After thinking for a while, Han Yan dismissed the notion; someone as ambitious as Wu Tianxiong would never lose composure over an illegitimate child.

He wasn’t even that old yet. Once he surpassed the Sword Saint Realm, his lifespan would extend for hundreds or even thousands of years. Crossing the threshold of a Sword Saint would rejuvenate him, like turning back into a youth. Many cultivators waited hundreds of years to marry and have children, making sure not to waste their years. He could easily bear another child after disposing of Jing Jianjue, so there’s no way he would lose his composure over this matter.

"Grandmother, does Wu Tianxiong know that you’ve been subjected to Forbidden Techniques and had your cultivation restricted?" Han Yan asked.

Given Wu Tianxiong’s ambition and patience, unless he knew about the secret of Grandmother being restricted by Qimen Forbidden Techniques, he would never take such a risk lightly. This was the only possibility Han Yan could think of.

"Perhaps last time, when I confronted Wu Tianxiong, it triggered the Forbidden Techniques. A few days ago, I started to feel something was wrong, signs of losing control appeared suddenly. There are likely spies among the palace guards and maids planted by Wu Tianxiong, and this information may have reached him," Lu Nianxin said.

"Just four hours ago, a master of the Sword Saint Realm quietly infiltrated the palace and exchanged hundreds of moves with me. I wounded him, forcing him to escape, but I was also hurt. If I’m not mistaken, the person was likely Wu Tianxiong’s man, and he has now confirmed my weakened state," Lu Nianxin added.

"Grandmother, you’re injured!" Han Yan was shocked, instinctively checking Lu Nianxin’s pulse.

"It’s alright; the Imperial Physician has already examined me. The injuries aren’t serious," Lu Nianxin comforted Han Yan, but did not stop her.

Han Yan delicately examined Lu Nianxin’s pulse. Her words were not purely for comfort; the injuries indeed weren’t serious, but the Qi within her was severely weakened. Her current power was at most equivalent to the second or third tier of Sword Master, just at the beginner level, and very unstable. If she had to fight, she might not even be able to display the strength of a Third Stage Sword Master fully.

"Grandmother, why didn’t you tell me you were losing control?" Han Yan felt a pang of sorrow and reproachfully said; it was only now she realized her grandmother hadn’t been in seclusion for cultivation these days, but had been managing the symptoms of losing control.

"I heard a few days ago that Zirong’s internal poison flared up, and you were already exhausted trying to cure him. How could I further burden you? You’re my only precious granddaughter; I don’t want you to become an old mistress with worries at such a young age," Lu Nianxin joked, but her eyes showed deep love and concern, making one’s eyes sting.

Even Zirong and others were moved, respecting the kind old woman even more.

"Han Yan, I’ve discussed with Fan Yi and Fan Chen. Although Wu Tianxiong knows my body has issues, he won’t act rashly tonight.

For one, he wasn’t sure if my body had issues previously; afraid of exposing his ambition, he didn’t dare to plan prematurely, so he wouldn’t dare act tonight.

Secondly, Shangyue Country was founded on martial prowess, and while royal power isn’t as sacred as in other countries, for Wu Tianxiong to replace the Yue family, he must prove to the officials and citizens that his cultivation exceeds ours. Conversely, it also proves that our Yue family is declining, with weak power, and no longer qualified to occupy Shangyue’s throne.

Therefore, you still have a chance to leave Shangyue tonight; if you wait until tomorrow, leaving will be difficult," Lu Nianxin continued.

"Why?" Han Yan asked, puzzled.

"Tomorrow is the annual Jinlan Conference between our Yue family and the Wu family. It’s actually a palace banquet to commemorate the ancestors who formed a sworn brotherhood. All Wu clan members and court officials will attend.

Traditionally at the Jinlan Conference, the descendants of the Yue and Wu families duel for entertainment during the banquet. Usually, it’s casual sparring among juniors, but this time Wu Tianxiong is likely to challenge me personally to prove his strength.

And after defeating me, he will most likely rebel immediately. If I can defeat him, it’s fine; if not, our Yue family faces extermination.

Han Yan, promise me you’ll leave Shangyue immediately and take care of Xiu Ming. If I can’t turn the tide, Xiu Ming will be our Yue family’s only male heir," Lu Nianxin looked at Han Yan with hopeful eyes, hoping she would agree to leave quickly.

Beside them, Zhu Xiuqing’s eyes were already red, fists tightly clenched, clearly unwilling to leave Shangyue. But having promised the empress dowager, he couldn’t change his words, especially not in front of Han Yan.

"I’m not leaving." Faced with her grandmother’s nearly pleading words, Han Yan would normally agree without hesitation if it were something else, but this time, she shook her head firmly.

"Han Yan..." Lu Nianxin looked at Han Yan anxiously.

"Grandmother, I’m also a child of the Yue family; how can I leave when the family is in danger? If I leave, how can I face mother later? Not to mention her, I won’t be able to face myself. I must stay," Han Yan said with unwavering determination.

"Why are you so stubborn? What can you do by staying? Accompany this old woman to die together?" Of course, in Lu Nianxin’s eyes, her determination turned into stubbornness, and the elderly angrily scolded.

"Of course not; I want to stay and lift the strange technique’s suppression on you," Han Yan explained, not wanting to anger her grandmother.

"Have you found a way to lift the Forbidden Techniques?" Lu Nianxin looked at Han Yan in surprise.

"Not yet, but someone might know a way; I think he’s almost here." Han Yan’s face showed a gentle smile, a hint of affectionate familiarity.

A furry little creature jumped into her arms, its tiny paws gripping her collar, eyes pitifully looking at Han Yan, seeking comfort and caress, in a weary demeanor. It was Angang, the messenger between her and Ye Lanfeng. Han Yan smiled and petted Angang’s head, and Angang closed its eyes contentedly, rubbing its head against her palm.

Earlier, when her grandmother mentioned the person who hurt her might be a Holy Court member, Han Yan immediately sent a message through Angang to Ye Lanfeng. Just before her grandmother entered the courtyard, Angang returned. With Ye Lanfeng’s speed, he should be arriving soon.

"Han Yan." As soon as the words fell, a familiar and affectionate voice from Ye Lanfeng reached her ears.

He used Sound Gathering, though he was still miles away.

"Lan Feng!" Han Yan looked up in surprise, gazing toward the direction where Ye Lanfeng was approaching.

"Is this your intended one coming?" her grandmother noticed Han Yan’s unusual expression and teased.