Mu Hanyan, of course, did not know what had transpired in Third Elderās courtyard. She had been diligently cultivating in her room, cultivating all night long.
The following day.
Mu Hanyan conducted Concentrating Inner Vision, noticing that the Heavenly Heart Energy within her Heart Meridian was significantly stronger than before, comparable to the results of one monthās worth of past cultivation.
Mu Hanyan was greatly encouraged. The combination of the Star Illusion Thousand Mechanism Technique and the Heavenly Heart Technique had indeed miraculous effects. Even if she couldnāt find any decent Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for a while, she didnāt need to worry too much.
She should continue searching for Qu Shanling to learn the rest of the technique today. Without any delay, Mu Hanyan washed up and left the courtyard.
Just as she stepped outside, she encountered Mu Ruiāan.
Her father was just as stern and fierce as before. Upon seeing Mu Hanyan, he merely nodded slightly in greeting, but in his gaze, there was a warmth that only Mu Hanyan could discern.
"Father." Like before, Mu Hanyan performed her duties perfunctorily. If others saw too great a change in the way they interacted, it might lead to suspicion and potentially trouble. Therefore, in front of others, Mu Hanyan tried to interact with Mu Ruiāan just as she did in the past.
"Mm." Mu Ruiāan nodded.
"Father, is there something the matter?" Mu Hanyan asked quietly, noting a hint of worry between her fatherās brows.
"Ziqing went out to look for Medicinal Herbs and hasnāt returned today. Iām a bit concerned," Mu Ruiāan said softly after checking that there was no one around.
"Seventh Uncle is quite capable and manages affairs well. He should be fine. Father doesnāt need to worry too much," Mu Hanyan comforted him.
"That may be so, but by my calculations, he should have returned three days ago. Iāve heard that Third Elder has released a Messenger Eagle, but thereās no news. Iām worried that something unexpected might have happened," Mu Ruiāan said gravely.
"Third Elder..." Thinking about that elder, who harbored deep prejudices against her, Mu Hanyan subconsciously smiled bitterly.
"I know Third Elder looks down on you, and isnāt kind to you, but this situation is intentionally created by us. You shouldnāt take it to heart too much; after all, he is an elder. If you must blame anyone, it should be me. If I were stronger and could protect you better, there would have been no need for this strategy and for you to suffer so much," Mu Ruiāan sighed, speaking apologetically.
In reality, Mu Hanyanās reputation had become so tarnished because he had intentionally allowed and even fueled the situation, and it was not anyone elseās misunderstanding, especially the elders in the clan who valued the familyās reputation above all else.
"I wonāt blame him. He is actually looking out for me," Mu Hanyan nodded.
"Thatās the right way to think. Remember, they are always our family, our own people. As long as itās not too extreme, there should always be room for leniency," Mu Ruiāan exhorted.
In the past, he wouldnāt have needed to say this, but now he knew that Hanyan was no longer the Hanyan of before. Her strength had improved so rapidly that even he was surprised by it. He couldnāt predict what kind of achievements she might reach in the future. If she held a grudge against Third Elder and others, it would ultimately not be good for the Mu Family.
"Hanyan will remember. Please rest assured, father," Mu Hanyan said seriously.
Mu Ruiāan nodded with relief and departed.
Watching her fatherās retreating figure, Mu Hanyan felt pensive. Although several elders treated her father as a formidable adversary, scheming behind his back, eager to drag him down from the position of Family Head, her father never considered them enemies but still treated them as family.