Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1409: Praise from the Enemy

Since then, he had been wary of the temple, quietly inquiring about news regarding their clandestine activities. Whether by sheer chance or unfortunate fate, to this day, apart from what were common knowledge secrets among ancient clans like the Eight Great Families, he had unearthed nothing substantial. He had also not been subjected to further assassination attempts by the temple. Nevertheless, upon learning of the temple’s origins and their deep-seated animosity with the Holy Court, he dared not underestimate them. Hearing Jiang Yuzhe voice his suspicions about the temple, his nerves instantly became taut.

"No, it absolutely shouldn't be someone from the temple," Han Yan and Zirong declared in unison.

Following their joint statement, the two exchanged a knowing smile.

"Why do you say that?" Jiang Yuzhe inquired, a look of confusion on his face.

"Yanran despises the temple to her core and possesses a keen understanding of their operations. She can readily sense the presence of anyone affiliated with the temple. Had she suspected their involvement, she would have voiced it much sooner," Han Yan explained, his intention to prevent Jiang Yuzhe's confidence from being entirely eroded by Zirong's insights.

In truth, Jiang Yuzhe was not unintelligent, as demonstrated by his self-taught mastery of Shadow Shifting. He simply could not measure up to Zirong's intellectual prowess. Since arriving at the Mu Family, his slower comprehension had become even more pronounced in contrast. At times, Han Yan couldn't help but wonder if Jiang Yuzhe's mind had been adversely affected by the constant barrage of harsh words from his seemingly gentle, yet truly formidable cousin.

"I understand now," Jiang Yuzhe acknowledged, rubbing the back of his head in mild embarrassment. He recalled Zirong had mentioned this point earlier, but he hadn't pondered it deeply, and had, as a result, fallen behind once more.

"Not bad, truly not bad. At least there are still a few who employ their intellect and refrain from casting baseless accusations upon us," an aged voice declared from beyond the window at that very moment. The tone suggested commendation for Han Yan and Zirong, yet carried a distinct undercurrent of grim finality.

As the words concluded, the firmly shut door was violently thrust open by a single palm strike. An elder, completely enveloped in a black robe, materialized in the courtyard. A faint smile played on his lips as he regarded Han Yan and the others, his gaze akin to a predator observing its prey.

"I am the Divine Guardian Priest of the temple, Gai Huangji!" the elder proclaimed with evident arrogance.

The expressions of Han Yan and the rest of the group turned exceedingly serious. Although they had suspected his affiliation based on his earlier remarks, hearing his direct admission sent a shiver down their spines.

It was exceptionally difficult for individuals from the temple to infiltrate the Holy Court Continent, and they faced constant eradication efforts from the Holy Court's forces. Consequently, they would never expose themselves willingly. If captured, they were known to self-detonate their Qi to prevent their identities from being compromised. Gai Huangji brazenly revealing his identity upon arrival signaled that he was prepared to eliminate all witnesses to maintain absolute secrecy. In essence, no one present was expected to survive.

Han Yan possessed no certain knowledge of the Divine Guardian Priest's standing within the temple’s hierarchy, but judging by his self-assured demeanor, his position was undoubtedly high-ranking.

"For so many years, I know not who has been wantonly slaughtering innocents, casting all blame and infamy upon our temple. You possess the discernment to see the truth through this charade, to vindicate our temple, your actions as a priest, I truly admire," Gai Huangji stated, adopting the posture of a venerable elder. His tone then shifted abruptly, "However, it is deeply unfortunate that you are the descendants of the Guardian of the Gods, with your bloodlines now awakened. Ultimately, we stand as adversaries, not allies. I am compelled to put you to death to eliminate future threats to the temple."

"If you intend to kill us, I fear it will not be quite so simple," Han Yan, having already anticipated the opponent's lethal intent, was unfazed by his pronouncement. Gripping the Cold Sky Sword firmly, he declared with a cold edge to his voice.

"You must be Han Yan. I had heard of your recent promotion to the Fifth Rank Sword Master some time ago, and I had intended to act then. But by the time I reached Yunjing City, you had already departed for Shangyue, allowing you to narrowly escape one calamity. I did not anticipate that upon your return, you would have ascended to the Great Sword Master Realm. Were it not for the circumstances of tonight's events, dispatching you would indeed come at a significant cost. But alas, in your current state, you are likely incapable of exerting even the combat power of a Third Stage Sword Master." Gai Huangji offered a slight smile, a potent surge of overwhelming Qi emanating from his being.

"Ninth Rank Sword Master!" Han Yan and the others collectively gasped in shock.

Within the confines of the Holy Court Continent, the powers of temple cultivators were significantly suppressed by the inherent Heaven and Earth Rules. Without resorting to a forbidden technique to forcibly tear open the seal barrier separating the two continents, Gai Huangji could only manifest the suppressed pressure of a Ninth Rank Sword Master. This revelation implied that his true strength vastly surpassed that of even a Sword Saint.

It was no wonder he had confidently stated that even under normal circumstances, killing Han Yan would have been challenging, albeit achievable. He certainly had ample reason for his evident pride.

Had Han Yan and her companions not expended so much of their strength to rescue Ye Yanran, they might have stood a chance against Gai Huangji. But as it was, Han Yan had only managed to recover her cultivation to the Third Stage Sword Master level, while Huayue and the others weren't even Second Rank Sword Masters. How could they possibly stand against him now?

Yet, Han Yan harbored no regrets. They were exposed while their enemy was hidden, and they had been outmaneuvered. Perhaps an opportunity would present itself, and if not tonight, then eventually, they would face such a dire situation again.

Flee? Han Yan was not one to act recklessly or disregard life and death. Every decision that appeared impulsive was, in reality, the product of deep deliberation and careful consideration, leading to choices that were absolutely necessary. This time, recognizing their disadvantage, she contemplated escape.

Upon further reflection, however, she abandoned the thought. With their current strength as Third Stage Sword Masters, how could they possibly evade a Ninth Rank Sword Master? They would likely not get more than two miles away before being hunted down one by one in sheer terror.

Since escape was not an option, only a desperate fight remained. Once again, there was no alternative.

Her resolve firm, Han Yan signaled Huayue and the others. They understood immediately, quietly forming a hand seal formation.

"Star Fall, Eight Desolates!" Han Yan initiated the assault.

Her Cold Sky Sword let out a dragon-like roar, and a beam of sword light, imbued with an eerie blue chill, sliced through the night, aiming directly for Gai Huangji's head.

The disparity in combat power was immense. Han Yan had no room to hold back and unleashed her most potent sword technique without hesitation.

"Thunder Sound, Sword Swinging!"

"Demon Sword, Heart Kill!"

"Clone, Illusion Destruction!"

"Fury, Devil Slash!"

Almost in unison, Huayue, Zirong, and the rest unleashed their most formidable killing moves.

In the air, flashes of sword light erupted, and the prolonged clash of steel sounded like crashing thunderbolts, filled with overwhelming power.

However, it was a lamentable truth that while the momentum seemed grand, the actual power behind the blows was greatly diminished compared to their peak. Even with the assistance of the Five Great Magical Instruments and the Sword Array, which significantly boosted their strength, Han Yan, the strongest among them, only reached the Fifth Rank Sword Master level. Huayue and Zirong, meanwhile, were merely Third Stage Sword Masters.

With such diminished combat prowess, even their combined efforts were insufficient to match Gai Huangji.

How could they possibly overcome this perilous predicament?