Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1399: A New Method for Ranking the Eight Great Families

"West of Lu’an City lies the Black Water Pass, the grandest gateway into Longyan Mountain within Anyun Territory. To the exotic beasts dwelling within, it serves as their most significant egress. Coincidentally, as the Capital faced its siege, an overwhelming force of tens of thousands of exotic beasts erupted from Longyan Mountain’s depths, shattering the defenses of Black Water Pass. Fortunately, Lu’an City, a border town situated west of the pass, stood as a bulwark against their advance."

"While these exotic beasts may not possess the same formidable strength as those that assailed the Capital, they are nonetheless a potent threat. The soldiers and citizens of Lu’an City have valiantly held their position thus far, but their strength is waning. Concurrently, exotic beast incursions are rampant across the land, leaving the Capital itself vulnerable and incapable of dispatching aid. Should the exotic beasts breach Lu’an City’s defenses, the ramifications would be catastrophic," stated Mu Rui’an.

Mu Hanyan drew a sharp breath, her mind quickly assessing the strategic importance of Lu’an City. It was, in essence, the southwestern gateway to Anyun Country. If these beasts were to conquer the city, they would have an unobstructed path into the heart of Anyun Territory.

Anyun lacked the robust martial traditions of Shangyue. Not only were the populace’s cultivation levels considerably inferior to those in Shangyue, but the fortifications of its inland cities were typically not robust enough to withstand a concerted assault from exotic beasts. Such a breach would inevitably plunge the nation into devastation, potentially leading to its very collapse.

"Before our departure from the Capital, the patriarchs of the great families convened and resolved to postpone the family ranking tournament scheduled for next year. In its stead, the younger scions of these families, spearheaded by the Eight Great Families, will be dispatched to Lu’an. Their mission is to bolster the local military and citizenry in the city’s defense until the conflicts elsewhere are quelled and reinforcements can be sent, or until the family heads return triumphant. The prestige of the Eight Great Families will also be determined by the valor displayed by their younger generation during this crucial defense," Mu Rui’an continued.

"Father, I comprehend. I shall proceed to Lu’an City without delay," Mu Hanyan declared. Regardless of whether it was for the safety of Anyun’s populace or the standing of the Mu Family, she could not abdicate this solemn responsibility.

Fortunately, her current cultivation at the Great Sword Master Realm allowed her to endure the arduous journey without succumbing to undue fatigue.

"There is no need for haste. The younger representatives from the various noble houses are slated to commence their journey to Lu’an City tomorrow. Your return is perfectly timed. The palace has orchestrated a farewell banquet in your honor. Please, refresh yourself and attend the ceremony," Mu Rui’an conveyed with a gestural sweep of his hand.

"My child has journeyed without rest from Shangyue to Anyun and is surely weary. What purpose would a banquet serve?" Though Mu Hanyan herself felt little strain, Yue Fanling, observing her daughter’s disheveled and travel-worn appearance, couldn’t help but express concern, gently chiding Mu Rui’an.

"You misunderstand—the banquet is merely a pretext; my true aim is for her to forge connections with her peers from other distinguished families," Mu Rui’an chuckled softly.

Mu Hanyan’s understanding dawned instantly: her father’s underlying motive was for her to establish potential alliances with the sons of other influential clans. The Lu’an defense was not merely a matter of the survival of millions in Anyun's interior; it also bore significant weight on the future standing of the Eight Great Families. More critically, it dictated their personal fates, making any additional support invaluable.

While her father’s intentions were commendable, considering her notorious reputation as the Capital’s preeminent libertine and the existing animosity between her and the scions of other families, Mu Hanyan could only offer a wry smile. Those individuals harbored a deep-seated resentment towards her; if they didn't actively seek to undermine her, she'd consider herself fortunate—expecting assistance from them was an exercise in futility.

The lone individual who might extend a hand was Yan Yuchu. However, as a mere Young Master from a collateral branch, his influence within the Main Family was limited, likely rendering his support insufficient to sway the larger dynamics.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the foreseen challenges, attendance at this palace banquet was a necessity. After all, she would soon be fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with these young nobles. Even if past transgressions could not be wholly reconciled, it was imperative not to present an overly defiant or disrespectful front.

With a bit of time remaining, Mu Hanyan decided to freshen herself up and change her attire. Following this, she shared details of her experiences in Shangyue Country with her parents. Upon learning about the tribulations within the Shangyue Royal Family, Mu Rui’an remained composed, his faith unshaken in his cherished daughter. Her safe return was testament enough that any peril she encountered had undoubtedly been surmounted.

While Yue Fanling could surmise a similar outcome, her countenance was etched with apprehension until she heard of Mu Hanyan's feat in lifting Lu Nianxin's prohibition and her subsequent, awe-inspiring display of divine power that eradicated traitors, including Lu Tianxiong. It was only then that Yue Fanling exhaled a profound sigh of relief.

Nevertheless, the bonds of blood run deep. Despite harboring some lingering resentment over her brother's past coldness, her own concern for the Yue Family's descendants was no less fervent than Lu Nianxin's.

"Mother, your uncle has bestowed upon me the esteemed title of Princess, and the past disputes between you and Father have also been publicly reconciled. You should make time to visit; Grandmother and my two uncles are most eager to see you," Mu Hanyan urged.

"Yes, once this current turmoil subsides, I shall certainly return to Shangyue for a visit," Yue Fanling agreed with a smile. Having absorbed Mu Hanyan’s narrative, she too felt as though she had undergone a personal rebirth, shedding the weight of past grievances.

As the banquet hour approached with the lighting of the lamps, the carriage was prepared.

"Ah, by the way, to ensure your convenience in navigating Lu’an City, your grandfather, in consultation with Elder Taichang and the others, decided to provisionally appoint you as the Young Master before your departure," Mu Rui’an added as he escorted Mu Hanyan to the carriage.

Mu Hanyan acknowledged this with a nod, not entirely taken aback. Given her current cultivation, she considered herself fully capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of a Young Master. Subsequently, accompanied by Zirong, Huayue, several personal guards, and Mu Zexian, she set off towards the palace.

The conflict beyond the Capital had inflicted substantial casualties upon the Mu Family; many familiar visages would no longer be seen. However, new faces were also in attendance, introduced by Mu Zexian. Mu Hanyan understood these to be elite disciples dispatched from the various collateral branches of the Mu Family to provide support.

The Mu Family's standing among the Eight Great Families of the Capital inevitably influenced the status of its branches. Thus, notwithstanding the unrest within the Anyun Territory and the burden of fending off Exotic Beast assaults on the branches, they still managed to deploy their most formidable younger generation disciples. These individuals, all exceeding the age of thirty, possessed considerable martial prowess, each having surpassed the Third Stage Sword Master realm.

"So, you are Mu Hanyan. I’ve heard tales of you – once the notorious number one playboy of Heishi City, and now the foremost figure in the Capital, correct? And that other moniker, Mu Siyi, isn’t that it?" A somewhat younger member of a collateral branch inquired, gesturing casually with a mocking undertone.

This individual was identified as Mu Chengqi, who had just reached the age of thirty, making him the youngest among the visiting branch members, and still retaining a degree of youthful swagger.

"Chengqi, show proper respect to the Young Master. Do not be so audacious," an older collateral branch member admonished, his brow furrowed.

This elder was Mu Renda, thirty-seven years of age and the most senior among the branch family members. He not only commanded the strongest cultivation but also exhibited the most composed demeanor.

"Brother Renda, there is no need for such formality. Let us simply keep things casual," Mu Hanyan responded dismissively, waving a hand. The nicknames of 'Heishi City’s number one playboy' and 'Mu Siyi' were monikers she hadn't encountered in a considerable span, yet they evoked a strangely endearing sentiment.

Mu Renda offered no further remarks, merely directing an intense glare toward Mu Chengqi.