Chapter Fifteen: The Enemy Approaches—Where Are the Guardians of the Way?
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“Head of the Jiang family, you think hiding within this grand formation will guarantee your safety? You may evade danger for a moment, but can you avoid it forever?” The Second Saint Son’s voice was cold as frost, laced with disdain and ridicule.
His gaze swept toward Jiang Cheng, a cold smirk curling on his lips as he spoke slowly, “Su Ruoxi cannot be your shield. Hand over the legacy today, and you shall earn the friendship of the three Saint Sons and one Saint Daughter. Isn’t that the wiser choice?”
An elder in a black robe seized the moment to speak, his voice deep and chilling: “Head of the Jiang family, I can personally accept you, make an exception for you to join the Sacred Land, and become a core disciple directly. Such an opportunity is not granted to just anyone.”
Jiang Cheng stood with hands behind his back at the heart of the formation, his eyes sharp as blades. His voice rolled like thunder, resonating throughout the entire formation: “The so-called Sacred Land is nothing but bullies abusing their power. You want me, the Jiang family, to hand over our treasures? Such banditry—do you really think you’re worthy?”
Upon hearing this, the Second Saint Son’s expression darkened slightly, a cold laugh escaping him. “Head of the Jiang family, treasures are precious only if you live to enjoy them. You barely hold on with the legacy now, but if this stalemate continues, I fear the other eight great Sacred Lands will soon move. Do you think you’ll still protect this legacy then?”
The Third Saint Son lightly fanned himself, his gaze playful yet mocking as he looked at Jiang Cheng. “Head of the Jiang family, this is no alarmist talk. You do have some ability, but the temptation of the legacy is immense. With your limited foundation, how can you stand against all of East Continent?”
Jiang Cheng’s lips curled in a faint, cold smile, his eyes flashing like lightning as he stared at the Second Saint Son, his tone filled with contempt and scorn. “You must be the so-called Second Oldest of the Sacred Land, as Ruo Xuan described, right?”
He paused, then declared loudly, “I’m not afraid to tell you this: today, I, Jiang Cheng, will use you arrogant, presumptuous clowns to teach a lesson to all who foolishly covet the Jiang family’s legacy!”
The Second Saint Son’s face darkened further and was about to speak when a streak of light swiftly flew toward the Jiang family’s territory.
The light vanished to reveal an elder with flowing silver hair—none other than the Supreme Elder of the Dong family, Dong Tianheng, a realm of Celestial Heaven.
Dong Tianheng did not glance at the spirit vessel but flew straight outside the Jiang family formation and stood firm, announcing loudly, “Supreme Elder of the Dong family, Dong Tianheng, here to aid the Jiang family.”
No sooner had he spoken than the profound yellow formation parted slightly to admit him.
The Second Saint Son narrowed his eyes, sneering, “A minor family’s Celestial Heaven realm dares to join the fray?”
At the same time, another streak of light tore across the sky, heading straight for the Sacred Land’s spirit vessel.
Yao Hongtu, head of the Yao family, personally held out a Broken God Pill with respect and bowed. “Second Saint Son, the Yao family wishes to lend you a hand! This pill was gifted by the Jiang family. We dare not keep it for ourselves; it is offered as a token of loyalty.”
The Second Saint Son accepted the pill, his eyes flickering slightly as a meaningful smile curved his lips. “The Yao family is wise indeed. I have noted this sincerity.”
The Third Saint Son’s gaze lingered on the Broken God Pill presented by the Yao family, his heart burning. Such a pill capable of breaking through the Celestial Heaven realm is a rare treasure even in the Sacred Land. Jiang Cheng casually gifted some to a minor family with little influence.
This showed just how astonishing this legacy must be. Could it be that the Jiang family truly descends from a great noble clan escaping turmoil in Central Continent?
Meanwhile, the Cheng family in Lingxiao City chose to remain on the sidelines.
In the Cheng family’s council chamber, Cheng Qingshan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze profound. He silently regarded the Broken God Pill sent by the Jiang family, his voice cold: “Keep the pill safe and do not take sides.”
His eldest son, Cheng Zijie, asked in confusion, “Father, no matter what choice we make now, we stand to gain. Are we really to do nothing?”
“We have people watching the Jiang family at all times. Without my order, do nothing.” Cheng Qingshan smiled coldly: “Doing nothing is the best choice. Even if the Sacred Land and Jiang family fight, and the Jiang family is likely to lose, we need not get involved. The Cheng family merely watches and cleans up the mess in the end.”
Inside the Jiang family’s formation, Jiang Cheng stood with hands behind his back, coldly watching the Sacred Land’s spirit vessel outside. A faint, cold smile appeared at his lips. “How timely. Today, we settle accounts with these traitorous backstabbers!”
Meanwhile, on the spirit vessel of the Sacred Land, the Second and Third Saint Sons exchanged cold glances, silently reaching an agreement.
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“Since the Jiang family refuses to see reason, there is no need for mercy,” the Second Saint Son said quietly.
“Then act,” the Third Saint Son replied softly, eyes filled with icy resolve.
A storm was about to unleash; the tension was palpable. Everyone hidden around Lingxiao City knew the direct confrontation between the Jiang family and the Sacred Land was now inevitable.
Inside Jiang mother’s chamber, faint sobbing could be heard.
On the bed, the little girl, Xiao Ya, gradually awakened. Her once pale face regained color, even showing a hint of healthy flush.
Her tender hands rubbed her sleepy eyes, her gaze somewhat bewildered. She looked around, the unfamiliar surroundings leaving her lost.
“Daddy… Daddy?” Xiao Ya cried, tears streaming, her voice trembling with fear and dependence.
Qing’er stood nearby, watching Xiao Ya regain consciousness, relieved but unable to suppress a chuckle when she heard the child call “Daddy.” “Little one, your daddy isn’t here. You… might be mistaken.”
Xiao Ya’s eyes lit up. Hastily climbing down from the bed, she staggered toward the door, calling out repeatedly, “Daddy… Daddy! Daddy must be coming to find me!”
Qing’er quickly chased after her and hugged her tightly. She spoke softly, “Don’t run. This is the Jiang family. You just woke up and aren’t well yet. The young master saved you, but he’s not your daddy.”
Xiao Ya stopped struggling, shaking her small head stubbornly. “You say the young master saved me, so he is my daddy!”
Qing’er was taken aback and hurriedly reasoned, “You can’t just say that. Young Master Jiang is the heir of the Jiang family. He just got married; how could he be your father?”
Nonetheless, Xiao Ya’s eyes were resolute, gripping Qing’er’s sleeve tightly. “My mother said before she died that my father is mighty. I won’t die. My father would never abandon me! Now Daddy saved Xiao Ya. Sister, I beg you, I want my daddy…”
Qing’er sighed helplessly, carrying Xiao Ya outside the council chamber. She pointed at Jiang Cheng standing beside Su Ruoxi. “Look, that is the young master.”
Xiao Ya’s eyes brightened. She broke free from Qing’er’s grasp and dashed swiftly toward Jiang Cheng. “Daddy! Daddy!”
Jiang Cheng was coldly watching the Sacred Land’s flying vessel when he suddenly heard the child’s voice behind him. Turning, he saw a delicate little girl stumbling toward him, shouting “Daddy” as she ran.
He was momentarily stunned as Xiao Ya threw herself into his arms, clutching his waist tightly. “Daddy, don’t go. Xiao Ya won’t leave you anymore!”
“Little one, I’m not your daddy. It’s dangerous here now. You should stay with Sister Qing’er…”
“You’re lying. You are my daddy. Otherwise, why would you take me home? I won’t leave. I’m not afraid. I want to protect Daddy. I want to be with Daddy and never be apart.”
Su Ruoxi stood beside him, smiling softly, teasing in her tone: “Husband, your ‘daughter’ is just like you—surrounded by enemies yet fearless, just like you.”
Meanwhile, on the Linglong Sacred Land’s spirit vessel, the Third Saint Son sneered coldly, “Such shamelessness from the illustrious Saint Daughter. I once thought you pure and pristine, Su Ruoxi. Look at you now. Have you no shame? You already have a child with Jiang Cheng—could it be you two bore this bastard?”
The Second Saint Son’s expression grew severe, his voice cold as ice echoing through the void: “I order the Jiang family to open the grand formation and hand over the Ninth Saint Son and the Law Enforcement Hall Elder within one incense stick’s time. Otherwise, the imprisonment of Sacred Land’s people by the Jiang family in Lingxiao City will be deemed betrayal of the Sacred Land alliance! After one incense stick’s time, no one in the Jiang family in Lingxiao City will be spared—man or beast!”
“Linglong Sacred Land disciples, obey the order!”
“Following the Saint Son’s command!”
“After one incense stick’s time, kill every Jiang family member in Lingxiao City!”
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“Order received!”
The atmosphere in the void suddenly tensed, as if even the air had frozen.
Jiang Cheng stood with hands behind his back, eyes as cold as blades, staring at the Sacred Land’s people in the void. Suddenly, he laughed loudly, a thunderous roar that pierced the clouds. The profound yellow formation beneath him shifted and shimmered, its runes trembling slightly.
“Ha ha ha ha!”
The laughter abruptly ceased. Jiang Cheng’s expression darkened instantly, his gaze sharp as a sword, piercing the Second Saint Son.
His voice was low and fierce, brimming with boundless killing intent:
“I warn all you worthless dogs: I give you one incense stick’s time. If anyone acts before then, I will kill ten in return. If you don’t believe me, I will gladly let the blood of Saint Sons stain the path of my Jiang family’s rise!”
His voice exploded like thunder, echoing over all of Lingxiao City, proclaiming his resolute defiance and fearlessness.
The profound yellow formation flared with light. Golden runes surged like rolling waves, a mighty pressure enveloping the scene, fully displaying the Jiang family’s determination.
At the same time, deep within Jiang Cheng’s sea of consciousness, the six divine soul marks—the six guardians bestowed by the system—ignited with overwhelming golden light, like divine suns rising in an eternal night, illuminating every shadow within.
A vast, oceanic majesty swept forth, like billions of iron cavalry trampling across the sky. The entire sea of consciousness trembled.
Jiang Cheng’s command was like rolling thunder, powerful and resolute, carrying unquestionable authority:
“Whoever offends the Jiang family—kill without mercy!”
His voice was like an imperial decree, thunderous and chilling to the soul.
“Kill without mercy!” The six divine soul marks responded in unison, as if breaking through time and space to strike the soul directly.
“The Lord’s sacred order has been issued—wherever the order reaches, heaven and earth shall collapse, blood shall stain the nine heavens!” The leading Void Refinement realm guardian looked at the five seated figures. Since awakening to the mysterious great power and receiving their guardian mission, their souls had been shrouded in a mist, which now receded at the command.
Deep in their souls lay absolute obedience to this vast power. As guardians, they bore unyielding loyalty, even to the point of sacrifice, toward their Lord.
The six awakened ones, bound by infinite loyalty, exchanged glances and took action.
Jiang Cheng’s expression was icy, his voice low yet filled with endless killing intent as he transmitted: “Today, whoever dares offend the Jiang family will learn what it means to be untouchable, and the unbearable price to pay!”
The six divine soul marks echoed back loudly and passionately, filled with the killing intent to break through all obstacles:
“Swearing to pave the way for the Lord. Dare oppose us—die! Fight to the death, no retreat!”
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