Chapter 1733: Chapter 1733: Even the Heart Has Grown Cold

Seeing the radiant expressions of the crowd, Han Yan felt a warmth in her heart. Although their strength was not remarkable, the entire clan—hundreds of men, women, and children—boasted the talent equivalent to that of Beginner Swordsmen. For a village like this, it was already quite fearsome.

Even if the Blood Wind Thieves staged a comeback, Mu Family Village would be capable of putting up a fight. Even if they couldn’t win in the end, they could retreat with composure, and survive well even in the wilderness.

"Lord Sacrificial Officer, there’s some spring water left here; take it with you." Han Yan handed the waterskin to Ye Yi’an.

"That’s not right, you should keep it yourself." Ye Yi’an declined.

"It’s useless for me; there are still some children in the village who will need it when they grow up." Han Yan said. Since keeping it would be a waste for her, she might as well give it to the Mu clan, so as not to waste their kindness in taking her in.

"You’re thoughtful. But you won’t need that much—I’ll take half, and you can keep the rest." Ye Yi’an said with appreciation.

Soon, Ye Yi’an divided some spring water from the bag and left the remainder for Han Yan.

Seeing Han Yan’s actions, the Mu Clan members were extremely grateful, and had she not firmly stopped them, they might have all knelt down again.

"Go back, continue the feast." Ye Yi’an said.

"Yes, let’s continue eating." Mu Tu quickly rushed back to the table, and the others also cheerfully returned to their seats.

Even those few injured clan members returned to their original positions after being bandaged up. They were lucky; protected by Mu Tu at the front, none had sustained life-threatening injuries. Given their robust constitutions and tenacious vitality, they were expected to recover quickly.

Soon, the village was once again filled with the warm and harmonious scene of clinking cups.

Han Yan secretly sighed; the battlefield hadn’t been properly cleaned before they started eating again. However, she knew that it wasn’t because the Mu clan members were frivolous—it was the harsh survival conditions in the Divine Continent. Those refugees were famished to the point of resorting to anything for food; the Mu Family lived more prosperously compared to them, but probably had few occasions throughout the year to enjoy such a feast. So they naturally cherished this rare table of fine wine and food, unwilling to waste anything.

The feast lasted until midnight before it ended, with everyone well satiated. The most indulgent eater was Prayer Priest Lord Sikong Qinglan; so full was his stomach that when Mu Tu half-dragged, half-carried him back to his room, he was nearly unable to walk due to his bloated belly.

"Alas, it’s hard to tell just how difficult life at Huayu Temple actually is." Seeing this scene, Lady Mu worried.

As dawn came, all the Mu clan members gathered at the village entrance to send Han Yan off.

"Han Yan, take care, be cautious in all things." Ye Yi’an said warmly to Han Yan.

"Lord Sacrificial Officer, won’t you come with me?" Han Yan said with reluctance.

She felt utterly alone upon arriving at the Divine Continent, so she instinctively regarded Ye Yi’an as an elder. Ye Yi’an, initially mistaking her for a Saint, held her in esteem. Yet having spent time together, he unknowingly started treating her like a younger family member, not only showering her with care but also risking his own life to protect her in times of danger. Thus, the sudden separation was truly disheartening.

"I’m too old to run around with you. Besides, with Priest Sikong accompanying you, I don’t have to worry anymore, cough, cough..." At this, Ye Yi’an coughed heavily several times, and an unusual flush appeared on his pale face.

"Lord Sacrificial Officer, please take care of yourself. I’ll find a way to prolong your life." Han Yan promptly helped him pat his back, saying softly.

Seeing the sickly flush on Ye Yi’an’s face, Han Yan felt an inexplicable sadness. Given his cultivation, living this long was already a miracle. Having fought against Kang Qingyuan and Chen Xuefeng earlier left him seriously injured, further stressing his already dwindling lifespan. Precisely at this critical juncture, the Seven Treasures Life Extending Pill meant to save him was wasted on Liu Guang, which added to Han Yan’s feelings of regret.

"Your intention is enough for me; fate is determined by the heavens and should not be forcibly defied. Having lived to such an old age and meeting you, I feel content. Do not concern yourself with me, taking care of yourself is most important. If I’m no longer around one day, please look after these Mu clan members." Ye Yi’an comforted Han Yan.

Though he missed the Holy Court dearly, living in Mu Family Village for a thousand years meant he couldn’t help having feelings for them, leaving him uneasy about the Mu clan.

"Okay." Han Yan nodded. Her eyes turned slightly moist, and she resolved to quickly improve her strength and find a way to extend Ye Yi’an’s life.

The carriage slowly left the village as Han Yan waved to the others until the mass of heads disappeared from view. Only then did she draw the curtain, feeling a faint sense of loss.

"Miss Mu, don’t be too sad; once you officially become a Priest, you’ll have the chance to come back to visit." Sikong Qinglan comforted. Since his ox pulling the cart was too old and slow, Han Yan invited him onto her carriage. It was spacious enough with just her and Ling Baobao since Ye Yi’an wasn’t coming.

"Thank you, Lord Sikong." Han Yan said politely.

"Miss Mu, please don’t stand on ceremony." Seeing Han Yan’s courtesy, Sikong Qinglan felt a bit overwhelmed, replying bashfully.

"By the way, Lord Sikong, some time ago at Feng City Temple thank you for the warning, and thanks for your help during encounters with Kang Qingyuan and the Blood Wind Thieves. I am deeply grateful. However, there’s something I can’t quite understand; why did you protect me so much when we barely know each other?" Han Yan asked.

This question had puzzled her for a long time, and just seeing Sikong Qinglan’s flattered expression, she was even more perplexed, unable to resist asking.

"Well..." Sikong Qinglan hesitated for a while and said, "I’ll tell you when we arrive at Huayu Temple; there are things I’m not entirely sure about."

"Alright then." Seeing his unusually serious expression, it didn’t seem like he was deliberately concealing something but rather harboring some uncertainty, so Han Yan didn’t press further.

Beside her, Ling Baobao was engrossed in that piece of Overlord Dragon Armor. It was unclear why he was so interested in this turtle shell, but Han Yan didn’t disturb him and began practicing Martial Arts. Not yet having learned the Priest Divine Techniques, and unable to reveal her Sword Dao cultivation, practicing Martial Arts was about the only thing she could do.

She already knew Martial Arts were not as simplistic as they appeared; now possessing power akin to the Ninth Rank Swordsman, she could unleash its potential, practicing happily.

"We’ve arrived." Three days later, Sikong Qinglan’s excited voice reached her ears.

Looking through the opened curtain, a sight of an ancient city came into view.

While called a city, its size couldn’t compare to Tianfeng City; it seemed equivalent to perhaps three or five Mu Family Villages, surrounded by several desolate peaks, making it appear even smaller.

The city walls had no aura of grandeur to them, bearing marks of collapse everywhere. If not for the ancient temple still standing proudly in its center, it would appear entirely like an ancient city’s ruin.

The temple hadn’t collapsed yet but was full of flaws and mottled patches, leaving uncertain how long it could remain standing. Judging by its state, a stronger wind might blow it down one day.

This was Huayu Temple... the cold wind gusted in, chilling Han Yan’s heart.

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