Chapter 6111 - 6120
“Chase him!” he commanded in a deep voice. “He’s badly injured; he can’t have gone far!”
The six elders obeyed, leading thirty guards in pursuit of Kai.
Chen Tiangang stood rooted to the spot, his face ashen.
He turned to look at Chen Wanqing.
Chen Wanqing collapsed to the ground, her face streaked with tears, yet a faint smile lingered on her lips.
He escaped…
he escaped!
A surge of indescribable emotion welled up within Chen Wanqing.
Was it relief?
Joy?
Or…something else?
She didn’t know.
She only knew that she was happy.
Chen Tiangang walked up to her, looking down at her:
“Wanqing, do you know what you’ve done?”
Chen Wanqing looked up at her father, her eyes showing no fear, only calm:
“Father, I only did what I thought was right.”
Chen Tiangang was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed.
“Take her back and lock her in the ancestral hall. She’s not to come out without my order.”
Two guards stepped forward and lifted Chen Wanqing up.
Chen Wanqing didn’t struggle, only giving her father one last look:
“Father, you’ll regret this sooner or later.”
With that, she turned and left.
Chen Tiangang stood there, watching her departing figure, speechless for a long time.
Regret?
Perhaps.
But for the Chen family, he didn’t regret it.
…
Kai ran frantically, not daring to stop.
He didn’t know how long he ran, only that the sky changed from noon to dusk, and then from dusk to night.
He was covered in blood, three ribs broken, his left arm fractured, and his internal organs severely injured.
If it weren’t for his tenacious will, he would have collapsed long ago.
Finally, in a secluded cave, he stopped.
He collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, and took out several healing pills from his storage ring and swallowed them.
The pills entered his stomach, turning into a warm current, slowly repairing his broken body.
Kai leaned against the cave wall, closed his eyes, and recalled everything that had happened that day.
Chen Tiangang…
the Chen family…
very well.
He would remember this debt.
And that collar…
He touched his neck; the collar was still there, but the cracks on it were even bigger.
His breakthrough earlier had allowed him to break through some of the suppression, but this thing wasn’t completely destroyed.
The spirit-locking restriction was still there, and so was the tracking restriction.
Chen Tiangang could pinpoint his location through this collar.
Kai’s gaze turned cold. He raised his hand and pressed it against the collar, channeling his spiritual power, trying to forcibly destroy it.
But as soon as he did, the runes on the collar flashed violently, and an even stronger binding force surged out, almost suffocating him.
No.
This thing couldn’t be forced.
Kai took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to destroy it.
Since he couldn’t destroy it for now, he’d leave it.
But he had to leave Yunxian City as soon as possible.
He stood up, walked to the cave entrance, and looked out.
The night was deep, and the forest was silent.
In the distance, flickering lights indicated the Chen family was pursuing him.
Kai sneered, his figure flashing as he disappeared into the night.
An hour later, in a secluded courtyard west of Yunxian City,
Kai scaled the wall and gently knocked on a door.
“Who is it?”
a wary voice came from inside.
“It’s me.”
The door opened, and Ming Li poked her head out. Seeing Kai, she quickly pulled him inside.
“Mr. Chen, how did you get so badly injured?” Ming Li exclaimed.
Liu Qianqian also came out from the inner room, her expression changing upon seeing Kai covered in blood.
Kai waved his hand: “Don’t ask. Pack your things and leave immediately.”
Ming Li and Liu Qianqian exchanged a glance, asked no further questions, and immediately began packing.
A moment later, the three left the courtyard and disappeared into the night.
…
Yunxian City, Chen Mansion.
In the ancestral hall, Chen Wanqing knelt before the ancestral tablets, her face calm.
Outside the door, two guards stood watch, never leaving.
Suddenly, footsteps approached.
Chen Wanqing looked up and saw three figures dressed in black robes enter.
Leading them was a pale-faced middle-aged man.
His eyes were narrow, with a faint, dark red light flickering in his pupils. His aura was strange, possessing both the majesty of a dragon and an indescribable chill.
Chen Wanqing’s pupils contracted.
This man possessed dragon energy.
But…
it wasn’t entirely dragon energy.
That chilling aura sent a shiver down her spine.
“Miss Chen,”
the middle-aged man spoke, his voice hoarse, “I am Long Mo, an envoy of the Heavenly Dragon Clan.”
Chen Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat.
The Heavenly Dragon Clan?
Did the dragon clan still exist?
Behind Long Mo stood two other men, also dressed in black robes, one burly and the other with a sinister face. They too exuded that strange aura.
Chen Wanqing stood up, looking at them without speaking.
Long Mo smiled slightly, a smile that sent chills down one’s spine: “Miss Chen, there’s no need to be nervous. We’ve come here for the person who entered the Dragon Pool.”
Chen Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat, but her face remained impassive:
“Who? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Long Mo shook his head: “Miss Chen, there’s no need to pretend. We know your Chen family discovered the Dragon Pool and held a martial arts contest to find a dragon bloodline.”
He paused, then continued: “We originally planned to wait until that person came out of the Dragon Pool before contacting him. Unexpectedly…”
He looked at Chen Wanqing, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: “Your father actually attacked him. And he even let him escape.”
Chen Wanqing’s expression remained unchanged: “Whether he escaped or not is none of my business.”
Long Mo laughed.
That laughter was grating and unpleasant.
“Miss Chen, you didn’t say that when you saved him.”
Chen Wanqing’s heart sank.
They saw it?
Long Mo seemed to see through her thoughts and said calmly, “We’ve been observing from the shadows. You stood in front of your father, threatening suicide, and let that person go. We saw all of that.”
He stepped forward, looking down at Chen Wanqing, “Miss Chen, tell us, where is that person?”
Chen Wanqing shook her head, “I don’t know.”
Long Mo sighed, “Miss Chen, why bother? We are envoys of the Heavenly Dragon Clan. We are looking for that person for the sake of the Dragon Clan, and it has nothing to do with your Chen family. As long as you tell us his whereabouts, we can ask your father to let you go.”
Chen Wanqing sneered, “Since you’ve been observing from the shadows, why don’t you go after him yourselves?”
Long Mo shook his head, “He carries the aura of the Dragon Clan, but we can’t sense his exact location. He must have some kind of treasure to conceal his aura.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Chen Wanqing, “But you are different. You’ve been in contact with him, and his aura lingers on you. As long as we use you as a guide, we can find him.”
Chen Wanqing’s expression changed.
Long Mo reached out and grabbed her.
Chen Wanqing took a step back, but was stopped by the two guards behind her.
“Miss Chen, cooperate a little,” Long Mo smiled, “It’ll be quick, and it won’t hurt.”
His hand pressed on Chen Wanqing’s shoulder.
A strange power surged into her body, and Chen Wanqing trembled, as if something had invaded her.
The feeling was cold, decaying, and nauseating.
She closed her eyes, clenched her teeth, and remained silent.
After a moment, Long Mo withdrew his hand, his brows furrowing slightly.
“Strange… the way he conceals his aura is stronger than I imagined. I can only sense a general direction.”
He turned and walked towards the door.
Reaching the doorway, he suddenly stopped, turning back to look at Chen Wanqing:
“Miss Chen, you are very brave. But bravery can sometimes be your downfall.”
With that, he and two of his men disappeared into the night.
Chen Wanqing collapsed to the ground, drenched in cold sweat.
That power just now…
it was demonic energy!
These so-called dragon envoys possessed demonic energy!
They… they were traitors to the dragon race!
A strong sense of unease surged within Chen Wanqing.
Kai…
you must be careful…
…
In the darkness, Kai and his two companions were traveling swiftly through the mountains.
Suddenly, Kai stopped, his brows furrowed.
“What’s wrong?” Ming Li asked.
Kai touched the collar around his neck:
“This thing vibrated just now.”
Ming Li’s expression changed: “They’re chasing us?”
Kai shook his head: “Not sure. But we have to speed up.”
The three quickened their pace, rushing towards the outskirts of Yunxian City.
Behind them, three dark figures were speeding through the night.
The leader was Long Mo.
He closed his eyes, sensing the faint aura.
“Over there.” He opened his eyes and pointed in a direction, “He’s in that direction.”
The three figures flashed and chased after him.
The night deepened.
A chase was unfolding.
…
Chen Mansion, Ancestral Hall.
Chen Wanqing knelt before the ancestral tablets, looking at the names of her ancestors, tears streaming silently down her face.
She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing.
She only knew that she didn’t want Kai to die.
That person, although shameless, although outspoken, although always saying he wanted to sleep with her…
he wasn’t a bad person.
He helped the Chen family, but was almost killed by them.
And she was an accomplice.
Chen Wanqing closed her eyes, the look in Kai’s eyes before he left flashing through her mind.
That look was cold.
But when he looked at her, there was a hint of…warmth.
He said, “Miss Chen, there’s no need to apologize. This isn’t your fault.”
He didn’t blame her.
Even though she had lied to him, even though she had almost caused his death here, he didn’t blame her. Chen Wanqing opened her eyes, tears blurring her vision.
“Kai…”
she murmured, “You must live…”
…
In the mountains and forests, Kai and the other two had been fleeing for two hours.
The sky was beginning to lighten, dawn was approaching.
The walls of Yunxian City were already in sight.
Once they left the city and entered the wilderness, they would have a chance to escape.
“Hurry!” Kai whispered.
The three quickened their pace, rushing towards the city gate.
Suddenly, Kai’s expression changed.
Behind them, three auras were rapidly approaching.
That aura…
dragon energy?
No, there was something else.
It was demonic energy!
Kai’s gaze sharpened.
Was there a traitor among the dragons?
“They’re coming,” he said in a deep voice.
Ming Li and Liu Qianqian’s expressions changed.
“You two go first,” Kai said. “I’ll draw them away.”
“Mr. Chen!” Ming Li exclaimed urgently, “You’re injured like this…”
“Stop talking nonsense!” Kai interrupted him. “I have a collar on me; they can pinpoint my location. If you come with me, you’ll only get implicated.”
He looked at the two: “You two leave the city first and wait for me in the wasteland. If I haven’t arrived in three days, go to the Holy Land of Light; don’t wait for me.”
Ming Li was about to say something more, but Liu Qianqian stopped him.
“Young Master Chen, take care.”
Kai nodded and turned to run in another direction.
Behind him, three dark figures rushed towards him.
Long Mo opened his eyes, a smile playing on his lips:
“He’s separated. Chase after the one with the collar.”
The three figures turned and chased after Kai.
Kai ran frantically, his injuries worsening.
But he couldn’t stop.
Stopping meant death.
Behind him, three auras drew closer.
He could sense that the strength of those three was all above the ninth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm. Moreover, their aura was strange, possessing both the majesty of the dragon race and the chilling power of demonic energy.
They were not easy to deal with.
But Kai showed no fear.
He took a deep breath and continued his mad dash.
Dawn broke.
Golden sunlight bathed the earth.
The walls of Yunxian City were already within reach.
Just one step outside the city gates…
Suddenly, three figures descended from the sky, blocking his path.
Long Mo stood in the middle, a smile on his face:
“Young Master Chen, you run quite fast.”
Kai stopped, looked at the three before him, and suddenly smiled.
“The three of you have chased me all night; you must be tired.”
Long Mo raised an eyebrow: “Aren’t you afraid?”
Kai shook his head: “Afraid of what? At worst, I’ll just die.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three: “However, before I die, I have a question.”
Long Mo nodded: “Ask.”
Kai looked at them, enunciating each word clearly: “Who are you? Why are you chasing me?”
Long Mo smiled.
That smile was chilling and piercing. ”We are envoys of the Heavenly Dragon Clan.”
He stepped forward, his aura surging, a mixture of dragon might and demonic energy.
“As for why we’re chasing you…”
He stared at Kai, a greedy glint in his eyes.
“Because of the Dragon Emperor’s bloodline within you. We’re determined to take it.”
Kai’s gaze sharpened.
The Dragon Emperor’s bloodline?
These people, so this was what they came for.
Long Mo continued, “Young Master Chen, you possess the Dragon Emperor’s bloodline; you should be a ruler of my Dragon Clan. It’s just a pity you’re too weak.”
He shook his head, a look of regret on his face. “A commoner is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime. You should understand this principle.”
Kai looked at him and suddenly smiled.
“I understand. Of course I understand.”
He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze calm. “So, are you going to kill me, or capture me?”
Long Mo thought for a moment, then said, “Originally, we planned to capture you alive. But you’re too fast, it’s inconvenient to carry you. So…”
He raised his hand, a ball of dark red light condensing in his palm, “Let’s just kill you. Bloodline, we can take it directly.”
Kai took a deep breath, his bloodline power surging.
The phantom of a five-clawed golden dragon manifested behind him.
Although he was covered in wounds, and his spiritual power was suppressed, Kai was never one to sit idly by and wait for death.
“Come on.”
He looked at the three people in front of him, his eyes full of defiance. “Let me see how much skill you traitors of the dragon race have.”
A hint of admiration flashed in Long Mo’s eyes. “You have backbone. It’s a pity…”
Before he finished speaking, his figure flashed, and he rushed towards Kai.
Dark red light bloomed in the dawn.
Kai met it head-on.
The golden dragon shadow collided with the dark red light.
“Boom!”
A deafening roar shook the heavens.
Kai was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground.
He struggled to get up, but spat out a mouthful of blood.
The gap in strength was too great.
A peak second-grade Upper Immortal against three ninth-grade Upper Immortals.
If it weren’t for the collar’s suppression, Kai wouldn’t be afraid at all.
But now, having been tricked by the Chen family, Kai had no confidence in fighting three ninth-grade Upper Immortals.
Moreover, he didn’t know if there were still Chen family pursuers here, or even pursuers from the Divine Temple.
He had only been at the fourteenth level of the Heavenly Realm for a short time, yet he already had so many enemies.
Long Mo walked up to him, looking down at him: “Young Master Chen, it’s over.”
He raised his hand, and dark red light condensed again.
Kai lay on the ground, looking at the sky, and suddenly smiled.
That smile was very calm.
The dark red light crashed down.
Just then…
“Roar…”
A dragon’s roar resounded throughout the heavens and earth.
A golden light descended from the sky, blocking Kai’s path.
Long Mo’s attack was blocked by that golden light.
His pupils shrank as he looked at the newcomer:
“It’s you?!”
The golden light dissipated, revealing a figure.
It was an old man with white hair and a dignified face, emanating a rich golden dragon aura.
Long Yuan.
The guardian dragon of the ancient dragon pool had arrived.
The old man possessed no demonic energy, only pure celestial dragon aura, majestic and vast.
His appearance instantly made the expressions of Long Mo and the other two solemn.
“Elder Long Yuan…” Long Mo’s voice became low, “You’re still alive.”
Long Yuan looked at the three before him, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. There was anger, regret, and an indescribable sorrow.
“Long Mo, Long Xing, Long Sha.” He called out the three names, one word at a time. “The three of you are indeed still alive. But…”
His gaze fell on the faint, dark red aura emanating from them, a flicker of pain in his eyes: “You really have sided with the Demon Clan.”
Long Mo sneered: “Syconded? Elder Long Yuan, you’re wrong. We simply chose the right path.”
He pointed to himself, then to the two behind him: “Look at us. How much has our strength increased since we fused with demonic energy? We’re at the peak of the ninth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm, ready to break through to True Immortal at any moment. And you, the dragons who cling to tradition? Ten thousand years have passed, and you’re still hiding in dark corners, barely surviving.”
Long Yuan didn’t refute him, only silently watching him.
That gaze filled Long Mo with an inexplicable unease.
“Long Mo,” Long Yuan slowly spoke, “Do you know why His Majesty the Dragon Emperor dispersed and hid the dragons back then?”
Long Mo was taken aback.
Long Yuan continued, “It’s not to avoid anything, but to protect the dragon bloodline from being corrupted by demonic energy. Demonic energy may seem to enhance strength, but it actually corrodes the very essence. You may be powerful now, but it won’t be long before you completely lose yourselves and become puppets of the demons.”
Long Mo’s expression changed, then he sneered, “Scar-mongering.”
Long Yuan shook his head, “Whether it’s scar-mongering or not, you know in your hearts.”
He stepped forward, shielding Kai behind him.
“Today, with me here, you can’t touch him.”
A fierce glint flashed in Long Mo’s eyes, “Long Yuan, do you think you’re still the Heavenly Dragon Elder of yesteryear? You’ve been trapped in the Dragon Pool for ten thousand years, your strength has long since declined. The three of us are at our peak. Can you, one person, stop the three of us?”
Long Yuan didn’t answer, but his body shone with golden light.
A phantom of a golden dragon manifested behind him.
That phantom was more solid and more majestic than Kai’s.
“Whether we can stop him or not, we’ll know after the fight.”
Long Mo snorted coldly, “Stubborn fool!”
He waved his hand, and Long Xing and Long Sha attacked simultaneously.
Three dark red beams of light shot towards Long Yuan.
Long Yuan raised his hand, and golden light transformed into a barrier.
“Boom!”
A deafening roar shook the heavens.
The golden barrier trembled violently, but did not shatter.
Long Mo and the other two’s expressions changed.
Long Yuan’s strength was far greater than they had imagined.
Long Mo gritted his teeth: “Attack together!”
The three attacked simultaneously, the dark red light growing increasingly intense, with a faint stench permeating the air.
Long Yuan’s expression remained unchanged, his body protected by golden light, as he engaged the three in fierce combat.
For a moment, the mountains and forests flickered with light, filled with continuous booming sounds.
Kai lay on the ground, watching this fierce battle between the dragons, his heart filled with shock.
So this was the true power of the dragon race.
The golden dragon energy and the dark red demonic energy, with each collision, stirred up a raging storm.
He could sense that although Long Yuan was powerful, he was, after all, old, and fighting three against one, was gradually losing ground.
No.
He couldn’t just sit and wait to die.
Kai struggled to his feet, took out a pill from his storage ring, and swallowed it.
It was the Dragon Essence Pill he obtained from the Dragon Pool, a sacred healing item.
As soon as the pill entered his stomach, a warm current flowed through his entire body. His injuries healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Ribs reconnected, fractures healed, internal organs repaired…
After a moment, Kai stood up, his breath having recovered by more than half.
He looked at the battlefield; Long Yuan had already manifested his true form, a hundred-zhang-long golden dragon, locked in combat with three dark red demonic dragons.
Five dragons tumbled in the sky above the mountains and forests.
Dragon roars shook the heavens, and demonic energy surged.
Kai’s gaze sharpened, and the power of his bloodline surged within him.
The phantom of the five-clawed golden dragon manifested again.
This time, it was even more solid than before.
He took a deep breath and rushed towards the battlefield.
“Elder Long Yuan, I’m here to help you!”
Long Yuan exclaimed in surprise, “Your Majesty, your injuries haven’t healed yet…”
Kai didn’t waste any words and threw a punch at Long Mo.
Long Mo was locked in combat with Long Yuan when Kai suddenly attacked, slamming a punch into his back.
“Bang!”
Long Mo staggered, a crack appearing on his dark red scales.
He turned to look at Kai, his eyes filled with disbelief:
“You…your injury…”
Kai sneered: “Thanks to your dragon clan’s elixirs.”
He attacked again, a golden dragon phantom roaring as it charged towards Long Mo.
Long Mo’s face darkened, and he struck out with his palm.
The dark red light collided with the golden dragon phantom, Kai staggering back three steps, and Long Mo also taking a step back.
Although still at a disadvantage, he was no longer as helpless as before.
Seeing this, Long Yuan’s spirits soared.
“Your Majesty is mighty!”
he roared, his attacks becoming even fiercer.
Long Xing and Long Sha were entangled by his dragon, unable to escape.
Long Mo gritted his teeth and suddenly pulled out a dark red bead from his robes.
The moment the bead appeared, the surrounding space distorted.
Long Yuan’s expression changed drastically: “The Demon Dragon Pearl?! Are you crazy?!”
Long Mo sneered: “Long Yuan, did you think the three of us came unprepared?”
He crushed the Demon Dragon Pearl, and a terrifying demonic aura erupted.
That demonic aura was more than ten times stronger than before.
Long Mo’s aura surged wildly at this moment.
Peak of the ninth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm…
Long Mo roared to the sky, his body radiating a brilliant dark red light.
He looked at Kai, his eyes filled with killing intent: “Kai, today, you can’t escape.”
Kai’s expression remained unchanged, but his heart sank.
Long Yuan roared and charged towards Long Mo with all his might.
But Long Mo simply raised his hand and a dark red light repelled Long Yuan.
“Old man, don’t get in my way.”
He walked step by step towards Kai, his eyes full of mockery: “Kai, do you have any last words?”
Kai looked at him and suddenly smiled.
“Yes.”
Long Mo raised an eyebrow: “Speak.”
Kai enunciated each word clearly: “You’re f*cking ugly.”
Long Mo’s face stiffened.
He flew into a rage.
“You’re courting death!”
He slammed his palm down, a dark red light spreading across the sky.
Kai closed his eyes.
This time, there was truly no way to dodge.
Just then…
“Stop!”
A delicate shout rang out, and a figure rushed over.
Kai opened his eyes, stunned.
Chen Wanqing.
How did she get here?
Chen Wanqing was covered in blood, her face pale, clearly having fought her way here.
She stood in front of Kai, looking at Long Mo with unwavering resolve: “You can’t kill him.”
Long Mo was stunned.
Then, he smiled.
That smile was full of mockery.
“Miss Chen, your father locked you in the ancestral hall, how did you escape?”
Chen Wanqing didn’t answer, only staring intently at him: “I said, you can’t kill him.”
Long Mo shook his head: “Miss Chen, you’re too naive. Do you think you can stop me?”
He raised his hand, about to strike down with his palm.
Chen Wanqing suddenly took out a jade pendant from her bosom and held it high.
The jade pendant was entirely golden, with a five-clawed golden dragon engraved on it.
Long Mo’s pupils contracted.
“The Dragon Emperor’s Decree?!”
Chen Wanqing exclaimed, “You dragons see the decree as if you see the Dragon Emperor! Do you dare disobey the Dragon Emperor’s decree?”
Long Mo’s expression shifted between anger and uncertainty. He didn’t understand how Chen Wanqing had obtained the Dragon Emperor’s Decree.
He stared intently at the jade pendant, a flicker of fear in his eyes.
The Dragon Emperor’s Decree was a supreme treasure of the dragon race, representing the Dragon Emperor’s authority.
Any dragon must obey the decree; otherwise, it was considered betrayal of the dragon race.
Although they had already pledged allegiance to the demon race, their deep-seated instincts made them instinctively fear this token.
Long Mo remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a cold snort: “Miss Chen, do you think a broken token can protect him?”
He waved his hand, and a dark red light struck Chen Wanqing’s wrist.
Chen Wanqing cried out in pain, and the Dragon Emperor’s Decree flew from
her hand. Long Mo caught the token, played with it for a moment, and then put it in his pocket.
“Now, the token is mine.”
He looked at Chen Wanqing, a cruel glint in his eyes. “Miss Chen, you’ve ruined my plans time and time again. Today, you’ll die with him.”
He raised his hand, dark red light gathering in his palm.
Chen Wanqing’s face turned deathly pale, but she didn’t flinch.
She turned to Kai, her eyes filled with apology:
“Young Master Chen, I’m sorry… I’ve ruined you…”
Kai looked at her and suddenly smiled.
“Miss Chen, how could you be so foolish?”
Chen Wanqing was stunned.
Kai continued, “You could have ignored me.”
Chen Wanqing shook her head, tears streaming down her face: “I didn’t want you to die…”
Kai was silent for a moment, then suddenly reached out and grasped her hand.
“Then let’s live together.”
He raised his head, looking at Long Mo, his eyes filled with determination: “Come on.”
Long Mo sneered and slapped down with his palm.
Just then…
“Roar…”
Another dragon roar echoed, louder than ever before.
A golden light descended from the sky.
The light was so intense it blinded anyone.
Long Mo’s attack was blocked by the golden light.
His pupils contracted as he looked at the newcomer.
It was a young man, dressed in a golden robe, with handsome features and radiating pure dragon energy.
Long Mo’s expression changed drastically: “Long…Long Hao?! What are you doing here?!”
The young man looked at him and smiled slightly: “Long Mo, long time no see.”
He turned to Kai and bowed slightly: “Long Hao of the Heavenly Dragon lineage greets His Majesty the Dragon Emperor.”
Kai was stunned.
Another dragon?
Moreover, this person had no demonic energy; he was a pure Heavenly Dragon.
Long Hao looked at Long Mo and said calmly, “Long Mo, you betrayed the Dragon Clan and sided with the Demon Clan. Today is your death day.”
Long Mo’s face turned ashen. “Long Hao, you’re just a ninth-grade Upper Immortal. I can kill you alone! Besides, I have Long Xing and Long Sha!”
Long Hao laughed.
“Are you sure?”
Behind him, more than a dozen figures suddenly appeared.
Each one exuded a dense dragon aura.
Long Mo’s expression completely changed.
“You…you brought a large army of the Dragon Clan?!”
Long Hao nodded. “That’s right. With the Dragon Emperor’s bloodline appearing in the world, my Heavenly Dragon lineage should naturally come to welcome them.”
He looked at Kai and bowed again. “Your Majesty, please forgive our lateness.”
Kai looked at this scene, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
The Dragon Clan had really come.
And, a whole group of them had arrived.
Long Mo’s face was deathly pale. He knew he had failed today.
But he was unwilling to accept it.
He stared intently at Kai, his eyes filled with resentment: “Kai, don’t be so smug. Even if you escape today, my Demon Dragon lineage will not let you go. We are determined to have the Dragon Emperor’s bloodline!”
“Moreover, the Divine Palace and the Chen family will not let you go. You think you can rely on the dying Heavenly Dragon lineage to protect you? Wishful thinking.”
After saying that, he turned around, taking Long Xing and Long Sha with him, transforming into three dark red lights and fleeing into the distance.
Long Hao wanted to chase after them, but Kai stopped him.
“Let them go.”
Long Hao was stunned: “Your Majesty?”
Kai shook his head: “Now is not the time to get entangled with them. I have things to do.”
He looked at Chen Wanqing, only to see her standing there blankly, seemingly still in shock.
“Miss Chen, are you alright?”
Chen Wanqing shook her head, looking at Kai, her eyes full of complicated emotions.
“You…you are really the Dragon Emperor?”
Kai laughed: “Fake. I’m just an unlucky guy being hunted down by your Chen family.”
Chen Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh, and then she cried.
Long Hao stepped forward and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, please come with us back to Tianlong Valley. Clan Chief Long Zhan is waiting for you.”
Kai thought for a moment and nodded, “Alright.”
He looked at Chen Wanqing, “Miss Chen, what about you?”
Chen Wanqing was silent for a moment, then shook her head, “I am a member of the Chen family, I want to go back.” Kai frowned: “If you go back, your father won’t let you off.”
Chen Wanqing smiled, a bitter smile: “That’s what I deserve. I lied to you, betrayed the Chen family, and let you go… It should all come to an end.”
Kai looked at her, silent for a long time, “Miss Chen, take care.”
Chen Wanqing nodded: “You too.”
She turned and walked towards Yunxian City.
Kai watched her back and suddenly spoke: “Chen Wanqing!”
Chen Wanqing stopped and turned to look at him.
Kai smiled: “After I finish my business, I’ll come back and we’ll cultivate together.”
Chen Wanqing was stunned.
Then, her cheeks flushed red, and she glared at him fiercely: “Get lost!”
She turned and walked away quickly.
But the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but turn up slightly.
Kai watched her departing figure, his smile deepening.
Long Hao watched from the side, his lips twitching.
This Dragon Emperor is really…
“Your Majesty, let’s go.”
Kai nodded and followed Long Hao and his group, disappearing into the wasteland.
…
Yunxian City, Chen Mansion.
Chen Wanqing returned to the ancestral hall and knelt before the memorial tablet.
Chen Tiangang stood behind her, his face ashen. “You dare to come back?”
Chen Wanqing didn’t turn around, only saying calmly, “This is my home, why can’t I come back?”
Chen Tiangang took a deep breath, suppressing his anger:
“Do you know what you’ve done? You let Kai go, offending those three dragon envoys. If they blame you, how will the Chen family bear it?”
Chen Wanqing smiled.
That smile was full of sarcasm.
“Father, do you know who those three dragon envoys are?”
Chen Tiangang was stunned.
Chen Wanqing continued, “They are traitors to the dragon clan, they’ve sided with the demon clan, they possess demonic energy. Cooperating with them is like seeking a tiger’s skin.”
Chen Tiangang’s expression changed: “What did you say?”
Chen Wanqing stood up, looking at her father:
“Father, you’ll do anything for the so-called interests of the Chen family. Using me, deceiving Kai, cooperating with the demon dragons… Have you ever thought about the consequences of these things?”
Chen Tiangang remained silent.
Chen Wanqing continued, “Kai has the bloodline of the Dragon Emperor; the true dragons have already come for him. Offending him is offending the entire dragon race.”
She paused, enunciating each word clearly, “Father, do you regret it?”
Chen Tiangang’s face was ashen; he remained silent.
Chen Wanqing sighed and turned to walk out of the ancestral hall.
“Where are you going?” Chen Tiangang asked.
Chen Wanqing didn’t turn back: “To reflect on my mistakes. This is your punishment.”
She walked out of the ancestral hall and disappeared into the night.
Chen Tiangang stood there, speechless for a long time.
Did he regret it?
He didn’t know.
But he knew that the Chen family might have truly made a mistake. Chen Wanqing’s words, like cold needles, pierced deep into Chen Tiangang’s eardrums, refusing to fade.
“Kai is of Dragon Emperor blood; the true Dragon Clan has come for him. Offending him is offending the entire Dragon Clan.” The word ”
Dragon Clan”…
it seemed light, yet weighed a ton, striking Chen Tiangang’s heart with devastating force.
Standing in the dim, solemn space of the Chen family ancestral hall, gazing at the ancestral tablets that had been enshrined for nearly ten thousand years, a bitter smile involuntarily tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He had lived for thousands of years, rising from an ignorant young cultivator to break through countless realms. He had
experienced countless life-and-death battles, witnessed the devastation of sects, the tragedy of dynasties collapsing, the mountains of corpses and seas of blood in the war between gods and demons, and seen countless powerful figures fall before his eyes, countless forces vanish into thin air over time.
What storms, what earth-shattering conspiracies, what desperate situations hadn’t Chen Tiangang experienced?
This time, however, he clearly felt a bone-chilling cold rush from his feet to the top of his head, causing his body, which had long since cultivated to the True Immortal Realm and was virtually invulnerable, to tremble uncontrollably.
He was truly wrong.
Wrong beyond belief, utterly wrong, so wrong that even the possibility of redemption seemed to have been severed by his own hands.
When he made those decisions, hadn’t he constantly told himself that it was all for the Chen family?
For the Chen family’s millennia-long prosperity, for preserving the Chen family’s foundation that had stood tall in Yunxian City for a thousand years, for ensuring that the Chen family continued to hold its position as a top family in this Immortal Realm, free from bullying and annexation.
As the head of the family, he bore the life and death, honor and disgrace of the entire clan on his shoulders, every step he took was like walking on thin ice, every choice related to the fate of millions of clan members.
He believed that everything he did was out of a sense of responsibility to the family.
Why was the ancestral hall eerily quiet at this moment? Only his own breathing echoed in the empty room, yet his heart felt as if a piece had been ripped out, leaving it hollow, cold, and utterly devoid of any strength.
That boundless emptiness and regret was more unbearable than when he was severely injured and on the verge of death years ago.
He involuntarily closed his eyes, and the look in Kai’s eyes when he left the Chen residence flashed before him.
That look was cold, as cold as eternal ice, as cold as the silent night deep in the wilderness, devoid of any warmth, devoid of any ripple.
Yet, strangely enough, there was no hatred, no resentment, no anger in that look, not even a trace of superfluous emotion.
It was this extreme calm and indifference that tore at his heart more than any overwhelming hatred.
Because that gaze clearly told him that in Kai’s eyes, the entire Chen family, including him, the patriarch who had lived for a thousand years, and those self-important elders, were nothing more than a group of insignificant, unworthy clowns. They
weren’t even worthy of hatred.
Chen Tiangang’s heart felt as if it were being clenched tightly by an invisible hand, the pain almost suffocating him.
He recalled the three messengers who had descended upon the Chen residence not long ago.
At first, he had addressed them with awe as messengers of the Dragon Clan, believing them to be the descent of ancient dragons, a golden opportunity for the Chen family to curry favor with the Dragon Clan.
But now, looking back, where was even a trace of sacred and peaceful dragon aura about those three? It was a chilling aura that seeped into his very bones, a demonic energy that made one’s heart tremble and one’s soul shudder. It was a demonic dragon, an evil creature, not a true dragon!
He had clearly sensed something amiss with that aura, a flicker of vigilance had crossed his mind, but why had he simply ignored it?
Was it because of greed?
Was it because of the countless dragon treasures promised by the three demonic dragon envoys?
Were they the rare and precious materials, ancient cultivation techniques, and divine weapons that would allow the Chen family to surge in power and dominate Yunxian City?
Or was it because he desperately wanted the treasures buried in the ancient dragon pool?
Desperate to use those treasures to break through the shackles of the Chen family and enter the ranks of the true top immortal sects?
Greed blinded his heart, and profit clouded his judgment.
These eight words, at this moment, were like the sharpest blade, cutting into his conscience again and again.
Chen Tiangang slowly closed his eyes, his aged and dignified face filled with weariness and dejection.
He exhaled a long, stale breath, a breath that contained nearly a thousand years of vicissitudes, and endless regret and self-reproach.
Wanqing was right.
He was wrong.
He, the head of the family, was incompetent and foolish, unable to judge people. For the sake of illusory gains, he schemed against Kai, who possessed the bloodline of the Dragon Emperor, pushing the Chen family into an abyss of no return.
But now, the mistake had been made, and it was too late to undo it.
What could he do?
What could the Chen family do?
Chen Tiangang dragged his heavy steps slowly out of the Chen family ancestral hall.
The night was deep, the dark sky devoid of any starlight, only a pale, waning moon hung forlornly on the horizon, exuding an indescribable desolation.
He looked up at the deathly silent night sky, his lips trembling slightly. In a voice only he could hear, he murmured, “I hope… it’s not too late…”
He didn’t know that the cruelest thing in the world is that just when you feel a trace of regret or a glimmer of hope, fate will mercilessly tell you that it’s all too late.
Meanwhile, outside Yunxian City, dust billowed everywhere.
A menacing hundred-man army was galloping towards the city gate.
The sound of hooves thundered, the clanging of armor crisp and cold, carrying an undeniable air of authority and oppression that terrified the birds and beasts along the way, causing them to scatter and flee, not daring to even breathe. At the forefront of the procession were more than ten elderly men clad in silver robes.
Each of these men possessed a profound and unfathomable aura, their faces cold and indifferent, emanating a chilling pressure.
Any one of them, even in Cloud Immortal City, would be a powerful figure capable of shaking the entire region with a mere stomp of their foot; their minimum cultivation level was at least the eighth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm!
Such strength would be considered formidable by any powerful family.
The three leading figures possessed an even more terrifying aura, clearly peak ninth-rank Upper Immortal Realm experts, only a step away from the True Immortal Realm!
Their silver robes were of extraordinary quality, shimmering with iridescent light, and embroidered on their chests was a majestic, towering sacred mountain piercing the clouds.
That was the symbol of the Divine Temple.
In this Immortal Realm, the words “Divine Temple” represented supreme authority, absolute dominance, and a terrifying force that no one dared to easily provoke.
Any sect or family, upon hearing the name of the Divine Temple, would show utmost respect, daring not to utter the slightest negligence.
At this moment, the temple’s procession was heading straight for Yunxian City.
Wu Lingyun had been waiting at the city gate for some time.
He was dressed in fine robes, his handsome face bearing an undisguised air of ruthlessness and urgency.
He stood to one side of the gate, his gaze fixed on the dust-filled distance, his hands clasped behind his back, his fingertips trembling slightly, clearly indicating his inner turmoil.
When he saw the temple procession’s distinctive silver robes and the sacred mountain emblem, Wu Lingyun’s eyes lit up, and a utmost respectful smile immediately appeared on his face as he hurried forward to greet them.
“Wu Lingyun of the Wu family greets the elders of the temple!”
he bowed deeply, his posture extremely humble, daring not to show the slightest disrespect.
Leading the procession was an elderly man with white hair and beard, his face dignified, yet his spirit vigorous, his eyes sharp as lightning, seemingly able to pierce through to the heart.
He glanced at Wu Lingyun indifferently, his voice calm and even, yet carrying an air of superior authority: “Young Master Wu, you said the Chen family is harboring Kai, a criminal from the Divine Temple. Is this true?”
Wu Lingyun quickly bowed again, his tone absolutely certain: “Reporting to the Elder, it is absolutely true, without a single falsehood!
Kai recently participated in the martial arts contest for marriage held by the Chen family. He overcame all obstacles and surpassed all the heroes, passing all the tests. Now he is the Chen family’s lawfully wedded son-in-law, and his status has long been tacitly accepted by the Chen family!
The Chen family even personally took him to the Ancient Dragon Pool in the mountains north of the city, with ulterior motives!”
“The Ancient Dragon Pool?”
Upon hearing this, the white-haired elder frowned slightly, clearly familiar with this place.
Wu Lingyun nodded hastily, adding, “Exactly! Elder, you may not know, but the ancient Dragon Pool contains a legendary dragon treasure, possessing boundless power!
Kai, with his golden dragon bloodline, is the destined inheritor of the Dragon Pool. After entering, he must have already obtained the treasure! Now, he must be hiding in the Chen residence, waiting for his chance!”
The white-haired elder remained silent for a moment, his profound gaze gazing into the depths of Yunxian City, in the direction of the Chen residence.
He didn’t ask any further questions, simply waving his hand dismissively: “Enter the city.”
With that, he gave the order.
The hundred-strong temple contingent immediately sprang into action, surging into Yunxian City with synchronized steps and overwhelming momentum. Their destination was clear: the Chen residence!
The people lining the streets, witnessing this spectacle, scattered in fear, hiding behind walls, doors, and shops, peeking out and whispering amongst themselves, their faces filled with terror and unease.
“Those are… people from the temple? Why are they in our Yunxian City?”
“Judging by their appearance, they’re up to no good! I heard the Chen family is harboring a wanted criminal from the temple, and the temple has come specifically to arrest him!” ”
A wanted criminal? Is it Kai, the one who caused such a stir recently, the one who destroyed the Tongtian Road?”
“Shh! Keep your voice down! Do you think you can just gossip about names like that? Don’t you want to die? Don’t bring trouble upon yourself!”
The whispers were filled with dread; everyone knew that the temple’s wrath could kill millions. Today, the Chen family was likely doomed.
Outside the Chen residence, two ordinary guards were on duty as usual.
They saw a group of menacing figures in silver robes charging towards them. The terrifying pressure emanating from them made their legs go weak, and their faces instantly turned deathly pale.
“Halt! This is the Chen family’s territory, no trespassing allowed!”
one of the guards shouted, forcing himself to be brave, but his voice trembled uncontrollably.
The white-haired elder didn’t even glance at them, as if he were merely shooing away two insignificant ants.
He simply raised his hand and waved it, an invisible force erupting instantly, slamming into the two guards like a mountain.
“Thump!”
Two muffled sounds followed, and the two guards, before they could even scream, were sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground, spitting blood, and unconscious.
“Surround the Chen family’s residence! No one is allowed to enter or leave! Those who disobey will be killed without mercy!”
The white-haired elder’s voice was icy cold, devoid of any emotion.
“Yes!”
A hundred temple soldiers responded in unison, their voices clear and loud, causing the entire Chen family residence to tremble slightly.
They quickly dispersed, swiftly surrounding the entire Chen residence, forming layers upon layers, preventing even a fly from escaping.
Inside the Chen residence, chaos reigned. In
the council hall, Chen Tiangang sat with the six elders of the Chen family, their faces grave as they discussed countermeasures.
Anxiety and unease etched themselves on everyone’s faces, the atmosphere oppressively tense.
Just then, a sudden burst of loud noise, footsteps, shouts, and the sound of things crashing to the ground erupted outside, creating utter chaos.
Chen Tiangang’s brow furrowed sharply, a strong sense of unease rising within him.
He was about to send someone out to investigate when a guard stumbled in, his clothes disheveled, his face deathly pale, his eyes filled with utter terror. ”Patriarch…Patriarch! Something terrible has happened!”
“The people from the Temple have arrived! So many! They’ve completely surrounded the Chen residence!”
Boom!
These words struck like a bolt from the blue, hitting everyone in the council hall hard.
Chen Tiangang’s expression changed drastically; his already pale face became completely bloodless.
He abruptly stood up, his aura fluctuating uncontrollably.
The six elders exchanged glances, a barely concealed fear flashing in their eyes.
A red-faced elder’s lips trembled, his voice trembling with sobs: “The Temple… how could they have arrived so quickly? We were… we were prepared!”
A white-haired elder slowly closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh, his tone filled with helplessness and sorrow: “What was destined to come has finally come. There’s no escaping it, no avoiding it.”
Another slightly plump elder slammed his fist on the table, gritting his teeth, his voice laced with resentment: “It’s all Kai’s fault! It’s all his fault! If we hadn’t taken him in, let him participate in the martial arts contest, and never taken him to Dragon Pool!
Our Chen family wouldn’t be in this state! If we had known this would happen, we should have handed him over to the Temple directly!”
The red-faced elder shook his head, his face full of regret: “No…” “We can’t blame Kai. It was our own greed, our own madness!
If we hadn’t coveted his bloodline and treasures, hadn’t agreed to the three demonic dragons’ conditions, and hadn’t intended to betray him to the temple, would our Chen family be in this predicament? We ourselves have led ourselves to our doom!”
The white-haired elder gave a bitter laugh, his smile filled with resentment: “What’s the use of saying all this now? The mistake has been made, and it’s too late to regret it.”
Another elder murmured to himself, his voice low and guilty: “I said from the beginning that putting that dragon-locking collar on Kai was dishonest.
Kai sincerely helped our Chen family resolve the crisis and pass the test, but we plotted against him behind his back, plotted against him. This violates the Chen family’s ancestral precepts… it violates the laws of heaven…”
“It’s too late to say all this now, it’s all too late…”
“Patriarch, what should we do now?”
All eyes were focused on Chen Tiangang.
At this moment, Chen Tiangang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil and endless regret in his heart.
He knew that he was the head of the Chen family, and at this time, he absolutely could not act rashly.
He said in a deep voice, “What is destined to come will eventually come. Since the Temple has come knocking, then we will go out and face it.
Remember, no matter what happens later, no matter how aggressive they are, do not make the first move. If you can endure, endure; if you can retreat, retreat. Do not give them an excuse to attack, understand?”
“Understood!”
The six elders nodded in unison. Although their faces were still filled with fear, they still forced themselves to stand up and followed behind Chen Tiangang, walking towards the outside of the council hall.
Outside the council hall, the gate of the Chen family mansion, which had stood for a thousand years and symbolized the majesty of the Chen family, had already been smashed open, with fragments scattered all over the ground.
The cultivators of the Temple filed in like a tide, filling the entire front courtyard. Their silver robes were particularly dazzling in the night.
The white-haired old man stood at the very front, surrounded by stars, his gaze slowly falling on Chen Tiangang, a faint smile curving his lips: “Patriarch Chen, I have long admired your name.” Chen Tiangang forced himself to remain calm, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, “I was unaware of the presence of the elders of the Divine Temple. Please forgive my
lack of hospitality.” The white-haired elder smiled faintly, but his tone was anything but polite: “Patriarch Chen, there’s no need for such formalities. We have come today for no other reason than one person.”
Chen Tiangang’s heart sank, knowing that what was bound to happen had finally arrived. He remained outwardly calm, feigning confusion: “Oh? Who is the elder referring to?”
The white-haired elder’s gaze sharpened, staring intently at him, and he spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice cold and clear: “Kai.”
The name Kai struck Chen Tiangang’s heart like two boulders.
He remained silent for a moment, knowing that concealing the truth was futile, but he still had no choice but to bite the bullet and slowly speak, “Elder, to be honest, Kai did indeed come to my Chen family and stayed at the Chen residence for a period of time.
However, after returning from the Dragon Pool, he voluntarily left the Chen residence. As for where he went, this old man truly does not know.”
“Left?”
The white-haired elder raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not believing him.
Chen Tiangang nodded solemnly, “Absolutely true. After he came out of the ancient Dragon Pool that day, he severed all ties with my Chen family and left alone. His whereabouts are secretive, and he comes and goes without a trace. This old man truly does not know where he went.”
“Does not know?”
A cold laugh suddenly rang out from the crowd.
Wu Lingyun slowly walked out from behind the people in the temple, his face filled with mockery and smugness, looking at Chen Tiangang with contempt.
“Patriarch Chen, who are you trying to fool? Kai passed your Chen family’s martial arts contest for marriage; he’s your Chen family’s lawfully wedded son-in-law, and he and your daughter Chen Wanqing are deeply in love. You think you don’t know where he is? Do you think we’d believe that?” Wu Lingyun sneered.
Chen Tiangang looked at Wu Lingyun, his eyes flashing with undisguised disgust and coldness.
The Wu family!
It really was the Wu family!
It was that despicable Wu Lingyun who secretly informed the Temple!
It was he who stabbed the Chen family in the back!
If it weren’t for the Wu family’s interference and constant instigation, things wouldn’t have come to this.
“Young Master Wu,”
Chen Tiangang’s voice was calm, yet tinged with coldness, “Kai did indeed leave in anger. As for why he left, the reasons are not for me to say.”
Wu Lingyun sneered, pressing closer: “Not for me to say? I think it was your Chen family that deliberately hid him and deliberately let him go!”
He stopped looking at Chen Tiangang, turned to the white-haired elder, bowed respectfully, and said, “Elder, the Chen family is lying! Kai must still be hiding in the Chen residence, perhaps in a secret room, the backyard, or the cellar! As long as we search carefully, we will definitely find him!”
The white-haired elder slowly turned his head, his gaze sharp as lightning, falling on Chen Tiangang again, carrying an irresistible pressure: “Patriarch Chen, do you dare to order us to search the Chen residence?”
Chen Tiangang’s expression changed drastically.
A search?
Allowing the people of the Temple to freely search the Chen family’s thousand-year-old mansion?
The Chen family has stood tall in Yunxian City for a thousand years, representing the dignity and face of a prominent clan.
If the people of the Temple were allowed to search the mansion at will today, ransacking it and causing chaos, the Chen family’s reputation would be utterly destroyed!
From then on, the Chen family would never be able to hold their heads high in Yunxian City again, becoming a laughingstock!
Moreover, Chen Wanqing was still in the mansion!
If Wanqing, a mere woman, were disturbed by these Temple cultivators, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Chen Tiangang took a deep breath, his eyes hardening, and said in a deep voice, “Elder, I’ll say it again, Kai is indeed not in the Chen residence. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. Please don’t force me.”
A cold glint flashed in the white-haired elder’s eyes, and his tone instantly turned icy: “Patriarch Chen, are you determined to protect a wanted criminal of the Divine Temple and become an enemy of our Divine Temple?”
Chen Tiangang quickly shook his head, his tone sincere: “I dare not! I have never had the intention to protect anyone, much less dare to become an enemy of the Divine Temple!
But Kai is indeed not in the residence. Even if you search the entire Chen residence, it will be in vain, a waste of effort!”
The white-haired elder was silent for a moment.
The next moment, he suddenly laughed.
That laugh was devoid of any warmth, chilling to the bone.
“Patriarch Chen, do you think I came here today to discuss things with you?”
He suddenly raised his hand, and the hundred Divine Temple soldiers behind him instantly stepped forward, their auras exploding, filled with murderous intent!
“Search the Chen residence! From the attic to the cellar, every room, every corner, search thoroughly! Anyone who dares to resist, kill them without mercy!”
“Yes!”
At the command,
a hundred temple soldiers surged into the Chen residence like a silver tide.
The study, bedroom, attic, courtyard, secret room, cellar… every place where someone could hide was frantically searched.
Tables and chairs were overturned, vases were shattered, doors and windows were broken; the once exquisite and elegant Chen residence was instantly reduced to a mess.
Chen Tiangang’s face was ashen, his hands clenched tightly, knuckles white, veins bulging. He was furious, but dared not act.
He knew clearly that once he acted, it would be tantamount to declaring war on the temple.
With the Chen family’s current strength, they were no match for the temple; the entire Chen family would be completely annihilated, leaving no one alive.
The six elders were also pale-faced, trembling, but could only watch helplessly as all this happened.
The search lasted a full half hour.
The entire Chen residence was practically turned upside down, leaving it in complete chaos.
A temple soldier rushed in from outside, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported to the white-haired elder, “Reporting to the elder! We’ve searched every corner of the Chen residence! We haven’t found any trace of Kai!”
The white-haired elder frowned slightly, clearly surprised.
Wu Lingyun’s expression changed drastically, and he cried out, “Impossible! Absolutely impossible! He must be hiding in the residence! You must not have searched thoroughly enough! Search again! Search three more times! Search carefully!”
The temple soldier gave Wu Lingyun a cold look, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction, “Young Master Wu, we have searched three times over, leaving no corner unchecked. There is indeed no one named Kai. Why would we lie?”
Wu Lingyun gritted his teeth, his heart filled with anxiety and anger. His eyes suddenly darted around, and he suddenly remembered something. He immediately shouted, “There’s one more person! Chen Wanqing! She’s Kai’s cultivation partner, the person he cares about most! She must know Kai’s whereabouts!”
“Chen Wanqing?”
The white-haired old man’s eyes flashed, clearly having heard of this name as well.
Chen Tiangang’s expression changed drastically!
Oh no!
They’re going to attack Wanqing!
The thing he feared most had happened!
Wu Lingyun revealed a ferocious smile as he looked at Chen Tiangang: “Patriarch Chen, let your daughter come out. As long as she obediently tells us Kai’s whereabouts, I can plead with the elders to spare your Chen family. Otherwise, today… your Chen family will be wiped out!”
Chen Tiangang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the panic and anger in his heart, and said in a deep voice, “Wanqing… she’s unwell and is resting in the backyard, not in the mansion.”
“Not here?” Wu Lingyun sneered as if he’d heard the biggest joke in the world. “Patriarch Chen, do you take me for a three-year-old? I already questioned your guards, and they clearly said Chen Wanqing is in the manor and has never left! Are you still trying to deny it?”
He turned to the white-haired elder again, bowing, “Elder, Chen Wanqing has a close relationship with Kai. She must know Kai’s whereabouts! As long as we catch her, Kai will surely show himself! We can definitely find Kai through her!”
The white-haired elder nodded slightly, no longer hesitating, and waved his hand, ordering, “Search! Find Chen Wanqing for me! Alive or dead!”
The temple soldiers moved out again, heading straight for the backyard.
This time, Chen Tiangang could no longer hold back.
He strode forward, arms outstretched, blocking the path of all the soldiers, his voice roaring like thunder: “Who dares touch my daughter!”
The white-haired old man looked at him, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: “Patriarch Chen, finally couldn’t hold back? Finally stopped pretending?”
Chen Tiangang’s face was ashen, his eyes bloodshot, each word uttered with a chilling intensity: “Kai is indeed not in my Chen family! If you want to find him, go look outside! The ends of the earth are none of my Chen family’s business!
But Wanqing is my daughter, she is just an ordinary woman, she has nothing to do with this matter! You cannot touch her!”
“Nothing to do with her?” Wu Lingyun sneered, his eyes sinister, “She is Kai’s cultivation partner, they are together day and night, how can she be unrelated? Patriarch Chen, I advise you to obediently step aside, lest you damage the harmony, and then it won’t look good for anyone.”
Chen Tiangang stood still, as immovable as a mountain, his eyes resolute.
The white-haired old man shook his head slightly, his tone indifferent: “Since Patriarch Chen is so stubborn, then don’t blame me for being impolite.”
He waved his hand, and two temple elders who had been waiting in ambush stepped forward simultaneously, their auras exploding!
“Take him down!”
“Who dares!”
Chen Tiangang roared, his long-suppressed True Immortal Realm aura erupting without reservation!
Golden spiritual energy swept in all directions, even causing the bricks on the ground to crack slightly.
He had lived for a thousand years, cultivating to the True Immortal Realm, his strength already unfathomable.
At this moment, for his daughter, for the last vestige of the Chen family’s dignity, he completely unleashed his power!
He slammed out a palm, the golden palm print as dazzling as the sun, carrying an overwhelming force as it hurtled forward!
Several elders of the Divine Temple simultaneously snorted coldly, showing no fear, and attacked in unison!
“Boom!!!”
A deafening roar shook the heavens, and a violent shockwave spread wildly from the two of them. The Chen family guards around them had no time to dodge and were directly blown away by the shockwave, crashing heavily to the ground, spitting blood.
Chen Tiangang felt a numbness in his arm, and a tremendous force came, causing him to involuntarily stagger back three steps, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
But the two elders of the Divine Temple opposite him remained unmoved, their auras calm and composed.
Outnumbered, he was ultimately no match.
Yet he did not retreat.
Not even a step.
Wanqing was still in the manor, still behind him.
He was a father, he was the head of the family, he had to stop them!
“Chen Tiangang, you’re courting death.” The white-haired old man’s voice was icy, devoid of any emotion.
Chen Tiangang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes still as firm as iron, and said in a deep voice, “I said, Kai is not in my Chen family. If you want to find him, go ahead. But if you want to touch my daughter, you’ll have to step over my dead body!”
The white-haired old man shook his head, his tone tinged with impatience: “Stubborn fool.”
He waved his hand again, and the hundred temple soldiers behind him rushed forward like hungry wolves!
“Since the Chen family head refuses to hand over the person, then beat him until he does! Attack!”
“Yes!”
The hundred soldiers, weapons in hand, surged towards Chen Tiangang with murderous intent!
Chen Tiangang’s gaze sharpened, and instead of retreating, he advanced!
He unleashed a powerful palm strike, a burst of golden spiritual energy that sent the three soldiers at the forefront flying, spitting blood and falling unconscious.
However, the enemy’s numbers were simply overwhelming!
Kill one, and ten more immediately appeared!
Kill ten, and a hundred more surged forward! They were
densely packed, seemingly endless!
The remaining guards within the Chen mansion, seeing their patriarch surrounded, were filled with rage and drew their weapons, rushing forward.
“Protect the patriarch!”
“Fight them! We can’t let them harm the patriarch!” “We will
live and die with the Chen family!”
The shouts of battle shook the heavens and earth.
A fierce battle was about to erupt! ”Father!”
A shrill cry suddenly came from the backyard.
Chen Wanqing, dressed in plain clothes, pale-faced and with red eyes, rushed out of the backyard without hesitation.
She had been reflecting on her mistakes in the ancestral hall, her heart filled with worry for her father and guilt towards Kai.
But the sounds of fighting, shouting, and screams outside grew louder and closer, and she could no longer sit still, she could no longer hold back,
she rushed out. The scene before her eyes shattered her heart instantly.
The Chen mansion was in ruins, guards lay groaning on the ground, broken tables and chairs, flowing blood, and her father, covered in wounds and fighting bloodily…
When Chen Tiangang saw Chen Wanqing rushing out, his expression changed drastically, and he shouted sharply, “Wanqing! Go back! Who let you out! Go back!”
But it was too late.
Wu Lingyun spotted Chen Wanqing in the crowd at a glance, his eyes instantly lighting up like a hungry wolf seeing a lamb, a lewd and greedy glint flashing in his eyes without any attempt to hide it.
“Miss Chen, it’s been a long time.”
He walked slowly forward, looking Chen Wanqing up and down, his gaze roaming over her with possessiveness.
Chen Wanqing instinctively took a step back, her heart filled with disgust and fear, her eyes cold as she looked at him.
Looking at the mess before her, at her clansmen lying in pools of blood, at her father covered in blood and swaying precariously, she could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face.
“Why…why are you doing this…what have we, the Chen family, done to wrong you…”
Wu Lingyun chuckled, his tone flippant yet sinister: “Why? Because your Chen family harbored a wanted criminal of the Temple, a crime deserving death! And because…”
He deliberately took a step closer, lowering his voice, his tone lewd: “I’ve taken a liking to you. From the first moment I saw you, I wanted you. Today, with the Chen family destroyed, you are mine.”
Chen Wanqing gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with hatred, and shouted sharply: “Don’t even think about it! I’d rather die than let you succeed!”
The smile on Wu Lingyun’s face vanished instantly, his expression darkening: “You won’t listen to reason, so you’ll have to suffer the consequences!”
He turned to the white-haired elder, bowing and saying: “Elder, since she refuses to reveal Kai’s whereabouts, we’ll have to use force! Capture her, and she’ll surely talk!”
The white-haired elder nodded slightly, waving his hand expressionlessly: “Take her down.”
Two Temple soldiers immediately obeyed, their faces cold, reaching out to grab Chen Wanqing!
“Stop!”
Chen Tiangang roared, his eyes bloodshot, and recklessly blasted away the soldiers surrounding him with a single palm strike, charging towards Chen Wanqing like a madman!
But how could the elders of the Divine Temple let him have his way?
“Trying to leave? Stay here!”
Two elders of the Divine Temple attacked simultaneously, blocking Chen Tiangang’s path, their auras exploding as they relentlessly entangled him!
Chen Tiangang roared repeatedly, instantly engaging several people in battle.
Palm winds howled, spiritual energy exploded, and shockwaves rolled.
The three fought from the ground to mid-air and back again, each collision producing a deafening roar.
Although Chen Tiangang was only at the first level of the True Immortal Realm and possessed formidable strength,
the Divine Temple and the Wu family had joined forces, with more than ten cultivators at the peak of the ninth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm!
With so many top experts attacking him, even the strongest Chen Tiangang could not withstand the onslaught and gradually fell into a disadvantageous position.