Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 1278: Chapter 1278: The Dandy Young Prince’s Insight

Although the Magic Artifact is extremely exquisite, and the principles of its refinement differ greatly due to different Laws from the Alchemy on the Holy Court Continent, Mu Hanyan’s understanding of the Laws is now not far behind the Hall Master of Sky Gold Hall. After repeated deliberations and practice, she came up with some insights and began to refine it.

The Void-breaking Talisman is now one-third complete. Although it becomes more difficult as it progresses, Mu Hanyan’s Alchemy Technique is also continuously improving. Perhaps it won’t be long before this Void-breaking Talisman is completed, and by then, Ling Baobao should leave the Holy Court Continent.

”Thank you.” Ling Baobao cast a deep glance at Mu Hanyan, then lowered his head to continue eating, but his actions had slowed considerably, each bite seemingly filled with deep reluctance.

After the meal, everyone went to their respective guest rooms to rest. Zhu Xiuqing, having just embarrassed himself, was in a sullen mood and had no intention of making things difficult for them anymore.

Unlike the bustling Capital, this small mountain town became peaceful shortly after nightfall.

”Ah...” A piercing scream echoed in the night sky, followed by the chaotic sound of alarm gongs and the panicked cries of the people. Torches were lit throughout the town, illuminating it brightly.

Mu Hanyan swiftly walked out of the room, and Huayue, Zirong, and several others were already guarding the entrance.

Zhu Xiuqing and Zeng Wenxin stood at the staircase, asking the Shopkeeper below, ”What’s going on?”

”I, I am not too sure, perhaps it’s another attack by Exotic Beasts,” the Shopkeeper replied calmly.

On the Holy Court Continent, cultivators from all over would head to the Longyan Mountains to train, and slaying Exotic Beasts was common. Many even made a fortune by hunting Exotic Beasts or stealing Exotic Beast Eggs. However, Exotic Beasts are not lacking in intelligence, and when provoked, they retaliate madly. As a result, towns near the Longyan Mountains frequently experience attacks by Exotic Beasts.

This town, located within the Longyan Mountains, was no stranger to such events, so the Shopkeeper remained unperturbed.

”Exotic Beasts attacking the town, let’s go and take a look.” Zhu Xiuqing said eagerly.

”Sir, you are of noble birth, it’s inadvisable to endanger yourself. Leave such matters to the town’s soldiers,” Zeng Wenxin advised promptly.

Last time Zhu Xiuqing recklessly confronted that ”Stone Plate Pig” and gave Zeng Wenxin a cold sweat, fearing that he might recklessly do something dangerous again.

”Mr. Zeng, as members of the Imperial Army, it is our duty to protect the nation. Standing idly by at such times would dishearten the people,” Zhu Xiuqing said with a stern face.

”But the Emperor has ordered...” Zeng Wenxin continued to persuade.

”A general in the field does not have to follow orders blindly. Haven’t you heard that before? Besides, you’ve seen how capable the others are, do they need our protection?” Zhu Xiuqing sarcastically replied, clearly still bearing a grudge over Mu Hanyan taking credit for his previous deeds.

After speaking, Zhu Xiuqing ordered Li Dingfeng to gather the soldiers and ran enthusiastically toward the town’s gate, without sparing another glance at Zeng Wenxin.

Zeng Wenxin looked helpless and gave Mu Hanyan an apologetic glance. As a citizen of Shangyue, he naturally held no fondness for Anyun Country, but his duties prevented him from being as reckless as Zhu Xiuqing.

”Let’s go have a look too.” Mu Hanyan said nonchalantly, leading Huayue and the others toward the town gate.

Torches were lit everywhere in the town, with the city tower particularly well-lit.

Although the town wasn’t large, it was designed to be extremely sturdy, with walls towering ten feet high. In terms of defenses, it was comparable to some county towns. It’s no surprise, as such mountain towns were often used as military fortresses during wartime, making them naturally more fortified than ordinary cities.

On the city wall, an elderly man with gray hair, wearing a shabby battle armor and wielding a Longsword, was directing a dozen soldiers to shoot arrows with bows. This was the City Lord of the small town. Previously, Mu Hanyan had seen him when he came to nervously pay respects to Zhu Xiuqing, but she hadn’t spoken to him. The citizens of An Yun and Shang Yue both loathed each other, and she wasn’t about to seek unnecessary trouble.

Such a mountain town naturally didn’t station many soldiers, with fewer than twenty in total. It would be difficult to hold the city with only them. However, besides these soldiers, hundreds of civilians also stood on the city wall, quickly drawing their longbows.

Mu Hanyan now realized that Shangyue’s reputation for martial skills among its populace wasn’t unfounded. These civilians, both old and young, male and female, were all quite capable, with the strongest approximately a Ninth Rank Swordsman, and the weakest at least a Fifth Rank Swordsman.

As the bowstrings twanged, countless arrows shot down like lightning toward the foot of the city walls, followed by the wretched howls of beasts.

Mu Hanyan also ascended the city tower and saw thousands of Exotic Beasts charging madly toward the city walls below, including Mutant Wind Pigs, unicorn rams, and more.

The strength of these Exotic Beasts was evidently not high. Facing the arrows from swordsmen positioned high above, they had little ability to resist. Each wave of arrows fell with a crimson mist erupting below, accompanied by the desperate cries of the Exotic Beasts as they perished.

”Hahaha, these stupid beasts really have no brains, rushing wave after wave to their deaths,” Zhu Xiuqing laughed heartily.

Beside him, the City Lord, however, remained solemn, silently contemplating something.

Mu Hanyan frowned as she looked at the Exotic Beasts below, rushing to their deaths like moths to a flame.

She had heard of Exotic Beasts attacking towns before, but these beasts weren’t as devoid of thought as Zhu Xiuqing imagined. Typically, if gaining nothing, they would retreat swiftly and wouldn’t swarm like this to die.

”Sir, something seems amiss,” the Old City Lord said with a hint of concern.

”What’s wrong?” Zhu Xiuqing asked nonchalantly.

”In previous Exotic Beast attacks on towns, they usually retreat after several charges. Today, they’re madly rushing to their deaths,” the Old City Lord said, thinking similarly to Mu Hanyan.

”Oh? I thought these Exotic Beasts were just that stupid, fearless of death,” Zhu Xiuqing said curiously.

”No, no, no, despite their low level, they’re much more intelligent than you’d think,” the Old City Lord said, shaking his head. ”I’ve guarded this town for years and never seen such a scenario; there must be something unusual about it.”

”What’s unusual?” Zhu Xiuqing insisted on finding out.

”I’m not sure either, but there must be a reason,” the Old City Lord said, shaking his head.

”Ha... I get it,” Zhu Xiuqing suddenly said, smacking his forehead.

”Oh? Please enlighten us,” everyone around looked at him in confusion.

Even Mu Hanyan turned her head curiously; she couldn’t figure out the reason either and was interested to see what insights this dandy young prince had.