"Shangyue Country?" Han Yan looked at her master with some surprise.
"Yes, Shangyue Country also has an ancient Heavenly Destiny Star Plate.
This time, Anyun and Shangyue have resumed diplomatic relations, and Long Yan Academy has opened its doors to the disciples of Shangyue. This is not only the result of negotiations between our two countries but also the result of joint consultations among the various countries of the Holy Court Continent.
The Jiuyou Netherworld has reappeared, and the seals have begun to break. Cracks have appeared in all the continent countries. In order to reseal the Netherworld and to prepare for the calamities that may occur when the Holy Continent reforms in the future, under the intervention of the Holy Court, after consultation among various countries, it was finally decided to use the power of the entire continent to cultivate the strongest Guardian of the Gods.
Both Anyun and Shangyue, who possess the Heavenly Destiny Star Plates, will also present their Star Plates for competition among the elite of the countries," explained Gong Hongru in detail.
Only then did Han Yan realize the hidden secrets behind the restoration of diplomatic relations between Anyun and Shangyue.
No wonder Yue Fanchen dared to openly provoke Anyun Country, and people like Gong Hongru turned a blind eye. Because there is already an agreement between the countries, for the sake of the overall situation, even if there are disputes among the younger generation, they should not interfere too much.
However, thinking of Yue Fanchenâs arrogance in Anyun, Han Yan felt a bit uneasy. Since they could take this opportunity to flaunt in Anyun, she could naturally go to Shangyue and return the favor, and maybe snatch another Heavenly Destiny Star Plate while sheâs at it.
Including the one she just obtained, Han Yan now has a total of five Heavenly Destiny Star Plates. If she can obtain another one in Shangyue Country, she would have six, bringing her closer to the nine Star Plates she needs.
"When do we set off?" Han Yan asked with some anticipation.
"The new student competition at Shangyue Cityâs Royal Sword Sound Academy will take place in two months. In a few days, a general from Shangyue Country will arrive to escort you into the country and accompany you to Shangyue City. You need only wait for news and use the time to further enhance your strength," said Gong Hongru.
"Thereâs no need for such trouble, I can go by myself," Han Yan said with a bit of amusement. After all, she wasnât a three-year-old child. Did she really need an escort just to go to Shangyue Country?
"Shangyue is different from our Anyun. Shangyue is a martial nation. From royalty to commoners, everyone loves martial arts, and the people are fierce and powerful by tradition.
Although Shangyue and Anyun have now restored diplomatic relations and convinced court officials and various aristocratic families, the common people are still hostile towards Anyun. If you go to Shangyue so openly, who knows how much trouble youâll attract along the way? It would be safer to have an escort," Gong Hongru advised.
"Then Iâll follow Masterâs arrangements," Han Yan nodded in agreement.
Han Yan was well aware of Shangyueâs martial traditions and fierce populace. Her objective in going to Shangyue was to obtain the Heavenly Destiny Star Plate without unnecessary trouble.
"You should also choose a few capable disciples to accompany you. Having more helpers isnât a bad thing," added Nangong Jingyuan.
"Then Iâll bring Huayue, Zirong, and the others," Han Yan considered and said.
"Are they strong enough? The new student competition at Sword Sound Academy will not only feature the elite and strong younger generation from Shangyue Country but also likely participants from countries like West Qin and Beiqi. Relying on just yourself to break through and win the crown wonât be easy," Nangong Jingyuan said cautiously.
"I trust them," Han Yan said firmly.
While Huayue Zirong and the others might currently lag behind the likes of Guan Shanhe in terms of strength, Han Yan had complete confidence in their natural talent.
Given more opportunities for experience, Han Yan was certain they would surprise everyone.
"Alright, itâs up to you," Nangong Jingyuan said after some thought.
Their intention was to cultivate Han Yan into the strongest Guardian of the Gods in the entire continent. If their wish came true, Han Yanâs future accomplishments would surpass theirs. Given this, why should they interfere too much in her matters?
Seeing that Han Yan had no more doubts, Nangong Jingyuan and the rest performed hand formations to exit the Secret Realm once again.
Han Yan also let the Taowu return to the Beast Soul Hall, as its main body was still there. The one before her was just a Beast Soul, and being by Han Yanâs side would consume a lot of Divine Thought Power even if it did nothing.
Han Yan hoped that one day she could break the seal of the Beast Soul Hall and have another gold medal thug by her side, so she didnât want it to waste its cultivation.
"Wait, isnât this the Palace Guardian Beast Soul from the Beast Soul Hall?" Only then did Wenren Qingqiu and the others start to pay attention to Taowu, asking in puzzlement.
Despite their current fame, they were once academy disciples and had undergone the Beast Soul Hall trials when they first became mentors. Even after hundreds of years, they still remembered the Taowu well.
However, the Beast Soul they saw back then was somewhat different from what was before them now, so they werenât sure.
"Haha, I am indeed the Palace Guardian Beast Soul of the Beast Soul Hall, the Ancient Divine Beast Taowu, second to none among beasts. You little ones still remember me. I also remember you. Over the years, Long Yan Academy hasnât produced many impressive figures, but you little ones have some skills," Taowu boasted, seizing the opportunity to show off with a superior attitude.
"Whatâs all this pride about? Why donât I see you acting proud in front of the Aolai Divine Beast?" Han Yan gave Taowu a hard slap on the head, saying unhappily. How dare it show off in front of her master? Wasnât that entirely disregarding her?
"I was wrong, Master. Iâll leave now, immediately," Taowu said, covering its head and smiling apologetically as it disappeared in a flash.
"Whatâs going on?" Seeing Taowuâs flattering demeanor reminded Gong Hongru and the others of how it tormented them during their cultivation, leaving them dumbfounded.
"Oh, nothing much. It just felt an affinity with me at first sight and willingly signed a Master-Servant Contract, so itâs a bit afraid of me," Han Yan said nonchalantly.
Regarding the Aolai Divine Beast and Xingtian Girl, she knew very little and didnât know how to explain, so she glossed over the details.
Gong Hongru and the others could only offer wry smiles. With the Taowu Divine Beastâs formidable reputation, how could it have willingly entered a Master and Slave Contract with her? Its flattering behavior suggested it was more than just a little scared of her.
Since Han Yan was unwilling to elaborate, they didnât press further.
"So, Qiu Yongchengâs incident was your doing, wasnât it?" After a while, Wenren Qingqiu shook his head and asked.