CHAPTER 419: APRIL 19 "DIVIDING THE SPOILS

Han Yan couldn’t help but secretly chuckle. She of course knew her mother’s words were spoken in anger, yet she felt a quirky and satisfying delight seeing her father looking so cowed. After all, it was unlikely that anyone else would get to see her father in such a diminished state, and she felt fortunate to have the opportunity—why not enjoy the free show?

Yue Fanling hugged Han Yan, giving her much advice before finally letting go. She then gestured towards Mu Rui’an, who was still squatting in the corner like a poisoned mushroom. Mu Rui’an quickly sprang to his feet, as if resurrected, and began to instruct Han Yan on her tasks.

"Alright, pack up, meet with the elders, then you’re off," said Mu Rui’an.

"Who else is going?" Han Yan inquired.

"Han Feng should have gone, but he has not yet returned from his training. Therefore, this time it’ll be just you, Mu Feng, and the Second Elder’s Mu Cheng," Mu Rui’an explained.

Among the Mu Family’s younger generation, two great talents stood out: Mu Hanfeng and Mu Feng. With Mu Hanfeng absent, Mu Feng was naturally the first choice, beyond question. Although Mu Cheng’s strength might not necessarily surpass Mu Ze and others, he had respectable natural talent and was much more dedicated to cultivation than his peers, suggesting a good chance of surpassing them in time. It was quite reasonable for him to go as well.

As for Han Yan, no matter how her strength had come to be, regardless of any speculations behind it, at least now, she was the strongest among the young generation. Having her take part in the trial would not result in the hisses of derision that it used to.

Han Yan frowned, wondering if her brother, who was out on training, could have possibly run into trouble. But she remembered from her past life that he had returned safely, so there likely wasn’t anything to worry about.

"Also, this time don’t bring Huayue and Zirong with you. Even if you do, they won’t be allowed to go," Mu Rui’an added.

This was a trial set by Zhengying Academy to test new prospects in advance of enrollment, not to assess the family powers behind the young candidates, so followers were naturally not permitted.

"I understand. I’ll get ready and head to the council hall in a moment," Han Yan said.

After seeing her father off, Han Yan began to pack her bags.

For others, preparing for a journey would simply mean packing a few sets of clothes and some emergency rations and water. But Han Yan, being a young lady, had considerably more belongings, and without realizing it, she’d accumulated a hefty bag to carry on her back.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror with the pack on her back, Han Yan shook her head with a wry smile. She had once heard that in ancient times there were Alchemy Masters with supreme skills who had refined Divine Artifacts capable of storing items. These appeared small but had surprisingly vast internal spaces. How convenient it would be to have such an artifact now, for it would make travel far less troublesome.

Alas, legends remained just that—legends, and Han Yan had never seen such a Divine Artifact, so she could only indulge in wishful thinking.

Having packed her luggage, Han Yan’s gaze settled on the pile of treasures she had scavenged from the Treasure Vault.

They were originally intended for Mu Yuying and the others, but after falling asleep last time, she had woken only to be dragged to an auction by Mu Nan. And then she’d overslept again, effectively putting off the matter.

This training expedition was likely to take a while, so she needed to address this issue promptly. Her father’s words a moment ago had sparked something in her, instilling a sense of crisis and urgency.

The dozen or so longswords weighed thousands of pounds in total, and Han Yan certainly didn’t want to carry that weight around. She sent someone to inform Mu Yuying and Mu Ze to come and divide the "spoils."

Before long, Mu Yuying and the others arrived at the courtyard.