"The Black Water Pass, located west of Lu’an City, is the largest entrance to the Longyan Mountain in our Anyun Territory, and naturally, to the Exotic Beasts, it’s the biggest exit. Just as the Capital was under attack, tens of thousands of Exotic Beasts surged out from the depths of Longyan Mountain, breaking through Black Water Pass in one fell swoop. Thankfully, west of Black Water Pass stands the border town of Lu’an City, blocking the path of the Exotic Beasts."

"Although those Exotic Beasts are not as strong as the ones that attacked the Capital, they are nevertheless formidable. The military and civilians of Lu’an City have held their ground until now, but are exhausted. Meanwhile, Exotic Beast attacks are occurring everywhere, even the Capital is defenseless and unable to send reinforcements. If the Exotic Beasts manage to break into Lu’an City, the consequences would be disastrous," said Mu Rui’an.

Mu Hanyan took in a sharp breath. She knew very well the geographical position of Lu’an City. It is the gateway to the southwest of Anyun Country, and once the Exotic Beasts break through this city, they can march unimpeded into Anyun Territory.

Anyun does not have the robust folk customs of Shangyue; not only are the cultivation levels of the people much weaker compared to those in Shangyue, but the inland city fortifications are usually not tall or sturdy enough to withstand the Exotic Beasts’ attack. At that point, it will surely lead to devastation and possibly even to the fall of the nation.

"Before departing the Capital, the heads of the families had deliberated and decided to cancel the family ranking tournament originally scheduled for next year. Instead, the younger generations of the families, led by the Eight Great Families, will head to Lu’an to assist the local military and civilians in defending the city until the conflict in other places ends and reinforcements can be dispatched, or until the family heads return victorious. The rankings of the Eight Great Families will also be determined by the performance of their younger generations during the city defense," continued Mu Rui’an.

"Father, I understand. I will head to Lu’an City at once," said Mu Hanyan. Whether for the safety of the millions of people in Anyun or for the status of the Mu Family, she could not shirk this duty.

Fortunately, she currently possesses the cultivation level of the Great Sword Master Realm, so although she has been traveling arduously, she doesn’t feel particularly tired.

"There is no need to rush. The younger generations of the various aristocratic families are scheduled to depart for Lu’an City tomorrow, and you have returned just in time. The palace has prepared a farewell banquet for all of you. Freshen up and attend the banquet," Mu Rui’an said with a wave of his hand.

"The child rushed back nonstop from Shangyue to Anyun and is already exhausted. What’s the point of attending a banquet?" Though Mu Hanyan didn’t feel particularly fatigued, Yue Fanling couldn’t help but feel distressed seeing her daughter in her dusty and travel-worn state, and she reproached Mu Rui’an.

"You don’t understand—I arrange for her to attend the banquet only as an excuse; the real intention is for her to meet peers from other families," Mu Rui’an laughed.

Mu Hanyan understood immediately that her father’s true intention was to have her form alliances with other noble family’s sons. The battle of Lu’an not only concerns the life and death of millions of civilians in Anyun’s interior but also affects the future status rankings of the Eight Great Families. More directly, it concerns their own lives and fate, so having more aid is always beneficial.

Her father had good intentions, but considering her notorious reputation as the Capital’s number one playboy, and the grievances between her and the sons of other families, Mu Hanyan could only smile wryly. Those guys had long loathed her bitterly; if they didn’t stab her in the back, she should count herself lucky—hoping they would offer help was a pipe dream.

The only person who might aid her was Yan Yuchu, but being merely a Young Master of the branch family, his position in the Main Family is limited and likely won’t be of much help to her.

Nevertheless, no matter the circumstances, she still had to attend this palace banquet. After all, she would soon be fighting alongside these noble family’s sons; even if past grievances can’t be entirely resolved, there’s no need to appear too arrogant or discourteous.

Seeing that there was still some time, Mu Hanyan simply freshened up a bit, changed clothes, and then briefly talked with her parents about her experience in Shangyue Country. Upon hearing about the crisis in the Shangyue Royal Family, Mu Rui’an appeared calm, having absolute confidence in his precious daughter. Seeing her return safe and sound, he knew that any danger she faced must have been overcome without issues.

While Yue Fanling could envision the same, her face was full of anxiety until hearing about how Mu Hanyan helped Lu Nianxin lift the prohibition and then magnificently displayed her divine power, uprooting traitors including Lu Tianxiong. Only then did Yue Fanling breathe a long sigh of relief.

Regardless, blood ties are still thick; although she harbored some resentment for her brother’s coldness back then, her concerns for the descendants of the Yue Family were actually no less than Lu Nianxin’s worries for her.

"Mother, I’ve been conferred the prestigious title of Princess by Uncle, and the issues between you and Father have also been publicly declared. You should find time to visit; Grandmother and my two Uncles are eager to see you," Mu Hanyan persuaded.

"Yes, once the crisis is over, I will return to Shangyue for a visit," Yue Fanling nodded with a smile. After hearing Mu Hanyan’s recount, even she felt a sense of rebirth after shedding past grievances.

The banquet time arrived as the lamps were lit, and the carriage was ready.

"By the way, in order to facilitate your activities in Lu’an City, before leaving, your grandfather had a discussion with Elder Taichang and others, deciding to temporarily appoint you as the Young Master." As Mu Rui’an sent Mu Hanyan off to the carriage, he added.

Mu Hanyan nodded, not particularly surprised. With her current strength, she is fully qualified for the role of Young Master. Subsequently, she departed with Zirong, Huayue, and a few other personal guards, along with Mu Zexian and others, heading towards the palace.

The battle outside the Capital resulted in significant losses for the Mu Family; many familiar faces would never be seen again, but new faces were present as well, having been introduced by Mu Zexian. Mu Hanyan learned that they were elite disciples sent by the various branches of the Mu Family to offer aid.

The Mu Family’s position within the Eight Great Families of the Capital will also affect the status of its branches, so despite the chaos within Anyun Territory, and the branches having to handle Exotic Beast attacks, they still dispatched the strongest of their younger disciples. These individuals were all over thirty years old and possessed considerable strength, all surpassing the Third Stage Sword Master.

"So, you’re Mu Hanyan. I’ve heard of you, formerly the number one playboy of Heishi City, now the number one in the Capital, right? And there’s that nickname, Mu Siyi, isn’t it?" A branch family member, slightly younger, casually gestured with a mocking tone. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

His name was Mu Chengqi, just turned thirty this year, making him the youngest among the branch family members, still carrying a bit of youthful flamboyance.

"Chengqi, do not be disrespectful toward the Young Master." Another older branch family member frowned and reprimanded.

This person was named Mu Renda, aged thirty-seven, the eldest among the branch family members, possessing not only the strongest skills but also the steadiest temperament.

"Brother Renda, no need to mind, let’s keep it casual," Mu Hanyan casually waved it off. The nicknames of Heishi City’s number one playboy and Mu Siyi were ones she hadn’t heard in a long time, yet they felt somewhat dear.

Mu Renda said nothing further, merely glared fiercely at Mu Chengqi.