In a distant mountain range.
The celestial anomalies on Blue Star also caused consternation among the ancient ancestors of Gu Xuan.
They looked at the disappearing holy light in the sky and said with uncertainty, "What's going on? Has a deity descended upon this world?"
Although they did not investigate the holy light region, the ancestors could feel an unfathomable power.
Having lived for hundreds of years as old monsters, they naturally knew that deities resided on this Blue Star.
The ancient ancestors of Gu Xuan had been in seclusion for so long precisely to achieve godhood in their mortal bodies!
Before they could even consider if the holy light had brought a deity, a hoarse and piteous voice sounded, "Ai yo, Ancestor Gu Xuan..."
Beneath the mountain lay Ancestor Qing Wu, appearing on the verge of death.
They were shocked as they rescued Ancestor Qing Wu, unable to hide their astonishment, "Ancestor Qing Wu, were you beaten by that brat?"
Ancestor Qing Wu had fainted from pain and had only recently regained consciousness.
He was too embarrassed to admit that he had been so badly beaten by a mere brat.
He had nearly lost half his life.
Ancestor Qing Wu stammered, "I was trying to capture the Plague Water. Right, did you catch the Plague Water?"
"No, the Plague Water was taken away by a dragon horse."
Gu Xuan and the others explained the situation to Qing Wu. They hadn't even managed to capture a single Crimson Ghost.
Upon learning that Xiao Ye had entered the Crimson Ghost Abyss, Ancestor Qing Wu looked up at the clear, giant light screen in the void.
He frowned, his brow furrowed with worry, "If that kid didn't die, will he take the Crimson Ghost patriarch with him?"
"That's impossible, how could the Crimson Ghost's patriarch be captured by him?"
Hearing Qing Wu's words, these ancestors couldn't help but be astonished.
The reproduction of Crimson Ghosts relied on the patriarch. If Xiao Ye obtained the most significant head of the Crimson Ghosts.
Then no one on this Blue Star could stop him!
Even...
Xiao Ye might be able to fight the deity that appeared in the sky earlier.
They hoped it wouldn't turn out as they feared.
The ancient ancestors of Gu Xuan felt a growing unease, watching the scenes of the illusionary cycle of reincarnation.
...
Prince Mu Li was executed. The day of his execution was bright and sunny.
Countless citizens gathered, shouting, "Long live the Empress!"
Even the imperial relatives did not shield Mu Li's crimes. Mu Qinglan, astride a horse, was brought to the execution site.
Mu Qinglan could not forget Mu Li's eyes, red as if about to bleed, "Why must I die? Didn't Empress Sister dote on me the most? Why do you want me to die..."
"I don't want to die, Empress Sister, why would you do this?!"
As Mu Li's head fell, he gazed at the Empress high above.
He let out a piercing cry, "This is how Father Emperor wanted you to take care of me when he was dying. Empress, you are so heartless—"
No!
It was not her who had harmed her own brother.
It was Xiao Ye, the greatest traitor to the Mu Dynasty.
Mu Qinglan saw Xiao Ye's expression, seeing him turn his head.
Xiao Ye's lips curled into a smile, appearing so composed and noble.
His eyes clearly showed triumph, as if saying when looking at the Empress…
What use is your ascension to the throne? This world is run by him.
Enraged, Mu Qinglan wished she could strike him down with a sword!
Her breathing grew increasingly difficult, and Mu Qinglan suddenly woke up.
The palace maids outside the hall heard the commotion from the Dragon Palace and rushed in with alarm.
"Your Majesty the Empress, you're having another nightmare?"
Mu Qinglan found herself covered in cold sweat. Three days had passed since Mu Li's execution, yet she had this nightmare every night.
"Pour me a cup of tea."
A cup of tea was handed to Mu Qinglan, and she began to calm the overwhelming impact of the nightmare.
The palace maid watched the Empress looking distressed and hesitantly spoke, "Your Majesty the Empress, if you're not feeling well, why not let Prime Minister Xiao bring the imperial physicians to examine you?"
"Bang!"
Upon hearing this, Mu Qinglan's temper flared uncontrollably. She smashed the teacup to the ground.
The imperious and cool Empress glared at the speaking palace maid, "Does my needing to see an imperial physician even require Prime Minister Xiao's consent?!"
Not knowing which statement had offended the Empress, the palace maid knelt down in panic.
"Your Majesty the Empress, this servant deserves to die."
Mu Qinglan saw the palace maid trembling in fear and kneeling. She knew that mentioning Xiao Ye was inevitable, especially since he could freely enter and exit her Dragon Palace.
Xiao Ye did not seem to regard her, the Empress, with any respect.
"You may all withdraw."
Mu Qinglan suppressed her emotions and watched as the palace maids hurried out in a flustered state.
Her hatred for Xiao Ye was palpable. The death of her brother this time had plunged Mu Qinglan into endless nightmares.
The culprit was Xiao Ye, the treacherous minister.
Mu Qinglan wrote a memorial requesting an audience. Her voice was bone-chillingly cold, "I will eradicate this scourge for the Mu Dynasty."
Therefore, the next day, after the court session, she summoned the Grand Commandant.
The Grand Commandant, along with the Marquis of Lin'an, were discussing important matters in the Empress's study.
"That Prime Minister Xiao is lawless! He actually forced Your Majesty the Empress to execute her own brother."
The aged Grand Commandant, filled with indignation, said to the Marquis of Lin'an, "Marquis, the only trusted individuals by the Empress's side are us two ministers. We cannot let Prime Minister Xiao continue to be so arrogant."
"Otherwise, he will become the hidden emperor of the Mu Dynasty, ruling above Your Majesty the Empress!"
The Marquis of Lin'an, around fifty years old, held considerable military power.
He had rendered meritorious services and owned several cities of his own.
The Marquis of Lin'an had a somber expression. He bowed to Mu Qinglan and said, "Your Majesty the Empress, this humble servant will assist you in eradicating this treacherous minister, Xiao Ye..."
Mu Qinglan's expression softened. She sat by the desk, writing on a memorial.
"I cannot tolerate Prime Minister Xiao for another day. I want him dead as soon as possible!"
The Empress's emotions were slightly agitated, and she wrote several characters for "death" on the Xuan paper.
"Your Majesty, I have a plan."
Mu Qinglan's heart leaped with joy when the Marquis of Lin'an spoke.
Before the Grand Commandant could even present the plan.
A lazy voice suddenly appeared in the Empress's study.
"Grand Commandant and Marquis of Lin'an are enjoying their leisure time, what stratagems are you offering Your Majesty the Empress?"
Seeing Xiao Ye walk in nonchalantly from outside the door.
The Grand Commandant and the Marquis of Lin'an were instantly stunned by Xiao Ye's appearance.
"Prime Minister Xiao... when did you arrive?"
Mu Qinglan's expression tightened, and the brush in her hand trembled!
She didn't know how long Xiao Ye had been standing outside the door, or if he had overheard their conspiracy.
Xiao Ye's face was filled with a smile, "Your Majesty the Empress, this humble servant has been here for a while."
The Grand Commandant and the Marquis of Lin'an looked at Xiao Ye with apprehension. This Prime Minister Xiao, who held all the power, had entered the Empress's study without even announcing himself.
"Prime Minister Xiao is here to see me about urgent matters. Is there anything important?"
Mu Qinglan feigned composure. She intended to placate Xiao Ye and not reveal the secret plot in the study.
Xiao Ye's gaze fell upon the Empress, as if he hadn't noticed the panic in her eyes.
"Prime Minister Xiao, what urgent matters bring you to see me, the Empress?"