I, who was turned into a woman by the Jade Maiden Master, want to rebel against the Heavenly Gang.

Yuan Mengli smiled and said, "But in life, how often do things go smoothly? There are always things we have to do without our consent, things we can't control, right?"

"What good would I get from harming you? All I want is for you to earn spirit stones for me. As long as you behave, I don't care how much you squander or how much trouble you cause."

"What do you want? I'll give you seven hundred million... except freedom."

Qin Rufeng frowned upon hearing this, but she held back and said nothing.

Yuan Mengli continued, "As for Feng Hua... I know you and she are close. But she is my contracted demon beast, and I knew her before you did."

"As a Master, it's not a problem for me to find ways to control my demon beast, is it? If you like, I can have her serve you."

"You would much rather have a loyal, obedient demon familiar than an arrogant, disobedient one."

Qin Rufeng remained expressionless. She was now certain of one thing: she had to find a way to obtain the remaining fire-attribute rare treasure herself.

For now, we can only endure it...

Seeing Qin Rufeng's calm demeanor, Yuan Mengli nodded and continued, "You'll be receiving guests in a few days. The person who specifically requested you is someone close to Empress Cangyun. I can't refuse."

"Since she's someone close to the Empress, she's definitely not a vulgar person. However... she paid double the deposit and wants to bring her two close friends with her."

"Huh?" Qin Rufeng was also completely bewildered.

She knew from the moment she entered Qingyuefang that sooner or later Yuan Mengli would force her to this point.

During this period of delay, he acquired three and a half rare and precious materials. He also accumulated enough spiritual energy to break through to the Golden Core stage. He even learned powerful spells.

Except for the slightly slower collection of rare and precious materials, everything else is proceeding according to plan.

She just hadn't expected... how come there were two of them together? Meow, the Threefold Fiend, right? Is it that abstract?

Qin Rufeng knew that if he didn't agree, Yuan Mengli would use any means necessary. After all, Fenghua was in her hands, and he would have to be careful not to harm her.

What we need to do now is buy time. Every second gained increases our chances of survival.

Waiting two days would buy more time and increase the chances of winning compared to turning against Yuan Mengli now.

So Qin Rufeng nodded and said, "I agree. But you have to let Fenghua come with me, otherwise I don't know what you will do to her."

"Hahaha, you think I'd make her a prostitute? She's a demon beast, do you think everyone's like you?" Yuan Mengli said with a laugh. "Alright, whatever you say. Get ready these next couple of days."

At this point, Yuan Mengli's expression suddenly changed, and her tone became low, "Ruyan, although you are a smart person, I still have to remind you... never have any wicked thoughts."

"Our relationship is a mutually beneficial transaction. I let you live comfortably, and you earn spirit stones for me."

"If I said I was kind-hearted, I doubt you would believe me."

"I treat you well because you're my precious baby. If not... then don't blame me for being heartless."

"I really don't want to see you end up in the lowest brothel, defiled and utterly humiliated. Don't push me!"

Qin Rufeng remained silent, turned around, and took his leave...

And so, she and Yuan Mengli calmly confronted each other.

It's not time to despair yet.

The biggest crisis right now is that so-called person close to the Empress. Xia Jinghong had mentioned it repeatedly before, and it turns out it's true.

It's most likely the woman in red. Or... is she someone else?

I was a little flustered, but I had a feeling that the woman in red looked familiar, and she shouldn't be a bad person.

Qin Rufeng was still worried and planned to let Xia Jinghong go out to look for the woman in red again.

Who knew that the very next morning, Yuan Mengli personally arrived at Ruyan Pavilion with four maids. She said that Jinghong and Qingshi didn't know how to serve the fairy before receiving guests.

It was really just an excuse to replace the people around Qin Rufeng.

Qin Rufeng knew that if she refused forcefully, Qing Shi and Jing Hong's lives would likely be in danger. Therefore, she agreed to replace the servants but demanded that Jing Hong and Qing Shi be given to Shangguan Qingxue.

As long as Qin Rufeng complied, everything would be fine, and Yuan Mengli agreed to her request.

Despite their reluctance, Qingxue and Qingshi could not stay by Rufeng's side to live and die with her. They could only obey the fairy's orders and follow Qingxue.

The four new maids, however, did not cause Qin Rufeng any trouble. They not only served Qin Rufeng very well but also treated her with utmost humility. It was as if they were holding the shop owner's most treasured porcelain, afraid of breaking it. They were even careful when combing Qin Rufeng's hair, not daring to lose a single strand.

And so, three days later, Qin Rufeng finally had her "first time"... and finally met the woman in red who claimed to have long admired her.

However, upon seeing this person, Qin Rufeng was completely dumbfounded... "Senior Sister?!"

Chapter 161 The Most Tragic Person

Qin Rufeng could hardly believe her eyes. Standing before her was none other than her long-lost fellow disciple, Nangong Yue.

"Ru Feng." Nangong Yue was probably trying to appear calm, but she couldn't help rushing over the moment she saw Qin Ru Feng.

The two hugged each other tightly...

They tried their best to hold back their tears, but in the end, they laughed through their tears.

Qin Rufeng also breathed a sigh of relief, "I wondered who the person next to that empress was, it turns out to be my senior sister."

Nangong Yue laughed and said, "I'm not."

Qin Rufeng: "You dare to impersonate someone close to the Empress?"

“No,” Nangong Yue said. “She is a genuine Thunder Sound Guard of Cangyun City.”

Qin Rufeng then remembered that it was supposed to be the third division, there should be one more person.

As they were talking, another person walked in. She was dressed in golden armor and magnificent robes, her body bathed in the glow of the sunset, and she looked dignified and awe-inspiring.

Qin Rufeng exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Sister Gan!!"

That's right, the person who came was none other than Gan Mingyue from Hoututang, the senior sister who had teamed up with Qin Rufeng to carry out the mission.

Qin Rufeng also went up and hugged her tightly...

Unexpectedly, truly unexpectedly. Just when you think you've reached the end of the road, a new path opens up before you.

Qin Rufeng felt he had reached his most critical moment. And in order to overcome this crisis, he had no choice but to endure.

This was a crisis within a crisis, the darkest hour. But unexpectedly, it turned into joy, and I was reunited with my two long-lost fellow disciples!

Qin Rufeng said, "Why didn't you two senior sisters come to find me sooner?"

Nangong Yue smiled bitterly, "Don't you know how difficult it is for the people of Cangyun City to even see you?"

“I even inquired whether Liu Ruyan of Qingyuefang was from the Jade Maiden Sect. It turned out that everyone said she was from the Joyful Union Sect. I also heard that she was a fox demon, so she definitely isn’t you.”

“Even when I saw you in person at the Lantern Festival, I still couldn’t quite believe it. After all, you really do have fox ears and a tail. And you’re wearing a veil.” Nangong Yue said, pulling Qin Rufeng’s ear as she spoke, while Gan Mingyue hugged and stroked her tail.

Nangong Yue continued, "Then I met your maid Xia Jinghong, and after chatting for a while, I confirmed that it was you."

Qin Rufeng shook his head and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you two senior sisters."

After talking with her two senior sisters, Ru Feng learned that they had both reached the Golden Core stage. Nangong Yue had just reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, while Gan Mingyue had even reached the peak of the late-stage Golden Core realm.

Moreover, Gan Mingyue is indeed a genuine Thunder Sound Guardian.

The "Wind-Riding Envoys" and the "Thunder Sound Guards" are the direct guards of Empress Cangyun. They are not under the jurisdiction of Yunxiao Palace and are somewhat similar to the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The difference is that the Wind and Thunder Guards do not have ranks like the Embroidered Uniform Guards. Although they are numerous, they are not subordinate to each other and are all directly under the Empress's command.

So it's true that Gan Mingyue is someone close to the Empress.

As a member of the Thunder Sound Guard, Gan Mingyue received a generous salary and had access to top-tier resources, so her cultivation speed was naturally faster.

Nangong Yue, on the other hand, cultivated alone as a rogue cultivator. Gan Mingyue wanted to recommend her to the Empress, but she politely declined. Nangong Yue supported her cultivation by collecting bounties for defeating the Blood Cloud Infected.

This was not unexpected for Qin Rufeng. Given Nangong Yue's proud personality and her status as a direct disciple of the Vermilion Bird Saintess, she certainly wouldn't join any other faction.

In contrast, Gan Mingyue, who was merely a disciple of Hou Tu Tang, was much more pragmatic.

Moreover, Empress Cangyun is not a sect or faction. Although the name sounds like a feudal dynasty on Earth, she is at most an alliance leader.

However, compared to the martial arts alliance leaders in Blue Star novels, the Empress is indeed stronger. She truly possesses rule over the entire Cangyun Mountain region. In particular, the astonishingly abundant spirit stone mines here all belong to her.

She was probably more like an ancient Western lord of Earth or a neon daimyo, or even a minor king.

However, the various sects in Cangyun City are not her knights and warriors, but rather form an alliance. This aspect leans towards the position of the martial arts alliance leader.

For example, the Empress issued a decree, hoping that all major sects would prioritize the well-being of the people and help control the blood cloud infection.

The major sects will respond on a moral ground. As for how much effort they will put in, that will depend on what price the Empress demands.

The "Cloud Palace," responsible for bounty matters, resembles an administrative agency. In contrast, Gan Mingyue's status as a Thunder Sound Guard is more like that of a retainer or warrior personally kept by the Empress.

Compared to her two senior sisters, Qin Rufeng's identity is even more special...

Nangong Yue couldn't help but tease, "Ru Feng, we didn't even know you had arrived in Cangyun City. We thought you hadn't come to Xihuan at all, but we never expected... you would become the most beautiful courtesan in Qingyuefang."

"Not a courtesan, but a musician!" Qin Rufeng quickly corrected.

Gan Mingyue also asked, "Then what about the Hehuan Sect? It's understandable that you want to avoid revealing your identity, but why do you insist on calling yourself a member of the Hehuan Sect?"

Qin Rufeng was at a loss for words and could only sigh, "It's a long story... In order to escape from the Crimson Moon Prison, I have no choice but to endure it for now."

Nangong Yue asked in surprise, "What kind of place is the Crimson Moon Heavenly Prison?"

Qin Rufeng was also bewildered. "Right, why didn't you two senior sisters enter the Crimson Moon Heavenly Prison? How did you get to Cangyun City if you didn't go to the Heavenly Prison?"

Her question left Nangong Yue and Gan Mingyue speechless.

Gan Mingyue said, "We're also curious, how did you get to the West Ring without entering the [Sub-Void Beast]'s body?"

Qin Rufeng was shocked. "What is a Sub-Void Beast?"

Nangong Yue: "What is the Crimson Moon Heavenly Prison?"

The accounts don't match up...

After a detailed conversation, Qin Rufeng learned that he was the only one of the three who had arrived at the Crimson Moon Heavenly Prison. His two senior sisters had been sucked into the belly of the "Sub-Void Beast."

It turns out that the tubular tentacle monster with horns, feathers, scales, hooves, and teeth all in one body, and whose head and tail are hard to see in the clouds, is called the "Sub-Void Beast".

Its interior is a vast space, filled with mountains, water, and all living things. It is a place of bizarre and wondrous sights. Many have become trapped within it, some even establishing sects and sects there.

It seems that the flow of time inside is different from that outside.

After a fierce battle within the belly of the Void Beast, the two senior sisters obtained an opportunity to cultivate their Golden Core.

Both of them were already at the late Foundation Establishment stage with exceptionally gifted physiques, so reaching the Golden Core stage would not be difficult for them.

Then the two of them searched for a way out and walked out of the inner world of the Void Beast through a pipe, arriving directly at Cangyun City.

Their combined Golden Core cultivation level wouldn't have reduced them to slavery. By a stroke of luck, Gan Mingyue even became a direct subordinate of the Cangyun Empress's Thunder Sound Guard.

Compared to the two women, Qin Rufeng's experience was utterly tragic.

Thinking about it carefully, the tubular tentacles appearing in the sky meant he should have been sucked into the tentacle tubes. The two senior sisters were normal, but he himself entering the black hole was clearly because he was intercepted by that damned Crimson Moon Cult.

Nangong Yue couldn't help but sigh, "So you had such a past before coming to Qingyuefang. I thought you were desperate and sold yourself into prostitution as a courtesan."

“Your little maid Xia Jinghong told me everything about you. But she didn’t mention your time in the Crimson Moon Prison.”

Qin Rufeng said, "I only took her in after I left the Crimson Moon Prison and entered the Azure Moon Workshop."

Chapter 162 Something's Wrong

Nangong Yue said thoughtfully, "Senior Sister Gan and I entered the belly of the Void Beast, while Ru Feng and I went to the Crimson Moon Prison. What about Ruan Yan?"

Qin Rufeng said, "That's right, didn't the two senior sisters encounter Senior Sister Ruan? When I was sucked into the black hole, I reminded her to hide well and be sure to report back to the sect."

"Given her ability to conceal herself, she might have escaped unscathed. She should have returned to the Jade Maiden Sect, so why hasn't the sect come looking for us?"

"The sect? I'm afraid we can't come." Gan Mingyue shook her head and said, "Ru Feng, you may not know, but the ever-circulating power of the Heavenly Dao is gradually collapsing. The South Ring and the West Ring have been isolated, and it is not easy to travel together."

Qin Rufeng: "What?"

Gan Mingyue: "It was the collapse in the West Ring area, so the sect leader and the seniors may have been a little late in receiving the news."

“The Void Beasts can only be seen where the Heavenly Dao Ring collapses. And why do you think the Blood Cloud Valley, which has been stable for so long, has suddenly erupted in recent years?”

Qin Rufeng suddenly realized, "The eruption of the blood clouds was also due to the collapse of the power of the Heavenly Dao?"

Gan Mingyue nodded. "Although there is no direct evidence, many highly skilled people in Cangyun City believe this."

"At least we can confirm that what we usually call the 'Ring of Heaven' did indeed collapse and break at the junction of the West Ring and the South Ring."

"Its influence extends to the Central Plains, the Flowing Clouds Realm, and the Crystal Clouds Realm. This is a conclusion that is generally accepted by the high-ranking members of the major sects in Cangyun City."

Qin Rufeng felt his head buzzing, "Can't we go back? Master..."

Gan Mingyue quickly comforted him, saying, "Ru Feng, don't be discouraged. This isn't the first time the Heavenly Ring has collapsed, nor is it beyond repair."

"Even if we take a step back, we can try to find the Void Beast again and return to the sect. But that requires a stroke of luck."