Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1364: Stars Surround the Moon
Previously on Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return...
"If you're willing to acknowledge me as Master, I will impart all my knowledge to you," Feng Qingyu perceived Han Yan's wavering resolve and spoke with a voice dripping with saccharine sweetness, seizing the opportune moment.
Han Yan felt as if she were encountering a notorious, predatory figure luring innocent girls, and goosebumps erupted all over her skin.
"Perhaps we should not be too hasty. Let us discuss this at a later time," Han Yan replied, declining his offer.
"What? Do you doubt my abilities, Feng Qingyu?" Feng Qingyu, taken aback by Han Yan's renewed rejection of his goodwill, exclaimed in exasperation.
"Not at all. It is merely a sword array; I believe I can deduce it on my own," Han Yan responded tactfully, not wishing to bruise his ego too severely.
"Hmph, who knows how many years it will take you to comprehend it yourself? Very well, allow me to demonstrate my prowess once more." Feng Qingyu's determination solidified; he resolved to win Han Yan over through a display of his strength.
"Still not accepting you as Master," Han Yan murmured again, her voice barely audible.
"All of you, gather around and position yourselves properly! And you, Han Yan, come here as well." Feng Qingyu disregarded her previous statement and addressed everyone with a serious demeanor, refraining from calling her his favored disciple.
Huayue and the others cast questioning glances towards Han Yan, who gave a slight nod.
She had been most apprehensive about this portly man abusing his authority under the guise of his 'Bone Touching' technique to take advantage of others. However, observing that no such sinister intentions were present, her anxiety subsided.
Shortly thereafter, the group assembled before Feng Qingyu.
"All of you, commit the sword technique in my left hand to memory. Han Yan, you shall remember the one in my right hand. Remember, not a single detail can be amiss. During execution, you will follow Han Yan's lead; whatever sword technique she performs, you shall replicate it flawlessly." As Feng Qingyu articulated these instructions, he simultaneously demonstrated sword techniques with both of his hands.
Han Yan and the others observed his every move with unwavering concentration, absorbing the intricacies of the sword techniques.
Despite his rather unseemly character, Han Yan and Huayue held a grudging admiration for the fat man's exceptional skills.
"Hmm, commendable aptitude, truly impressive." Feng Qingyu expressed a hint of surprise and offered praise as he witnessed Han Yan, Huayue, and the others quickly grasping and comprehending the techniques, a sleazy grin creeping onto his face.
If only he were aware of the true thoughts swirling within Han Yan and the others' minds, it's uncertain if his smile would have persisted.
Gradually, the five mystical artifacts laid out on the table began to emanate an ethereal radiance.
As their hand formations grew more refined, the luminescence intensified, converging upon the Ruyi Hair Crown as if the stars were aligning around the moon.
Though not worn upon their persons, Han Yan and the others could feel the vibrations of the laws of Heaven and Earth resonating within them. This impact caused their Qi circulation to accelerate, becoming more potent and pure, thereby significantly amplifying their inherent power.
"What an astonishing hand formation!" Jiang Yuzhe exclaimed, his voice filled with both delight and wonder.
"This is merely a prelude. Do you recall my earlier words? This is but a sword technique, and in conjunction with actual sword skills, the boost in power becomes exponentially more pronounced," Feng Qingyu replied dismissively, seemingly amused by Jiang Yuzhe's apparent naivety.
"To what extent is the power enhanced?" Unaccustomed to being easily deterred, Jiang Yuzhe, without succumbing to indignation, inquired with hopeful anticipation.
"With your current capabilities, attaining the level of a Great Sword Master is well within reach. Han Yan, however, should ascend to the Peak Sword Master realm and may even stand a fighting chance against Holy-grade adversaries," Feng Qingyu assessed each individual with a single glance, his cultivation realm granting him effortless perception of their respective strengths.
"Such a remarkable augmentation of power!" Jiang Yuzhe rejoiced, reflexively scratching his ear. Han Yan and the others mirrored his elation with expressions of pure joy.
While this advancement might not appear colossal when compared to figures like Jing Jianjue and others, it's crucial to remember that Jing Jianjue was an Eighth Rank Sword Master, and Qin Ba and his ilk were Sixth Rank Sword Masters. In contrast, Han Yan and Huayue, along with the others, now stood as at least Eighth Rank Sword Masters. For each incremental rank achieved in cultivation, a substantial increase in combat prowess is attained. Furthermore, they now possessed the capability to surmount the formidable chasm separating them from the Great Sword Master realm.
"You celebrate reaching Great Sword Master with such fervor!" Feng Qingyu declared with palpable arrogance. Indeed, given his own formidable power, even ordinary Sword Saints often sought him out for challenges, making him scarcely inclined to regard Great Sword Masters with any degree of seriousness.
"Shall we test the might of this sword array forthwith?" Jiang Yuzhe proposed enthusiastically.
"Very well. You may launch your assault, and I shall undertake the defense. This will allow you to witness the meaning of true strength," Feng Qingyu considered the proposal before volunteering. When he refrained from smiling, his expression naturally reverted to one of solemnity, emanating an aura of supreme confidence, as if he were surveying all beings from a position of absolute superiority.
Yet, no matter how Han Yan observed him, she perceived that the corpulent man possessed an unmistakable inclination for ostentatious display.
Regardless of his intentions, Han Yan secured the Ruyi Hair Crown, concealing it on her person. Huayue and the others each grasped their Heavenly Destiny Star Plates, recognizing that a sparring session with an expert like Feng Qingyu was an irreplaceable chance for growth.
Han Yan and her companions drew their Longswords, executing their sword techniques. The Power of Laws pulsed around them, their strength escalating at an astonishing pace.
An unprecedented surge of Qi coursed through their meridians, their expressions flooding with newfound confidence.
"Come on, Han Yan, allow me to reveal my true power today, hahaha..." Feng Qingyu boomed with laughter.
Without direct combat experience, Han Yan could not truly gauge his formidable abilities. It was expected that upon witnessing his prowess firsthand, she would be so impressed that she would choose to become his disciple.
Feng Qingyu's laughter echoed with such certainty, such ambition.
However, this confidence would soon be shattered.
"Thunder Sound, Sky Swinging!" Huayue initiated the assault with a clear, sharp cry.
"Demon Sword, Heart Kill!" Zirong immediately followed suit.
"Clone, Illusion Destruction!" Jiang Yuzhe launched his attack next.
"Fury, Devil Slash!" Tang Bufan unleashed his strike thereafter.
Han Yan and Huayue's eyes suddenly widened in realization as they witnessed Tang Bufan comprehending an Innate Divine Ability, confirming him as a descendant of a Guardian of the Gods.
Han Yan's suspicions were indeed correct; his physical constitution was truly exceptional.
"Petty tricks, I can unravel your Innate Divine Abilities with a mere flick of a finger." At this moment, oblivious to the impending danger, Feng Qingyu spoke with utter arrogance.
He had journeyed the world for many years, even dwelling near the perilous North Abyss Misty Plain and frequently venturing along its fringes, wielding a power far exceeding common imagination. Consequently, even Huayue's Innate Divine Abilities were not taken seriously, the immense disparity rendering such techniques ineffective.