Chapter 21: Strong Enemy Approaching!

Wan Family Main House.

The conference hall was imposing, yet it also exuded a gloomy aura.

The atmosphere in the hall was oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

The floor was laid with cold, smooth stone, like a mirror.

The floor reflected the ferocious beast-head totem hanging above.

This totem represents the power and bloodshed that the Wan family believes in.

A middle-aged man in steward's robes stood below, bent over.

His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his voice trembled slightly.

He was reporting the latest news from the Luo Bay County branch to the stern man seated in the place of honor.

He spoke slowly, but each word struck heavily in the quiet hall.

"Report… report, Family Head, Luo Bay County has an urgent report."

"The two stewards, Jia and Yi, sent to handle the Wang family affair…"

"They failed."

The steward's voice grew softer, not daring to look at the Family Head's expression.

He carefully described the old farmer named Wang Shan.

The steward said Wang Shan used unimaginable means to kill two family experts at the eighth layer of Body Refining.

What frightened him even more was that he also mentioned Chen Dao of the Chen family, who had been chosen as a 'vessel'.

Chen Dao's body seemed to have undergone strange changes as well.

This matter directly concerns the Wan family's very important Ten Thousand Beast Method transplantation plan.

If something goes wrong with Chen Dao, the consequences will be severe.

The middle-aged man seated in the place of honor is the current Family Head of the Wan family, Wan Tianxiong.

He is tall and sturdy, with a stern face.

His gaze is sharp like an eagle's; even without anger, he inspires fear.

Upon hearing the steward's report, his already grim complexion instantly turned ashen.

"Bang!"

A loud boom.

Wan Tianxiong slammed his palm hard onto the nearby blackened wood armrest.

Even the hard wood showed several cracks.

"Trash!"

He roared, his voice icy and piercing, filled with killing intent.

"Two eighth-layer Body Refining cultivators! Two living eighth-layer Body Refining cultivators!"

"They were actually counter-killed by a rustic bumpkin from a remote county?!"

"The face of my Wan family has been completely lost because of these two wastes!"

A powerful aura emanated from him.

The steward below trembled even more, nearly unable to stand.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze, the temperature dropping sharply.

At that moment, an old man beside him, with completely white hair and beard but sharp eyes, slowly spoke.

His voice was steady, able to calm people down.

"Family Head, please calm your anger."

"It's not worth getting angry over two useless wastes."

The old man paused, a hint of calculation flashing in his cloudy eyes.

"It's just the Wang family—only a minor trouble, incapable of making waves. They can be killed anytime."

"But the inheritance of the Ten Thousand Beast Method is the foundation of our Wan family's standing, the basis of the family's strength. This is what matters most; it must not encounter any problems."

"That waste Chen Dao… hum, if he truly fails, we must immediately activate the backup plan and quickly find a new qualified 'vessel'."

The old man's gaze turned to Wan Tianxiong, his tone becoming solemn.

"As for the matter in Luo Bay County, it also indeed needs to be resolved quickly."

"First, to regain the face lost by our Wan family."

"Second, it's also to prevent further trouble down the line. If that old farmer really has someone behind him, attracting unnecessary attention would only make things worse."

Wan Tianxiong's chest rose and fell a few times; he was clearly still angry.

But the elder's words calmed him somewhat.

He gave the area below a dark glance and coldly said, "Convey my order!"

The steward hurriedly replied, "Your subordinate is here!"

"Immediately dispatch Wan Hong with a team to Luo Bay County!"

Wan Tianxiong's voice was icy, devoid of any emotion.

"Certainly! Exterminate the Wang family, top to bottom! Leave none alive!"

"All their wealth, any possible cultivation arts, and all the secrets on that old thing—bring them all back intact!"

He emphasized his tone, his eyes full of greed and ruthlessness.

"Furthermore, investigate!"

"Investigate thoroughly! What damned luck did that old thing named Wang Shan stumble upon, what benefits did he gain, that he dares to oppose our Wan family!"

"And Chen Dao! Find out exactly what happened to him! Is it related to that Wang Shan!"

Every word of Wan Tianxiong was filled with dignity and thick killing intent.

"Yes! Family Head!"

Steward received the order, did not dare to delay, and hurriedly withdrew to arrange it.

Wan Hong

This name, in the Collateral Branch of the Wang Family, represents absolute strength and ruthless methods.

He is one of the most formidable individuals among the Wang Family's Collateral Branch descendants.

His cultivation has already reached the Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak, only one step away from the legendary Foundation Establishment realm.

This person has a vicious character and acts cruelly.

He is especially skilled at tracking enemies and engaging in direct confrontations.

Wan Hong has always been the Wang Family's sharp blade for handling troublesome matters.

Upon receiving the Family Head's personal order, a hint of bloodthirsty light flashed across Wan Hong's usually expressionless face.

He didn't say much, just nodded.

He immediately picked four elite experts from the clan.

Among these four, the one with the lowest cultivation is already at the Body Refining Seventh Layer Late Stage.

Two of them have even reached the eighth layer of body refining.

Each of them is experienced in combat and kills without blinking.

A luxurious team led by a Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak, plus four late-stage body refining experts, was quickly assembled.

Their sole objective was to completely raze the Wang Family of Luo Bay County!

Unlike the previous covert infiltration by the black-robed Heipao Jia and Yi,

this time, Wan Hong and his group did not conceal their movements.

They directly used a Wan family-exclusive small black flying vessel Magic Artifact.

This flying vessel is pitch black all over, with a ferocious design, like a menacing great bird with its wings spread.

The hull is etched with complex and eerie runes, emitting a powerful Spiritual Energy Fluctuation that makes one's heart tremble.

The flying vessel took off, turning into a black beam of light, without any concealment, carrying great strength, and flew straight toward Luo Bay County.

This is the Wan family displaying its strength, and also a direct deterrent.

They want everyone to understand that whoever provokes the Wan Family will meet this fate!

Such a high-profile move will surely not escape the notice of attentive observers.

The black flying vessel's appearance is distinctive, and its aura is also strong, like a large stone thrown into a calm lake, immediately causing a great commotion around Luo Bay County.

Some well-informed families, or forces that have dealings with the Wan Family, immediately recognized the origin of the flying vessel.

"It's the Wan Family's Black Feather Boat!"

"Good heavens! The Wan Family actually used such a Magic Artifact!"

"Looking at the direction…… it's heading for the Wang Family!"

"It's over! The Wang Family is probably really finished this time!"

Various exclamations and discussions appeared in different places.

Those families that were somewhat afraid of the Wang Family because Wang Shan killed two eighth-layer body refining cultivators, and had chosen to wait and see, are now so frightened they dare not speak.

The Wan Family's deployed forces this time far exceed their imagination!

"Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak! That's someone who is only one step away from becoming a Foundation Establishment expert!"

In Luo Bay County, and even the surrounding few counties, this counts as the highest combat power!

In an instant, the atmosphere of Luo Bay County became extremely tense.

Hardly anyone was on the streets, and every household kept their doors tightly shut.

Earlier, those forces that had secretly probed the Wang Family's background, or had designs on the Wang Family, have now ceased their actions, strictly restraining themselves, fearing that at this moment they might be dragged into the incoming, potentially world-destroying storm.

Just like before a heavy rain, the wind is already strong.

Above Luo Bay County, it seems as if a layer of invisible dark clouds has covered it, making it hard to breathe.

The center of the storm is the Wang Family's old residence.

Wang Shan sat in the courtyard, using the upgraded Misty Spirit Gathering Array to gather thick spiritual energy, stabilizing his cultivation at the seventh layer of body refining.

Suddenly, he felt a stir in his heart, immediately opened his eyes, and lifted his gaze to the distant sky.

Because he can control the Misty Spirit Gathering Array, and with his spiritual awareness greatly enhanced after his breakthrough, he clearly felt a very powerful Spiritual Energy Fluctuation full of malice, rapidly approaching the Wang Family's old residence.

That pressure is far stronger than the two eighth-layer body refining black-robed men before!

Even, there is a hint of breath that makes him feel almost suffocated!

"Ninth-layer body refining! Possibly even at the peak!"

Wang Shan's heart sank sharply.

What was supposed to come, has finally arrived.

Moreover, it came faster and stronger than he had expected!

The Wan Family's retaliation came this fast and this ruthless!

"It finally came……"

Wang Shan whispered, his eyes instantly becoming extremely sharp and resolute.

He did not hesitate, immediately stood up, and powerful spiritual power emanated from his body, his voice spreading throughout the Wang Family's old residence.

"All core disciples of the Wang Family, gather at the main hall immediately!"

His voice was not loud, but it carried an indisputable dignity.

Soon, Wang Zheze and several sons, along with a few of the most talented grandsons, arrived at the main hall with solemn expressions.

They all heard from Wang Shan's voice a sense of unusual tension.

Looking at these relatives before him, Wang Shan took a deep breath and said in a low voice: "The Wan family's strong enemy has already come."

"Moreover, the newcomers are hostile, and their strength is far greater than before!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's faces in the hall changed.

Wang Zhize hurriedly asked: "Father, how strong are they?"

Wang Shan looked at everyone and slowly said: "At least a Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak expert leads them, and those following are likely all Body Refining Seventh Layer or above masters."

Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak!

These few words were like thunder, making everyone feel immense pressure.

Wang Shan didn't give everyone much time to digest the shock; he immediately issued orders.

"Zhize, immediately organize all women, children, elders, and clansmen with cultivation below Body Refining Second Layer to hide in the secret room of the rear courtyard!"

That secret room, which he had prepared long ago, lies at the center of the Misty Spirit Gathering Array and is the strongest defensive spot of the entire old residence.

"Everyone else, all men who can wield weapons, follow me and activate the highest alert!"

"Prepare for battle!"

Wang Shan's gaze was sharp, sweeping over each person's face.

"This battle concerns the life and death of our Wang family!"

"Give me twelve percent of your spirit!"

"Yes! Father!"

The Wang family members shouted in reply; although tension and fear showed on their faces, there was even more resolve and bravery from being driven to a dead end.

No one retreated.

Because they knew that behind them was home, and there was no retreat!

A life-and-death struggle that would decide the clan's fate was about to begin in this seemingly ordinary farmstead courtyard!

Wang Shan stood in the courtyard, raised his head to watch the black dot in the distant sky drawing nearer, feeling the growing pressure, and slowly clenched his fists.

His gaze, like tempered steel, was icy and hard.

Come on!

I, Wang Shan, am about to see just how formidable you, the Wan family, truly are!

You want to exterminate my Wang family entirely?

Then step over my corpse!