Chapter 645: Chapter 80: Awakening Again, the Clan Tournament!

"Back already?"

Mu Qingge had just returned to the small courtyard where she was temporarily staying with the Sang Family when she heard Jiang Li’s voice. She looked up and saw under the tree a rocking chair placed, and Jiang Li was lazily sitting on it, rocking back and forth.

The lazy, charming allure was incredibly stunning.

Mu Qingge laughed, "If I were a man, seeing you like this, I’d probably be bewitched by you."

Jiang Li pouted, "Trying to sweet-talk me again."

Mu Qingge glance around and asked, "Are you alone?"

Jiang Li nodded, "Your two servants sent Miss Su away, said they were also going to buy some daily necessities. Yuanyuan thought staying here was boring and insisted on going along with them. As for Brother Mei, he’s gone to check on your mother’s health. The High Priest says he doesn’t want to be disturbed, he’s in seclusion calculating Cold Inch’s location, so I’m the only one left here doing nothing."

"Let’s call her ’Madam’ then." Mu Qingge darkened her gaze.

After saying that, she headed into the house.

Jiang Li’s eyes followed her, saying, "Even if you don’t admit it, this birth grace is hard to repay, no matter how stubborn you are, what can you do? Besides, if you truly saved your father, surely you wouldn’t let them be separated, right? Wouldn’t it be better to let them reunite happily, while you sulk in solitude? Why bother making it hard for yourself?"

Mu Qingge came out of the room again, holding a chair in her hand.

Placing the chair across from Jiang Li, she sat down, casually dusting off her clothes, and asked nonchalantly, "Who promised you some benefit to make you speak favorably?"

"Do you think this Empress is that easy to buy!" Jiang Li slapped the armrest, glaring.

Mu Qingge smirked dismissively.

Jiang Li sighed, shaking her head, "I just feel, since you’re already living here, don’t be too awkward. If you don’t want to call her, don’t. But if you feel no tinge of emotion inside, why would Brother Mei pay such close attention to her health?"

Mu Qingge remained silent.

After a while, she explained for herself, "I just don’t want to owe anyone a favor; it’s the hardest to repay in this world."

Jiang Li leaned back on the rocking chair, gazing at Mu Qingge, "I understand your intention. You’re someone whose heart is tightly guarded. Only those who show true sincerity can enter your heart and make you care."

"Since you know, why bother saying it?" Mu Qingge looked up at her.

Jiang Li giggled, "I’m just curious, knowing that she secretly taught you the Artifact Refining Technique and got tortured like that, did you feel sincerity?"

"Sincerity..." Mu Qingge murmured softly. As if carefully pondering Jiang Li’s words, she slowly shook her head and replied, "There might be sincerity, but I feel it’s more about guilt. Perhaps she felt she owed Mu Qingge too much, and wanted to do something for her."

Here, the Mu Qingge she referred to was not herself, but the real Mu Qingge.

Of course, Jiang Li didn’t understand this; she assumed Mu Qingge was speaking about herself.

Leaning forward, Jiang Li smiled, "At least knowing guilt is better than those who feel no guilt and blame you for being heartless. Better than those cold-hearted parents."

Mu Qingge looked at her, a meaningful smile tugging at her lips, "Your words are rather profound."

Jiang Li shrugged, choosing not to explain further.

She didn’t want to elaborate, and Mu Qingge didn’t press further. The two sat under the tree, sipping tea and chatting leisurely, feeling quite relaxed and comfortable. This sense of complete relaxation seemed long forgotten by Mu Qingge since entering Middle Ancient Realm.

The ease with Jiang Li was different from the feeling with Si Mo.

"By the way, even though the result is settled, I still have to ask. How was the test today, did you give the Sang Clan disciples a hard slap?" Jiang Li’s golden eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Mu Qingge put down her teacup and laughed, "You, an Empress, are concerned with such things?"

"Hah, this is different. Come on, tell me." Jiang Li pressed.

Mu Qingge nodded, pouring herself more tea, and under Jiang Li’s anticipation, said casually, "The results were good. But, I ended up blowing up the Sang Clan’s column that tests bloodline concentration."

"Blew it up!" Jiang Li stared at her wide-eyed.

Mu Qingge nodded calmly, so relaxed it was impossible to see any guilt over having exploded their testing equipment.

"They... didn’t give you trouble?" Jiang Li hesitated to ask.

Mu Qingge shook her head, picked up the teacup to her lips, paused briefly, and said, "Judging by their looks, they seemed really happy." With that, she lowered her gaze to taste the tea.

Jiang Li’s mouth twitched, she slumped back onto the rocking chair, sighing helplessly, "Aren’t you afraid that they might not let you leave now?"

"Afraid of what?" Mu Qingge put down the teacup and looked at her, "I have a prior agreement with King Sang Shun, when it’s time to leave, who can stop me?"

"As long as you know." Jiang Li nodded.

Mu Qingge said to her, "I’ll be staying here to learn Artifact Refining Technique for a while. If you don’t want to stay here, you can go to Luoxing City. It would be best if you, Empress, manage the city for me and let everyone use their talents."

"Stop it! You can’t enslave me." Jiang Li rejected without a thought. She lazily waved, giving Mu Qingge a disdainful look, "In Ancient Witch Country, I do as I please; let me manage your city, aren’t you afraid I’ll turn Tiandu upside down? If I liked handling this sort of chaotic thing, I wouldn’t have come to Middle Ancient Realm to find you."

"Then why stay here?" Mu Qingge spread her hands helplessly.

She has artifact refining and cultivation, she can’t be with Jiang Li every day. Given her nature, staying in the Sang Family daily, she wouldn’t bear it.

"You mind your business; don’t worry about me. I need to cultivate too, or I’d hold you back." Jiang Li said casually.

Seeing her insistence, Mu Qingge reluctantly abandoned persuasion and nodded, "Fine, then suit yourself. However, if you get bored staying here, you can travel around, you and Brother Mei both just arrived in Middle Ancient Realm, you could take this time to understand its entirety."

"Mm, I do plan this. Waiting until you’re settled here, I’ll go to Wuyin Mansion with Brother Mei. You said State Mansion is the fastest place to understand a region." Jiang Li shared her plan.

Mu Qingge nodded, "Good, at that time I’ll let Xuan Ya accompany you. She’s been to Wuyin Mansion before, she knows a bit about it."

"Then won’t you be left alone?" Jiang Li asked.

With Mu Qingge arranging this way, when they leave, she’ll only have Xie Ya by her side. As for the High Priest, locked in the room daily calculating, he couldn’t help much. Bai Xi and Yuanyuan didn’t seem capable of serving people either.

"Why need so many people? I have arms and legs; I can take care of myself." Mu Qingge said indifferently.

Jiang Li sneered, "Suit yourself."

"Young Master."

"Young Master."

"Boss, we’re back."

As they conversed, Xuan Ya and the others had returned. Behind them, followed some Sang Family servants carrying brand-new furniture.

Mu Qingge looked up at them, Yuanyuan immediately bounced to her side, showing a bright smile with that shining pretty face.

"Have you sent the person away?" Mu Qingge asked.

Yuanyuan nodded vigorously.

Xie Ya bowed to report, "Mm, we’ve already sent Miss Su off on the Spiritual Beast Car leaving Fusha City. However, she didn’t say where she was going, just mentioned continuing her travels, not planning to settle in Anmo City yet."

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly, "Let her be." With Mu Luofeng’s death, perhaps she and Su Nuannuan will never meet again in this life, why hold onto anything?

"Young Master, as per your instructions, we’ve bought new furniture to replace the old ones. But what should we do with the old ones?" Xuan Ya asked.

"Throw them away." Mu Qingge said without thinking.

Throw them?

Xuan Ya and Xie Ya glanced at each other, hesitating a bit.

They lived here, naturally understanding Mu Qingge’s relationship with the Sang Family. The place they stayed was where the Young Master’s mother lived for over a decade, reportedly deeply sentimental about the place’s objects, now just thrown away like that? They worried Madam would complain!

Seeing the two not moving, Mu Qingge looked up at them, "Why standing there?"

"Yes, Young Master." Afraid to anger Mu Qingge, Xuan Ya and the others complied.

However, they didn’t directly throw away the items used by Sang Lanruo and the others but gathered the replaced furniture in a storeroom.

They didn’t keep it from Mu Qingge, and Mu Qingge seemed to turn a blind eye and did not blame them for this.

Soon, the decorations in the small courtyard were completely renewed, arranged according to Mu Qingge’s preferences. From furniture to bedding, decorations, everything was brand new, and none of it was taken from the Sang family.

Even the chairs under the tree where Mu Qingge and Jiang Li sat were replaced with two brand-new rocking chairs. Between the two rocking chairs, there was a round table with tea and fruits on it.

Xuan Ya and Xie Ya were busy inside and outside, tidying up the courtyard. Mu Qingge’s room was set up in a previously vacant room. Jiang Li stayed next to her. Sang Lanruo’s room was left for Yuanyuan because of its heavy cold, and Yuanyuan wasn’t afraid of it.

Mu Xuewu and Mu Yichen’s rooms were originally to be preserved. But the two were worried about their mother, and moved out with her, so Mu Qingge simply remodeled them, giving the rooms to Mei Zizhong and Xuan Ya, Xie Ya.

Bai Xi was fond of the icy environment where Mu Liancheng’s remains were placed; such a damp, cold place was her favorite. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

For a while, the originally secluded courtyard was transformed by Mu Qingge and the others into a lively place away from worries and disputes.

"Let’s have hotpot tonight!" Mu Qingge suddenly got excited in the evening and announced an order.

"Wow! Awesome! Boss, I also want to eat barbecue!" Yuanyuan jumped up from the ground, excited.

Mu Qingge kicked over, "What barbecue? Can you finish all of it? Don’t you know how to save me some money? We’ll eat hotpot tonight and have barbecue tomorrow."

Yuanyuan nimbly dodged and cheekily said, "Whatever the boss says goes, as long as there’s food for Yuanyuan, it’s fine."

"Since we’re having hotpot, let’s all pitch in; that’s what makes it fun." Jiang Li also stood up from the rocking chair, stretching her arms.

"Let’s prepare the ingredients for the hotpot."

Xuan Ya and Xie Ya were also infected by Mu Qingge’s enthusiasm and quickly went to prepare.

Mu Qingge instructed Yuanyuan, "Move the table out, place it in the courtyard, and hang some lanterns outside to light it up. Tonight, we’ll eat hotpot in the courtyard."

"Alright!" Yuanyuan enthusiastically took on the task.

Jiang Li leaned over to ask, "Then what should I do?"

Mu Qingge gazed at her for a while, finally frowning and shaking her head, "Besides eating, I really can’t think of what else you can do."

Jiang Li glared her eyes wide, rolled up her sleeves, and charged at Mu Qingge: "Oh, really! How dare you say that about me, the Empress!"

Mu Qingge lightly dodged Jiang Li’s fist, laughing: "Spare me, Empress! I dare not again!"

The joyous laughter in the small courtyard gradually floated away.

When Mei Zizhong returned, he was briefly taken aback by this lively scene. Then, his ethereal fairy-like face broke into a smile, infected by the atmosphere.

Mu Yichen, who came with him, looked on with envy and murmured, "When we lived here, it was never this lively and playful."

Mei Zizhong turned his eyes to him, didn’t say much, only said: "Come with me." Mu Qingge’s family matters were not for him to intervene in, so he couldn’t say much.

Mu Yichen nodded and followed Mei Zizhong into the courtyard.

As soon as they came in, a mouthwatering aroma wafted over. Mu Yichen couldn’t help but take a deep breath and sighed, "Smells so good!"

In the courtyard, the candlelight was bright; a copper pot was placed on the round table with boiling hot soup, continuously emanating an enticing fragrance. Around the copper pot were plates of sliced vegetables. Meat, veggies, was practically all-encompassing.

On the round table under the tree, clean fruits were arranged, ready to counteract greasiness anytime.

Xie Ya and Xuan Ya busied around the round table, while Yuanyuan just pulled open the curtain, carrying a large wine jar in each hand.

Behind him, came Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge saw Mei Zizhong returning and said, "Mei Shixiong, you’re back. Perfect timing for dinner; we’re having hotpot tonight."

Mei Zizhong nodded with a smile, then turned to Mu Yichen and explained to Mu Qingge, "Yichen came back with me to get some medicinal herbs."

Mu Qingge nodded, seeing the anticipation in Mu Yichen’s eyes, and said, "Have you eaten yet? If not, stay and eat with us."

"Yes, yes! Thanks, boss!" Mu Yichen quickly nodded.

After a greeting, everyone living in the small courtyard came out and sat around the table. As Bai Xi approached, Jiang Li got goosebumps and couldn’t help but move close to Mu Qingge.

Bai Xi chuckled, "Don’t worry, if I eat you, Qingge will skin me alive. I dare not provoke her."

Jiang Li retorted, "It’s not that I’m afraid you’ll eat me, it’s just that your suppression makes me uncomfortable." She was helpless too; her snake cultivation bloodline was like a small, weak chicken in front of Bai Xi, the giant snake.

Bai Xi laughed heartily, spreading her hands, "Then I can’t help you. Hahaha..."

Suddenly, a figure flashed in front of them, Mu Qingge sat directly between them. Her presence instantly made Jiang Li feel much more comfortable.

"Just sit here and don’t move," Jiang Li told Mu Qingge.

Bai Xi climbed over, wrapping her hands around Mu Qingge’s arm, laughing, "I also think it’s best for Qingge to sit here."

Mu Qingge looked at her and instructed, "Just taste the flavor. Hold back, we still have so many people who have been hungry all day."

"I know, I know," Bai Xi said impatiently.

She then looked disdainfully at the dishes on the table, which weren’t enough to fill the gap in her teeth.

"Eating such good food, and nobody calls me?"

As everyone was about to eat, the High Priest suddenly emerged from the room, his eyes fixed on the steaming hotpot.

"Old man, didn’t you say you were going to seclude yourself for deep contemplation, no one was to disturb you?" Jiang Li teased him. "How did a hotpot meal lure you out? Your cultivation clearly needs improvement!"

The High Priest didn’t mind, instead replying, "Lady Jiang is right, the old man truly lacks cultivation, hence can’t resist the temptation of good food!"

Saying that, he solemnly told Mu Qingge, "Young Master, the divining endeavor isn’t something achieved overnight, one still needs to combine work and rest. After replenishing my strength, the divination might yield twice the result with half the effort."

He wanted to eat, yet found some grand reasoning.

Mu Qingge found it amusing at heart, inviting him to sit: "High Priest, have a seat; you’ll need strength for work, that reasoning I understand."

Finally, everyone sat down.

However, they didn’t start eating; they were waiting for Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge picked up chopsticks, poked at the table, raised her eyebrows, and smiled: "Let’s dig in!"

With her order, everyone picked up their chopsticks and the ’deep-water fiery’ contest began!

Yuanyuan and Mu Yichen were sitting together. Both had similar personalities, and being friendly with strangers, they faced no barriers in communication.

Mu Yichen picked up a piece of beef, dipped it in sauce, and shoved it into his mouth, disregarding the heat, burning his tongue and mouth.

"Are you really the Abnormal Fire Body?" He asked Yuanyuan beside him, his speech unclear.

Yuanyuan, seeing him grimacing from the heat, kindly picked up a bowl of wine and handed it to him, answering his question: "That’s right! I am the Abnormal Fire, the Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame, the boss calls me Yuanyuan, you can call me Yuanyuan too."

"So cool!" Mu Yichen admired and drank the wine.

Immediately, he turned his head quickly and spat out the wine, blowing his tongue, "So spicy! This wine is so strong!"

Yuanyuan laughed heartily, pointing at him, "Look at you, this little bit of wine made you like this, are you really the boss’s brother or what!"

Mu Yichen froze, looked up at Mu Qingge.

Only to see her calmly eating and drinking, the spicy wine was like plain water to her.

Suddenly, Yuanyuan’s hand landed on his shoulder, leaning closer to Mu Yichen, whispered in his ear, "Kid, even though you’re the boss’s brother, you’re still far from her. If you want to learn from her, start by learning how to drink."

Mu Yichen blushed and said, "I can drink."

"Those fruit wines don’t count, at least you should drink like the boss, without changing your expression." Yuanyuan said.

Mu Yichen glanced at Mu Qingge again, just in time to see her raise her cup to clink with Jiang Li beside her.

The two shared a knowing smile and downed the strong liquor in their bowls with one gulp.

Her expression showed no discomfort whatsoever.

Witnessing this, Mu Yichen gritted his teeth, placed the empty bowl in front of Yuanyuan, and bravely said, "Come on, pour me a drink!"

Yuanyuan grinned, revealing white teeth. He picked up the wine jar and poured him a full bowl, pushing it in front of him. Mu Yichen took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and poured the wine into his mouth.

The spicy sensation made him feel as if his mouth and throat were burning, his whole body suddenly became hot, and even his mind turned a bit fuzzy, making the scenes before him seem to float.

Yet, that feeling of floating was like being in a cloud of dreams, seemingly allowing him to let go of everything and completely release himself.

He laughed out loud, poured himself another bowl, and even poured a bowl for Yuanyuan, surprising him.

Then he raised the bowl and said to Yuanyuan, "Cheers!"

Yuanyuan muttered, "I intended to get this kid drunk, but now it seems to have stirred his thirst for wine!"

...

An evening meal extended until the moon was at the treetops.

When dispersing, Mu Yichen was already heavily intoxicated, needing Yuanyuan’s support to walk. Mu Qingge sat on the big tree in the courtyard, one hand as a pillow, the other holding a small wine flask, her long hair hanging down, the hem of her clothing trailing, forming a striking red among the thick branches.

She leaned against the tree trunk, lowering her eyes to look at the drunken Mu Yichen.

Yuanyuan supported him, raised her pretty face, and made an innocent complaint to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge curled her lips, somewhat schadenfreudely, "You got him drunk, you’re responsible for taking him back."

"Boss, I didn’t know he had such a low tolerance. Had I known, I wouldn’t have done it." Yuanyuan said with grievance.

Mu Qingge laughed, "How can his tolerance compare to yours? You are Abnormal Fire, any liquor entering your belly will evaporate immediately."

Yuanyuan instantly beamed, "Is Boss praising me then?"

"If you say so, then yes." Mu Qingge followed his train of thought, "It’s late, hurry and take him back."

"Got it." Yuanyuan nodded helplessly.

After finishing speaking with Mu Qingge, he supported Mu Yichen out of the courtyard.

"Wait, I’ll go with you." Suddenly, Mei Zizhong appeared with a green elixir bottle in hand.

Seeing the elixir bottle in his hand, Mu Qingge then remembered that Mu Yichen came back with Mei Zizhong originally to get medicine. She didn’t expect that a meal would get him so drunk, forgetting about the important matter.

Shaking her head slowly, Mu Qingge stopped looking at the departing trio.

She leaned against the tree trunk, raised the wine flask in her hand, and took a sip. Through the leaves, she looked at the stars in the night sky, recalling the night she first arrived at Luoxing City.

That night, under the myriad star glows, she danced with Si Mo beneath the starlight...

Unconsciously, Mu Qingge’s fingers started to wrap around the string tied to the Palace Bell. The string wound circle by circle around her fingers; her eyes displayed a hint of bewilderment—uncertain whether it was the night confusing her eyes or the wine making her slightly tipsy.

The Palace Bell dangled lightly in her hand; as her fingers gently swayed, the bell also swung lightly, its crisp sound carried further by the wind.

Beyond the Nine Heavens, after layers of space, in a solemn and grand hall, a crisp pleasant bell sound rang.

The sound broke the original tense atmosphere, causing everyone in the hall to inexplicably look at the monarch sitting on the Supreme throne.

Their gaze subtly swept towards the Palace Bell tied to his waistband.

Even those kneeling below, waiting for judgment, lifted their heads, anxiously watching the monarch who could decide their lives and deaths.

That utterly handsome, faultless face suddenly showed a scarcely noticeable tenderness.

His eyes concentrated on the Palace Bell, as if through the bell he could see a person far in another realm, the one he cared for deeply and who had left a lasting impression on his soul.

"Send them to Desert Sea, never to emerge again." The cold and emotionless words floated from his cherry blossom-hued lips.

Desert Sea, a place that made Gu Ya and Gu Ye tremble upon hearing its name, had now become his greatest mercy!

The people in the hall were shocked.

They originally thought those daring to rebel were destined to die today, and die in a particularly cruel way as a deterrent!

Yet, they escaped a calamity, sent to Desert Sea.

Even though Desert Sea was a place none wished to go, nonetheless, a life was preserved!

"Thank the King for sparing our lives! We swear never to harbor dissent against the King. We will await the King’s orders in Desert Sea!" The chief of the rebel ministers expressed gratitude below.

The person on the Supreme throne simply flicked his finger, making the group vanish from his sight, sent into the Desert Sea.

Others left in the hall speculated what made the King change his mind.

No one would guess it was a bell sound that improved his mood, avoiding bloodshed at that moment.

The news of the rebels being pardoned quickly spread from the solemn hall, through the layers of palaces.

"The King actually spared their lives? A few days ago, I knelt before the hall, speaking tirelessly, but the King did not meet me, much less forgive them. How come today they escaped death?"

Amidst the spreading black mist, between the mountains and stones, a vague graceful figure appeared occasionally.

"Vassal Lord, perhaps the King listened to your words and changed his mind? No one dares speak half a sentence in defense of those rebels before the King except the Vassal Lord, who is kind-hearted, considering previous comradeship and being moved by the pleas of their families, thus speaking kindly to the King. To me, the King changed his decision likely because of you." Another voice said.

"Really? The King’s decisions have never changed for anyone. If it truly is because of me..."

"Then let me congratulate the Vassal Lord first. If the King is willing to change his decision for you, it shows your unique position in the King’s heart."

"If it really is like that..."

"Perhaps soon the Vassal Lord can move into the Mountain and Sea Palace and become its only mistress."

"Stop such talk! The King never indulges in romantic affairs; I don’t aspire to move into Mountain and Sea Palace, willingly just to have a unique place in the King’s heart."

"Vassal Lord, how is this nonsense? Though the King is uninterested, ultimately there is a responsibility to continue the lineage, and no matter what will bring people into the palace, then won’t the Vassal Lord have the greatest opportunity?"

"Alright, no need to discuss further. If, as you said, I have the chance to propagate for the King, I certainly won’t treat you unfairly."

"Thank you, Vassal Lord."

...

"How did he get so drunk?"

The reeking of alcohol, completely intoxicated Mu Yichen was delivered back to Mu Xuewu.

She stood under the eaves, seeing the three, couldn’t help but ask.

Mei Zizhong smiled and explained, "On the way back, coincidentally met during dinner, Yichen stayed and had a few more drinks."

"Xuewu sis, don’t ask anymore, let me get him to his room, he’s heavy." Yuanyuan couldn’t help but interject.

Only then Mu Xuewu busily led Yuanyuan to bring Mu Yichen to his room.

After settling him on the bed, Mei Zizhong handed the elixir bottle to Mu Xuewu, "This is medicine for the lady’s bodily adjustment, take one pill daily. The lady’s body has been eroded for too long; a fierce medicine would have adverse effects, can only slowly adjust over time."

Mu Xuewu took the elixir bottle, thanked Mei Zizhong, "Thank you, Master Mei."

Mei Zizhong smiled and shook his head, "No need to be polite with me."

Speaking, he took out an elixir, saying to Mu Xuewu, "This is an antidote for drunkenness; if Yichen wakes up feeling headache or discomfort tomorrow, give it to him."

"Okay." Mu Xuewu accepted it.

"All that needs to be explained has been explained, we shall not linger, farewell." Mei Zizhong finished speaking and left the place where Mu Xuewu and the others were staying with Yuanyuan.

Mu Xuewu watched them leave and glanced at Mu Yichen, who was already asleep, before returning to her mother’s room.

"Is Yichen back?" Sang Lanruo, sitting on the bed, looked at Mu Xuewu as she entered and said.

Mu Xuewu nodded, "He went to get medicine from my sister and drank a few more cups, he’s already asleep. Tomorrow, he’ll come to pay respects to you."

Sang Lanruo shook her head slowly, "No need for respects, as long as he doesn’t cause trouble, I’ll be more at ease."

She hesitated a bit before speaking again, "Is everything settled on your sister’s side? Tomorrow, you should go and see if there is anything you can help with. You’ve been in the Sang Clan for many years; dealing with some things will always be easier. Don’t let your sister suffer grievances in the Sang Clan."

"Mother, don’t worry, my sister won’t suffer. With her talent, no one in the Sang Clan would deliberately make things difficult for her. Besides, her skills are not something the family disciples can challenge." Mu Xuewu tucked the quilt around Sang Lanruo.

Sang Lanruo nodded, "I know your sister doesn’t want to see me, and it’s not good for me to provoke her. Then let it be, let her be at ease."

"Mother, my sister will come around. We are a family after all." Mu Xuewu said.

Sang Xuewu showed a bitter smile, wishing that one day, all her three children could be under her care.

...

The three-day period passed in a flash.

Mu Qingge was about to enter the clan land for her bloodline awakening anew. This time, there weren’t as many spectators, only King Sang Shun, the master of the Sang Clan, sent her into the clan land.

"Ge’er, there’s something I want to remind you." As they entered the clan land, King Sang Shun suddenly spoke.

Mu Qingge raised her brow and looked at him.

"When your bloodline awakens, your female identity cannot be hidden from the Supreme Elder." King Sang Shun said.

Mu Qingge’s steps halted, her eyes flickered for a moment, and she asked, "Will the awakening of the bloodline cause the Illusionary Artifact to fail?"

King Sang Shun nodded.

"Therefore, I plan to inform the Supreme Elder in advance that you are a woman, to avoid startling him when he sees you." Mu Qingge said indifferently, "Whatever." She had always worn the Illusionary Artifact simply out of habit with a male identity, finding it convenient, saving many hassles.

It wasn’t due to any special reason that she kept her female identity secret.

Since she didn’t mind, King Sang Shun felt relieved. He promised, "Rest assured, I will explain everything to the Supreme Elder and will never leak your identity, unless you wish to. No other members of the Sang Clan will know you are a woman."

In fact, Mu Qingge didn’t need such a promise. But since King Sang Shun voluntarily spoke, she nodded along.

"There’s another matter." King Sang Shun said, "Next month is the family competition. You should prepare well, for this year’s rewards for the victors even move me."

"What reward?" Mu Qingge showed some interest.

King Sang Shun’s deep eyes looked at her and explained, "Do you know, besides mastering the Artifact Refining Technique, what else does an Artifact Refiner need?"

Mu Qingge raised her brow but did not rush to answer.

What else does an Artifact Refiner need? For the people of the Sang clan, as long as they inherit the bloodline, they are born Artifact Refiners. They can understand all kinds of materials for refining artifacts and use these materials to forge the best weapons.

Artifact Refiners need talent, which people of the Sang clan already have. So, what else is needed?

"What is it?" After thinking for a while, Mu Qingge couldn’t find the answer.

"Forbidden Condensed Liquid." King Sang Shun revealed the answer.

"Forbidden Condensed Liquid?" Mu Qingge frowned, not knowing what it was for.

King Sang Shun explained, "You should know that the quality of a weapon is determined at the moment it shapes during refining. Any slight mistake will lower its rank. The Forbidden Condensed Liquid compensates for such losses. It can lock the weapon’s quality at the moment of shaping, preventing any accidental drop in rank."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up with realization!

"This Forbidden Condensed Liquid is indeed a great treasure!" Mu Qingge exclaimed.

King Sang Shun nodded, "Forbidden Condensed Liquid has always been rare, even the Sang clan doesn’t have much in stock. For this family competition, I didn’t expect the Supreme Elders to take the initiative to offer ten drops of Forbidden Condensed Liquid as the final victor’s reward. Ten drops of Forbidden Condensed Liquid are enough to control the quality of over a thousand weapons, you must obtain it."

Mu Qingge remained silent, her clear eyes shining with determination.

Having understood the benefits of the Forbidden Condensed Liquid, how could she not strive for it? Even without King Sang Shun saying, she would still get hold of these ten drops!

Having entered the clan land, Mu Qingge was led by King Sang Shun into a cave-like area.

It was heavily guarded, with seven or eight gates just to pass through.

"Wait here, I will meet with the Supreme Elder." King Sang Shun instructed Mu Qingge before turning to leave.

After he left, Mu Qingge surveyed her surroundings.

This place seemed like a natural cavern, with stalactites hanging from the top. However, the liquid dripping from those stalactites wasn’t milky white, but rather like blood plasma.

This liquid dripped into a large pool at her feet, the water in the pool resembled viscous blood but lacked any pungent smell.

This eerie sensation made Mu Qingge frown, curious about the process of the Sang clan’s bloodline awakening.

After waiting for a bit, the Supreme Elder Mu Qingge had met at the bloodline testing ceremony appeared before her from thin air, causing her eyes to contract suddenly.

The Supreme Elder smiled at her, "No need to be surprised, once you enter the Golden Realm, you can do it too." After speaking, he sighed, "I didn’t expect it, someone with the same bloodline concentration as a generation ancestor, not only as an outsider descendant but also a woman."

Mu Qingge curled her lips into a smile, since it was already known, concealing further would seem pretentious.

She raised her hand, removed the Illusionary Artifact on her left ear, and restored her female identity in front of the Supreme Elder. Actually, her real appearance was simply more feminine and charming than the disguised one, her facial features and body didn’t change much, only the curves were more evident.

The Supreme Elder looked at her intensively and nodded slowly.

After a moment, he said, "Let’s begin now."

Mu Qingge looked at him, uncertain of how to commence.

The Supreme Elder pointed to the Blood Pool, "Immerse yourself in the pool, calm your mind, and clear your thoughts. I will use the Sang clan’s mark to activate your bloodline. Afterward, absorb as much energy from the pool water as you can."

"What exactly is in the pool?" Mu Qingge asked curiously.

The Supreme Elder looked at her, eventually sighed and said, "This pool is formed from the Essence Blood of the Sang clan’s ancestors over generations."

What!

Mu Qingge was shocked.

"Awakening the bloodline here allows for maximum refinement, and the absorbed energy can enhance the concentration of the bloodline, improving artifact refining talent. However, you must remember, powerful forces can drive one insane. You may absorb as much as you wish but must remain conscious. If driven by this force to recklessly absorb energy beyond your capacity, the result is a bodily explosion, becoming a part of the pool." The Supreme Elder warned Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge remained silent, pursing her lips.

The Supreme Elder continued, "I will protect you from the shore. If I find you’ve exceeded your limit and still don’t stop, I’ll pull you out."

Mu Qingge nodded, bowed to the Supreme Elder, "I entrust this to you."

The Supreme Elder laughed heartily, speaking kindly to her, "I see you have a thorough mind, not arrogant at all, yet very polite when necessary."

Mu Qingge was amused by his joke and cheerfully replied, "The Supreme Elder is kindly protecting me, I naturally reciprocate with courtesy and keep this favor in mind."

"Alright, no need for flattery. Quickly enter the pool, don’t waste time. You have one day, absorb as much energy as you can." With a wave, the Supreme Elder sent Mu Qingge from the shore flying into the pool.

Upon entering, Mu Qingge felt its viscosity and coldness.

The Supreme Elder sat cross-legged on the shore, swiftly forming hand seals, a mysterious golden rune emerged from his fingers, growing larger as it flew towards Mu Qingge’s head, enveloping her whole body.

With a flash of golden light, the rune disappeared, seemingly entering her body.

At the same time, Mu Qingge felt like her body was opening a floodgate, desperately absorbing the energy from the pool water, as if parched for a long time...