Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1415: The Henchmen’s Powerful Taunts

"Hahaha, so Mr. Tantai intends to rush to Lu'an City only to become exotic beast chow? Then by all means, tidy yourself up for their feast." Zirong guffawed with glee.

"In ancient times, a noble Saint once offered his own flesh to an eagle; now we witness Mr. Tantai self-sacrificingly feeding the beasts. He worries he alone might not suffice, so he brings a massive entourage. Truly commendable, truly admirable." Huayue maintained his calm demeanor, yet his eyes shimmered with unexpected praise.

Mu Hanyan and the surrounding group exchanged astonished glances, their gazes fixed on Huayue. This individual had evidently picked up the art of sarcasm, and with such enduring wit—a rarity indeed.

"Did you not just state that sulking was detrimental?" Huayue, feeling peculiar under their scrutiny, offered a defense.

"Han Yan was correct; being sullen is indeed disadvantageous, a waste of potential. It's no wonder the proverb states that hidden pettiness is easily evaded, but blatant sass is difficult to escape—it turns out they spoke the truth." Zirong observed Huayue, speaking with evident admiration.

"And who claims hidden pettiness is readily dodged? You yourself are so steeped in it, so thoroughly intertwined, that evasion hardly seems simple, wouldn't you agree?" Jiang Yuzhe interjected earnestly, mid-bite into a meat bun he'd produced from seemingly nowhere.

"Jiang Yuzhe, are you seeking a thrashing once more?" Zirong's temper flared instantly.

Witnessing their initial barrage of sharp remarks directed at him devolve into a petty squabble, completely disregarding his presence, Tantai Xuan's visage turned a ghastly pale with rage.

Initially, his taunts towards Mu Hanyan were merely casual, but unexpectedly, she had seized the moment for icy retort, and these sharp-tongued companions were utterly merciless with their words. The most infuriating aspect was their mockery, followed by their dismissive attitude, as if he were utterly inconsequential.

As an official Steward within the Outer Court of the Holy Court, his arrival in Anyun Country had been met with fawning attention and deference. Even His Majesty had treated him with the utmost courtesy. The Young Masters from prominent families vied to fulfill his every request. Yet, Mu Hanyan displayed not a shred of respect; moreover, even her guards dared to look down upon him.

Had he not been aware of Huayue and his companions' formidable abilities, he would have unsheathed his sword then and there to administer a lesson. However, recalling their previous ferocious battles against the Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger and other formidable exotic beasts, he grudgingly withheld his anger.

"Mu Hanyan, just you wait and see. You will eventually be on your knees begging me." Tantai Xuan spat out a threat, then turned and departed with his retinue of over a thousand young masters from affluent families. To be more precise, his exit resembled a hasty retreat from defeat.

"Let us depart as well." Mu Hanyan, naturally, paid no heed to Tantai Xuan's parting words. She waved her hand, signaling her group, and they set off towards Lu'an City at full speed.

Mu Hanyan had initially planned to bid farewell to the individuals at Huilong Rock Academy. However, upon learning that Gong Hongru, Nangong Jingyuan, and others had journeyed to Longyan Mountain with her grandfather, and that the majority of the Hall Masters had accompanied them, she abandoned the idea and proceeded directly to Lu'an City.

Yunjing City, the central hub of Anyun, boasted convenient and accessible transportation networks. In contrast, Lu'an City served as a crucial border outpost for Anyun, flourishing due to the abundant resources of the Longyan Mountains. Its status as a center of commerce since antiquity had fostered a thriving and prosperous environment. Consequently, multiple pathways connected the Capital to Lu'an City. Shortly after their departure from the city, any trace of Tantai Xuan's procession had vanished, indicating they had taken a different route.

Mu Hanyan had no intention of becoming entangled with Tantai Xuan's entourage and therefore paid the matter no mind.

While she remained unconcerned, a frown creased the brow of someone beside her.

"Young Master, while Tantai Xuan may be somewhat overbearing, he still possesses considerable strength, and their contingent is both substantial and formidable. We truly ought not to have antagonized them." Mu Chengqi, aware of Mu Hanyan's standing with the He Family Ancestor and Elder Zhang, and observing Yan Yuchu's obedient deference to her, refrained from showing the disrespect he previously exhibited. Nevertheless, he offered his counsel with a hint of reproach.

"They are unreliable in any case; why trouble ourselves with courtesy?" Mu Hanyan responded with indifference.

"Young Master, what exactly do you imply by that? Their group comprises over fifteen hundred individuals, thrice our number, and the majority are Sword Masters or possess cultivation levels exceeding that. If we were to genuinely compare strengths, certain members of our own group might not even measure up to theirs. Should we find ourselves in peril, how could you possibly expect them to render aid?" Mu Chengqi, perceiving Mu Hanyan's dismissive attitude, became increasingly agitated, his tone shedding its former politeness.

As a scion of the Mu Family's branch in Nanyu City, he had been highly esteemed by the family elders since his youth due to his exceptional aptitude. His counsel was not taken lightly, even by his own grandfather, the head of the branch. Yet, Mu Hanyan paid his words no mind, treating them as mere passing wind, an act that the proud young Chengqi found utterly unbearable.

Accompanying his words, he shot a look of utter contempt towards the members of the Zhang Family.

Mu Hanyan’s countenance soured. Mu Chengqi's assertion that some individuals' capabilities were inferior to others was undeniably aimed at the Zhang Family. On this expedition to Lu'an City, the Zhang Family had committed all their available forces, mustering every fighter they could spare. However, when juxtaposed with other prominent families, their strength was notably less imposing. Of the fifty-odd individuals present, approximately twenty had attained the rank of Sword Master, with seven or eight reaching the esteemed Great Swordsman level, while the remainder constituted Eighth Rank or Ninth Rank Swordsmen.

It was an undeniable truth that Mu Chengqi’s assessment of their strength being insufficient was accurate. Yet, he overlooked a crucial detail: the Zhang Family had pledged their unwavering support to the Mu Family, or more accurately, to Mu Hanyan, embarking on a high-stakes gamble. For the Zhang Family, this was a do-or-die situation. Should other families falter, they would merely experience a slight dip in their standing among the Eight Great Families. Even if relegated from this prestigious group, their financial prosperity in the Capital would remain intact. However, should any harm befall these young scions of the Zhang Family, their entire lineage risked annihilation.

The Zhang Family had placed their absolute faith in her, entrusting their future solely to her. Mu Hanyan would never permit the slightest inkling of contempt towards them, nor would she tolerate any trace of disdain.

"Furthermore, this journey to Lu'an City is rife with peril. We are already weighed down by familial responsibilities, struggling just to ensure our own safety, and yet you insist on bringing along a burden," Mu Chengqi declared, seemingly oblivious to Mu Hanyan's darkening mood. His words, delivered with an air of reaching his limit, were unrestrained.

Upon hearing his pronouncement, other members of the collateral branches cast their gazes towards the carriage trailing at the rear of the procession. Initially, they had harbored suspicions that Mu Hanyan had commandeered the carriage for mere comfort, indulging in her extravagant lifestyle. However, their understanding evolved when they discovered it housed her companion, who was currently in a deep slumber.

While the Red Charcoal Cloud Smoke Beasts, a majestic acquisition from Shangyue by Mu Hanyan, could effortlessly tow a carriage without difficulty, a subtle undercurrent of dissatisfaction, unlike Mu Chengqi's overt criticism, still permeated their thoughts.

However, what remained unknown to them was the imminent revelation: the young maiden, perceived as an encumbrance in her slumber, would soon astonish them and inspire profound gratitude. But that, as they say, is a tale for another time.

The mention of Ye Yanran brought a further darkening to Mu Hanyan's expression.

Recalling Ye Yanran's two life-saving interventions, Mu Hanyan had already come to regard her as her most cherished confidante. Consequently, she opted against leaving her behind in the Capital. With the masters from the Zong Family poised to depart for the Longyan Mountains, Mu Hanyan couldn't guarantee Ye Yanran's safety if she remained. In Mu Hanyan's judgment, keeping her close was the most secure course of action, yet this very decision had ignited Mu Chengqi's censure.

"Chengqi, show some deference to the Young Master!" Mu Renda, observing Mu Hanyan's visible displeasure, admonished him sternly.

"If she genuinely prioritized the Mu Family's welfare, I would certainly show her respect. However, it is evident she is oblivious to our precarious situation and callously disregards our lives," Mu Chengqi retorted, his defiance escalating now that they had reached this point, even addressing Mu Renda directly.

Before Mu Hanyan could formulate a response, a sharp command pierced the air, "Shut up!" A young man, who had stealthily approached the group, now stood glaring at Mu Chengqi, his gaze radiating murderous intent.

Mu Chengxuan! Mu Hanyan's surprise was palpable. The newcomer was none other than Mu Chengxuan, with whom she had experienced a confrontation upon her return to the Mu Family – a confrontation she had decisively won.

In stark contrast to Mu Hanyan's meteoric rise during the recruitment at Long Yan Academy and her spectacular performance in the freshman competition, Mu Chengxuan had endured a series of unmitigated failures, gradually fading from prominence. Since then, the two had had no further dealings.

Could he possibly be defending her?