The Chi family was surrounded by numerous masters, forming an impenetrable blockade. These factions, either coerced by Han Zhu or allied with the Sea Clan, were now acting in concert under Han Zhu's manipulation, launching an assault on the Chi family. Nearby, various onlookers had also gathered. Everyone knew that something significant was about to happen. It was possible that Lan Yu City would be thrown into chaos today, and the Chi family, which had a history spanning over a hundred thousand years, might even face annihilation.
Within Lan Yu City, panic was spreading. Some of the more timid individuals, fearing collateral damage, had already fled, choosing to leave Lan Yu City and avoid entanglement in this conflict. A small number of factions or cultivators with lingering conscience wished to support the Chi family, but seeing the overwhelming odds and the Chi family's precarious situation, they could only abandon the thought. The majority, however, watched with detached indifference, adopting a stance of non-interference and relishing the spectacle.
Madam Chi stood at the main entrance of the Chi family, gazing at the surrounding crowd, a wave of sorrow washing over her. She had never imagined such a situation, with so many people targeting the Chi family, especially several factions that were originally part of the West Coast Defense Alliance. She feared that today's events could not end amicably. Furthermore, the fact that Chi Qingying remained unreachable and her whereabouts unknown filled Madam Chi with worry and despair.
Amidst the crowd, the Ximen father and son exchanged knowing smiles. The plan was proceeding flawlessly. Chi Qingying was trapped by the formation, unable to contact the outside, and with the elder ancestor Ximen Dun guarding her, she was already a trapped beast, no longer a threat. Now, Madam Chi was clearly flustered. They believed that by continuing to exert pressure, they could make her lose her composure and ultimately submit.
"Madam Chi, our demands are simple. As long as you hand over the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram, we will leave immediately and will not harm a single blade of grass or tree in your Chi family," Ximen Cang stated, demanding the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram. Once the diagram was in their possession, the Chi family would pose no threat, and then it would be up to him whether to kill or torture them.
Madam Chi glared at Ximen Cang and rebuked, "Shameless traitor, you colluded with the Sea Clan to poison me, attempting to seize the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram and failing. Now you intend to force my submission with military might? You are dreaming. Do you think I fear you?" Although she appeared outwardly gentle and refined, like a lady from a prominent family, Madam Chi possessed an incredibly strong will, directly exposing the Ximen family's wicked deeds in public.
Ximen Cang was unfazed and calmly replied, "Madam Chi, do not fabricate falsehoods and slander us. My Ximen family is an important member of the West Coast Defense Alliance, and we are sworn enemies of the Sea Clan. If you wish to defame me, at least find a plausible excuse. If you can produce evidence, I will not waste words and will slit my own throat on the spot to atone to the world." With Granny Shi dead and the Poison Hand Medicine Sage in hiding, Ximen Cang was confident that the Chi family had no evidence to prove his involvement in harming Madam Chi, hence his composure and calmness.
"That's right. My Ximen family is upright and honorable. How can you slander us?" Ximen Yaoqing chimed in, arguing unreasonably. "Under your leadership, the Chi family has been in decline. Now, apart from Chi Qingying, there are no decent masters. The Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram is of great importance. Your Chi family is not worthy of possessing it. It is more appropriate for my Ximen family to safeguard it, and this is also the result of discussions among our many alliance members."
"Yes, it was our unanimous decision."
"Madam Chi, hand over the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram, lest we damage our harmony."
"Today, you will hand it over whether you want to or not. Otherwise, do not blame us for being impolite."
Those families belonging to the West Coast Defense Alliance spoke one after another, their tones becoming increasingly aggressive. As for those not part of the alliance, they voiced their support and agreement, creating a scene where everything appeared to be Madam Chi's fault. The situation had reached this point; they had to obtain the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram. Otherwise, if they delayed, their allegiance to the Sea Clan would inevitably be exposed, and the consequences would be unpredictable. After all, walls have ears, and if other forces were determined to investigate, they would eventually uncover clues. Once Lan Yu City was captured and the Sea Clan landed, it wouldn't matter even if they were discovered to be traitors. Ultimately, the world is ruled by the victors.
"Very well, I would like to see how you intend to be impolite. Do you truly believe my widowed self and my child are easy to bully?" Madam Chi raised her delicate hand, and a formation diagram, only three feet square, appeared in her palm. The diagram emanated a hazy glow, with thousands of formation patterns dancing. The entire Lan Yu City suddenly began to shake violently. The city walls, the ground, various important buildings, and more began to radiate light. The various formations within the city started to awaken, and destructive energy began to converge. Instantly, the voices that had been clamoring fell silent, and everyone's expressions changed dramatically.
"Madam Chi, are you trifling with the lives of the entire Lan Yu City? A person like you is simply not suitable to wield the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram." Ximen Cang's face turned ashen. He hadn't expected Madam Chi to be so resolute. Was she planning a scorched-earth policy at the slightest disagreement? Of course, unless Madam Chi was truly deranged enough to seek mutual destruction, she wouldn't easily launch an attack, as everyone would be finished.
"As a mere woman, I am naturally timid. With so many of you threatening me, I am frightened. Who knows if my hand might slip and accidentally activate one or two killing formations?" Madam Chi's expression was icy as she coldly regarded the group that had just threatened her, causing their scalps to tingle. These people dared not meet Madam Chi's gaze, fearing that Madam Chi's hand might slip. After all, women's minds are unfathomable. Who could guarantee that if she took a dislike to someone, she wouldn't seize the opportunity to kill them?
"Madam Chi, do you wish to send your child to the grave before you?" Ximen Yaoqing, seeing this, immediately transmitted a message to Madam Chi, threatening Chi Qingying's life. Madam Chi's hand trembled violently, startling those around her, who hastily retreated dozens of meters. She stared intently at Ximen Yaoqing, her body trembling. It was true that Chi Qingying being lured away was also part of their scheme. Did she now fall into their hands? Was her life in danger?
"Rest assured, my elder ancestor Ximen Dun is protecting her well. As long as you obediently hand over the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram, she will naturally be fine. Otherwise, it's hard to say," Ximen Yaoqing said with a triumphant smile. As expected, a child is a mother's most precious treasure. Madam Chi would likely yield for Chi Qingying's safety.
"If you dare to harm even half a strand of Ying'er's hair, I will tear you all to shreds." Madam Chi's eyes turned red, and her usually elegant and noble face displayed an unprecedented, intense killing intent, like a tigress protecting her cubs. She would never allow anyone to harm Chi Qingying.
Ximen Yaoqing scoffed, "You had better hand over the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram quickly, or it will be Chi Qingying, that little girl, who gets torn to shreds." Madam Chi gritted her teeth and finally chose to compromise, tossing the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram towards Ximen Yaoqing. For Chi Qingying's safety, she was willing to pay any price.
"Hahaha..." Ximen Yaoqing snatched the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram into his hand and couldn't help but laugh triumphantly to the sky. They had succeeded. They had finally obtained the Heaven and Earth Three Talents Formation Diagram. Now, the Chi family was like fish on a chopping block, at his mercy. Madam Chi was also a rare beauty, and perhaps he could even savor her exquisite charm. And then there was Chi Qingying, and that Xia Wan'er; he desired them all. Thinking of the opportunity to capture all three beauties of the Chi family in one fell swoop, Ximen Yaoqing was so excited he felt like he could fly, an indescribable thrill, and his laughter grew increasingly ferocious.
"Huh? You debt-ridden, money-grubbing bastard, what are you grinning about like an idiot? Dare to show off in front of me, you kid are finished. No, your whole family is finished." Ji Hanhan's voice rang out. He had arrived.