Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1380: Dumbass’s Quick Wit at the Crucial Moment

What Semi-Saint? What Fu Tao Technique? It crumbled against a single blow. However, this is hardly surprising. Even Feng Qingyu suffered a silent defeat under her sword by letting his guard down, so how could Wu Zifeng possibly compare? Feng Qingyu is the Sword Saint among Sword Saints, the pinnacle of power. How could Wu Zifeng be his equal? To dare challenge me is simply courting death.

Little did she know, Wu Zifeng had previously held the exact same thought about her, a sentiment she echoed inwardly.

"By the way, I recall someone mentioning a desire to challenge me, didn't they?" Han Yan suddenly remembered, her gaze drifting towards He Yangqiu, who sat to her left.

She wasn't particularly interested in a fight with He Yangqiu; she simply found his somewhat clueless nature amusing and wished to playfully tease him.

"Not me, definitely not me!" Having witnessed the sheer power of Han Yan's sword, He Yangqiu was already terrified. Where would he find the courage to challenge her? He vehemently denied it, cold sweat streaming down his face, on the verge of tears.

"How could it not be you? I distinctly recall you saying it." Han Yan found his panicked reaction comical and continued to prod him relentlessly.

The surrounding onlookers watched He Yangqiu with barely concealed amusement. Having witnessed his earlier challenge to Han Yan with their own eyes, they were now eager to see how this impulsive young man would manage to extricate himself from this predicament.

"Did I say that? I truly don't remember. Well, even if I did, I wouldn't dare challenge you. This is the Jinlan Palace banquet, and only descendants of the Yue and Wu Families are permitted to challenge one another. I am not from the Wu Family, so what right would I have to challenge you? No, no, I simply cannot challenge you." Realizing he couldn't talk his way out of this, He Yangqiu desperately tried to wipe away his sweat. Suddenly, a rare spark of inspiration flashed in his eyes, and he blurted this out.

Han Yan regarded He Yangqiu with surprise. She had always thought him oblivious, but wasn't he rather astute after all?

Seeing his evident nervousness, Han Yan lost interest in further teasing and returned to her seat.

"Thankfully, oh so thankfully, I was clever enough. Otherwise, this would have been a complete disaster," He Yangqiu sighed in relief as Han Yan turned away. His body went limp, and he slid partially under the table. Once he managed to right himself, he couldn't help but mutter his delight.

The crowd around him couldn't help but let out soft chuckles at his foolishly relieved expression. It was rare for the famously dim-witted individual from Shangyue Country to display such quick thinking. He was indeed worthy of being Lu Nianxin's granddaughter, and the power of that sword strike was by no means trivial.

Back at her seat, Han Yan immediately consumed an elixir. Although that sword strike effortlessly defeated Wu Zifeng, the expenditure of Qi had been immense, leaving her nearly depleted. Huayue and the others were not faring much better, displaying signs of exhaustion.

However, having learned from past experiences, they had prepared elixirs in advance this time. As soon as Han Yan's duel concluded, they discreetly took their elixirs, began circulating their Qi, and swiftly regained their usual healthy complexions.

"Han Yan, why did you leave so abruptly? That is exceptionally impolite," Lu Nianxin chided sternly at that moment. Yet, even as she scolded, she subtly winked at Han Yan.

Han Yan looked up at her grandmother, puzzled. Lu Nianxin continued, "Although blades and arrows fly blindly, injuring him was not your intention. But since the Yue and Wu Families are as close as kin, how could you leave without so much as a backward glance after injuring him?"

"Oh, you mean I should go and check on him again?" Han Yan inquired, sensing something unusual about her grandmother's words.

"Yes, it is the proper etiquette. If his injuries are not too severe, perhaps a few more visits might hasten his recovery; if he is beyond saving, further visits might ensure prompt arrangements for aftermath." Lu Nianxin spoke with earnest sincerity.

"Very well, I shall go and take several more looks then," Han Yan agreed, walking forward. She leaned over and glanced at Wu Zifeng, though her grandmother's suggestion of a few more looks had now translated into dozens in Han Yan's estimation.

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, I have taken numerous looks. He is beyond saving, thoroughly ruined," Han Yan stated earnestly.

"Then you may return." Lu Nianxin waved her hand, turning to Wu Tianxiong. "Brother Wu, after Han Yan's repeated confirmations, Zifeng is grievously injured, his cultivation completely destroyed. But as he previously stated, 'blades and arrows are blind.' I presume he would accept such an outcome. Please, Brother Wu, restrain your grief and do not let it harm your health."

These words were delivered with a pretense of sorrow, enhancing her appearance of deep sadness.

However, Han Yan couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Nor could the civil and military officials below, their faces flushed crimson from their suppressed amusement.

It was abundantly clear that Wu Zifeng was injured, to the point that even someone without sight would notice, requiring glances from both sides to confirm. Without a doubt, the Empress Dowager was adding insult to injury for Wu Tianxiong.

Although the Wu Family produced gifted individuals, only a select few could transcend the barrier to become a Sword Saint. Given Wu Zifeng's age and his innate talent, he was poised to become a central figure for the Wu Family. Tragically, a sword strike from Han Yan left him crippled, obliterating all his potential. Not only would he struggle to reach the Sword Saint realm, but he would also find it difficult to lead a normal life.

Before this incident, Wu Tianxiong's only legitimate son had also been incapacitated by Han Yan. Furthermore, it was rumored that Wu Tianxiong's illegitimate son, the notorious Jing Jianjue, suffered the same fate at Han Yan's hands.

One could decisively say that all of Wu Tianxiong's aspirations had been pulverized by Han Yan.

The Empress Dowager's feigned commiseration was more than just rubbing salt in the wound; it was akin to twisting the knife.

However, considering the malevolent intent behind Wu Zifeng's sword earlier, had Han Yan not possessed superior martial prowess, she could have sustained severe injuries or even perished. Consequently, no one felt any sympathy for Wu Zifeng.

This grandmother is incredibly devious and fascinating; I find her quite appealing. Han Yan felt a burgeoning sense of closeness as she observed Lu Nianxin.

Standing nearby, Wu Tianxiong trembled with suppressed fury, his fists clenching, unclenching, and then clenching once more.

"Escort him away," Wu Tianxiong finally managed to suppress the urge to lash out, gesturing dismissively with his hand.

Several members of the Wu family stepped forward, bearing the now crippled Wu Zifeng away from the scene.

"Brother Wu, given how this initial sparring match has concluded, perhaps it would be best to forgo any further contests to prevent further harm," Lu Nianxin suggested to Wu Tianxiong.

Strategic retreat to advance. Now fully grasping her grandmother's methods, Han Yan immediately understood her intention. Her earlier act of exacerbating Wu Tianxiong's pain was somewhat blatant, and Lu Nianxin was now cunningly executing a tactical withdrawal to draw him into a trap.

It appeared that her grandmother was truly intending to leverage the current opportunity to completely dismantle Wu Tianxiong and his allies.