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Qi Yuan escaped the Chen family's formation and glanced back, feeling a tinge of regret upon seeing that Chen Honghao was still alive.
Without hesitation, he activated three high-level Flame Sun Talismans, directing them toward the Chen family estate. The roaring flames swallowed buildings, illuminating the night sky.
Since he couldn't kill Chen Honghao, he could at least burn his home to the ground.
Ordinary Qi Refinement cultivators stood no chance against high-level talismans, ensuring severe casualties among the lower-ranked disciples of the Chen family.
Casting one last indifferent glance at the burning estate, Qi Yuan turned and flew toward Jinma City.
At that moment, Xin Ruyin retrieved a signal talisman given to her by Luo Mingfang. Raising it high, she infused it with spiritual energy, leaving a clear beacon in the night.
Before long, they rendezvoused in a secluded forest.
Luo Mingfang stepped forward, concern evident on his face. "Miss Xin, I saw your signal and came immediately. Are you alright?"
"Thank you, Young Master Luo, for your willingness to help. Please escort us back to Jinma City. As a token of gratitude, I will gift you a set of formation equipment," Xin Ruyin responded calmly.
She knew that the Chen family had a late Foundation Establishment cultivator. If they pursued her, even the senior beside her might not be able to handle them alone. He could even lose his life. Seeking Luo Mingfang's assistance was a necessary precaution.
Hearing her words, Luo Mingfang's expression turned serious. "It's unwise to return to Jinma City right now. Why not seek refuge with my Luo family instead?"
Qi Yuan observed him with interest, his lips curving into a faint smile. Then, he shifted his gaze to the mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator standing beside Luo Mingfang.
Xin Ruyin shook her head slightly and replied firmly, "Hiding may buy time, but it won't solve the problem. Besides, staying with the Luo family would only bring you unnecessary trouble. If Young Master Luo is unwilling to escort us, then we'll take our leave."
Luo Mingfang fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will escort you as promised."
Xin Ruyin gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment. Then, turning to Qi Yuan with a faint blush, she spoke softly. "Senior, please take us on our way."
At this point, etiquette was the least of her concerns.
"No problem. Let's go."
Qi Yuan stepped between the two women, wrapped an arm around each of their waists, and soared into the air.
Suddenly, the sky turned crimson as dense clouds of light enveloped them, forming a massive barrier that sealed their path.
Qi Yuan reacted instantly. With a flick of his wrist, a small black tower shimmered into existence, casting a protective glow over them and blocking the encroaching radiance.
Xin Ruyin's expression changed. She turned to Luo Mingfang and demanded, "Young Master Luo, what is the meaning of this?"
Luo Mingfang held a palm-sized, rosy-hued bead in his hand, his tone calm but firm. "Miss Xin, as long as you return with me, I promise no harm will come to you."
Though Luo Mingfang was the eldest son and heir to his family, his brothers were like wolves and tigers, each vying for power. Their talents and ambitions were not much weaker than his own.
To secure his position, he had long set his sights on Xin Ruyin.
Her mastery of formations was unparalleled. If he could win her over, it would greatly strengthen his standing.
In time, he would take her as his concubine, bear children with her, and keep her by his side forever—to help him achieve his ambitions.
Wasn't that a perfect plan?
Initially, he had hoped to persuade her by emphasizing the threat posed by the Chen family, making her willingly seek shelter with the Luo family.
But she had insisted on returning to the Chen estate. So, he had adjusted his strategy, leaving her a talisman for aid—knowing full well that once the Chen family struck, she would have no choice but to turn to him.
And now, with her safety in his grasp, there was no need for further persuasion.
"You're delusional." Qi Yuan's voice was unwavering. "No one can force Miss Xin to do anything against her will."
If he backed down now, he'd never earn Xin Ruyin's trust again.
Besides, with all the treasures he carried, why would he be the one to flee? If anyone should be running, it was the others.
Hearing his firm words, Xin Ruyin's eyes briefly flickered with light—before dimming again with a soft sigh.
Luo Mingfang narrowed his gaze. Without another word, he turned to the middle-aged man beside him. "Fourth Uncle, kill everyone except for Xin Ruyin."
To him, she was the only one who mattered.
The white-robed middle-aged man responded with a simple "Hmm."
A high-grade magic weapon materialized at his side, its fiery red blade gleaming ominously before shooting toward Qi Yuan with deadly speed.
Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei closed their eyes in terror—until a scream pierced the night.
When they opened their eyes, they saw something they never expected.
Luo Mingfang had been injured!
Qi Yuan stood at ease, watching the scene unfold like a spectator at a play.
His spiritual sense had detected the presence of hidden figures nearby, which was why he had paid little attention to the middle-aged man's attack.
Besides, with the top-tier magic treasures from the Divine Weapon Sect protecting him, it was laughable to think he could be slain so easily.
"Fourth Uncle, why did you attack me?" Luo Mingfang clutched his abdomen, his face twisted in pain.
As a mere Qi Refinement cultivator, he was no match for a mid-stage Foundation Establishment expert. Even his defensive magic tools were as good as useless.
The middle-aged man didn't respond.
Instead, a voice came from the shadows.
"Apologies, Brother, but I gave the order. Surprised?"
A young man emerged from the underbrush, his lips curled in a mocking smile, his eyes filled with cold amusement.
"Luo Yuntian! Even if you kill me, you'll never become the family head!" Luo Mingfang roared. "You're nothing but a bastard child!"
Luo Yuntian sneered. "You're right—I'm only the sixth son. But once the eldest is dead and all the others are illegitimate, anyone can seize power."
"You…" Luo Mingfang's face paled. He had no rebuttal.
But he couldn't understand—his fourth uncle had been loyal for years. Why betray him now?
"I know you have many questions," Luo Yuntian said, his tone indifferent. "But I have no interest in answering them. Die with your regrets."
With that, he plunged a sword into Luo Mingfang's heart.
Luo Mingfang's eyes remained wide open, unwilling to close even in death.
Luo Yuntian turned his gaze toward the three figures in the air. "Fourth Uncle, I don't care about formation geniuses. Can I kill them all?"
"Of course," the middle-aged man replied calmly.
With a flick of his hand, a fiery red blade shot through the air, brimming with murderous intent.
Qi Yuan released the two women, letting them remain protected within Qianshan Tower.
Then, he sprang into action.
A fierce battle erupted—wind walls, venomous puppets, and golden bricks clashed against high-level magic weapons and talismans.
At last, when the enemy let his guard down, Qi Yuan struck with one final, devastating attack.
A blinding explosion of thunder and fire engulfed the battlefield.
Luo Yuntian, who had been watching from the sidelines, was so shocked that he instinctively tried to retreat.
But Qi Yuan flicked his fingers, releasing a high-grade Condensed Bead Talisman.
Luo Yuntian's life ended in an instant.
(End of Chapter)