Previously on Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return...
Han Yan successfully repelled the Netherworld Beast and the exotic beasts attacking Beining Pass, securing victory. While Han Yan's team entered Beining Pass as heroes, Dan Tai Xuan's team suffered heavy losses and returned in shame. Qu Fengting, feeling remorse for his past actions, attempted to atone by offering his life. However, numerous soldiers and civilians, including Meng Zhixing whose brother Qu Fengting had deceived, pleaded with Han Yan to spare him, revealing that Qu Fengting had long ago atoned and that Han Yan herself had already forgiven him.
"Young Master Mu, Meng Zhixing, have you truly forgiven me?" Qu Fengting could barely believe his ears, looking at Mu Hanyan in disbelief.
"It’s not just us; I believe those who died because of you, if they were aware in the afterlife, upon seeing all you’ve done at Beining Pass, would forgive you as well. However, I hope you won’t forget what happened that day, and just like today, hold your head high and live uprightly." Mu Hanyan said softly.
"Yes, I understand." Qu Fengting nodded heavily, tears finally streaming down his face.
He understood Mu Hanyan’s meaning—hoping he would, as he once did, give his all to protect Beining Pass, to protect Anyun, to safeguard the countless civilians behind him.
Seeing the civilians and soldiers kneeling to plead for him, Qu Fengting cried out to the heavens. He finally used his efforts, his blood and sweat, to cleanse his shame and gain everyone’s recognition.
The girl named Xiulan, overwhelmed with joy, cast aside all shyness and threw herself into his arms.
Watching the joyful tears on the girl’s face and the gentle light in Qu Fengting’s eyes, Mu Hanyan smiled faintly. Beining Pass seemed to be the best place for Qu Fengting, and with this girl accompanying him, it should be even more perfect.
"He has finally unlocked his heart and can face life with pride." The Fifth Prince had somehow come beside Mu Hanyan, speaking with contentment.
"Should I address you as Your Highness, or like the others, call you Lord, General?" Mu Hanyan, through a Gathering Qi Transmission, said with a smile, showing more warmth than her earlier coldness towards the Fifth Prince.
She had long noticed that Qu Fengting addressed the Fifth Prince as Lord in front of outsiders, and the City Lord had accidentally slipped up earlier but quickly corrected himself. It was evident the Fifth Prince was deeply concealing his true identity, abandoning his previous arrogance as a Royal. Just now, his steadfast fighting figure at the barricade moved Mu Hanyan immensely.
"If you deem me worthy and do not resent my past mistakes, willing to befriend me, call me Cheng Yi. That’s my name." The Fifth Prince looked at Mu Hanyan, speaking sincerely.
"Alright, Cheng Yi." Mu Hanyan nodded, extending her hand.
The Fifth Prince and Mu Hanyan shook hands, sharing a knowing smile, letting bygones be bygones.
Afterward, Mu Hanyan and others, accompanied by the Fifth Prince and Qu Fengting, proceeded to the General Mansion built atop Beining Pass, which was the Fifth Prince’s residence. Meanwhile, others immediately began repairing the walls and catapults, preparing for the upcoming grim battle.
Though today’s battle had been shifted by the arrival of Mu Hanyan and her group, everyone was aware the Exotic Beasts would not give up, and Beining Pass would face even harsher challenges.
As night fell, after attending a humble banquet, Mu Hanyan arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion’s lookout, gazing into the dark shadows of the distant Longyan Mountains, with Huayue and others still by her side.
From afar, the bold singing of He Qingzong and others echoed after their drinking, bursting with confidence following the surprisingly smooth battle, leaving them utterly relaxed.
Yet Mu Hanyan felt hardly relaxed, for as long as the Netherworld Beast existed, the Exotic Beasts in the Longyan Mountains would never settle down peacefully, who knew what devastation the next raid might bring.
"What are you thinking about? Still worried about those Exotic Beasts, or about the Netherworld Beast hidden behind them?" The Fifth Prince had left the banquet hall, approaching to stand before Mu Hanyan, casting a glance at the dark mountain shadows.
"Do you know about the Netherworld Beast’s existence?" Mu Hanyan looked at the Fifth Prince in surprise.
"Don’t forget, I am of the Imperial Family. Also, my master is a Beast Taming Master. Though I’ve failed to learn Beast Taming Technique from him, I do know a bit about the Exotic Beasts. By the Beast Venerable’s nature, since they were defeated by humans over a hundred years ago and retreated into the Longyan Mountains, they wouldn’t easily provoke war again. This time, the Exotic Beasts rebelling from the Longyan Mountains and affecting the Continent Countries, other than the Netherworld Beasts in Jiuyou Netherworld of which we know little, I really can’t think of another reason." The Fifth Prince said, somewhat self-mocking when mentioning his status.
"Do you have any solutions?" Mu Hanyan asked.
"No, but I believe that if the formidable warriors from various nations and the experts of the Holy Court can succeed in resealing the Jiuyou Netherworld, the Exotic Beasts will naturally be forced to retreat. Our primary task is to defend Beining Pass and Lu’an City until their efforts bear fruit, and we must also hope that other countries can effectively guard the mountain passes leading to Longyan Mountain. Failure to do so, allowing Exotic Beasts to overrun the nations, would result in the deaths of countless civilians. Consequently, these powerful individuals would be unable to concentrate on the Jiuyou Netherworld, ultimately leading to the extinction of our nations. I suspect this is the true objective of the Netherworld Beast in orchestrating the Exotic Beasts’ rebellion," the Fifth Prince declared, his expression grave.
Mu Hanyan nodded, having already pondered the instigation behind the Netherworld Beast’s manipulation of the Exotic Beasts. She found herself in agreement with the Fifth Prince's assessment.
"Mu Hanyan, should I ever fall on the battlefield, I implore you to hold Beining Pass. If I find myself in peril, do not let concern for me sway your judgment; Beining Pass must always come first," the Fifth Prince stated with unwavering resolve, his gaze fixed intently on Mu Hanyan.
"I give you my word, I will secure Beining Pass. As long as I am here, you shall not perish," Mu Hanyan responded, meeting the Fifth Prince's determined eyes. A wave of valor surged within her, and her voice carried an undeniable conviction.
"While we draw breath, death will not come easily to you, and Beining Pass will stand unshaken," Huayue and the others pledged in unison, their gazes drawn to the resolute Fifth Prince, a palpable sense of respect rising amongst them.
"Indeed, Beining Pass shall hold! We will fight to the very end!" the Fifth Prince proclaimed, clenching his fists as an aura of immense courage emanated from him.
A sense of their shared fervor seemed to permeate the air, and the robust, heroic singing of He Qingzong and his companions could once again be heard in the distance.
In stark contrast to the boundless valor echoing from Beining Pass, Qingyang Pass remained desolate and spiritless.
Although the soldiers had prepared a celebratory banquet to honor Dan Tai Xuan and his entourage, neither the hosts nor the guests displayed any significant cheer. The feast concluded after minimal exchanges, with few pleasantries being shared.
Gathered within Dan Tai Xuan's chambers, several young masters from prominent families wore somber expressions.
"It is difficult to believe that Mu Hanyan possesses such formidable strength, and that He Qingzong’s group was fortunate enough to tame such potent Sword Pets," Mo Yanhong remarked, his tone tinged with envy, jealousy, and a deep-seated resentment.
"If this trend persists, the upcoming competition among the Eight Great Families will undoubtedly see us lagging behind the He Family and the Yan Family. It is even possible that the Zhang Family might surpass us. How will we face our families after such a defeat?" Song Yu expressed his concern, his brow furrowed.
