Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1416: Whoever Disrespects Her, I Will Kill

With limited prior interaction, Mu Hanyan learned upon her return that he had undergone a significant transformation through self-reflection and frequent seclusion, hinting at impending breakthroughs. Consequently, no one informed him about the expedition to Lu’an City. After all, it was the elite of the Mu Family's younger generation who accompanied Mu Hanyan, and in the event of any mishaps, the Mu Family required someone to maintain the stability of their operations.

"Why did you come along too?" Mu Hanyan inquired with a hint of a curious smile.

"I am also a disciple of the Mu Family. This situation pertains to the prosperity and decline of our family's fortunes. How could I possibly stand on the sidelines?" Mu Chengxuan responded with a smile, his demeanor devoid of its past animosity; he appeared calm and unburdened.

Mu Hanyan recognized that he had finally matured and let go of past grievances, feeling a sense of profound gratification.

"What about the Mu Family in your absence?" Mu Hanyan questioned.

"I have faith in you; the Mu Family will undoubtedly emerge victorious from Lu’an City this time," Mu Chengxuan declared, gazing intently at Mu Hanyan, emphasizing each word.

He then shifted his attention to the disciples of the Zong Family, observed some members of the Branch Family, and proclaimed, "The Young Master shoulders the weighty responsibilities of the family. Any disrespect shown to her is tantamount to disrespecting the Family Head and the Mu Family as a whole. I will be the first to show no leniency to those who act without proper deference!"

These pronouncements left the Zong Family disciples astonished. All were aware of the existing animosity between the Third Elder's faction and Mu Hanyan. It was even rumored that Mu Chengxuan’s own brother, Mu Chengyang, had suffered fractured bones and damaged meridians at the hands of the Third Elder out of rage directed at Mu Hanyan, leaving him bedridden and still convalescing. However, they were unaware that Jiang Yuzhe was the true mastermind behind the scenes, an entity entirely separate from the Third Elder.

Ultimately, even if the Supreme Elder and the Third Elder had decided to put aside their differences for the greater good and abandoned their prior reservations about Mu Hanyan, with the Third Elder himself relinquishing his aspirations for the Family Head position, they still anticipated that Mu Chengxuan would harbor resentment towards Mu Hanyan. Instead, he had positioned himself as her most steadfast supporter within the Mu Family.

Mu Chengxuan, possessing remarkable innate talent, had been taken under the tutelage of the Supreme Elder and nurtured by the Young Master from a tender age. The disciples of the Zong Family either idolized and obeyed him without question or revered him without a trace of dissent.

If some Zong Family disciples had initially felt discontentment with Mu Hanyan assuming the role of Young Master in less than two years, witnessing Mu Chengxuan's current stance caused them to yield completely, their gazes towards Mu Hanyan transforming into ones of deeper respect.

"Who exactly are you?" Mu Chengqi, unfamiliar with Mu Chengxuan and sensing his imposing presence and unwavering gaze, felt a surge of displeasure and inquired coldly.

"Remember this: my name is Mu Chengxuan!" Mu Chengxuan stated, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, an immense aura of power emanating from him.

Mu Chengqi felt his breath hitch, as if an enormous, invisible mountain bore down upon him. A chilling killing intent seeped into his Divine Sense. Cold sweat cascaded down his forehead uncontrollably, leaving him utterly speechless.

"Eighth Rank Sword Master!" Mu Hanyan expressed a degree of surprise.

While Mu Chengxuan's current power fell short of Huayue’s group, their significant advancements were largely attributable to the Heavenly Destiny Star Plates and her influence. Yet, Mu Chengxuan, without such advantages, had attained the Eighth Rank Sword Master in such a compressed timeframe, truly embodying the title of a genius.

"What… what do you want?" Mu Chengqi finally could not endure the pressure, his voice trembling.

"If you harbor dissatisfaction with the Young Master, you are free to return to your Nanyu City; I shall not impede your departure. However, should you exhibit any further disrespect towards the Young Master, know that I will kill you," Mu Chengxuan stated placidly, releasing his grip on the sword hilt and dissipating the intimidating aura.

Mu Chengqi’s lips moved, but he dared not utter another sound. Despite Mu Chengxuan's casual tone, he believed that any further transgression against Mu Hanyan would result in Mu Chengxuan carrying out his threat.

Naturally, Mu Chengqi could not simply abandon his position and return to Nanyu City, as the status of the Zong Family dictated the standing of the Branch Families. If he were to depart under such circumstances, how would he face the Family Head and the Branch Family elders? Even if they were to indulge him, they could not simply overlook such an act. Even with forgiveness for this incident, his aspirations for the Branch Family Head position would be irrevocably shattered, and he would certainly be barred from entering the Zong Family's premises.

Therefore, he found himself with no alternative but to endure the humiliation. With a deep sigh, he obediently rejoined the ranks, positioning himself behind Mu Renda.

"Congratulations; I scarcely believed you would advance so rapidly," Mu Hanyan conveyed sincerely. As fellow disciples of the Mu Family, her genuine wish was for his strength to grow, particularly given the absence of any prior animosity between them.

"It's all thanks to you. Without you, I'd never grasp the immensity that lies beyond. Without enduring countless setbacks, I wouldn't have found the peace to cultivate wholeheartedly," Mu Sui Xuan stated sincerely. Then, with a touch of playful challenge, she added, "However, don't become too complacent. If you falter in your diligence, I will eventually catch up and even surpass you."

"I eagerly anticipate that day," Mu Hanyan responded, mirroring her playful tone.

A shared smile passed between them, bridging the gap of past disagreements and resentments.

With Mu Chengxuan's stern warning—or more accurately, a veiled threat—neither the Zong Family nor the Branch Family disciples dared to question the authority of Mu Hanyan, the Young Master, any further. The group proceeded towards Lu'an City without further incident.

As they journeyed, the silhouettes of Exotic Beasts began to emerge with increasing frequency. Previously, encountering such creatures outside the depths of Longyan Mountain was a rarity. Even within the mountain's boundaries, lesser Exotic Beasts typically avoided human cultivators, fleeing at the first sign of their presence.

However, these particular Exotic Beasts were different. Their eyes burned with a bloodshot, savage intensity, and they charged with unrestrained bloodlust.

While ordinary people, caught unawares, could easily fall prey to the beasts' razor-sharp claws and formidable fangs, encountering Mu Hanyan's formidable group proved to be their unfortunate fate.

Although their numbers were fewer than Dan Tai Xuan's contingent, the Zhang Family disciples possessed considerable skill. Furthermore, the young scions from the Mu Yan He San families were all experts at the Sword Master Realm. The powerful Noble Families connected to Yan He were also formidable opponents.

Each time these monstrous beasts approached, hundreds of spirited young warriors, brandishing gleaming Longswords, would surge forward. In the ensuing chaos, the Exotic Beasts were often dispatched without even identifying their attackers.

This one-sided slaughter hardly qualified as a true battle, yet it served as a series of decisive victories. The exhilaration of these triumphs ignited the spirits of the young cultivators, who now spoke of the Exotic Beasts with excited laughter, their initial apprehension completely dispelled.

Yet, as the spires of Lu'an City came into view, the smiles began to slowly recede from their faces.