Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1396: Being Too Cunning Is Not a Good Thing

As for Huayue and the others, their cultivation realms are already quite advanced, so there's no need for them to select sword pets from these Exotic Beasts positioned below the city. These creatures are far too weak in comparison and would only be a hindrance during actual combat rather than providing any assistance.

Observing that everyone had made their selections, Han Yan prepared to withdraw the Divine Beast Contract and dismiss the relatively weaker Exotic Beasts. It was presumed that the contract spell cast by the Aolai Divine Beast had instilled an indelible fear within them, deterring any future attempts to invade Fang Town. Furthermore, any beasts stronger than Sword Masters had already been claimed as sword pets by influential figures like the Family Head Fang. Even if they dared to return, it would only lead to their demise.

At this precise moment, a few distressed cries echoed from not too far away. Several Exotic Beasts, heads bowed and with gloomy expressions, ambled towards them; these were the Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger that had previously retreated, two Dragon Scale Fire Pattern Rhinoceroses, and the Earthly Ferocious Bear.

The reappearance of these formidable Exotic Beasts caused a stir among the crowd, yet the expressions of panic from before were notably absent.

Having witnessed the formidable might displayed by Han Yan, Huayue, and the others, they no longer regarded these Exotic Beasts with apprehension. Some disciples of the Fang Family and chamber guards even drew their Longswords, their bodies radiating a potent fighting spirit. Having just acquired their sword pets and with the backing of Han Yan and her companions, they felt emboldened enough to confront such powerful Exotic Beasts.

However, their opportunity to act was unfortunately curtailed. The moment they reached the base of the city wall, the Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger lowered itself to the ground, closely followed by the Dragon Scale Fire Pattern Rhinoceros and the Earthly Ferocious Bear, all emitting sorrowful roars.

Several contract lights simultaneously manifested from their forms, with the corresponding halves appearing on Han Yan.

It was then that everyone understood these Exotic Beasts had not ventured far but had been lurking just outside the city limits, observing the unfolding events, seemingly reluctant to retreat and awaiting a chance to strike back.

It was no wonder they were Ninth Rank Exotic Beasts; their cunning far surpassed that of ordinary creatures. Yet, unfortunately, their cunning had led them astray this time. Within a ten-mile radius, all were subject to the oppressive aura of the Divine Beast Contract. Having fled in terror from the overwhelming strength of Huayue and the others, their hearts already filled with dread, how could they possibly resist the ancient power of the Beast King?

Several mightiest Exotic Beasts pitifully knelt on the ground, their proud heads lowered, gazing pleadingly at Han Yan.

"You choose." Han Yan instructed Huayue and the others.

She had not anticipated such a pleasant surprise just as she was about to conclude the Divine Beast Contract. However, compared to her Great Sword Master cultivation, these beasts were somewhat lacking and wouldn't offer significant advantages; it would be more beneficial to bestow them upon Huayue and the others for greater impact.

"I shall select the Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger," Huayue declared.

"I'll take the Dragon Scale Fire Pattern Rhinoceros that I just dominated," Zirong pointed out.

"I'll choose the other one," Jiang Yuzhe stated.

Lastly, Tang Bufan naturally opted for the Earthly Ferocious Bear, a creature whose ferocity matched his own strength.

While their choices were influenced by their prior encounters, there was a deeper strategic rationale at play. Huayue's Thunder Sound Sword Dang technique excels at countering force with force and leans towards defensive capabilities. The offensive power of the Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger perfectly complements the shortcomings in her sword technique's assault, whereas Zirong and Jiang Yuzhe's Innate Divine Skills are purely offensive with no defensive attributes, rendering them quite perilous. This is particularly true for Jiang Yuzhe, as the moment he utilizes Shadow Shifting, his Qi experiences the most volatile fluctuations. With the robust defensive capabilities of the Dragon Scale Fire Pattern Rhinoceros, they would be considerably more secure.

As for Tang Bufan, his innate divine skill talent, which manifests in a berserker-like fury, would undoubtedly receive a significant combat power boost when augmented by the equally ferocious Earthly Ferocious Bear.

The laws of Heaven and Earth came into effect, and the Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger and the other Exotic Beasts vanished from everyone's sight, entering the Sword Pet Space.

Only then did Han Yan withdraw the Divine Beast Contract, and a sense of relief washed over everyone present. Even the Exotic Beasts, previously trembling under the Divine Beast Heavenly Might, lifted their heads in astonishment.

"I am sparing your lives today. Should you ever dare to invade my Anyun City again, there will be no mercy!" Han Yan's clear voice resounded across the land.

Han Yan had considered eradicating all the demonic beasts lurking beneath the city, but ultimately decided against it. Since ancient times, this Continent had seen the coexistence of demonic beasts and humans. Even after the beasts retreated to Longyan Mountain a million years ago, peace generally prevailed, save for occasional skirmishes and minor beast incursions into border towns near Longyan Mountain. She was quite convinced that this large-scale assault on human settlements was orchestrated by the Jiuyou Netherworld, and she had no desire to engage in a senseless slaughter of innocent creatures.

More importantly, with thousands of demonic beasts present, defending the city was achievable with their combined forces. However, a protracted and fierce battle would consume considerable time, and she was disinclined to remain in Fang Town any longer than necessary.

A significant portion of the demonic beasts on the city walls possessed the ability to comprehend human speech. Even if some were unable to, Han Yan felt confident they would grasp the essence of her message.

Utterly terrified, the demonic beasts perceived her words as a general amnesty. In a hurried retreat, they scattered, fleeing towards the distant Longyan Mountain.

Soon, Fang Town returned to its former tranquility.

Having narrowly escaped the calamity, the members of the various chambers, reflecting on the multitude of dangers they had faced in recent days, found themselves unsettled. Meanwhile, the town guards and the disciples of the Fang Family, having endured immense duress, were utterly spent, their strength nearly depleted once the crisis had completely passed.

Han Yan then instructed them to return and recover, entrusting the matter of compensating the various chambers to the Family Head. Still reveling in the newfound possession of sword pets, they did not press for excessive restitution, asking only for compensation for guards who were injured or lost. At present, Nanyan Commerce possessed an abundance of wealth, making such compensation a mere trifle.

After offering brief guidance to the Family Head, Han Yan made haste to visit Qu Shanling.

To Han Yan's surprise, Mu Cheng was also present alongside Qu Shanling.

"I have had Mu Cheng remain here these past few days, without even informing the Family Head Fang," Qu Shanling explained, noticing Han Yan's astonishment.

With a moment's reflection, Han Yan understood his motive. Leaving Mu Cheng behind was clearly intended to safeguard the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond. However, during the siege by the demonic beasts, when even members of major chambers had risked their lives, his presence to assist Qu Shanling in guarding the master's residence could have potentially stirred resentment among chamber stewards and even minor disapproval from the unaware Family Head Fang. Hence, the decision to maintain secrecy.

"Master Qu, Mu Cheng, I offer my sincere gratitude for your diligent efforts," Han Yan expressed her thanks. Observing that Mu Cheng was unharmed and Qu Shanling's injuries were not severe, Han Yan decided against offering them any medicinal elixirs.