Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 1174: Chapter 1174: The Two Unbridled Lackeys

”Cough, cough, should be enough practice now, let’s begin.” Han Yan said, feeling uneasy under her peculiar gaze.

”Alright, let’s begin.” Jiang Qiling replied with a serious tone, reining in her chaotic emotions.

Han Yan simultaneously performed hand gestures and recited the mnemonic, while Jiang Qiling followed along, her fingers moving swiftly.

Runes of light and shadow emerged from their hands, so mysterious and dazzling.

It must be said, Jiang Qiling’s foundation was indeed solid. This set of hand gestures was a temporary combination improvised by Han Yan to suit the situation, and even she herself was not too familiar with it. Yet Jiang Qiling, having practiced only a dozen times, was not much inferior.

Their coordination was flawless, flowing naturally to the point that even Han Yan had to secretly lament, what a pity, if only they were allies instead of enemies.

”Heavenly Star Breaking Seal, break!” Han Yan softly commanded as they both pressed down with their handprints.

The light before them flickered briefly, followed by a spectacle of strange and colorful lights, as if time and space were intertwined.

When the spectacle faded, countless exotic plants appeared before them, with a clear stream slowly flowing through the flora, mist gently rising, reminiscent of a mythical paradise.

Although Han Yan had noticed that each time a seal was broken, the quality of the exotic plants seen afterward would improve, she was still taken aback by these rare plants.

Heavenly Luo Purple Bell Heart, Ten-Colored Jade Ganoderma, Netherworld Mandala... each of these exotic plants was worth tens of thousands of taels of patterned silver. Though not entirely unfindable in the world, they were nonetheless rare to see. Finding so many of these rare plants together, ready to be seized, was indeed unusual.

Clearly, all this was due to the condensation of Heaven and Earth Power. This was their destination.

Even without cultivation, Han Yan could feel the Qi flowing through her meridians at a hundredfold, a thousandfold the usual speed, and under the nourishing effect of the dense, pure Heaven and Earth Power, her meridians and Qi Sea were subtly transforming.

Jiang Qiling also noticed this, and both of their faces lit up with delight.

Without hesitation, the two darted quickly among the exotic flora.

Though this vast area was all a convergence of Heaven and Earth Power, due to terrain constraints, there was still subtle variation in its intensity. Don’t underestimate these minute differences; when cultivation reaches a certain realm, even the slightest difference could impact one’s lifetime achievements, or one might waste years of time.

Finding the spot where Heaven and Earth Power is most condensed might equal decades of painstaking cultivation later, how could they delay?

Jiang Qiling mobilized all her Divine Sense, continuously sensing and probing the Heaven and Earth Power, suddenly, her eyes gleamed as she sped towards the most vibrant Heavenly Luo Purple Heart Bell, where the power was most concentrated.

What a shame, just as she was about to arrive, Han Yan’s figure already blocked her path.

”Sorry, you were a step too slow.” Han Yan smiled slightly and sat cross-legged among the flora.

Jiang Qiling’s Six Senses were indeed strong, but compared to the powerful Six Senses refined by Han Yan’s Divine Martial Refining Soul Technique, she was still one step behind.

”Hmph.” Jiang Qiling retreated a few steps, finding another patch where Heaven and Earth Power converged along the stream, and sat cross-legged like Han Yan.

Although this wasn’t as good as the previous spot, the difference wasn’t too great.

Both stopped talking, allowing Heaven and Earth Power to cleanse their meridians and Qi Sea while quietly cultivating. Cultivating at this time enhances strength and realm considerably, neither wanted to miss such a rare opportunity.

While cultivating, receiving Heaven and Earth Power’s meridian clearing and marrow washing, Han Yan soon discovered that this time was entirely different from any of her previous experiences.

The Heaven and Earth Power were too dense and too pure, while cleansing and transforming her meridians and Qi Sea, it actually forcibly infused her body with Heaven and Earth Rules.

Han Yan realized that once her meridians, Qi Sea, and organs adapted to these rules, future comprehension of them, whether cultivating or understanding various strange and mysterious arts, would be much more effective. Perhaps the benefits were not apparent yet, but the higher the cultivation, the more varieties of mysterious arts, the greater the benefits.

Who would have thought, the trials in Illusion Dragon Hall held such benefits, no wonder all Academy Disciples flocked eagerly, and no wonder Long Yan Academy valued the trials so highly, imposing so many restrictions.

The only downside for Han Yan was, as Heaven and Earth Rules surged into her meridians and Qi Sea, they also suppressed her cultivation. Now, she could at most exert the power of Sword Master First Rank, only once she adapts more to the rules would her strength return.

But she didn’t mind much, after all, encounters with outsiders here were almost impossible, even if she did, according to Academy’s rules, no hostility should be expected, merely some advantage-taking.

Unfortunately, Han Yan soon realized she was mistaken; unexpected events can always catch one off guard.

Several soft footsteps reached her ears, though distant and extremely light, Han Yan still sharply detected them.

”Who’s there, skulking about, show yourself!” Jiang Qiling’s cold voice rang out. Her Six Senses were not much inferior to Han Yan’s either; otherwise, she wouldn’t have arrived only shortly after Han Yan to break the seal. What Han Yan could detect, she could, too.

Han Yan was well-hidden behind the Sky Purple Heart Grass, not easily noticed by others, while Jiang Qiling, being right by the stream, would be seen by anyone passing by, hence she was more vigilant.

”Haha, the junior sister is indeed formidable, we were being so cautious, yet you still discovered us.” Amid laughter, two young men appeared before them.

Huh, weren’t these Jiang Qiling’s two followers? Why are they here too? Seeing their bold and unruly demeanor, lacking the usual respect, Han Yan’s heart was filled with a sense of foreboding.

”Qiu Ye, Qiu Yuan, why are you here?” Jiang Qiling was relieved upon seeing them and asked.

”Of course, we followed the junior sister, trying hard to trace your Qi without being detected by you, truly difficult.” The young man named Qiu Ye said.

”You followed me!” Jiang Qiling now realized the discrepancy and asked with a cold face.

”The junior sister certainly has a discerning mind, you guessed it right.” Qiu Yuan retorted mockingly.

”What are you planning?” Jiang Qiling ignored his mockery and asked coldly.

”Junior sister, apologies, although Qiu Yuan always feels you treat him like a servant, calling him at whim, he harbors discontent, yet I still feel you treat us quite well.

Nevertheless, we have responsibilities, please understand, junior sister.” Qiu Ye spoke slowly, drawing out his longsword.

A killing intent also spread forth.

Temple! Han Yan’s heart tightened.

This person’s emanating Qi was identical to the black-clothed man who previously attempted to assassinate her, also the same as Yue Ji and the Temple expert’s aura!

Jiang Qiling’s two followers were members of the Temple!