Chapter 221: The Calamity of the Zhang Family!

"Brother Yang Yan, what are your plans for the future?"

Seeing Bai Yifei and Hou Sailei retreat, Zhan Tian, whose physique was as imposing as an iron tower, heaved a sigh of relief and asked Yang Yan, who stood beside him.

"I plan to return to Jinzhou as quickly as possible." As Yang Yan spoke, a cold, grim expression surfaced on his face.

"That is probably for the best. Once those fellows from the Xuantian Hall and the Fengyun Pavilion return, they certainly won't let this matter rest. You would do well to be careful," Zhan Tian warned.

"Mm." Yang Yan nodded. Given the temptation of the Spirit Gathering, those people would not easily give up, especially the Xuantian Hall. Since the forces affiliated with the Qingxuan Sect fell under the jurisdiction of the Xuantian Hall, it was inevitable that they might use their influence to sabotage him in the shadows.

"People of the Xuantian Hall, you had best not play any tricks behind my back. If you do, I, Yang Yan, swear that it won't be long before the Xuantian Hall is wiped off the map of the Feiyun Empire!" Yang Yan secretly resolved in his heart.

"Well then, since the people from the Fengyun Pavilion and the Xuantian Hall have retreated, and those from the Tianlong Empire likely won't trouble you for the time being, I should be on my way." Giving Yang Yan a hearty smile, Zhan Tian cupped his fists in salute.

"In that case, let us part ways here. I also need to get back to Jinzhou as soon as I can. Take care, Brother Zhan Tian!"

"Mm, you too!"

With those words, Yang Yan did not hesitate. After exchanging a glance with Qing'er, the two of them sped off in the direction of Jinzhou. As for Lan Xue, her body had already shrunk, and Yang Yan had tucked her into his sleeve.

"This is truly a massive gamble. I honestly don't know how the old fogies of my clan have such great confidence in him, even to the point of openly challenging the Xuantian Hall and the Fengyun Pavilion. I only hope he truly won't let us down!"

With a helpless, bitter smile, Zhan Tian did not linger. He pushed off the ground with his broad feet, creating a sound like muffled thunder, and his figure shot into the sky like a cannonball, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

After parting ways, Yang Yan and Qing'er did not delay at all on their journey, pushing themselves to the limit toward Jinzhou. Along the way, while traveling and refining the energy sealed within his body, Yang Yan finally broke through to the fifth level of the Spirit Sensing Realm on the fifth day. To his delight, Qing'er had also successfully broken through to the second level of the Spirit Sensing Realm.

If one were to analyze it, Qing'er's cultivation speed was not inferior to theirs at all. After all, the legacy left behind by a Spirit Sea Realm expert was far more potent than the energy left by the Tiger-Headed Profound Ice Python, and that violent, surging power was sufficient to support Qing'er until she successfully reached the Spirit Sea Realm.

Thinking of this, Yang Yan couldn't help but shake his head with a bitter laugh. He had gone through nine deaths to reach his current level of cultivation, yet Qing'er had obtained such a great opportunity in a single ruin. By comparison, it truly made him feel like vomiting blood.

As time passed, the impatient feeling in Yang Yan's heart grew with each day. According to their current pace, they should be able to reach Jinzhou before nightfall today.

"Qing'er, let's go faster!"

Yang Yan’s face held undisguised joy. At the mere thought of reuniting with his father after more than half a year, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Looking back to the time of their departure, he had only been at the fifth level of the Spirit Sensing Realm; now, he had broken through to the fifth level of the Spirit Sensing Realm in one go. Such leapfrogging cultivation speed could truly be called monstrous.

With his current strength, he could dominate Jinhuan City, and his father’s long-held wish could finally be fulfilled.

As for the Sun family, one of the three major powers in Jinhuan City, Yang Yan naturally wouldn't touch them because of Sun Zhixin. However, he could not tolerate the Xu family continuing to develop in Jinhuan City.

Although the two Xu brothers had died by his hands, he felt not a shred of regret. They only had themselves to blame for being blind and challenging his bottom line again and again. Once he returned, it wouldn't be long before he sent their father, Xu Tianlong, down to accompany them, allowing their family to be properly reunited.

"Mm." Hearing Yang Yan's urging, Qing'er nodded slightly. The emerald-green wood-attribute spiritual energy surrounding her surged once more, and their speed instantly spiked as they turned into two streaks of light, flying toward the distance.

"Xu Tianlong, I didn't expect you to have such audacity. With such a grand display, are you trying to trigger an all-out war between the Xu and Zhang families?"

Before the gates of the Zhang family estate, a thin, middle-aged man stared coldly at the stout figure not far away, his voice icy.

Although the man appeared to be in his forties, surprisingly, his hair was entirely gray, making him look much older than his peers. Only the occasional sharp glint in his eyes betrayed his formidable strength.

"Zhang Tai, since I’ve dared to bring people here, do you think I’m still interested in exchanging pleasantries? My two sons both died at the hands of that little bastard. I hate him so much! If he were alive now, I would certainly peel his skin off layer by layer, eat his flesh, and break his bones!"

Xu Tianlong’s stout face was filled with cold killing intent and deep hatred. His family had thrived in Jinhuan City for dozens of generations; he never expected to lose his sons in his fifties. Losing both at once—how could he remain calm? If it weren't for his fear of Yang Yan and the fact that Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng were disciples of the Qingxuan Sect, he would have already slaughtered his way into the Zhang residence long ago.

However, over the past six months, he had spent almost his entire family fortune, using all his resources to cultivate experts within his clan, waiting for the day he could destroy the Zhang family in one fell swoop.

And today, that opportunity had finally arrived.

"Xu Tianlong, the reason your two sons died at the hands of Yan'er is entirely their own doing. I advise you not to be foolish. Your words and actions involve the lives of hundreds of people in the Xu family. I suggest you retreat from the vicinity of our estate before the emissaries of the Qingxuan Sect arrive. Otherwise, you will not be able to bear the consequences!"

"Zhang Tai, do you really think I would dare to besiege your residence so blatantly if the Qingxuan Sect hadn't given their tacit approval?"

Hearing Zhang Tai use the Qingxuan Sect to pressure him, a mocking smile appeared on Xu Tianlong’s face, and he uttered a thought-provoking remark.

"Xu Tianlong, what do you mean by that?"

Xu Tianlong’s words clearly shocked Zhang Tai, who then shouted sternly.

Because all three of his children had been taken as disciples by the Qingxuan Sect, and the sect had felt a sense of indebtedness toward the Zhang family following Yang Yan's disappearance six months ago, they had sent many magical treasures and high-level cultivation techniques to the Zhang family as compensation.

If anything were to happen to the Zhang family, the Qingxuan Sect, which held absolute power in Jinzhou, would surely not sit idly by. That Xu Tianlong dared to directly ignore the existence of the Qingxuan Sect in his words left Zhang Tai feeling deeply astonished.

"You don't need to worry about that. In any case, once I have slaughtered all of your Zhang family members, you can go down to the underworld and ask the King of Hell yourselves! Kill them all!"

As Xu Tianlong’s chilling words fell, he had no intention of continuing the conversation. With a wave of his hand, the men of the Xu family, who had densely surrounded the Zhang residence, brandished their gleaming weapons, and amidst battle cries, they charged toward the Zhang estate!

"People of the Zhang family, defend with your lives! Do not let the Xu family break through!"

Faced with Xu Tianlong, who gave the order to attack without hesitation, Zhang Tai’s expression turned utterly grim as he shouted to the many Zhang family members behind him.

"Yes, Patriarch!"

Many Zhang family members rushed out with magical treasures in hand, waves of formidable spiritual energy radiating from their bodies as they clashed with the Xu family.

Clearly, during this period, the Zhang family had also cultivated some experts with the help of the Qingxuan Sect, so the combat power they displayed was not the least bit inferior to the Xu family.

"Zhang Tai, I advise you not to persist in your desperate struggle. The fact that the Zhang family will be erased from Jinhuan City today is a foregone conclusion. You’d better surrender obediently!"

Looking at Zhang Tai, whose face was as gloomy as water, Xu Tianlong sneered.

"You want to swallow my Zhang family in one bite? Aren't you afraid of choking to death? Very well. It’s been many years since we last truly fought. Today, let me see exactly how much ability you have!"

After the cold shout, Zhang Tai did not waste any more words. The massive wood-attribute spiritual energy in his body suddenly surged, and as his figure shifted, he shot toward Xu Tianlong like lightning.

"Fifth level of the Spirit Sensing Realm? Zhang Tai, you really surprise me!"

A cold smile surfaced at the corner of his mouth, but there was not a hint of shock on Xu Tianlong’s face. Suddenly, his fire-attribute spiritual energy erupted, and an extremely scorching temperature instantly permeated the area. Looking at the sharp pressure he displayed, it was clear that he had also reached the fifth level of the Spirit Sensing Realm!

"How is this possible?"

Seeing the strength Xu Tianlong suddenly displayed, Zhang Tai was filled with shock. Half a year ago, this guy was clearly only at the third level of the Spirit Sensing Realm. How could he have caught up to him in such a short time?

However, shock was shock; Zhang Tai’s forward momentum did not stall. The emerald-green wood-attribute spiritual energy covering his body grew even stronger, and his fist, wrapped in dense spiritual energy, slammed toward Xu Tianlong without any fancy tricks!

Faced with such an attack, Xu Tianlong sneered. Without the slightest hesitation, his crimson fire-attribute spiritual energy instantly surged onto his fist, and he threw a punch that collided violently with Zhang Tai’s in mid-air!

Boom!

A low, explosive sound echoed across the field. From the point where their fists met, violent energy ripples spread out like waves, blowing away those who were nearby. One could imagine just how terrifying their clash was.

The two figures touched and separated immediately, both taking over a dozen steps back before steadying themselves. Zhang Tai’s expression turned somewhat ugly.

Their exchange appeared evenly matched, but only he, as the person involved, could feel that Xu Tianlong’s attack was extremely fierce and violent. Furthermore, the latter’s own fire-attribute spirit body had a natural suppression over his wood-attribute spirit body. He had secretly suffered a small loss in this first encounter; the skin on his right fist was already faintly scorched. While this injury was trivial to him, Xu Tianlong’s progress over a mere six months truly exceeded his imagination!

However, as the head of the family, he had no reason to retreat. He knew that the battle between him and Xu Tianlong was the key to the entire conflict; he could not afford any mistakes. Once he fell, the Zhang family’s defensive line would collapse in an instant.

Gritting his teeth, Zhang Tai swiped his hand across his storage pouch, and an emerald-green longsword appeared in his grasp. Enveloped in powerful spiritual energy, he thrust it toward Xu Tianlong!

Faced with this attack, Xu Tianlong sneered. Only when Zhang Tai’s attack was less than half a yard away did he swing his arm!

Clang!

A sound of metal clashing rang out in mid-air. At the same time, Zhang Tai felt a massive force travel up his arm, causing half of his body to go numb in an instant. His gaze suddenly fixed on the crimson giant axe in Xu Tianlong’s hand; the terrifying energy fluctuations emanating from it told him that this magical treasure was extraordinary!

"This is? A Treasure Tool? How is that possible?!"

Zhang Tai’s expression finally turned utterly grave. He could not imagine what Xu Tianlong had done over these six months to obtain a treasure of this caliber!

One had to know that the boost a Treasure Tool provided to a cultivator's strength was far greater than that of a Spirit Tool. Therefore, even if the Zhang family spent all their current wealth, they wouldn't be able to exchange for such a treasure. Even the Qingxuan Sect couldn't simply pull out a Treasure Tool whenever they pleased.

That the Xu family in a small place like Jinhuan City could produce a Treasure Tool left Zhang Tai unable to remain calm.

"Zhang Tai, I told you that the destruction of the Zhang family today is inevitable!"

After these cold words, Xu Tianlong gave a sinister laugh. He raised his arm high, and the giant axe, glowing with a red light, descended upon Zhang Tai with unparalleled momentum!

Seeing Xu Tianlong’s attack was so fierce, Zhang Tai slowly suppressed the shock in his heart. Gritting his teeth, he tilted his longsword to block, clashing heavily with the giant axe!

Barely managing to block the blow, Zhang Tai’s figure retreated dozens of steps. When his gaze fell upon the faint notch on his emerald-green longsword, his expression became extremely ugly!

This green sword had followed him for many years, and he had never been forced into such a pathetic state while facing an enemy. It seemed ordinary spirit artifacts really could not compare to Treasure Tools!

However, Xu Tianlong clearly did not intend to give Zhang Tai a chance to catch his breath. Seeing his strike blocked, he did not hesitate, twisted his body, and once again brandished the giant blood-red axe, attacking Zhang Tai fiercely!

Faced with Xu Tianlong’s ferocious offensive, Zhang Tai gradually fell into a disadvantageous position. His defeat seemed only a matter of time.

The Zhang family members fighting the Xu family before the gate saw this scene, and their hearts immediately turned cold.

Zhang Tai was the pillar and backbone of their family. Once he was defeated and Xu Tianlong was free to act, these ordinary disciples would be like sheep before a tiger; they would have no power to resist. If it truly came to that, perhaps the Zhang family would indeed be erased from Jinhuan City today!

Although there were many Zhang family members, only a few had reached the Spirit Sensing Realm, and those at the Spirit Perception Realm could not play a decisive role in changing the outcome of the battle.

However, just as a sense of dejection was rising in everyone's hearts, a loud roar echoed from not far down the street.

"Father, we are here!"

Zhang Tai, who had been forced into a chaotic defensive state, felt a surge of joy upon hearing that voice. He shifted his gaze toward the end of the street and saw two young figures charging toward the Xu family members. It was Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng!

He had not expected that the two, who had reportedly gone out on a mission for the Qingxuan Sect, would return at such a critical juncture. It was truly a timely arrival.

The strength of the two could not be underestimated now, for in the short span of half a year, both had broken through to the first level of the Spirit Sensing Realm. Two experts at that level were enough to turn the tide of the entire battle!

Faced with the charge of Zhang Sheng and Zhang Quan, the ordinary Xu family members had no power to resist. Before long, the two reached Zhang Tai’s side and stood with him, staring coldly at Xu Tianlong!

"You've come just in time! It saves me the trouble of searching for you one by one!"

However, faced with the two who had suddenly intervened, there was not a hint of panic on Xu Tianlong’s face. Instead, a sinister smile appeared. He waved his hand, and suddenly, a commotion erupted from inside the Zhang residence. When Zhang Tai and the others turned back, they were horrified to discover that the Great Elder was leading dozens of Zhang family experts to attack their own people!

"Great Elder, what are you doing!?"

Seeing the Great Elder, who had suddenly launched a massacre against his own clan, Zhang Tai’s expression changed drastically, and he shouted sternly!

"Zhang Tai, blame only your own incompetence! For years, you have occupied the position of Patriarch while achieving nothing; you are a disgrace to the ancestors of the Zhang family! Now, because of that piece of trash you picked up, the Zhang family is suffering such a calamity. You are truly foolish to the extreme!"

Faced with Zhang Tai’s questioning, the Great Elder let out a cold snort. He and the dozens of figures behind him moved in unison, surrounding Zhang Tai, Zhang Quan, and Zhang Sheng in the center. Sharp killing intent spread from their bodies!

At this moment, Zhang Tai’s heart slowly turned cold. With the betrayal of the Great Elder, the Zhang family’s combat strength had lost nearly a third. With the balance of power shifted, even with the addition of Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng, trying to save the Zhang family today would be harder than ascending to the heavens!

"Heh, I have treated you so well for so many years, and yet I have raised a white-eyed wolf. It is my own fault for being blind. If I do not kill you, this traitor, I will have no face to see our ancestors even in death!"

A moment later, Zhang Tai’s eyes turned blood-red. Compared to Xu Tianlong’s open hostility, he hated the betrayal of a close relative even more. Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng beside him also glared at the Great Elder, their Spirit Sensing Realm spiritual energy erupting, ready to join Zhang Tai in killing him!

"Father, why should you have to personally deal with a traitor to the family? Let me handle it!"

However, just as Zhang Tai and the others were about to make a desperate stand against the Great Elder and Xu Tianlong, a sneer echoed through the world. Everyone’s gaze shifted in shock to the source of the sound!

Standing atop the Zhang family gate were two figures, a man and a woman. The girl had a tall, slender figure and appeared to be seventeen or eighteen years old. She wore a simple, elegant dress, and her cold, indifferent face was devoid of expression, giving her the air of an ice-cold beauty. While this girl was completely unfamiliar to Zhang Tai and the others, when everyone’s gaze settled on the youth beside her, their hearts suddenly surged with monstrous waves!

Having not seen him for half a year, the youth seemed to have grown even taller. The face that previously held a hint of youthful immaturity now possessed a bit more maturity. The youth’s gaze seemed to ignore everyone present, fixing intently on the middle-aged man in the courtyard, who looked infinitely older than he had half a year ago. Pain and chilling killing intent surfaced in his eyes!

"Yan'er, is it really you? My son!"

After clearly seeing the thin figure atop the gate, Zhang Tai’s slightly hunched body could not help but tremble. Hot tears welled up in his eyes, and he was so overcome with emotion that his voice trembled uncontrollably.

From the day the youth had gone missing, he had worried about his safety every waking moment, even ignoring the opposition of the clan elders to send men to search for Yang Yan in the vicinity of the Duanyun Mountain Range. Unfortunately, despite losing many men, his efforts had been in vain.

However, he had always held a firm belief in his heart: Yang Yan would not die easily. Therefore, he had prayed every day for the past six months for the youth's return. Today, the thing he had longed for had finally appeared before his eyes, alive. In his excitement, he felt a sense of unreality!