Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return-Chapter 1184: The Strongest This Time

And the sudden self-confidence of Jiang Qiling isn’t without reason. It’s very likely that the meridian clearing and marrow washing from the Illusion Dragon Hall and the law comprehension have allowed her to grasp some kind of innate divine ability.

As for Nan Aotian and others mentioned by Huayue, she doesn’t know much about them and doesn’t dare to make rash conclusions, but she certainly doesn’t underestimate them.

In any case, winning the new student competition this time is likely much more difficult than she imagined.

In the following days, Mu Hanyan didn’t dare to slack off for even a moment. Besides cultivating, she locked herself in Gong Hongru’s study, never stepping beyond the second door.

Gong Hongru’s collection of books is extremely rich. Besides various strange and mysterious arts from unknown origins, there are countless cultivation techniques and sword techniques, all carefully curated for quality, possibly even surpassing the Book Collection Hall of Long Yan Academy.

Gong Hongru’s personal annotations are astonishing and admirable. She used to think her master’s main hobbies were going into seclusion—sleeping, until a few days ago when she opened the study for practicing arrays. Mu Hanyan then realized that becoming one of the three great masters of Long Yan isn’t just about talent or luck, but countless efforts and sacrifices.

Unfortunately, Tan Yu and the others have no one to guide them, wasting this treasure mountain, even mispracticing excellent cultivation methods. Otherwise, they would have amazed the world long ago. Mu Hanyan, of course, won’t miss such a treasure.

Only three days remain until the new student competition. No matter how much she cultivates, her realm won’t improve significantly. Especially since she just advanced to the Sixth-level Sword Master, there won’t be any noticeable progress in the short term. However, the sword dao books left by Gong Hongru could provide her with greater insights and improvements.

While Mu Hanyan locked herself in the study, seizing the last bit of time to prepare for the competition, others were, of course, not idle.

At Soaring Dragon Tower, after Jiang Qiling finished recounting everything that happened at the Illusion Dragon Hall, Jiang Yunhe’s face was grave.

"Finally, the people from the temple have made their move!" After a long pause, Jiang Yunhe spoke solemnly.

"Father, the people you’ve been warning me about all these years, are they the ones?" Jiang Qiling asked.

"That’s right, the grievances between the temple and the Holy Court, I’ve mentioned them to you before, but you didn’t pay much attention. Fearing it would distract you, I didn’t speak much. But now you should realize my concerns are not unfounded. Be careful from now on," Jiang Yunhe said.

"I’ll be careful. This time, if not for Mu Hanyan’s help, I would have been in grave danger." Just as Jiang Yunhe said, he had already subtly mentioned the grievances between the Holy Court and the temple, but Jiang Qiling hadn’t taken it seriously then. After the incident at the Illusion Dragon Hall, without needing further explanation, Jiang Qiling easily understood the intrigues involved, nodding and speaking with some sentiment.

"I didn’t expect he would save you," Jiang Yunhe also said with some surprise. He secretly worried whether Jiang Qiling would hold back if they met Mu Hanyan in the new student competition due to the significant favor owed.

"However, saving you was not without reason. His situation is similar to yours, being irreconcilable with the temple. Even if he abandoned you at that time, he couldn’t escape Qiu Ye and Qiu Yuan’s pursuit alone. Instead, joining forces to combat the enemy gave some hope, so..." Thinking for a while, Jiang Yunhe advised again.

"No need to say more, Father. I owe him, so I will repay him doubly. But this new student competition is tied to the lifelong wishes of our Jiang family’s ancestors; I will not hold back." Jiang Qiling interrupted him with a resolute tone, knowing full well what her father was about to say.

In fact, she had said such words to Mu Hanyan before; both shared the same determination, and she felt no pressure.

"That’s good, that’s good," Jiang Yunhe said with relief. "Leave the temple issue to me, you concentrate on the competition; nothing unexpected should happen."

"Don’t worry, Father. In this new student ceremony, I will not disappoint you. That ancient treasure is as good as mine." Jiang Qiling said with confidence.

"Oh, you’re that confident? Based on what you said before, Mu Hanyan’s combat power surpasses yours, and she has also successfully cleared her meridians and washed her marrow. She shouldn’t be weaker than you. Moreover, it seems that Yue Fanchen, who previously lost to Mu Hanyan in the selection, might also have hidden capabilities, and his true strength isn’t simple.

And the young elites from the other countries aren’t weaklings; are you really that sure?" Seeing his daughter’s confidence, Jiang Yunhe was somewhat puzzled.

"I know they’re all strong, even stronger than I imagined. However, as long as their strength hasn’t reached the Sword Saint Realm, they won’t be my opponents. Father, this time, I’ll give you and everyone else a pleasant surprise!" Jiang Qiling showed a sly smile.

...

In another secluded courtyard of Long Yan Academy, Long Ya, Long Dan, and Long Xin wore serious expressions.

"Young Master, this time, make sure everyone sees your true strength, let them know just how powerful our cultivators from Shangyue Country are!" Long Ya said excitedly.

"Rest assured. Last time, for the sake of the family’s grand plan, I had to temporarily endure and bow to Mu Hanyan. This time, I no longer need to hide my strength. Let them witness the true power of Yue Fanchen." Yue Fanchen spoke with an air of arrogance.

"Wishing the Young Master victory and fame!" Seeing that familiar cold arrogance and confidence on Yue Fanchen’s face, Long Ya, Long Dan, and Long Xin felt invigorated and shouted in unison.

Yue Fanchen showed a faint smile: Mu Hanyan, this time, I wonder how your luck will fare. If you’re lucky, then make sure not to meet me last.

...

Three days flew by quickly, and shortly, the day of the new student competition arrived.

At the break of dawn, with the sun just rising, a competition platform stood tall in the central square of Long Yan Academy, surrounded by a bustling crowd of academy disciples.

Although it’s a new student competition, everyone knows that every batch of new students at the academy comprises the crème de la crème of their generation. Anyone emerging from among them is destined to become a powerful figure, perhaps even a legend. Even those who entered Long Yan Academy years earlier can only look up to such successors. Of course, in the Holy Court Continent where the strong dominate, such generational rankings don’t really matter.

Therefore, no one wants to miss such a grand event; everyone wants to see who will be the strongest new disciple of this Long Yan Academy batch.