Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1391: What a Big Joke

Mu Hanyan found it rather peculiar. If the man intended to claim the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond, why resort to such circuitous methods instead of acting directly? Yet, upon further contemplation, a dawning understanding emerged.

Given that Ye Lanfeng had encountered him previously, even though he coveted the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond, outright seizure was not feasible. Such a move would risk exposure. Even if he managed to evade immediate detection, Ye Lanfeng could easily pinpoint him. The Holy Court maintained its own statutes, and the continent's nations operated under distinct laws. Moreover, a palpable tension existed between the Holy Court and these nations, despite outward appearances. His elevated standing precluded him from acting with such impunity.

Consequently, he opted to exploit the chaos during Fang Town's invasion by Exotic Beasts, presenting his intentions as a consequence of the unfolding crisis.

Fortunately, the Family Head Fang upheld his responsibilities with unwavering resolve, resisting the imposed pressure and refusing the demand. Had he capitulated, it would have constituted a significant gain for the schemer.

"Mu Hanyan, I shall be brief. With Fang Town currently besieged by Exotic Beasts, your defensive capabilities are clearly insufficient. Should the beasts breach our defenses, not only will the denizens of Nanyan Commerce and the Fang Family face peril, but the invited chambers of commerce will undoubtedly perish alongside them. As the proprietor of Nanyan Commerce and the sect leader of the Fang Family, you have failed to guarantee their safety. Therefore, why cling to that insignificant pond?" Dan Tai Xuan inquired, a faint smile gracing his lips. His demeanor indicated a pre-existing awareness of Mu Hanyan's disguise, addressing her by name without a hint of surprise.

Mu Hanyan's suspicions were confirmed; his true objective was indeed the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond. His self-assured countenance betrayed his conviction that she was effectively trapped.

"You believe you possess the means to defend it, when I cannot?" Mu Hanyan posed her question with unwavering calm.

Dan Tai Xuan emitted a frigid scoff, unleashing an intangible wave of oppressive power. Behind him, the ten young men clad in sword robes simultaneously projected their formidable strengths.

A collective intake of breath rippled through the onlookers. While the merchants had observed skirmishes with Exotic Beasts from a distance, they had failed to fully comprehend the caliber of these individuals until this moment of overt power display.

Including Dan Tai Xuan, their ranks comprised three Ninth-Rank Sword Masters and seven Eighth-Rank Sword Masters! Such prowess, coupled with their youthful vigor, marked them as prodigies even amongst the esteemed Eight Great Families of the Capital. Crucially, these were not isolated talents but a cohesive unit of ten.

Mu Hanyan, along with Huayue and the others, displayed expressions of sheer astonishment. A Ninth-Rank Sword Master—he had been merely Seventh-Rank during their last encounter. His subsequent advancement to Ninth-Rank explained his palpable confidence. However, they questioned the wisdom of his audacious challenge to Mu Hanyan, considering his current strength. Was his calculation flawed, bordering on sheer absurdity?

Regardless of Mu Hanyan's own Great Sword Master capabilities, Huayue, Zirong, and Jiang Yuzhe were by no means inferior to him. On what grounds did he presume to intimidate Mu Hanyan? Could he possibly have lost his senses? The situation was, quite frankly, ludicrous.

"Mu Hanyan, you have witnessed our might. Though you are a Sixth-level Sword Master, repelling the Exotic Beasts is an insurmountable task for you. Only we possess the ability to safeguard your subordinates and preserve the esteemed stewards who have journeyed to support Nanyan Commerce. " Dan Tai Xuan, misinterpreting the astonishment of Mu Hanyan and her companions as awe at his strength rather than amusement at his foolishness, felt a surge of self-satisfaction.

"Lady Mu, even if you disregard our own well-being, you must consider your subordinates. In my estimation, it would be most prudent for you to accede to their demands," an elder, a chamber steward of considerable prudence, advised with evident concern.

"Indeed, Lady Mu. While your ability to achieve breakthroughs is commendable, the annihilation of your household and our presence within Fang Town would inflict irreparable damage upon your reputation and that of Nanyan Commerce. It is advisable to meet his terms." Other chamber stewards, more preoccupied with their immediate safety and unaware of the pond's true significance, echoed this sentiment.

"Mu Hanyan, we are honored guests of Nanyan Commerce. We have diligently contributed to the defense of Fang Town these past days. You cannot disregard our lives and fates. Today, whether you agree or not, you must comply. Otherwise..." Park Donghan, his tone hardening, issued a stern ultimatum.

"Otherwise, what?" Mu Hanyan interjected with graceful composure.

While she appreciated the chamber's commendable efforts, Mu Hanyan found his insolence and persistent threats intolerable.

As her cultivation progressed, her demeanor grew more composed; however, when provoked to anger, an innate aura of power emanated from her, silencing Park Donghan and halting his further threats.

"I have given you my word, and I assure you all that your safety will be guaranteed. There is no need for further concern," Mu Hanyan stated, her voice softening as she addressed the assembled chamber stewards.

"An assurance, with merely your Sixth-level Sword Master strength?" Park Donghan retorted with biting sarcasm.

"Mu Hanyan, are you truly unwilling to comply with our conditions?" Seeing Mu Hanyan’s unyielding stance, Dan Tai Xuan’s expression grew grim.

"The affairs of Fang Town are not for Mr. Tantai to fret over. If you are seeking rare flowers, herbs, or Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, the chamber of commerce is the place to visit. Should you wish to depart, you are free to do so," Mu Hanyan stated with nonchalance.

"Lady Mu, you cannot simply act according to your own whims."

"Lady Mu, if not for us, then consider the elderly and children of Fang Town who are without arms," the chamber stewards implored, alarmed by Mu Hanyan’s unwavering resolve.

"Hmph, she possesses the strength of a Sixth-level Sword Master and could escape even if defeated; why should she concern herself with our lives?" Park Donghan scoffed once more.

"Lady Mu, how could you? As the grandson of the Mu Family’s patriarch, to act without any sense of faith or loyalty!" Park Donghan’s words caused the stewards’ expressions to shift, and they angrily voiced their accusations.

"Bad tidings, my lord, Family Head! Those Exotic Beasts have appeared once again," at this very moment, a disciple of the Fang Family rushed into the hall in a state of panic.

"How many have come this time?" Family Head Fang’s countenance changed drastically as he inquired.

"More than ever recorded, numbering in the thousands and led by the most formidable of Exotic Beasts. Family Head, what course of action should we take?" Fear was evident on the disciple’s face as his voice trembled with sobs.

Outside, chaos erupted, with shouts from the crowd and the sound of frantic footsteps echoing all around.

"Let us go and observe." Mu Hanyan, paying no mind to Park Donghan and the others, took the lead in heading outside, with Huayue and her companions following closely behind.

"Tch, what is there to even look at? Will a mere glance cause the Exotic Beasts to retreat?" Park Donghan sneered coldly, yet he too followed them out, with the stewards swarming behind. These merchants, though not powerful, had grown audacious from their extensive travels and were quite notable.