Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1406: Too Much to Handle

Could this Celestial Destiny Star Plate be precisely what Han Yan requires? All gazes converged upon Han Yan. It dawned on them now that the Celestial Destiny Star Plate Han Yan needed was not of a common variety.

Han Yan, too, wore an expression of surprise. This Celestial Destiny Star Plate was vastly different from those belonging to Huayue and the others, yet it also eluded her requirements. If her Celestial Destiny Star Plate was akin to a Divine Artifact, then the Star Plates held by Huayue and the others could only be classified as Magic Artifacts. Ye Yanran's version occupied a tier between these two, comparable to a Demigod Artifact.

Han Yan recollected that upon her rebirth and awakening, the initial fragment of the Celestial Destiny Star Plate had inexplicably materialized upon her person through an auspicious Blood Recognition. At that time, there had been no adverse effects. Why, then, was Ye Yanran's fragment causing her life force to dwindle like a fragile thread? She pondered the underlying cause.

Engaging the Divine Martial Refining Soul Technique, Han Yan channeled her Divine Sense toward the Celestial Destiny Star Plate, initiating an investigation.

Within the confines of the Celestial Destiny Star Plate, a mysterious aura pulsed and swirled. Suspended in its midst was a droplet of fresh blood, unmistakably belonging to Ye Yanran.

Han Yan was aware that the Blood Dripping Method was the standard for recognizing most Divine Artifacts. Success meant the droplet of blood would fully integrate, achieving complete assimilation. Failure typically resulted in an outcome akin to accidentally spilling blood, causing minimal disruption.

However, the current situation deviated significantly. The droplet of blood neither merged with the Celestial Destiny Star Plate nor was it repelled; instead, it remained trapped. Alarmingly, utilizing this droplet of blood as a conduit, the Celestial Destiny Star Plate had forged a profound linkage with Ye Yanran, continuously siphoning wisps of her Life Force.

A backlash! Han Yan instantly grasped the truth. The continuous depletion and weakening of Ye Yanran's vitality were a direct consequence of the backlash from her failed attempt at recognition with the Celestial Destiny Star Plate!

Han Yan had never encountered such a phenomenon, nor did she comprehend the method by which this Celestial Destiny Star Plate had been refined to possess such a counter-effect. Ye Yanran's cultivation was perhaps too feeble; likely, her Guardian of the Gods bloodline was too dilute, preventing her from achieving recognition and thus triggering the backlash.

Having finally pinpointed the origin of Ye Yanran's fading vitality, Han Yan exhaled a breath of relief and commenced contemplating a solution.

“Han Yan,” Ye Yanran’s voice continued, unaware of the easing expression on Han Yan’s face.

“Hmm?” Han Yan responded instinctively.

“Promise me, should you ever have the opportunity, help me bring my mother back. My great-grandfather is grievously injured this time; the consequences are likely dire. I can only place my hopes in you,” Ye Yanran implored.

Though a faint smile graced her lips, her words conveyed a sense of finality, audible to all present.

Life was steadily receding from her form, her complexion ashen, her appearance gaunt as one terminally ill. Yet, upon this visage rested a serene smile, reminiscent of a flower on the verge of withering, still exuding its final, ephemeral beauty.

Despite not having known Ye Yanran for an extended period, Huayue and the others had shared some time together since their initial encounter in Xiaoyang City. Witnessing her fade like a wilting bloom stirred an inexplicable sorrow within their hearts.

“Cease your hurried farewells; you will not perish,” Han Yan stated calmly.

“There is no need to console me. I shall not endure much longer. All I ask is your promise,” Ye Yanran replied, shaking her head.

“Do you truly believe I am one for platitudes? You sought retribution and narrowly escaped my wrath on multiple occasions. Did I ever offer you comfort then?” Han Yan countered, a hint of exasperation coloring her tone.

“Uh…” Ye Yanran gazed at Han Yan with a pitiable expression, suddenly feeling an urge to cough up blood. Here I am, on the brink of death, and even if you offer no solace, must you dredge up my past transgressions to needle me? If you truly intend to provoke me, shouldn't you wait until after my demise? Who knows, perhaps your scolding might even revive me.

Ignoring Ye Yanran’s mournful gaze, Han Yan drew the Cold Sky Sword a few inches, lightly brushing the blade with her fingertip. A crimson droplet welled up and began to fall towards the Celestial Destiny Star Plate.

“What are you doing?” Ye Yanran exclaimed in shock, a sudden surge of strength propelling her to grasp Han Yan’s arm.

“What else can be done? Your cultivation is insufficient to secure the Star Plate’s recognition, resulting in failure and subsequent backlash. I have no intention of exploiting your predicament, but to salvage you, it is imperative that it recognizes someone,” Han Yan explained concisely.

“Have you attained the Sword Saint Realm?” Ye Yanran inquired.

Han Yan paused in thought before shaking her head. “However,” she added, “I have reached the Great Sword Master level, merely a step away from Sword Saint.”

"A single step remains before reaching the Sword Saint realm, and that's still not enough. No, absolutely not. I find myself in this predicament precisely because I defied my great-grandmother's wishes; you must not take any chances." Ye Yanran declared with conviction, her grip tightening on Han Yan's arm.

"Han Yan, don't be hasty; perhaps there exists another path," Huayue, ever composed, also interjected with advice upon grasping Han Yan's intentions.

One should never underestimate the chasm between the Great Sword Master and Sword Saint; it represents an immense difference. Ye Yanran failed to earn the Heavenly Destiny Star Plate's endorsement and suffered a severe backlash; it's entirely possible Han Yan might not succeed either. The thought of Han Yan courting such danger was unbearable.

"Why don't you let me attempt it first?" Zirong, aware of Han Yan's resolute nature, opted not to dissuade her but instead stepped forward.

"Allow me the opportunity. I was fortunate to survive my previous ordeal despite grievous wounds, and my power has since grown exponentially. I am undoubtedly the most suitable candidate to try," Tang Bufan also volunteered, stepping into the fray.

"Hey, listen here, how is it that every time a prime opportunity arises, I'm always the last one in line? This time, I should be the first to give it a go," Jiang Yuzhe playfully pushed his way forward and took a stance before the others.

Observing the palpable eagerness radiating from Huayue and the rest, Ye Yanran's eyes welled up with tears. She recognized that this wasn't about seizing an opportunity, but rather about risking their very lives. Their singular objective was to shield Han Yan from danger.

To possess such companions and friends, how incredibly fortunate Han Yan truly was!

Witnessing a drop of blood welling on Han Yan's fingertip, Ye Yanran's expression softened into a smile once more. Indeed, with a friend like Han Yan, wasn't she equally blessed?

(The weather is getting hotter; everyone, be prepared for the heat and avoid sunstroke, be mindful of sun protection when going out, and don’t get tanned. Stay healthy and beautiful. Love you all during the daytime.)