The Qing Province is located in the heart of the Central Plains, adjacent to the Central State, with the Canglan River flowing through it, serving as a vital thoroughfare connecting the north and south.

The entire region is mainly composed of plains, with gently undulating terrain shaped like an overturned cauldron, avoiding the woes of low-lying flooding and benefiting from hillside drainage.

The black, fertile soil formed over centuries of accumulation is several feet thick, and squeezing a handful can produce oil, making Qing Province the second richest area in Great Yuan, only surpassed by the Central State.

Whoosh—

The Flying Boat steadily and swiftly cut through the horizon.

Chen Mo stood on the deck, leaning against the railing, and gazed down through the clouds.

Fields were squared, channels formed a network, and countless levee fields were neatly arranged, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Due to the advanced water technology, these fertile lands could ensure abundant harvests regardless of drought or flood, with biannual yields, earning Qing Province the reputation of being "half the granary of the world."

Because of the abundant resources, numerous sects have rooted themselves in Qing Province, with two top-level sects and countless minor forces.

"It seems that when the Moon Brilliance Sect managed to stand out among so many forces and become the largest sect in Qing Province, it indeed had some skills, but unfortunately provoked the wrong people," Chen Mo shook his head in dismay.

Ji Lianxing's cultivation was extraordinary, but she was stubborn, solely focused on restoring her sect and seeking revenge, possibly leading to more trouble.

Although their relationship had eased recently, keeping her around was still like having a ticking time bomb.

Should the Empress discover this, it wouldn't be just a tantrum; even Gu Manzhi and Ye Henshui could be in danger!

"Fortunately, I've already obtained the First-Grade Creation Gold Contract, so I can study the clauses well now. Once she signs the contract, it shouldn't cause any major issues."

"As for reviving the sect, it's worth reconsidering, especially since Xu Family women are involved; if necessary, sever all ties and completely dissociate from the name 'Moon Brilliance Sect'..."

Chen Mo mused to himself.

At this moment, a light footstep sounded from behind, "Master, what are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that last night's sandwich should've had more salad," Chen Mo replied without turning his head.

?

Ling Ningzhi imagined the three of them stacked together, and her cheeks reddened, mumbling a rebuke, "You dare say anything, aren't you afraid others might hear?"

"So what?" Chen Mo chuckled, "We're just lip friends, rightful and upright, why care about external gossip?"

Ling Ningzhi, accustomed to his nonsensical talk, shook her head and said nothing.

The relationship between her and Chen Mo was already widespread, hardly a secret, but her master's affair must remain hidden, or they'd surely face public condemnation, tarnishing the sect's reputation.

Standing beside Chen Mo, a gust of wind crossed, fluttering a strand of hair near her snow-white neck.

Chen Mo's gaze lingered on her exquisite and bright profile, momentarily dazed.

Noticing his fixed gaze, Ling Ningzhi slightly furrowed her willow-like brows and playfully scolded, "Why are you staring at a humble daoist like that?"

"I just find it incredible; initially, I imagined countless possibilities, but never thought we'd end up like this," Chen Mo remarked nostalgically.

In the original plot, the Three Saints entered, not only devastating the Imperial Consort Faction but also setting the whole Chen Family ablaze.

Ling Ningzhi, a core member of the protagonist group, played a crucial role, so Chen Mo had already resolved, even using the most despicable means, he must prevent such a scenario from repeating.

Yet, the development far exceeded his expectations...

Ling Ningzhi listened in a little perplexity but seemed to grasp something, blushing as she said, "When you bullied a humble daoist back then, I found something odd... Facing the Demon Clan and Blood Demon, undeniably courageous, saving countless lives from peril, how could he then be a lust-crazed villain?"

"Surely you had an unavoidable reason, right?"

"Though you aren't a villain, your fondness for beauty is genuine, even your master..."

Realizing others were on the boat too, worried ears might be eavesdropping, she paused her words.

"..."

Chen Mo appeared slightly awkward, cautiously saying, "Speaking of which, about Daoist Venerable, you're really not concerned?"

"What good would anxiety do? Does a humble daoist have a choice?" Ling Ningzhi glared at him, responding irritably, "Our master's face is already rather thin; if a humble daoist isn't proactive, she might actually retreat and shut herself in for a life of seclusion... Can't watch our master walk grandpa's old path, right?"

"Instead of worrying about me overthinking, you might as well ponder how to resolve things with the Imperial Consort."

She vividly recalled when Chen Mo supported them as master and disciple, Consort Yu nearby nearly fainted.

Moreover, Consort Yu and Daoist Venerable were sworn enemies, both among the top-tier in Jiu Zhou; neither would submit to the other, prone to conflict. Surely, Chen Mo will face hardships ahead.

"Alas..."

Mentioning this, Chen Mo sighed helplessly. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Now that it's too late, he'll have to wait until he returns to the capital to slowly pacify it...

"Speaking of which, concerning Qingzhou Secret Realm, our master personally divined it, suggesting possible materials for refining the Creation Golden Pill inside, unsure if we'll manage to obtain them this time," Ling Ningzhi's brows tightened, her expression worried.

Ling Yishan's remaining lifespan was scarce; this Secret Realm venture likely their last chance, must not fail.

"Don't worry, haven't you noticed my luck? Anything I set out to do hasn't failed thus far," Chen Mo spoke lightly.