Chapter 391: Three Swords to Annihilate a Clan (Part 1)

Chapter 391: Three Swords to Annihilate a Clan (Part 1)



"Something felt off about that ritual earlier," Tang Xiaotang frowned as she stood beside Lei Jun.

Lei Jun's eyebrows furrowed as well. "...A blood sacrifice?"

Xu Yuanzhen's expression remained unchanged. "Indeed, it was a blood sacrifice."

Tang Xiaotang was surprised. "Are they of the same kind as those evil demons and heretics from the Yellow Springs?"

Lei Jun: "They see us as invaders and themselves as leaders of the resistance against foreign aggression, uniting the people of Datong. Some things then become necessary sacrifices and collateral damage."

"As for what we are really doing here and whether the people of Datong agree to sacrifice themselves for us, those become peripheral issues."

He looked at the world before him, shrouded in the smoke of war, his face expressionless. "I can somewhat understand their line of thinking, but... it's really quite nerve-wracking."

Tang Xiaotang: "The aristocratic families of Datong are detestable, but they haven't sunk to such depths."

"The Five Clans have been deeply rooted in Datong for many years, and from the very beginning, they could be said to be the overlords of Datong. Their thinking habits on certain matters are inevitably different from those outside."

Lei Jun said to Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang, "Seniors, please allow me to go ahead to the Han world and the spatial gateway that connects it to Datong. I have some arrangements to make."

Xu Yuanzhen: "Very well."

Tang Xiaotang looked at the world before her, shrouded in the smoke of war, and coldly smiled. "Just as I like it. Time to shut the door and beat the dogs!"

As Lei Jun spoke, she had already taken a step forward, leaping off the small boat. "Lei Jun, you do as you please, but I won't wait for you. I'll start in Datong!"

"I wish Junior Sister a victorious campaign." As Lei Jun spoke, the Tian Tong Di Che Fa Lu in his eyes spun simultaneously.

As the Fa Lu spun, an invisible force communicated with the Yu Qing Zhou Tian Fa Jing, which he had left behind in the Han world.

The Yu Qing Zhou Tian Fa Jing hung high in the sky above the Han world, its mirror light quietly flowing, so subtle as to be almost imperceptible.

But at this moment, the seemingly illusory mirror light seemed to be able to cross through the multiple layers of spatial barriers, shining down on Datong.

Due to the spatial barriers, Lei Jun was unable to observe the situation in Datong while in the Han world. However, with the help of the Tian Tong Di Che Fa Lu, he successfully established a connection with the Yu Qing Zhou Tian Fa Jing.

Even though the Yu Qing Zhou Tian Fa Jing itself remained in the Han world, having been refined by treasures such as the Mi Luo Shi Wen Yu and the Du Yu Xing Mang, it could still assist Lei Jun in observing the distant and vast landscape of Datong.

By combining the previously intercepted correspondences of the Lin Clan and the Fang Clan of Datong, and comparing the text, Lei Jun quickly gained valuable insights into the geography of Datong.

"The ancestral land of the Five Clans, the Jingxiang Fang Clan, is currently suffering from the influx of smoke and war, so we can temporarily disregard it." Lei Jun pointed out the basic directions to Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang. "The Lin Clan is probably over there, the Xiao Clan is in this direction, and then further south, you'll find the Han Clan's ancestral land. Following the river downstream, you'll reach the Su Clan's ancestral land, oh, and by the way, over there is the nominal imperial capital of Datong."

"I remember you mentioning that the current top expert in Datong is from the Youzhou Lin Clan?"

Tang Xiaotang laughed aloud, her body transforming into a stream of light as she rushed towards the Lin Clan's ancestral land. "I'll pick him! It's him!"

Before the sound of her voice had even faded, she had already disappeared into the distant horizon.

Xu Yuanzhen was indifferent. "The Lin, Fang, and Xiao Clans are all about the same. However, the Han and Su Clans have been in decline in the human world for many years, yet surprisingly, a substantial branch of them still remains in Datong. I'll go take a look."

As she spoke, she also descended from the small boat, and the black thunderclouds drifted in the air, seemingly unhurried, yet they quickly vanished into the distance.

After bidding farewell to Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun also put away his small boat and donned the Tai Qing Ba Jing Bao Si, his figure disappearing into the world of Datong.

…………………

At Qingliang Yuan, the ancestral land of the Fang Clan of Datong, the scene was one of devastation.

A massive amount of smoke and war qi had poured into this place, seemingly solidifying and sealing off the Fang Clan's ancestral land.

The Fang Clan of Datong shared the same classic traditions and cultural heritage as the Fang Clan of the Jingxiang region in the Han and Datang worlds.

Although differences had arisen over time due to various factors such as historical events and the unique environment of Datong, the core principles remained consistent.

This was also true for the accumulation of their ancestral legacies and cultural essences.

In the human world, the Fang Clan held dominion over the Jingxiang region, which was a convergence of geographical pathways, where terrestrial and aquatic transportation intersected, forming a hub with connections in all directions.

Their ancestral land construction reflected these characteristics, resulting in a unique style that emphasized both solidity and accessibility.

When faced with a formidable enemy, they could choose to either firmly defend their position or, if the situation became truly dire, employ their ancestral land's distinct ability to relocate and escape, sacrificing their territory to preserve their people.

However, in the Han world, things had taken a turn for the worse. First, Clan Leader Fang Jingsheng had led a large number of their experts, along with their clan's treasure, the Chun Qiu Pen, to the imperial capital of Luoyang, only to fall into the illusory capital.

Then, taking advantage of the interconnectedness between the ancestral lands and the dragon veins of the Three Great Aristocratic Families, Zhang Hui had detonated the ancestral lands, causing their destruction.

Unfortunately, the Fang Clan's ancestral land had been unable to demonstrate its unique ability to connect with the wider world before it was lost. The residual qi had even injured those who remained to defend it, including Fang Huansheng and Fang Zhusheng.

When Shangguan Yunbo led his team out of Luoyang towards Jingxiang, what awaited them was an almost defenseless Fang Clan ancestral land.

The outcome was as predictable as the autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves.

And now, the Fang Clan of Datong was facing a similar calamity as their counterparts in the Han world.

The distinctive characteristic of their ancestral land, which allowed for far-reaching connections, had instead made them the primary target of the Iron Blood Grand Sacrifice's counteroffensive.

Fang Xi, the Clan Leader, was at the forefront, bearing the brunt of the attack. His eyes popped with the force of the impact.

His son, Fang Zifeng, rushed forward in alarm, supporting his father. "Father!"

"I'm fine..." Fang Xi grunted, shaking off his son's assistance. "With the protection of the Jiu Zhou Pen, I'm unharmed. Zifeng, quickly go find Yuanfeng."

As he spoke, Fang Xi quickly strode towards the ancestral hall of the Fang Clan, preparing to bow: "Unworthy descendant Fang Xi, please activate the Jiuzhou Pen!"

The ancestral hall was filled with a flourishing aura of culture, and light shone as it twisted and turned in multiple directions.

A single ink brush flew out.

This was the Fang Clan's treasured heirloom passed down through generations. It had been carefully refined using the precious resources of Datong by this branch of the Fang Clan after they entered the world. Over generations, with the continuous offerings and worship, it had attained its current prominence, bearing similarities in principle and concept to the Chunqiu Pen of the Fang Clan of Jingxiang in the Great Tang.

As the contemporary clan leader of the Fang Clan in Datong, Fang Xi relied on the power of the Jiuzhou Pen to protect himself, holding off the backlash of the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice and barely maintaining stability in their ancestral lands.

However, amidst the rolling smoke that engulfed everything, the ancestral lands of the Fang Clan were still in turmoil, as if doomsday had arrived.

As Fang Xi exerted himself with the Jiuzhou Pen, Fang Zufeng hurried towards the rear of the estate.

Along the way, he encountered a slender and tall young man with an air of seriousness.

Upon seeing this, Fang Zufeng quickly bowed: "Sixteenth Uncle, Father is asking for your presence!"

The slender young man nodded solemnly and made his way towards the ancestral hall, joining up with Fang Xi.

"Sixteenth brother, I never expected that you would finally emerge from your seclusion, only to be confronted with our clan's tribulation. I am ashamed!" Fang Xi sighed as he looked at the approaching young man.

His name was Fang Xing, and his courtesy name was Yuanfeng.

He was a young talent of remarkable achievement, revered by the entire Fang Clan and renowned throughout the Four Directions.

High hopes were pinned on him by the entire Fang Clan.

Even the other prominent clans and the rulers of the Sixteen Countries of Datong observed him covertly or overtly.

This was because he had, at a young age, already attained the eighth-layer of the Confucian Nine Heavens.

Everyone speculated about when Fang Xing would achieve the ninth-layer and attain the realm of pacifying the world.

For the current situation in Datong, this would have far-reaching implications.

The current foremost expert in Datong, and the only one at the fifth-layer of the ninth-heavenly realm, was Lin Zheng, the clan leader of the Lin Clan.

Hence, in recent years, the Lin Clan had become increasingly dominant among the Five Great Clans.

In contrast, the clan leaders of the Fang and Xiao Clans, Fang Xi and Xiao Jing respectively, were both at the fourth-layer of the Confucian Nine Heavens, great scholars in their own right.

As for the clan leaders of the Han and Su Clans, Han Tian and Su Guang respectively, the former was at the third-layer while the latter was at the second-layer of the ninth-heavenly realm.

The Five Great Clans corresponded to the five Confucian scholars of the ninth-heavenly realm.

However, at this moment, the Fang Clan had secretly nurtured another talent, Fang Xing.

Two scholars of the ninth-heavenly realm from the same clan.

But Fang Xing kept a low profile. Even after recently breaking through to the ninth-heavenly realm, he remained in seclusion, devoting himself to his studies.

The entire Fang Clan kept this matter under wraps as well.

The outside world had some suspicions, but they were unclear about the specifics.

However, what the Fang Clan never anticipated was that their painstakingly hidden secret, Fang Xing, would be exposed so simply today.

Regrettably, they had little choice in the matter.

"Big brother, your words are too heavy." Fang Xing stepped forward and exchanged courtesies with Fang Xi, then quickly lent a hand: "Let's stabilize the situation in our ancestral lands first."

Whether it was to hold their ground or to break through the encirclement, the Fang Clan must first resolve the issue of the rolling smoke that filled the Four Directions.

The Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice was a joint effort by the Five Great Clans.

At this moment, they still shared a spiritual connection.

As the two ninth-heavenly realm scholars of the Fang Clan joined hands to resist the backlash of the grand sacrifice, the others from the four clans immediately sensed it as well.

"It must be Fang Yuanfeng. He has successfully advanced to the next level."

In the ancestral lands of the Xiao Clan of Datong, their clan leader, Xiao Jing, had gone to the human realm of the Great Han. Hence, she was not present at this location at this time.

The clan elders left in charge, including Xiao Yuan, were all grave and solemn.

Someone couldn't help but comment: "The Fang Clan and Fang Xing can no longer stay hidden."

Xiao Yuan said: "That's because the enemy is unexpectedly strong!"

Upon hearing this, the others fell silent.

They were all gathered in the ancestral hall, presiding over their ancestral lands, resisting the backlash of the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice.

With the ancestral lands of the Fang Clan, which connected the Nine Provinces, bearing the brunt of the backlash of the grand sacrifice, the situation for the other four clans was relatively more relaxed, but it still kept everyone busy and on edge.

Especially for the Xiao Clan of Datong.

While they didn't have to bear as much pressure as the Fang Clan, without their ninth-heavenly realm clan leader, Xiao Jing, present to oversee the situation, they were still walking on thin ice.

Numerous sacrificial vessels were arranged inside and outside the ancestral hall, and a grand sacrifice was conducted.

At the center of the sacrifice, a long sword hovered in the air, trembling slightly as it aided Xiao Yuan and the others, dispelling the thick and dark smoke that assailed them from all directions.

The sword, together with the sacrificial array, unleashed a vast storm that swept through the Four Directions, the most suitable counter to the rolling smoke brought about by the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice.

The storm was wild and fiery, like it originated from a desert, a mighty wind from a vast sea of sand.

This sword was named the 'Vast Sea Sword', and like the 'Jiuzhou Pen' of the Fang Clan, it had been refined by the Xiao Clan after they entered Datong.

Compared to the 'Horang Sword' inherited by the Xiao Clan from beyond the Long Province, the sword intent was already considerably different, but it still carried the regional characteristics of the Long Province, an ancient sword intent of culture and refinement.

After being refined by the Xiao Clan of Datong for many years, the 'Vast Sea Sword' had long become a famous sword of Datong.

The clan leader, Xiao Jing, had gone to the human realm of the Great Han without bringing this treasured sword along, leaving it behind in the ancestral lands of the Xiao Clan.

At that time, she merely adhered to the clan precept of not lightly removing the treasured sword from the ancestral hall, never expecting that such a huge change would occur in Datong during this period.

Now, it had become a great help to Xiao Yuan and the others.

"But this calamity is still difficult to overcome!" Xiao Yuan's expression was solemn.

The Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice harnessed the power of the Five Great Clans, stirring the spiritual veins of Datong and the loyal and righteous souls who had sacrificed their lives for this cause, their ironclad loyalty reflected in their names on the Roll of Honor.

Yet, the enemy had broken through so easily?!

"Notify the clan leader of everything that has transpired here immediately." Xiao Yuan, who was currently in charge of overseeing the ancestral lands, took a deep breath and instructed: "Fortunately, we are not as badly off as the Fang Clan, with our paths still open. Now, not only must we send a message to the clan leader, but we must also dispatch a group directly to the Great Han Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, the others trembled.

Xiao Yuan's thoughts at this moment were clearly pessimistic, and out of caution, he wanted to ensure the continuation of the Xiao Clan's bloodline.

Someone wanted to say something, but looking at the thick and dark smoke that shrouded the ancestral lands, they swallowed their words.

After a brief moment of silence, the elders of the Xiao clan immediately scurried off to make arrangements.

It wasn't just Fang Xi, Fang Xing, and Xiao Yuan who were worried. The clan leaders of the Lin Clan, Han Clan, and Su Clan—Lin Zheng, Han Tian, and Su Guang—also wore grave expressions.

"With such a formidable display, have all the experts from the Great Tang Human Realm come to attack?"

Han Tian's face turned ashen. "If what we heard is true, the relationship between the Tang Emperor and the Celestial Master's Mansion is already beyond repair. Has Fang Chunguang's information been wildly inaccurate all these years? Has his focus been solely on Fang Yuanfeng?"

If it weren't for the fact that the Fang Clan's ancestral land in Great Unity was currently bearing the brunt of the backlash from the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice, Han Tian would have suspected that they were colluding with the Great Tang Human Realm.

However, if the Fang Clan of Great Unity hadn't guided the Great Tang forces, and they had broken through on their own, then the strength of the invaders was truly terrifying.

As Su Guang maintained the defenses of his clan's ancestral land, he gazed into the distance, toward the direction where the void had been torn open.

Having heard about the plight of the Four Surnames and Five Aspirations in the Great Tang Human Realm, the people of Great Unity had already heightened their vigilance.

For this reason, the usually quarrelsome Five Aspirations had put aside their differences and worked together to prepare for the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice, just in case.

But who would have thought that not only would the invaders be able to so easily tear open the void between the Great Tang Human Realm and Great Unity, but they would also breach the defensive restrictions of the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice in the blink of an eye?

As Han Tian and Su Guang were filled with shock and apprehension, Lin Zheng, the number one expert of Great Unity and the clan leader of the Lin Clan, had no time to dwell on these uncertainties.

He calmed his mind, reined in his emotions, and looked peacefully toward the area outside the Lin Clan's ancestral land in Great Unity.

There, in the air, a tall woman in a purple-gold Daoist robe had appeared, looking down at the Lin Clan's ancestral land.

.................

With his current cultivation, Lei Jun was clad in the Taiqing Eight Scenic Treasures and empowered by his Heavenly Travel Manual. As he moved through Great Unity, he seemed to be nonexistent in this world, his movements undetectable.

Although the Five Aspirations were currently affected by the backlash of the grand sacrifice, with their background and means, aside from the Fang Clan suffering the backlash in their ancestral land and being unable to free themselves in a short time, the other four clans would likely break free soon.

At that time, some might try to escape to the Great Han Human Realm.

Consequently, there might be changes in the Great Han Human Realm as well.

Lei Jun didn't need to think too much to guess that the various powers in the Great Han Realm were probably also keeping a close eye on the developments in Great Unity.

Therefore, he quickly made his way to the void portal connecting Great Unity and the Great Han Human Realm.

He concealed himself to give Lin Zheng and the others a chance to cling to the hope of defending their ancestral lands, rather than joining forces and attempting to break through together.

Along the way, although he moved swiftly, Lei Jun's Heaven-Penetrating, Earth-Piercing Manual allowed him to get a general sense of his surroundings in Great Unity.

Affected by the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice, the ordinary people under the rule of the Sixteen Kingdoms were filled with anxiety.

Chaos was inevitable in the various vassal states.

The offspring of the Five Aspirations of Great Unity held many high-ranking positions in the Sixteen Kingdoms, making it easier for them to guide and manipulate the countries.

If the Iron Blood Loyal Soul Grand Sacrifice succeeded, it would further empower them.

However, with the failure of the grand sacrifice and the turmoil in the Five Aspirations' ancestral lands, the upper echelons of the Sixteen Kingdoms were experiencing unease and uncertainty.

For a time, undercurrents stirred in various places.

The offspring of the Five Aspirations who held official positions in the vassal states were under immense pressure.

Lei Jun silently observed all of this without revealing himself, continuing his quiet journey.

Finally, he arrived at the void portal connecting Great Unity and the Great Han Human Realm.

Here, in the name of the Son of Heaven, there was a special government office stationed.

The duty officers were all competent elders and offspring of the Five Aspirations of Great Unity.

At the same time, Lei Jun noticed that people had started to gather, intending to go to the Great Han Human Realm to send a message.

Strictly speaking, they hadn't yet ascertained the number of invaders from the Great Tang Human Realm, so the news of Great Unity being attacked by a powerful enemy naturally had to be conveyed as soon as possible.

However, it seemed that someone was faster than them.

Some of the elders of the noble families looked on in astonishment as a young Daoist man with a nine-colored brocade draped over his shoulders strode forward.

The crowd paused, then felt a chill run through them.

To be precise, the young Daoist's attire was not unfamiliar to them.

Some had even seen the Celestial Master of Dragon and Tiger Mountain Mansion with their own eyes in the Great Han Human Realm.

But the tall young Daoist before them was clearly not the current leader of the Great Han's Dragon and Tiger Mountain Mansion, Ji Daocheng.

Then, his identity could only be one person.

Lei Jun, the Celestial Master of Dragon and Tiger Mountain of the Great Tang, whose reputation had spread far and wide in Great Unity, yet whose true appearance was unknown to most!

As the crowd was filled with shock and suspicion, they saw the young Daoist walking forward without stopping, stepping into the void portal and leaving them with only a tall and straight back view.

The crowd couldn't help but feel even more astonished.

Some hesitated to move forward.

Others couldn't help but take a step forward and follow him into the void portal.

But no matter who it was, their eyes were suddenly plunged into darkness.

The vast universe and starry sky enveloped the four directions, covering a vast area and directly sealing off the area around the void portal on the Great Unity side.

Lei Jun himself was still walking in the void passage leading to the Great Han Human Realm.

After refining the Tai Xu Conjoined Lotus, his cultivation had risen to the Ninth Heaven of the Great Vehicle Realm, and his Divine Court had transformed, giving birth to a Great Vehicle Dao Scene that was extraordinarily profound.

At this moment, in addition to possessing two completely independent Great Vehicle Dao Scenes that could merge and separate at will, Lei Jun's other significant difference from other Ninth Heaven Daoist cultivators of the Manual Sect was that he didn't need to remain within his Great Vehicle Dao Scene at all times.

He could step out of his Great Vehicle Dao Scene and, for a certain period, it would continue to exist without him.

So, leaving the first Great Vehicle Dao Scene in Great Unity, Lei Jun continued on his way and arrived in the Great Han Human Realm.

Here, he temporarily slowed his pace.

The Jade Clarity All-Encompassing Daoist Manual left in the Great Tang Human Realm could only illuminate Great Unity with its current quality, and its light was not enough to penetrate two layers of void realms to reach the Great Han Human Realm.

Lei Jun then activated his Heaven-Penetrating, Earth-Piercing Manual to its fullest extent, scrutinizing the other side of the void portal.

As expected, several figures appeared in his vision.

There was an Eighth Heaven cultivator of the Martial Way.

An Eighth Heaven Confucian cultivator.

And an Eighth Heaven Daoist cultivator.

Although their cultivation differed from his, Lei Jun could confirm that the Daoist cultivator was indeed a cultivator of the Talisman Sect.

"Hmm? There's also someone from the Shamanic Sect?" Lei Jun raised his eyebrows slightly.

According to the current information, the cultivators of the Shamanic Sect in the Great Han Human Realm were showing signs of decline.

The foundation of their influence in the South Wilderness had been severely squeezed by the Great Empty Temple, which had risen to prominence in the past few centuries.

Lei Jun observed the Han human realm with great interest.

At the same time, he didn't slow down in his actions.

His second Great Vehicle Dharma Form unfolded.

The vast universe of stars suddenly replaced the entrance of the void portal leading to Datong from the Han human realm.

As the black void expanded, a powerful suction force emerged from within.

All the Han cultivators who were close to the void portal were attracted and pulled in by the black cosmic starry sky, their bodies involuntarily drawn towards it like moths to a flame.

When everyone had calmed down, they saw a tall young Daoist priest standing at the center of the universe, wearing a nine-colored cassock, a Yuanshi crown on his head, and a three-foot long magic sword hanging at his waist.

After seeing Lei Jun's face clearly, everyone took a deep breath.

The next moment, many of them looked in the same direction.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end