"Don’t be too happy yet, this misleading potion only affects the Simurgh for at most one incense stick’s worth of time." Mu Qingge spoke another life-threatening sentence before the crowd could celebrate their escape from the Simurgh’s jaws.

The crowd’s expressions froze, their eyes wide, staring at her.

Mu Qingge touched her nose and shrugged, "This is already the strongest effect." If the Simurgh were so easy to deal with, would it still be alive for so long?

"In that case, we should leave quickly." Xie Ya suggested.

An incense stick’s time isn’t long enough to go far, but it’s better than staying here waiting to die.

But—

"Princess Xie Ya, our flying spirit beast has crashed." One of the clan’s members stood out to remind them.

Xie Ya frowned slightly.

This indeed presents a tricky problem; without the flying beast, they cannot travel far, and her little green is now too weak to carry any weight for flight.

Unconsciously, she shifted her gaze to Mu Qingge.

"Since you have a way to knock out the Simurgh, you must have a method to escape." Xie Ya said.

Mu Qingge smiled, "I don’t have a way to escape, but there is a risky gamble worth trying." Her words left the crowd confused, frowning.

Instead of acting immediately, Mu Qingge said to Xie Ya, "Of course, you don’t have to stay to accompany us in this gamble; you can leave now. Perhaps there’s still a ray of hope."

"Easy for you to say, how can we leave now?" someone muttered from the clan’s side.

Xie Ya turned her gaze, warning them with her eyes.

Then she looked back at Mu Qingge, pursing her lips, "To be honest, we have lost our flying beasts and cannot leave. This sea territory is vast, and there are no small islands where we can temporarily land. Simply using spiritual power to fly won’t take us far; even if we escape the Simurgh’s pursuit, we will end up exhausting our spiritual power and falling into the sea."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow slightly, suddenly saying, "It seems there are differences between the clan and the Sea Demon Clan."

Xie Ya was startled, not understanding the meaning behind her words.

However, Bai Xi understood.

Mu Qingge meant that, although the clan also lives in this sea territory, they haven’t evolved to freely move and even fight underwater like the Sea Demon Clan.

"Alright, if that’s the case, let’s gamble together." Mu Qingge’s lips curled, fiddling with the Black Coal in her hand.

"What is this? Black Coal?" Bai Xi’s gaze fell on the Black Coal in Mu Qingge’s hand, asking in confusion.

Xie Ya looked over, sharing the same doubt in her eyes.

Mu Qingge didn’t explain to them, instead, she took the Black Coal step by step, closer to the Simurgh.

The Simurgh was deeply asleep, its breathing steady. Approaching closer, you could smell a faintly sweet fragrance, making you feel drowsy. If Mu Qingge hadn’t taken the antidote beforehand and had a resilient constitution, she would have fallen asleep before reaching the Simurgh.

"Bai Xi," Mu Qingge suddenly stopped in front of the Simurgh, calling out.

Bai Xi was stunned, immediately appearing before her.

Mu Qingge stared at the Simurgh and asked, "Where is this creature’s vital weak point? I want a one-hit kill!" As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Bai Xi, her eyes slightly cold.

Bai Xi looked at her in shock, exclaimed, "You’re crazy! Without Star Sand Xuanwu Gold, we can’t break through its defense at all. If you act recklessly, it might awaken immediately, and then we’ll be in big trouble."

Mu Qingge was indifferent, "Maybe we have it?"

Bai Xi’s expression froze, his gaze falling on the Black Coal in her hand, his lips pulling a little, "You’re not going to tell me this chunk of Black Coal is Star Sand Xuanwu Gold, are you?"

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying.

Bai Xi shook his head slowly, "Although this thing does look like Star Sand Xuanwu Gold on the outside, you must know that Star Sand Xuanwu Gold is extremely rare, let alone such a long piece? I advise you not to take the risk!"

"You just need to tell me where its weak point is." Mu Qingge said, her gaze returning to the Simurgh’s massive body.

"Do you really want to do this?" Bai Xi’s eyes showed a hint of complexity, confirming with Mu Qingge once again.

Mu Qingge nodded.

Bai Xi bit his lip, "You must know, I awoke because of your blood. Once you die, I will be free, ending this bond. If you don’t want to die, I can take you away; even if the Simurgh wakes up, it might not catch us. Moreover, we can hide in your space and wait for three months, then come out once the Simurgh sleeps again. You really don’t need to risk it."

Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at him, a trace of coldness in her clear eyes. "Bai Xi, have I ever told you I won’t abandon anyone?" Her voice carried a few hints of anger.

"You have!" Bai Xi said puzzled, "But, with your extraordinary talent and great fortune, you’re destined to become incredible. For others, are you really willing to risk it like this? Even if it means losing your life here?"

Mu Qingge looked at him and laughed silently. After the laugh, she spoke to Bai Xi with a firm voice, "How can I become strong if I can casually abandon those who follow me in times of danger?"

Bai Xi’s body trembled slightly, it was as if something had slammed into his heart.

"Tell me its lethal weak point." Mu Qingge said sternly.

Bai Xi’s eyes were extremely complex, ultimately compromising and pointing to Quyu’s flat head: "Its Beast Core is hidden in the brain, as long as you can extract it, it will surely die."

Mu Qingge looked at Quyu’s head...

Quyu’s head was a full zhang in size. Where exactly was the Beast Core located?

"It’s between its eyes," Bai Xi pursed her lips and added another sentence.

Mu Qingge looked at her, reading the worry in her eyes, and smiled, "Don’t worry, have confidence in me."

After speaking, she went towards the front of Quyu’s head, standing at the position between its eyes.

Mu Qingge’s gaze locked onto Quyu’s brow, her hands gripping Black Coal and lifting it high.

"If you actually kill it and obtain its Beast Core, absorbing the energy within will be a huge benefit to you," Bai Xi suddenly said.

Benefit? Hmm?

Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes, a flash of brilliance passing through the slit.

Suddenly, she infused Spiritual Power into Black Coal, and her raised hands fell harshly.

Poosh—!

Blood splattered!

The sound of piercing came, causing Bai Xi, who was closest, to widen her eyes in shock and look at Mu Qingge. No, more accurately, she was shocked at the Black Coal in Mu Qingge’s hand.

"Is that really Star Sand Xuanwu Gold?!" Bai Xi was extremely shocked.

At the same time, from behind, members of the remnant family were also surprised and said, "He is going to kill Quyu!"

"Roar—!"

The intense pain woke Quyu from its light sleep.

Upon waking, an overwhelming aura surged. The pressure pressed down like a giant mountain, causing everyone on the island to be unable to stand, forced to kneel on the ground, coughing up fresh blood.

And the first to bear the brunt was Mu Qingge.

Being closest to Quyu, it nearly deafened her with its enraged roar upon awakening.

Quyu looked at her, its eyes now soaked with blood, but it did not diminish its murderous aura and hatred towards Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge bit her teeth, gripping Black Coal tightly, forcefully tearing to enlarge the wound.

This action caused Quyu to roar furiously again, soaring from the ground, taking Mu Qingge into the air with it.

"Qingge!" Bai Xi tried to save Mu Qingge but was directly overturned by the furious air currents from Quyu, flying several zhang back.

"Little Lord—!"

"Qingge!"

From the ground came shocked cries from everyone.

Even Xie Ya couldn’t help but worry for Mu Qingge.

In front of Quyu, Mu Qingge appeared incredibly tiny, her small body suspended in air, relying solely on her grip on Black Coal to avoid falling.

Quyu fiercely shook its head, trying to throw her off.

However, Mu Qingge clung as if glued to its body, impossible to shake off.

The irate Quyu swung its steel-whip-like long tail over, furiously lashing Mu Qingge’s back.

With just one hit, Mu Qingge’s clothes on her back were torn, revealing a patch of skin. But the skin was not as delicate and smooth as imagined, instead it was bloody and mangled.

This strike made Mu Qingge let out a muffled groan.

And on the ground, everyone’s face turned pale, hearts suspended in fear.

Naturally, the remnant family was most worried not about Mu Qingge’s safety but feared her failure, unable to kill Quyu, meaning everyone there would face certain death.

The burning pain on her back was searing.

Yet Mu Qingge’s expression grew colder, holding on even tighter instead of loosening her grip.

This caused Quyu to rage completely.

Its tail whipped again and again at Mu Qingge, attempting to force her to let go. But Mu Qingge seized Black Coal, biting her lips as she struggled to propel herself upwards.

When her hand touched Quyu’s brow wound, she unhesitatingly thrust her hand inside, grabbing the Beast Core within, and viciously yanked it out!

"Roar—!"

The fear of death, the fury of being ambushed, and the pain of the beast core being removed left Quyu twisting in the air with Mu Qingge.

Its slender tail wrapped around Mu Qingge, squeezing her fiercely.

It seemed as if it wanted to cut Mu Qingge into pieces!

The suffocating feeling from within turned Mu Qingge’s face to a purplish hue. She gritted her teeth and with the last of her strength, severed the final link between the beast core and Quyu.

"Aw—!"

A desperate wail escaped from Quyu’s mouth, filled with unwillingness and anger.

On the broken island, the pressure that weighed down everyone diminished sharply, restoring their ability to move.

"Qingge—!"

"Qingge—!"

"Boss—!"

"Little Lord—!"

Almost the moment they regained their ability to move, those connected to Mu Qingge rushed out.

Bai Xi, Yin Chen, and Yuanyuan all leaped into the air, heading straight for Mu Qingge!

"He actually killed Quyu!" Xie Ya looked at Quyu’s falling corpse, disbelief filling her eyes.

Quyu’s corpse slammed hard towards the sea.

At the moment it hit the water, the Queen of the Clan, riding a Simurgh, arrived. She witnessed the scene of Quyu falling into the sea, and at the same time, a slender red figure also fell along with Quyu.

Yet someone different rushed over to catch that red figure.

What happened!

The Clan Queen’s eyes flickered with surprise.

But soon, she found her daughter’s figure on the island, ruined by Quyu.

"Xie Ya!" She called softly, diving towards the island on her Simurgh.

"Qingge!" Bai Xi reached to catch Mu Qingge’s falling body first.

"Cough, cough." Mu Qingge coughed up blood, her body already stained with it, her back a blurred mess of flesh. Yet in her hand, she still held ’Black Coal’ and Quyu’s beast core.

Bai Xi landed quickly with Mu Qingge.

At the same time, she noticed the incoming Simurgh from afar.

She exchanged a glance with Yin Chen, who silently nodded, vigilantly watching the newcomers.

"Boss, how are you! Wuwuwu..." Yuanyuan’s small face was tear-stained as she looked at Mu Qingge’s forlorn state, feeling extremely aggrieved.

Mu Qingge forced a smile, saying to them, "I’m fine, just need a bit of rest."

She could feel her wounds were slowly healing at that moment.

But indeed, Quyu had been ruthless enough, almost crushing her organs and nearly breaking her bones.

"I’ll take you back to the cave to rest," Bai Xi said, then headed in another direction with Mu Qingge.

The Clan Queen noticed this but only glanced at it before turning her attention back to her daughter.

"Xie Ya!" Approaching the island, the Clan Queen called excitedly.

Xie Ya, upon seeing her mother, was surprised for a moment, then immediately went to her. "Mother!"

"Xie Ya, are you alright?" The Clan Queen grabbed Xie Ya’s hands, inspecting her nervously from head to toe.

Xie Ya shook her head, "Mother, I’m fine." Her tone had returned to calm, appearing once again as the elegant and pure Clan Princess.

"Queen!"

The Clan warriors, upon seeing their Queen, immediately came over to salute.

The Clan Queen glanced at them, "You’ve worked hard."

Then, she looked at the Dragon Tooth Guards standing on the other side, expressions cold and stern.

Five hundred Purple Realm made her eyes narrow slightly.

She looked at Xie Ya, seemingly wanting answers from her.

"Mother, they are..." Xie Ya briefly explained the situation.

"I see." After hearing the explanation, the Queen finally understood what had happened. ’It seems that the person I saw falling earlier was the master of these people.’

Facing Quyu, the master stepped forward to protect the subordinates. Such a human is truly rare!

The Queen slightly smiled and said to Xie Ya, "Since you have benefited from them, we must surely express our gratitude."

Xie Ya said to the Queen, "Mother, I promised that if I survived this ordeal, I would guarantee and request Father to allow them passage through the sea."

The Queen gently patted her hand and said, "We will discuss this later."

Why discuss it later?

Xie Ya frowned slightly, as if not understanding her mother’s dismissive tone.

The Queen walked over to the Dragon Tooth Guards, her gaze landing on Mo Yang.

Suddenly, two figures descended from the sky, with Yin Chen and Yuanyuan appearing on Mo Yang’s sides.

Their appearance caused the Queen’s eyes to sharpen slightly.

Suddenly, she smiled, "Don’t misunderstand. Your master saved my daughter and a hundred Clan warriors, and I came to express my gratitude."

"Our master is not present, say what you have later," Mo Yang coldly replied.

In fact, besides tempering himself slightly in front of Mu Qingge, he was always cold to everyone else.

His response made the Queen’s smile stiffen a bit.

At this moment, Xie Ya approached and led her mother away.

Once far enough, Xie Ya asked, "Mother, what are you planning?"

The Clan Queen glanced at her daughter and said, "These people have the ability to kill Quyu; their strength is not to be underestimated, and their origins are likely not simple."

Xie Ya understood this.

However, she didn’t understand what this had to do with their Clan.

To the Clan, these people were just passersby.

They were simply crossing through, perhaps never to meet again, so why bother investigating their backgrounds?

Mu Qingge didn’t stay away for long.

She merely changed into clean clothes, took an elixir to aid recovery, and returned to the shore with Bai Xi.

Quyu’s beast core was temporarily stored away in her space.

Although Bai Xi mentioned that absorbing it would be highly beneficial, now wasn’t the right time.

Bai Xi mentioned that more Clan people seemed to have arrived, riding a Simurgh, likely of some significance. Her Dragon Tooth Guards were still on the shore, so she needed to go see.

"I truly didn’t expect you to kill Quyu." On the way, Bai Xi was still in disbelief.

Mu Qingge, however, smiled lightly with indifference, "No life is eternal; they all have weaknesses. Once you find those weaknesses, killing them isn’t that hard."

"You speak as if it’s easy. Do you know we all held our breaths for you?" Bai Xi grumbled.

If it weren’t for Mu Qingge’s unique constitution, how could she withstand Quyu’s assault?

Even though Mu Qingge seemed fine now, it was only an appearance. If she were to fight again, she couldn’t muster any spiritual power at all.

"It’s all in the past." Mu Qingge’s mouth curved into a light smile, filled with relief.

Every seemingly deadly situation, once passed, feels like nothing in hindsight.

...

On the shore, although Xie Ya stopped the Queen from probing into Mu Qingge’s group, the Queen still pondered their origins in the dark.

Judging by their direction, they should have come from the Linchuan Realm.

And in the Linchuan Realm, what kind of background would someone have to lead five hundred Purple Realm guards across the Bitter Sea? Moreover, the other two seemed extraordinary.

Silver hair and blood-red eyes are not possessed by just anyone.

And the child, so exquisitely cute, stood with an imposing air, definitely not an ordinary child.

"Mother, they are not humans." Xie Ya whispered in the Queen’s ear.

This fact did not perplex the Queen; she had already suspected as much in her heart.

"That man should be the Snow Fox King transformed, and that child seems to be an Abnormal Fire," Xie Ya added.

"Snow Fox King! Abnormal Fire!" This time, the Queen of the Heritage Clan was a bit shocked.

Xie Ya added, "And the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python."

What!

The Queen gasped, looking at Xie Ya, and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure it really is the Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python?"

Xie Ya nodded seriously.

"Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, Snow Fox King, Abnormal Fire, along with these warriors not weaker than our clan. Who on earth is this person?" The Queen murmured to herself, slowly narrowing her eyes.

"Little Lord!"

A sudden shout interrupted the thoughts of the Queen of the Heritage Clan.

She lifted her gaze towards the direction of the voice and saw that striking red figure.

Indeed, it was the person she noticed upon arriving.

Beside Mu Qingge, was Bai Xi. When the Queen’s gaze landed on her, she snorted coldly and gazed back.

In her eyes, there was such intense hostility that cooled the Queen’s gaze somewhat.

As they approached, the Queen’s gaze fell back on Mu Qingge.

When she saw her clearly, her eyes suddenly contracted, as if amazed by Mu Qingge’s appearance.

However, in the next moment, she felt her blood suddenly surge, the same kind of emotion that rose when Xie Ya first met Mu Qingge.

In front of Mu Qingge, she unbelievably felt an urge to kneel and submit!

Perhaps Xie Ya wouldn’t know what this feeling meant. But the Queen of the Heritage Clan, not just the queen of the whole clan, but also the Southern General guarding the Southern Sea, knew clearly where this unprecedented feeling came from!

"May I ask, what’s your last name?" The Queen suddenly asked Mu Qingge.

Her voice carried a faint hint of excitement, along with other emotions.

Mu Qingge was taken aback, subtly raising an eyebrow.

She looked at the Queen of the Heritage Clan, seeing her trying to hide her excitement, yet she didn’t understand.

"My surname is Mu." There was nothing to hide about her surname. It’s impossible that these people of the Heritage Clan were once enemies of the Mu Family, and now that enemies are meeting, they’ll seek revenge!

As far as she knew, since the Mu Family migrated to the Linchuan Realm, no one ever left again.

So how could they possibly have enmity with the Heritage Clan?

"Surname Mu! So it is Mu!" The Queen of the Heritage Clan revealed a look of joy, mixed with a complex expression.

Mu Qingge, however, was puzzled, not at all understanding why her surname would prompt such a reaction from the Queen of the Heritage Clan.

"Mu!" Xie Ya was also a little confused. Suddenly, she realized something, and with wide eyes looked at her mother, "Mother, could it be..."

The Queen grabbed her hand, interrupting her words.

Xie Ya pressed her lips tightly, looked at Mu Qingge with shock, her expression also suddenly becoming complicated.

The Queen stepped forward and said to Mu Qingge, "Since you’re crossing the sea, why not come to Duole Island with us first? After such a great battle, since you have killed Quyu and removed a harm for us, our Heritage Clan should properly thank you. You can bring your people and rest on Duole Island for a while, then continue onwards."

Mu Qingge looked at her with doubt, seemingly contemplating the true intent of her words.

After a while, she slowly nodded. "Then I’ll take you up on that." To cross the sea, passing through the Heritage Clan is inevitable. Since they have extended the invitation, no matter the danger ahead, why not take the plunge?

With mutual agreement, Mu Qingge released the large ship, and everyone boarded, even the Queen of the Heritage Clan forsaking the Simurgh to travel with them.

Once on board, Bai Xi quietly said to Mu Qingge, "Did you notice, after you mentioned your surname, the Queen’s tone had a hint of respect."

Mu Qingge also noticed this, which was why she felt puzzled. "Perhaps an ancestor of the Mu Family once did them a favor?" This reasoning was somewhat far-fetched, but it seemed to be the only plausible explanation at the moment.

"All I feel is that they are strange, you must be careful. Don’t be swayed by beauty!" Bai Xi finished speaking, and then looked ambiguously at Xie Ya.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, saying to Bai Xi helplessly, "Speaking of beauty, if I were to be swayed, it would be by you first!" With that, she playfully nudged Bai Xi’s pointed chin.

"Alright! I couldn’t be more pleased," Bai Xi’s eyes revealed a seductive charm, she leaned softly toward Mu Qingge’s embrace.

Unfortunately, Mu Qingge mercilessly dodged, avoiding Bai Xi’s advances.

Bai Xi ended up in empty air and could only glare at Mu Qingge cutely.

The ship was large, with the people of the Heritage Clan and Mu Qingge’s people essentially separated. There was no immediate amicability from merely sharing a vessel.

However, the Queen of the Heritage Clan frequently glanced at Mu Qingge, her exploratory gaze hiding nothing.

With the directions from the Heritage Clan, Mu Qingge’s ship gradually approached the main island of the Heritage Clan—Duole Island.

When they arrived at Duole Island, a scene of silence greeted them, to everyone’s surprise.

Xie Ya looked at the Queen.

Mu Qingge also looked at the Queen.

The Queen then explained, "I left Duole Island because the High Priest predicted that Quyu would awaken. Right now, they should be unaware that Quyu is dead and are still in the Underground Palace."

After her explanation, the Queen instructed Xie Ya, "Go invite your father, the Clan King, and the High Priest. I will first take Mr. Mu to the palace to wait."

"Okay," Xie Ya responded, took another glance at Mu Qingge, and then summoned the blue bird. By this time, the blue bird had also recovered considerably, carrying Xie Ya as it flew toward Duole Island.

Watching Xie Ya leave, the Queen said to Mu Qingge, "Mr. Mu, please come with me. Someone will take care of your people."

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, saying to the Queen, "I appreciate your kindness. However, my people are numerous. If we rashly set foot on the island, it might cause unnecessary disputes. Better to have them stay on the ship for now."

The Queen smiled faintly, not insisting.

She merely arranged for the Heritage Clan to take care of the Dragon Tooth Guards.

And Mu Qingge followed the Queen off the ship.

"Qingge, I’ll go with you," Bai Xi blocked their path.

Mu Qingge looked at her deeply, then smiled, "You stay and I can be at ease."

The phrase ’I can be at ease’ startled Bai Xi.

She understood Mu Qingge’s intention and did not insist further. She only gave Mu Qingge a look, signaling her to be careful.

Their interaction was not lost on the Queen. She said nothing, just kept smiling warmly at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge left, following the Queen onto Duole Island.

Duole Island was vast; if not for the Bitter Sea surrounding it, standing on it would make one think they were on a continent.

The island’s inhabitants, as the Queen had said, had taken refuge in the underground palace to avoid Quyu. Therefore, the entire island felt desolate, devoid of human presence.

In the center of the island stood a large palace.

This should be the Clan King’s residence on Duole Island!

"Mr. Mu, please." The Queen led the way and brought Mu Qingge into the palace.

The buildings on Duole Island were not overly luxurious, but they carried a kind of heritage and tradition. The decorative patterns and arrangements exuded an ancient air.

Mu Qingge stood in the hall, examining the place, becoming curious about the origins of the Heritage Clan.

From Sea Demon Talisa, she learned that the Heritage Clan was not native to the Bitter Sea but had migrated here thousands of years ago.

But why did they settle on the Bitter Sea? And where did they come from?

While Mu Qingge was puzzled, footsteps came from behind her.

She turned to look and heard the Queen beside her call out, "Clan King."

With a fixed gaze, she saw three people approaching.

One of them was Xie Ya.

The other two, one was elegantly refined and poised, the other was white-haired and gaunt. Their walk order easily revealed who the Clan King was.

As Mu Qingge observed them, they were also observing Mu Qingge.

At first sight of Mu Qingge, the Clan King and the High Priest both had their eyes shrink suddenly with shock.

The Clan King even unconsciously raised his hand to his chest.

It seemed as if he could feel his blood pulsing there.

Their reactions made Mu Qingge narrow her eyes slightly.

If it were only the Queen acting this way, it might be let go. But as the Clan King and, according to the Queen’s earlier mention, the white-haired elder was the High Priest of the clan, two people with extraordinary identities and status, why would they react this way upon seeing her?

Could it be that the Mu Family really has some connection with the Heritage Clan?

Mu Qingge pondered silently in her heart.

"This..." The Clan King looked at his Queen in shock.

The Queen gave a barely noticeable nod, walked from Mu Qingge’s side to the Clan King and the High Priest, and whispered, "Young Master is surnamed Mu."

Mu!

This surname, hidden in their hearts for a thousand years, reappeared before them, causing the Clan King and the High Priest to involuntarily gasp and widen their eyes.

Xie Ya stood behind the three of them, his expression calm, silently watching Mu Qingge, with a complicated look in his eyes.

The Clan King glanced at the High Priest, whose eyes could hardly conceal his shock.

He gave a barely noticeable nod to the Clan King and stepped forward, saying to Mu Qingge, "May I ask where Young Master Mu hails from?"

Suppressing her puzzlement, Mu Qingge replied, "Linchuan."

Linchuan! Linchuan!

The High Priest’s hand trembled slightly within his sleeve, and he asked again, "Young Master’s ancestors are from Linchuan?"

Mu Qingge fell silent, her clear eyes staring at the High Priest. Under his anticipation, she faintly uttered, "Yes."

Yes?

A hint of disappointment flashed in the eyes of the Clan King and the Queen, while Xie Ya blinked, a mix of relief and disappointment rising in his heart.

"Yes?" The High Priest frowned, slowly shaking his head and muttering to himself, "That feeling can’t be wrong." After saying this, he spoke more firmly to Mu Qingge, "Young Master need not worry, we won’t harm you."

His words rekindled hope in the eyes of the Clan King and the Queen.

But Mu Qingge was even more puzzled.

She asked, "Mu, what does this surname mean to you?"

The High Priest did not answer but instead took out a small white bowl, with a luster as warm as jade, crystalline and translucent, its material unknown. He held it in front of Mu Qingge and asked, "Would Young Master be willing to drop a drop of blood into it?"

"Drop blood?" Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes slightly, uncertain about their intentions.

"Young Master, rest assured, it will bring you no harm!" The High Priest feared Mu Qingge would refuse and hurriedly added. Seeing Mu Qingge unmoved, he continued, "I heard Young Master came to Bitter Sea to head to the Middle Ancient Realm. If Young Master is willing to cooperate with us, I will certainly ask the Clan King to grant you passage."

This temptation was indeed significant for Mu Qingge.

If one drop of blood could guarantee passage, it seemed quite worthwhile.

But could this old man really make the decision?

Mu Qingge raised her gaze toward the Clan King.

As soon as the Clan King met her eyes, his expression changed. He immediately said, "Young Master, don’t worry. Regardless of the outcome, I will allow passage."

Mu Qingge’s gaze lightly lifted, scanning the faces of those around her one by one.

Finally, under their expectant eyes, she raised the right hand that had been behind her back and placed it above the small bowl. The finger cover on her right index finger caused a flicker of surprise in the High Priest’s eyes.

Mu Qingge used the sharp edge of the finger cover to lightly slice a small wound on her thumb.

Crimson blood flowed from the cut and dripped into the small bowl.

As Mu Qingge’s blood dripped into the bowl, the High Priest held it as if it were a precious treasure and carefully retrieved it.

"Xie Ya, quickly heal Young Master." The Clan King instructed Xie Ya.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, refusing, "No need. This doesn’t even count as an injury."

The High Priest fixed his eyes on the small bowl in his hand, so tense that he didn’t want to miss any detail.

Mu Qingge frowned slightly, unable to comprehend the purpose behind their actions.

"It’s merging! It’s merging!" Suddenly, the High Priest exclaimed with joy. He presented the bowl to the Clan King and the Queen, allowing them to witness the change with their own eyes.

Mu Qingge grew curious as well, eager to know what had happened to her blood that would surprise them so.

But before she could see, she felt two gazes fall upon her.

She turned and met the clear, bright eyes of Xie Ya.

Ugh! Why was he looking at her?

Mu Qingge couldn’t fathom the meaning conveyed in Xie Ya’s gaze as he looked at her.

Meanwhile, the Clan King and the Queen were also overjoyed by the change in the bowl.

"It’s true! It can’t be wrong!" The Clan King spoke, his tone trembling slightly.

The Queen was equally moved, clutching the Clan King’s hand, "We’ve finally waited long enough!"

"Hey..." Mu Qingge, completely bewildered, couldn’t help but speak up.

The High Priest abruptly turned, looking at Mu Qingge.

His gaunt features, twisted in excitement, startled Mu Qingge.

"Young Master, look..." The High Priest, smiling, presented the small bowl in front of Mu Qingge.

Look? Look at what? Isn’t it just her blood?

Mu Qingge was skeptical internally, yet still curious, she lowered her head to take a look.

Suddenly, her pupils contracted, ’Damn! Where’s her blood?’ The small bowl was spotlessly clean, without a trace of blood.

Mu Qingge raised her head, her expression cold, staring at the High Priest with icy eyes.

"Young Master, calm down! Allow me to explain!" The High Priest hastily said.

"What’s going on?" Mu Qingge asked, frowning in a low voice.

The more she interacted with this remnant tribe, the stranger and more inexplicable it felt. If possible, she really wanted to curse, ’A bunch of lunatics!’

The High Priest took a deep breath, calming himself.

He handed the small bowl to Mu Qingge once more and explained, "This bowl is made of bone, and only blood with the same lineage can merge into it."

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly.

She understood the High Priest’s words. In other words, the person whose bone was made into this bowl shared a bloodline with her?

Suddenly, her face darkened, "Did your tribe kill my Mu Family’s ancestors?" Otherwise, how could they explain the bone bowl they held? Surely, the Mu Family didn’t remove their bones and give them to be made into bowls, did they?

"No—! Absolutely not! We wouldn’t dare!" The High Priest exclaimed in terror.

The Clan King stepped forward then, suddenly dropping to his knees before Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge widened her eyes, instinctively avoiding his kneel.

The Clan King looked at Mu Qingge, his voice tinged with sorrow, "Young Master, we’ve waited here for thousands of years and finally waited for you!"

What the hell!

Mu Qingge felt as though she had been hit with a thousand points of shock. She kept a straight face, her gaze slowly moving from the Clan King to the High Priest, then to the Queen, and finally sweeping over Xie Ya, before falling back on the Clan King.

"Are you... out of your minds?" After a moment, Mu Qingge’s tone turned unkind.

If it were someone else who said this, they would’ve long been slapped to death.

Don’t be fooled by the appearance that the Clan King and the others seemed just at the peak of the Spiritual Movement Stage. It’s because the Bitter Sea suppresses one’s realm; no matter who comes here, their cultivation will be suppressed to the Spiritual Movement Stage.

Of course, if someone’s cultivation was below the Spiritual Movement Stage, they would naturally retain their original level.

However, this offending statement came from Mu Qingge’s mouth.

They could only endure it!

"Young Master, there are many things you may not understand now, but you will in the future. Just know that we mean you no harm, only help, and that is enough!" The Clan King said to Mu Qingge ’affectionately.’

Mu Qingge squinted, sneering, "I never accept inexplicable kindness."

Her response left the Clan King, the High Priest, and the Queen at a loss for words.

Mu Qingge kept a cold face as she addressed them, "I’ve asked what I needed to know, and I’ve seen what I wanted to see. If there’s nothing else, let us through."

"Wait!" the Clan King exclaimed to stop her.

Mu Qingge chuckled coldly, "What? Want to go back on your word?"

The Clan King, looking at Mu Qingge, quickly answered with determination, "No matter the result, I will allow you passage."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lifted slightly, and her gaze swept over them one by one.

Finally, amid their expectant gazes, she raised her right hand from behind her back, placing it above the small bowl. The finger cover on her right index finger made the High Priest’s eyes flicker with a trace of surprise.

Mu Qingge used the sharp part of the finger cover to lightly cut her thumb, letting a tiny wound form.

Crimson blood flowed from the cut, dripping into the small bowl.

Mu Qingge’s blood fell into the small bowl, and the High Priest cautiously cradled it as if it were a precious treasure.

"Xie Ya, quickly heal Young Master," the Clan King instructed.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twisted into a slight smile, refusing, she said, "No need. It’s nothing."

The High Priest kept his eyes on the bowl, too tense to miss any detail.

Mu Qingge furrowed her brows slightly, unable to understand the motivation behind their actions.

"It’s merging! It’s merging!" The High Priest suddenly exclaimed in excitement. He brought the bowl to the front of the Clan King and the Queen, allowing them to witness the change.

Mu Qingge was also intrigued, eager to see what had happened to her blood to cause such surprise.

However, before she could take a peek, she felt two gazes on her.

Turning her eyes, she met Xie Ya’s bright and transparent eyes.

Uh! Why was he looking at her?

Mu Qingge couldn’t comprehend the meaning behind Xie Ya’s gaze at her.

On the other side, the Clan King and the Queen were equally joyous after witnessing the change in the bowl.

"Yes! It can’t be wrong!" The Clan King’s voice quivered lightly.

The Queen was also deeply moved and grasped the Clan King’s hand, exclaiming, "We’ve finally waited long enough!"

"Hey..." Mu Qingge, completely confused, couldn’t help but speak.

The High Priest quickly turned and looked at Mu Qingge.

His emaciated face contorted with excitement, startling Mu Qingge.

"Young Master, look..." The High Priest, smiling broadly, presented the small bowl to Mu Qingge.

Look? At what? Isn’t that just her blood?

Mu Qingge grumbled internally but still looked down curiously.

Suddenly, her eyes narrowed sharply, ’What the hell! Where’s her blood?’ The bowl was immaculately clean, with not a trace of blood.

Mu Qingge lifted her head, a cold expression on her face, she stared at the High Priest, her eyes flashing coldly.

"Young Master, calm down! Let me explain!" The High Priest hurriedly said.

"What’s going on?" Mu Qingge asked, her voice low and frowning.

The more she delved into this remnant tribe, the stranger she found it, and the more uncanny it felt.

The Clan King then came forward, suddenly kneeling before Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked down at him, her face cool, as she said, "You, what exactly, have you been waiting for me for thousands of years?"

The Clan King, looking at Mu Qingge, spoke with sorrow in his voice, "Young Master, we have waited here for thousands of years, and we have finally waited for you!"

"Hey..." Mu Qingge was perplexed, unable to hold back her words.

The High Priest suddenly turned around, looking at Mu Qingge.

His bony face contorted with excitement, causing Mu Qingge to jump in surprise.

"Young Master, look..." The High Priest grinned, holding the small bowl out to Mu Qingge.

Look? Look at what? Isn’t it just her blood?

Mu Qingge muttered internally, but still looks down out of curiosity.

All of a sudden, her gaze narrowed, ’Damn! Where is her blood?’ The small bowl was spotless, without a trace of blood.

Mu Qingge looked up again, her face stern, and fixed her cold gaze on the High Priest, a fierce gleam flashing in her eyes.

"Young Master, please don’t be angry! Listen to me!" The High Priest quickly said.

"What’s really going on?" Mu Qingge asked with a frown and a deep voice.

The more she interacted with this remnant clan, more peculiarities unfolded, puzzling her further. Moreover, how could they explain that bone bowl without involving her Mu family’s ancestors?

"Wait!" The Clan King interrupted.

Mu Qingge sneered, "What? Regret it now?"

"No matter what, Young Master, you must pass," the Clan King quickly replied with determination.

Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes and said with a cold smile, "I never accept inexplicable kindness."

Her response left the Clan King, the High Priest, and the Queen momentarily speechless.

She then said coldly, "I’ve asked what needed to be asked; I’ve seen what needed to be seen. If there is nothing else, let me through."

The Clan King, the High Priest, and the Queen could do nothing but acquiesce!

筋头,没有人轻歌说出这话,他们越发觉得她像极了那位那个人.