As Xia Ningchang moved, the dense Yin energy in the valley reacted, resembling boiling water from above. The Yin energy, seemingly animated, writhed and swirled within the valley, creating a scene of extreme horror.
"Not good!" Wen Feichen exclaimed. Though he was uncertain of Xia Ningchang's exact actions, his experience as a True Yuan realm expert allowed him to perceive something amiss.
The woman must have set up a formation within the valley, and now she was activating it.
If she succeeded in fully initiating this unknown formation, their situation would become even more precarious.
"Redouble your efforts! Shatter that barrier immediately!" Wen Feichen roared. He needed to capture Xia Ningchang before the formation activated, or all would be lost.
"You there, get over here or I'll kill you now!" Wen Feichen berated the minor characters from the Wind and Rain Pavilion.
The underlings of Wind and Rain Pavilion, who had been passively observing the battle, now found themselves compelled to participate. Despite their initial reluctance and limited contribution, their attacks, though weak, were intended to wear down the barrier's defenses.
Twelve individuals exerted all their strength in a desperate assault on the semicircular barrier.
Ripples cascaded across the barrier, appearing on the verge of collapse, yet it remained steadfast.
Within the barrier, Yang Kai was frantic. He wished to assist but lacked the power to do so, his only option being to stay by Xia Ningchang's side and offer aid if the barrier were breached.
Xia Ningchang's movements quickened, her hands a blur as the Yin wind howled more fiercely, its eerie wails sending shivers through all who heard.
Wen Feichen's face showed a blend of gravity and avarice. He realized he had underestimated the defensive treasure's rank; it was clearly a top-tier celestial-grade treasure. Such an artifact could withstand even a full-strength blow from a Divine Traverse expert, equivalent to an additional life.
After a full incense stick's worth of time, a small crack suddenly appeared on the barrier.
Seeing the crack, Xia Ningchang's face turned pale. Activating the defensive treasure had drained much of her energy, and now she had to multitask to activate the previous setup, causing her energy to pour out like a burst dam.
Seeing hope, Wen Feichen urged his men to continue their assault while he himself launched a powerful strike. His energy surged as he delivered a seemingly slow but forceful palm strike against the barrier.
The impact caused the entire barrier to shake violently, and Xia Ningchang trembled, her pallor deepening.
Cracks resembling a spider's web began to spread across the barrier.
"Hahaha!" Wen Feichen laughed triumphantly, confident that another powerful strike would shatter the barrier completely.
However, before he could deliver his next blow, the swirling Yin energy in the valley abruptly ceased, and the ghostly wails vanished in an instant.
Xia Ningchang's star-like eyes flashed as she cried out, "Seal!"
At that moment, Xia Ningchang's preparations were finally complete.
The heavens above resounded with the clinking of chains, as if a ghostly melody were being played.
The shocked onlookers looked up to see several long, thick black chains, composed entirely of dense Yin energy, swirling ominously above them.
These Yin chains, imbued with a chilling aura, spiraled above the Blood War Gang and Wind and Rain Pavilion members, and then, as if endowed with a will of their own, they lunged downward.
Wen Feichen's expression changed drastically. Realizing he was a step too late, he hurriedly struck at the barrier.
Simultaneously, Xia Ningchang's form swayed, her strength depleted, unable to sustain the celestial-grade treasure.
The palm wind surged directly towards Xia Ningchang without obstruction.
At this critical moment, Yang Kai, vigilant by her side, seized the opportunity. He grabbed her just before the palm wind struck, but she was still grazed by its edge, causing her body to tremble and her face to turn ashen. Yang Kai lifted her and fled swiftly.
Given the overwhelming number and strength of the enemies, Yang Kai was not foolish enough to confront them head-on.
As Yang Kai fled with Xia Ningchang, the Yin chains finally ensnared the Blood War Gang's experts.
With only eight chains in total, Wen Feichen, being the primary target, was bound by three chains, while the remaining five targeted the Blood War Gang's Harmonization and Qi Movement realm experts.
The individuals ensnared by the chains were horrified, believing their end had come. However, the chains vanished into their bodies, leaving no trace.
Wen Feichen suddenly felt his True Yuan realm strength suppressed by an invisible force, and he could not suppress a groan of pain as blood spurted from his mouth.
The three Harmonization realm experts and one higher-ranked Qi Movement disciple suffered similar fates, their faces turning pale as they vomited blood.
The last Qi Movement disciple, being weaker, lost his breath in an instant and died on the spot.
"What is happening?" Long Hui roared in fury. He had been savoring the imminent destruction of the celestial-grade treasure and contemplating how to humiliate Xia Ningchang, only to find one dead and five severely injured, with Wen Feichen also in a debilitated state.
Long Hui's rage was palpable. The anticipated victory had slipped away.
"Calm yourself, Young Master Long," Wen Feichen said through gritted teeth, enduring the excruciating pain. "The woman must have set up a trap here. We were caught off guard, and she used the formation's power against us."
"You're all useless!" Long Hui bellowed, enraged. "With so many people, you couldn't even handle one person!"
Wen Feichen's anger flashed briefly but was quickly suppressed. He said, "Though we were deceived, the woman must be in a dire state now, likely depleted of all energy. If we can pursue them now, they will be like lambs to the slaughter!"
Long Hui, eager for action, urged, "Then