"Indeed, although he doesn’t carry the title of mentor to us, there is a bond akin to that between mentor and disciple. Henceforth, when you see him, show him due respect." Huayue nodded solemnly.

The others also restrained their smiles, looking in the direction where Feng Qingyu departed, eyes filled with admiration.

"Let’s go. It’s getting late." Mu Hanyan glanced at a faint glimmer of dawn and said. Unbeknownst to them, half the night had passed, and dawn was approaching.

Just as she took a step, Mu Hanyan felt her footing lighten and almost stumbled. Only then did she realize that the two blows earlier had exhausted all her Qi, especially the final sword stroke, which drained both her Qi and Divine Thought Power entirely.

However, it was understandable; with the strength of an Early Stage Great Sword Master forcefully elevated to the Peak, and then displaying the might of a Sword Saint, if she still had energy left, even she herself would find it hard to believe.

"Han Yan." Huayue instinctively tried to support him, but as soon as she moved, her legs gave way, and she half-knelt on the ground.

Beside her, Zirong and Tang Bufan also showed signs of exhaustion.

They remembered that after each had faced Feng Qingyu earlier, there wasn’t such a state. It turned out Mu Hanyan’s last two sword strikes not only exhausted all her Qi and Divine Thought Power but also drained the Qi of Huayue and the others.

It seems that utilizing the power of the Nine Heavens Star Fall after boosting strength with five Magic Artifacts, although borrowing the innate divine abilities of Huayue and the others, came with unimaginable might, the cost was tremendously high. It should be used sparingly unless absolutely necessary.

Nonetheless, Huayue and the others weren’t too affected; not only did their abilities greatly enhance, but their innate divine abilities also underwent qualitative changes. Generally, they were sufficient to handle situations; if even their combined efforts weren’t enough, she could only fight recklessly.

After taking the Elixir, they rested and restored Qi. By the time the first rays of dawn spread across the Earth, they had done so to fifty percent, revealing the terrifying cost of Mu Hanyan’s final strikes.

The next few days, everyone stayed at the Princess Manor, initially to restore their strength. Subsequently, they continued practicing the Sword Array taught by Feng Qingyu.

Although they could unleash the power of the five Magic Artifacts, surpassing even Jing Jianjue and Qin Ba, they weren’t yet adept at utilizing them. In real combat, opponents wouldn’t wait patiently like Feng Qingyu did. In haste, even a slight error in hand gestures or insufficient coordination could prevent the Sword Array from activating, posing a lethal risk.

Fortunately, their natural talents were outstanding; even Tang Bufan, who Mu Hanyan previously considered mediocre, transformed after unlocking the Hidden Meridian. His talent was on par with, if not exceeding, any so-called genius. Within a few days, they mastered those hand gestures, and their coordination, while not heart-to-heart, required only gestures and glances for mutual understanding. Achieving heart-to-heart would come with continuous practice in future exercises.

For several days, there was no news from Grandma, and Zhu Xiuqing hadn’t visited either. Mu Hanyan knew she was in seclusion, a faint anxiety tugging at her heart: Grandma had her strength largely suppressed by Forbidden Techniques and strange skills, choosing seclusion now clearly to guard against Wu Tianxiong’s aggression. But would she be alright?

Mu Hanyan thought about visiting the palace but feared disturbing Grandma’s state of mind, hesitating internally.

As night fell, Mu Hanyan and Huayue practiced the Sword Array a bit longer before intending to retire to their rooms when they heard the crisp sound of hooves from outside. Mu Hanyan found it odd. Who had the boldness to drive a carriage into the Princess Manor? Surely not the servants.

Curious, Mu Hanyan opened the courtyard gate, and saw a small carriage drawn by an ordinary horned horse approaching steadily. Such carriages were inexpensive, typically used by Shangyue’s common folk. This one appeared poorer than those.

Mu Hanyan grew even more puzzled, but understanding dawned as the carriage reached them.

The driver pulled back his hat, revealing half his face and gesturing silence towards Mu Hanyan—none other than Zhu Xiuqing.

"Why are you dressed like this?" Mu Hanyan asked using the Gathering Qi Transmission technique.

"I’ll tell you shortly." Zhu Xiuqing maneuvered the carriage into the courtyard; fortunately, it was small enough to fit.

As the carriage stopped, Zhu Xiuqing turned and jumped down, respectfully helping a woman disembark.

"Grandma!" Mu Hanyan, although whispering, could hardly suppress her shock.

Seeing Grandma’s anxious expression and signs of sickliness on her brow, Mu Hanyan felt a strong surge of unease.

"Han Yan, time is of the essence. You must leave Shangyue promptly and head to Anyun!" Lu Nianxin urged impatiently.

"What!" Mu Hanyan’s heart jolted.

"I shouldn’t have come; it would have been better if Xiu Ming brought you away, but I wanted to see you one last time." Lovingly stroking Mu Hanyan’s hair, Lu Nianxin said, "Depart now, a swift Red Charcoal Cloud Smoke Beast awaits at a station outside the city. If you’re fast, it’ll only take half a month to reach Anyun."

"Grandma, what’s happening?" Mu Hanyan asked.

"Xiu Ming will explain on the journey, and once you reach Anyun, ensure his welfare." Lu Nianxin urged further.

From her words, Mu Hanyan sensed an intent of entrustment. Otherwise, why would she have the Heir of Prince Anxi accompany her to Anyun, and entrust his care upon herself?

"Grandma, without knowing what’s happened, I won’t leave!" Mu Hanyan declared firmly.

"Oh, child, why are you so stubborn? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come." Lu Nianxin sighed in regret.

"If you hadn’t come, I wouldn’t leave either." Mu Hanyan replied decisively.

"I forget that besides being a Zue Family descendant, you’re also of the Mu Family, with a stubborn streak like Mu Beichen’s." Lu Nianxin smiled wryly, sitting by the stone table.

Huayue and the others stood by respectfully.

"Han Yan, if I’m not mistaken, Wu Tianxiong will act no later than tomorrow. It’s imperative you leave Shangyue early to avoid his treachery." Lu Nianxin remarked. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Mu Hanyan was stunned. Though Grandma had mentioned Wu Tianxiong’s ambition before, and that he’d eventually make a move, she didn’t expect it to be so soon.

Could it be because Jing Jianjue’s cultivation was nullified, driving that old fellow to madness?