Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 1314: Peerless Genius or Exceptional Maverick?

"Who?" Han Yan asked."Jing Jianjue!" Lu Nianxin said seriously.

"Jing Jianjue?" Han Yan meticulously searched through her mind, but had no impression of this person, neither in her past life nor her current one. Logically, if he was someone her grandmother regarded so highly, even if he wasn’t a prodigy, he must be quite talented. Why hadn’t she heard of him before?

Han Yan instinctively looked at Yue Fanchen, only to see that Yue Fanchen was also at a loss, clearly not having heard of this individual either.

"I only heard about him recently. It is said that he was originally a Shangyue citizen, and after losing his parents at a young age, he went to Beiqi with his uncle. His uncle died six months ago, so he returned to Shangyue. Shortly after arriving in the Capital, he was hired by the Wu Family as a guest and then sent to Sword Sound Academy.

According to the information I’ve found, Jing Jianjue is likely Wu Tianxiong’s illegitimate son. The story about his parents’ death is just a cover. All these years, he never actually went to Beiqi. I couldn’t find out where he went, but judging from his cultivation, he must have been sent by Wu Tianxiong to study martial arts.

Wu Tianxiong ordered him to join Sword Hero Academy, obviously for that Heavenly Destiny Star Plate." Lu Nianxin said.

Han Yan just realized that her grandmother wasn’t completely unprepared against the Wu Family, even uncovering such a secret.

"Is he very strong, stronger than me?" Yue Fanchen said somewhat defiantly.

"I haven’t seen him fight, but with my eye power, I suspect he’s indeed stronger than you," Lu Nianxin said.

Although she often scolded Yue Fanchen, she actually adored this youngest son very much. For her to say something that diminished their family’s reputation to build up another’s meant Jing Jianjue’s prowess was indeed significant.

"Hm, Mother just doesn’t believe in me. If I have a chance to meet him, I’ll test how strong he really is," Yue Fanchen said defiantly.

"I’d like to trust you, but when you can’t even defeat your own niece, how can I trust you?" Lu Nianxin glared at him angrily.

"Uh, that was an accident, an accident," Yue Fanchen said, blushing with embarrassment.

"In any case, with Han Yan around, you have no chance of winning the Sword Sound Academy contest. If you encounter Jing Jianjue, give up when necessary, and don’t be reckless." Lu Nianxin said.

"Oh, Mother, can’t you give me some dignity? I’m still your own son." Yue Fanchen said with a pained face, looking at his mother pitifully.

"It’s precisely because you’re my own son that I have to remind you. Don’t forget, the Imperial City Guards are still under your command. If you meet any mishap, who can your brother and I trust?" Lu Nianxin said earnestly.

"Don’t worry, Mother. I won’t be reckless." Seeing Lu Nianxin being so serious, Yue Fanchen didn’t dare joke any further and said solemnly.

"Han Yan, you and Jing Jianjue are bound to have a confrontation. Be sure to handle it carefully. The Heavenly Destiny Star Plate must not fall into his hands. Otherwise, the Wu Family will grow stronger, becoming a disaster." Lu Nianxin said to Han Yan.

"Yes, Grandma, I won’t let you down." Han Yan nodded.

Whether for her path as a strong warrior, the expectations of people like Gong Hongru, or the peace of the Yue Family, she couldn’t afford to lose.

"Alright, it’s getting late. Everyone should rest. Han Yan, stay in the palace for the next few days, calm your mind and cultivate, and keep me company for chats." Lu Nianxin said.

"My friends are still at the posthouse. It’s their first time in Shangyue and they’re unfamiliar with the place. I’ll go keep them company." At the mention of chatting with her grandmother, Han Yan’s head started aching, and she quickly excused herself.

"Alright then, your mother’s Princess Mansion has been vacant. I’ll have Fanchen lead the way and take them there. It’s quiet and peaceful." Lu Nianxin thought for a moment and said.

"Okay." Han Yan was overjoyed upon hearing this, but then she heard her grandmother add, "After settling them, come back to chat with Grandma. Grandma’s waiting for you."

"Oh." Han Yan lost her spirit immediately. Yue Fanchen struggled to suppress his laughter, finding it delightful to see the ever-fearless Han Yan subdued for once. Hmm? Is one’s happiness indeed built upon another’s Pain?

Suppressing his laughter, Yue Fanchen stood up and led Han Yan to the posthouse.

"Two people of interest, how curious indeed. I am genuinely intrigued." As they were about to exit, Han Yan almost tripped at the threshold upon hearing her grandmother mumble, her curiosity almost setting her heart ablaze with gossip.

Turning back, Han Yan saw her grandmother’s eyes burning even more fiercely with the fire of gossip, prompting her to quickly turn around and flee.

The Princess Manor wasn’t far from the Imperial Palace. Although her mother had been gone for many years, the place was not in the slightest bit neglected. The pavilions and buildings were all refurbished anew, the rooms were pristine, and even the plants in the courtyards were meticulously trimmed.

Han Yan felt that every piece of furniture and plant in the manor held her grandmother’s longing and care for her mother. Perhaps she had been waiting for her to return all along.

After settling in Huayue and the others, Han Yan returned to the palace, not for any other reason, but to spend more time with her grandmother.

...

Meanwhile, at the Bingjian Prince Manor, Wu Tianxiong was deep in thought, his brows furrowed.

His demeanor no longer showed the earlier despondence from being beaten by Lu Nianxin, standing straight like a king.

"Prince, have you discerned whether the Empress Dowager suffers from a hidden illness?" Opposite him, a young man with a cold face and a hint of malice in his eyes asked.

"I’m not entirely sure. Her aura does seem strange, but her strength hasn’t significantly weakened. Even if I fought with all my might, I am not confident of winning." Wu Tianxiong shook his head.

"Then our plan...?" The young man probed, casting a glance at Wu Tianxiong.

"Let’s wait and see, until the Sword Sound Academy contest concludes. Jianjue, this competition is crucial. You must win. Once you obtain the Heavenly Destiny Star Plate, your power will soar. Even if the Empress Dowager is in good health, she won’t be our match when we join forces." Wu Tianxiong said.

The young man in front of him was none other than Jing Jianjue, the person whom even Lu Nianxin dreaded.

"I will do my utmost." Jing Jianjue said.

"Not just do your utmost, you must win without fail." Wu Tianxiong emphasized heavily.

"Others aside, Mu Hanyan may not be so easy to defeat." Jing Jianjue said calmly, maintaining his cold demeanor.

"Mu Hanyan, the bastard born of Yue Fanling?" Wu Tianxiong frowned.

"Indeed, although her cultivation is merely at the Sixth-level Sword Master, she has caught the interest of people like Nangong Jingyuan and Gong Hongru. Her actual combat power isn’t that simple. It’s said even Duan Heshan lost to her in a duel; I am not confident of defeating her." Jing Jianjue admitted.

His humility and ability to frankly acknowledge his own shortcomings made Han Yan undoubtedly regard him with new respect. It wasn’t surprising why her grandmother took him so seriously.

"Mu Hanyan’s strength is considerable, and defeating her won’t be simple for you." At that moment, a sudden old voice rang through the room.

"Who is it?" Wu Tianxiong was startled, standing up alertly and demanding.