Dou Heping glanced at Dou Fengmian. “Fengmian, what do you think.”


  Dou Fengmian nodded. “Second Brother’s analysis is correct. For our Dou Clan, we have to temporarily swallow this grievance. If I’m not wrong, this isn’t the crown prince consort’s doing.”


  No matter how you looked at it, these lightning-quick, precise, and unfathomable methods were indicative of that person’s doing.

  Seeing that his two sons were in consensus, Dou Heping could only sigh helplessly with a nod.

  “At present, the most important thing at hand is to prepare Fengchi for the journey to the Mystic Beast Forest secret realm.”


  Dou Heping nodded at this reminder. “That’s right. It’s unfortunate that Yao’er was eliminated. I had originally thought that both sisters could make the journey together.”


  However, Dou Fengmian commented dryly, “It’s already a good result. Look at the Mu Clan. They originally had set lofty sights on two quotas, yet they didn’t obtain any in the end.”


  The talisman patrician family’s failure this time had simply made them the laughingstock of the entire capital.

  Dou Heping also smiled upon hearing this.

  That’s right, this time, apart from the originally weaker Wu Clan that had failed, the head of the eight great patrician families, the Mu Clan, had also very unexpectedly joined the ranks of defeat.

  The remaining six patrician families each had one victorious representative, so it could be said that they all had equal shares of the glory.

  Meanwhile, inside the Qin Estate’s Crane Garden, Second Young Sir Qin propped up the side of his jaw with his hand as he casually wrote and drew on a piece of paper.

  A black-clothed female with delicate and pretty features bowed her head as she stood silently before the desk.

  She was dressed in a short garment with narrowed sleeves, and her long hair was tied up neatly, revealing her high hairline.

  “On this journey to the Mystic Beast Forest secret realm, your chief task is to find a ten thousand-year Xuanji Core. You should be clear on that already.”


  “Yes.” Qin Susu nodded briskly. She had participated in the selection as the eldest young sir and second young sir’s godsister. In reality, though, she was the second young sir’s hidden guard that he had groomed for many years.

  She was very clear on her own position and what she needed to do. On this journey, she only needed to follow the second young sir’s orders, and she didn’t harbor any other thoughts at all.

  “Also.” Second Qin set down his brush and swept a faint glance at Qin Susu. “You must ensure Miss Qiao’s safety on this journey. If necessary, you have to protect her with your life.”


  Qin Susu was taken aback, after which she immediately nodded briskly. “Yes, this subordinate will do as you bid.”


  After saying this, she glanced very cautiously at Second Qin again.

  Second Young Sir Qin then inquired coldly, “What other questions do you have.”


  “If…… Miss Qiao also wants to obtain the Xuanji Core. What should this subordinate do?” Qin Susu frowned with a serious expression on her delicate and pretty face.

  Second Qin suddenly smiled with a vibrant, ink-green coursing through the depths of his eyes and a faint tenderness between his brows. “If she wants it, then give it to her. After all, it’s only a mere Xuanji Core……”


  His statement left Qin Susu stunned.

  The second young sir left the desk and walked out the door alone, leaving behind Qin Susu, who stood there in stupefaction for a long time.

  A piece of blotting paper then drifted down from the desk, landing lightly beside Qin Susu’s feet.

  As Qin Susu looked down, she saw that it was filled with the character ‘Qiao.’ The ink had seeped through the back of the paper with distinct and vigorous strokes……

  Qin Susu drew her lips into a thin line.

  She was only a hidden guard, so she would definitely carry out her master’s order, even if it was at the cost of her own life.

  After walking out of the room, Second Qin stroked the large cranes sauntering about the peaceful courtyard as his gaze deepened……