Though Fang Town has Qu Shanling as its protector, compared to them now, his strength is still too weak. If a real crisis occurs, she does have the power to turn the tide. After all, the Fang Family regards her as the Sect Master, and Nanyan Commerce is half hers. She can’t just ignore it.

Moreover, the guard mentioned something happened in the Capital. There must be other dangers ahead, so Mu Hanyan decided to first clarify the situation.

Upon entering the town, Mu Hanyan felt a dense cloud of gloom. Whether it was the townsfolk, merchants, or guards hired by foreign chambers of commerce, all wore worried expressions as if a great disaster was imminent.

So preoccupied were they with their thoughts, no one recognized Mu Hanyan’s identity.

Not far ahead, a group of merchants surrounded Family Head Fang, speaking quickly. Family Head Fang was wiping sweat and explaining anxiously.

"Family Head Fang, we’re here in Fang Town for business, not to throw our lives away. In recent days, to help you defend Fang Town, our guards have suffered heavy casualties, and we’ve fulfilled our duty. Surely, you can’t expect us to sacrifice our lives too, can you?" a chubby merchant said discontentedly.

"I deeply appreciate everyone’s efforts to defend Fang Town these past days. Please rest assured, Nanyan Commerce will certainly ensure everyone’s safety," said Family Head Fang.

"How can you guarantee that? I brought ten guards to Fang Town this time, and now more than half are dead or injured. Only these two by my side are intact. If you could guarantee our safety, how would they have ended up like this?" another merchant said angrily.

"Family Head Fang, in my opinion, you should agree to that person’s terms. Otherwise, not just us, even your own life is at risk," advised another merchant.

"No, absolutely not!" Family Head Fang said resolutely, adding, "Even if I agreed, I don’t have the authority. This town, though named Fang Town, has long not been the property of the Fang Family. Without the master’s permission, how can I have the authority to give it to someone else?"

"Then have your master come out and give us an explanation. We’ve traveled from afar to conduct business in Fang Town, and now we can’t even ensure our lives. He ought to give us an explanation," the chubby merchant said impatiently.

"What explanation do you want?" Mu Hanyan, feeling something was amiss, spoke up.

"Who are you? Adults are speaking; children shouldn’t interrupt." Hearing Mu Hanyan’s unfriendly voice, the merchant turned his head to see a girl of seventeen or eighteen. Thinking she was a Fang Family junior, he didn’t take her seriously, asking haughtily.

"Master, you’re back!" Upon seeing Mu Hanyan, Family Head Fang was overjoyed.

Hearing his words, the merchant was slightly stunned, not expecting the sect master Family Head Fang mentioned was this young girl.

The guards who escorted Mu Hanyan were also taken aback but then realized something, their faces showing ecstatic expressions.

"What happened?" Mu Hanyan asked.

"So you’re the true owner of Fang Town. You’re just in time. We’ve traveled from afar to Fang Town for business, and now our lives are at risk. You must give us an explanation," the chubby man interjected incessantly.

"Shut up." Mu Hanyan, already unsettled, was irritated by his incessant complaints, and shouted impatiently.

Huayue Zirong, face darkening, lifted him and tossed him aside.

"Impudent! How dare you be rude to my master?" The two guards beside the chubby man drew their longswords, ready to strike.

Huayue, Zirong, Jiang Yuzhe, and Tang Bufan simultaneously drew their swords, surrounding them.

"Don’t fight, don’t fight." Family Head Fang hurriedly stood in between, explaining to Mu Hanyan, "Fang Town has been under siege these days, and thanks to their full support we have managed so far. They have truly dedicated themselves, and with most of their guards lost or injured, they are understandably anxious."

Mu Hanyan nodded to Huayue and the others, who then released the hilts of their swords and returned to Mu Hanyan’s side.

The chubby man, realizing they were outnumbered, didn’t dare to flare up and mumbled a few things before quietly withdrawing to the side.

With Mu Hanyan, the rightful master present, and her subordinates behaving so assertively, the other merchants quieted down.

"Family Head Fang, what exactly happened?" Mu Hanyan asked.

"Let’s go to the council chamber first." Seeing Mu Hanyan and her group’s travel-worn and weary faces, Family Head Fang suggested.

Soon, everyone arrived at the council chamber, with those merchants eagerly following.

"More than half a month ago, small groups of Exotic Beasts suddenly appeared outside Fang Town. Initially, as their numbers were low and their strength weak, no one paid much attention. Later, as the number and grade of the beasts increased, everyone realized the grave situation and quickly organized defenses.

That night, the Exotic Beasts went mad and attacked Fang Town. Fortunately, the commerce had been doing well and had hired many guards. After a night of fierce battle, we managed to hold Fang Town.

However, the Exotic Beasts did not retreat. Instead, they lingered outside the town and launched attacks every one or two days. The guards hired by the commerce were competent but not invincible. Exhausted by continuous battles, most were drained, still, not long ago, we collected some rare strange flowers and herbs and invited chambers of commerce from all over for an auction. Thanks to the guards they brought, we managed to hold on till present," Family Head Fang, while personally pouring tea for Mu Hanyan and her companions, explained.

He then introduced the origins of those merchants, most of whom were stewards from major chambers of commerce across Anyun counties. The chubby man was named Park Donghan, Young Master of the Pu Family’s chamber of commerce in East Sun County. His contribution in assisting in the town’s defense was the greatest, and his guards suffered the most casualties. Given his higher status than the appointed stewards from other chambers, he was naturally more protective of his life, thus growing increasingly restless as the situation became dire.

At this point, the merchants, aware of Mu Hanyan’s identity, were all greatly surprised, showing looks of respect. They weren’t fully aware of Mu Hanyan’s strength. Despite the Long Yan Academy’s freshman competition being a major event in the Capital, it was too distant for the stewards of these outer county chambers of commerce. However, the Mu Family’s reputation was formidable. As the grandson of the Mu Family Patriarch, Mu Hanyan’s status was unmatched to them.

Among everyone, only Park Donghan seemed unimpressed. The Pu Family’s chamber of commerce was the largest in East Sun County, known for its power and wealth. As Young Master, he was accustomed to arrogance and didn’t take Mu Hanyan’s identity seriously.

"Mr. Park, thank you for your strong support these days. Earlier, I offended you unknowingly; I hope you will forgive me," Mu Hanyan, always clear in grievances, graciously thanked and apologized to Park Donghan upon hearing Family Head Fang’s words.

"Hmph, no need for thanks. Coming to Fang Town this time was just unfortunate for me, as long as I don’t die here," Park Donghan clearly still miffed about earlier, muttered.