Chapter 208: Foreign Princess, Liuli's Reverie!

Seeing that the matter was exposed and pointed out by the other party, panic immediately appeared in Ji Qiaozhi's eyes.

The strength of this group of people before her was too great.

Just a mere maidservant was actually able to resolve these experts from the Demon Suppression Division in an instant! And, all of them were killed in a single blow! Even if a Grandmaster powerhouse were here, although they could be a match, I fear it would be difficult to kill over ten Zhou Tian and Inner Profound experts in one strike so casually.

The strength of this maidservant who called herself Qiaonu was so terrifying that it was likely much stronger than an ordinary Grandmaster.

And looking at the situation, among these few maidservants before her, this Qiaonu seemed to have the lowest status.

In that case, there was definitely more than one Grandmaster martial artist.

What was this Young Master's background? When traveling, he actually had several Sitting Reflection Grandmaster maidservants accompanying him?

And looking at the attitude of this group of maidservants toward him, it was incomparably respectful; even a prince born of the royal family would likely not have this treatment, right? As one of the once most favored princesses of the Chu Kingdom royal family.

Ji Qiaozhi knew very well that above a Sitting Reflection Grandmaster, even if they submitted to a dynasty, they would absolutely never be so humble.

Meanwhile, Zhong Weng at the side immediately became alert the moment Ning Mu's voice fell.

He was a eunuch of the Chu Kingdom royal family; his cultivation was not bad, but it was only at the Inner Profound Peak, not yet at the Sitting Reflection Realm.

He had once served Ji Huangfei.

Ji Huangfei's clan was executed on charges of treason, and the little princess was the only survivor.

He had to protect the only bloodline of the Huangfei's clan.

Even if it meant risking this old life of his.

Ji Qiaozhi's eyes darted around nimbly, and as Su Yueqiao was about to lean in, she immediately stretched out both hands and hurriedly began to explain.

"I cannot hide it from you, Young Master. Actually... I am a discarded princess of the Chu Kingdom royal family. Because my maternal clan was framed for treason, I fled here..."

Ji Qiaozhi deliberated and slowly told him her entire background and origin.

She thought.

Perhaps this youth, who was about the same age as her, was a noble Young Master from the Qi royal family or some hidden major power.

Only such an identity could make several Grandmaster powerhouses serve him so humbly.

If she were to be honest and sincere.

Perhaps she could still have a glimmer of survival.

After hearing Ji Qiaozhi's words, the corners of Ning Mu's mouth curled up slightly.

"I cannot think of any reason not to kill you."

Ning Mu was calm and composed.

But this sentence fell into Ji Qiaozhi's ears, and her expression changed violently! That's right.

What reason did the other party have to offend the Chu Kingdom royal family for the sake of a discarded princess like her? He could completely kill her and then take her head to find her Imperial Father to claim a reward.

Even if he were a bit kinder, he could ignore her and let her leave, only to be hunted down by the Demon Suppression Division another day.

It would be the same outcome regardless.

"Audacious!"

Hearing Ning Mu's words, Zhong Weng could no longer endure it; filled with anger, he raised his palm, intending to strike toward Ning Mu.

Only.

Just as his voice fell and his palm was raised, he was sent flying by an extremely powerful force.

"Presumptuous!"

A cold shout rang out.

Ji Qiaozhi's expression changed drastically.

She had not even seen who had made the move before Zhong Shu, who had protected her for so long, was sent flying and crashed into a wooden pillar again.

And by the time she reacted.

She saw Liuli, who was sitting opposite Ning Mu, retract her sleeve and snort coldly, without even having moved a single step.

Just by the fluttering of her sleeves, she had sent Zhong Shu flying.

Too strong! A Grandmaster powerhouse could not do this! This woman...

Ji Qiaozhi dared not think any further.

Among this Young Master's maidservants, there was actually a Divine Origin Realm powerhouse? "Zhong Shu!"

Ji Qiaozhi called out softly, but quickly hid the sorrow in her eyes.

Immediately after.

She hurriedly knelt on the ground.

"No, Young Master, I have a reason!"

Ji Qiaozhi's expression was panicked, and she spoke incoherently.

In order to survive, she had to spill her final secret.

"Oh?"

Ning Mu smiled playfully and said calmly, "Tell me."

Ji Qiaozhi immediately raised her head, looked at Ning Mu, and with a panicked expression but an extremely solemn tone, she spat out four words.

"Martial Crystal vein!"

Ning Mu blinked, but he did not have much of a reaction.

But these four words from Ji Qiaozhi's mouth caused Liuli, Ye Qingxian, and the others to all change their expressions, and they even stood up subconsciously.

And seeing their reaction, Ji Qiaozhi's heart could not help but become anxious.

Especially this Young Master, who appeared too calm.

Was it that even a Martial Crystal vein could not pique his interest? Or was it that he did not know about the Martial Crystal vein at all? After all, in the current world, apart from the high-level officials of various countries and some hidden sects where Martial Crystals still circulated, the world only knew that this thing had disappeared into the long river of history and did not know of its existence.

But upon second thought, that was impossible.

From the reactions of the few maidservants under his command, it could be seen that they were aware of the existence of Martial Crystals.

Immediately, she added: "I know the location of a brand-new, unmined Martial Crystal vein!"

Whoosh! At this moment.

Liuli and Ye Qingxian were completely unsettled!

"Shut up!"

Liuli immediately gave a sharp cry, interrupting Ji Qiaozhi's words, and then her gaze swept rapidly across the surroundings.

Immediately, she looked at Su Yueqiao with a solemn expression and said: "Leave no living soul here or within a radius of ten zhang!"

Su Yueqiao was startled.

Although she was shocked by this Mistress's ruthlessness, her heart tightened, and she immediately nodded respectfully: "Qiaonu understands!"

At the same time, she became increasingly nervous, secretly deciding that in her future life, she must never defy the Master and Mistress, otherwise, she feared she wouldn't even know how she died!

Having said that.

She stood up and walked toward the counter.

Inside the counter, there were still a few shop assistants alive.

Meanwhile, Liuli looked at Ning Mu and said in a solemn tone: "Husband, let us return to the mountain quickly. Aside from Liu Qingmei and Tong Yuyue, this matter in this woman's mouth must not be known to any extra people!"

Liuli gave the instruction with a solemn expression.

It was not hard to see that in her solemn eyes, a trace of deep surprise was radiating.

By unspoken consent.

She raised her gaze and met the eyes of Ye Qingxian, who had not spoken but was equally solemn.

Ye Qingxian hurriedly said: "Shitai, rest assured. Ye knows the consequences of this matter and will keep it a secret!"

Liuli nodded slowly.

Ji Qiaozhi felt a sudden sense of relief in her heart.

She had finally saved her little life.

She vaguely understood the relationship between these people; this woman holding a Whisk and looking somewhat like a nun was the wife of this Young Master.

That Qiaonu who went to silence the witnesses was their servant.

As for the other two women, this person who called herself Ye should be a close friend.

The last woman who looked sweet-faced and had been silent all along should also be a servant.

Ji Qiaozhi's eyes darted around, silently analyzing the identities of these people before her.

Ning Mu, however, felt a bit strange.

The reactions of Ye Qingxian and Liuli puzzled him.

Although he had learned from Wei Youqing about the importance of Martial Crystals to this world.

But since he had not experienced it personally, the degree of importance of Martial Crystals was not very high in his heart.

Was this Martial Crystal vein so important? It actually made Liuli Shitai, who was devoted to Buddhism, go so far as to issue an order to silence the witnesses?

But since Liuli had said so, he naturally obeyed obediently. And at this moment.

Liuli's gaze was already fixed on Ji Qiaozhi.

"Do not harbor any delusions of playing tricks. After we go back later, describe and draw the location of the thing you mentioned in full. If there is the slightest concealment, their end will be your destination!"

Liuli's tone contained a deep warning.

Before her voice had even faded, she released a powerful pressure.

Ji Qiaozhi, who was kneeling on the ground, immediately turned pale, and beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down her forehead continuously.

In the time it took to say just one sentence, she could not resist, prostrating on the ground, her clothes completely soaked, leaving a shallow pool stained by sweat on the floor.

Gasp! As Liuli withdrew the pressure, Ji Qiaozhi could no longer control her body, collapsing into the pool of sweat, breathing in large gulps.

On that dirty little face, the dust and mud she had deliberately smeared on were even washed clean by the sweat.

It was imaginable.

Just a moment ago, what kind of fear she had faced! It was a trembling that rose from the soul, as if the surrounding space had been completely isolated from this world, unable to breathe, and there was even a thousand-jin boulder pressing down from above, making her completely unable to move.

She was thoroughly terrified.

If she had to go through it again, she would rather die.

Su Yueqiao remained to handle the aftermath.

Ning Mu and the others took the trembling and fearful Ji Qiaozhi, and the group returned directly to the Mountain Stronghold.

Yishiting.

The doors and windows were tightly closed.

There were only three people in the hall.

Ning Mu, Liu Qingmei, and Ji Qiaozhi, who was writing and drawing as she spoke.

Outside the door, the Stronghold Guard Team stood strict guard, ensuring that not even a bird could fly in.

Ye Qingxian and Liu Xiaoya also brought the maidservants from the backyard to guard the entrance.

"Sister Xiaoya, what happened? Why is it suddenly so serious?"

Qiuxiang could not help her curiosity and leaned toward Liu Xiaoya to ask.

Dongxue, Yuhuan, and the others on the side also turned their heads to look at Liu Xiaoya and Ye Qingxian.

They were all very curious.

Wasn't it said they were going to attack Fenglei Stronghold?

Why, upon returning, were they so solemnly having people guard the Yishiting and not letting anyone step inside?

Liu Xiaoya could not help but glance at Ye Qingxian.

Ye Qingxian, however, shook her head and looked directly at the birds in the sky.

Liu Xiaoya could only offer a wry smile, then said, "Don't ask so much; I don't know the details either. The Young Master will tell us what we need to know!"

"Oh..." Qiuxiang and the others nodded.

"How did the battle go? Was Fenglei Stronghold taken down?" Yuzan asked curiously.

Liu Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

This she could say.

Seeing Liu Xiaoya's expression, Yuzan and the others all revealed pleasant surprise.

They had taken down Fenglei Stronghold.

That meant that now, on Xima Mountain, Ningyang Stronghold was the strongest!

As members of Ningyang Stronghold, they all felt a sense of shared pride and joy.

Time passed slowly.

Until the sun set in the west.

The doors and windows were finally opened.

"Young Master!"

Liu Xiaoya and the others immediately crowded around.

"Prepare dinner!"

Liu Xiaoya glanced into the main hall, then nodded and led the maidservants back to the backyard.

"When do you plan to make your move?"

At this moment, Liuli appeared by Ning Mu's side.

Ji Qiaozhi had already been brought up by Liuli and locked in the third level, with the two little demons, Su Zuozuo and Su Youyou, in charge of guarding her.

The sisters were overjoyed to be reunited after a long separation.

But they did not dare to slack off on the task Liuli had entrusted to them.

As for Ji Qiaozhi, she had completely lost the will to resist, given that these were two fox demons, plus Liuli's intimidation beforehand.

Ning Mu cast a glance toward the drill ground.

He immediately furrowed his brows and said, "Our strength is still too weak. Just now, that Ji Qiaozhi said that the mineral veins controlled by the imperial Sacred Land are guarded by at least three True Person powerhouses at all times, with countless other experts; our strength is far from that!"

"And with the Chu Kingdom's Zhenwu Army eyeing us covetously, I think it's better to wait. When the Zhenwu Army attacks the Qi Kingdom, we will find a way to profit from it."

"Once the war starts, they definitely won't make the news of the mineral vein public; there must be other reasons. Very few people know about this, and as long as both sides start fighting, our chances of success will increase."

"What do you think, Master?"

Ning Mu looked at Liuli.

Just now, Ji Qiaozhi had told everything she knew and had already drawn the location of the mineral vein at Luofeng Slope in Changpu County.

According to her, she had discovered this half a year ago while accidentally looking through her father the Emperor's desk.

She also said that the Chu Kingdom's Zhenwu Army had changed commanders on the eve of battle, replacing them with the eldest imperial princess, Mi Zhao, with the specific goal of targeting this newly discovered Martial Crystal mineral vein.

And according to Chu Kingdom intelligence.

Currently, no more than five people know about this Martial Crystal mineral vein at Luofeng Slope.

The Chu Kingdom's ruler, the Prime Minister, the Dao Lord of the Dayan Dao Court, and the Great General of the Zhenwu Army in charge of the operation, Mi Zhao.

And the person who discovered this mineral vein was a disciple from a small sect in the Chu Kingdom.

But now, that sect no longer exists.

According to intelligence, the Qi Kingdom currently does not know that within the territory of Huaiyang Prefecture under its jurisdiction, there is a brand-new, unmined Martial Crystal mineral vein!

This means that the Qi and Chu Kingdoms will inevitably have a day where they go to war.

Even if they temporarily claimed the Luofeng Slope mineral vein for themselves, once the Chu Kingdom realized they had done the work for someone else, they would be furious, and it is even possible they might unite with the Qi Kingdom to wipe them out first before deciding whether to fight or negotiate!

It might even get to the point where the Zhou Kingdom could get involved for the sake of this mineral vein.

This is a scarce, top-tier resource; who wouldn't be jealous? If Ningyang Stronghold wants to profit from this game of chess, it must be extremely cautious.

Liuli raised her eyebrows slightly, pondered for a long time, and said, "You are right, our strength is too weak!"

"How to occupy this mineral vein still needs careful planning!"

Liuli's eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but look toward the north.

If... she could invite her Master to come out of seclusion to hold the fort, and also have Ciyun Temple join her husband's side, would that add another layer of security? Liuli's heart couldn't help but beat wildly. A thought that had never appeared in her mind before suddenly emerged, causing her bright, beautiful face to gradually flush with a crimson glow as the sun set.

In the following two days, everything returned to calm.

The entire Xima Mountain seemed to have changed its style.

And on this day.

Ning Mu was stroking the heads of the two little fox demons, Zuozuo and Youyou, with one hand, while resting his other hand on the armrest, pondering the matter of the Martial Crystal mineral vein.

Suddenly.

An uninvited guest arrived at the entrance of the main hall.

It was the flushed, bright-eyed, and charming Imperial Academy Libationer, Wei Youqing.

She was holding a book in her hand; after walking into the hall, she turned around and closed the door.

Then, she took off her outer robe, revealing the semi-transparent long dress underneath, as well as the faintly visible Mysterious Silk Silver Chain Pouch and the Mysterious Silk Pearl Underpants.

Today was the final time to recite the "Admonitions for Women" to complete Task One: My Daily Three Self-Reflections.

It should have been completed a few days earlier.

But attacking Fenglei Stronghold had taken a few days, causing the task to be interrupted.

Today, there was nothing to do.

Wei Youqing held the complete text of the "Admonitions for Women" she had written herself and took the initiative to deliver it to his door.

(End of this chapter)