Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1401: She Gives Him No Face at All

The grand yet previously boisterous Imperial Garden was suddenly enveloped by a profound silence, as every individual present turned their respectful gazes towards the approaching monarch, who was flanked by a contingent of guards and court officials.

"Your humble subjects greet Your Majesty. May the Emperor reign eternally, may the Emperor reign eternally, may the Emperor reign eternally!" The assembled scions of noble families offered their deep bows in salute.

"Rise," the Emperor gestured with his hand, proceeding to occupy the seat of honor at the head of the table.

"You are all considered the cream of the crop among the next generation of warriors hailing from the various aristocratic clans of the Capital. This time, your mission is to venture to Lu’an and safeguard our nation, a cause that brings solace to my heart. Come, let us partake in this cup of wine, and in the battles to come, may you forge immortal military achievements and etch your names into the annals of history for generations to come!" It was apparent that despite the visible weariness and underlying concern etched upon his brow, the Emperor still elevated his wine goblet, aiming to invigorate the spirits of all present. His words carried an added measure of the regal majesty and commanding presence befitting a sovereign.

An electrifying surge coursed through the attendees below, their blood ignited with fervor. They raised their glasses in unison and drained them in a single, spirited gulp.

"The current circumstances within our Anyun Country are precarious, and the Holy Court has graciously dispatched aid. Several of their esteemed Elders have already ventured deep into the formidable Longyan Mountains, while one Outer Court Steward, personally spearheading nearly a hundred skilled experts from the Holy Court, will accompany you to Lu’an." Following a few words of encouragement, the Emperor's tone became grave.

As his pronouncement concluded, a haughty-looking young man made his entrance into the Imperial Garden, leading a cadre of close to a hundred young swordsmen. At the very forefront of this group was none other than Dan Tai Xuan, who had departed Fang Town earlier that very day under a cloud of disgrace.

Mu Hanyan, having heeded her father's counsel earlier, had managed to deduce the underlying reasons for Dan Tai Xuan's previous appearance in Fang Town. However, she had not anticipated him bringing such a considerable retinue. Observing them, she noted their tired visages and travel-worn appearances, which clearly indicated their recent arrival.

Previously, Mu Hanyan had found herself in a state of profound puzzlement. The Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger, the Dragon Scale Fire Pattern Rhinoceros – beasts that had become formidable sword pets for Hua Yue and others – as well as that ferocious Earthly Ferocious Bear, were undeniably powerful. Although Dan Tai Xuan's group comprised about ten individuals who appeared to possess considerable skill, their exhibited combat prowess seemed to have been artifically inflated through the judicious use of Spirit Pills and potent Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Consequently, their fighting strength did not accurately reflect their established Cultivation Realm. Overcoming such formidable Exotic Beasts would not have been a simple undertaking; therefore, how could Dan Tai Xuan have displayed such unshakeable confidence, even daring to leverage this situation to extort her? Witnessing the arrival of these reinforcements, she finally grasped the reality: he possessed substantial backup.

Upon observing this contingent, Mu Hanyan could only marvel once more at the sheer might of the Holy Court. Not only had Dan Tai Xuan and the individuals in his immediate party achieved the Eighth Rank Sword Master level considerably ahead of schedule, but the majority of those who followed were generally at or above the Seventh Rank Sword Master level. Among the younger generation of noble families assembled in the Imperial Garden, there were few who could rival or surpass them in terms of cultivation.

And these individuals represented only the contingent sent by the Holy Court to Anyun Country. It was highly probable that other allied nations had also dispatched their own representatives. Furthermore, it was understood that these were merely the Outer Court disciples. One could only speculate on the formidable capabilities of those hailing from the Inner Court.

Dan Tai Xuan's gaze found Mu Hanyan, and a subtle, knowing smirk played on his lips. It was as if he conveyed, "Now you comprehend, this is the true might of my Holy Court, a force far beyond the comparison of your mere mortal families."

Although his personal martial prowess might not match that of Mu Hanyan, nor even surpass Hua Yue and the others, he held a distinct advantage in terms of numbers. On the battlefield, unless confronted with an overwhelmingly superior force, sheer numbers represent the most significant capital. At this precise moment, Dan Tai Xuan felt a resurgence of his former confidence, and he once again projected an air of boastful bravado in Mu Hanyan's presence.

"This is Lord Dan Tai Xuan, an esteemed Outer Court Steward of the Holy Court. As you make your journey towards Lu’an City, you are commanded to seek the counsel of Lord Dan Tai in all matters and to accord him the utmost respect," the Emperor declared.

"I am Changsun Yi'an, the Young Master of the Zhangsun Family, and I pay my respects to Lord Dan Tai."

"I am Mo Yanhong, the Young Master of the Mo Family, and I greet Lord Dan Tai."

"I am..." Given the exceptionally elevated standing of the Holy Court, there was no necessity for the Emperor to elaborate further. The others present, understanding the implications, would naturally not dare to slight Dan Tai Xuan. Soon, several family patriarchs stepped forward to offer their salutations and extend their goodwill towards Dan Tai Xuan.

Beyond the inherent prestige associated with Dan Tai Xuan's esteemed position, the presence of nearly a hundred formidable experts accompanying him caused the eyes of many a young master to gleam with a mixture of envy and calculation. The impending expedition to Lu’an City was widely anticipated to be fraught with peril. While fulfilling a duty to their country and family was paramount, none among them harbored a desire to perish in the desolate lands of Lu’an. If they could manage to cultivate a favorable relationship with Dan Tai Xuan, they would undoubtedly benefit from his support during critical junctures, thereby ensuring their own survival and potentially gaining an advantage over rival families on the battlefield.

"No need for formalities, no need for formalities." Observing the eagerness and undisguised flattery in their eyes, Dan Tai Xuan's heart, which had been wounded by Mu Hanyan mere hours ago, felt largely mended. He feigned politeness, returning everyone's deference, yet his smugness was plain to see.

With the young masters of the aristocratic families mingling amicably with Dan Tai Xuan, the Emperor felt a sense of relief. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he dispatched some inner officials to remain with them and then retired.

In the Emperor's absence, the sons of noble families shed some of their restraint, vying with each other to show favor to Dan Tai Xuan. Only Mu Hanyan's group and Zhang Chihua remained where they were, rendering them increasingly isolated.

"Young Master Mu, shouldn't you also go and greet Lord Dan Tai? After all, if we are to defend Anluo City, we will require Lord Dan Tai's full cooperation," Mu Chengqi suggested, his voice tinged with envy.

Witnessing even the young masters from the Capital's prominent families scrambling to curry favor with Dan Tai Xuan ignited a fresh wave of desire within him. However, he was merely a scion of a branch family, lacking the standing to interject into such conversations.

"There's no need. I believe he will seek me out himself," Mu Hanyan responded coolly.

Observing Dan Tai Xuan's demeanor, like a petty individual relishing a minor triumph, Mu Hanyan understood that he would seize this opportunity to regain his confidence in her presence.

"Hmph, such arrogance! Who do you presume to be?" Mu Chengqi muttered disdainfully. He scoffed inwardly: That man is a Holy Court Steward, someone even the young masters from various families seek to appease, yet you claim he will come to you? Who do you think you are?

If not for Mu Hanyan's established status as the Zong Family's Young Master, which served to suppress him, he might have erupted in anger.

But his bewilderment was soon to be replaced by speechlessness.

Parting the gathered crowd with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile, Dan Tai Xuan headed directly towards Mu Hanyan.

"Young Master Mu, I did not anticipate our paths crossing again so soon," Dan Tai Xuan greeted warmly.

A profound silence enveloped the surroundings, every eye fixed on Mu Hanyan in astonishment. While they were contemplating strategies to gain Dan Tai Xuan's favor and proximity, they had failed to realize that Mu Hanyan already knew him.

Mu Chengqi's expression struggled to return to normal, only to flush crimson once more, as if he had just been slapped. Yet, the architect of this humiliation was none other than himself.

"Just state your purpose; no need for pleasantries. We are not that familiar," Mu Hanyan declared plainly, showing no inclination to engage in pretense with Dan Tai Xuan.

Her bluntness stunned those nearby. Mu Hanyan's icy demeanor clearly indicated that she recognized Dan Tai Xuan, hinting at a history of animosity between them. While past grievances were one thing, completely disregarding his presence and reputation before such a crowd was quite another.