Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1460: Disappearance Is Liberation for Her

"Thank you, Han Yan." Zhao Lingxian finally displayed a smile of relief, her expression utterly serene and peaceful.

Life ebbed away swiftly, and Zhao Lingxian finally succumbed, her residual soul completely vanishing. This wasn't Han Yan's intention to erase all traces, but Zhao Lingxian's own doing. As her life reached its terminus, the Puppet Technique binding her was utterly broken. She utilized her final vestiges of Qi to obliterate her own lingering soul fragments.

Even in death, she refused to endure such torment again, unwilling to leave any imprint of her memories behind.

A gentle mountain breeze swept through, carrying a biting chill. Though Huayue and the others were long aware of the deep-seated animosity between Han Yan and Zhao Lingxian, and knew that only death could resolve their conflict, witnessing Zhao Lingxian's demise and her own final act of liberation through death, they could only offer silent, wordless sighs.

Han Yan's grip on Ye Lanfeng's hand tightened. It was now undeniably clear that Yun Qianmo was behind everything; his heart must be in turmoil.

"Don't concern yourself with me," Ye Lanfeng suddenly stated.

"Oh?" Han Yan met Ye Lanfeng's gaze, finding no discernible emotion.

"Remember, you once said we are still friends, and that is sufficient, is it not?" Ye Lanfeng offered a slight smile, drawing Han Yan into an embrace. Knowing Yun Qianmo orchestrated these events, he indeed felt a pang of discomfort. However, Han Yan must also be experiencing a profound emotional state after delivering the final sword thrust to Zhao Lingxian at her desperate request.

"Yes, at least you remain friends, whereas she and I were fated otherwise." Resting against Ye Lanfeng's sturdy chest, Han Yan felt a wave of serenity wash over her, dissipating the inexplicable melancholy that had settled in her heart.

"While I do not comprehend his motives for this action, I believe he must possess valid reasons," Ye Lanfeng remarked, his gaze lost in contemplation of the distant horizon.

Far in the distance, a man adorned in a silver mask had been observing the unfolding events in the valley. He let out a quiet sigh and was poised to depart when he abruptly halted. A mysterious figure, cloaked in a golden mask, materialized behind him with unsettling stealth.

"Your subordinate has failed your esteemed instructions; I humbly request punishment," Yun Qianmo declared with a swift bow.

"Rise. I anticipated you would refrain from intervening," the mysterious man stated coldly.

Yun Qianmo uttered no further words, standing respectfully at his side.

"So, this is the individual you sought! You once claimed I defied destiny, obstructing your grand designs at every turn, even severing ties with me, and it all transpired because of her," the mysterious man mused aloud, his gaze fixed upon Han Yan's distant, graceful silhouette. He then scoffed, as if addressing himself.

"Master..." Yun Qianmo appeared confused, looking towards his master with a hint of bewilderment.

"You presume to have fathomed the Heavenly Secret, yet did you ever consider that locating this person might, in fact, aid me in achieving monumental feats? Perhaps one day I shall express my gratitude to you; who can truly say?" The mysterious man dismissed Yun Qianmo's confusion, emitting a soft chuckle.

Yun Qianmo grew even more perplexed, his gaze instinctively returning to Ye Lanfeng and Han Yan within the valley.

"Let us depart. Though they ultimately thwarted a promising endeavor, it nonetheless validates the efficacy of the Guiyu Clan's Divine Blood Ritual Technique. That, in itself, is sufficient," the mysterious man proclaimed with a hearty laugh before dissolving into the distance.

Within the valley's embrace, a soft breeze rustled. With Zhao Lingxian's demise, all the Sword Spirit Puppets dissolved into dust, scattered by the wind. Upon the palace's gate, the luminous Primordial Contract ruptured like a fragile bubble, transforming into a shimmering cascade of golden Star Points.

Where Zhao Lingxian had vanished, a Heavenly Destiny Star Plate lay undisturbed upon the ground. If memory served correctly, this was the very Star Plate Zhao Yuanji had left behind upon his death. Though shattered, it had miraculously reformed, appearing as good as new. Han Yan casually retrieved it, having pledged to Yan Yuchu that she would secure any Star Plate she discovered for him.

Han Yan now readily perceived that this particular Star Plate was not what she required. It was perfectly suited to enhance Yan Yuchu's power, aligning with his unwavering loyalty.

At this precise moment, the golden Blood Pearl suspended in mid-air quietly disintegrated concurrently with the Primordial Contract's dissolution, vanishing into nothingness. Concurrently, Ye Yanran's mother slowly opened her eyes.

"Mother!" Ye Yanran cried out, rushing forward. Tears welled in her eyes as she stumbled, inadvertently smearing a few drops of blood, unnoticed. Regaining her footing, she pressed onward, embracing her mother tightly, her tears flowing like a torrential downpour.

All the longing, all the bitter anguish, erupted forth like a destructive flood breaking through a devastated dam.

Han Yan observed Ye Yanran with a sense of relief. Had it been anyone else, they would have rushed headlong to their mother's side immediately. However, Ye Yanran, understanding her own limitations, realized such haste would only lead to her own demise. More importantly, Han Yan and the others would never permit her to perish before their eyes. This would not only negate any attempt to save her mother but also plunge Han Yan and the others into peril.

Consequently, she suppressed her yearning and sorrow, reining in her worry and anxiety for her mother. She stood diligently behind Han Yan and their companions, allowing her pent-up emotions to finally erupt now. Fortunately, Han Yan's efforts were not in vain; her arduous perseverance and protracted wait were rewarded as her mother miraculously survived.

"Ye Yanran, you have endured so much," Yao Xinlan murmured, gently stroking her daughter's hair with profound tenderness.

"Mother..." Ye Yanran nestled into her mother's embrace, her voice thick with emotion, rendering her unable to speak further.

"You must be Lady Mu; it is thanks to your intervention that I was able to see Ye Yanran one last time. With Ye Yanran under your guidance, I can depart with peace of mind," Yao Xinlan addressed Han Yan, turning towards her.

Even though she was bound to that sacrificial altar and her blood had been completely drained, her consciousness remained intact, fully aware of all that transpired beyond it.

As she spoke, Yao Xinlan attempted to rise and offer a bow to Han Yan. However, she could only manage to lift herself halfway before succumbing to her weakness and collapsing back down.

"Auntie, you are too kind; Ye Yanran is my dearest friend," Han Yan quickly moved to support her.

"Lady Mu, I am on the verge of death; I entrust Ye Yanran to your care," Yao Xinlan grasped Han Yan's hand, her voice filled with entreaty.

"No, Mom, you won't be harmed; you will be alright," Ye Yanran pleaded, clinging tightly to her mother.

A palpable chill permeated Yao Xinlan's body, a sensation felt by all present. Although the Primordial Contract had been severed, the immense blood loss she had sustained earlier, coupled with the complete depletion of the Guardian of the Gods' bloodline, had brought her life to its very end.