Chapter 1431: Chapter 1431: A Smile Settles Old Feuds

"Young Master Mu, Meng Zhixing, have you truly forgiven me?" Qu Fengting could barely believe his ears, looking at Mu Hanyan in disbelief.

"It’s not just us; I believe those who died because of you, if they were aware in the afterlife, upon seeing all you’ve done at Beining Pass, would forgive you as well. However, I hope you won’t forget what happened that day, and just like today, hold your head high and live uprightly." Mu Hanyan said softly.

"Yes, I understand." Qu Fengting nodded heavily, tears finally streaming down his face.

He understood Mu Hanyan’s meaning—hoping he would, as he once did, give his all to protect Beining Pass, to protect Anyun, to safeguard the countless civilians behind him.

Seeing the civilians and soldiers kneeling to plead for him, Qu Fengting cried out to the heavens. He finally used his efforts, his blood and sweat, to cleanse his shame and gain everyone’s recognition.

The girl named Xiulan, overwhelmed with joy, cast aside all shyness and threw herself into his arms.

Watching the joyful tears on the girl’s face and the gentle light in Qu Fengting’s eyes, Mu Hanyan smiled faintly. Beining Pass seemed to be the best place for Qu Fengting, and with this girl accompanying him, it should be even more perfect.

"He has finally unlocked his heart and can face life with pride." The Fifth Prince had somehow come beside Mu Hanyan, speaking with contentment.

"Should I address you as Your Highness, or like the others, call you Lord, General?" Mu Hanyan, through a Gathering Qi Transmission, said with a smile, showing more warmth than her earlier coldness towards the Fifth Prince.

She had long noticed that Qu Fengting addressed the Fifth Prince as Lord in front of outsiders, and the City Lord had accidentally slipped up earlier but quickly corrected himself. It was evident the Fifth Prince was deeply concealing his true identity, abandoning his previous arrogance as a Royal. Just now, his steadfast fighting figure at the barricade moved Mu Hanyan immensely.

"If you deem me worthy and do not resent my past mistakes, willing to befriend me, call me Cheng Yi. That’s my name." The Fifth Prince looked at Mu Hanyan, speaking sincerely.

"Alright, Cheng Yi." Mu Hanyan nodded, extending her hand.

The Fifth Prince and Mu Hanyan shook hands, sharing a knowing smile, letting bygones be bygones.

Afterward, Mu Hanyan and others, accompanied by the Fifth Prince and Qu Fengting, proceeded to the General Mansion built atop Beining Pass, which was the Fifth Prince’s residence. Meanwhile, others immediately began repairing the walls and catapults, preparing for the upcoming grim battle.

Though today’s battle had been shifted by the arrival of Mu Hanyan and her group, everyone was aware the Exotic Beasts would not give up, and Beining Pass would face even harsher challenges.

As night fell, after attending a humble banquet, Mu Hanyan arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion’s lookout, gazing into the dark shadows of the distant Longyan Mountains, with Huayue and others still by her side.

From afar, the bold singing of He Qingzong and others echoed after their drinking, bursting with confidence following the surprisingly smooth battle, leaving them utterly relaxed. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Yet Mu Hanyan felt hardly relaxed, for as long as the Netherworld Beast existed, the Exotic Beasts in the Longyan Mountains would never settle down peacefully, who knew what devastation the next raid might bring.

"What are you thinking about? Still worried about those Exotic Beasts, or about the Netherworld Beast hidden behind them?" The Fifth Prince had left the banquet hall, approaching to stand before Mu Hanyan, casting a glance at the dark mountain shadows.

"Do you know about the Netherworld Beast’s existence?" Mu Hanyan looked at the Fifth Prince in surprise.

"Don’t forget, I am of the Imperial Family. Also, my master is a Beast Taming Master. Though I’ve failed to learn Beast Taming Technique from him, I do know a bit about the Exotic Beasts. By the Beast Venerable’s nature, since they were defeated by humans over a hundred years ago and retreated into the Longyan Mountains, they wouldn’t easily provoke war again. This time, the Exotic Beasts rebelling from the Longyan Mountains and affecting the Continent Countries, other than the Netherworld Beasts in Jiuyou Netherworld of which we know little, I really can’t think of another reason." The Fifth Prince said, somewhat self-mocking when mentioning his status.

"Do you have any solutions?" Mu Hanyan asked.

"No, but I think if the strongmen from different countries and the Holy Court experts can seal the Jiuyou Netherworld again, the Exotic Beasts will naturally retreat. What we must do is defend Beining Pass and Lu’an City until they succeed, and hope other countries can guard the gateways to Longyan Mountain. Otherwise, if Exotic Beasts invade the nations, countless civilians will die, and these strongmen won’t be able to focus on the Jiuyou Netherworld, ultimately leading to national extinction. I believe that’s the real goal of the Netherworld Beast in inciting an Exotic Beast assault on the city." The Fifth Prince said with a heavy expression.

Mu Hanyan nodded, having previously contemplated the reason behind the Netherworld Beast’s instigation of the Exotic Beasts’ rebellion, agreeing with the Fifth Prince’s judgment.

"Mu Hanyan, if one day I die on the battlefield, promise me you’ll hold Beining Pass, and if I’m in danger, do not mind me; prioritize Beining Pass, always." The Fifth Prince stared into Mu Hanyan’s eyes, speaking resolutely.

"I promise you, I will keep Beining Pass. With me here, you won’t die." Staring into the Fifth Prince’s determined eyes, Mu Hanyan felt a surge of valiant spirit and spoke with indisputable resolve.

"As long as we live, dying won’t be easy for you, and Beining Pass will never fall." Huayue and others echoed firmly, looking at the determined Fifth Prince, rising with a sense of respect.

"Yes, Beining Pass will hold; we will defend till the end." The Fifth Prince clenched his fists, an overwhelming courage radiating.

Sensing their fervor, the robust and heroic singing of He Qingzong and others rose once again from afar.

In stark contrast to the boundless courage at Beining Pass, Qingyang Pass remained lifeless.

Though the soldiers prepared a banquet to welcome Dan Tai Xuan and others, neither hosts nor guests showed much enthusiasm, exchanging few pleasantries before ending the feast.

Gathered in Dan Tai Xuan’s quarters, several young masters from great families wore dark expressions.

"Who’d have thought Mu Hanyan to possess such strength, and those of He Qingzong to have lucked into taming such powerful Sword Pets." Mo Yanhong said enviously, full of jealousy and resentment.

"If things continue this way, the Eight Great Families’ competition will surely see us falling behind the He Family and Yan Family, even Zhang Family might surpass us. How are we to account to our families?" Song Yu said, furrowing his brow.