Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1421: Such a Pleasant Surprise Following Mu Hanyan!

Although Beiguan Town boasted formidable high walls and robust defenses, the collective strength of its military and populace, including himself, remained somewhat insufficient. Faced with another Exotic Beast possessing the immense power of the Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephant, any breach of the city gates would inevitably spell disaster for all its inhabitants. The acquisition of this particular Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephant significantly bolstered the town's defensive capabilities.

A brilliant flash, and the Heaven and Earth Contract was sealed. The final Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephant was now bound as the City Lord's personal mount.

A resounding cheer erupted once more from the soldiers and citizens atop the city walls, their hearts swelling with the knowledge that with the Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephant secured, Beiguan Town stood more impregnable than ever. The safety of their lives and their families was assured. Their gazes, fixed upon Han Yan, radiated deep gratitude and profound respect.

Having successfully secured a Sword Master for several Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephants, Han Yan redirected her attention toward the remaining Exotic Beasts.

The circumstances here were markedly different from the previous encounter at Fang Town. While the mightiest Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephants had already yielded, willingly entering into Master and Slave Contracts, the other Exotic Beasts had not yet followed suit.

This was an understandable outcome; given the Red Cloud Golden Armored Beast's exceptional power and formidable defense, its inherent nature was surprisingly docile, setting it apart from its more aggressive kin. The other Exotic Beasts were simply not as amenable to taming.

However, Han Yan remained unperturbed. Under the ancient, awe-inspiring might emanating from the Aolai Divine Beast, submission was inevitable for these creatures; it was merely a question of time.

"In the name of Aolai, I command all beasts beneath the heavens; those who follow me shall prosper, and those who defy me shall perish!" Han Yan once again invoked the Divine Beast Contract.

Behind her, nearly everyone watched with eager anticipation.

Though the strength of the remaining Exotic Beasts varied, none could truly rival the Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephant, yet their power was considerable. To obtain a Sword Pet of comparable might would be akin to a blessing from a previous life.

More than five hundred individuals had journeyed to Lu'an City for this endeavor. If each were to acquire a Sword Pet of comparable strength, the resulting force would be truly formidable. Even the formidable group led by Dan Tai Xuan would be struck with envy.

Admittedly, this ambition stemmed from Han Yan's own aspirations, not out of rivalry with Dan Tai Xuan, but to avoid disappointing figures like her grandfather and venerable patriarchs such as He Qingzong and Patriarch Zhang.

If she had led them away from the Capital, her responsibility was to ensure their safe return, even if it meant exhausting her own reserves completely.

As Han Yan repeatedly chanted the Divine Beast Contract, a subtle ache resonated within her Divine Sea. It was then that she realized that while the Divine Beast Memory's gradual awakening amplified the efficacy of the Divine Beast Contract, the strain on her Divine Sense had also intensified, a consequence she had overlooked during the Fang Town incident.

Nevertheless, under the divine might of the Beast, over a dozen Exotic Beasts, each possessing power comparable to Sixth and Seventh-level Sword Masters, submitted.

"Decide amongst yourselves who shall claim these Exotic Beasts," Han Yan instructed the young scions of noble families positioned behind her.

In truth, the moment she reiterated the Divine Beast Contract, the members of the noble families had already reached a silent accord. The young elites from the He, Yan, and Zhang families, alongside several affiliated clans, stepped forward. Mu Chengxuan and Mu Renda of the Mu Family also joined them.

Earlier, in a strategic move to garner favor, Han Yan had afforded He Qingwei and Yan Yi positions of prominence, preserving their dignity. However, she had deliberately overlooked her own kin, a gesture that filled both He Qingzong and Yan Yi with immense gratitude, yet also a pang of remorse. During their subsequent deliberations, they made a point to reserve several opportunities for the Mu Family.

Of course, given that Han Yan had personally subdued these Exotic Beasts, bestowing them all upon the disciples of the Mu Family would have been entirely justifiable; their current magnanimity was simply a demonstration of their broad-mindedness, at the expense of others.

Soon, the young scions of assorted noble families selected their favored Sword Pets, perhaps viewing this as a final opportunity to vie for the position of family head. He Qingzong earnestly supported He Qingwei, accompanying him in the selection of a Fire-eyed Clouded Leopard, a beast on par with a Sixth-level Sword Master.

While not possessing the sheer might of the Red Cloud Gold Armored Elephants, these Exotic Beasts were renowned for their ferocity. Though less suited for direct city assaults, they were no less lethal in open combat.

The youngsters who acquired Sword Pets were naturally overjoyed, offering Han Yan repeated thanks. Initially, the young members of the He and Yan families, along with those from allied clans, had been somewhat hesitant, having been compelled by He Qingwei and Yan Yu to align with Han Yan. However, by this juncture, their allegiance was absolute.

Had the Zong family's disciples known that aligning with Han Yan would yield such immense rewards, they would have readily persuaded their young masters to join forces with her, even without He Qingwei and Yan Yu's urging.

Mu Chengqi alone wore a crestfallen expression amidst the jubilant crowd.

Considering his age and cultivated talent, he was a standout among the branch family's young masters. Within the Zong Family itself, his standing was only slightly below that of recognized prodigies like Han Yan and Chengxuan, surpassing most others. If only he had set aside his petty jealousy sooner and proactively sought Han Yan's friendship, she might have shown him favor.

Alas, it was far too late for regrets. Witnessing the triumphant Renda and the other branch family masters celebrating, Mu Chengqi felt such profound remorse that he yearned to smash his head against a wall.

"Fortunately, there are still Exotic Beasts yet to be tamed; their strength is not insignificant. There will be another wave," Mu Chengqi could only console himself with this thought.

This endeavor of taming Exotic Beasts proved even more arduous than the previous one in Fang Town. As Chengxuan and the others selected their Sword Pets, Han Yan consumed several Spirit Pills to replenish her spiritual energy and recommenced her incantation of the Divine Beast Contract.

"Roar..." At that precise moment, a guttural beast roar reverberated through the air.

The silhouette of an Exotic Beast, dark crimson in the nocturnal landscape like a drifting ember, galloped from the distance.

"Jiuyou Netherworld Beast!" While others might be ignorant of this particular Exotic Beast's origins, Han Yan immediately recognized its aura, so distinct from any found on the Holy Court Continent. Her heart grew heavy.

Soon, the Netherworld Beast materialized beyond the city walls, positioned at the rear of a contingent of Exotic Beasts. Its dark red flames flickered ominously in the night, casting an unsettling pallor. Only its exceptionally clear eyes, resembling distant bonfires, burned with a palpable sense of slaughter and madness that weighed heavily upon the soul.

Accompanying the Netherworld Beast's roar, an oppressive aura descended, blanketing the surroundings. The Exotic Beasts, on the verge of submission, faltered, confusion clouding their features before primal bloodlust and madness reignited in their eyes, prompting low growls.

"Not good!" Han Yan had never anticipated the Netherworld Beast's imposing pressure could contend with the ancient, divine might of the Aolai Divine Beast. She was utterly shocked.

"In the name of Aolai, I command all beasts beneath the heavens; those who follow shall prosper, those who defy shall perish!" Han Yan activated the Divine Martial Refining Soul Technique, focusing her Divine Sense with unwavering intensity as she recited the Divine Beast Contract anew.

"Roar..." The Netherworld Beast, in turn, unleashed its own defiant roar towards the heavens.

A duel of wills commenced—one human, one beast, each exerting their utmost power. Two contrasting pressures engulfed the area, forcing all the Exotic Beasts to prostrate themselves, their eyes flickering between lucidity and bewilderment, devoid of any capacity for resistance.

The two immense pressures clashed violently, each surge surpassing the last in intensity. Following another enraged roar from the Netherworld Beast, Han Yan felt a searing pain in her chest, as if struck by an immense boulder, threatening to force up blood. Simultaneously, the Netherworld Beast appeared equally afflicted, its crimson eyes dimming as it staggered back several paces.

Han Yan and the Netherworld Beast faced each other across the distance, neither daring to unleash their overwhelming pressure again so recklessly.