Chapter 641

Chapter 641: Repeating an Old Trick

When Ximen Qingzhong believed he’d restrained all Fang Lie’s clones and pinned his hopes on Ximen Qinghe, he never imagined he’d fallen into Fang Lie’s scheme. The supposedly reliable Ximen Qinghe was equally helpless, trapped in an identical predicament.

Three hundred thousand miles northwest, a large town controlled by Ximen Qinghe’s descendants found itself besieged by over a hundred Fang Lie clones. Temporary restrictions blocked void travel and Flying Sword messages. Inside, Ximen Qinghe casually sipped tea, convinced he’d tied up Fang Lie’s forces so Ximen Qingzhong could effortlessly secure the Spirit Jade mines.

Thus, through cruel irony, two late-stage Thunder Tribulation experts wielding Ninth-Rank Treasures became isolated in separate cities by 200 clones. Cut off from communications, even the Ximen family clan’s headquarters lost track of them, unable to contact either.

As the two Ximen elders drank tea, control of the Spirit Jade mines shifted toward the "old bird." With Mo Sect’s full backing, the old bird mobilized all magic spirits to wrest control of the local Formation. Within two hours, it dominated half the defenses. At this rate, Mo Sect would claim ownership in another two hours.

Though lacking true intelligence, the Ximen family’s protective array recognized danger. It pressured Ximen Qingdong for reinforcements, who explained two late-stage Thunder Tribulation Immortals with Ninth-Rank Treasures were en route but delayed by distance—they’d need three hours total. The array calculated it could hold for one more hour. Once Ninth-Rank Treasures arrived, any attempt by Mo Sect to Void Shift the small thousand Secret Realm would trigger its destruction.

The Formation seethed with frustration. This was its territory! Had any Ximen disciple remained in the Secret Realm, evicting the old bird would’ve been simple. But Fang Lie’s Void Escape ambush slaughtered all experts and low-level disciples alike, forcing the array to fight remotely against the invading old bird.

Three hours passed with no reinforcements. Ximen Qingdong’s inquiries via Flying Sword messages went unanswered—highly unusual, as Thunder Tribulation Immortal communications normally took mere moments. After fifteen minutes of silence, Ximen Qingdong panicked. While doubting Fang Lie could slay two Ninth-Rank Treasure wielders, their silence indicated grave trouble.

Abandoning protocol, Ximen Qingdong mobilized the family’s last reserve—Ximen Qingsheng, a stern middle-aged late-stage Thunder Tribulation expert armed with their final Ninth-Rank Treasure. His orders: secure or destroy the Spirit Jade mines within half an hour.

Five thousand miles from headquarters, Fang Lie’s clones intercepted Ximen Qingsheng. Anticipating this, Fang Lie tested him with a clone firing Mo Qianxun’s Semi-Immortal Sword Energy. Ximen Qingsheng casually waved his golden Jade Ruyi, dissolving the attack and obliterating the clone—a display of Ninth-Rank Treasure power containing billions of Divine Lightning particles, each rivaling a Thunder Tribulation strike.

Identifying both treasure and wielder, Fang Lie’s clones split forces. Most raced toward Ximen Qingsheng’s stronghold, Qiuyun town, while others taunted: "Since I couldn’t stop your brothers, I’ll make your descendants pay!"

Ximen Qingsheng scoffed but noticed dozens of clones diverting toward Qiuyun. He maintained course, unaware Fang Lie had already sacrificed forty clones to confirm his weakness.