Chapter 22

A black shadow arrived, like a large bird flying over the sky of Luo Bay County.

It was a black flying vessel, small in size but with a frightening appearance.

The flying vessel bore many strange symbols that emitted powerful force, making people fearful.

The flying vessel did not hide; it boldly flew across the sky.

Everyone watched it fearfully as the flying vessel slowly landed on the east side of the county town, which was the Wan family's courtyard.

"Boom—" the flying vessel hit the ground, making a loud noise accompanied by wind.

Then a terrifying force erupted, bursting forth like a flood.

The force surged out from where the flying vessel landed, instantly reaching most of Luo Bay County!

Low-level cultivators felt a heavy pressure in their chests, as if a stone weighed them down, making breathing difficult and their faces turn pale.

Ordinary townspeople could not withstand this force; many collapsed on the ground, trembling, feeling as if the world were ending.

This is the power of Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak!

The one emitting this force is extremely strong, far more formidable than the two black-robed men Wang Shan killed earlier!

Everyone who sensed this aura thought the same thing: the Wan family is truly enraged! The newcomer is a very powerful expert!

The door of the flying vessel opened, and a tall, cold‑expressioned person stepped out.

This person is Wan Hong.

His face was very cold, his eyes sharp like a blade.

He gazed at the small county before him, the corners of his mouth curling into a disdainful and cruel smile.

Behind him followed four Wan family cultivators, also formidable, each with icy eyes and killing intent.

The steward of the Wan family branch hall had already brought servants to kneel in the courtyard to welcome him.

The terrifying aura emanating from Wan Hong made him unable to lift his head, his whole body drenched in cold sweat.

"Hong… Grandfather Hong…" the steward's voice trembled.

Wan Hong did not glance at him, proceeding straight to the main hall of the branch.

Those four lackeys followed him like dogs.

After Wan Hong entered the main hall, the terrifying force shrouding the county lessened somewhat.

Yet the air remained tense and frightening.

Everyone in the county knew the Wan family would take revenge, a severe retaliation aimed at the Wang family.

But many did not expect that Wan Hong would not immediately lead men to the Wang family.

He sat in the chief seat of the branch hall's main chamber, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, his eyes deep as if pondering something.

He is no fool.

He felt himself very capable, believing it easy to slaughter the Wang family of this small county.

But the family head had said they must first investigate Wang Shan's background and the matter of the 'vessel' Chen Dao, so he would not act rashly.

Being cautious can avoid much trouble.

"Summon the branch steward and Chen Tianfeng of the Chen family." Wan Hong spoke in a low voice, yet with a commanding tone.

"Yes, Grandfather Hong!" a subordinate immediately ran to fetch them.

Soon the branch steward rushed in, kneeling on the ground, not daring to raise his head.

"This humble one… this humble one pays respects to Grandfather Hong!"

Behind them, two Wan family members half‑carried Chen Tianfeng inside.

Chen Tianfeng's face was ashen, looking as if his soul had fled.

Ever since seeing Wang Shan kill two Body Refining Eighth Layer cultivators, Chen Tianfeng has been terrified out of his wits.

He hid at home, fearful each day, dreading that the Wang family would come to settle scores with him.

Now, having been found by Wan family members and brought before Wan Hong, he is no longer afraid.

He feels he has grasped a lifeline, his eyes shining with both joy and resentment!

"Plop!" Chen Tianfeng broke free from the supporting hands, dropped to his knees, crawled a few steps, and cried out.

"Grandfather Hong! You must decide for us!!" he wailed loudly, as if mourning a lost relative.

"That Wang Shan of the Wang family! He's not human! He… he doesn't know what happened, but he suddenly became extremely powerful!"

"He not only beat the Chen family's people, but also… he killed the two Wan family elders who came here!"

Chen Tianfeng wept while furtively glancing at Wan Hong's expression.

Seeing Wan Hong show no expression, merely observing him, he steeled himself and began to spout nonsense.

He portrayed Wang Shan as a wicked person, extremely cunning, his methods brutal, and depicted the Wang family as a wicked clan intent on disrupting Luo Bay County's order.

He revealed everything he knew about the Wang family, in great detail.

Including the Wang family's array, which can confuse people and also gather spiritual energy.

Including Wang Shan's sudden rise in strength, from a dying old man to a Body Refining Seventh Layer expert.

Even the Wang family's several sons and grandsons, and who they usually associate with, he disclosed.

"Grandfather Hong! That old fogey, relying on a bit of skill and breaking arrays, acts lawlessly! He even dares to kill your Wan family people—he deserves death!"

"And… and my son Chen Dao…" Upon mentioning Chen Dao, Chen Tianfeng's voice grew a little fearful: "He… he seems to have been tampered with by Wang Shan; his body… his body has become quite strange…"

He dared not speak of the 'vessel' and the 【Ten Thousand Beasts Method】, but he described Chen Dao's condition, hoping to draw Wan Hong's attention.

"Please, Grandfather Hong, show mercy and exterminate the Wang family to the last! Cut them into ten thousand pieces!"

Chen Tianfeng shouted.

"Avenge the two deceased elders! Also rid our Luo Bay County of this scourge!"

He kept kowtowing nonstop, like pounding garlic.

His forehead was cracked open, blood flowing freely, his appearance especially miserable.

Chen Tianfeng had only one thought in his mind.

Borrow the Wan family's knife, kill the Wang Shan's entire family!

Wan Hong listened quietly.

He still showed no expression on his face.

But his eyes flickered slightly.

Chen Tianfeng spoke.

The branch steward beside him also added a few sentences.

Wan Hong understood the Wang family's situation more clearly.

One array can trap two people.

It can also help kill two Body Refining Eighth Layer cultivators.

Can a nearly seventy-year-old old farmer break through during a fight?

Afterward, can he break through again to Body Refining Seventh Layer?

This matter is indeed somewhat unusual.

However……

That's about it.

Wan Hong let out a cold snort in his heart.

"Hmph."

"It's just relying on a bit of array."

"Plus, he had a stroke of dumb luck."

"He merely obtained some inferior opportunities."

He thought this in his heart.

"Perhaps he also used some secret art that overdrafts life."

"He forcibly raised his cultivation."

"Before true strength, these heretical ways are utterly useless."

"They're just mud chickens and tile dogs, shattering at a single strike!"

Body Refining Ninth Layer Peak!

This realm is not only strong in power.

Moreover, it looks down on low-level cultivators from the standpoint of life level.

Wan Hong does not believe it.

A country old man who hasn't even reached Foundation Establishment, what could he possibly accomplish?

As for that array?

If you attack with all your might, any array has its limit.

He, Wan Hong, has confidence.

He can completely destroy that array!

The matter of Chen Dao, however, needs attention.

The transplantation plan for the Myriad Beasts Technique is very important.

Cannot afford any mistakes.

After wiping out the Wang family, then go investigate Chen Dao carefully.

If there really is a problem, just deal with it.

Wan Hong has already made up his mind.

But he did not, as Chen Tianfeng thought, immediately go kill the Wang family.

Even a lion catching a rabbit must use full strength.

Although he looks down on the Wang family.

But his character is cautious.

He decided to use a more secure, also more vicious method.

He wants the Wang family to die in despair.

He wants everyone in Luo Bay County to see it with their own eyes.

What is the fate of offending the Wan family!

"Come here."

Wan Hong spoke lightly.

"Subordinate present!"

Four attendants answered together.

"You four, go separately to the Li and Zhao families in the county."

"And also several other families with some reputation."

Wan Hong's tone was very flat.

But his words carried an irrepressible authority.

"Tell them, I, Wan Hong, have come."

"Next, my Wan family will handle some private matters."

"Make them behave, keep their own people in check, and don't meddle in others' affairs."

"Whoever jumps out at this time, or secretly helps the Wang Family..."

Wan Hong paused for a moment.

A flash of ruthlessness crossed his eyes.

"Kill without mercy!"

The last three words carried a chill.

The entire hall seemed to grow cold.

"Also, tell them."

After this is over, they can… take some of the Wang Family's remaining properties as benefits.

First intimidate them, then offer some sweetener.

Threats and inducements—this is a common tactic of the Wan Family.

"Yes! Lord Hong!"

The four attendants received the command.

Their eyes brimming with killing intent and excitement, they turned and left swiftly.

Chen Tianfeng and the branch steward listened at the side.

They were both afraid and excited.

Wan Hong's move is too vicious!

This is to utterly isolate the Wang Family!

It cuts off all chance for them to seek outside help!

And also use the Wang Family's properties as bait.

Make other families willingly serve the Wan Family!

Indeed, it's a major figure from the main house.

The methods are truly different!

Soon.

Four Wan Family envoys, like fierce gods, arrived at the mansions of several major families in Luo Bay County, including the Li and Zhao Families.

The family heads of these families.

They had been wondering what the Wan Family would do.

They felt very uneasy.

When they saw the Wan Family envoys,

They came bearing Wan Hong's orders and an undisguised threat.

Even the last sliver of hope in their hearts was gone.

A master at the peak of the Ninth Layer of Body Refining has come in person!

This is something these small families cannot possibly resist.

The Wan Family envoys' attitude was extremely tough.

They spoke almost in a commanding tone.

They explicitly demanded that all major families.

In the upcoming conflict, they must 'remain neutral'.

Strictly forbid anyone from helping the Wang Family in any way.

That icy killing intent.

And there was a hint of 'divvying up the Wang Family's properties' afterward.

It made these family heads break out in cold sweat from fear.

They had no doubt at all.

As long as they dared to utter even half a 'no'.

Or even hesitate a little.

They would surely face imminent disaster.

"Yes, sir! We will definitely obey Lord Hong's orders!"

"The Wang Family is courting death on its own; it has nothing to do with our Li (or Zhao) Family!"

"Please tell Lord Hong that we dare not interfere in the Wan Family's affairs!"

They hardly hesitated at all.

All the families that were 'visited' immediately declared their stance.

They all rushed to sever ties with the Wang Family.

Fearing they weren't hiding fast enough.

All at once.

The Wang Family was completely isolated in Luo Bay County.

It seemed to happen overnight.

They became the street rats that everyone curses.

They were abandoned by all the forces in the entire county.

But this isn't over yet.

Wan Hong's tactics still have more.

After isolating the Wang Family's external relations.

He then issued a second order.

Seal off the several main exits of Luo Bay County leading to the outside.

Especially the market side—keep a close watch on it!

No one related to the Wang Family is allowed to buy even a single grain of spirit rice or a single stalk of spirit herb!

He intends to utterly strangle the Wang Family economically!

No resource replenishment.

How long can that array hold out?

Injured and without medicinal pills.

How long can they endure?

He wants the Wang Family to slowly march toward doom in despair and lack of supplies!

Although the Wan Family's influence in Luo Bay County is only a branch.

But its prestige has long been established.

Plus, Wan Hong, a peak Body Refining Ninth Layer expert, holds the fort.

His orders are hardly ever disobeyed.

Soon.

The several trade routes leading out of Luo Bay County.

Were secretly taken under control by the Wan Family's people.

In the county town's market, those shops that usually had some acquaintance with the Wang Family all received the "word".

Instantly, the atmosphere grew very tense.

The Wang Family soon felt this invisible pressure.

Earlier, Wang Shan had his son Wang Zhitao go to the market to buy some things.

He needed materials to repair and reinforce the array, as well as some commonly used healing medicines.

But as soon as Wang Zhitao arrived at the market, he felt something was off.

Those shopkeepers who used to be quite courteous, upon seeing him come, some pretended not to see him.

Some hurriedly waved their hands, saying things like "No stock" or "Not convenient to sell".

Even a few herb shops and grain stores that he usually frequented avoided him.

"Zhitao bro, it's not that I won't help you, it's just..." an acquaintance shopkeeper furtively pulled him aside and whispered.

His face full of difficulty and fear: "The higher-ups have spoken; we can't afford to offend them!"

Wang Zhitao got turned away.

He couldn't even buy much of the ordinary spirit rice.

Let alone the urgently needed array materials and medicinal pills.

He returned to the Wang Family Old Residence with a grim expression.

He told Wang Shan everything about the market situation in detail.

In the main hall of the Wang Family Old Residence.

The atmosphere was very heavy.

After hearing Wang Zhitao's words, Wang Shan frowned tightly and remained silent for a long while.

He originally thought the Wan Family would come straight to their door to kill.

A hard battle would be unavoidable.

He had made preparations to fight to the death.

But he never expected that this Wan Hong would have such cunning tactics!

First, he exerted pressure on the whole Luo Bay County, so that no one would deal with the Wang Family.

Then he cut off the Wang Family's supply sources, hoping to trap them to death at the root!

Is this meant to make the Wang Family surrender without fighting?

Or is it to use this method to gradually wear down the Wang Family's fighting spirit, causing them to collapse on their own?

This tactic is far more sinister and vicious than those two Heipao Ren who only knew how to charge head-on!

Wang Shan took a deep breath.

He felt a pressure unlike any he had ever felt.

It's not just that their strength is inferior.

The opponent also completely suppressed them in schemes and means, these newly risen "farmers".

Relying solely on fighting and killing probably won't cope with the current situation.

The Wang Family, completely blockaded and isolated, has fallen into a dead end!

"Father, what should we do now?" Wang Zhe and several other sons looked at Wang Shan.

Their faces showed anxiety and unease.

They aren't afraid of fighting to the death, but this feeling of being trapped, watching supplies dwindle bit by bit while being unable to do anything, is even more agonizing.

Wang Shan didn't speak; after a while, he slowly raised his head.

His gaze remained as sharp as ever, just with added heaviness.

"When there's trouble, bear it; when there's difficulty, stand firm."

"They want to trap us to death—ain't that easy!"

"Pass the word down: starting today, manage all household supplies uniformly, and use them sparingly."

"Over at the spirit fields, let Zhigao and the others hurry the ripening. Our own spirit rice and herbs can still hold us for a while."

"As for the array..." Wang Shan's gaze swept toward the outside of the courtyard, a flash of resolve in his eyes.

Looks like it's time to bring out our true abilities.

He knew Wan Hong wouldn't wait too long.

This blockade and siege is just the beginning.

Real trouble could strike at any moment!

He must find a solution before the enemy launches their full assault!

Otherwise, the Wang Family will be in danger!