On the official road leading to Luodu, a group of people and horses walked quietly.

The Flame Horses beneath them caused the surrounding animals to be restless and keep their distance.

The group of over five hundred people was so orderly that there was only one sound.

Leading them was a red-gowned girl. She wore a man-style robe and soft armor, with a delicately engraved golden Palace Bell hanging from her waistband.

On the index finger of her right hand was a silver, intricate finger cover, sharp and piercingly cold.

On her left ear, a purple earring gleamed under the sunlight with a seductive hue.

Her features were exquisite, unmatched in poise.

Just one glance leaves an unforgettable impression, while a second look reveals the vast gulf between them.

She seemed like the distant moon and blazing sun, only to be admired, beyond reach!

She sat nonchalantly on the handsome Flame Horse King, red and black complementing each other perfectly. The endless official road ahead seemed to tire her.

Her eyelids drooped, her long and curled eyelashes gently fluttering.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes sharply, a clear brilliance shooting from her gaze.

She grabbed the reins of Black Flame and galloped towards the adjacent forest, leaving behind a command that brooked no refusal, "Wait for me at the post house ahead!"

She was referring to the last post house before entering Luodu.

Once they reached the post house, Luodu was only a hundred miles away.

At Flame Horse’s pace, it was only half an hour to Luodu.

"Yes, Young Lord!" Dragon Tooth Guards responded, but Mu Qingge, already vanished, couldn’t hear them.

Of course, she didn’t need to hear.

The Dragon Tooth Guards only needed to follow her instructions.

Black Flame moved swiftly, soon carrying Mu Qingge away from the forest edge, towards the depths.

Along the way, startled by Black Flame, birds and beasts fled in panic, not daring to approach. Soon, countless birds flew up from the forest.

’Far enough?’ Mu Qingge, riding Black Flame, tightly holding the reins, thought to herself.

’A bit farther.’ A childish voice echoed in Mu Qingge’s mind.

Mu Qingge pursed her lips and instructed Black Flame to delve deeper.

The forest beside the official road was only ordinary, with no particularly dangerous spots. Black Flame galloped with Mu Qingge, finally stopping at a waterfall.

Mu Qingge dismounted and instructed Black Flame to stay farther away.

Then, she stood on the grassy area by the waterfall, waved her hand, and two beams of white light appeared, landing on the ground, transforming into a person and a fox.

The person was alluring and beautiful, carrying a cold noble air. Black hair and white clothes, striking and graceful. Most noticeable was her sharp chin and slender waist.

However, Mu Qingge fixed her gaze on her straight, long legs, surprised, "Where’s your tail?"

"Have you ever seen a person with a tail?" Bai Xi’s childish voice mumbled to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched.

It seemed Bai Xi planned to stay in human form and not return to her space.

Without dwelling on Bai Xi’s tail issue, Mu Qingge shifted her gaze to the silver fox in her arms.

She frowned slightly, sensing a powerful, yet unstable force emanating from Yin Chen.

Bai Xi placed Yin Chen on the grass, pulled Mu Qingge back, almost standing at the edge of the lawn, watching Yin Chen from afar.

Suddenly, the clear sky quickly accumulated thick clouds, gloomy and heavy, filled with heavenly might.

Boom boom—!

The dark clouds began to churn, thunder rumbling inside.

Soon, blue-violet electric sparks started to roam within the clouds, ready to fall.

Mu Qingge looked anxiously at the dark clouds, which locked onto the position of Yin Chen.

Meanwhile, Yin Chen’s eyes were tightly closed as if asleep, unaware of the danger above.

"To transform, must one undergo tribulation thunder?" Mu Qingge asked.

Bai Xi naturally answered, "His bloodline is fully activated, and transformation naturally requires a bit of trouble. The first, being baptized by Heavenly Thunder, is quite beneficial for him."

"But..." Mu Qingge frowned, "Can Yin Chen withstand it?" She remembered Bai Xi saying that failing to endure would result in being reduced to ashes.

"That depends on him." Bai Xi shrugged.

Bai Xi’s answer left Mu Qingge speechless.

Yin Chen must undergo the baptism of Heavenly Thunder, just like Yuanyuan must consume other Abnormal Fires to grow; it was necessary, and outsider assistance was difficult.

"But..."

Bai Xi’s hesitant words caught Mu Qingge’s attention.

Mu Qingge immediately asked, "But what?"

Bai Xi looked at her, stared for a long time, then said as the thunder sounded again, "Qingge has a contract bond with him; if he can’t endure, you might be able to share some of it."

"How to share?" Mu Qingge was overjoyed.

She was already cultivating in the Thunder Pool and had Thunder Ability, not fearing the Power of thunder and lightning above.

Now, being able to help Yin Chen made her happy.

Bai Xi, seeing Mu Qingge’s response, said jealously, "Is this fox so important to Qingge’s heart?"

She was an Ancient Holy Beast, the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python. Now awakened, she had a master, which was fine since she quite liked Mu Qingge and her aroma.

But why must there be a fox to share the master with her?

Even from afar, she could smell the fox’s pungent scent!

"You all are the same. In my heart, you and Yuanyuan, Mengmeng are my family and comrades," Mu Qingge replied.

But this made Bai Xi feel even more disgruntled. She mumbled, "I’ve never fought alongside Qingge yet!"

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, "There will be plenty of opportunities to fight. Don’t dwell on this; tell me how to help Yin Chen quickly."

Bai Xi rolled her eyes and said, "It’s not that complicated. Qingge should just watch. When the fox can’t take anymore, use the Power of Contract to divert the thunder and lightning force to yourself. But be sure not to push yourself."

"Don’t worry, I’m fine," Mu Qingge nodded.

Crack—!

Suddenly, a roaring thunder exploded, seemingly shaking the sky.

Bai Xi and Mu Qingge simultaneously looked up at the sky’s dark clouds.

Bai Xi’s eyes appeared solemn as she spoke to Mu Qingge, "It’s starting."

Just as she spoke, a flash of lightning the thickness of a baby’s arm fell from the cloud crevice, directly striking Yin Chen.

Crack—!

The lightning hit Yin Chen, causing his formerly sleeping crimson eyes to open abruptly, emitting a sharp cry.

Mu Qingge’s expression changed, wanting to go over and check.

However, as she moved, Bai Xi grabbed her wrist, shaking her head.

Mu Qingge hesitated, but Bai Xi said, "Don’t rush; the fox can handle it."

At the moment Bai Xi’s voice sounded, Yin Chen’s voice echoed in Mu Qingge’s mind, "Master, don’t come over."

Yin Chen’s voice didn’t sound weak, which reassured Mu Qingge.

She retracted her step and looked at Yin Chen.

Yin Chen lifted his head and howled, his body suddenly enlarging, originally small, suddenly becoming as large as a mountain. Nine snow-white fox tails swayed in the wind like long snakes.

Yin Chen’s crimson eyes stared at the lightning in the sky, baring his teeth, emitting a sound of battle preparation.

Crack—!

Another lightning struck, and Yin Chen’s nine tails simultaneously welcomed it.

The lightning divided into nine upon hitting the tails, its power weakened, flowing through the fox tails into Yin Chen’s body.

The electric spark of the thunder roamed continuously on Yin Chen’s fur and body.

He let out a wail, enduring the hit!

Crack! Crack—!

Two lightning bolts fell together; Mu Qingge’s eyes suddenly widened.

Yin Chen kicked his hind legs, actively facing them, his nine tails tightly protecting his body. Two bolts, one after another, fell onto Yin Chen, who let out a mournful cry as he fell from the sky.

Among the nine tails, one tail vanished.

Bang!

"Yin Chen!" Mu Qingge gritted her teeth and shouted. Her eyes were filled with tension, unable to leave Yin Chen for a moment.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

In the dark clouds, the brewing power of thunder and lightning once again filled up. Three bolts of lightning fell swiftly, leaving Yin Chen no respite.

Blood had already seeped from the corners of Yin Chen’s mouth, yet he still grit his teeth and faced the tribulation thunder.

In an instant, the five tails behind him vanished from Mu Qingge and Bai Xi’s view. Including the one at the front, there were now only three tails swaying behind him.

"How many more tribulation thunders are there!" Mu Qingge asked Bai Xi.

Bai Xi frowned and said, "Seven have passed, there should be two more."

"Two!" Mu Qingge pressed her lips tightly, uncertain if Yin Chen could still endure.

Just as she was about to use the power of contract to assist Yin Chen, he said to her: ’Master, don’t act, I can still handle it!’

Yin Chen’s words made Mu Qingge hesitate for a moment.

During this pause, the final two bolts of tribulation thunder descended together from the gaps in the dark clouds.

Yin Chen let out a fierce scream, confronting the tribulation thunder once again.

After the two tribulation thunders passed, only a lone fox tail was left behind Yin Chen, and his fur became charred black.

"Is it over?" Mu Qingge breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Bai Xi looked at the dark clouds in the sky and frowned silently.

Nine tribulation thunders had passed; the tribulation clouds should have dispersed. But why do they still linger?

Suddenly, an aura even stronger than the previous nine thunders emerged from the clouds. Bai Xi’s eyes narrowed, the human-like eyes instantly transformed into the purple-gold vertical pupils belonging to the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, giving her already cold and alluring features an added enchanting touch.

She suddenly grabbed Mu Qingge’s wrist and slid back, increasing their distance from Yin Chen.

"What’s wrong?" Mu Qingge asked in surprise, looking at her.

Bai Xi gritted her teeth and cursed angrily, "What is the background of this damn fox to actually trigger a bloodline tribulation thunder!"

"What bloodline tribulation thunder?" Mu Qingge asked in panic.

From Bai Xi’s solemn expression, she sensed immense danger!

Bai Xi didn’t have time to explain and shouted at Yin Chen, "Little fox, don’t be careless; there’s one more tribulation thunder! Don’t resist stubbornly. If you die, Qingge will be saddened!"

Her words made Yin Chen’s neck fur stand up, blood eyes fiercely watching the lingering dark clouds.

Mu Qingge looked at Bai Xi.

Bai Xi said to her, "Qingge, are you sure you want to help him?"

Mu Qingge nodded without hesitation.

"Alright. When the tribulation thunder falls, immediately use the contract between you two to help him share the power of thunder and lightning, but don’t force it, don’t risk your life," Bai Xi quickly instructed.

Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly narrowed.

She heard the exceptional nature of this tribulation thunder from Bai Xi’s tone.

Not daring to be careless, she began to prepare.

’Master Yin, when you undergo the tribulation thunder, open the space. I can divert the power of thunder and lightning that you can’t handle into the thunder pool within the space.’ Mengmeng’s words, like long-awaited rain, greatly eased Mu Qingge’s worry.

She nodded secretly, preparing everything.

Connecting the contract, opening the space.

Once Mu Qingge was ready, the dark clouds in the sky, hanging low enough to touch the ground, finally revealed a strikingly bright red lightning.

Once that lightning appeared, a world-annihilating force rushed forth.

As if no living being could escape the baptism of this tribulation thunder.

"What exactly is this tribulation thunder?!" Mu Qingge gazed at the tribulation thunder, exclaiming in shock.

Blood-red tribulation thunder, it was the first time she had seen such a sight!

Rumble—!

The thick blood-red tribulation thunder split through the dark clouds, descending.

Aimed right at Yin Chen’s brow.

In this powerful aura, Yin Chen’s fur stood on end, blood eyes narrowing as the blood-red thunder drew closer.

Crack-crack!

The blood-red lightning enveloped Yin Chen’s body.

The immense power of thunder and lightning spread outward, evaporating the waterfall and scorching the turf.

From within the lightning, Yin Chen’s anguished voice echoed.

Mu Qingge dared not delay, quickly transferring the power of lightning from Yin Chen to herself...

’Puff!’

The power of tribulation thunder entered Mu Qingge’s body, causing her to spit out a mouthful of blood.

This power of lightning was much stronger than anything she had encountered before!

Fortunately, her body had been modified and she often trained in the thunder pool. After a moment of discomfort, she managed to bear the intense power of lightning.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes were dyed red by the lightning.

On her skin, blood vessels burst, with the leaking blood rapidly staining her skin red.

"Qingge, you’ve taken on too much!" Seeing this situation, Bai Xi’s voice, incongruent with her appearance, shouted anxiously.

Mu Qingge did not respond.

Instead, she transferred some of the power of thunder back from Yin Chen.

However, she didn’t stubbornly resist but instead diverted the power of lightning into the space, and Mengmeng sent it into the thunder pool.

The blood-red power of lightning traveled across Mu Qingge’s body, cleansing her bones and blood vessels, even transforming her original power of thunder and lightning.

Her energy core belonging to the Thunder Element was enveloped by traces of the blood-red power of lightning, replacing the original blue-violet color.

Mu Qingge remained unaware of all this, entirely focused on resisting the heavenly test alongside Yin Chen!

After a long time, the power of lightning gradually dispersed.

Mu Qingge seemed to collapse weakly and was caught and held by Bai Xi.

"Qingge, are you okay?" Bai Xi’s purple-golden vertical pupils were filled with concern.

Mu Qingge shook her head powerlessly. Although she felt exhausted all over, she was unharmed. Moreover, her modified cells were continually repairing and regenerating, restoring her body functions.

She wasn’t worried about her body but rather about Yin Chen. "How is Yin Chen?"

Bai Xi looked over to Yin Chen, where a remnant of blood-red lightning enveloped him, obscuring the view. However, the dark clouds had dispersed, and the sky had cleared.

Retracting her gaze, Bai Xi said to Mu Qingge, "He’s fine, should be undergoing transformation."

Hearing Yin Chen was fine, Mu Qingge was finally at ease, revealing a slight smile.

Bai Xi reproached, "I told you not to overexert yourself."

"I’m fine," Mu Qingge replied, strength returning to her body.

With her physicality heightened, she found her recovery rate after injury growing faster and faster.

Looking at the blood stains on her, Mu Qingge said to Bai Xi, "I’ll go change my clothes first." After speaking, she vanished from Bai Xi’s sight into the space.

Soon, Mu Qingge reappeared in front of Bai Xi, refreshed, the blood stains cleaned off.

"Is Yin Chen transforming?" Mu Qingge looked at Yin Chen still enveloped by the red lightning.

Yin Chen had already shrunk in size, wrapped in red lightning, like a layer of blood-colored membrane covering the body.

That membrane continued to slowly wriggle, seemingly alive.

Bai Xi nodded, "It won’t be long before you see that fox transform into human form."

Mu Qingge smiled silently.

She didn’t tell Bai Xi that she had long known what Yin Chen’s human form looked like. During their initial encounter, in the illusion Yin Chen created to take her life, she had seen him.

Thinking back, she realized she had known Yin Chen for quite a while now!

Time truly flies!

As Mu Qingge’s thoughts wandered far, the red film covering Yin Chen suddenly shattered, dispersing into starlight.

A curled-up snow-white body appeared before Mu Qingge and Bai Xi.

Mu Qingge blinked, but before she could see clearly, her view was blocked by a hand.

It was Bai Xi’s hand, slender and soft. It blocked her view, and Mu Qingge understood.

"You rascal fox, hurry up and put on some clothes!"

Indeed...

Mu Qingge silently grinned.

Bai Xi’s cold and fierce voice, paired with such a childlike tone, really loses a lot of persuasiveness!

Mu Qingge looked up at the sky, a bit puzzled as to how someone as domineering as Bai Xi could have such a pure and cute voice.

Where Mu Qingge’s line of sight was blocked, Bai Xi coldly stared at the man slowly rising from the ground.

He had long silver hair, ethereal and unworldly.

His body was tall and perfectly proportioned. His muscle contours were clear and smooth, exuding a kind of deadly allure.

His features were strikingly beautiful yet strong and cold. The blood-red eyes in his fox-like gaze were enough to make any woman willingly drown in them.

The Fox Clan was inherently blessed; once their people successfully transformed, their appearance was always extraordinary, capable of turning the world upside down.

Not to mention, Yin Chen was the Snow Fox King! The King of the Fox Clan!

Bai Xi’s words didn’t make Yin Chen feel awkward. He looked over coldly, his blood-red eyes glittering. "Greedy Snake, haven’t you heard not to gaze at others inappropriately?"

"Pft!" Mu Qingge couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Greedy Snake? Wasn’t Yin Chen a character from another world? This nickname for Bai Xi reminded her of a classic game from her past life.

Thinking about that game and Bai Xi’s appetite.

Hmm, it really was damn fitting!

Mu Qingge’s laughter dispelled the tense atmosphere.

Yin Chen looked at Mu Qingge, his eyes blocked by Bai Xi, obstructing their view.

Bai Xi’s gaze swept over Yin Chen coldly mocking him, "Stinky Fox, do you even understand what shame is?"

The feeling of being bare was indeed unpleasant.

However, Yin Chen remained cool, not acknowledging Bai Xi.

"Uh, Bai Xi is right. Not wearing clothes can easily catch a cold. Yin Chen, I’ll send you back to the space to change clothes. You can make do with those clothes for now, and once we reach Luodu, I’ll have a tailor customize ones suitable for you," Mu Qingge said.

Yin Chen would naturally not refuse Mu Qingge’s command.

A flash of white light, and he vanished before Bai Xi’s eyes.

Confirming that the fox’s lingering scent was gone, Bai Xi lowered her hand.

Yet, she frowned strangely and said: "Strange! He just woke up, how did he know I could eat?"

"Uh, maybe while Yin Chen was unconscious, his mind was still aware and heard what we were saying," Mu Qingge explained for Yin Chen.

Bai Xi didn’t delve into it, but upon reacting, she raised her brows indignantly and said: "What did he call me? Greedy Snake? That stinky fox with the smelly stench!"

Mu Qingge laughed sheepishly, adding, "You call him Stinky Fox, he calls you Greedy Snake, sounds fair."

"Qingge!" Bai Xi looked at her with resentment.

Mu Qingge chuckled and said, "Alright, I bet Yin Chen has already dressed. Let’s head back to the space."

"I don’t want to, I finally got out." Bai Xi objected.

Mu Qingge curved her lips into a smile and said, "I’m going home for a visit. With you by my side, I’ll have to explain repeatedly. Once I’m done handling these trivial matters and leave Linchuan, I’ll let you out, and you can stay outside however long you want."

Bai Xi thought about it, agreeing that Mu Qingge had a point.

Just considering if she went out now, she’d have to accompany Mu Qingge to meet various people and witness human intrigues—it’s better to comfortably stay in the space.

After a nap, Mu Qingge would likely depart Linchuan, and it wouldn’t be too late to come out then.

Once she figured it out, Bai Xi didn’t insist anymore and entered the space with Mu Qingge.

Inside the space, Yin Chen had already changed his clothes.

Mengmeng and Yuanyuan stood in front of him, resting their chins in their hands, eyes showing a captivated smile, and their mouths hanging with suspiciously crystalline drool.

Mu Qingge was stunned, this scene surprised her.

Standing in the space, with tall and slender figure, the silver-haired man dressed in red exuded a devilish yet noble grace. Especially those red eyes—like two shimmering red gems.

Even though Mu Qingge had seen Yin Chen’s transformed state before, she was still stunned by his allure.

Perhaps because of Yin Chen being a Divine Beast, his kind of enchanting elegance surpassed that of the similar Han Caicai, with even more ethereal charm.

’Almost rivals Si Mo Ah!’ Mu Qingge murmured in astonishment.

But suddenly realized it, correcting herself inwardly. ’No! Her Si Mo is the most handsome in the universe, unmatched and unsurpassed!’

"Master," Yin Chen respectfully addressed Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge laughed and said, "Let’s forget about before. Now with the way you look, calling me Master feels awkward. Just call me Qingge like Bai Xi does."

Yin Chen did not insist, thought for a moment, and then nodded.

After all, no matter how the title changes, the master-servant relationship between him and Mu Qingge will not change.

Especially after going through so many life-and-death experiences together.

"Qingge, why do you want that stinky fox to learn from me?" Bai Xi protested.

Yin Chen glanced coldly at her and said, "Don’t forget, greedy snake, you’re the newbie."

"Stinky fox! You’re looking for death!" Bai Xi’s vertical pupils flashed fiercely, and her whole body exuded a killing aura.

Yin Chen was not to be outdone, his blood-red eyes gleaming with sharpness.

Now, his cultivation is on par with Mu Qingge, and he still has the power to contend with the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python whose memories and abilities have not fully awakened.

"Enough!" Mu Qingge sighed.

She discovered that these non-human beings gathered around her are truly pairs of arch-enemies.

Fortunately, they only squabble and don’t do anything outrageous, otherwise, her head would probably explode.

When Mu Qingge exerted her authority, the two little ones and two big ones all quieted down.

She swept her gaze over them before asking, "Bai Xi, what did you mean by the bloodline heavenly tribulation you mentioned earlier?"

This question made Yin Chen look at Bai Xi as well.

Bai Xi rolled her eyes at Yin Chen before explaining to Mu Qingge, "Bloodline heavenly tribulation is rare to appear. Generally speaking, it occurs during the baptism of a spirit beast with ancient holy beast bloodline. But isn’t that stinky fox supposed to have only divine beast bloodline? How could it have ancient holy beast bloodline?"

After saying that, she curiously examined Yin Chen.

Mu Qingge also looked at Yin Chen, as if asking whether he knew what was going on.

But Yin Chen shook his head blankly, indicating that he didn’t know.

"It seems even this stinky fox doesn’t know, but in any case, having ancient holy beast bloodline indicates this stinky fox has great potential." Bai Xi nodded lightly.

Yin Chen’s face darkened slightly, he snorted coldly, "Greedy snake, stop calling me stinky fox in every sentence."

Bai Xi snorted arrogantly, showing disdain.

Yin Chen was silent for a while, then suddenly said, "Greedy snake, has anyone ever told you that your voice sounds like a baby?"

"Stinky fox, you’re sick of living!" Bai Xi hated it when people commented on her voice, and she immediately transformed into white light, charging towards Yin Chen.

Yin Chen was also unwilling to show weakness, his figure blurred, and he entangled with Bai Xi in a fight.

Mu Qingge shook her head, and as she was leaving, she said to Mengmeng, "You’re the artifact spirit, don’t let them damage our place!"

With that, she disappeared.

Mengmeng’s eyes lit up, ’Right! This is Mengbaby and Lord’s home! How can we let these two troublemakers destroy it?’ With a thought, the two fighting streaks of light were separated, one thrown to the southernmost point of the space, the other to the northernmost point.

Clapping her hands, Mengmeng proudly said to Yuanyuan, "It’s settled! Come on, Meng sister will help you make some more clothes!"

Yuanyuan smacked his lips, his little hands touched his empty pockets, sighed wistfully, and said, "I miss Dad."

...

After leaving the space, Mu Qingge rode Black Flame and headed to the Post House to meet with the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Just as she saw the outline of the Post House, she heard a familiar voice talking to Mo Yang.

"Mo Yang, tell me, is the rumor outside really true? Is our boss truly a girl?"

"Young Master Shao, Lord will be back soon, if you have any questions, you can ask her directly." Mo Yang said.

Fatty Shao had actually run to the Post House to wait for her!

This surprise made Mu Qingge’s mouth reveal a genuine smile.

She rode Black Flame towards the Post House, saw that round body, and called out, "Fatty."

The familiar address made Fatty Shao’s body shiver, he agilely turned around to look at Mu Qingge.

When the excitement in his eyes was replaced by shock, he widened his eyes and pointed at Mu Qingge, stammering, "Boss... you you you you you..."

Mu Qingge deliberately put on a stern face and questioned, "What? Now that you know I’m a girl, you want to rebel?"

"I wouldn’t dare!" Fatty Shao stiffened up and quickly pledged his loyalty. "Boss, whether you are male or female, in the heart of Fatty Shao, you will forever be my boss!"

After saying this, his pretended serious and deep face broke into a grin, and he ran over eagerly to help Mu Qingge dismount.

"Boss, take it easy, Boss, watch your step..." Fatty Shao bent his body, though fat, he was incredibly agile.

It’s truly as he said, he’s a flexible fat man!

Mu Qingge doesn’t need his pretentious support at all.

She leapt off Black Flame lightly, took a look at Fatty Shao, and joked, "Not bad, fatty. You’ve already stepped into Blue Realm Cultivation."

Fatty Shao smiled bashfully, scratched his head and said, "I’m far behind compared to the boss."

He quickly adapted to Mu Qingge’s gender.

Perhaps, as he said, whether Mu Qingge is male or female, she is his boss.

The identity hasn’t changed, and emotions wouldn’t change due to different genders.

Fatty Shao followed Mu Qingge into the Post House, originally planning to head directly back to Luodu, but upon meeting Fatty Shao, Mu Qingge decided not to rush back.

After not seeing Fatty Shao for a long time, they indeed had a lot to talk about.

Of course, the most talked-about topic was naturally Mu Qingge’s identity.

After sitting down, Fatty Shao couldn’t help but appraise her, exclaiming in amazement, "My boss is truly beautiful, prettier than those girls from the Drunken Red House, Jade Building, Yanhua Pavilion, simply a celestial beauty!"

"Who are you comparing me to?" Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes dangerously, smilingly looking at Fatty Shao.

Fatty Shao froze, realizing he misspoke, and hurriedly picked up the teapot to refill Mu Qingge’s teacup, "Hehe, boss, have some tea!"

Mu Qingge picked up the teacup, looking at Fatty Shao playfully, "It seems you’ve been frequenting those places lately?"

Being struck with one word by Mu Qingge, Fatty Shao wasn’t embarrassed at all.

Anyway, regarding his little secrets, Mu Qingge is well aware.

"By the way, boss. Why did you, a fine lady, pretend to be a man? It tricked me into asking you to eavesdrop with me back then." Fatty Shao finally showed a hint of embarrassment.

Recalling those reckless and youthful antics, Mu Qingge also smiled slightly.

Actually, the person who used to dare to do those mischievous things with Fatty Shao wasn’t her true self. However, the friendship between Fatty Shao and her was something she acknowledged.

For Fatty Shao’s question, Mu Qingge explained with a simple sentence, "Fatty, given the circumstances of the Mu Family at that time, what kind of Mu Qingge would be harmless to the Imperial Family?"

Fatty Shao was stunned, carefully pondering over Mu Qingge’s words.

The Mu Family’s eldest miss?

She would surely be utilized or fought over by those predators coveting the Mu Family’s military power.

The Mu Family’s young lord with exceptional talent?

He might be assassinated countless times before growing up.

It seems only a useless, playful young lord of the Mu Family could keep the authorities at ease.

Fatty Shao sighed and cursed, "That’s why I, Fat Master, hate those power struggles the most!"

Mu Qingge’s gender being hidden from the start, to Fatty Shao, was undoubtedly a sacrifice forced by power struggles. A lady living under the identity of a man, the bitterness within was hard to fully comprehend.

"Boss, now everything’s fine! It’s all in the past. From now on, no one dares to bully you. Whoever lacks foresight, they’ll have to get past me first!" Fatty Shao patted his chest in assurance.

Mu Qingge listened with a smile.

She noticed Fatty Shao’s transformation. Previously, he tried not to burden her; now, after his strength has grown, he hopes to stand before her and shield her from both visible and hidden attacks.

Whether she needs it or not, Fatty’s intentions deeply touched her.

"Fatty, I’m leaving Linchuan soon. While I’m not home, I’ll leave my grandfather to you." Mu Qingge said to Fatty Shao.

Fatty Shao nodded with a sense of loss, somewhat disappointed, "Boss’s cultivation is already so strong, it’s only a matter of time before she leaves Linchuan. I, Fatty, have no big ambitions, probably will remain in Linchuan for life. But it’s my fortune that the boss entrusts Old Master Mu to me! Don’t worry, boss, I’ll take care of Qin Country, the Mu Family, and Old Master. From now on, I’m the old man’s real grandson!"

Mu Qingge laughed, and after restraining her smile, she seriously said, "Fatty, thank you."

"Oh, why be so formal with me?" Fatty Shao forced back the sourness at his nose tip, smiling broadly at Mu Qingge.

The two chatted and laughed, no longer mentioning the matter of leaving.

Suddenly, Fatty Shao said to Mu Qingge with an odd expression, "Boss, now the entire Luodu is spreading rumors about you and the Holy King, are they true?"

"What are they saying?" Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows lightly. She knew that news about her and Si Mo would quickly spread throughout Linchuan.

Fatty Shao smirked cautiously and said, "They say, boss, you’re the Holy King’s woman."

Hmm?

"Nonsense!" Mu Qingge slammed the table, saying with a murderous gleam, "It’s clearly that he’s my man! I’ve even sent the betrothal gifts!"

Fatty Shao was dumbfounded, looking at Mu Qingge, slowly digesting her words, pondering for a long time before finally giving a thumbs-up to her and blurting out, "Boss! You’re awesome!"

Mu Qingge tugged at the corner of her mouth, sitting down with a bit of embarrassment.

"Cough cough, we’ve chatted enough. How about you come back to Luodu with me?" Mu Qingge concealed her awkwardness and said to Fatty Shao.

Fatty Shao nodded, of course.

He left the city precisely to see Mu Qingge earlier.

Knowing Mu Qingge’s return, he had been waiting at this post house for seven days.

Mu Qingge and Fatty Shao left the post house together, riding their horses back to Luodu.

At sunset, they entered Luodu City.

Originally, it should have been dinner time for each household; the streets of Luodu shouldn’t have this many people. Yet, it was bustling, with everyone craning their necks to look at Mu Qingge.

"Look! It’s the Dragon Tooth Guards, the Flame Horse. It truly is the young lord!"

"Is the young lord really a woman as the rumors say? My God! Are my eyes deceiving me?"

"Lord from Shao Family is also here, no mistake! Our young lord is truly this peerless beauty!"

"So beautiful!"

"She’s really so stunning! The young lord was already born extremely handsome, and now dressed as a woman, she’s even more beautiful!"

"Mu Qingge is the pride of Qin Country!"

"Young lord!"

"Young lord!"

"Young lord!"

The voice of the crowd rose one after another, like ocean waves, surging towards Mu Qingge.

The tolerance of the people was profound. To them, Mu Qingge is an almost divine presence that transcends all else.

Whether she is a man or a woman, it wouldn’t change anything.

The enthusiasm of Luodu’s citizens accompanied Mu Qingge all the way back to the long-lost Mu Mansion.

Looking at the familiar residence, the familiar three plaques, Mu Qingge took a deep breath and in her heart said, "Mu Mansion, I’m home!"

The feeling of coming home made Mu Qingge feel very comfortable.

Yet, she immediately felt strange.

By rights, her return to Luodu, such a big commotion on the street should be enough to alert the Mu Mansion. If it were a normal day, even if the old man stubbornly refrained from coming out to greet her, You He, Hua Yue, and the servants of Mu Family, should have come out.

But now, the entrance was cold and deserted, not a single person in sight.

What’s happening?

Mu Qingge was momentarily perplexed in her heart, dismounted and went home.

The Dragon Tooth Guards followed Mo Yang away; returning to Mu Mansion, they did not need to stay close to Mu Qingge. As Mu Qingge entered the mansion, she found that the house was also quite deserted.

’Where is everyone?’ Mu Qingge wondered in her heart.

Sweeping with her Spiritual Sense, she immediately sensed a place where all the energy of the Mu Mansion converged.

Her eyes flashed, swiftly heading towards that place.

"Young lord, you’re back!" As soon as she approached, a house servant from Mu Mansion spotted Mu Qingge. Amazed by her female attire, he only then reacted and blurted out.

As he spoke, the dense crowd immediately parted, revealing the road in the center.

The servants of Mu Mansion curiously observed Mu Qingge, the face with not much change allowed them to accept the fact that Mu Qingge was a woman.

Their young lord, Mu Mansion’s young lord, is a woman!

A woman of breathtaking beauty, exceptional purity, and wild charm!

With nothing blocking her view, Mu Qingge could see directly from outside the courtyard into the hall.

You He, Hua Yue were inside, the old man was also inside.

But when she saw a person who shouldn’t have been there, she exclaimed in shock, "Why are you here?"

In the hall, seated at the main seat was Si Mo, Mu Xiong could only stand cautiously to the side. Hearing Mu Qingge’s surprised voice, he revealed an impeccable smile and said to her, "Of course, I’m here to propose to Old Master Mu personally!"

Propose!

Mu Qingge felt a sudden jolt to her heart!

She widened her eyes, looking at her grandfather. As expected, the old man cast a deeply resentful look towards her...