Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1381: Took the Bait!

Mu Hanyan's initial guess proved accurate; Wu Tianxiong had harbored suspicions from Lu Nianxin's earlier provocations, which led him to suppress his anger. However, upon hearing Lu Nianxin's subsequent concessions, his perspective shifted dramatically: he concluded that the Empress Dowager's prior provocation stemmed merely from her inherent arrogance, not from any genuine confidence. It was possible, he reasoned, that she now regretted offending him and was attempting to placate him through these concessions.

This line of thought emboldened Wu Tianxiong, fanning the flames of his ambition once more.

"Empress Dowager, your words are rather ill-considered," Wu Tianxiong stated. "The path of cultivation is fraught with inherent peril. As Zifeng himself has noted, swords and spears possess no eyes; it is not at all surprising for one to sustain injuries, or even to lose their life. Such outcomes would not, in the slightest, disrupt the harmony between our respective Yue and Wu Families. The matches during the Jinlan Palace banquet are time-honored traditions, passed down through generations; we ought to adhere to these established rules and proceed," he declared.

"Uncle Wu, perhaps you might consider heeding the Empress Dowager's prudent advice and bring this to a close?" Yue Fanyi interjected, his brow furrowed with hesitation before he spoke. "This day is meant to be one of joy. Any further unfortunate incidents would undoubtedly cast a pall over everyone's spirits."

In terms of familial relation, Yue Fanyi stood a generation below Wu Tianxiong. Given that the Jinlan Palace banquet was intrinsically a family gathering for both the Yue and Wu clans, he felt comfortable disregarding strict formalities and addressing Wu Tianxiong as 'uncle'. It is worth noting, however, that this manner of address was a particular custom of Shangyue; in other regions, such familiarity might not be considered appropriate.

Mu Hanyan observed Yue Fanyi's tentative attempt to speak, followed by his evident restraint, and found the scene quite amusing. She mused that his acting talents were evidently on par with those of his grandmother. It seemed the ability to deceive with a facade was a hereditary trait within the Yue family, extending even to the Emperor.

"Traditions handed down by our ancestors, how can they be so lightly discarded?" Wu Tianxiong retorted, his conviction solidifying as he witnessed Yue Fanyi's feigned concern. His previous judgment, he felt, was now irrefutably confirmed, and he spoke with unwavering resolve.

"Indeed, Prince Wu speaks the truth. The ancestral traditions cannot simply be dismissed outright."

"It is merely a friendly contest. We have been conducting these matches in this manner for many years. Why should we alter the established rules today, especially due to a minor incident?"

"Consider it an enhancement to the celebratory atmosphere. There is absolutely no need for His Majesty and the Empress Dowager to concern themselves."

A chorus of assent followed from the other officials present, echoing Wu Tianxiong's sentiments.

A subtle glimmer sparked in Mu Hanyan's eyes. She recognized that these individuals were likely the influential figures her grandmother had been strategically waiting for. The carefully orchestrated performances by her grandmother and elder uncle had clearly paid off, as they had successfully lured the key players into their meticulously laid trap.

"Since that is the prevailing sentiment, let us proceed with two more matches," Lu Nianxin conceded, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Brother Wu, whom from the Wu family shall be competing next?" Seeing Wu Tianxiong's unyielding stance and the unified support from the officials, she had no choice but to agree.

"For all these years, our contests have been confined to mere spars between the younger generation, which has proven insufficient to truly showcase the martial prowess of Shangyue," Wu Tianxiong proclaimed. "Today, allow me the honor of seeking guidance directly from the Empress Dowager herself."

Earlier, at the palace gates, Wu Tianxiong had exercised considerable restraint to avoid confronting the Empress Dowager directly. He had felt a strong urge to intervene when Jing Jianjue was struck down by the Cold Smoke Sword, and even more so when Wu Zifeng sustained severe injuries at the hands of Mu Hanyan. However, his inherent caution had compelled him to hold back his actions until this very moment. Now, the opportunity had finally presented itself, and he could no longer contain his palpable excitement.

Wu Tianxiong's declaration cast an unnerving silence over the assembly, surprising many of the attending officials.

The fact that Wu Tianxiong had directly challenged Lu Nianxin signified far more than a simple sparring match between juniors. In essence, it constituted a direct contest between the patriarchs of the two great families. Given that Lu Nianxin had served as the Guardian of the Yue clan while the Emperor was in seclusion, her status was virtually equivalent to that of the Yue clan's head. Setting aside royal authority, and considering only familial standing, even Yue Fanyi was her subordinate.

The outcome of a duel between Wu Tianxiong and Lu Nianxin would undeniably serve as a direct reflection of the current strength and standing of the Wu and Yue Families.

"Could it be... Wu Tianxiong harbors ambitions for the throne?" This thought flashed through the minds of many, causing their expressions to shift dramatically.

Historically, the ancestors of the Wu and Yue families had jointly established Shangyue. The Wu Family possessed legitimate claims to the throne but had voluntarily relinquished them to the Yue Family, considering their superior martial prowess at the time.

If Wu Tianxiong now sought to claim the throne, he would first need to demonstrate that his strength unequivocally surpassed Lu Nianxin's; otherwise, neither the assembled officials nor the populace of millions would lend him their support.

"What!" Lu Nianxin feigned immense shock, her gaze fixed on Wu Tianxiong. She remained conspicuously silent.

"What is it, Empress Dowager? Might it be that you are afraid?" Wu Tianxiong taunted, his resolve firm and his intention to press the matter to its conclusion absolute. His tone was no longer as deferential as it had been previously. Furthermore, Lu Nianxin's prolonged silence only served to reinforce his already established judgment.

The other officials also took note of Lu Nianxin's uncharacteristic behavior. Typically, given her fiery temperament, she would have responded with an immediate and forceful counter-argument to such a blatant provocation. Yet, she remained silent. This unnerving stillness led some to speculate: could her cultivation have encountered some unforeseen impediment?

"It is rare for Uncle to display such keen interest; allow me to engage in a spar with Uncle," Yue Fanyi stated solemnly.

His words struck the assembled officials like a colossal stone dropped into a placid lake, stirring considerable unrest in their minds.

Despite the formal banquet uniting the Yue and Wu families, Yue Xiuqing, in his casual attire, addressed Wu Tianxiong as 'uncle,' bypassing customary protocols. Yet, as the sovereign, he stood in for his mother to accept Wu Tianxiong’s challenge. The implication? Aside from Lu Nianxin's cultivation predicament, no other plausible reason presented itself.

"Your skills are insufficient; you are not worthy to face me," Wu Tianxiong pressed, his tone unyielding.

What audacity! To declare the monarch unqualified to contend with him was a blatant display of contempt for royal authority. A palpable sense of fear washed over nearly everyone present.

Wu Tianxiong's ambitions were laid bare for all to see. He truly harbored aspirations of seizing the throne!

Those officials who had aligned with Wu Tianxiong exchanged knowing smiles, their expressions suggesting they were on the cusp of celebrating a significant victory.

"Since you are resolved to fight me, then let us commence this duel," Lu Nianxin declared, rising slowly, her steps surprisingly unsteady. The commanding aura she once possessed had vanished, leaving her appearing cornered and outmatched.

"Mother..." Both Yue Fanyi and Yue Fanchen, faces etched with worry, moved to shield her.

Mu Hanyan found herself suppressing a laugh. This family, she mused, truly excelled in the art of dramatic performance, with each member a consummate actor. Observing Yue Fanchen, his hand gripping his sword's hilt and his eyes glistening with unshed tears, even Mu Hanyan felt a pang of sympathy.

"Your abilities are lacking; stand back," Lu Nianxin commanded, her voice devoid of warmth.

Despite their profound anxiety, Yue Fanyi and Yue Fanchen, who had held her in high regard since childhood, dared not disobey. Their fists clenched tightly as they reluctantly stepped aside.

"Brother Wu, I await you," Lu Nianxin announced, making her way with faltering steps toward the designated dueling ground.

Two attendants brought forth a large saber. Lu Nianxin grasped it, driving its tip firmly into the earth before her. Her posture, though majestic and imbued with a familiar vigor, lacked the effortless grace that had characterized her movements in the past—a subtle yet discernible difference to keen observers.

Among the assembled officials, a multitude wore expressions of deep concern.