Chapter 567: Besieged

The continuous mountain ranges were typically remote and rarely visited. However, at this moment, a particular valley was bustling with activity, teeming with people.

On a verdant peak just outside the valley, two figures stood with their hands clasped behind their backs, atop a green pine tree. Potent Genesis Qi surged around them, emanating an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Both wore white robes, each sleeve bearing the mysterious emblem of a majestic hall suspended among clouds – the symbol of the Sacred Palace.

The one on the left was Wang Yuan, and the one on the right was Ning Mo.

The Sacred Palace had ten halls, and these two were the Chief Disciples of two of those halls, signifying their high status.

"These Cangxuan Sect disciples aren't very capable, but they are quite adept at playing the tortoise," remarked Wang Yuan, a man of tall and sturdy build. He carried a black iron staff on his back, its surface faintly shimmering with Genesis Runes.

His gaze was indifferent as he looked at the valley before them, which was now enveloped by a massive Genesis Rune barrier.

The Genesis Rune barrier was clearly sophisticated, possessing astonishing defensive power that made it difficult for even them to breach quickly.

Ning Mo, whose long black hair fell loosely around him, giving him a somewhat unkempt appearance, chuckled. He remarked lazily, "Jin Zhang is the Chief Disciple of Spirit Rune Peak, and his Genesis Rune attainments are exceptionally high. The 'tortoise barrier' he erected is indeed a bit troublesome."

"Ultimately, however, it's a futile effort. This Genesis Rune barrier cannot last indefinitely. As long as we keep this place surrounded, they will have no escape."

As he spoke, he subtly waved his hand, and figures instantly appeared on the mountain peaks surrounding the valley. These were disciples of the Sacred Palace, and they had now completely encircled the area.

Ning Mo then looked up, his gaze sweeping over the distant parts of the mountain range. Various factions were continuously arriving from different directions, observing from afar, none daring to intervene in the ongoing struggle.

After all, both the Sacred Palace and the Cangxuan Sect were colossal powers within Cangxuan Heaven, and no one dared to meddle in a conflict between such titans.

Naturally, they were also keenly curious: when these two colossal powers clashed, would it be the long-established overlord, the Cangxuan Sect, that prevailed, or the newly emergent overlord, the Sacred Palace, that proved superior?

However, the current situation clearly indicated that the Cangxuan Sect was at a disadvantage.

Under the gaze of numerous onlookers from afar, Ning Mo slowly ascended, his feet supported by Genesis Qi, positioning himself outside the valley. He looked at the valley encased within the Genesis Rune barrier with a mocking, derisive gaze, and his calm voice echoed: "Jin Zhang, why prolong this futile resistance? If you hand over all the Profound Genesis Essence you possess, I can guarantee your safe departure."

"Ning Mo, stop dreaming! If you want the Profound Genesis Essence in our possession, then try breaking my barrier first!" A deep voice resonated from within the valley; it was Jin Zhang, the Chief Disciple of Spirit Rune Peak.

Hearing this, Ning Mo shook his head mockingly and said, "You truly won't shed tears until you see the coffin. In that case, we will simply have to search the corpses of your Cangxuan Sect disciples."

"Ning Mo! You've killed more than a dozen of my fellow disciples; I, Jin Zhang, will remember this debt!" Jin Zhang's voice was thick with fury.

"The strong prey on the weak. Since you lacked the capability, isn't it perfectly normal that you were killed by us?" Ning Mo chuckled, then ceased his exchange with Jin Zhang. He turned back to sit cross-legged on the mountaintop, his eyes coldly fixed on the valley encased within the Genesis Rune barrier.

"Let's see how much longer you can endure."

With a flick of his sleeve, nearly a hundred Sacred Palace disciples on the surrounding mountain peaks immediately unleashed their attacks. Formidable Genesis Qi assaults roared forth, cascading onto the Genesis Rune barrier and sending ripples across its surface.

In the distance, numerous onlookers cast their gazes. Upon seeing the Cangxuan Sect's team trapped in the valley, they quietly shook their heads and whispered among themselves.

"It appears this Cangxuan Sect team is in for some trouble."

"Indeed, who would have thought that two Chief Disciples of the Sacred Palace would be in this area? Wang Yuan and Ning Mo are among the top-ranked of the ten Sacred Palace Chief Disciples; they are not to be trifled with."

"Rumor has it that some Cangxuan Sect disciples have already perished at the hands of those two Chief Disciples."

"Tsk, tsk, these two colossal sects are truly sworn enemies; it's a fight to the death whenever they encounter each other..."

"Heh, heh, when old and new overlords clash for supremacy, there's no room for peace. Ultimately, it all comes down to strength. If this Cangxuan Sect team is annihilated here, it would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the Cangxuan Sect's reputation."

The various factions offered their commentary, all adopting the attitude of spectators. In their view, it was a positive development that these two major sects were clashing, as it might present opportunities for them to gain advantages.

And so, time swiftly passed, marked by the Sacred Palace's siege and the indifferent gazes of the other factions.

Two days later.

The booming sounds continued to echo through the mountains. The Genesis Rune barrier outside the valley fluctuated violently, visibly thinning with each impact.

From its appearance, it was clear the Genesis Rune barrier was nearing its limit.

Ning Mo watched the scene with a smile and said, "Jin Zhang, this is your final opportunity. If you persist in your foolishness, once the barrier shatters, don't blame me for unleashing a massacre."

Silence fell over the valley.

Ning Mo casually flicked his cuff with a slender finger and said nonchalantly, "Do you genuinely believe I don't see through your deliberate delay? Aren't you simply waiting for your fellow Cangxuan Sect disciples to arrive as reinforcements?"

"Among the Chief Disciples of this generation from your Cangxuan Sect, aside from Tang Muxin of Cangxuan Peak and Xie Yan of Thunder Prison Peak, the others are relatively weaker. And according to our Sacred Palace's intelligence, Tang Muxin and Xie Yan are currently engaged in conflicts with our other Chief Disciples in different regions, making it highly unlikely they can reach this location."

"Therefore, even if someone does arrive, it will only be a few other Chief Disciples, and their arrival would likely just mean they are offering themselves up as easy targets."

His eyes gleamed with mockery, having clearly seen through Jin Zhang's intentions. Yet, far from panicking, he was content to wait, as they were also using Jin Zhang and his group as bait.

If they could lure another Cangxuan Sect team and eradicate them, they would likely acquire a significant amount of Profound Genesis Essence.

Inside the Genesis Rune-shrouded valley, Jin Zhang sat cross-legged on a large boulder. His expression was now volatile, clearly surprised by the extent of Ning Mo and his group's ambition, even intending to use them as bait.

Dozens of Cangxuan Sect disciples surrounded Jin Zhang, but their morale was low, and some bore injuries.

"Chief Disciple Jin Zhang, what should we do? The Genesis Rune barrier probably won't hold out much longer," a disciple whispered beside him.

Jin Zhang looked at the disciples gazing at him expectantly, took a deep breath, and slowly stated, "If the barrier breaks later, I will single-handedly hold them off. All of you, disperse and retreat immediately, then seek out the other Chief Disciples."

Upon hearing this, the other disciples' expressions changed, as they clearly understood Jin Zhang's intention to sacrifice himself.

"No more words are needed. As a Chief Disciple, it is my duty to protect you. This time, my carelessness led to us being ambushed and caused casualties among our fellow disciples," Jin Zhang interrupted those about to speak with a stern expression.

A heavy silence fell over them, their eyes filled with sorrow.

Crack!

At that very moment, a sudden cracking sound emanated from the barrier, causing the Cangxuan Sect disciples present to stiffen. They sharply looked up, witnessing cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.

Finally, as the cracks rapidly spread, the immense barrier reached its limit and exploded with a resounding crash.

The people within the valley were instantly exposed to numerous predatory gazes.

In mid-air, Ning Mo smiled as he watched the scene, lamenting, "What a shame. This tortoise shell clearly can't protect you any longer. Jin Zhang, your Cangxuan Sect is truly declining with each generation..."

Potent Genesis Qi began to surge from his body, radiating immense pressure.

Evidently, he was preparing to make his move.

Within the valley, Jin Zhang also took a deep breath. Spiritual power condensed at his brow, and a Genesis Rune brush materialized in his hand. He shouted, "Prepare to retreat!"

"Heh heh, in your current state, do you truly dare to challenge me? Then don't blame me if I show no mercy," Ning Mo said, a sneer twisting his lips at the sight.

His eyes then turned cold. Without another word, he took a step forward, poised to strike.

However, the very moment he stepped forward, a sharp whistling sound suddenly pierced the air. A black beam, as if tearing through the void, shot forth with cunning ferocity, aiming directly at Ning Mo.

Ning Mo's pupils constricted slightly, and his forward stride abruptly halted.

The black beam grazed past his body, its sharp whistling sound sending a chill down one's spine.

"Who?!" A cold expression flashed across Ning Mo's face. He raised his head, looking towards the west. Simultaneously, numerous astonished gazes across the land converged, clearly not expecting anyone to dare provoke them at this moment.

Under the collective gaze, a somewhat ethereal figure slowly materialized atop a solitary peak not far from the valley.

He extended his hand and lightly clasped it. The black light shot back, settling into his palm, revealing itself to be a mottled black brush. Its snow-white bristles, like the tip of a spear, pointed diagonally towards the ground.

Within the valley, Jin Zhang and the other disciples also looked over, their eyes widening in profound astonishment. They clearly had not expected this particular individual to arrive.

"Where did this ignorant fool come from? Are you seeking death?" Ning Mo stared gloomily at the distant figure, speaking with indifference.

On the solitary peak, the figure first glanced at Jin Zhang and the others in the valley before turning to Ning Mo. He smiled, revealing a set of white teeth, but the words he then uttered caused the entire mountain range to fall into a stunned silence.

"You Sacred Palace bastard... do you truly believe there's no one in my Cangxuan Sect who can put you in your place?"