Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1430: I Actually Forgave Him Long Ago

In mere moments, the remaining two thousand plus Exotic Beasts surged into the valley, vanishing among the rolling hills. Han Yan's gaze followed the direction of the beastly clamor. Although she had not seen her adversary this time, Han Yan was certain it was the same Netherworld Beast she had faced the previous night. Indeed, this Netherworld Beast proved formidable, once again shattering the Beast God’s Heavenly Might, an inheritance from the Aolai Divine Beast, and sabotaging her ambition to tame the Sword Pet for all. Nevertheless, it was fortunate that the beast must have sustained significant injuries the night before, as it was unable to overcome the Beast God's Heavenly Might and only managed to rescue those Exotic Beasts. Behind her, Luo Pengcheng and the assembled soldiers drew their War Swords, letting out a resounding cheer. Ahead, at Beining Pass, the battle-weary soldiers also cried out in unison, tears of emotion tracing paths down their faces. Qu Fengting watched Han Yan's valiant figure, his own eyes welling up. He had placed his trust in Han Yan wisely; with her presence, any miracle was possible. The Fifth Prince lingered, gazing at Han Yan for a long moment before rousing himself, his heavy legs carrying him forward as he personally opened the city gate for her. Meanwhile, below Qingyang Pass, the Exotic Beasts, though not yet in full retreat, had their morale utterly shattered by fear. Seizing this chance, the defenders of Qingyang Pass streamed out, breaking the encirclement and linking up with Dan Tai Xuan and the others. Sensing the tide had turned, the Exotic Beasts lost all will to fight, swiftly withdrawing from the battlefield and disappearing into the Longyan Mountain range. The two groups were welcomed into Beining Pass and Qingyang Pass almost simultaneously, yet the atmosphere in each was starkly different. In this battle, Han Yan's contingent, save for Huayue and Tang Bufan who sustained minor injuries confronting the Angry Dragon Beast—a foe comparable to a Tenth Rank Great Swordsman—emerged unscathed. They vanquished over a thousand Exotic Beasts, entering Beining Pass with the undeniable aura of victors. In contrast, Dan Tai Xuan's team suffered the loss of over two hundred sons from noble families, with the injured numbers soaring. Many fell to Exotic Beasts weaker than themselves. Had Han Yan's team not secured a decisive victory, causing the enemy's morale to collapse, they might have found it impossible to break free from the encirclement. Ultimately, they owed their survival to the aid of the Qingyang Pass soldiers. In saving them, dozens of the pass's own defenders perished needlessly. They had intended to reinforce Qingyang Pass, but in the end, it was Qingyang Pass's intervention that saved their lives, at the cost of dozens of soldiers' unjust deaths. It was utterly humiliating, a complete loss of face. Even upon entering the pass, Dan Tai Xuan and the supposed elites from the Five Great Families could not bring themselves to lift their heads, nor did they possess the audacity to cast a glance at Han Yan and her group. The soldiers guarding the pass, distressed by the senseless deaths of their comrades, greeted Dan Tai Xuan and his entourage with mere formal niceties. The words of gratitude lacked genuine warmth, and then silence fell, the heavy atmosphere pressing down so intensely that the noble youths could barely endure it. In stark contrast to Qingyang Pass, as Han Yan and her team entered Beining Pass, a thunderous ovation erupted. All the soldiers defending the city and the civilians involved in construction and logistics lined the narrow pathways. Many wept tears of gratitude, falling to their knees right there on the ground. "Please rise, how can a junior accept such a profound gesture? Please, rise." Han Yan felt uneasy witnessing such reverence and quickly helped the elder kneeling at the forefront to his feet. "Had it not been for your leadership in the rescue, the tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians at Beining Pass would have surely met their doom. This honor is wholly deserved, my lord." The elder bowed deeply to Han Yan once more before finally standing upright. The other civilians followed suit, bowing before approaching with looks of deep respect, offering fresh water. It was clear that after holding out at Beining Pass until this point, the civilians were also struggling, their tattered clothing and pale, frail appearances indicating hardship. Apart from this bowl of fresh water, they had little else suitable to express their profound gratitude. "Thank you." Han Yan accepted the chipped earthenware bowl and drank the water in a single gulp. Though it was merely a bowl of fresh water, it contained the heartfelt sincerity of Beining Pass's soldiers and civilians, tasting sweeter than the finest wine. "Brother Qu, have some water too." At that moment, a soft voice sounded from beside her. A young maiden offered a bowl of fresh water to Qu Fengting. Though dressed simply, like the other civilians within the pass, her modest air possessed a certain captivating charm.

Qu Fengting cast a glance at her, accepted the bowl she handed over, and took a gentle sip. He then stood before Han Yan, swiftly drawing the chipped Longsword from his waist.

"Brother Qu, what are you doing?" the young girl cried out in alarm.

The others were equally astonished, their faces etched with confusion. They harbored no fear of Qu Fengting intending harm towards Han Yan, having personally witnessed Han Yan's formidable abilities; even ten Qu Fengtings would pose no threat, let alone one.

"Young Master Mu, as I pledged, if you saved Beining Pass and my lord, I would offer my life in gratitude to the world." Qu Fengting knelt on one knee, his gaze resolute, clearly not uttering mere platitudes.

"No, don't!" The young girl trembled, and the earthenware bowl slipped from her grasp, shattering.

A faint smile touched Han Yan's lips as she observed Qu Fengting, remaining silent.

"Esteemed one... esteemed one, I do not know how Brother Qu has offended you, but I beg you to spare his life, won't you?" the young girl pleaded, her naturally gentle disposition evident. Her willingness to beg Han Yan already represented the full extent of her courage.

"Lan Xiu, I have not offended my Young Master Mu. I committed grave errors in the past, leading to the loss of too many lives. Had it not been for Young Master Mu's compassion, I should have met my end long ago. Now, with Young Master Mu's decisive actions securing Beining Pass, I must atone for my past transgressions." Qu Fengting shook his head, his eyes brimming with profound regret.

"No, Brother Qu, I do not concern myself with your past wrongs. I only know that since your arrival at Beining Pass, you have conducted yourself with honor. You should explain to Young Master Mu how you lost your hand and recount your deeds since coming to Beining Pass." The young girl spoke with unwavering resolve.

"Young Master Mu, Lan Xiu speaks the truth. Since Lord Qu arrived at Beining Pass, he has been dedicated, fighting valiantly to defend the city and showing deep concern for its citizens. This arm was lost while saving this old man. It is said that making amends for past wrongs is the highest virtue; he has truly repented, and I implore Young Master Mu to forgive him." The elder also stepped forward.

"My life was also saved by Brother Qu. I beseech Young Master Mu to pardon him and spare his life."

"And me, my life was also saved by Brother Qu."

"Me too."

"Me too."

...

Dozens of individuals prostrated themselves before Han Yan, interceding for Qu Fengting's absolution. Among them were civilians residing within the pass and soldiers who had fought on its walls.

"Cease your pleas. I have erred and caused so much death. Even if Young Master Mu forgives me, I will never forgive myself." Qu Fengting declared, resolute, turning the sword's edge towards his Heart Meridian.

"Stop!" At that precise moment, a tall, slender young man strode forward.

"Who are you..." Qu Fengting found the young man vaguely familiar but couldn't immediately place him.

"I am Meng Zhixing, a kinsman of the He family, a member of the He's Branch Family. You may not recognize me, but you certainly know my brother, Meng Zhiyuan." the young man stated.

"So you are Meng Zhiyuan's brother." Qu Fengting offered a wry smile.

Meng Zhiyuan was among the sons of noble families who had followed him with unwavering devotion, only to be deceived by him and perish tragically in the Exotic Beast Valley.

"Your brother was utterly devoted to me, yet he was deceived and met a tragic end in the Exotic Beast Valley. If you seek vengeance, proceed. Even a thousand cuts would be justly deserved; I would not utter a single word of protest." Qu Fengting lifted his head, speaking with calm acceptance.

"No, I do not wish to kill you. I wish to tell you that because of my brother's death, I once harbored immense hatred for you. However, I have forgiven you now, and if he is watching from the heavens, surely he would forgive you as well." Meng Zhixing declared. He then turned to Han Yan, "Young Master Mu, since he has repented and made sacrifices in defending Beining Pass and Anyun, why not grant him his life?"

"Indeed, my lord. Regardless of Lord Qu's past misdeeds, given his transformation and the heavy price he has paid, we implore you to spare him." Other soldiers and civilians once again knelt upon the ground.

"Please, rise. I had already forgiven him long ago." Han Yan said with a smile.

In truth, witnessing Qu Fengting's profound change had altered her perspective. However, she had refrained from making a hasty judgment, uncertain of his true character at Beining Pass or if his repentance was genuine. Now, observing the actions of everyone present, including Meng Zhixing, who was also a victim of his past, forgiving Qu Fengting, she was undoubtedly willing to offer him another chance at life.