096 Please enlighten me.

Yun Feiyue was surprised at first, then nodded quietly, not expecting Luo Yunhuang to have returned.

"Then why didn't you stay with your master? What are you doing here?" Yun Feiyue asked, smiling at little Mumu.

Little Mumu pouted, looking incredibly helpless. "Mother, it’s not like I wanted to come here. I just came to remind you, and by the way, to see Father and Mother. Mother, if you lose the challenge against Master, you will likely be thrown into the Ghost Wilderness."

Yun Feiyue tossed her hair with a cool air. "Don’t worry. Your mother here is absolutely fearless. Don't you see how handsome, cute, dashing, and charming I am?"

Little Mumu looked at Yun Feiyue seriously and thought for a moment. "I don't see it. Besides, even if you are dashing and charming, if you lose, you still have to go to the Ghost Wilderness, right?"

Yun Feiyue pondered for a moment, then looked at little Mumu with a grin. "Little Mumu, I remember you have some pills that make one immune to all poisons."

Little Mumu shook his head. "Mother, I can't give them to you."

Yun Feiyue looked at him intently. "Why not? I am your own mother. If I get poisoned half to death by your master and then thrown into the Ghost Wilderness to choke on my last breath, you’ll be motherless. A child without a mother’s love will suffer at the hands of a stepmother."

Little Mumu fell into deep thought upon hearing this. Of all the people in his life, he loved his mother the most, but...

"Mother, I also love Master very much. If Master is thrown into the Ghost Wilderness, I will be very sad too."

"How could that happen! Your master has connections! Who would dare throw your master anywhere? Only your mother here has no connections and is left to be bullied by everyone. Oh, forget it, you heartless little thing. Don't call me Mother anymore; we aren't close."

"Mother..."

"I don't know you. Which family's brat are you?"

Little Mumu: "..."

He looked at Yun Feiyue with a pitiful, helpless expression. Finally, Yun Feiyue caught a glimpse of him pulling a pill from his pocket and handing it over. "Mother, here you go. Please don't hurt Master."

Yun Feiyue took the pill with a grin. "Don't worry, your mother isn't that kind of person."

Little Mumu shook his head deeply, completely unable to deal with this mother of his. Yun Feiyue held the pill, thinking that since Luo Yunhuang couldn't use her poisonous skills, she probably wouldn't be able to defeat her now.

This challenge match wouldn't be easy, and Yun Feiyue figured she would likely have to challenge someone. After thinking it over, the only candidate was Mo Mei. Taking this opportunity to properly deal with Mo Mei would save her from a lot of future trouble.

Yun Feiyue brought little Mumu to the martial arts arena. Several old men were already standing there, seemingly waiting for everyone to arrive. Yun Feiyue walked over and greeted them with a smile. "Great Elder."

The Great Elder just nodded and looked toward the center of the field. "The people of the Mo family should all be here today, right?"

A large man next to him nodded. "Everyone is here. Big Brother, give the word."

This fat man was also dressed in white, likely one of the other elders. Yun Feiyue didn't pay much attention; he wasn't handsome, so he wasn't worth noticing. She turned her head to look at Mo Feiyuan, who was sitting at the very top with a very serious expression.

"In that case, let’s begin. Any member of the Mo family who wishes to challenge someone may name them."

Yun Feiyue stood still. She figured no one would want to challenge her, except perhaps Luo Yunhuang. Luo Yunhuang was currently standing next to the Great Elder, with Yu Que beside her. Yu Que was still wearing his mask. All twelve masters were present, and it was clear that Yu Que was not among them.

However, Yun Feiyue felt that this was unrealistic. Although she hadn't fought Yu Que, she knew a bit about him. If he wanted to join the ranks of the twelve masters, it would be as easy as turning over his hand. Yet, he hadn't. Yun Feiyue couldn't be bothered to think too much about it now.

The first person to be challenged in this round was Mo Mei. Everyone likely knew that Mo Mei had lost the protection of the Third Elder, so her performance wouldn't be very good, and they didn't mind bullying someone without connections.

Mo Mei leapt into the arena, and the air was immediately filled with the essence of martial arts. It had to be said that Mo Mei was slightly stronger than before, but she was still only at the seventh level of martial arts. In a head-to-head battle, she didn't have much of an advantage.

After the first match began, one battle after another followed. You Tong, Han Cheng, Riying, Yueying, and the fierce Mo Zhi were all challenged. Only Mo Feiyuan, Mo Xiangqing, and Yu Que remained unchallenged. Of course, no one challenged Luo Yunhuang either. It seemed everyone knew these people were formidable.

The martial arts platforms were all occupied. Yun Feiyue had originally thought this was just a sparring session, but now she realized it was a true battle—it wasn't a friendly exchange at all; they were fighting for their lives. The arena was filled with irreconcilable killing intent. The martial arts energy and the techniques unleashed were like fireworks blooming in broad daylight, brilliant and dazzling, leaving one breathless.

She sighed slightly, watching these people fight with all their might, and cursed under her breath at the lunatics of the Mo family.

However, the Great Elder was very happy. He looked at the scene and nodded. "It seems the Mo family disciples have made great progress this year. They truly are people of my Mo family."

The other old men chimed in with agreement. Yun Feiyue said nothing and just watched the proceedings, thinking that if Luo Yunhuang challenged her later, she would just play dumb and pretend she knew nothing.

But Luo Yunhuang didn't provoke her for the time being. Looking at the battle, she remained silent, seemingly uninterested. Yun Feiyue frowned slightly, wondering what Luo Yunhuang was thinking.

After a while, the first match ended. Mo Mei was slightly injured but still victorious. The Great Elder gave orders with great concern for Mo Mei to be provided with good medicinal herbs.

Yun Feiyue watched from the side and asked suddenly, "Great Elder, can one only challenge once a day?"

The Great Elder’s eyes flickered with strangeness, but he explained very earnestly, "Naturally not. Depending on your situation, if you are truly exhausted after the first match, you may rest for half a day."

Yun Feiyue nodded earnestly. "And what defines 'truly exhausted'?"

"It depends on the circumstances." The Great Elder answered her questions fluently.

Yun Feiyue couldn't be bothered to ask anymore and just nodded with a grin. "I see!"

The Great Elder grunted without much more response. Yun Feiyue pouted and turned to Luo Yunhuang, waving a hand. "Yunhuang."

Luo Yunhuang only nodded, without saying much. It felt as though they had suddenly become much more distant, perhaps because they were now on opposing sides. Yun Feiyue could only shrug helplessly.

Truth be told, Luo Yunhuang had been very good to her. At least, that was what Yun Feiyue believed, and she considered Luo Yunhuang a good friend. But ever since their sudden separation last time, their relationship had become strange. She hoped they wouldn't end up as enemies!

Yun Feiyue thought that if they ever truly became enemies, she really wouldn't have the heart to kill Luo Yunhuang. Life was still very important to her. She looked at Luo Yunhuang and smiled. "Yunhuang, why have you become so distant after not seeing me for a while?"

Luo Yunhuang didn't speak, only smiled. The smile seemed somewhat helpless, and Yun Feiyue, having invited a cold shoulder, couldn't be bothered to speak further.

Little Mumu, seeing their strained relationship, immediately spoke up. "Mother, Master, don't be like this. You're both good friends; why pretend to be strangers?"

Yun Feiyue’s face darkened, and Luo Yunhuang seemed slightly troubled. In any case, Yun Feiyue couldn't see through her, but she was never one to dwell on things. She would wait and see.

Watching several battles pass, the Mo family disciples were still a notch below the Hidden Masters, so it wasn't easy for them to win through challenges.

Yun Feiyue had originally come to watch the show, assuming that at most only Luo Yunhuang would challenge her. She hadn't expected someone to call her out so soon.

"Matriarch, I am Yan Yun, and I wish to challenge you!"

Yun Feiyue sized up the woman named Yan Yun, who appeared to be a master in her own right. She leapt down and glanced at Mo Yanyun coolly. "With your strength, you want to challenge me? That's clearly looking for death."

Yun Feiyue looked at Mo Yanyun with a grin. Mo Yanyun didn't say a word and attacked immediately. Her technique was very fierce, starting with a venomous snake move. Yun Feiyue dodged quickly and traced a line in the air, causing a red flame to bloom. Standing in the center of a red lotus, a three-tailed phoenix appeared behind her. As Yun Feiyue moved, the phoenix spat flames.

Everyone present was surprised to varying degrees. The formidable martial arts power and the overwhelming strength showed them the majesty of the Mo family Matriarch. Mo Yunyan had wanted to resist a few more times, but after a couple of struggles, she was surrounded by flames. She was defeated in almost a single move.

This duel made everyone present realize the strength of Yun Feiyue; unless one was a top-tier master, it was best not to challenge her lightly. Yun Feiyue knew that if she didn't give those below a show of force, they wouldn't truly submit to her. Fortunately, no one challenged her again after that.

Yun Feiyue enjoyed a moment of peace. After a few more assessments, Luo Yunhuang finally moved. She looked at Yun Feiyue and nodded. "Matriarch, please."

Yun Feiyue went to the platform and smiled at Luo Yunhuang. "I thought you were joking, but it seems you really are opposing me. You know I’m a bit petty and have a bad temper, so if you bully me, I might not let you off so easily."

Luo Yunhuang’s expression shifted, but she quickly recovered. "I never intended for anyone to let me off. I know what I’m doing. You know me well enough."

Know her. Yun Feiyue chuckled. "Actually, I never really knew you; otherwise, I wouldn't have been so oblivious. As friends, I still consider you a friend. So let our duel be one between friends. Please, don't hold back."

"That is my intention as well." As soon as Luo Yunhuang finished speaking, she rushed toward Yun Feiyue.

Yun Feiyue noticed that Luo Yunhuang’s first move was indeed poison. Fortunately, she had taken the pill, so it had no effect. Yun Feiyue advanced and suddenly drew the Buddha Butterfly. In the heat, the blade transformed into a blood-red sword, surrounded by faint flames. She launched a rapid attack at Luo Yunhuang.

The two fought to a standstill. The most spectacular battle of the day had become the one between Luo Yunhuang and Yun Feiyue. It lasted a long time, and both were exhausting their energy. From the initial intense collisions to the later probing, it dragged on.

Even the Great Elder, who had been full of confidence, was now in disbelief. He had never imagined that Yun Feiyue would have the capability to surpass Luo Yunhuang. His face changed, but being the Great Elder, he quickly calmed down. He realized that Luo Yunhuang’s poison had no effect on her.

Finally, both raised their swords, pointing them at each other's throats. A draw.

"Shall we continue?" Yun Feiyue raised an eyebrow.

Luo Yunhuang nodded. "Naturally, we must continue. We’ve come this far; there's no reason to stop."

They separated and began the second round of the duel. The Great Elder smiled at Mo Feiyuan. "It seems this wife of Yu'er's is quite impressive."

"That goes without saying." Mo Feiyuan’s tone was extremely firm, and the hint of pride in his voice made the Great Elder’s expression shift.

Finally, the Great Elder smiled. "Indeed, my Yu'er’s judgment did not disappoint me."

"Naturally, I would never disappoint the Great Elder. Otherwise, it would be Yu'er's fault."

The Great Elder chuckled softly and didn't speak again. A while later, the fat elder spoke up. "I heard the God has recently awakened, and we, the Mo family, must prepare for the sacrifice. Yu'er's wife has arrived at just the right time."

"Sixth Elder, I think you’ve overthought this. I, Mo Feiyuan, will never allow such a thing to happen." Mo Feiyuan looked at the Sixth Elder firmly.

The Sixth Elder laughed twice. "I’m afraid this matter is not for you to decide. Hasn't the result yet to be determined?"

"There is already a result, Sixth Elder."

Mo Feiyuan narrowed his eyes, watching the situation ahead. Yun Feiyue was currently locked in a fierce battle with her opponent. Luo Yunhuang and Yun Feiyue were evenly matched. One had useless poison, the other had a broken sword missing a crucial piece.

After fighting for a while, Yun Feiyue sighed. "Let's end this. I don't want to waste any more time."

Luo Yunhuang nodded. "I think so too. Let’s decide the outcome in one move!"

They reached a rare agreement and both launched their attacks. This time, Yun Feiyue used only the Buddha Butterfly and a technique from the Yun family sword style—the Heavenly Residual Eighteen Decisions—while simultaneously releasing the Yun Seal. Her power increased several times over in an instant. Luo Yunhuang was struck by this blow.

With little suspense, Luo Yunhuang was defeated. Yun Feiyue withdrew her short sword and returned to Mo Feiyuan’s side. Mo Feiyuan looked at her with doting eyes. "Wife, are you alright?"

"Of course I’m fine, I’m doing great. Why, do I look like I’m in trouble?"

Mo Feiyuan shook his head and pulled her into his arms. This action was extremely intimate in front of everyone. Yun Feiyue felt a bit shy, but thinking they were husband and wife, she saw no reason to be embarrassed. She accepted everyone's gazes with a smile and turned to Mo Feiyuan. "Why the sudden display of affection?"

"Display of affection?" Mo Feiyuan didn't quite understand the term.

Yun Feiyue explained with a laugh, "It means hugging and cuddling in public. Don't you think it's improper?"

"Ever since the day I met my wife, I never intended to be proper."

When this was said, the faces of the elders nearby darkened. It was clear these two didn't have them in their eyes at all and were caught up in their own romance.

The Great Elder coughed and stepped forward. "This time, Yun Feiyue wins, and Luo Yunhuang loses."

Only then did the crowd react, looking at Yun Feiyue with extreme astonishment. They had thought she wasn't strong enough, but now it seemed she was far stronger than they had imagined.

The Sixth Elder laughed. "It seems the God will be very satisfied with our sacrificial offering. I wonder if the Matriarch would be willing to sacrifice herself for the Mo family."

Yun Feiyue rubbed her ears. "Old man, what did you say?"

The Sixth Elder was quite displeased with the form of address but maintained his composure. "I said the God will surely be satisfied with the sacrifice we have chosen for him. Matriarch."

Yun Feiyue felt that something was very wrong with this.

The God's sacrifice? "You mean me?" Yun Feiyue pointed at herself.

The Sixth Elder nodded heavily. "Yes, who else but you? Under heaven, only the position of Matriarch meets our sacrificial requirements."

Damn it! Yun Feiyue frowned. "Do you dare say that again?"

The Sixth Elder snorted. "Don't you know? The God chooses a sacrificial offering before manifesting, and you happen to fit his requirements."

Yun Feiyue turned to look at Mo Feiyuan, holding onto a sliver of hope that he wouldn't let her become some sacrificial offering. Mo Feiyuan looked at the Sixth Elder coldly and spoke after a long while. "Elder, you are making me feel more and more disgusted."

The Elder smiled lightly. "Being disgusted by you is my honor. Truly, a great fortune."

The fat man's face was full of wrinkles as he smiled, which made Yun Feiyue feel very uncomfortable. And when she was uncomfortable, she didn't hold back with her tongue.

"Sixth Elder, I will seriously consider offering you to the God you worship."

Their conversation reached a stalemate. The Elder was very unhappy with Yun Feiyue, but it seemed he couldn't resist her now, so he turned his gaze toward Luo Yunhuang. "Yunhuang, how do you feel?"

Luo Yunhuang shook her head. "I'm fine."

Seeing Luo Yunhuang defeated, the Great Elder's expression was very grim. "If you're fine, then stay put."

Luo Yunhuang wanted to say something, but ultimately didn't and stood behind the Great Elder.

There were several more challenges, but none of them changed the victory of the twelve masters. This assessment clearly didn't have much significance. However, in the strictly stratified Mo family, perhaps some from below had risen, while others had been thrown by the Law Enforcement Elders into various dangerous places on the Jinge Continent. Whether they could return, or were willing to return, was all a matter of fate.

Among those people, the place they were thrown to most often was the Huangtian Forest. That was the legendary altar of the God. Yun Feiyue still had vivid memories of what she had encountered in the Huangtian Forest that day.

However, she had no heart to dwell on it too much. She yawned and looked at the arena. All kinds of martial arts lights were flashing with a special brilliance. Everything was like a magnificent performance.

Yun Feiyue narrowed her eyes slightly and turned to Mo Feiyuan. "Nothing else for me to do today? What about Yunhuang?"

"Yunhuang can still challenge others. She is one of the twelve masters and will not face any punishment."

That’s great! Then the identity of a master is basically a "get out of jail free" card! Yun Feiyue sighed internally but didn't say anything more. She understood that Luo Yunhuang was in a difficult position. She wasn't someone who liked to watch others die and had no interest in death; it would be best if Luo Yunhuang didn't die. For Yun Feiyue, it was best if Luo Yunhuang stayed safe. After all, they were friends.

Originally, Yun Feiyue had been watching the show with a relaxed attitude. But just then, someone came to challenge her again. This time, it was Yu Que. For some reason, the entire crowd was in an uproar when Yu Que challenged Yun Feiyue. Yun Feiyue didn't know what secrets Yu Que held, but it seemed his status in the Mo family was extraordinary.

Yun Feiyue raised an eyebrow at Yu Que. "Still wearing a mask? Can't you let me see your face?"

Yu Que shook his head. "Please, enlighten me."

Yun Feiyue smiled lightly. "How could I enlighten you? I’m just thinking, please show some mercy. The two of you siblings bullying me alone is hardly heroic!"

"Yu Que never considered himself a hero. Doing whatever it takes to achieve a goal is who I am." Yu Que’s voice remained gentle, and he said these things without a blush, as if being unscrupulous was a matter of course.

Yun Feiyue glanced at Yu Que. "Fine, since you’ve put it that way, it would be a pity if I didn't have a match with you."

Yu Que smiled. "Please, enlighten me!"

This time, Yun Feiyue didn't use the Buddha Butterfly but went straight to using her martial arts energy; the ignited flames seemed capable of burning away life itself. She had exhausted a lot of energy in her duel with Luo Yunhuang. However, that wouldn't make her admit defeat so easily. Since the Great Elder and the Sixth Elder had made their intentions clear, her situation in the Mo family was naturally poor. If she wanted to improve her circumstances, she had to let her strength do the talking.

She manipulated the flames to rush toward her opponent. Yu Que’s power was indeed astonishing. He stood quietly in place, and a harmonious light seemed to emanate from him, making him look like a deity—clean, beautiful, and soft. Any word of elegance or beauty would not be excessive when used to describe him. She was actually a bit curious about what kind of face was beneath that golden mask.

He gently brushed aside the flames and walked toward Yun Feiyue step by step, fearless of the fire. Yun Feiyue quickly retracted the flames and performed another perfect turn, blocking Yu Que outside. Yu Que looked at Yun Feiyue from afar, his hand like a blade, gently slicing through the firelight.

The gap in their strength was too great. Everyone could see that Yun Feiyue had no way to withstand Yu Que’s attack. Their battle was like an adult bullying a child. How could they be so far apart?

Yun Feiyue didn't understand why the gap was so large either. Her expression shifted, and she formed a seal with her hands—she was preparing to release the Yun Seal for a second time. Mo Feiyuan’s brow furrowed slightly, wondering what he was thinking.

Mo Yu’s purple jade flute moved slightly in his hand. A hint of worry appeared on Mo Xiangqing’s gentle face, though it was only a fleeting trace that quickly dissolved and disappeared. He suddenly smiled and looked at Mo Feiyuan. "Do you believe in reincarnation and rebirth?"

Mo Feiyuan didn't speak. Mo Yu’s gaze turned toward them. "Second Brother, you’re overthinking."

"Seventh Brother, what is your take?" Mo Xiangqing asked, looking at Mo Yu gently.

Mo Yu chuckled. "I just think you’re overthinking it. There is no reincarnation or rebirth in this world. Even for the gods, it is impossible."

"It seems we’ve returned to the starting point." Mo Xiangqing smiled faintly and turned his gaze back to the arena.

Yu Que was already close to Yun Feiyue, and Yun Feiyue happened to release the Yun Seal. The release of the seal was accompanied by a powerful surge of energy, far greater than what she had used against Luo Yunhuang.

The entire arena was in an uproar. Mo Xiangqing’s brow twitched as if he had remembered something. Mo Yu raised his jade flute and blew a soft note. A beautiful melody spread throughout the Mo family, appearing to come from the heavens, carrying a gentle breeze and a sky full of purple catkins.