Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1370: So This Is Your Beloved?

After careful contemplation, Han Yan dismissed the thought entirely. A man as driven as Wu Tianxiong would never be rattled by the mere existence of an illegitimate child.

He was still quite young. Once he achieved mastery beyond the Sword Saint Realm, his lifespan would stretch for hundreds, even thousands of years. Breaking through the Sword Saint threshold even had the effect of rejuvenation, akin to regaining one's youth. Many cultivators deliberately waited centuries to establish families, ensuring they did not squander precious time. With Jing Jianjue dealt with, he could easily sire another heir, making it improbable he'd lose his composure over this current predicament.

"Grandmother, does Wu Tianxiong possess knowledge of the Forbidden Techniques you've fallen victim to, and the subsequent restriction of your cultivation?" Han Yan inquired.

Considering Wu Tianxiong's strategic mind and considerable patience, it was highly unlikely he would undertake such a significant risk without knowing the secret concerning Grandmother's cultivation being suppressed by the Qimen Forbidden Techniques. This was the sole plausible explanation Han Yan could conceive.

"Perhaps during my last confrontation with Wu Tianxiong, it inadvertently triggered the Forbidden Techniques. A few days ago, a subtle wrongness began to manifest, with signs of losing control appearing abruptly. It's highly probable that Wu Tianxiong has planted spies among the palace guards and maids, and this intelligence may have reached him," Lu Nianxin explained.

"Just four hours ago, a master from the Sword Saint Realm covertly entered the palace and engaged me in a battle of hundreds of exchanges. I managed to inflict a wound, compelling his retreat, though I too sustained injuries. If my assessment is correct, that individual was likely an operative of Wu Tianxiong, and he has now confirmed my diminished state," Lu Nianxin elaborated further.

"Grandmother, you are wounded!" Han Yan exclaimed in shock, her hand instinctively reaching out to feel Lu Nianxin's pulse.

"It is nothing to worry about; the Imperial Physician has already seen to my assessment. The injuries are not grave," Lu Nianxin offered words of comfort to Han Yan, making no move to stop her examination.

With delicate precision, Han Yan examined Lu Nianxin’s pulse. Her grandmother’s words were not solely meant to reassure; the injuries were indeed minor, but the Qi flowing within her was critically depleted. Her current strength was comparable at best to the second or third tier of a Sword Master, merely at an introductory level and exceedingly unstable. In a genuine combat scenario, she might struggle to even manifest the full might of a Third Stage Sword Master.

"Grandmother, why did you not inform me that you were experiencing a loss of control?" Han Yan voiced, a hint of sorrow tinging her reproachful tone. It was only at this moment she grasped that her grandmother had not been in secluded cultivation these past few days but had been diligently managing the debilitating effects of her failing control.

"I learned a few days ago that Zirong's internal affliction had worsened, and you were already exhausted from your efforts to cure him. How could I possibly add to your burdens? You are my one and only cherished granddaughter; I have no desire for you to become a worn-out elder burdened by anxieties at such a tender age," Lu Nianxin remarked with a semblance of humor, though her eyes radiated a profound love and concern that could bring tears to one's eyes.

Even Zirong and the others present were deeply touched, their respect for the benevolent elder growing even stronger.

"Han Yan, I have conferred with Fan Yi and Fan Chen. While Wu Tianxiong is aware of my physical condition, he will likely refrain from initiating any drastic actions tonight.

Firstly, he remained uncertain regarding the specifics of my bodily ailment previously; fearing the premature exposure of his ambitions, he hesitated to make any rash plans, thus he is unlikely to act tonight.

Secondly, Shangyue Country was founded upon martial strength. Although royal authority might not hold the same sanctity as in other nations, for Wu Tianxiong to supplant the Yue family, he must demonstrate to both the court officials and the populace that his personal cultivation surpasses ours. Conversely, this would also serve to illustrate the decline of our Yue family, revealing our weakened power and diminished suitability to occupy Shangyue's throne.

Therefore, you still have a window of opportunity to depart Shangyue tonight; should you tarry until tomorrow, your escape will become considerably more challenging," Lu Nianxin continued her explanation.

"Why is that?" Han Yan inquired, a look of confusion on her face.

"Tomorrow marks the annual Jinlan Conference, a customary event between our Yue family and the Wu family. In essence, it is a grand banquet held in remembrance of the ancestors who forged a sworn brotherhood. All members of the Wu clan and officials of the court are traditionally in attendance.

It is customary during the Jinlan Conference for the younger generations of both the Yue and Wu families to engage in duels as a form of entertainment during the banquet. Typically, these are friendly bouts among the juniors, but this time, Wu Tianxiong is highly likely to challenge me personally, seeking to publicly validate his prowess.

And following a victory over me, he will almost certainly launch his rebellion immediately. If I can overcome him, all will be well; but if I fail, our Yue family faces complete annihilation.

Han Yan, I implore you, promise me that you will depart Shangyue without delay and ensure Xiu Ming's safety. Should I fail to avert this crisis, Xiu Ming represents the sole male heir of our Yue family," Lu Nianxin stated, her gaze fixed on Han Yan, her eyes filled with earnest hope that her granddaughter would agree to leave swiftly.

Zhu Xiuqing stood beside them, his eyes already welling up with tears, his fists clenched so tightly they were white. He was clearly reluctant to depart from Shangyue, yet having given his word to the empress dowager, he couldn’t possibly go back on it, especially not with Han Yan witnessing it all.

"I’m not leaving," Han Yan stated. Faced with her grandmother’s almost pleading words, she would normally have agreed in an instant for any other matter. However, this time, a firm shake of her head was her only response.

"Han Yan..." Lu Nianxin looked at her granddaughter with evident anxiety.

"Grandmother, I am a descendant of the Yue family too. How can I abandon my post when the family faces such grave danger? If I leave now, how will I ever face Mother when we meet again? Not to mention her, I truly wouldn't be able to face myself. I must stay," Han Yan declared with an unyielding resolve.

"Why must you be so stubborn? What good will come of you staying? Do you intend to perish alongside this old woman?" Lu Nianxin’s gaze perceived Han Yan’s determination as sheer obstinacy, and the elder woman berated her sternly.

"Certainly not! I wish to remain here and break the suppression of this malevolent technique that afflicts you," Han Yan explained, aiming to placate her grandmother and avoid further anger.

"You’ve found a way to break the Forbidden Techniques?" Lu Nianxin inquired, her eyes widening with surprise as she looked at Han Yan.

"Not yet, but I believe someone might possess the knowledge; I anticipate his arrival shortly," Han Yan responded, her face lighting up with a gentle smile, a subtle yet discernible hint of affectionate familiarity gracing her features.

A small, fluffy creature suddenly leaped into her embrace, its minuscule paws clinging to her collar. Its large, dejected eyes gazed up at Han Yan, seemingly seeking solace and a tender caress. It moved with an air of utter exhaustion. This was Angang, the swift messenger bridging the communication between Han Yan and Ye Lanfeng. Han Yan smiled warmly and gently stroked Angang’s head. The creature closed its eyes in contentment, its head nuzzling affectionately against her palm.

Earlier, upon hearing her grandmother mention that the individual responsible for her affliction might be affiliated with the Holy Court, Han Yan had immediately dispatched a message via Angang to Ye Lanfeng. Angang had returned just moments before her grandmother entered the courtyard. Given Ye Lanfeng’s renowned swiftness, his arrival should be imminent.

"Han Yan." As the words escaped her granddaughter’s lips, a voice, both familiar and filled with deep affection, reached Han Yan’s ears – it was Ye Lanfeng.

He had employed the Sound Gathering technique, allowing his voice to carry clearly despite being still miles away.

"Lan Feng!" Han Yan exclaimed in delighted surprise, her gaze shifting upwards towards the direction from which Ye Lanfeng was rapidly approaching.

"Is this the young man you intend for?" her grandmother inquired playfully, noticing Han Yan’s unusually radiant expression.