The shattered stones fell from the wall and hit the ground.

This sound broke the eerie silence, startling everyone awake from their shock, their minds quickly recalling what had just happened...

Uh, was the Dou family’s steward beaten?

Yes! And by a woman who seemed fragile, yet looked as beautiful as an immortal.

Was that punch heavy?

Mhm, very heavy! Didn’t you see how the Dou family’s steward turned into a puddle of mud?

"You... how dare you lay hands on the people of the Dou family!" Coming to his senses, one of the Dou family’s servants pointed at Mu Qingge, Xie Ya, Jing Hai, Shi Bo, and others, his voice trembling slightly.

Under his voice, the other servants quickly ran to the steward’s side, prying his almost lifeless body from the wall.

A fleeting look of discomfort flashed across Xie Ya’s exquisite face.

She walked behind Mu Qingge, and in a low, remorseful tone, she said, "I’m sorry, Young Master." She was apologizing for acting on her own earlier and beating the Dou family steward.

A cold smile played at the corner of Mu Qingge’s mouth. She ignored her and stepped forward, facing the Dou family’s servants, "The person has already been beaten, and you still ask whether we dare?"

"No! No no no... it’s none of my business, I don’t know them! What they did has nothing to do with me!" At this time, Shi Bo sat on the ground, utterly frightened, waving his hands desperately.

His reaction brought a hint of disappointment and heartache to Jing Hai’s eyes.

Perhaps, he never expected his childhood friend to abandon him in such a moment. Moreover, he really tried to kill him just now!

If not for Mu brother and the others...

The sorrow in Jing Hai’s eyes deepened, and he knew in his heart that the dagger Shi Bo raised at him earlier was not just a playful act. Had no one stopped him, he truly would have plunged that dagger into his chest.

The truth made the pain in Jing Hai’s eyes deepen further. He said to Mu Qingge and Xie Ya, "Mu brother, you must leave quickly!" As he spoke, he struggled to stand, addressing the Dou family’s servants, "This has nothing to do with them, it’s all because of me! If you’re going to kill someone, kill me! Come on! Kill me! If you don’t kill me today, I will definitely avenge today’s humiliation someday!"

Jing Hai stood up shakily, but in reality, he was already at the end of his strength, hanging on merely by willpower.

Yet he still stumbled forward to stand in front of Mu Qingge, spreading his arms to shield her.

"You brat, do you think you can still live! None of you will end well!" The Dou family’s servants yelled angrily but didn’t dare to make a move. After all, Xie Ya’s punch from earlier still carried some deterrent power.

"Xie Ya, help him away," Mu Qingge instructed Xie Ya softly.

Xie Ya’s expression stiffened, pressing her lips, and she quickly walked to Jing Hai’s side to help him leave.

But Jing Hai was stubborn too, unwilling to leave, repeatedly urging, "Sister, go quickly! The Dou family holds significant power in Haiyu City. You need to leave before they realize what’s happening."

Then he added apologetically, "I’m sorry. It’s my fault for bringing you here. I dragged you into this, now you must go quickly!"

Xie Ya shook her head, saying to him, "Stop talking now, Mu brother will handle everything."

With that, she pulled Jing Hai to one side.

Once cleared, a pellet of elixir was flicked into Xie Ya’s hand.

"Give it to him to swallow," Mu Qingge’s voice followed.

Xie Ya nodded slightly and without hesitation, immediately pushed the elixir into Jing Hai’s mouth.

After taking the elixir, Jing Hai instantly felt a relaxed sensation throughout his body. He looked at Mu Qingge in shock.

Mu Qingge spoke indifferently, "No need to thank me, you sheltered us for a night; consider this repayment for today’s events."

She glided her eyes over Shi Bo on the ground, then looked at the Dou family’s people, "I will take this youth away, if the Dou family has any objections, feel free to find me."

With that, she turned and walked away, Xie Ya supporting Jing Hai as they followed behind her.

They left boldly, their steps not hurried in the slightest. The Dou family’s servants, on the contrary, dared not obstruct them. After hesitating for a while, they sent someone to follow from afar, while the remaining ones took the steward back to report to their family head.

Shi Bo was left behind.

No one would bother with him now.

As Jing Hai was helped away, he gave Shi Bo a complex look before biting his lip and averting his gaze.

"Here will do," Mu Qingge stopped at an inn with decent decorations after walking a short distance. She stepped in, directly requesting three superior rooms from the innkeeper.

As they took Jing Hai into the inn, the Dou family’s servants had also arrived, watching them enter.

In another concealed corner, the Li family’s servants witnessed this scene and immediately turned away.

Inside the room at the inn, Mu Qingge instructed the waiter to bring hot water and purchased a clean yet simple outfit for Jing Hai based on his size.

When the hot water was brought in, Mu Qingge took out a bottle of green potion, pouring it into the water, before turning to Xie Ya, "Bring him over."

Xie Ya nodded and helped Jing Hai over to the wooden tub, placing him inside.

Jing Hai sat in the tub, looking bewildered.

However, shortly after, he could feel a peculiar force in the water seeping through his skin, healing his wounds.

Jing Hai’s mouth hung open in shock as he looked at Mu Qingge and Xie Ya.

Mu Qingge offered no further explanation, merely saying, "Undo your clothes and soak inside for half an hour." With that, she left the room with Xie Ya.

Even with the door closed, Jing Hai remained in a haze.

Did he really not believe they left so easily? That the Dou family didn’t come to trouble them?

...

After leaving Jing Hai’s room, Xie Ya followed behind Mu Qingge in silence, pressing her lips together.

Mu Qingge suddenly halted, her tone slightly cold as she said, "Only this once, never again."

Xie Ya’s body trembled, her head bowed lower, softly replying, "Yes."

"Hitting someone isn’t wrong," Mu Qingge added before entering her room.

Xie Ya paused for a moment, savoring Mu Qingge’s words.

He meant that it wasn’t wrong for her to act, the mistake was in not seeking his approval!

Xie Ya exhaled an almost imperceptible sigh.

"It seems this identity requires further adaptation," she murmured softly and walked towards Mu Qingge’s room.

"Young Master, the Dou family will likely come soon, as will the Li family... should we still stay in Haiyu City?" Xie Ya asked.

Mu Qingge picked up the teapot from the table.

Xie Ya hurried over, taking the teapot from her hands to pour her tea.

Mu Qingge glanced at her before slowly saying, "Exactly for that reason, staying in the city is the safest."

Xie Ya set the teapot down, looking at Mu Qingge, confused.

Mu Qingge said nothing more, only savoring her tea. In truth, the tea served at this inn wasn’t exceptional. Additionally, Mu Qingge wasn’t someone versed in tea.

Do not forget, she once was a frivolous idler devoid of any real skills.

So, the quality of the tea for her served only one purpose: to quench her thirst!

On the street outside the inn, two groups were approaching from different directions.

When they both arrived in front of the inn, they were taken aback.

A strange atmosphere emerged at the inn’s entrance. The people passing by instinctively took several steps back, clearing a large space at the entrance.

The Dou Family was led by another steward. However, compared to the guy who had been injured by Xie Ya before, he seemed much more advanced and imposing.

Seeing the people opposite, he walked forward with his head held high and declared arrogantly, "The Dou Family is handling matters here, irrelevant people, disperse."

The arrogant tone barely acknowledged the presence of the people opposite.

The people opposite actually did break into two columns at his command.

However, before the smug smile on the corner of his mouth could climb to its highest point, he suddenly froze, his eyes widening as he stared at the figure walking towards him from the middle.

"Li... Li Family Head!" His expression changed, and his previously proud posture immediately turned into a bowing humility. He even broke out in a cold sweat at the temples.

If the Li Family Head were just the Li Family Head, as an advanced steward of the Dou Family, he naturally wouldn’t be afraid.

The problem was, Li Yuntao was not only the Li Family Head, but also the top expert in Haiyu City!

He was someone who could crush him with a mere gesture, and no matter how much he relied on the Dou Family’s influence, he didn’t dare to act arrogantly in front of Li Yuntao.

The Dou Family steward’s face changed dramatically, his smile became awkward as he asked with a forced grin, "Why would the Li Family Head come here?"

A cold smile flickered across Li Yuntao’s lips as he looked at the Dou Family steward with mocking eyes and said, "Does Li need to report to your Dou Family wherever I go?"

The Dou Family steward shuddered all over and quickly replied, "No, no, we don’t dare!" His smile became more and more ugly, and the corners of his mouth began to twitch. He had important tasks to attend to, following orders to capture the unruly person who dared to insult the Dou Family on the street. Now, arriving at the place where that unruly person was hiding, he encountered a formidable presence from the Li Family, and it was Li Yuntao personally attending. What to do now?

A myriad of thoughts flashed through his mind, and the Dou Family steward could only tentatively ask, "Li Family Head, our Dou Family needs to handle some affairs here, could you... maybe grant some convenience?"

"Oh? What a coincidence, our Li Family also has matters to attend here." Li Yuntao coldly interrupted the Dou Family steward’s words.

The smile on the Dou Family steward’s face froze, and the muscles of half his face twitched along with his already stiff smile.

To him, it seemed as if Li Yuntao was deliberately making things difficult.

The Dou Family had business here, and he also had business here? Could it really be such a coincidence?

The Dou Family steward didn’t realize that it really was just that coincidental! Moreover, not only did they both need to attend to matters in the same place, but they were also looking for the same person!

The Dou Family steward’s eyes flickered, seemingly pondering a solution.

Shortly after, he squeezed out a smile again and said to Li Yuntao, "In that case, how about our two families take care of our own affairs?"

Li Yuntao laughed coldly, his eyes narrowing with a piercing gaze. The mocking glance, like a knife, shot at the Dou Family steward, making his scalp tingle, wishing only to leave this place quickly!

The Dou Family steward shivered suddenly and quickly said, "Then please let the Li Family Head handle your affairs first, and we will proceed afterward."

The conduct of the Li Family was notoriously arrogant and overbearing in Haiyu City, and he didn’t want to hit the muzzle of Li Yuntao!

Li Yuntao swept over him contemptuously and instructed the people he brought, "Guard this place well, and don’t let anyone in!" With that, he stepped towards the inn.

The Li Family members immediately closed in, forcefully squeezing the Dou Family members to the side, guarding every entrance and exit of the inn, sealing it watertight.

The onlookers speculated why the Li Family Head had come personally. Occasionally, someone would discuss how the Dou Family, now considered the first family in Haiyu City, had already been overshadowed by the Li Family.

Various discussions circulated among the crowd.

At this time, Li Yuntao was already standing in front of the innkeeper.

"Li... Li Family Head..." The innkeeper trembled as he stood in front of Li Yuntao, completely clueless about what had happened to warrant the appearance of such a distinguished figure.

"I didn’t know what brings the Li Family Head here?" The innkeeper steadied his mind and asked with a nervous smile.

Li Yuntao glanced at him from the corner of his eye and asked arrogantly, "Let me ask you, has your inn taken in a young master dressed in red, with outstanding looks and exceptional demeanor?"

The innkeeper was stunned, and the image of Mu Qingge immediately surfaced in his mind.

Without any hesitation, he nodded and eagerly replied, "Yes, yes, with him, there’s also an ethereal lady and a young boy with a gentle appearance." After a pause, he added, "However, the young boy seems to be seriously injured."

"All right, tell me which room he’s staying in." Li Yuntao impatiently interrupted the innkeeper.

He had no concern for the others, as long as the person he was looking for was indeed there.

"Yes, yes, Li Family Head, please follow me," the innkeeper discreetly wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly led the way in front.

...

In the room, Mu Qingge held the Jade Token for communication with the Dragon Tooth Guards, occasionally tapping it lightly.

After tapping it, she stored the Jade Token away.

The message she sent to the Dragon Tooth Guards was ’Floating Guest,’ but before they entered the Middle Ancient Realm, they were unaware of such a profession, so the password book they compiled then didn’t include those two words, forcing Mu Qingge to use a homophone as a substitute.

"I hope they understand my meaning," Mu Qingge murmured.

On the way to the Middle Ancient Realm, she had pondered how to establish herself upon arriving there.

The Middle Ancient Realm held many mysteries and was a completely unfamiliar place to her, so she had to rely on her own strength and abilities to establish a foothold.

The profession of a Floating Guest provided her with much inspiration.

In fact, the more she understood it during her interactions, the more she felt that the profession was tailor-made for the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Knock, knock—!

The sudden sound of knocking interrupted Mu Qingge’s thoughts.

There were many details that needed to be discussed in person with Mo Yang and the others. The hint she gave them about being a ’Floating Guest’ was also to hope they’d have some understanding of it before meeting, aware of her intentions.

"Come in." Mu Qingge composed herself.

The door opened, and Xie Ya entered. Her appearance was cold and otherworldly, carrying an ethereal aura. She walked up to Mu Qingge and said in a low voice, "Young Master, the Li Family Head is just outside."

A gleam flashed in Mu Qingge’s eyes, and she smiled faintly, "He should have come."

"Young Master, did you know that the Li Family would come for you?" Xie Ya asked in surprise upon hearing Mu Qingge’s words.

Mu Qingge simply smiled without answering, instead instructing her, "Xiao Hai should be almost done. Go check on him."

"Yes." Xie Ya said no more, just gave Mu Qingge a deep look before withdrawing.

Once she left, Li Yuntao appeared at Mu Qingge’s doorway.

"Li Family Head, please come in." Mu Qingge took a clean teacup from the tray, placed it opposite herself, and poured tea into it from the teapot.

Li Yuntao stood outside, quickly assessing Mu Qingge.

Suddenly, his pupils subtly contracted in shock! He couldn’t discern the cultivation of the red-clad young man before him... such a situation only had two explanations. Either this person knew the Secret Method to conceal his aura, perfectly hiding his cultivation, or his cultivation far surpassed Li Yuntao’s, making him indiscernible.

Regardless of whether it was the former or the latter, it was not to be underestimated by Li Yuntao.

Because, if he mastered the Secret Method to conceal his aura, it indicated that his origins were anything but simple. Such a method was typically unavailable even to ordinary families.

If it was the latter possibility, it was even more terrifying. A young man of such age, possessing a cultivation that surpassed even him, the so-called top expert of Haiyu City, what did that signify?

In just an instant, Li Yuntao’s mind swirled with countless thoughts.

He returned to normal and stepped into Mu Qingge’s room, sitting across from her. After closer observation, he grew increasingly surprised.

Mu Qingge’s aura was extremely strong, indicating that her personal strength was extraordinary.

Combined with her enchanting androgynous beauty, Li Yuntao felt a sense of awe, ’No wonder his arrogant daughter demanded not the opponent’s life after being bullied, but the opponent themselves!’

The phrase "A beauty that brings disaster" drifted through Li Yuntao’s mind.

"May I ask your name, sir?" Li Yuntao spoke first after sitting down.

"Mu Qingge." Mu Qingge raised her teacup, gesturing toward Li Yuntao.

’Mu Qingge? Last name Mu?’ Upon hearing Mu Qingge’s name, Li Yuntao’s brows furrowed slightly. In his impression, among the notable families in the Southern Continent, none carried the Mu surname.

Seeing his expression, Mu Qingge smiled faintly, dismissively saying, "Family Head Li need not overthink. I merely come from an insignificant small family."

Li Yuntao was stunned, scrutinizing her with disbelief.

Such beauty, such poise, could it really come from an insignificant small family?

A disciple from an insignificant small family could still remain so calm before him? Moreover, he couldn’t see through her strength at all.

"If Mr. Mu finds it inconvenient to elaborate, I shall not pursue the matter further," Li Yuntao said ’empathetically’ after a while.

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, not bothering to explain.

She merely murmured in her heart, ’Sigh, these days, no one believes the truth anymore. Where is the trust between people?’

Little did she know, her ’mysterious’ smile further convinced Li Yuntao of his own speculation.

Mu Qingge was likely just a pseudonym; the person before him must be a core disciple from a prominent family undergoing training. Perhaps with a mission, or constrained by family rules—thus using a pseudonym while traveling.

"Has Family Head Li come today because of your daughter’s matter?" Mu Qingge toyed with the teacup, a slight smile on her lips.

As the topic turned serious, Li Yuntao gathered his earlier thoughts. He looked at Mu Qingge earnestly and said, "My daughter has always been spoiled, and a little lesson now can be beneficial."

"Oh?" The playful look in Mu Qingge’s eyes intensified, "The Family Head Li I’ve heard of doesn’t seem as understanding as you appear now!"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Li Yuntao’s face before he sighed heavily, somewhat helplessly saying, "It’s merely the protective facade of my Li Family in Haiyu City."

’It begins...’ Mu Qingge slowly lowered her gaze, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of her lips.

"Mr. Mu has just arrived in Haiyu City today, but you should have heard about the situation here. In Haiyu City, the Dou Family is the oldest, thus having more prestige. The Bai Family follows, and my Li Family is the youngest. Before I gained fame, my Li Family in Haiyu City was deemed second-rate or even third-rate. Later, due to my rapid advancement in cultivation, I became the top in the city, which elevated the entire family’s status, allowing us to quickly develop and join the ranks of the three major families. However, the foundation of my Li Family remains the weakest, unable to compare with the other two..."

Li Yuntao began to confide sincerely with Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge did not interrupt, simply listening quietly.

"...In Haiyu City, if the Li Family were seen as a hardworking, progressive family—one in development—Mr. Mu might have heard tales about the Li Family by now." Li Yuntao chuckled bitterly, "The Li Family is an emerging family. The Dou Family and the Bai Family, especially the Dou Family, absolutely won’t allow the Li Family to continue developing! If the Li Family didn’t present themselves as arrogant and reckless, like nouveau riche, the two families would have long collaborated to ostracize us, or even destroy us!"

Saying this, Li Yuntao’s hand on the table involuntarily clenched into a fist.

"Only by making the Dou and Bai Families feel the Li Family poses no threat can we have the opportunity to breathe and develop. For thirty years, the Li Family spent thirty years convincing the people of Haiyu City that our family only produced unlearned, idle prodigals. Even talented disciples are considered arrogant and lack prospects, thus not a threat." As Li Yuntao spoke, he was already gritting his teeth, his tone conveying the frustration in his heart.

Clearly, despite being the top expert in Haiyu City, he was forced to live with a mask on. Not only him but the entire family.

Suddenly, a trace of wistfulness appeared in Mu Qingge’s eyes.

The Li Family seemed much like another Mu Family.

Wasn’t the Mu Family back then just as cautious? To avoid the Venerable Emperor’s fear, Mu Xiong could only endure again and again, while she too had to pretend to be a useless and pompous young lord.

The difference is, Mu Xiong has a loyal heart and would not commit regicide or treason, so she had to do it for him. But Li Yuntao’s self-concealment was not just for safety.

He, too, has his ambitions!

In a daze, Mu Qingge saw the ambition hidden in Li Yuntao’s eyes.

He seemed like a hungry wolf lurking in the shadows, waiting for the best time to strike and capture his prey. After prolonged hibernation, he could no longer suppress the burning ambition within him.

He was unwilling to continue thus; he wanted to truly stand at the pinnacle of Haiyu City!

"Isn’t there a ranking competition among the families?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked, interrupting Li Yuntao’s indignation.

This so-called ranking competition was information she obtained while interrogating the ’lord’ of the Le Family. It seems that among the great families in the Middle Ancient Realm, there is also a strict hierarchy.

Different levels come with corresponding interests and entanglements.

Therefore, each family’s ranking competition is extremely important for every family.

Back then, the Le Family’s person who could find ’Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures’ secretly entered the Linchuan Realm, causing a Qinling beast tide and dragging the Mu Family Army into it, only to be slapped into meat paste by Si Mo. Later, the Le Family sent people to seek revenge, only to be killed by Mu Qingge and Gu Ya in the depths of Qinling. This brought about three members of the Le Family, nearly flipping Tiandu of Qin Country, and firmly established Mu Qingge’s resolve to eradicate the Le Family, this parasite on the bone!

The Le Family’s relentless pursuit was because the family ranking competition was about to begin. The Le Family needed that ’talented’ person’s gift to help them gain more and better resources and opportunities in the final moments.

Since there’s such a competition, why did Li Yuntao want to become the ’king’ of Haiyu City but still lie dormant for thirty years?

Mu Qingge’s words carried a question, but they also made Li Yuntao more convinced of his own assumptions. Mu Qingge must be a new member of a prominent family, having some understanding of secular family matters but not in detail.

"Indeed there is a family ranking competition, but those are just what’s on the surface, too illusory and fake." Li Yuntao sneered, his tone filled with endless mockery.

Mu Qingge slightly frowned.

"The Dou Family is deeply rooted, and the Bai Family is not much different. The family ranking competition is a power struggle in every city, and each time it is held, officials from the State Mansion come to supervise the competition. They claim it’s for fairness and justice, but in reality, what counts isn’t the family’s foundation; it’s how many Spirit Stones and treasures are sent in secret." Li Yuntao spoke disdainfully.

From his words, Mu Qingge vaguely understood that transactions appearing fair are the darkest and most likely to provoke resistance.

"To change the family’s status, besides the ranking competition, there’s only one way." Li Yuntao’s eyes gleamed with a sharp cold light.

He looked at Mu Qingge and suddenly said, "Li intends to cooperate with Mr. Mu. Once successful, Li promises to share this Haiyu City with you!"

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, and her lips curled up, "Why should I believe you? Isn’t the head of the Li Family afraid of confessing his heart to a person he’s meeting for the first time?"

Li Yuntao smirked, his gaze becoming sharper. All emotions were reined in, leaving only cold indifference in his eyes. It was as if the person who had just opened his heart to Mu Qingge was not the same as the one before.

"Mr. Mu intentionally spoke arrogantly in front of my daughter, perhaps knowing I would come to find you. I can’t discern Mr. Mu’s cultivation level, but it must not be low. It might be difficult for me alone to eliminate the Dou and Bai Families, but with Mr. Mu’s help, success is guaranteed."

Li Yuntao explained the reason for seeking out Mu Qingge but did not say what would happen if Mu Qingge refused.

Mu Qingge asked playfully, "What if I refuse?"

Li Yuntao’s expression turned cold, "Mr. Mu knows too much that he shouldn’t. If you refuse to cooperate, I’ll have to request Mr. Mu temporarily stay at the Li Family until the dust settles. My daughter admires Mr. Mu greatly, so it shouldn’t be too much of a grievance for you."

Is this threatening to detain her?

Mu Qingge chuckled inwardly.

She couldn’t help but admire Li Yuntao.

This man’s boldness and ambition are proportional. To win her over, he dared to confess his heart to her, a stranger. He’s also thought through what to do if she refuses. And he’s not targeting just one Dou Family or one Bai Family but aims for Haiyu City to be dominated by the Li Family alone! To utterly wipe out the Dou and Bai Families!

Such a person is a natural born hero, able to bend and stretch, never hesitating to act when necessary.

Ruthless enough!

And smart enough!

Knows how to assess the situation.

Mu Qingge slowly calculated in her heart. This Yu City, located near the edge of the Bitter Sea, is considered a relatively good transfer station for both the remnants on Duole Island and the distant Linchuan on the other side of the Bitter Sea.

If she agrees to cooperate with Li Yuntao and demonstrates her strength, making Li Yuntao apprehensive, it’s equivalent to leaving a mark in Yu City.

Perhaps, it will be of some use to her in the Middle Ancient Realm in the future.

Moreover, due to the conflict over Jing Hai, she’s already at odds with the Dou Family, who likely won’t let her leave peacefully.

"Did you encounter any members of the Dou Family on your way here, Family Head Li?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked.

Li Yuntao immediately understood Mu Qingge’s meaning, smiling slowly, "Of course, I did. Let’s just say, that group from the Dou Family, blind as they are, has indeed contributed a lot to their own downfall."

The moment their gazes met, both knew what was on the other’s mind.

Mu Qingge continued, "Does Family Head Li really trust me?" By ’me,’ she naturally meant her abilities.

Li Yuntao candidly replied, "Although Li Fu lacks practical experience, she’s genuinely at the Gray Realm First Layer. However, she was defeated in one move by the woman beside Mr. Mu, which can only mean that her cultivation surpasses Li Fu’s, at least reaching the Gray Realm Second Layer. To have a woman with strength above the Gray Realm Second Layer as a companion, and to have her follow Mr. Mu’s orders, shows that Mr. Mu is no ordinary person."

Even if he miscalculated and Mu Qingge only knew how to conceal her aura, with not much strength, the woman beside her is still a rare strength. What’s more, having the support of Mu Qingge’s backing family is like a huge banner for the Li Family; he feels he’s already benefited.

As for the promise of sharing Yu City, Li Yuntao has also seen that Mu Qingge could not stay in this small border city for long. Once she’s gone, isn’t the entire Yu City his alone?

In the exchange of words and smiles, Li Yuntao had already made numerous calculations in his heart.

Countless thoughts also flashed through Mu Qingge’s mind.

She smiled enigmatically, "They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Family Head Li and I may not be friends, but having a common enemy makes us allies."

This remark pleased Li Yuntao.

But then, Mu Qingge’s tone shifted as she told Li Yuntao, "I don’t want Yu City, how the shops in the city are managed and governed is the Li Family’s business. However, I want half of Yu City’s annual taxes. Also, I’ve heard there is a low-level spirit stone mine vein outside Yu City; it’s been reasonably developed by your three families, with the Dou Family taking the most, Bai Family second, and Li Family the least. After this is done, I also want half of the annual output from this spirit stone mine vein. Though I take half, the Li Family actually gains the most."

Half of Yu City’s taxes and the spirit stone mine vein - she wants half!

Li Yuntao cursed in his heart, ’How ruthless!’ Just hearing about these makes his heart ache.

He even wondered if Mu Qingge really came to Yu City for the first time, how could she know so much? Regarding the spirit stone mine vein, Mu Qingge naturally inquired from the Floating Guest clan, and as for the taxes... don’t forget, she’s an hereditary minor lord, how could she not understand the trickery within?

Wanting to settle or conduct business in Yu City without paying taxes, why would the local families let you stay?

The change in Li Yuntao’s expression made Mu Qingge tease, "Is Family Head Li’s talk of sharing Yu City just empty words? Or do you think you can fool me because I’m young? I’ve already relinquished control of Yu City, only asking for some material compensation, and even this Family Head Li cannot bear?"

Her words made Li Yuntao’s facial muscles twitch hard. He looked at Mu Qingge, retracting his earlier opinion, ’This isn’t an inexperienced family heir; this is clearly a bloodsucking fox!’

Although Mu Qingge wasn’t wrong. Once it’s done, even if half of the resources are divided to her, the Li Family’s income would multiply several times over.

Yet, having the meat in one’s mouth cut away isn’t pleasant at all!

Li Yuntao fell silent, calculating in his heart...

Thirty years of planning had reached its most critical step. Without Mu Qingge’s involvement, he could win but at a greater cost, detrimental to the family’s future development, and potentially allowing minor families to emerge and share the benefits.

With Mu Qingge’s involvement, at least the losses for the Li Family would be greatly reduced.

Once the dust settles, the Li Family can suppress the entire Yu City, leaving no room for reaction.

At that time...

A subtle killing intent flashed deep in Li Yuntao’s eyes.

When he has the leisure for it, he will deal with this ambitious young man!

The cooperation was due to valuing his strength and the potential power he represents. When the cooperation ends, should he become insatiable, as long as things are handled discreetly, he might not bring disaster to the family.

Mu Qingge’s first evaluation of Li Yuntao was daring, which was entirely correct. In an instant, he had conceived a ruthless strategy for discarding the donkey when it was no longer needed.

With this thought, the sense of cutting flesh in Li Yuntao’s heart faded considerably.

He showed Mu Qingge a pained expression, "Half of the taxes and spirit stones, really..." showing a bit of struggle, he reluctantly ’compromised,’ "Fine, let it be as if Mr. Li has made a friend."

Mu Qingge smiled slightly and said to him, "Pleasant cooperation."

After achieving his goal, Li Yuntao stood up to take his leave. To show sincerity of cooperation, he even assured Mu Qingge that she could rest assured, without worrying about the Dou Family causing trouble.

Once Li Yuntao left, the smile that had hung on Mu Qingge’s lips gradually faded. In her clear eyes, a glimmer of ridicule and coldness surfaced.

If she couldn’t guess what Li Yuntao was thinking, she might as well find a block of tofu and smash herself to death.

...

Stepping out of the inn, Li Yuntao directly looked at the Dou Family steward waiting nearby.

Seeing Li Yuntao’s gaze sweep over, the Dou Family steward immediately plastered on a smile.

Li Yuntao sneered inwardly and beckoned him over with a finger, his demeanor far above the previous arrogance of the Dou Family steward.

The Dou Family steward was stunned, and under Li Yuntao’s mocking eyes, had no choice but to trot over, bowing before him, "What can I do for you, Family Head Li?"

Li Yuntao glanced at him from the corner of his eye, asking loftily, "Did you come here for a red-clothed young master?"

The Dou Family steward’s expression stiffened, secretly observing Li Yuntao’s expression, his mouth twitching fiercely.

As a steward of the Dou Family, his original intent was to reject answering Li Yuntao’s questions with dignity! But, under the oppressive gaze of Li Yuntao, he ultimately yielded.

"Yes... yes..." the Dou Family steward stammered, mind racing to deduce the connection between the person they were looking for and Li Yuntao.

Li Yuntao, however, sneered disdainfully, arrogantly addressing the Dou Family steward, "All of you get back and tell your family. This young master is a guest of mine, Li Yuntao. If you wish to seek him out, you better think again!"

This response was a bolt from the blue for the Dou Family steward!

He stared dumbfounded at Li Yuntao, seemingly unable to process why a guest in a mere inn commanded such deference!

Driven by curiosity, the Dou Family steward tentatively asked, "Family Head Li, perhaps you aren’t aware, this person hit someone we are looking for..."

"No way!" Li Yuntao’s voice suddenly became stern, looking at the Dou Family steward with murderous eyes, "Unless you want to see him, Li Yuntao’s guest, getting into trouble, now leave at once! Inform your family of this. But, if he continues to be voracious, as long as I handle it carefully and discreetly, it won’t bring disaster upon the family!"

With that, he swung his sleeve forcefully, the surge of wind knocking the Dou Family steward to the ground. Without sparing him a glance, he strode away.

The Dou Family members gulped, unsure of how to react to the daunting aura of the youth lodging in the inn.