Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1397: All Are Inextricably Linked to Him

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Previously on Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return...
The Fang Town's defenses held against the invading exotic beasts, with Han Yan, Huayue, and others proving their strength. Several powerful exotic beasts that had initially fled returned, only to be captured by Han Yan’s Divine Beast Contract. Huayue, Zirong, Jiang Yuzhe, and Tang Bufan each chose one of these beasts as their sword pet. Han Yan then warned the remaining beasts to not invade again before they retreated. Afterward, Han Yan went to see Qu Shanling and Mu Cheng, who had been guarding the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond.

"This is merely fulfilling our obligations; it's not tiring at all," Qu Shanling and Mu Cheng declared with hearty laughter. Their joy upon reuniting with Mu Hanyan was palpable.

"Oh, right. I've managed to tame a few Exotic Beasts previously. You can take them as your Sword Pets," Mu Hanyan mentioned.

Qu Shanling had already observed Mu Hanyan arriving with several Exotic Beasts and was quite curious. Her words suddenly clarified his thoughts.

These Exotic Beasts were comparable in strength to Third or Fourth Rank Sword Masters, possessing high intelligence. Upon hearing Mu Hanyan's words, they once again prostrated themselves on the ground, offering the Master-Servant Contracts.

Both Qu Shanling and Mu Cheng were astonished. From their understanding, taming Sword Pets demanded considerable skill in the Beast Taming Technique. Without it, even with the aid of a Beast Taming Master, success was unlikely. Yet, to their amazement, these Exotic Beasts submitted willingly, immediately presenting the Master-Servant Contract at Mu Hanyan's simple request. However, they had already witnessed numerous miracles wrought by Mu Hanyan, so they refrained from questioning her methods, accepting it as another marvel. With delight, they each selected two Exotic Beasts to serve as Sword Pets.

"Master Qu, Mu Cheng, I must attend to urgent matters in the Capital. Please remain in Fang Town and assist if any issues arise," Mu Hanyan stated directly to the pair after their reunion.

The current era was tumultuous, akin to the world teetering on the brink of chaos. Their martial prowess, while significant, might not offer substantial aid if they returned to the Capital. However, their presence in Fang Town could prove immensely beneficial.

Furthermore, the presence of the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond in Fang Town always left Mu Hanyan with a sense of unease. Having them stationed there brought her a measure of peace of mind.

"I am aware that the Capital is also facing unrest, but you should still return swiftly. However, leaving the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond in Fang Town is not a sustainable solution," Qu Shanling advised Mu Hanyan.

"I understand it's not ideal for the long term, but I haven't found a suitable location to relocate it," Mu Hanyan replied with a wry smile.

"Over the past year, I've dedicated myself to studying this Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond and have conceived a potential solution. If a Storage Space unconstrained by the Holy Court Continent's Laws could be established, the leakage of Spiritual Energy would cease to be a concern. However, realizing such a Storage Space is no simple feat," Qu Shanling mused.

It wasn't just difficult; it bordered on the impossible. Alchemy itself operated within the framework of Heaven and Earth Rules. How could a meticulously crafted Storage Space possibly circumvent these inherent limitations?

Yet, as he spoke, a spark ignited within Mu Hanyan. She slapped her forehead, realizing with sudden clarity why this solution hadn't occurred to her sooner.

Such a Storage Space, unbound by Law, was beyond her capability to create. However, she possessed one readily available. The spatial realm within the Star Plate connected to the Nine Heavens, traversing spatial dimensions – didn't this inherently surpass the limitations imposed by the Laws?

Without a moment's hesitation, Mu Hanyan swiftly entered the chamber where the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond was concealed. With a mere thought, the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond was drawn into the Star Disk Space.

Although Qu Shanling had contemplated this method for an extended period and it seemed logically sound, it had never been practically tested. Consequently, Mu Hanyan was cautious, keenly observing. Her Mental State maintained a vigilant lock, prepared to return the pond immediately should any Spiritual Energy leak from it.

Fortunately, as the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond entered the Star Disk Space, no signs of Spiritual Energy leakage were detected. Mu Hanyan exhaled a long, relieved sigh, finally shedding the weight of a worry that had burdened her for so long.

"So, you already possessed such a Storage Space. Had I known, I would have shared my findings with you sooner," Qu Shanling remarked, a wry smile gracing his usually composed features.

He had spent countless nights pondering this very solution, sacrificing his sleep and appetite, only to discover that Mu Hanyan had this invaluable resource all along. The key lay in experimentation, yet he had agonized over it unnecessarily.

"It is entirely my fault. I truly did not anticipate you investing so much effort for my sake, Master. Otherwise, I would have informed you much earlier," Mu Hanyan expressed her gratitude.

"Do not say that. Your Master, with his profound and all-encompassing wisdom, must have intentionally entrusted the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond to you. It is my solemn duty to protect it with all my might and ensure it never falls into the wrong hands," Qu Shanling stated with utmost seriousness.

"Speaking of which, while I was in Shangyue Country, I encountered a senior expert. I wonder if he has any connection to your Master?" As the topic turned to Lu Guankong, Mu Hanyan recalled the enigmatic elder who had effortlessly restored the Dragon and Phoenix Jade Pendant for her. She proceeded to briefly narrate the encounter.

"Could you describe their appearance?" Qu Shanling inquired with palpable excitement after hearing Mu Hanyan's account.

Mu Hanyan instantly recounted the individual's appearance once more.

"Yes, yes, the person you've described must be Master. So, he genuinely still walks this earth..." Qu Shanling, overwhelmed with emotion by Mu Hanyan's description, found tears streaming down his face.

"The last time I encountered him was within Shangyue Dingbian City. If you're determined to seek him out, there might yet be an opportunity," Mu Hanyan offered, her heart stirred by the profound connection between master and disciple.

"No, Master must have journeyed to Dingbian City because of you, and it's unlikely he lingered there. By now, who can say where he has ventured? From my contemplations, many of Master's prior arrangements were likely entwined with you. As long as I remain by your side, a chance to encounter him will surely arise," Qu Shanling declared, shaking his head with unwavering resolve as he looked intently at Mu Hanyan.

"That arrangement sounds favorable as well," Mu Hanyan agreed with a nod.

Had this conversation occurred previously, Mu Hanyan might have dismissed it. However, subsequent events revealed that numerous individuals and occurrences surrounding her seemed mysteriously connected to Lu Guantian. It was plausible that accompanying her might indeed present Qu Shanling with the most direct path to locating his Master.

Fortunately, his cultivation within Fang Town had significantly bolstered his strength, bringing him to the third-tier of Sword Master. While not on par with figures like Huayue, he possessed more than sufficient capability to safeguard himself, ensuring his presence would not pose a hindrance.

"Fang Town is rich in Heaven and Earth Power, a prime location for Cultivation. I've encountered a bottleneck in my advancement to Sword Master, so I won't be accompanying you," Mu Cheng stated, perceiving Mu Hanyan's attention.

In comparison to his earlier self, Mu Cheng's strength had not only seen a substantial increase but also a newfound steadfastness. He understood that with his current abilities, following Mu Hanyan would only serve to burden her.

Mu Hanyan, recognizing Mu Cheng’s unwavering dedication and passionate pursuit of the Sword Dao, a fervor that mirrored Huayue and the others, did not press him further.

Leaving behind a generous supply of Elixirs intended for enhancing cultivation, Mu Hanyan's contingent departed Fang Town, charting a course towards the Capital.

The engagement with the Exotic Beasts in Fang Town, which had seemed an extensive undertaking, concluded in just over two hours. By the time they reached the Capital, the sun was already setting.

The descending sun bathed the scarred, claw-marked city walls in its golden radiance. A contingent of several dozen City Guard Soldiers stood at the city gates; the freely accessible entrance suggested the Capital's defenders had successfully repelled the Exotic Beasts. Nevertheless, the vibrant atmosphere typically found at the city gates was notably absent, revealing the quiet devastation that followed the intense conflict.

The area outside the city, the former battlefield, had been meticulously cleared. Yet, as they rode across the plain, a subtle, lingering scent of blood emanated from the soil, a grim reminder of the brutal confrontation.

Upon observing Mu Hanyan's group approaching at a gallop, the City Guard Soldiers immediately snapped to attention, ready for scrutiny. In the wake of such a battle, the populace was understandably on edge, and the guards were loath to err. Their apprehension was particularly heightened by the presence of unclaimed Exotic Beasts following Mu Hanyan's party.

However, as the guards drew nearer and recognized the individuals, they swiftly retreated several paces, gesturing for them to pass. Following the reputation of the notorious playboys of Heishi City and the Capital, Lady Mu's notoriety as Long Yan Academy's own infamous scion had spread. These guards were astute enough to avoid any unnecessary entanglements.

The city itself was eerily silent, with scarcely a pedestrian gracing the wide thoroughfares. Mu Hanyan and her companions, astride their Red Charcoal Cloud Smoke Beasts, proceeded unhindered, making their way directly to the Mu Family estate.

"The Young Lady has returned, the Young Lady has returned!" the gatekeeper exclaimed joyfully upon seeing Mu Hanyan. Soon, Mu Zexian, accompanied by a cadre of young noblemen, emerged to welcome her, regarding Mu Hanyan as their unwavering anchor.

"Hanyan, you've returned." Presently, the imposing figure of Mu Rui'an appeared, with Yue Fanling following closely, a smile gracing her features.

"Father, Mother, you are both here." Mu Hanyan's gaze swept over her parents, a sense of joy blooming within her. Yet, a slight unease settled in her heart as she noticed the absence of any other elders besides her parents.