Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1389: Park Fatty’s Fury

Although Fang Town was under the protection of Qu Shanling, his current strength paled in comparison to the formidable forces now present. Should a true crisis erupt, she possessed the capability to turn the tide. After all, the Fang Family recognized her as the Sect Master, and Nanyan Commerce was effectively half hers. She could not simply abandon her responsibilities.

Furthermore, the guard had mentioned an incident in the Capital, indicating that further dangers likely lay ahead. Consequently, Mu Hanyan resolved to first ascertain the precise situation.

Upon entering the town, Mu Hanyan was immediately struck by an overwhelming sense of unease. The townsfolk, the merchants, and even the guards employed by external commercial guilds all wore expressions of deep worry, as if a calamitous event was on the verge of occurring.

So consumed were they by their own anxieties, that no one recognized Mu Hanyan’s true identity.

Not far ahead, a cluster of merchants had cornered Family Head Fang, conversing with him in rapid, urgent tones. Family Head Fang, visibly perspiring, offered explanations with palpable urgency.

"Family Head Fang, our presence in Fang Town is for business, not to forfeit our lives. In the recent days, in assisting you to defend Fang Town, our guards have sustained grievous casualties, and we have fulfilled our obligations. Surely, you cannot expect us to continue sacrificing ourselves, can you?" a portly merchant voiced his discontent.

"I am profoundly grateful for everyone's dedicated efforts in defending Fang Town throughout these trying days. Please be assured, Nanyan Commerce will absolutely guarantee everyone's safety," Family Head Fang responded.

"How can you possibly guarantee that? I brought ten guards with me to Fang Town this time, and now more than half are either dead or wounded. Only these two beside me remain unharmed. If you could genuinely guarantee their safety, how could they possibly have ended up in this state?" another merchant angrily retorted.

"Family Head Fang, in my considered opinion, you ought to accede to that individual's demands. Otherwise, not only our lives, but even your own existence is precarious," advised a different merchant.

"No, absolutely not!" Family Head Fang declared with unwavering resolve. He continued, "Even if I were willing, I lack the requisite authority. This town, despite bearing the Fang name, has long ceased to be the sole possession of the Fang Family. Without the master's explicit permission, how could I possibly grant it to another?"

"Then have your master emerge and provide us with an explanation. We have journeyed from afar to conduct commerce in Fang Town, only to find our lives now jeopardized. He owes us an explanation," the portly merchant insisted with growing impatience.

"What explanation do you seek?" Mu Hanyan, sensing that something was amiss, interjected.

"And who might you be? Grown-ups are conversing; children should not interject." Upon hearing Mu Hanyan's somewhat sharp tone, the merchant turned his head, only to see a young woman of seventeen or eighteen years. Mistaking her for a junior member of the Fang Family, he dismissed her with a haughty query.

"Master, you have returned!" Upon the sight of Mu Hanyan, Family Head Fang was overcome with immense joy.

Hearing his declaration, the merchant appeared momentarily taken aback, not having anticipated that the Sect Master he referred to was this young woman.

The guards who had accompanied Mu Hanyan also showed surprise but then seemed to grasp the situation, their faces lighting up with ecstatic relief.

"What has transpired?" Mu Hanyan inquired.

"So, you are the true proprietor of Fang Town. Your arrival is most opportune. We have journeyed from afar to Fang Town for business, and now our very lives are in peril. You are obligated to provide us with an explanation," the portly man incessantly pressed.

"Silence." Mu Hanyan, already feeling agitated, was further provoked by his persistent complaints and sharply commanded him to stop.

Huayue Zirong, her expression darkening, effortlessly lifted the merchant and tossed him aside.

"Insolent cur! How dare you display such disrespect towards my Master?" The two guards standing by the portly man immediately drew their longswords, poised for an attack.

Huayue, Zirong, Jiang Yuzhe, and Tang Bufan simultaneously unsheathed their swords, forming a protective circle around Mu Hanyan.

"Cease hostilities, cease hostilities." Family Head Fang hastily stepped between them, explaining to Mu Hanyan, "Fang Town has been under siege these past days, and with their unwavering support, we have managed to hold on thus far. They have truly made considerable sacrifices, and with the majority of their guards lost or injured, their anxiety is entirely understandable."

Mu Hanyan gave a subtle nod to Huayue and the others. Relieved, they released their sword hilts and returned to her side.

The portly merchant, realizing they were significantly outnumbered, refrained from further outbursts and, after mumbling a few words, quietly retreated to the periphery.

With Mu Hanyan, the rightful head, now present, and her subordinates demonstrating such assertive loyalty, the other merchants fell silent.

"Family Head Fang, what precisely has occurred?" Mu Hanyan asked.

"Let us proceed to the council chamber first." Observing the travel-worn and weary countenances of Mu Hanyan and her entourage, Family Head Fang suggested.

Before long, all had convened in the council chamber, with the merchants eagerly trailing behind.

A little over half a month ago, sporadic groups of Exotic Beasts began to appear outside Fang Town. In the beginning, their numbers were small and their strength was negligible, so most people paid them little mind. However, as the frequency and power of these beastly incursions escalated, the dire nature of the situation became undeniable, prompting an immediate organization of town defenses.

That very night, the maddened Exotic Beasts launched a full-scale assault on Fang Town. Fortunately, the town's thriving commerce had necessitated the hiring of numerous skilled guards. A fierce, all-night struggle ensued, but ultimately, the defenders managed to secure Fang Town.

Yet, the Exotic Beasts refused to retreat. They remained encamped outside the town, launching renewed attacks every day or two. While the guards employed by the commerce were indeed capable, they were not impervious to exhaustion. After relentless combat, most found themselves depleted. It was only recently, following the acquisition of some rare, exotic flowers and herbs, that an auction was organized, drawing chambers of commerce from far and wide. The influx of additional guards for this event has been the sole reason for our continued ability to hold the town until this very moment," explained Family Head Fang, as he personally poured tea for Mu Hanyan and her companions.

He then elaborated on the backgrounds of the attending merchants, revealing that the majority were stewards representing significant chambers of commerce from various Anyun counties. The portly gentleman was identified as Park Donghan, the Young Master of the Pu Family’s chamber of commerce based in East Sun County. His significant contributions to the town's defense efforts were noted, as were the heavy casualties his guards sustained. Possessing a higher standing than the appointed stewards from other merchant groups, he was understandably more concerned with his personal safety, leading to his growing impatience as the precarious situation persisted.

At this juncture, the assembled merchants, now recognizing Mu Hanyan's true identity, were visibly astonished, their expressions shifting to one of profound respect. These outer county stewards were not fully apprised of Mu Hanyan's formidable strength. Although the freshman competition at Long Yan Academy was a momentous occasion in the Capital, its significance was somewhat attenuated for those operating in the more distant provincial chambers of commerce. Nevertheless, the Mu Family's renown was legendary. As the grandson of the Mu Family Patriarch, Mu Hanyan's social standing was, to them, utterly unassailable.

Among the assembled group, only Park Donghan appeared distinctly unimpressed. The Pu Family’s chamber of commerce stood as the preeminent mercantile entity in East Sun County, renowned for its immense power and wealth. As its Young Master, he had grown accustomed to a life of privilege and inherent arrogance, and consequently, he did not afford Mu Hanyan's status any serious consideration.

"Venerable Park, I extend my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support throughout these trying days. Earlier, I inadvertently caused offense; I earnestly hope for your forgiveness," Mu Hanyan, ever one to acknowledge and rectify wrongs, expressed her thanks and offered an apology to Park Donghan, prompted by Family Head Fang's account.

"Hmph, your thanks are unnecessary. My presence in Fang Town this time has simply been a matter of unfortunate timing. As long as I manage to avoid perishing here, that will suffice," Park Donghan retorted, his voice laced with lingering displeasure from their prior encounter.