The previously noisy and bustling Imperial Garden suddenly fell silent as everyone respectfully gazed at the monarch who approached slowly, protected by several guards and inner officials.

"Your humble subjects greet Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!" All the noble family’s sons bowed in salute.

"Rise." The Emperor waved his hand and took his seat at the head of the table.

"You are all elite warriors among the offspring of the various aristocratic families in the Capital. This time, you go to Lu’an to protect the country, and my heart is comforted. Come, drink this cup of wine, and in future battles, establish immortal military achievements and leave your names to generations!" It was evident that, despite the deep fatigue and worry hidden between his brows, the Emperor still raised his wine glass to boost everyone’s morale, adding a few extra degrees of the majesty and dominance befitting a monarch.

All below were inspired, their blood boiling, and they lifted their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

"The situation in our Anyun Country is critical, and the Holy Court has sent people to assist. Several elders have gone deep into the Longyan Mountains, while one Outer Court Steward has personally led nearly a hundred Holy Court experts to go with you to Lu’an." After a few encouraging words, the Emperor solemnly said.

As his voice fell, a haughty young man entered the Imperial Garden leading nearly a hundred young swordsmen, and at the forefront was none other than Dan Tai Xuan, who left Fang Town in disgrace just earlier today.

Mu Hanyan had listened to her father’s words earlier and guessed the reason for Dan Tai Xuan’s presence in Fang Town, but she hadn’t expected him to bring so many people. However, seeing them with weary faces and travel-worn, it was evident they had just arrived not long ago.

Mu Hanyan had previously been puzzled. The Iron-Backed Saber-Toothed Tiger and Dragon Scale Fire Pattern Rhinoceros, which had become Huayue and others’ sword pets, as well as that Earthly Ferocious Bear, were quite strong. Although Dan Tai Xuan’s group consisted of about ten people who seemed quite capable, their apparent strength seemed to have been forcibly enhanced by Spirit Pills and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, resulting in combat power that didn’t match their Cultivation Realm. Defeating those Exotic Beasts wouldn’t be easy, so how could Dan Tai Xuan be so confident and even dare to use this as leverage to blackmail her?

Seeing these people, she finally understood that he had backup.

Seeing this group, Mu Hanyan had to marvel once again at the strength of the Holy Court. Not only had Dan Tai Xuan and his group reached the Eighth Rank Sword Master level earlier, but those who came afterward were generally above the Seventh Rank Sword Master level. Among the noble family’s younger generation standing in the Imperial Garden, there were not many who could surpass them.

And these were just the people sent by the Holy Court to Anyun Country. Other countries should have sent people as well. It was said these were only the Outer Court disciples; one could only imagine the strength of those from the Inner Court.

Dan Tai Xuan also saw Mu Hanyan and discreetly smirked. It seemed to say, "Now you see, this is the strength of my Holy Court, not something you mere secular families can compare to."

Though his power was not as great as Mu Hanyan’s, and he wasn’t even stronger than Huayue and others, he had the advantage in numbers. On the battlefield, unless there is an overwhelming advantage in strength, numbers are the greatest capital. At this moment, Dan Tai Xuan regained some confidence, and he once again boasted in front of Mu Hanyan.

"This is Lord Dan Tai Xuan, the Holy Court’s Outer Court Steward. On your way to Lu’an City, you must consult with Lord Dan Tai in all things and treat him with the utmost respect," the Emperor said.

"I am Changsun Yi’an, Young Master of the Zhangsun Family, and I greet Lord Dan Tai."

"I am Mo Yanhong, Young Master of the Mo Family, and I greet Lord Dan Tai."

"I am..." Given the extraordinary status of the Holy Court, there was no need for the Emperor to say more; others naturally wouldn’t neglect Dan Tai Xuan, and soon, several family heads approached to salute and show goodwill to Dan Tai Xuan.

Aside from Dan Tai Xuan’s status, the nearly hundred experts he brought made the eyes of many young masters light up with envy. The trip to Lu’an City promised to be fraught with danger. While it was a duty to the country and the family, no one wanted to lose their life in Lu’an City. If they could forge a good relationship with Dan Tai Xuan, they would have his assistance in critical moments, ensuring their safety and possibly overshadowing other families in the battlefield.

"No need for formalities, no need for formalities." Seeing the eagerness and obvious flattery in their eyes, Dan Tai Xuan’s heart, hurt by Mu Hanyan a few hours ago, was mostly healed. He pretended to be polite, returning courtesy to everyone, but couldn’t hide his face full of smugness.

Seeing the young masters of the aristocratic families getting along harmoniously with Dan Tai Xuan, the Emperor felt relieved. After exchanging a few more words, he left a few inner officials to accompany them and went back to rest.

With the Emperor not present, the noble family’s sons were less restrained, eagerly competing to express goodwill to Dan Tai Xuan. Only Mu Hanyan’s group and Zhang Chihua remained in place, making them seem even more isolated.

"Young Master, shouldn’t you also go and meet Lord Dan Tai? After all, if we want to defend Anluo City, we still need Lord Dan Tai’s full support," Mu Chengqi said enviously.

Seeing even the young masters from the Capital’s families scrambling to please Dan Tai Xuan, he felt a surge of eagerness again. But others were young masters of the Capital’s families, and he was just a branch family young master with no standing to join the conversation.

"There’s no need. I think he will come to see me on his own." Mu Hanyan replied calmly.

Seeing Dan Tai Xuan’s look of a petty man who achieved his desire, Mu Hanyan knew he wouldn’t miss the chance to regain his confidence in front of her.

"Hmph, what arrogance! Who do you think you are?" Mu Chengqi scoffed, muttering. He sneered inwardly. That person is a Holy Court Steward, even other young masters from various families have to win him over, yet you say he will come to see you? Who do you think you are?

Were it not for Mu Hanyan’s status as the Zong Family’s Young Master firmly suppressing him, he nearly lashed out.

But soon, he was left speechless in surprise.

Dan Tai Xuan parted the crowd, wearing a faintly discernible smile, and went straight to Mu Hanyan.

"Young Master Mu, I didn’t expect us to meet again so soon," Dan Tai Xuan said warmly.

The surroundings fell into complete silence, everyone staring at Mu Hanyan in surprise. They were still scheming on how to please Dan Tai Xuan and get closer to him, not realizing that Mu Hanyan already knew Dan Tai Xuan.

Mu Chengqi’s face returned to normal with some difficulty, only to start turning red again, as if he had just been slapped. However, the one who delivered the slap was himself.

"Just say what you have to say, no need for the pleasantries. We’re not that familiar." Mu Hanyan wasn’t interested in feigning civility with Dan Tai Xuan and said straightforwardly.

Hearing her words, everyone around was taken aback. Judging by Mu Hanyan’s icy demeanor, she clearly recognized Dan Tai Xuan, and there seemed to be some past grievances between them. However, having grievances was one thing, but to not give him any face in front of so many people was another.