Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 1272: Chapter 1272: To Learn, Sleep With the Master First

Han Yan was in a mix of laughter and tears. She wanted Tang Bufan to stay behind because the Han and Tang families had only him left as a male heir. She didn’t want any accidents to happen to him by following her, but somehow, in the course of their conversation, she found herself forcing him onto a path of no return.

In front of Han Yan’s eyes appeared the moment in her past life when Tang Bufan sacrificed his life for her. Though he lacked strength and knew it was futile, he had no hesitation or regret, only the peace that came from dying for a worthy cause.

It seems that next time they face danger, it’s best to knock him unconscious first. Han Yan smiled bitterly and made a mental note.

Afterward, Han Yan went to see Mu Nan and instructed him to take good care of Han Jinglun’s family, then returned to the Mu Family with Aunt Xiu and the others.

Aunt Xiu’s indenture contract was still with the Mu Family, and Han Yan had come back specifically to buy her freedom.

The rules of a wealthy family were strict, especially in a family as large as the Mu Family. It was usually not allowed for servants to buy their freedom, for fear of airing the family’s dirty laundry. However, with Han Yan’s current status and position, who would dare criticize her for freeing a servant? Moreover, the Mu Family didn’t have any scandals; the biggest embarrassment was probably the series of humiliations the Supreme Elder and the Third Elder suffered at Han Yan’s hands.

Soon, the steward handed Aunt Xiu’s indenture contract back to her, restoring her freedom. Overwhelmed with emotion, Aunt Xiu wept tears of joy.

Knowing that Han Yan would soon head to Shangyue Country, Aunt Xiu felt reluctant to part and did not rush to the Nanyan Commerce to accompany the two old people. Instead, she returned to the courtyard to prepare dinner for Han Yan and the others.

Huayue and the others also returned, feeling a bit reluctant in their hearts about leaving Anyun behind. After dinner, everyone sat in the courtyard drinking tea and chatting, just like before.

”Sister Han Yan, about the cultivation technique you taught me last time, there are actually many things I don’t understand. I was too scared to ask before. Can you teach me later?” Han Yunyun said shyly to Han Yan.

”Why were you scared to ask?” Han Yan asked, puzzled.

To be honest, she always treated Han Yunyun kindly and didn’t know she was so afraid of her.

”Because...someone said if you want to learn, you have to sleep with your master first. They also said Brother Mu used to be called ’Mu Tear Clothes’ back in Heishi City.” Han Yunyun said, her face blushing.

”Who said that?” Several black lines appeared on Han Yan’s forehead, cold sweat pouring down.

Han Yunyun fidgeted, lightly pointing her finger.

”Not, not me. You brat, you even dare trick your master.” Zirong’s face changed dramatically, abruptly standing up, then quickly turning and running away.

”Zirong, I’m going to kill you!” Han Yan screamed angrily, chasing after her.

In the courtyard, Zirong’s ghostly wails and howls soon echoed, coupled with Huayue and the others who couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Beside the stone table, the instigator leisurely cracked melon seeds, revealing a mischievous grin like a little fox.

As dawn broke, a dense crowd gathered at the entrance of Long Yan Academy, with Nangong Jingyuan, Gong Hongru, and Wenren Qingqiu leading a group of academy mentors at the forefront, followed by academy disciples.

Today was the day Han Yan and the others were leaving Anyun to head to Shangyue. Originally, only Nangong Jingyuan and Gong Hongru were supposed to see them off, as only they knew of Han Yan’s mission.

But somehow, the news leaked, and even Nie Fangsheng, Zhu Tianping, and Gan Qiyi came along. Although Han Yan didn’t teach them the Star Falling Eight Desolate Sword, she shared all her insights without reservation. This time spent exploring alchemy and array techniques and various strange and mysterious arts with Han Yan greatly benefited them. They no longer treated Han Yan as a junior. Unaware, they might not care, but knowing, they naturally came to see her off.

So the news spread further, and academy disciples hurried over, claiming to send Han Yan off but really just to watch the spectacle. It’s never happened at Long Yan Academy for so many mentors, including the Lord of the Academy, to gather to see a disciple off.

To keep them from speculating, Nangong Jingyuan declared that Han Yan’s departure from Long Yan Academy was to participate in the Royal Sword Sound competition in Shangyue Country, representing Anyun Country and bringing honor. Of course, this was true, but the secrets behind the competition were known to only a few.

At this, everyone was stirred. When Yue Fanchen came to Long Yan Academy to provoke them, although defeated by Han Yan and Jiang Qiling, the academy disciples, full of youthful vigor, couldn’t shake off their resentment. Now, Han Yan was going to Shangyue Country to take a stand, to elevate the honor of Anyun Country, naturally stirring their blood.

”Take care, everyone.” Han Yan bowed to Gong Hongru and the others, then boarded the carriage.

”Take care, Han Yan.” Gong Hongru and the others waved their goodbyes.

With the sound of hooves, the carriage bathed in the golden sunrise headed into the distance.

”Go Senior Sister Han, raise the prestige of Anyun Country!”

”Raise the prestige of Anyun Country!” Behind them, a thunderous shout resounded.

Amid the cheers, a couple of discordant voices seemed to mix in: ”The first playgirl of Long Yan Academy is finally leaving. Do you think the Nangong Master and the others weren’t just annoyed by this jinx and eager to send her away?”

This speculation was actually quite reasonable, but as soon as the words fell, the speaker found the gazes around him turning strange, and a flurry of fists soon overwhelmed him.

The reasonable speculation got drowned out by the thunderous cheers, failing to stir up any waves.

Four carriages pulled by the Red Charcoal Cloud Smoke Beast sped along the road. Apart from a brief stop at the Fang Family’s Workshop, they didn’t delay further and, in just a few days, reached the endless mountains at the border between Anyun Country and Shangyue Country.

The ancient trade route had long been abandoned, and the path became rugged and bumpy. The carriages slowed significantly, and after ten more days, Han Yan and her party reached the border.

”I am Zeng Wenxin, Vice Minister Hong Ru of Shangyue Country, here to meet Lord Mu.” A middle-aged man in official robes with a scholarly demeanor addressed Han Yan.

Just like Yue Fanchen’s arrival in Shangyue Country last time, Han Yan also brought along envoy documents this time, hence was addressed as ’Lord.’

”Greetings, Mr. Zeng,” Han Yan replied without arrogance or petulance.

Perhaps due to Anyun Country’s loss to Shangyue Country in the last war, Shangyue citizens held a sense of arrogance towards Anyun citizens. Zeng Wenxin was no exception, yet his words were courteous enough, so Han Yan didn’t mind.

”Lord Mu, you’ve had a long journey. Would you like to rest for a few days before departing, or leave today?” Zeng Wenxin asked.

The two countries were divided by a canyon, with garrison fortresses built at each end, providing places for rest.

”There’s no need for so much talk with them. Let’s get going; I’m eager to go drink at the Zuixian Inn,” a young man in black battle armor approached impatiently before Han Yan could respond.

The young man appeared about eighteen or nineteen, with rosy lips and white teeth, quite good-looking. However, his demeanor was frivolous, wearing his battle armor in a crooked way, swaying as he walked, clearly a playboy from a wealthy family.

Oh, Han Yan slightly raised an eyebrow, did they send a playboy to receive this ”playboy?”