Mulan Qingqing: "How many insiders are there, have you checked?"

Hu Yan replied, "So far, five members from the Bilan Sect are known to be involved. They made contact with me through the Bilan Sect."

Mulan Qingqing: "It's not ideal to use outsiders against them. With seven people, it's difficult to ensure none of them escape and solve this in one go."

Hu Yan said, "It's actually eight people."

"How do you get eight from two and five?"

"One of the sisters from Sheng Province who was abused by Bai Shuchuan isn't dead; she escaped, but it seems the torture has affected her sanity."

"Bai Shuchuan..." Mulan Qingqing repeated the name, distinguishing one issue from another. Although she wanted to handle the people from Youxia Mountain, it didn't stop her from utterly despising Bai Shuchuan's actions. If he fell into her hands, she would not let him off lightly.

Hu Yan said, "There's no need to solve this all at once. We could handle it in batches. I'll lure out the three disciples of Brother Wang Sheng first. You can take care of them, and then deal with the others later. Since everyone is with me, arranging this will be convenient."

Mulan Qingqing: "There are only three of us left in the Su Yuan Sect now, each leading a group of troops. It's not suitable for all three of us to leave our posts. If any changes occur, or if someone with intentions takes advantage, the lack of coordination might cause problems. I plan to send Chao Zhilin to deal with this matter. For the rest, can you think of any way to help with manpower, Hu Yan?"

Hu Yan frowned slightly, intuitively understanding this woman's intention to have members of Yuanjian Palace personally kill disciples from Youxia Mountain and Bilan Sect. Helping was secondary; not pulling him into the scheme to ensure he was involved was her true intent.

This also made him wonder why such a shrewd woman had made the foolish decision to deceive hundreds of people into searching for someone in the Moon Sea.

Seeing his hesitation, Mulan Qingqing added, "In the future, if there's anything I can assist with, I'll definitely do all I can."

With a sigh after weighing the pros and cons, Hu Yan said, "Mulan, once the conference is over, if you don't treat me to a good meal with fine wine, you would truly be letting me down."

Mulan Qingqing: "That can be arranged. Brother Hu Yan, as a distinguished member of Yuanjian Palace, I do hold you in great regard. Once we're outside, we could start by getting to know each other. If it's suitable and both sects agree, marriage could be a possibility."

Her words were insincere.

The Su Yuan Sect had many more capable members than Hu Yan, including the disciples currently with her, each outperforming Hu Yan, which is why she genuinely had no interest in him.

But as always, if this matter wasn't settled properly, it could significantly damage the sect's reputation. The sect had placed great trust in her, and she could not let them down.

Although it wasn't solely her fault, as she had originally opposed sending more people to the Moon Sea, her brothers insisted on going. Pressured by the duty of brotherhood, she found it hard to persist.

She couldn't blame her brothers at this point. Being the leader of the group, now was not the time to shirk responsibility. Addressing the issue was the priority.

She now needed to secure Hu Yan's help, as her manpower was indeed insufficient, and certain matters could not be disclosed to outsiders.

Even so, as she spoke, she maintained a proud, hands-behind-back stance, her figure graceful and pleasant to the eye, which certainly attracted attention.

People are perceptive, and Hu Yan, not insensitive, faintly felt that her words might be insincere, too straightforward. Yet his eyes still lit up, pleased by the prospect of spending time together, seeing it as an opportunity that could potentially blossom into something more, depending on his own skills.

Dreams, though unrealistic, are always delightful, and everyone yearns for something beautiful.

He was no exception, smiling and nodding, "It seems I shouldn't be the one treated; instead, I should take you out more often."

Mulan Qingqing: "As long as there's no trouble, I'll surely attend any invitation. Let's talk about food and drink later and focus on the current issues first."

Hu Yan hummed in agreement, "First, clarify things with Brother Chao. I'll arrange the rest with him. A few disciples from Youxia Mountain and Bilan Sect can't stir up trouble under our watch."

Immediately, Mulan Qingqing cast a spell and crisply called, "Brother Guann, Brother Chao."

Shortly after her words fell, two figures flashed into the cave, arriving together—Guann Yingjie and Chao Zhilin.

Before either could speak, Mulan Qingqing took the initiative, "Wang Sheng and Gao Qiang are still alive."

Both were shocked, instinctively looking toward Hu Yan, realizing the connection with his presence.

Mulan Qingqing added, "Hu Yan, explain the details to them."

Although she had discussed the situation earlier, she hadn't fully understood the specifics yet.

"The matter started when Chu Jingtang from the Bilan Sect first sought me out..." Hu Yan immediately explained the details, including the alleged revenge planned by Shi Chun, without hiding anything, intending for them to be aware.

Hearing about Shi Chun using the top prize to lure Hu Yan, and planning to wait until the fruit was ripe before picking it, Guann Yingjie and Chao Zhilin almost broke into a cold sweat, while Mulan Qingqing's expression turned grim.

One could imagine that if it came to that point, once Wang Sheng covertly prepared everything and suddenly disrupted their plans, it would certainly leave the Su Yuan Sect without face, completely stripping them of any merit to claim the top position.

It would be a crippling blow, leaving them defenseless and furious, shamelessly taking credit for their achievements in Xuan State.

Guann Yingjie stated sternly, "This villain's methods are indeed cruel!"

Chao Zhilin curiously asked, "Brother Hu Yan, does your Yuanjian Palace not want to strive for the top spot and win first place?"

At this point, the trio of siblings all looked at him with curious eyes.

Hu Yan looked meaningfully at Mulan Qingqing. Though the sect had made plans beforehand, he did not mind taking the opportunity to express his feelings and woo her with a poetic gesture.

Mulan Qingqing instantly understood his hint, for it was because of Mulan Qingqing, who loved the beauty more than the dominion.

However, from Hu Yan's lips came a different tune. "Due to the friendship between the two sects, it's only fitting that Su Yuan Sect takes first place."

With such an attitude prevailing, no further doubts should be pursued. With lingering fears, Guann Yingjie and Brother Chao both bowed deeply to Hu Yan, expressing their gratitude with three words, "Brother Hu Yan."

That gesture truly meant no thanks could ever repay his kindness.

Mulan Qingqing said, "Brother Chao, you should go with Hu Yan personally, and seek assistance from Hu Yan if needed. Above all, ensure the traitors are thoroughly dealt with, and verify everything with your own eyes!"

"Alright, Senior Sister, I understand," Chao Zhilin agreed, then turned to ask Hu Yan, "Brother Hu Yan, as the night is full of dreams, shall we set off at once?"

"Yes," Hu Yan nodded, bowed to the other two, and then turned to leave with Chao Zhilin.

Just as the two had reached the cave entrance, the still apprehensive Mulan Qingqing called out again, "Brother Chao."

The two at the entrance stopped and turned back.

Mulan Qingqing unclasped her hands that were behind her back, walked towards them, and solemnly advised, "Brother, you must not underestimate Wang Sheng and Gao Qiang. Without absolute certainty, do not take any rash actions that might alert them. If you don't strike, remain still; but once you strike, ensure it's decisive. Otherwise, they will become a major problem. Remember, you must treat them as your greatest enemies of a lifetime, and you must not take them lightly. If any mishaps occur, I'll never forgive you!"

Hu Yan was somewhat surprised by these grave words.

Chao Zhilin maintained his handsome and confident demeanor, "Senior Sister, rest assured. If there is any lapse, I will face the consequences."

After again bowing in farewell, he confidently walked away with Hu Yan.

Hu Yan soared into the sky on Wind Scale, carrying him away.

After watching their figures disappear in the cave entrance, Guann Yingjie questioned, "Senior Sister, weren't your words just now a bit too severe?"

Mulan Qingqing glanced at him coldly. How could they not be severe? For this reason, she would even sacrifice herself to Hu Yan, thus she asked somewhat irritatedly, "What was too severe?"

Guann Yingjie slightly scornfully said, "Aren't you overestimating Wang Sheng and Gao Qiang?"

Mulan Qingqing retorted, "At this point, do you still dare underestimate them? In the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, Xuan State selected two thousand sects, mobilizing ten thousand participants. If there are heroes or true warriors among them, I would first recommend these two."

Guann Yingjie was dumbfounded, quite shocked by her words. How could these two nobodies from Youxia Mountain, hardly known from any remote sect and often needing others to fend for them, be considered as top heroes in Senior Sister's eyes?

Unconvinced, he frowned and said, "Senior Sister, saying so not only bolsters others' morale but also goes too far in belittling our own prestige. I can understand taking them seriously, but we shouldn't be diminishing our own dignity like this. Excuse me, Senior Sister, but I genuinely fail to see any connection between them and heroes or warriors."

Had it not been for his respect for Senior Sister, he might outright accuse her of spouting nonsense.

Mulan Qingqing turned and fixed him with a stare, sharply reminding him, "Have you forgotten who suggested to Yan Ji to send a group to Moon Sea to search for Disciple Guan Wen?"

"…" Guann Yingjie paused, then slowly said, "Wang… Brother Yan said it was Wang Sheng."

Once reminded, he remembered that there was also talk of silencing witnesses.

Mulan Qingqing asked again, "Didn't what Hu Yan just said confirm the dangers of the stratagem devised by Wang Sheng? Didn't it nearly jeopardize our mission? I saw how you nearly broke into a cold sweat. If it weren't for our luck and Hu Yan betraying them, do you think we could have turned the tables when Wang Sheng drew his sword? We would have been undoubtedly defeated!

Why would Hu Yan betray them? Ultimately, it is because of the awe inspired by our Su Yuan Sect; and our sect could command the respect of seven thousand from Xuan State, not by our capability alone, but due to the sect's imposing reputation.

In all of Xuan State, none dare offend Su Yuan Sect. Take Hu Yan as an example. Though a hero of Yuanjian Palace, he is generally submissive. In terms of courage, he cannot compare to Wang and Gao.

Fearlessly ready to die, daring to confront our Su Yuan Sect and possessing both courage and strategy, who else could qualify as a hero or warrior if not them, given such audacity found throughout Xuan State?

Before departing, the Sect Leader had instructed us not to underestimate the heroes of the world.

Brother, surely heroes and warriors are not judged by their origins.

Being behind such lethal plans against Hu Yan, and present during the fall of Guan Wen and Yan Ji, I even suspect they might be involved.

Thinking over it, that should not be the case; if they intended to target us, they should have joined us upon entering West Pole territory, not wait to be forcibly involved later by Guan Wen. Perhaps, our prior actions were too excessive and provoked them."

Guann Yingjie remained silent, his expression still somewhat skeptical, feeling that his Senior Sister elevated them too much.

In all fairness, he didn't believe he was inferior to those two nobodies.

Seeing his attitude, Mulan Qingqing turned back to gaze at the night sky, "Brother, with your current attitude, I'm truly worried whether Brother Chao really took my words to heart. Perhaps, I should go there myself."

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