He only knew that had it not been for Mu Hanyanâs self-sacrificing aid, he would never have been able to condense the impure Star Power, and would likely have never made any significant progress, let alone achieving the Second-level Sword Master status so quickly.
"We donât need to be so formal with each other." Seeing the gratitude on Yan Yuchuâs face, Mu Hanyan felt somewhat awkward.
While Yan Yuchu certainly depended on her help for such a substantial improvement, if she had to admit it, she benefited slightly more from him. However, the matter involved too many secrets, and she wasnât able to talk about it openly.
"Thatâs true. Anyway, I will remember this favor," Yan Yuchu nodded and smiled freely.
The two of them didnât say much more, yet the onlookers were left speechless and their minds churned with a tidal wave of shock. A prominent Third Stage Sword Master was actually thanking Mu Hanyan. From what they could infer, his current power was largely thanks to Mu Hanyanâs help; but how could this be possible?
They hadnât overheard the lower tone of Yan Yuchuâs voice, not knowing that he was actually a Second-level Sword Master, but even if they had, the result would have been the same. The difference between Second and Third Stages, to them, were both equally formidable and unreachable.
"Could it be because of a Divine Artifact?" They soon came to a conclusion. Just earlier, it was with a Protective Divine Artifact that Mu Hanyan managed to finally defeat Dai Songling. Possibly, she had also helped Yan Yuchu with the Artifact. That was the only explanation they could think of.
Of course, they didnât know that even within the Mu Family, such supposed Divine Artifacts like the Cangxuan Cloud Silk were incredibly rare, let alone having extras for Mu Hanyan. But thinking they had found the answer, they no longer dwelled too much on Mu Hanyanâs capabilities.
"Hey, whatâs this?" Mu Cheng picked up a pendant from the ground, curiosity in his voice.
"It fell from Mo Yanhong. Itâs an Eternal Life Lock," Wu Qiuyun glanced and spoke, knowing full well that he had seen it fall from Mo Yanhong but choosing not to remind him.
"To still wear an Eternal Life Lock at his age, the Mo Family really spoils him," Mu Cheng commented scornfully.
Generally, only newborn babies wear an Eternal Life Lock for safety, and they are discarded when slightly older. Yet, Mo Yanhong, already an adult, still wore one, indicating Family Head Moâs overindulgence; no wonder he turned out the way he did.
"Itâs not just an ordinary Eternal Life Lock; itâs an Alchemy Artifact," Mu Hanyan, now familiar with alchemy artifacts, recognized the marks of alchemy at a glance.
"Qilin, could this be Mo Yanhongâs nickname?" Mu Cheng turned over the Eternal Life Lock and, seeing the small characters inscribed at the back, asked curiously.
"Maybe, my childhood name was also Qilinâer," Wu Qiuyun added. It was common for wealthy families to give their children such auspicious nicknames; nothing strange there.
"Well chosen name, but the person is but a straw bag," Mu Cheng had no interest in lingering and handed the Eternal Life Lock to Mu Hanyan.
He wasnât interested in alchemy, but it seemed Mu Hanyan might be.
Mu Hanyan didnât refuse, having repeatedly witnessed the marvels of alchemy. She was indeed interested and thought it could be useful to delve into, as having more skills never hurt.
...
In the distance, Lan Feng watched this scene with a smile playing on his handsome features. This was her, steadily forging her own path, slowly radiating her unique brilliance.
"My lord, now that things are settled, should we head over?" Jin Yuguang, also elated by the scene, was relieved not just by the resolution but also by Mu Hanyanâs advancement. The lord indeed had foresight, thus he never worried. Seeing Mo Yanhong beaten to a pulp was particularly satisfying for him.
"No." Lan Feng gently shook his head, a flicker of sorrow crossing his eyes. How much he wished to stay by her side, but...
Lan Feng said no more, merely lifting his gaze to the heavens. From the first time he saw Mu Hanyan, his eyes could never leave her; and it was then he knew, she was a woman despite her manâs disguise. He could guess it was probably her family trying to protect her by having her in disguise.
And at first, he didnât understand his own feelings, constantly drawn to watch her, to be near her. The closer he got, the more he understood, and the harder it was to let go. Her smile, her frown, her every word and action always brought him immense joy. A feeling deep within grew clearerâhe always felt he was waiting for someone, for a long, long time... And now, he had finally found her, Mu Hanyan. Why he felt this way, he himself did not know.
Mu Hanyan, oh Mu Hanyan...
Such a woman shouldnât just be a fragile flower he needed to protect; she was destined to have her unique, peerless elegance, her own sharp brilliance.
"Letâs go," Lan Feng whispered lowly, his feet lightly touching the ground as he soared away.
Jin Yuguang hurriedly followed.
Lan Feng briefly turned, glancing toward the increasingly distant inn, the increasingly distant face, his own face, however, revealing a soft smile. Hanyan, looking forward to our next meeting.