Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1379: The Might of the Princess’s Sword

"Very well, we shall adhere to the established conventions. The disciples from the Yue and Wu families will first engage in three bouts. Following that, the scions of each family will challenge one another. What are your thoughts on this arrangement?" Yue Fanyi’s expression flickered subtly, but he ultimately gave a nod of assent.

Perceiving the slight shift in Yue Fanyi’s demeanor, Wu Tianxiong’s conviction grew, and he covertly exchanged a knowing glance with one of the Wu family disciples.

"It is truly a honor to welcome the Princess back to her ancestral lands. I was profoundly struck by your brilliance during the recent sword sound competition. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from you, Princess. Might I trouble you for a small demonstration?" The man rose to his feet and spoke.

"Wu Zifeng!" A wave of surprise rippled through the crowd upon recognizing the speaker.

Wu Zifeng achieved the status of Sword Master at the tender age of seventeen and became a Great Sword Master by twenty-seven. Now thirty-five, whispers suggest his prowess is merely a hair’s breadth from that of a Sword Saint, with some already proclaiming him a Semi-Saint. He stands as the most exceptional cultivation prodigy within the Wu family, second only to Wu Tianxiong himself. Had he not belonged to a branch lineage, his innate talent would have undoubtedly propelled him to the position of Young Master of the Wu family, their future Shoulder-to-shoulder King.

It was entirely unexpected that he would choose to challenge Mu Hanyan.

While it was customary for the scions of the Yue and Wu families to engage in contests at the Jinlan Palace gatherings, the participants were typically budding novices to prevent undue animosity. It was exceedingly rare for formidable figures like Wu Zifeng to involve themselves.

More critically, Wu Zifeng’s cultivation was not only profound but also notoriously lethal. Those who had faced him in combat often met a grim fate, either dead or grievously wounded, with shattered limbs and ruined cultivation being common outcomes. The question lingered: why would he choose to challenge Mu Hanyan?

The once jovial banquet atmosphere abruptly shifted, becoming heavy and somber.

The assembled civil and military officials exchanged uneasy glances, sensing a palpable tension in the air. Could this Jinlan Palace banquet be on the verge of some earth-shattering upheaval?

"Agreed!" Mu Hanyan stood to her feet without a moment’s hesitation.

Since attaining the stage of Great Sword Master, Mu Hanyan’s sparring opportunities had been limited to Feng Qingyu. However, mindful of his status, Feng Qingyu naturally refrained from unleashing his full might, leaving Mu Hanyan yearning for a more rigorous test. This upcoming bout presented the perfect chance to gauge her true combat effectiveness, a fusion of her Great Sword Master strength and the formidable support of the Five Great Magical Instruments.

Without delay, the two individuals moved to the cleared space situated between the dining tables.

"I await your instruction!" Wu Zifeng clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, an immensely powerful oppressive aura radiating from him.

Under the weight of this imposing pressure, even the surrounding civil and military officials found their breathing constrained.

It was understandable why he was hailed as the invincible Wu Zifeng beneath the rank of Sword Saint, despite not yet having reached the Holy-grade. Even an ordinary Sword Saint might find themselves at a significant disadvantage against him.

Observing Mu Hanyan, many present wore expressions of profound concern. Although Wu Tianxiong had managed to win over a number of officials over the years, the majority remained steadfastly loyal to the Yue Family. Their fervent hope was that Mu Hanyan would emerge unscathed from this confrontation.

They recalled the previous day’s competition; Mu Hanyan’s cultivation was only at the Sixth-level Sword Master. While she possessed the remarkable ability to overcome opponents of greater strength, the Wu family’s ancestral Fu Tao Technique was not renowned without reason, granting its users the power to defeat stronger foes. Faced with the formidable Wu Zifeng, a presumed semi-Saint, how could her Sixth-level Sword Master cultivation possibly prevail?

"I await your instruction!" Mu Hanyan appeared utterly unfazed by the opponent’s palpable pressure, calmly cupping her hands in return.

"Could she be feigning bravery? I’ve heard that Brother Zifeng is a semi-Saint, unmatched by anyone below the Sword Saint. Is she truly without fear?" He Yangqiu inquired, a note of confusion in his voice.

On this occasion, his observation struck precisely at the heart of the matter. Witnessing Mu Hanyan’s unwavering composure led everyone to question whether she was merely putting on a brave front or if she possessed some hidden advantage. The former seemed the more probable scenario.

Wu Zifeng gazed intently at Mu Hanyan, noting her calm demeanor even under the immense pressure comparable to that of a Sword Saint. Her unflustered attitude caused him to momentarily reconsider underestimating her.

"Princess, as the saying goes, blades have no eyes. Should any unintentional harm befall you, I humbly beg your forgiveness," Wu Zifeng declared, his voice imbued with a sense of pride.

"Perhaps that is a saying I should be the one to utter," Mu Hanyan responded with a cold smile.

"You are ignorant of life and death." Wu Zifeng raised an eyebrow and transmitted his thoughts using Gathering Qi Transmission.

He was fully aware of Wu Tianxiong’s machinations for the day and was determined not to incur Mu Hanyan’s displeasure.

"Eliminate him!" Lu Tianxiong’s sharp command pierced the air.

"Fu Tao Waves, slash!" Without further words, Wu Zifeng unleashed his full might in a decisive sword strike.

Once engaged in combat, Wu Zifeng never withheld his complete strength, regardless of his opponent, a practice that had led to the demise or severe injury of countless adversaries. With Lu Tianxiong’s explicit order, there was indeed no reason for him to hold back.

A torrent of Sword Light converged like a tempest, its waves crashing towards Mu Hanyan. The concentrated Qi, layered intensely, amplified its already formidable power.

This was the formidable core of the Wu family’s Fu Tao Heart Method – their ultimate strength!

"Princess, be cautious!" someone instinctively cried out.

Wu Zifeng’s sword aura continued to escalate, even reaching the pinnacle of the Sword Saint Realm. For Mu Hanyan, merely at the Sixth-level Sword Master stage, defending against such might seemed an insurmountable challenge.

As Mu Hanyan teetered on the brink of defeat, the onlookers were too preoccupied to question why Wu Zifeng would dare assault the Princess.

"Star Fall, Eight Desolates!" Mu Hanyan's voice rang clear as she drew the Cold Sky Sword from its sheath.

Unnoticed by the crowd, as Mu Hanyan unleashed her devastating technique, Huayue and Zirong simultaneously executed intricate hand seals.

"Bang!" A thunderous impact echoed as the Sword Light shot through the heavens, its brilliance so intense it momentarily blinded all who beheld it.

After a tense moment, as the blinding Sword Light finally dissipated, the spectators' vision gradually returned to normal.

"How… how is this possible!" The astonishment was palpable, affecting nearly everyone present, including the usually composed Lu Nianxin.

Wu Zifeng lay sprawled on the ground, his body convulsing, blood spewing from his lips. His sword-wielding right hand, now as limp as a serpent’s coil, lay twisted unnaturally on the dirt.

Anyone with a keen eye could discern that not only were his meridians and Qi Sea obliterated, but his sword-wielding right hand was also shattered into countless fragments. Survival itself was a miracle, as even a divine intervention seemed insufficient for such catastrophic injuries.

Mu Hanyan stood entirely unharmed – truly, perfectly unharmed. Even a stray strand of hair near her ear remained undisturbed, gracefully framing her visage.

The speed of her attack was so phenomenal that none could discern her true power or comprehend the Sword intent she wielded.

All they understood was this: with a single, decisive strike, Mu Hanyan had utterly defeated the Semi-Saint Wu Zifeng, a warrior renowned as invincible beneath the Sword Saint.

"As you yourself proclaimed, unfortunate blades indeed lack direction. I offer my apologies for the harm inflicted, and beg your forgiveness." Mu Hanyan sheathed the Cold Sky Sword, her words laced with a feigned sincerity as she delivered a perfunctory apology.