Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1402: They Begin to Exclude Her

Dan Tai Xuan also found himself taken aback. His initial intention was to impress Mu Hanyan, but instead, he felt as if a heavy blow had landed, shattering the fragile confidence he had just managed to regain.

It was no wonder that ever since witnessing Mu Hanyan's extraordinary skill as a Great Sword Master in Fang Town, he had lost the sense of superiority he once felt in her presence, constantly feeling inadequate.

"Mu Hanyan, though we've had our disagreements before, I've been tasked with assisting Anyun this time. Setting aside past grievances, I will certainly work alongside you and the other Young Masters to combat the Exotic Beasts," Dan Tai Xuan declared with a pretense of righteousness, suppressing his irritation.

His words surprised everyone present. They had expected Dan Tai Xuan to be enraged by Mu Hanyan's apparent disrespect, given his standing. However, to their astonishment, he acted with politeness, seemingly cautious of her.

Could this renowned playboy of the Capital truly be so formidable that even a Holy Court Steward would hesitate to cross her?

The members of the Mu Family trailing behind Mu Hanyan, including Mu Renda, also took note. Their perception of Mu Hanyan shifted dramatically. Initially, their deference stemmed largely from her position as the Young Master of the Zong Family. Now, however, they began to re-evaluate Mu Hanyan's true capabilities.

After all, on the Holy Court Continent, where might makes right, a Holy Court Steward's wary demeanor towards her could only be attributed to sheer power.

"It's best that you maintain that perspective," Mu Hanyan responded coolly.

"Mu Hanyan, don't be ungrateful. While your personal strength may surpass mine, do you truly believe the other younger members of the Mu Family are capable of fending off those Exotic Beasts?" Observing Mu Hanyan's icy indifference, Dan Tai Xuan's anger finally surfaced. He spoke through the art of Qi Gathering Transmission.

"Oh? And what is your proposal then? State your terms," Mu Hanyan replied, her tone confident. She had no faith in Dan Tai Xuan's genuine desire for cooperation, and this was conveyed through Qi Gathering Transmission.

"The terms remain unchanged. Hand over Fang Town and the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond to me, and I will exert my utmost effort to aid the Mu Family," Dan Tai Xuan countered.

"I regret to inform you that I cannot agree to that condition," Mu Hanyan stated, rejecting his demand without hesitation, as she had fully anticipated it.

As her cultivation advanced, Huayue and the swords wielded by the others could no longer reach their peak potential. Mu Hanyan had already commenced crafting new longswords for them. However, the limited timeframe made it a strenuous task to forge Divine Swords imbued with Spiritual Sense, resulting in only semi-finished products at best.

Her original plan was to immerse these unfinished swords into the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond upon their return to Anyun, under the diligent supervision of Qu Shanling and the others. Yet, spurred by Dan Tai Xuan's veiled threat, she had already relocated the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond into the Star Disk Space. These very longswords currently reside there, awaiting their transformation into potent Divine Swords.

Furthermore, with the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond, she could consistently equip Mu Family members with superior swords. While these might not rival her own Cold Sky Sword, they would undoubtedly surpass ordinary Divine weapons. Consequently, the Sword Heart Soul Cleansing Pond stood as a crucial cornerstone for the Mu Family's enduring prosperity, making its transfer to another an impossibility.

"Very well, very well, Mu Hanyan. Since you remain so resolute, do not hold me accountable for showing no mercy," Dan Tai Xuan declared with chilling anger, having slightly grasped Mu Hanyan's temperament and realizing the finality of her decision.

The onlookers, noticing the silent exchange between the two, understood they were communicating via Qi Gathering Transmission and were intrigued by the content of their discussion.

At that precise moment, Dan Tai Xuan abruptly turned and addressed the group. "With so many individuals heading to Lu'an City this time, coordinating efforts might prove challenging. I propose we divide into two contingents: one under my leadership, and the other led by Young Master Mu. This arrangement would allow us to provide mutual support should any dangers arise. What are your thoughts on this?"

"We shall abide by Lord Tantai's arrangements in all matters," the others responded, their gazes fixed on Dan Tai Xuan with curiosity. Unsure of his true intentions but unwilling to oppose him, they readily agreed.

"I am not intimately familiar with the various nobles residing in Anyun. How about we allow everyone to freely choose whether to join my team or Mu Hanyan's? What is everyone's opinion on this?" Dan Tai Xuan continued his proposal.

Even the most oblivious observer could discern his underlying motive. A recent disagreement with Mu Hanyan must have occurred, and this was clearly intended as a subtle reprimand.

"Lord Tantai is indeed exceptional, a true prodigy among men. I, Changsun Yi’an, am wholeheartedly convinced and shall follow Lord Tantai's lead." With his declaration, Changsun Yi’an was the first to position himself behind Dan Tai Xuan, his Changsun Family disciples falling in line behind him.

"Our Mo Family and the Changsun Family have been allies for generations. If Brother Changsun aligns with Lord Tantai, the Mo Family will do the same." Mo Yanhong proclaimed, stepping behind Dan Tai Xuan with his own family's disciples.

Mu Hanyan observed Mo Yanhong. The Mo Family Ancestor was widely known for his close ties with the Mu Family in the Capital, a fact Mo Yanhong was well aware of, yet he chose to act in opposition. This suggests the Mo Family Ancestor, who previously took Mo Yanlin for medical treatment, has likely not yet returned. Mo Yanhong understands that upon Mo Yanlin's recovery and return to the Capital, any claim to the position of Young Master would be out of his reach. Thus, he is taking a significant gamble, seizing this opportune moment to solidify his standing within the Mo Family.

Should he earn renown in Lu’an City and elevate the Mo Family's prestige among the Eight Great Families, even the Mo Family Ancestor would find it challenging to remove him from his position.

Naturally, aligning with Mu Hanyan also presented potential advantages. However, given their existing animosity, his sole desire is her downfall in Lu’an City; he has no intention of supporting her. Furthermore, the current circumstances indicate that it is a more advantageous choice to side with Dan Tai Xuan and create difficulties for Mu Hanyan.

"I, Song Yu, also pledge my allegiance to Lord Tantai." Song Yu announced, joining Dan Tai Xuan's side with his clan members.

Swiftly, five Young Masters declared their loyalty to Dan Tai Xuan, bringing with them their family disciples and affiliated noble households, filling a considerable portion of the garden behind him. Mu Hanyan, conversely, found herself with only her own retinue and the outsider Zhang Chihua standing beside her.

Mu Chengqi began to sweat, apprehension mounting. He too grasped Dan Tai Xuan's underlying motive, fearing that all would gravitate towards Dan Tai Xuan. Although they were supposedly bound by mutual assistance, he knew that in moments of true peril, aid would likely not be forthcoming. At the very least, the Mu Family disciples would be spared complete ruin.

"Mu Hanyan, what exactly did you say to him just now? Apologize quickly; we cannot allow this situation to escalate further." Mu Chengqi, consumed by worry and anxiety, fixated on Mu Hanyan with growing resentment, voicing his thoughts plainly.