Others might not discern Mu Hanyan’s condition, but she herself can see it clearly. Previously defeating Wu Zifeng with a seemingly effortless strike, in reality, she had exhausted the Qi within her body. Not just her, even Huayue and the others were in the same situation. Do not underestimate the combat power increase from Great Sword Master to Sword Saint; for most people in this world, it’s an impossible feat to achieve. Mu Hanyan depleting her Qi without any other adverse effects is already considered a miracle.

As an exclamation rang out, Lu Nianxin flew swiftly towards them. Unfortunately, she was a bit distant and did not expect Mo Yunhai to possess the strength of a Sword Saint Realm; by the time she made her move, it was already too late.

In the blink of an eye, Lin Weicheng and Mo Yunhai reached Mu Hanyan, their palms simultaneously striking towards her, the robust palm force breaking through the air, emitting a sound like muffled thunder.

Lu Nianxin’s expression turned more alarmed at the sight, clearly Lin Weicheng and Mo Yunhai failed to notice Mu Hanyan’s anomaly. Due to her prior defeat of Wu Zifeng, they were wary, thus executing this strike with at least eighty percent power!

If her strength were completely intact, Mu Hanyan might have managed to block the joint attack of the two. But now with her Qi depleted, even if she immediately took an elixir, she could at most restore thirty percent of her strength.

"Stop!" Lu Nianxin shouted angrily, her eyes wide with fury.

However, Lin Weicheng and Mo Yunhai had already gambled everything they had; Mu Hanyan was their only chance to negotiate for survival, so stopping was not an option.

As Mu Hanyan seemed about to be injured by the two, a tall, graceful figure suddenly blocked her front.

"Seeking death!" Ye Lanfeng shouted coldly, his palms lightly striking out.

The four palms connected, Lin Weicheng and Mo Yunhai’s bodies trembled, then they became motionless, as if petrified.

A breeze blew by, their bodies swayed, and they fell straight to the ground, without the least bit of sound.

Only then did the courtiers notice that in merely the instant the four palms met, the two had already passed away, evidently having their heart meridian directly shattered.

"What terrifying power!" Because Ye Lanfeng, like Huayue and others, silently followed behind Mu Hanyan, everyone initially thought he was Mu Hanyan’s attendant, not even paying heed to his appearance. It was only now that they realized his distinguished and handsome presence. Even Huayue and others around him paled slightly in comparison, clearly indicating this man’s identity was far from simple.

Of course, the most shocking aspect was his power. A Great Sword Master and a Sword Saint had no resistance before him, having their heart meridian shattered directly, with almost no audible reaction. What immense power this was!

They had not anticipated that Mu Hanyan was not only formidable herself but also accompanied by such masters.

People gazed at Wu Tianxiong, long since deceased, with additional pity. Even if the Empress Dowager was truly restrained by forbidden techniques and her power subjugated, with such experts at Mu Hanyan’s side, Wu Tianxiong’s ambition of seizing the throne was destined to fail without the least chance.

"Has your strength advanced again?" Mu Hanyan was not witnessing Ye Lanfeng’s first demonstration of skill, easily noticing the changes in his power, and she asked delightedly.

"Indeed, there’s some progress." Ye Lanfeng replied with a smile.

Huayue and several others also displayed a comforting smile. Although knowing that with Ye Lanfeng present, Mu Hanyan would face no danger, they still felt a surge of anxiety when Lin Weicheng and Mo Yunhai attacked just now. Seeing Mu Hanyan unharmed and Ye Lanfeng’s further advancement, they felt genuinely pleased for him.

Meanwhile, as Huayue and the others smiled, an inconspicuous old man among the Wu Family disciples displayed a look of panic.

This man was none other than Tian Annan, who disguised himself as a Wu family’s tributor to attend the imperial banquet. Originally promising Wu Tianxiong his assistance should any army leaders act imprudently, but now, before he managed to intimidate anyone, he was starkly awed by Ye Lanfeng.

Recalling their last encounter, Ye Lanfeng managed to break his Sky Thunder Sword Formation primarily through the power of the Thousand-breaking Sword’s divine might. Yet witnessing Ye Lanfeng now, Tian Annan realized Ye Lanfeng’s strength had markedly improved recently. Even without the Thousand-breaking Sword, Tian Annan couldn’t prevail against him.

If he were to engage with Lu Nianxin, he would surely meet his end.

Wu Tianxiong was dead, and the original plan fell apart with him. Tian Annan had no interest in the fate of the Wu family disciples; thus, when everyone’s attention lingered on Ye Lanfeng, he suddenly took to the air, flying swiftly towards the palace outskirts.

In his desperate attempt to escape, Tian Annan disregarded concealing his power. Recognizing his movement technique, Lu Nianxin instantly identified him as the Holy-grade expert who infiltrated the palace and injured her last night.

"It’s you!" Lu Nianxin shouted angrily, leaping forth with a slashing strike aimed at his back.

"It is indeed him!" Ye Lanfeng also recognized Tian Annan, his Thousand-breaking Sword simultaneously striking.

Although their reactions were swift, Tian Annan was more prepared, his speed far surpassing that of the two. Just as he was about to leap over the courtyard wall, a strangely fashioned longsword suddenly appeared before him. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

This peculiar longsword was none other than Mu Hanyan’s newly forged Heavenly Flying Immortal.

"With this rubbish, you dare to block me!" Tian Annan was momentarily startled but quickly realized the sword contained no detectable Qi, seemingly thrown casually. He snorted disdainfully, striking it away with a palm.

"Boom!" An explosive thunderclap echoed, halting Tian Annan abruptly. Off guard, his sword robe was blasted to pieces, his hair resembling a chicken coop.

This was Mu Hanyan’s Heavenly Flying Immortal, crafted post her advancement to Great Sword Master, consuming nearly half her stockpile of Meteorite Gold. Its power had multiplied many times over.

Regrettably, with increasing strength, sealing cultivation within the sword became progressively challenging, and the demand for Meteorite Gold rose. Thus, Mu Hanyan had only managed to refine one blade.

"What kind of cursed object is this, possessing such immense power?" Although Tian Annan was battered, he was no ordinary Sword Saint, lacking any genuine wounds, merely disoriented momentarily.

In this moment of confusion, Lu Nianxin’s sword energy and Ye Lanfeng’s Sword Light simultaneously struck!

By now, Tian Annan had no chance of escape; his only option was to brace himself, turning to counter with a sword swing.

"Crack" A crisp sound rang out, his long sword snapping in two, his entire form flung backward.

Despite his formidable strength and exceptional sword, he stood no chance against Lu Nianxin and Ye Lanfeng’s joint strike, especially after being disoriented by Mu Hanyan’s Heavenly Flying Immortal.

Tian Annan spewed a mist of blood spitting up, facing upward as he landed, his body convulsing briefly before becoming deathly still, evidently beyond saving.

(I’ve been exceedingly busy lately, and my spirits have been consistently low. Once I endure this period, I’ll resume regular updates. I appreciate everyone’s understanding.)