Dan Tai Xuan cast an earnest gaze towards Yan Family’s Young Master Yan Yi. Although the He Family unexpectedly sided with Han Yan, in terms of strength, the He Family clearly could not compare to the Yan Family. As long as the Yan Family aligned with him, he could still firmly suppress Han Yan, and when they arrived at Lu’an City, Han Yan would inevitably plead with him.

Before coming to Anyun, he had also investigated the circumstances of the Eight Great Families and knew that the Yan Family and the Mu Family had turned hostile more than a year ago. The Eight Great Families, by working together to resist the enemy, simultaneously compete in rankings. No matter how one thinks, Yan Yi had no reason to side with the Mu Family.

Yan Yi pondered for a moment and nodded towards Dan Tai Xuan. Dan Tai Xuan’s joy was evident.

However, just as Yan Yi was about to take that step, an exceptionally upright figure among the Yan Family disciples walked towards Han Yan.

"Yu Chu, what are you doing?" Yan Yi shouted in surprise.

Of course, he knew what Yan Yuchu wanted to do, but as the Young Master, he hadn’t yet spoken. For Yan Yuchu to act on his own and obviously hold differing views, was far too dismissive of him.

"Young Master, you saw what happened with the He Family just now. You shouldn’t want something like that to happen in our own family." Yan Yuchu smiled as he spoke, but his smile held a chilling threat.

Yan Yi’s heart shuddered, showing concealed panic in his eyes, and sweat began to bead on his forehead. What did Yan Yuchu’s words mean? Did he also possess a Family Leader Token? Considering how much the Family Head valued him, this possibility was quite large.

"Since it’s mutual aid, we can’t have one team far too strong and the other too weak. I think the Yan Family disciples should join Young Master Mu’s team." Yan Yi said without hesitation.

He did not dare wait for Yan Yuchu to produce the Family Leader Token, because if he did, his authority would be greatly undermined, and he would lose any chance to take over as Family Head.

Soon, the Yan Family disciples also stood behind Han Yan. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Dan Tai Xuan’s face turned ashen. Although ultimately, only two families sided with Han Yan and five sided with him, Dan Tai Xuan, it was far less than his initial expectations. More importantly, the He Family was middle-ranked among the Eight Great Families, stronger than the Mo Family. The Yan Family had hopes of becoming the top of the Eight Great Families, always on par with the Mu Family. An alliance between the Mu and Yan Families was undoubtedly a strong partnership, not inferior in momentum to theirs.

"Mr. Tantai, although we have fewer people, our capabilities are still adequate. Rest assured, when you face danger unable to cope, we’ll wholeheartedly rescue you. Until then, farewell." The banquet should have ended long ago, and Han Yan wasn’t interested in wasting time with Dan Tai Xuan, offering a curt goodbye before leaving. Of course, she didn’t forget to sprinkle salt on Dan Tai Xuan’s wounds before leaving.

Despite their smaller numbers, when it comes to strength, with her cultivation as a Great Sword Master, along with Huayue and others, plus the Yan Family disciples, they may not necessarily be worse than the enemy. Dan Tai Xuan’s petty tactics to manipulate her were mistaken.

"Hmph!" Watching Han Yan leave, Dan Tai Xuan snorted coldly, but had nothing more to say.

"Mr. Tantai, don’t be angry. Though the Yan and Mu Families sided with Han Yan, in terms of numbers, we’re still significantly more than them," Mo Yanhong comforted.

"You’re right, we have more people. On the battlefield, unless one possesses absolute power to change the tides, the number of troops decides the victory. Let them relish their moment of triumph; eventually, they’ll have to turn to us." Dan Tai Xuan could only comfort himself this way.

However, as he said this, he hadn’t considered one question; did Han Yan really lack the power to change the tides? Everything was just his presumption.

Leaving the Imperial Palace, Han Yan discussed the departure time for tomorrow with Yan Yi and He Qingwei, then went home.

As the saying goes, different paths mean no mutual pursuit. She’s not interested in traveling with Dan Tai Xuan and others anymore. With mutual hostility and vigilance, encountering danger wouldn’t lead to aid but rather avoiding dragging each other down. Best to head to Lu’an City alone.

Everyone else left one after another, but Yan Yuchu continued to follow Han Yan.

At the Long Yan Academy’s freshman competition, he voluntarily forfeited facing Han Yan. This time, he threatened Yan Yi with the Family Leader Token to force him to side with Han Yan. Even a fool could guess he had a connection with Han Yan, so he didn’t bother hiding it.

"Where’s your Family Leader Token, let us see it. Can’t believe those old folks in the Yan Family lacked the foresight to entrust such a position to you." Jiang Yuzhe, acquainted with Yan Yuchu for years and almost became his follower once, was not distant and patted Yan Yuchu’s shoulder.

"Who told you I have a Family Leader Token?" Yan Yuchu rolled his eyes.

"You don’t? Then earlier, with Yan Yi..." Jiang Yuzhe looked puzzled at him.

"I was bluffing him, can’t I? Didn’t expect you to be as stupid as him and fall for it." Yan Yuchu said disdainfully.

... Han Yan and others were surprised. Turns out, apart from acting cool, this guy would also deceive people.

"Right, has your cultivation run into problems again?" Seeing Yan Yuchu following her persistently, Han Yan asked.

Previously, Yan Yuchu couldn’t refine the Heavenly Star Power, leading to stalled strength. Thanks to her Heavenly Heart Technique, he refined the miscellaneous aspects within, causing his strength to soar. Of course, Han Yan also gained immensely from this, enabling her to advance to the Sword Master Realm before sixteen.

"Cultivation hasn’t had issues, but someone wants to meet you." Yan Yuchu replied.

With his improving strength, he gradually managed to refine the Heavenly Star Power himself, so today’s pursuit wasn’t due to that.

"Who?" Han Yan asked.

"Ye Yanran." Yan Yuchu straightforwardly answered.

"Ye Yanran, what’s happened to her?" Han Yan was taken aback. When heading to Shangyue, she informed Xia Youchen about Ye Yanran, thinking she’d left Long Yan Academy and was with Xia Youchen, but why did she encounter Yan Yuchu?

"She’s critically injured, likely won’t survive." Yan Yuchu said.

"What, where is she? Quickly, take me to her." Han Yan said anxiously.

Soon, Han Yan saw Ye Yanran in a courtyard of the Yan Family located in the Capital.

At this moment, Ye Yanran lacked her usual vigor, looking withered and as weak as a flickering light. Yan Yuchu had not exaggerated; seeing this state, she indeed seemed unable to survive.