As Jiang Chen vanished from Lin Tianxiong's sight, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over the Lin family patriarch.
"N-no!"
Before Lin Tianxiong could finish his plea, Jiang Chen's fist crashed into his chest.
Boom!
A bloodcurdling scream echoed through the forest as Lin Tianxiong was sent flying several meters. When his body hit the ground, he lay still—lifeless.
---
Meanwhile, the battle between Meng Qingxue and Li Gan reached its climax. Though both were at the eighth level of the Qi Protection Realm, Meng Qingxue's skill and combat prowess far exceeded Li Gan's.
After just ten exchanges, Meng Qingxue had thoroughly dominated him. Seeing Lin Tianxiong's death broke what little resolve Li Gan had left. In his panic, he left himself open, and Meng Qingxue seized the opportunity.
With a swift stroke, her silver sword pierced through him. Li Gan collapsed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Why… How could this happen?"
Qiu Wuying, who had been watching, felt his blood run cold.
In mere minutes, Jiang Chen and Meng Qingxue had dismantled everything—the third-tier formation, the Lin and Li family heads, and the conspiracy they had woven.
It was terrifying.
Escape!
That was the only thought in Qiu Wuying's mind. Without another glance, he turned and ran.
But he hadn't gone far when he froze. Jiang Chen was already standing in front of him, blocking his path.
"Trying to leave? Since you came, stay forever."
Jiang Chen's voice was calm, but it carried the weight of an unbreakable decree.
Boom!
Jiang Chen's fist shot forward, aimed at Qiu Wuying's chest.
"No!"
Desperation filled Qiu Wuying's eyes. He channeled all his inner Qi, forming a defensive barrier. But his strength—only at the sixth level of the Qi Protection Realm—was no match for Jiang Chen's ninth-level of Qi Protection Realm.
The barrier shattered like glass. Jiang Chen's punch struck true, and Qiu Wuying crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
---
Jiang Chen turned his gaze toward Master Gong, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"Old man, you're the last one."
Master Gong had barely recovered from his shock. Now, facing Jiang Chen's glare, he sneered. "What? You intend to kill me too?"
Jiang Chen's voice was icy. "You accepted Lin Tianxiong's invitation to kill me. Did you think you wouldn't pay the price?"
Master Gong's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with arrogance. "First, you can't kill me. Second, I am Gong Yuan, from the imperial capital of the Great Xia Kingdom. Do you dare to lay a finger on me?"
He sneered, his confidence unshaken. "If you harm me, I'll ensure the Jiang family is wiped off the map."
Jiang Chen's eyes grew colder. "Are you threatening me?"
Gong Yuan's sneer deepened. "Try it and see what happens."
Jiang Chen's voice turned deadly. "Old fool, you think your status will protect you? You overestimate yourself."
His aura intensified, murderous intent filling the air. "In this world, there is no one I dare not kill!"