Chapter 577: Chapter 12: Encountering a Tsunami, Entering the Middle Ages (Second Update)

The purple-gray beam of light shot up into the sky, its mysterious and noble color painting the skies above Duole Island.

As soon as this beam appeared, it immediately drew the attention of everyone on the island.

The Clan King and Queen stood together under the porch, gazing at the brilliant light, while the High Priest stood behind them, his wise old eyes filled with excitement.

Several commanders exchanged looks with glimmers of joy.

On Duole Island, others who were unaware also stopped their actions, gathered in small groups, pointed at the sky’s beam, speculating various guesses.

"Is someone breaking through?"

"Such powerful force, such pure spiritual power!"

"Who is it? To have such a significant breakthrough above the Bitter Sea!"

"It shouldn’t be. Didn’t some people arrive on the island recently?"

In an independent courtyard on Duole Island, Bai Xi originally lay lazily on a tree dozing off but was now awakened by the overflowing spiritual energy. She raised herself, gazing far off towards the Imperial Palace, her eyes gradually revealing a purple-gold hue and her lips subtly curved into a faint smile.

Yin Chen stood outside the courtyard gate with Yuanyuan, resembling a statue in their wait for the returning person.

Yuanyuan looked up at him, "I feel the aura of Mother Boss."

"Qingge has broken through again." Yin Chen nodded in reply, a faint joy curled at his lips.

Mo Yang silently stood under the eaves behind them, having heard their conversation. He slightly pursed his lips, his gaze more resolute. ’Little Lord is becoming increasingly powerful; they must enhance their cultivation, or else how can they keep up with Little Lord’s pace!’

He turned back to the courtyard, where five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards stood in neat formation. When Mo Yang entered, they all directed their gazes onto him.

Mo Yang’s eyes swept over their steadfast faces, and he called out in a deep voice, "Start training!"

The simple four words immediately set the Dragon Tooth Guards into action.

Mo Yang understood, and so did they. If they don’t put in effort, they will be left behind in the near future. It’s not that Mu Qingge doesn’t want them; it’s just that they can no longer keep up with her footsteps.

Hence, they must exert more effort, more strictly meet planned targets, and even continuously surpass them. Only in this way can they qualify to follow Mu Qingge, stepping over thorns together!

Bang—!

A loud noise suddenly erupted in the sky.

The skyward beam burst open in the sky, radiating to all sides, like an enormous purple-gray canopy. At the junctions between those beams and the sky, faint cracks appeared.

This commotion caused many people’s expressions to change drastically. It seemed that this disturbance had already surpassed their understanding.

The Clan King was stunned, subconsciously looking towards the High Priest.

The High Priest also couldn’t hide his shock but when meeting the Clan King’s gaze, excitement erupted.

The stronger and more unexpected Mu Qingge is, the greater the chance of future victory!

Xie Ya stood on the steps in front of her residence, gazing up at the sky which blossomed like fireworks. Her garments fluttered as if she might ride the wind at any moment.

Qing Fu stood silently by her side, watching him.

Princess Xie Ya is extremely beautiful, so much so that she seems beyond mortal beauty, yet she easily captivates mortals.

She seemingly represents the purity of heaven and earth, so clean and flawless.

Even though he knows he can never possess her, he is still entranced and cannot extricate himself. Even if, for countless lifetimes, he can only silently watch, guard, and accompany...

The splendor in the sky finally came to an end.

The purple-gray magnificent radiance gradually disappeared, as if it had never appeared. Duole Island returned to its usual calm, though many continued discussing.

Xie Ya withdrew her gaze, looking towards Qing Fu not far away.

Her bright, insightful gaze suddenly cast over, causing Qing Fu to startle and awaken from his daze.

Qing Fu collected his gaze, lowered his head slightly, and saluted Xie Ya.

"Is there something you need?" Xie Ya asked.

Her tone was calm, her voice ethereal, like celestial music.

Qing Fu slowly raised his head, looked at her, and observed her unearthly beautiful visage, finally speaking, "Is the Princess leaving Duole Island soon?"

Xie Ya’s gaze towards him carried a touch of contemplation.

Her attention made Qing Fu’s heart drum, fearing that the ’sinister thought’ hidden within his heart might be exposed in those bright eyes.

"Yes, I have to leave."

Just as Qing Fu was nearly unable to withstand it, Xie Ya spoke.

She withdrew her scrutinizing gaze, and moved her sight away from him.

The answer caused Qing Fu’s heart to ache faintly. Even though he already knew this answer, hearing it personally still made it hard for him to accept.

"Then... will the Princess return?" Qing Fu forced a weak smile, softly asked.

This question made Xie Ya silent.

Because she didn’t know, she couldn’t give an answer. Once she leaves Duole Island, all of her will belong to Mu Qingge, and her self will cease to exist.

"Then can the Princess take me with her?" Qing Fu, in his excitement, blurted out his inner wish.

As soon as he spoke, he regretted it.

He shouldn’t desire what doesn’t belong to him.

Yet, since he had already spoken, he held onto a sliver of hope.

He looked at Xie Ya, awaiting her answer.

But, after Xie Ya’s silence, she shook her head at him, "No." She herself was merely an appendage forced upon others, how could she take someone else along?

These days, Xie Ya had clearly recognized her identity.

She shouldn’t do things she couldn’t do; she absolutely must not!

Because she knew very well that to Mu Qingge, she was just a map.

Moreover, this map is incomplete and requires another map to appear before it can be effective.

Xie Ya’s reply, let Qing Fu down.

He gave Xie Ya a deep look, finally turned and left.

After Qing Fu left, Xie Ya still stood on the steps, gazing at the sky, asking herself in her heart, "What will the world outside Duole Island, the world beyond the Bitter Sea, be like?"

...

Beside the bed, the layers of gauzy curtains hung around it gently settled down.

As if, the wind that had blown them into chaotic dance had vanished.

Upon the bed, sat a person cross-legged, holding a handful of ash in her hands.

She slowly opened her eyes, her clear gaze reflecting two bright, piercing beams of light, shooting forward like substance.

Instantly, the curtain in front of her turned to ash before her eyes, falling to the ground.

After that, the brilliance in her eyes withdrew, gradually fading away.

Mu Qingge looked down at the ash in her hands. The Quyu Beast Core she had held earlier had disappeared, replaced by this pile of ashes.

The spiritual power contained within the Quyu Beast Core had been fully absorbed by her, converted into her own spiritual power, filling her limbs and bones, all meridians, compressed multiple times in her Dantian.

Mu Qingge had vaguely touched the edge of breakthrough, but no matter how she charged, she couldn’t break through that final barrier.

"It seems without leaving the Bitter Sea, it’s really impossible to break through." Mu Qingge tilted her hand, letting the ashes fall from her palm, murmuring to herself.

When Mu Qingge pushed the door open, she saw You He and Hua Yue who were still guarding outside the door.

The two women sat cross-legged outside the door on the left and right, eyes closed, cultivating.

It seems that even though they’ve been guarding here all this time, they haven’t neglected their own cultivation.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, not disturbing their practice, but rather guarding them.

When You He and Hua Yue awakened from cultivation, meeting Mu Qingge’s smiling gaze, the two of them excitedly stood up, flanking Mu Qingge and calling, "Little Lord!"

Mu Qingge gently nodded, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the two women, affirming their progress, "Hmm, not bad! You’ve improved again."

"Thank you for your praise, Little Lord!" Hua Yue playfully bowed towards Mu Qingge.

You He, however, was more reserved, habitually asking, "Is Little Lord hungry? I’ll prepare some food for you."

"No rush. How long was I in seclusion?" Mu Qingge asked.

"Almost two months," You He replied.

That long!

Mu Qingge was slightly surprised. Then she sighed, ’Time really flies when you’re cultivating!’ She felt as if she had only cultivated for a night, but when she awoke, nearly two months had passed.

She pondered inwardly; she’s been delayed too long on Duole Island and must set out immediately.

After making up her mind, she instructed You He and Hua Yue, "Go find Mo Yang and the others, have them prepare, we’ll leave early tomorrow."

"Yes, Young Lord."

"Yes, Young Lord!"

The Young Lord would leave as soon as she awoke. This is something they had already anticipated, so they were not surprised.

The two women left Mu Qingge’s residence and headed to the courtyard where the Dragon Tooth Guards resided.

As they left, Xie Ya appeared in Mu Qingge’s vision.

"Just in time, I was planning to visit your parents," Mu Qingge said to Xie Ya.

"Then Xie Ya will lead the Young Master," Xie Ya lowered her gaze and replied.

Mu Qingge walked toward her, and as she passed by, suddenly said, "You don’t need to bow and scrape in front of me. Whatever you were, you can continue to be."

Having said that, she strode away from Xie Ya.

Xie Ya was stunned for a moment, then understood the meaning behind Mu Qingge’s words and caught up to her, her expression complex.

Catching up to Mu Qingge, she said nothing more and led the way to where the Clan King and Queen were located.

"Young Master! Congratulations on your significant cultivation progress!"

Upon seeing Mu Qingge, the Clan King immediately came forward.

The Queen, seeing Xie Ya accompanying Mu Qingge, also wore a smile.

Mu Qingge no longer bothered with pleasantries, directly stating to the Clan King and Queen, "I’ve come to inform you that I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning."

Yet, neither the Clan King nor Queen seemed too surprised, saying to her after she spoke, "We’ve long prepared everything, and supplies have been loaded onto the Young Master’s ship. Also..."

The Clan King paused for a moment, then pulled out a map drawn on Spiritual Beast Skin from his bosom and held it out to Mu Qingge.

"Young Master, this is the map of the Ancient Middle Realm South Continent. Once you exit the Bitter Sea, you’ll arrive at the Ancient Middle Realm South Continent. Hopefully, this map will be of help to you."

The Ancient Middle Realm South Continent map!

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, accepting the map.

She did not inquire how the Clan King obtained the map, knowing that the remnant clan would always have its ways. After all, she herself had received a map of the Ancient Middle Realm West Continent from Han Caicai.

Oh, yes!

The original map owner had offered it at Wanxiang Building, asking for Treasure Level Elixirs and Earth Emperor Pills in exchange. Han Caicai had agreed on her behalf, promising to deliver the Earth Emperor Pill within three years.

The three years were almost up. Although Treasure Level Elixir was now achievable for her, she would have to resolve the Le Family’s affairs in the Ancient Middle Realm before she could refine the Earth Emperor Pill and deliver it to Wanxiang Building to complete the trade.

Mu Qingge’s gaze fell upon the map in her hand.

The map’s top was labeled with the words ’South Continent.’ It was densely populated with many cities and markings. Just the map alone conveyed the vastness of the South Continent to Mu Qingge.

And this was only one South Continent!

Considering the entire Ancient Middle Realm... it was at least several times larger than Linchuan.

After glancing at the map, Mu Qingge put it away.

She looked at the Clan King, who was smiling amiably.

With a silent sneer inside, Mu Qingge said, "Since everything’s ready, I’ll head back now." With that, she turned and left, swiftly and decisively.

She left, but Xie Ya did not.

The Queen and Clan King looked at Xie Ya, who remained calm and showed no signs of reluctance or sadness.

The Clan King spoke to her, "Xie Ya, do you know your mission?"

"Xie Ya knows," Xie Ya nodded gently.

The Clan King nodded in satisfaction, "Even though you’re aware, I must remind you once more. You’re the Young Master’s attendant and protector, but you’re also an overseer. For all of us, you must monitor whether the Young Master is a qualified inheritor. When encountering other Young Masters, you must stay clear-headed and weigh all of them, knowing yourself and knowing others."

Xie Ya pressed her lips tightly, nodding.

After the Clan King finished speaking, the Queen led Xie Ya away, saying, "Child, I’ll help you pack your things."

Once out of the Clan King’s sight, the Queen spoke to Xie Ya, "Your father and they think too complicatedly. Xie Ya, you must know that your mother wishes for your happiness. Now the Young Master doesn’t need you, which is good; at least you can think over your feelings after being in contact with him. If you develop feelings for the Young Master, don’t worry about anything else, just focus on aiding him. If you can’t develop feelings, or fall for another Young Master..."

The Queen did not continue, but the fleeting hardness in her eyes exposed her inner thoughts.

Xie Ya keenly captured this, and was slightly shocked within.

She knew everyone has private aspirations, but she didn’t expect her mother to be so bold!

Indeed, the Mu Clan didn’t have just one Young Master; rather, those chosen were merely candidates for Young Master and inheritor of Mu Clan.

The rule set by the Mu Clan was a brutal massacre, only the final victor is the true Young Master! The other candidates either perish or fully support the true Young Master.

The rules are harsh, Xie Ya can’t imagine the dire and adverse situation that forced the Mu Clan to make such a decision!

Of course, all is for the revitalization of the Mu Clan.

In the face of this grand cause, everything else is overlooked.

Like the unjustly chosen candidates, who initially considered themselves the favored ones of heaven, yet did not realize they were like bugs thrown into a jar, where only the strongest survives and the rest serve as stepping stones.

And all remnants will ultimately serve the true Young Master.

Until the results come out, they will support their choices through ruthless competition. But when the final Young Master prevails and their chosen candidate fails or dies, they will submit to the true Young Master!

"Xie Ya, do you remember my words?" The Queen’s call interrupted Xie Ya’s silence.

Xie Ya returned to her senses, looked into her mother’s eyes, comprehending the hidden stringency within.

Finally, under her mother’s strict gaze, she nodded.

The Queen smiled slightly, saying to her, "My dear child, after leaving Duole Island, learn to take care of yourself."

...

A day passed swiftly.

To be able to embark again filled Mu Qingge with hidden excitement.

If the information from the remnants is accurate, then drifting on the Bitter Sea for about three more months would reveal the outline of the Ancient Middle Realm.

"Ancient Middle Realm..." Mu Qingge whispered softly.

Her hand gently stroked the Palace Bell at her waist.

Suddenly, the Palace Bell chimed lightly.

Upon hearing the bell, Mu Qingge’s mouth curled into a gentle smile, her facial features softening. While fiddling with the Palace Bell, she lightly shook it.

The bell’s sound was crisp and ethereal.

It departed from the Palace Bell and flew into the distant sky, traversing time and space, entering a hazy world.

’Ding-ling—!’ The crisp bell sound echoed in the haze, dispersing the mist and revealing the scene within.

Si Mo sat on a massive, fierce, and domineering chair, his white clothes replaced by a Mystic Robe, and his long hair tied up high with a beautiful crown.

His face remained strikingly handsome, seemingly holding the world’s most beautiful scene. The flawless contours always tempted one to draw them carefully.

In his hand, he held a golden Palace Bell, the other end tightly fastened to his waistband.

Staring at the Palace Bell in his hand, there was a gentle smile filled with affection that his subordinates had never seen.

After the bell sound faded away, he waited for a long time, but there was no additional sound.

This outcome seemed to dissatisfy him.

Holding the Palace Bell, he shook it forcefully.

The sound emerged from the Palace Bell, returned along its path, and fell back into Mu Qingge’s Palace Bell, causing it to tremble slightly and emit two crisp sounds.

The sound echoed in Mu Qingge’s ears; her mouth slightly curved, with pride brushing her brows. Yet she did not respond, leaving the Palace Bell unattended.

Having waited for a long while, Si Mo continued to fix his gaze on the Palace Bell, a hint of helpless annoyance arose in his deep amber eyes. He murmured softly, "Little Ge’er is truly mischievous. She hasn’t been gone long and already doesn’t miss me? Seems I should find an opportunity to make her always remember to think of me!"

...

The bitter sea waves, Mu Qingge’s great ship sailed from the Linchuan Ancient Witch Country, unknowingly drifting on the Bitter Sea for nearly ten months.

After the outline of Duole Island disappeared from everyone’s sight, they embarked on a new journey.

However, there was now an additional person on board, the Princess of Duole Island, Xie Ya.

She boarded alone, taking on the identity of Mu Qingge’s attendant on the ship.

Having left Duole Island, she did not become wrapped in solitude as others might have thought, isolating herself in cold detachment, disturbed by sorrow.

She remained the noble and holy Princess Xie Ya, as cool and serene as the moon.

Her eyes remained bright, seemingly imbued with the magic to see through the hearts of people.

Xie Ya stood at the bow of the ship, facing the wind. The sea breeze lifted her simple gown, making her robe flutter noisily. Her hair was still pinned up high, though the golden hairband had been replaced with a more subdued silver one.

Yet, this did not diminish her beauty.

In her hand, there was now an icy blue sword.

The scabbard was exquisitely decorated, inlaid with various gemstones, luxurious and holy.

When she brought this sword aboard, Mu Qingge immediately noticed it was a divine artifact, not of a lower level than her Linglong Spear.

This divine treasure sword once again refreshed Mu Qingge’s understanding of the remnants’ wealth.

Of course, besides Xie Ya, the Clan King also had several chests brought onto the ship.

When opened, Mu Qingge found that they were filled with stones containing spiritual energy, though the spiritual power within these stones was not as abundant as those she had pried out from the Trial Space.

Later, the Clan King told her that these stones were low-level spirit stones, commonly used as currency in the Middle Ancient Realm and could also be used for cultivation, though their effect was limited.

Besides the dozen boxes of low-level spirit stones, there were five boxes of intermediate spirit stones, three boxes of advanced spirit stones, and a small box of top-grade spirit stones.

According to the Clan King, these were meant for her expenses in the Middle Ancient Realm.

The Clan King informed her that in the Middle Ancient Realm, a hundred low-level spirit stones could be exchanged for one intermediate spirit stone. Ten intermediate spirit stones could be exchanged for one advanced spirit stone. Ten advanced spirit stones could be exchanged for one top-grade spirit stone, which were usually priceless.

Calculating it out, ten thousand low-level spirit stones could be exchanged for one top-grade spirit stone.

The gold and silver jewels Mu Qingge brought from Linchuan, in the Middle Ancient Realm, were only enough to have a meal, stay at an inn, and then be exchanged for low-level spirit stones.

If attending an auction or large trading venues, spirit stones were basically used as currency.

The Clan King’s warm hospitality was hard to refuse, and Mu Qingge naturally did not reject it hypocritically.

After leaving Duole Island, she repeatedly examined the boxes of spirit stones.

As she walked to the small box of top-grade spirit stones, her brow suddenly twitched. The spiritual energy emanating from these spirit stones was very similar to those she had brought from the Trial Space.

Mu Qingge picked up a piece of top-grade spirit stone from the box, examined it carefully, then took out a stone from the Trial Space for comparison.

A surprising discovery made her eyes curve with delight.

"What an unexpected surprise!" Mu Qingge muttered to herself.

The top-grade spirit stones sent by the Clan King confirmed that the pile of spirit stones she had pried from the Trial Space were all top-grade spirit stones.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge felt a sense of overnight wealth.

The uncontrollable curve of her mouth piqued the curiosity of You He and Hua Yue behind her.

"Little Lord, are you alright?" After a while, Hua Yue couldn’t help but ask.

Mu Qingge laughed, "I’m fine, never better!" She only regretted not prying a bit more back then.

"You He, Hua Yue," Mu Qingge called to the two, "divide these spirit stones. One hundred low-level spirit stones, five intermediate spirit stones, three advanced spirit stones per bag, and distribute them to everyone."

The Dragon Tooth Guards already had top-grade spirit stones, all taken from the Trial Space.

Previously unaware of their value, they had always treated them as auxiliary for cultivation.

By dividing the spirit stones, Mu Qingge hoped her people wouldn’t come across as shabby when they ventured out. Having these spirit stones handy would ensure they didn’t seem too constrained when expenditures arose.

You He and Hua Yue immediately began to follow Mu Qingge’s instructions.

Just then, Bai Xi appeared at the cabin door, lazily leaning against the door frame, arms crossed over her chest, watching Mu Qingge with a schadenfreude smile.

Mu Qingge looked at her and raised an eyebrow in confusion.

It seemed she didn’t understand why Bai Xi found it amusing.

Heading towards the door, Mu Qingge said, "Has anyone ever told you that your smile deserves a punch?"

Bai Xi continued to smile alluringly, softly entwining Mu Qingge’s arm and leaning on her shoulder, her voice sweet and childish, "That Xie Ya, how do you plan to deal with her?"

"What do you mean, deal with her?" Mu Qingge frowned.

But Bai Xi chuckled, "Even this snake can see it clearly, and you’re pretending to be clueless?" Bai Xi pointed at Xie Ya’s back on the deck and mischievously said to Mu Qingge, "She is your woman!"

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched hard, unwilling to argue.

However, after that night, she believed that Xie Ya would also clearly understand what she truly meant to her.

"Qingge, I want to be your woman too!" Bai Xi suddenly hugged Mu Qingge’s shoulders, acting coquettishly.

Mu Qingge rolled her eyes and coldly snorted, "Alright! Come to the room to serve me tonight."

Bai Xi smiled enchantingly, "I couldn’t wish for more."

Mu Qingge pulled Bai Xi’s hand away and walked towards Xie Ya on the deck.

Approaching her, she looked at Xie Ya’s sword and said, "Bringing a Divine Artifact to the Middle Ancient Realm?"

"It’s said that in the Middle Ancient Realm, although not everyone has a Divine Artifact, it’s not uncommon either," Xie Ya replied.

Mu Qingge felt a bit awkward, realizing her own ignorance.

She looked at her finger cover—she still preferred the Linglong Spear in this form, rather than carrying a spear publicly everywhere she went.

Xie Ya turned to look at her.

Xie Ya’s figure was slender, quite tall among women. But in front of Mu Qingge, she was still half a head shorter.

Pressing her lips, Xie Ya’s gaze settled on the sword in her hand.

Suddenly, a flash of blue light, and the stunning treasure sword transformed into a simple ice-blue hairpin. Xie Ya picked up the hairpin and inserted it into her bun.

"Both my father and mother hoped I could secure my position as a servant through beauty and body, at least stronger than another servant. They say that a servant is a special existence for a master, more than just a slave. If I can occupy a place in your heart, it would be beneficial for them, for the remnant tribe we represent." Xie Ya spoke, always gazing into Mu Qingge’s eyes.

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes were calm, not showing any change due to Xie Ya’s words.

After a moment of silence, Xie Ya continued, "But I think, by assisting you, offering my strategies, I can make you acknowledge me with my wisdom, bringing honor to my family."

Her tone was earnest, and she looked sincere.

Mu Qingge studied her. After a while, she smiled, "Your understanding is far superior to that of your parents."

With that, she turned and left.

After taking just two steps, Mu Qingge stopped and said to Xie Ya, "The map you carry, I’ll find another way to get it—I won’t force you against your will to do anything you don’t want to."

With that, she strode away.

Xie Ya watched her back, her expression suddenly growing complex.

...

With Xie Ya’s guidance and the automatic navigation capability of the giant ship, everything seemed simpler.

The giant ship moved forward daily, and the Dragon Tooth Guards returned to their initial routine, practicing and undergoing various training daily. An added task was raising their own Flying Spirit Beast.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingge continued her cultivation; when tired, she’d practice alchemy, refine artifacts, or ponder over the Dragon Tooth Guards’ combined martial technique.

Yet, the combined martial technique wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight.

The Dragon Tooth Guards were now using those martial arts Mu Qingge had previously devised to train for mutual understanding, along with some small-scale combined techniques involving only a few people.

Bai Xi and Yin Chen continued their roles as lookouts, while Yuanyuan was retrieved by Mu Qingge into the Trial Space, accompanying Mengmeng.

Xie Ya remained very silent on the ship, observing Mu Qingge’s group quietly. Occasionally, she’d think about something, and for some time, she too would cultivate.

The days passed one by one.

The Bitter Sea seemingly showed no change, yet everyone knew they were getting closer to the Middle Ancient Realm.

As they neared the Middle Ancient Realm, they intensified their cultivation.

In a blink, three months passed.

The Dragon Tooth Guards’ Flying Spirit Beasts had all matured, capable of carrying them for brief flights in the sky. The Dragon Tooth Guards gradually fell in love with this feeling of soaring in the sky, adding ’flight training’ to their daily routine.

"Have everyone wait on the deck," Mu Qingge instructed Mo Yang.

By the time she came from the cabin, the five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards, including You He, Hua Yue, and even Xie Ya, were already standing on the deck.

Once everyone was gathered, Mu Qingge waved her hand, and neatly arranged plaques appeared on the deck.

These plaques seemed to be made of mutton fat jade, completely snow-white, as if flowing with milk.

The front of the plaques bore the words ’Dragon Tooth Guards.’ The reverse side was blank, but each corner had exquisite patterns.

"Take one each," Mu Qingge pointed to the plaques.

The Dragon Tooth Guards followed her instructions and individually took the plaques in their hands.

Finally, there were three plaques left on the deck, without ’Dragon Tooth Guards’ inscribed, instead they bore each of their names.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, as You He and Hua Yue immediately picked up their respective plaques.

Xie Ya, in confusion, also picked up her own.

Only then did Mu Qingge say: "Channel your spiritual energy into the plaques."

Following her instructions, everyone infused their spiritual energy into the jade tokens. Before long, the blank side of the jade tokens began to change. The Dragon Tooth Guards’ plaques each revealed their own names, while those of You He and the others gained a mysterious totem.

Everyone, amazed, looked at the plaques in their hands, casting puzzled glances at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge, in front of them, raised her hand, and a jade token fell from her hand. The string of the jade token was clasped in her hand. "This plaque records your aura, and once you probe it with spiritual power, you can know each other’s situation," she paused before saying, "Strictly speaking, it’s to know each other’s life or death. Once deceased, the aura will vanish. We don’t know what the Middle Ancient Realm is like; everything starts from zero. The purpose of this plaque is not to record your life and death but to facilitate communication between us."

As Mu Qingge spoke, she tapped the jade token in her hand three times with her fingertip, causing the other jade tokens to flicker thrice. She tapped once more, and everyone’s jade tokens flickered once.

This strange scene greatly surprised the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Then Mu Qingge said, "Wear these jade tokens close to your body and do not lose them. Later, I will tell you what the different flashes represent, and you must fully master it in the shortest time. From now on, when on missions, use the jade tokens to communicate and pass messages."

Mu Qingge’s words made the Dragon Tooth Guards’ eyes light up.

Each one curiously examined the jade token in their hand, occasionally tapping it, observing the other jade tokens’ reactions.

Seeing them engrossed, Mu Qingge did not interrupt.

She merely summoned Mo Yang and handed him a few sheets of paper that had been prepared earlier.

"On this paper are the meanings of the different numbers of flashes of the jade tokens. Learn it thoroughly and then teach them. It must be mastered before entering the Middle Ancient Realm."

"Yes, Young Lord!" Mo Yang responded, accepting the paper from Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked at You He, Hua Yue, and Xie Ya, and said to the three of them, "You will learn too."

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Yes, Young Master."

The three women replied, voluntarily moving towards Mo Yang.

Having said what needed to be said, Mu Qingge returned to the cabin. She didn’t prepare with Bai Xi and Yin Chen since their connection was much stronger than the jade tokens, making it unnecessary.

Over the next three days, the Dragon Tooth Guards earnestly studied, with Mu Qingge’s jade token almost constantly lighting up from morning till night.

Apart from some common commands, the ’secret codebook’ Mu Qingge gave also included keywords related to her, such as Southern Continent, Le Family, West Continent, Sang Family...

A combination of different flashing numbers formed a sentence, representing a message.

This was very similar to the code system she had learned in her previous life, almost completely copied over.

While observing the jade token, Mu Qingge knew there were still many drawbacks.

Nevertheless, it was currently the best long-distance communication tool. To get better, she would need to develop the communication devices from her previous life in this Otherworld.

Mobile phones? Telegraphs?

But such things required base stations and signals.

She really didn’t have time to develop a communication network and establish base stations in this Otherworld.

Shaking her head, Mu Qingge brushed aside the wild thoughts in her mind.

Suddenly, her jade token flashed five times rapidly.

Her gaze shifted slightly as she picked up the jade token and walked out.

The meaning of rapidly flashing five times was to gather quickly.

Upon immediate observation, Mu Qingge thought it was practice. But recalling that before this flash, the jade token hadn’t lit up for a while, she decided to go out.

Arriving on the deck, Mu Qingge saw everyone gathered at the bow of the ship.

’What has piqued everyone’s curiosity?’

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow slightly, walking towards them.

"Young Lord!" You He was the first to spot Mu Qingge and immediately alerted the others.

Everyone quickly restrained themselves, spreading apart to make a path for Mu Qingge to walk through.

Mu Qingge walked to the front, seeing a blurred outline of a continent faintly visible in the mist. It seemed as if behind that smoky veil lay another world.

"Is that the Middle Ancient Realm?" Mu Qingge asked softly.

Bai Xi, standing in the lookout, replied, "If our direction is correct, it should be."

’Finally... have we arrived?’ Mu Qingge’s heart subtly surged with excitement as she gazed at the blurred outline of the continent.

At this time, Xie Ya said, "At this distance, we should reach the offshore area in about two days. Another half day to land once we reach the offshore."

Her voice also carried a hint of expectation.

After all, she had never left Duole Island, her life confined to the Bitter Sea. The Middle Ancient Realm was a place she had never set foot in.

"What is that!" Suddenly, Yin Chen, standing on the other side of the lookout, pointed behind them and shouted loudly.

Everyone turned back quickly, suddenly seeing massive waves hundreds of Zhang high, linking sea and sky, rushing towards their direction rapidly.

A tsunami!

Mu Qingge’s eyes widened intensely!

"Oh no! It’s a tsunami! We must escape the tsunami’s range as soon as possible. I’ve never seen such a massive tsunami. If we don’t escape in time, we’ll be swept into the seabed!" Xie Ya quickly said.

In an instant, Mu Qingge appeared at the ship’s helm, slammed her hand on the wheel, infusing it with her spiritual power, and instructed everyone, "Collect everything and bring your flying spirit beasts."

She had already planned two strategies: if the ship’s speed couldn’t outpace the tsunami, they would abandon the ship. Ride the flying spirit beasts and evade the tsunami.

Although Mu Qingge didn’t have her own flying spirit beast, Xie Ya did.

Her green bird was quite fast and could carry two people without difficulty.

Mu Qingge waved her hand, placing Bai Xi and Yin Chen into her space. She returned to the cabin to store everything in the space before returning to the deck.

The ship’s speed reached its limit, yet it still couldn’t rival the speed of the approaching tsunami behind them.

It seemed that beyond their visible tsunami, even more powerful waves were concealed, with the real terror lying beneath the sea’s surface.

"It’s too late!" Xie Ya exclaimed to Mu Qingge, You He, and Hua Yue, "Everyone needs to leave immediately, target the Southern Continent of the Middle Ancient Realm."

"Young Master!"

No one wanted to leave her behind.

Mu Qingge, looking at them earnestly, said, "Only if you leave safely, can I leave in peace."

The Dragon Tooth Guards, along with Hua Yue and You He, answered and then mounted their spirit beasts and soared into the sky.

In an instant, Mu Qingge’s eyes shrank. "We’re out of time!" The first wave of the giant tide had already reached the back of the ship.

Releasing her spiritual power, Mu Qingge directly collided with the first wave.

She needed to stop the reach of the tsunami, buying time for the Dragon Tooth Guards to escape.

Though Mu Qingge herself was without a flying spirit beast, Xie Ya’s azure bird was exceptionally fast, capable of carrying her away from the tsunami.

Mu Qingge raised her spiritual power, meeting the tidal wave directly, shredding its initial onslaught. But as the momentary pause ended and the seawater began to crash down, a second wave rose high, threatening with its roaring charge towards Mu Qingge...