Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 1165: Chapter 1165: Facing the Strongest—Duan Heshan

Moreover, such speculations are just guesses. Generally acknowledged, Duan Heshan is considered slightly stronger than Zhuang Xingfeng. Whether Mu Hanyan can pass the assessment at his hands may be a problem in itself, let alone surpassing Jiang Qiling, which is almost impossible.

Jiang Qiling looked at Mu Hanyan in surprise, not expecting such a result. She had no doubts about her father’s words; if he said he wouldn’t intervene, he definitely wouldn’t. This meant that Mu Hanyan truly encountered Duan Heshan by herself.

Hahaha! I want to see just how capable you are, whether you are as strong as my father claims! Jiang Qiling almost burst out laughing, thinking indignantly.

At this moment, Ling Baobao was weaving through the crowd like a groundhog, looking for someone to place bets with. Due to the heavy atmosphere of the assessment, he didn’t dare to shout and cheer as before, so he quietly walked among the crowd, busy persuading others to bet.

Amid the surprised, excited, expectant, or schadenfreude-filled gazes of the onlookers, Mu Hanyan calmly and leisurely smiled and walked toward the competition platform.

If it were in the past, encountering Duan Heshan unfortunately, Mu Hanyan might have smiled wryly and bitterly sighed over her bad luck, but now, Jiang Qiling’s smoke-free provocation had completely ignited her fighting spirit.

Jiang Qiling defeated Zhuang Xingfeng, who was considered invincible among other disciples, with only five swords. Why couldn’t she defeat Duan Heshan?

A strong sense of confidence also brimmed from Mu Hanyan.

”So you are Mu Hanyan. I’ve heard my father mention you.” Duan Heshan stood opposite Mu Hanyan and said calmly.

”How is Senior Duan? I left Exotic Beast Valley too hastily that day and didn’t have time to say goodbye to Senior Duan. I hope he doesn’t blame me,” Mu Hanyan said courteously.

Last time, the trial at Zhengying Academy’s Exotic Beast Valley was hosted by Duan Tianya. Mu Han had once met him and greatly admired this straightforward and impartial elder, but her deep grudge with Master Pang Dezong and his nephew meant she could not have any ties with Zhengying Academy, nor any dealings with Duan Tianya, which was somewhat regrettable.

”Young Master Mu praised me too much. The affair of that day was thanks to Young Master Mu’s intervention that my father could retain his reputation. My father felt very guilty about what happened afterward; however, since he was not in a position of authority, he couldn’t intervene. He hopes Young Master Mu can forgive him.” As he spoke, Duan Heshan bowed deeply to Mu Hanyan.

He referred to the time Mu Hanyan fought Xia Youchen at the risk of her life, rescuing hundreds of family elites, only to be later harassed by Master Pang Dezong and his nephew, almost akin to an act of repaying kindness with enmity. However, the issue involved the reputation of Zhengying Academy, as well as Duan Tianya’s reputation, so it couldn’t be explicitly discussed in public. This was his way of apologizing and thanking Mu Hanyan.

Upon hearing their cryptic conversation, the onlookers were incredibly shocked. It turned out that Mu Hanyan and Duan Heshan’s father, known as One Sword Tianya, had a connection, which was unexpected for everyone.

Thinking of Duan Tianya’s reputation, the onlookers looked at Mu Hanyan with a new sense of inexplicable respect. Regardless of her strength, this Big Playboy Mu actually had good connections. Even Duan Tianya and Duan Heshan viewed him with respect, unlike Jiang Qiling, the Little Witch.

”Senior Duan, you are too polite. That day was pure coincidence, don’t worry about it,” Mu Hanyan said, her fondness for Duan Heshan increased due to his courteousness.

”Although you are kind to my father, today’s assessment will not show any mercy. Do not concern yourself with old acquaintances, just give your all,” Duan Heshan nodded, speaking solemnly.

Then, with a single hand holding his sword and another on his chest, he gave Mu Hanyan the formal salute of a swordsman. This gesture was also the most solemn etiquette between swordsmen.

This meant he did not view Mu Hanyan as a junior or a subordinate but as an equal opponent.

”Alright.” Mu Hanyan also drew her sword and saluted, her expression becoming extremely serious.

Duan Heshan’s fairness and magnanimity filled her with greater respect.

Seeing them so solemn, not only the disciples below but also the mentors’ expressions became involuntarily serious.

If Duan Heshan values Mu Hanyan so much, does it mean that Mu Hanyan’s strength is truly formidable enough to challenge him?

”Three swords, if you can withstand my three swords, you will pass the assessment.” As soon as Duan Heshan finished speaking, he raised his longsword high.

The golden sunlight poured onto him, enveloping him in a golden halo.

That already robust figure seemed to grow several inches taller, becoming even more imposing. Like a towering mountain, majestic and formidable, one could only look up to.

An intangible aura erupted from him, imposing endless pressure on everyone around.

Almost everyone experienced an illusion that under his aura’s oppression, the distance between heaven and earth was continually shortening while his figure was continuously rising, unmatched in might.

All academy disciples turned pale, only now realizing their previous guesses were entirely wrong.

Although that sword had yet to strike, they saw clearly that Duan Heshan’s strength was not comparable to Zhuang Xingfeng. They were in entirely different realms.

Perhaps Duan Heshan’s cultivation wasn’t much stronger than Zhuang Xingfeng’s, but the Sword Dao Profound Meaning contained within that sword far surpassed Zhuang Xingfeng’s. He had his own Sword Dao.

While shocked, everyone involuntarily looked at Mu Hanyan, facing such a powerful Duan Heshan, which was undoubtedly a great tragedy for him!

Jiang Qiling’s challenge to him earlier had no suspense; Mu Hanyan could not pass Duan Heshan’s assessment, and that challenge would surely lead to defeat.

This Mu Hanyan really has bad luck.

”One Sword River, cut!” Duan Heshan shouted loudly, the longsword in his hand slashing down swiftly.

The solid Sword Light swept across the sky, seemingly cutting through the void, and slashing the Nine Heavens.

Domination! If there were a word to describe the power of that sword, it would be this. This is a domineering sword that regards everything as ants and views the heavens and earth as nothing. This is also Duan Heshan’s own Sword Dao.

At this moment, Duan Heshan seemed like the legendary War God descending, authoritative, domineering, not allowing a trace of offense, nor a hint of disdain.

Faced with this domineering sword, all disciples below involuntarily felt a sense of submission. Whether or not gods exist, or if they have ever existed, they cannot say for sure. But at this moment, Duan Heshan was the unassailable God in their hearts!

Mu Hanyan is finished, with absolutely no chance to pass the assessment!