriage?"

Mu Lianrong’s body stiffened, and her hands unconsciously covered her slightly protruding belly.

Mu Qingge’s cold gaze also fell on her abdomen, and she sighed inwardly.

"You’re right. I haven’t properly protected Lianrong and our child, causing her to suffer. Don’t worry, I will take Lianrong back to Qin Country soon so she can peacefully nurture the pregnancy." Xue Qiao finally managed to say after a long pause.

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed with thin anger at his words.

This man, after thinking so long, only came up with an escape plan?

Taking Aunt back to Mu Family?

Sounds good, abandoning family for wife and child, living with his wife’s maternal family!

However, upon reflection, it’s clearly just avoiding the inability to persuade parents and family to genuinely accept the wife. Can he really break ties with the Xue Family forever? Mu Qingge, as a Xue Family’s wife, won’t be able to enter the Xue Family’s door for life? Once in the Xue Family, she must endure cold words, challenges, and toughness?

At this moment, Mu Qingge really doubts whether Aunt marrying such a man was a mistake!

"Xue Qiao, I’m telling you, if you can’t make your family truly accept my aunt, then I’ll take Aunt back, and she won’t be the Xue Family’s wife anymore!" Mu Qingge said angrily.

"You can’t do that!" Xue Qiao exclaimed at Mu Qingge in shock.

"Why not? If you can’t properly protect my aunt and only make her suffer, you don’t deserve to be her husband!" Cold light glinted in Mu Qingge’s narrowed eyes.

"I can!" Xue Qiao shouted.

It was his first time shouting in front of Mu Qingge.

Always, even though Mu Qingge was junior, he admired her from his heart.

Even when the news of Mu Qingge being a woman began to spread vaguely yesterday, aside from shock, he felt deeper admiration.

Because he could imagine how extremely difficult it is for a woman to reach Mu Qingge’s realm and status today.

However, if Mu Qingge wants to take away his wife, he must fight with Mu Qingge!

"Xue Qiao!" Mu Lianrong shouted.

Both of them were her closest kin, yet now they were at loggerheads, which made her feel a bit weary. She said to Xue Qiao, "Qingge just arrived and needs rest. It’s inconvenient for you to stay here, you should go back first. I’ll return later."

"I won’t. You think I’m in the way, so I’ll just wait for you outside the courtyard." Xue Qiao nervously held onto Mu Lianrong’s hand, acting childishly stubborn.

Mu Lianrong smiled as she gently withdrew her hand. She naturally knew what Xue Qiao was anxious about, so she reassured him, "I am your wife, for life, that won’t change, and I won’t leave you."

With the reassurance, Xue Qiao reluctantly left, turning back to glance at Mu Qingge before departing, still worried.

After seeing Xue Qiao off, Mu Lianrong turned to look at Mu Qingge. Seeing her cold expression, she smiled and took her hand, saying, "What’s the matter? Still angry? Alright, don’t be mad. It’s not a big deal to get our Little Lord Mu so upset, is it? Sit down and tell Auntie, what’s going on with you now? You don’t even know, being in the Inner Courtyard of the Xue Family, I really don’t hear much of the outside news."

Alone with Mu Lianrong, Mu Qingge’s expression softened.

She didn’t explain her own situation but said to Mu Lianrong, "Aunt, are you suffering any grievances at the Xue Family? Don’t try to hide it from me. You know if I want to know, I’ll find a way."

Mu Lianrong shook her head with a gentle smile, pulling Mu Qingge to sit in a chair, explaining to her, "Qingge, Auntie knows you care for me. But, the situation with the Xue Family is complicated, many things are not as simple as they appear, mother...that is, Xue Qiao’s mother, is not deliberately targeting me either."

"I just want to know if Auntie is living well. If not, we’ll just go home." Mu Qingge expressed frankly.

Mu Lianrong smiled and nodded, her smile carrying a fine sense of happiness. "I’m well."

"Actually, before knowing you’d come, Xue Qiao and I had already discussed it. I’m not accustomed to the Xue Family, and he doesn’t want to be confined here either. In a while, we’re returning to the Qin Country. It’s for me to nurture the pregnancy and give birth in a familiar and comforting environment. Once the child is born, your grandfather can enjoy the joy of family. When the child is a bit older, we’ll take him to explore Linchuan." Mu Lianrong explained to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge slightly frowned, asking, "Will the Xue Family agree?"

"The Xue Family..." Mu Lianrong hesitated, then smiled and said, "Xue Qiao will take care of it."

Mu Qingge said nothing.

She didn’t want to speak about how her aunt and Xue Qiao thought of the matter too idealistically.

From their meeting earlier, she could sense that lady of the Xue Family was a very strong-willed person. In the past, the Xue Family allowed Xue Qiao to travel because, like a bird tired of flying, it would always return to its nest. No matter where Xue Qiao went, the Xue Family was his root. But now, not only has he married privately outside, but he also wants to return with his wife to her maternal home. This undoubtedly is a slap to the Xue Family’s face.

Such a family as the Xue Family often values face above all else, how could they easily let this happen?

The only solution is to have the Xue Family truly accept Auntie as a daughter-in-law, so that she can live happily whether at the Xue Mansion or back at her own home.

...

In the Family Head’s courtyard of the Xue Mansion, with no others around, Lady Xue discontentedly addressed Lord Xue, "Husband, why were you like that earlier? I did nothing wrong. Whether she is a woman from a third-class country or a future princess marrying into the Xue Family, she must still adhere to the Xue Family’s rules!"

Lady Xue’s attitude left Lord Xue feeling frustrated.

With a stern face, he said, "I always tell you to learn to be adaptable. What day is it today? The seventh daughter-in-law and Little Lord Mu haven’t seen each other for a long time; it’s understandable to be anxious. Why make it awkward for everyone?"

"Isn’t she just a junior relative? By the rules, she should present her card and request to meet me for greetings, and it depends on whether I, as the head lady of the house, agree to let them meet." Lady Xue said indifferently.

In her view, as long as things are done according to the rules, she stands justified, and no one can fault her!

"Can Little Lord Mu be treated the same as just any junior relative?" Lord Xue slammed his hand on the table, raising his voice suddenly.

Lady Xue was startled, and asked, "Are you yelling at me!"

Lord Xue snorted coldly, angrily saying, "Ignorant women! You’ve messed up a perfectly good situation!"

"Husband, what on earth do you mean?" Lady Xue asked, feeling wronged.

She considered herself to have been dutiful and diligent since marrying into the Xue Family, always managing the household diligently, never breaking a single rule. Even the Emperor of Yu Country praised her as a model among women.

Today, for the sake of an outsider, her usually respectful and loving husband was actually this angry!

"What do I mean? I mean, Little Lord Mu is someone who must absolutely not be offended! Your rules for disciplining daughters-in-law should be restrained and not used on the seventh daughter-in-law." Lord Xue loudly warned.

"Why!" Lady Xue’s eyes widened suddenly. Her voice turned sharp as she said, "I never liked the seventh daughter-in-law. Now, I’m only reluctantly agreeable because of the seventh’s pleading and the child she carries. Now, she’s merely a household junior coming over, and yet you’re making a big fuss with a grand welcome, then warning me to constantly yield, what’s the sense in this? Do I, as a mother-in-law, have to bow to my daughter-in-law in the future?"

"What do you understand!" Seeing his wife being as stubborn as a bull, Lord Xue also slammed his hand on the table in frustration.

At that moment, he told his wife about some matters regarding Mu Qingge, including her sensitive identity in Linchuan. Initially, he thought that once his wife knew these things, she would understand his painstaking efforts.

Unexpectedly, after he finished speaking, Madam Xue showed a disdainful expression: "Hmph, I thought there was something special—just a lowly woman who seduced His Majesty the Holy King with her beauty, isn’t she?"

She paid no heed to her husband’s description of Mu Qingge’s martial power. She had seen Mu Qingge and did not believe that such a slim woman could possess such formidable martial prowess.

Therefore, she more firmly believed that Mu Qingge had gained her status by bewitching His Majesty the Holy King.

"Shut your mouth! Who gives you the audacity to slander the young Lady Mu? I’m telling you, if those words spread, our Xue Family would face utter destruction!" Master Xue’s expression changed abruptly, wishing he could slap her.

Madam Xue’s expression changed too as she stared at her husband’s face. Seeing that he was not faking it, even though she had been married into the Xue family for many years, she had never seen such a terrified expression on her husband’s face.

"Master, are you serious?" Madam Xue asked in a daze.

She wasn’t asking whether Mu Qingge was powerful but rather about Master Xue’s last words—if they offended Mu Qingge, it would bring about the downfall of the entire Xue Family.

This was something she could not bear!

Master Xue understood his wife, knowing she was not a nefarious person, just too rigid and rule-abiding.

Sighing, Master Xue softened his tone and said, "In short, I had Qiong’er invite the young Lady Mu over to bring some good fortune to our Xue Family. In the future, treat the seventh daughter-in-law well. Once this relationship is properly managed, our Xue Family will have an added layer of security."

Madam Xue nodded, somewhat understanding.

In her heart, only one phrase kept circling: If they offended Mu Qingge, the Xue Family would be doomed!

Seeing Madam Xue’s mood calm down, Master Xue said, "Prepare well for tonight’s welcome banquet. And casually remind the children at home not to provoke Mu Qingge. Show some respect to the seventh daughter-in-law too."

Madam Xue’s eyes showed a trace of melancholy as she asked, "Master, should we abandon the Xue Family’s rules?"

Master Xue was startled, then smiled bitterly, "Madam, don’t you understand yet? On this continent of Linchuan, the one with the biggest fist makes the rules."

Perhaps, he hadn’t quite seen it clearly before.

But when the news of the Lan Family, the Myriad Beasts Sect, and the Refining Tower’s destruction arrived, he saw through it.

To contend with people of the caliber of His Majesty the Holy King and Mu Qingge with rules... the ultimate outcome would only result in the entire Xue Family paying the price.

Moreover, there was no enmity between them; rather, they even had a familial tie.

Using a harmless concession to secure the Xue Family’s renewed prosperity is a very worthwhile act! Nor would it damage the Xue Family’s reputation!

...

As night fell, the welcome banquet set up by the Xue Family for Mu Qingge was also set into motion.

Everyone in the Xue Family who could attend the banquet was sternly warned beforehand by Master Xue. They had already displeased Mu Qingge during the day; there must be no more slip-ups to provoke her anger.

Most of the Xue Family’s younger generation were scholars. Their cultivation was average, yet they carried a proud spirit.

After being warned by the Family Head, not only did they not restrain themselves, but they rather grew eager to compete.

One by one, they secretly prepared themselves, looking for an opportunity at the banquet to have a face-off with Mu Qingge. They wanted to see what skills this Lady from a third-class country possessed that warranted such face from the Xue Family!

The Xue Family’s disciples, who were only familiar with reading and aspiring to join the court, knew little about Mu Qingge. Even those who knew a bit only considered the rumors to be exaggerated.

They thought of their seventh young master, Xue Qiao.

At his age, achieving the Blue Realm cultivation was already an excellent talent. How old was the young Lady Mu? Still an ingénue, could she truly be a Purple Realm expert and defeat the first young master of Tiandu?

Also, was it really because of her that the Lan Family, Myriad Beasts Sect, and Refining Tower perished?

The Xue Family’s disciples preferred to believe that these organizations were casualties of power struggles. Mu Qingge simply had the good fortune to bear the fearsome reputation for the victorious forces in those struggles.

Indeed, without truly understanding Mu Qingge’s methods, no one would believe the rumored deeds were actually her doing!

Thus, it was destined that this ambitious group of Xue Family disciples would meet with tragedy.

"Third Brother, after all, she is Seventh Uncle’s niece. Isn’t what we’re doing inappropriate?" In the banquet hall, a group of younger Xue Family members quietly addressed an older young man.

The one they called Third Brother was a member of the younger generation of the Xue Family, a cousin to Xue Qiao and Xue Qiong. The Xue Family was prosperously populated and a large clan.

Just in Xue Qiao’s generation alone, there were several brothers, not counting those from collateral lines.

In the cousin generation, there were eight or nine gathered, all around the same age as Mu Qingge. The younger ones weren’t even counted.

"What’s the harm? We’re comrades in scholarship, here to entertain our elders, nothing more." Third Brother of the Xue Family spoke nonchalantly.

The grandfather wanted them, the pride of the Xue Family, to respect a girl around their age. It was simply absurd! Respect was possible, but only if she proved her skills.

The few of them planned meticulously, discussing how to regain the Xue Family’s face at the banquet and give Mu Qingge a little warning.

Of course, they didn’t forget the face seen during the day, which had captivated their very souls.

In their competitive spirit, perhaps there was a hidden desire to conquer Mu Qingge, to see eyes full of admiration on that stunningly beautiful face.

"Young Lady Mu has arrived—!"

The announcement from a house servant silenced the young masters of the Xue Family.

After exchanging a covert glance, they dispersed and returned to their seats, awaiting their opportunity.

A few of the more impetuous young lads, upon sitting down, eagerly craned their necks, looking out towards the door, a sign of anticipation that made Third Brother shake his head internally.

Although he also looked forward to seeing that captivating face again, the Xue Family’s younger generation had to maintain their dignity and not let others look down on them!

These younger ones were still too inexperienced!

Even before anyone appeared, a sound of orderly footsteps approached from afar.

The footsteps were powerful and vigorous, shaking the ground of the Xue Family.

It felt as though thousands of troops were marching towards them from outside.

Sitting in the main seat, Master Xue and Madam Xue both changed expressions, slowly rising to look towards the door. The heads of the family had already stood up, so the others were unwilling to be outdone, standing up to look as well.

The few Xue Family disciples who intended to challenge Mu Qingge also followed suit.

In the banquet hall, over fifty people from the Xue Family stood up, each with a different expression.

At this moment, Xue Qiong, who had gone to invite Mu Qingge to the banquet, strode quickly into the hall with a troubled expression. Seeing the varied expressions of the family members, he hurried to his father’s side, whispering a few words in his ear.

Afterwards, Master Xue’s face changed as well. He immediately stepped down from his seat, standing in the banquet hall.

Just as he reached the center of the banquet hall, the footsteps outside suddenly ceased.

A flamboyant red boot, like a blaze, stepped across the threshold and entered.

Everyone, including Master Xue, focused their gaze on that foot.

Following the red boot upward, they saw Mu Qingge with a cold expression, hands clasped behind her back. Her stunning face seemed shrouded with frost, chilling all who saw it.

Those Xue Family disciples who intended to give her a warning were subdued by her fierce aura before they could step forward, a sense of timidity arising from their hearts.

Third Brother of the Xue Family, who had been brimming with confidence, found it crumbling under Mu Qingge’s clear gaze, subconsciously lowering his head.

Mo Yang, accompanying Mu Lianrong, followed closely behind Mu Qingge.

Behind them, outside the banquet hall, stood five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards, perfectly arrayed, eyes straight ahead.

Just now, the sound like rolling thunder, akin to thousands of troops, was precisely made by them.

Master Xue, unaware of what had transpired, changed his expression, and could only ask, "Young Lady Mu, what is the meaning of this?"

Xue Qiong told him that when Mu Qingge brought the Dragon Tooth Guards, which made all nations’ armies turn pale at the sight, he had a vague feeling of unease in his heart.

At this moment, seeing Mu Qingge in person, Xue Laoye’s feeling of foreboding grew even stronger!

"Family Head Xue, the reason for my visit today is surely clear to you." Mu Qingge spoke, under the gaze of many eyes. As soon as she spoke, her voice, tinged with icy shards, sent shivers down people’s spines, causing them to tremble and hold their breath.

Her demeanor was cold, her gaze sweeping across the Xue Family members, paying special attention to the wife of the Xue Family. "In the Mu Family, we have always repaid kindness with kindness, but if wronged, we repay in kind tenfold! Though my aunt has married into the Xue Family, she remains a daughter of the Mu Family. If you do not accept my aunt, today I will take her away, severing ties with your Xue Family forever. Of course..." Mu Qingge’s lips curled slightly, disdainfully saying, "As for whether Xue Qiao stays or goes, I do not care. If he wishes to follow my aunt, then the Mu Family shall have one more son. But should you accept my aunt, if once a single rumor of her unhappiness reaches my ears in the future, regardless of its truth, the Mu Family Army will flatten the Xue Family in Yu Country!"

Hiss——!

A series of gasps rang out in the banquet hall.

The Xue Family members, regardless of age or gender, all stared wide-eyed at Mu Qingge.

Standing on Xue Family ground, calling for the flattening of the Xue Family—as an unprecedented first!

Mu Qingge’s gaze swept across, taking in the shocked expressions of the Xue Family members, she continued, "Additionally, a reminder. Nowadays, Qin Country is also a second-class country, equal to Yu Country. And the Mu Family’s standing in Qin Country is stronger than the Xue Family. My aunt is not marrying up, but marrying down."

Mu Lianrong marrying Xue Qiao is marrying down, not marrying up?!

This statement fiercely slapped the faces of the Xue Family members!

Mu Lianrong stood behind Mu Qingge, feeling the strong protection of her wings now, her eyes moist and slightly red.

The Mu Family’s young Qingge had grown up!

The current scene was deliberately crafted by Mu Qingge. It was for her to have a better life in the Xue Family, not being bullied, not belittled. She did not bring Xue Qiao here, precisely to spare him any embarrassment. And she, in her role as the eldest lady of the Mu Family, had to show her stance, letting the Xue Family see clearly the true standard of Mu Lianrong.

Composing herself, Mu Lianrong stood tall and steadfast, exuding the Mu Family’s proud and unyielding spirit. She was no longer the timid, accommodating wife of the Xue Family.

"Mu Little Lord, as a junior, who gave you the authority to spout nonsense here?" Xue Madam couldn’t help but speak again.

This time, Xue Laoye did not interrupt her, his sullen expression indicating that even he was angered by Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes, her gaze mockingly sweeping over Xue Qiong, whose face turned awkward. She then looked at Xue Madam, raised her chin, with a grin of wild arrogance, "Do my words, as the Family Head of the Mu Family, seem qualified enough to you, Madam?"

What!

She is the Mu Family Head?

A woman? So young, yet already the head of a family? Furthermore, it wasn’t a small, unknown family!

The Xue Family members were shocked!

Including Xue Qiong, who couldn’t have imagined that Mu Xiong had already passed the position of Family Head to Mu Qingge.

Xue Laoye’s expression changed again and again. If Mu Qingge was the Family Head of the Mu Family, then the words she just spoke had to be savored anew!

A few young men of the Xue Family, at this moment, appeared pale.

Before Mu Qingge, it seemed they had already lost the qualification to challenge without even making a move!

After taking several deep breaths, Xue Laoye looked at Mu Lianrong, asking in a voice tinged with tremor, "Old seventh daughter-in-law, is Mu Little Lord truly the Mu Family Head?"

"Indeed, long ago my father personally passed the Mu Family Head position to Qingge." Mu Lianrong revealed a proud smile, differing from her usual low-key demeanor in front of the Xue Family.

At that moment, many in the Xue Family suddenly understood why their old seventh would be drawn by Mu Lianrong, slightly older than him.

Apparently, a woman’s poised and confident smile could be so beautiful.

Apparently, the Mu Family bloodline was no inferior to the Xue Family!

Confirmation in hand, Xue Laoye looked at Mu Qingge, his lips squirming as if he wanted to say something, yet felt at a loss for words.

Surprise, shock, wonder, disbelief... it seemed a medley of feelings rushed into the hearts of the Xue Family members, overwhelmed by the powerful aura of Mu Qingge.

Yet, this was far from sufficient!

Mu Qingge wanted to give the Xue Family a lifelong memory, reminding them deeply that ’Mu Family members are not to be trifled with,’ deeply ingrained into their very bones!

Her smile broadened sinisterly.

Her clear and transparent gaze with a hint of jest looked at the Xue Family members. "Xue Laoye, Xue Madam, thank you for your gracious hospitality. As a guest, it would be rude not to express something, so I’ll have my trusted aides perform a show to entertain everyone."

Perform a show!

Xue Qiong’s heart leapt, suddenly recalling the Dragon Tooth Guards’ ’performance’ at the Tiandu!

’Could it be, Mu Qingge plans to have the Dragon Tooth Guards kill in the Xue Family—serving as a warning?’ Once this thought emerged, Xue Qiong tensed up, sweat filling his palms.

"Perform well for me." Mu Qingge’s lips curved into a cold smile.

"Yes, Little Lord!"

The Dragon Tooth Guards responded in unison.

Their voices almost lifted the Xue Family’s roof.

Yet, before the Xue Family members could recover from the roaring voices, they witnessed a scene that etched eternal terror in their minds.

Five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards, five hundred streaks of purple light, soared into the sky, instantly casting a purple hue over the Xue Family’s rooftop.

Purple Realm!

Five hundred Purple Realms!

Xue Laoye held his breath in his chest, his steps staggering.

Even Xue Madam, seeing so many Purple Realm cultivators standing before her, gasped, her body turning limp, collapsing into her seat.

The other Xue Family members were equally pale, lips turning blue as they gazed at Mu Qingge and the Dragon Tooth Guards in terror.

Xue Qiong was dumbstruck!

He knew Mu Qingge’s Dragon Tooth Guards were powerful, but he hadn’t anticipated the extent of their strength!

Five hundred Purple Realms! Even the Yu Country’s Imperial Family couldn’t field so many Purple Realms! Moreover, Mu Qingge herself was even more formidable than her guards—she had close ties with the Jade Empress of the Ancient Witch Country, as well as connections with the Imperial Family of the Holy Yuan Empire, three major families, Di Country, Li Country, Yu Country, Tu Country...

Gradually, a web centered on Mu Qingge and linking relationships appeared before Xue Qiong.

Not to mention, Mu Qingge’s relationship with His Majesty the Holy King!

Absorbing the shock and fear shown on the Xue Family members’ faces into her view. Mu Qingge raised her hand, the five hundred streaks of purple light vanished instantly!

However, the overwhelming scene remained indelible in the minds of the Xue Family disciples.

The banquet hall fell silent, with even a pin drop audible.

The Xue Family members looked at Mu Qingge and the Dragon Tooth Guards, daring not utter a sound.

This moment, Mu Qingge faintly smiled and waved her hand.

Before her appeared a dozen or so boxes filled with gold, silver, and jade items, along with several boxes of rare books and tomes.

The Xue Family members had not yet recovered when Mu Qingge spoke, "To visit the Xue Family, naturally some gifts are required. These items, please accept them, Xue Laoye."

Xue Laoye lifted his head, looking at Mu Qingge, seeming unclear about her intention.

Mu Qingge watched him, her smile carrying an ambiguous meaning, "Xue Laoye, will my aunt leave with me or..."

Xue Laoye immediately understood. He took a deep breath and resolutely declared, "Lianrong is the wife of our family’s old seventh, this cannot be changed by anyone, she will naturally stay. Rest assured, Family Head Mu, my Xue Family will never mistreat Lianrong!"

Having said that, his gaze sternly swept across everyone in the banquet hall, warning fiercely, "Listen up, should anyone find trouble needlessly with the old seventh’s wife from this day forward, they will be thrown out of the Xue Family!"