Chapter 630

Chapter 630: Ximen Family Clan

When Fang Lie emerged, he realized he’d accidentally trespassed into foreign territory. Below stretched endless palace buildings and massive structures amidst immortal scenery filled with Spiritual Energy – clear signs of a major power’s headquarters.

Such powers never permit random aerial crossings. Their protective array activated immediately upon detecting Fang Lie. The terrifying power froze the void itself – even Semi-Immortals and Ninth-Rank Treasures couldn’t resist it, much less a mere Netherworld warship.

Recognizing his mistake, Fang Lie remained calm. The surroundings clearly weren’t a Demonic Path sect. This paradise either belonged to righteous sects or neutral family clans leaning toward righteousness.

Accidental trespasses could be trivial or severe. He believed a sincere apology would suffice. Mo Sect enjoyed good reputation abroad, and Fang Lie himself was both alchemy Master and producer of prized treasures. Many owed him favors – they’d likely show leniency.

Suppressing his irritation at being killed earlier, Fang Lie shouted, "I’m Fang Lie of Mo Sect! My intrusion was accidental. I offer deepest apologies – please show mercy and let me depart!"

"Mercy?" A shrill voice sneered from afar. "You breached our clan’s heartland! Such insolence demands more than empty words!"

Fang Lie turned to see a gloomy Elder atop a distant peak. Flickering lightning around him revealed at least Thunder Tribulation Immortal cultivation.

Though quick-tempered, Fang Lie had swallowed his pride to apologize. This mockery ignited his fury. They’d already destroyed his warship, killing him once. Now his apology met contempt? Unbearable!

He coldly retorted, "What do you propose?"

"For Mo Sect’s face, we’ll spare punishment." The Elder smirked. "Leave this vessel as compensation and crawl away!"

Fang Lie’s rage flared. This was naked robbery disguised as justice! "Bold words," he countered. "Who claims such authority?"

"Remember well, worm!" The Elder thrust out his chest. "This is Ximen family clan territory! I am Ximen Qingdong! Complain to your elders if you dare!"

Fang Lie’s heart sank. The Ximen clan ranked among top neutral family clans, boasting two Semi-Immortals and marriage alliances with other great clans. Worse, they maintained close East Kunlun ties – the Sword God’s principal wife hailed from Ximen clan, being birth mother to Fang Lie’s nemesis Ming Jianzi!

Though focusing retribution on East Kunlun, Fang Lie had indirectly wounded Ximen interests. All his resources – White Jade Divine Fish, Demon Swords, spirit pills, Spirit Liquid – became forbidden to Ximen members. Their repeated petitions met stonewalled refusal from Fang Lie and his deputies.

Others could negotiate purchases, but Ximen and East Kunlun pleas fell on deaf ears. The clan seethed helplessly – starting wars over commerce was impractical across millions of miles.

Now Fang Lie had stumbled into the lion’s den. He cursed his carelessness – Xuan Sect’s constant movement during his fortnight stay had shifted their position drastically, altering return routes.

Surrendering the Ninth-Rank Netherworld warship? Unthinkable. Narrowing his eyes, Fang Lie challenged, "Demanding treasures for accidental trespass? Ximen clan bullies shamelessly!"

"You dare speak of shame?" Ximen Qingdong spat. "A lucky junior flaunting minor talents! You spurned our petitions repeatedly – that’s true tyranny!"

Fang Lie nearly choked. These pests kept harassing him despite mutual hostility, then blamed him for rebuffs? Scoundrels!

Ximen Qingdong gloated, "Never imagined your comeuppance, eh? We’re keeping this Flying Boat! What will you do?"

Such brazenness stunned Fang Lie. "So Ximen clan thinks they’ve cornered me?"

When Ximen Qingdong saw Fang Lie’s furious and humiliated expression, he grinned smugly and boomed, "Exactly! We’ve got you cornered!"

"You—" Fang Lie’s face flushed livid with rage.

Ximen Qingdong abruptly shifted tones, adding, "But our Ximen family clan isn’t stingy. Compensate us properly, and we’ll let bygones be bygones. Deal?"

"Hmph!" Fang Lie gritted out through clenched teeth, "What do you want?"

"Spend thirty years as our guest!" Ximen Qingdong replied cheerfully. "Refine spirit pills, brew Spirit Liquid, and maintain the Nirvana Fire Pool for us!"

Fang Lie’s expression darkened. "You want me enslaved?!"

"Now, now," Ximen Qingdong chided mockingly, "Such crude wording! Merely an extended visit. Freedom awaits you after three decades!"

"Delusional!" Fang Lie spat. "A simple trespass warrants thirty years of servitude? Shameless!"

"Face reality!" Ximen Qingdong snapped, temper flaring. "You’re our captive. Refuse, and I’ll strip you bare for public humiliation!"

"You wouldn’t dare!" Fang Lie roared. "Cur! Seeking to ignite a sect war?!"

"War?" Ximen Qingdong guffawed. "As if we’d cower! Let your Mo Sect attack! Cowards if they hesitate!"

"Bastard!" Fang Lie’s rage burned till his chest seemed ready to burst.

Sect wars typically erupted between neighboring major powers. The vast distance between Mo Sect and Ximen family clan—separated by multiple territories of righteous sects and Demonic Path factions—made troop movements impossible. Conflict between them was unthinkable.

This very immunity had let Fang Lie scorn the Ximen family clan while at Mo Sect. Even their Thunder Tribulation Immortals pleading at the mountain gate were turned away without audience.

Mo Sect could easily repel any Ximen assault. Yet here, on Ximen turf, the tables turned. They bullied Fang Lie freely, knowing Mo Sect couldn’t breach their protective array guarded by two Semi-Immortals. Mo Qianxun alone could barely defend, let alone conquer.

Smirking, Ximen Qingdong pressed his advantage—relations couldn’t worsen. At minimum, they’d claim an Eighth-rank Flying Boat. Fang Lie’s surrender meant greater treasures.

Fang Lie’s composure shattered. "Release me now, Ximen Qingdong," he hissed, "or I swear undying vengeance upon your clan!"

"Vengeance?" Ximen Qingdong scoffed. "Arrogant brat! What are you—some Immortal Realm True Cultivator? Even your Semi-Immortal Sect Leader lacks such audacity!"

"He hesitates—I don’t!" Fang Lie thundered. "Choose now: war or peace!"

"Whelp!" Murderous intent flashed across Ximen Qingdong’s face. He slashed a hand downward. "Die, fool!"

The Formation’s restrictions erupted. Before Fang Lie could blink, terrifying power shredded him to nothingness.

Ximen Qingdong snorted, channeling the Formation to seize the Netherworld warship. Bereft of its master, the vessel shrank to fist-size.

"Magnificent treasure!" Ximen Qingdong crowed, examining the Netherworld Heart. He descended to a peak where twin Middle-aged Human Immortals sipped tea, the warship clutched triumphantly.