Li Tong, upon learning of the death of his granddaughter's husband, the Vampire King, was so enraged that he berated Li Father and Li Mother relentlessly.
If they had a divine son-in-law, the Li family would surely soar to the heavens.
Li Father, stubborn, retorted to his elder father, "Father, haven't you always taught me that marriage must be between equals? How could our Li family possibly be worthy of marrying into the Vampire King's lineage."
This was because, in his youth, he had fallen for a girl from a poor family, only to be ruthlessly separated by Li Tong, nearly breaking his legs. Thus, Li Father harbored resentment.
Subsequently, he once again experienced what fatherly love was like, being beaten and yelping by Li Tong with his dragon-head cane, scrambling for cover.
Li Tong, full of anger, held a press conference at the Li Family Villa, announcing the donation of the ancestral Push-Back Diagram to a museum.
The celebrities of Chenxi City and prominent figures from various circles came to show their support, with many foreign faces present as well, mostly cultivators. The press conference was exceptionally lively.
Li Tong had initially worried about any mishaps and invited Zhang Ye to maintain order and prevent any unforeseen events.
However, to his surprise, the press conference proceeded smoothly. The fake Push-Back Diagram was safely taken by the museum without any incidents, and no one targeted the Li family.
The matter seemed to be resolved perfectly, which finally brought a smile to Li Tong's face, and he let out a heavy sigh of relief.
Ji Mo, with Anubis, had been closely monitoring the situation at the press conference, and he too showed a genuine smile.
The fools would soon be delivering themselves to his doorstep.
To avoid harming the innocent, Ji Mo kindly advised Li Tong, "Old Master, you should take your family and leave the villa to stay elsewhere for a few days."
"What does Mr. Ji mean by this? The hot potato has already been sent away, and the Li family will no longer be in any danger."
Li Tong feigned ignorance, believing his plan to be flawless.
He thought those people were merely covetous of the Li family's ancestral Push-Back Diagram. Now that they desired it, they would only go to the museum to steal the fake, and the Li family could remain completely uninvolved.
"Hasn't the hot potato always been held in your pocket?"
Ji Mo, no longer bothering to beat around the bush, spoke directly.
Li Tong's little trick might fool most people, but for those divine beings, it was no different from covering one's ears while stealing a bell.
Upon hearing Ji Mo's words, Li Tong finally regarded Ji Mo with great seriousness.
Longhu Mountain truly was a place where dragons and tigers hid. He had initially thought Zhang Ye was already an outstanding individual, but he hadn't expected someone with such depth of character who could see through everything.
Of course, Ji Hanhan wasn't that clever; rather, he had detected a highly sophisticated ancient formation beneath the Li family villa.
Immortal-level beings might not discern its intricacies, but it certainly wouldn't escape the notice of Divine-level beings.
It was akin to hiding a very advanced safe in your house yet insisting you were poor; who would believe that?
It was evident that the Li family must be hiding something good underground, a treasure valuable enough to stir the hearts of even divine beings.
Now, those gods had likely thoroughly understood the Li family's capabilities and would proceed to break the formation and seize the treasure.
"Alternatively, you could sell the hot potato to me, and I will exchange it with items of equal value."
Ji Mo proposed a negotiation.
With the Li family's capabilities, it was impossible for them to guard the treasure. Possessing it would only bring disaster.
Although Ji Mo was short on cash, he still had a massive amount of immortal crystals earned from his days as a human trafficker, as well as countless rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures, stored within the Moon God Ring.
As long as Li Tong was willing to exchange, he would undoubtedly offer a price that would make Li Tong ecstatic.
"Exchange for items of equal value?"
Li Tong gazed at Ji Mo, his eyes becoming meaningful.
He was well aware of the situation at Longhu Mountain; their mountain gate had become a tourist attraction, and they were practically penniless.
In his eyes, Ji Mo's so-called exchange for items of equal value was no different from getting something for free.
The ancient artifacts of his Li family were immeasurably valuable, far beyond what Ji Mo could afford.
"The most valuable items in the Li family are those few ancient bronze artifacts. We will not renege on our previous promise to donate one to Longhu Mountain. If Mr. Ji wishes to have them all, that is also acceptable."
Li Tong continued to play dumb, intending to satiate Ji Mo's greed through a massive concession.
Ji Mo understood that he was likely perceived by Li Tong as insatiably greedy. He didn't say much more, finally reminding him, "The formation underground cannot protect the Li family. Do as you see fit."
"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Ji. I am aware of the situation."
Li Tong was slightly surprised that Ji Mo could see this as well, but he remained dismissive.
The grand formation beneath the villa was arranged by a rather accomplished ancestor of the Li family. Now, with the resurgence of spiritual energy, the formation was capable of unleashing power that could slaughter immortals.
This was his basis for confidence.
If any fool dared to cause trouble for the Li family, they would be made to taste the depth of the Li family's heritage.
He who does not heed the words of a fool will suffer the consequences before his eyes!
That very night, trouble ensued.
Vast shadows enveloped the night sky, obscuring the moonlight.
Outside the Li family villa, powerful mental energy raged, destroying all electronic security systems.
Subsequently.
Explosions continued to sound, sparks flying.
The mechanical guards, energy cannons, and other visible and hidden defenses were systematically shattered by the intruders.
These first-class defensive measures were all cleared within minutes.
The alarm bells echoed throughout the entire Li family estate.
The dozens of experts hired at great expense by the Li family met the enemy, but they couldn't hold on for more than a few rounds before more than half of them fell.
"Immortal, they are Immortal-level powerhouses... Ah..."
Someone screamed in terror before dying, the invaders' strength far exceeding imagination.
Some, fearing death, immediately chose to surrender, begging for their lives, but were ultimately ruthlessly slain.
It was clear that this was a situation where no one would be spared.
"Hahaha, tonight, no one will leave here alive. All of you will die."
A Westerner revealed himself, his face contorted with ferocity, immortal light flowing from his body. In his hand, he held a bone saber nearly two meters long.
The bone saber gleamed with a chilling light, emanating a strong hellish aura, forged from the canine tooth of Cerberus.
He was the chosen of Cerberus, Herbert.
Herbert laughed maniacally, and then was struck by lightning.
"Heavenly Garden, Earthly Realm, Nine Chapters of Law, Five Thunders' Might, Ten Thousand Ghosts Subdued!"
The young Taoist Zhang Ye struck forcefully, unleashing the Longhu Mountain Five Thunder Incantation.
Rumble...
Five thick bolts of lightning accurately struck Herbert, causing him to yelp in pain and hop around like a demon.
Indeed, it is said that those who boast will be struck by lightning.
Herbert, covered in black smoke, would have been struck dead by the five thunders on the spot if not for the bone saber gifted by Cerberus in his hand.
"As expected of something raised by dogs, it's not presentable, too weak. You still have to rely on me."
Another voice rang out, accompanied by a burst of killing light that repelled Zhang Ye, who was attempting to deliver a finishing blow, and saved Herbert.
This person's swagger lasted less than three seconds; as soon as he started to show off, he was terrified and scrambled for cover.
Zhang Ye, adhering to the principle of treating everyone equally, employed the Yin-Yang Thunder Method, with countless electric snakes dancing wildly, targeting both of them.
"Little Taoist, do you know who we are, to dare attack us?"
Herbert was furious, shouting in exasperation.
Zhang Ye replied, "I know, two weaklings."
The two chosen ones were so enraged their lungs were about to explode, and they began to cooperate.
At this moment.
An eerie wind howled, and a chilling aura permeated the air.
Around them, many dark figures rapidly approached.
The ground continuously cracked open, and monstrous creatures one after another emerged.