Chapter Fifty-Three: Betrayal of the Sect

Suddenly, an unexpected calamity descended outside Beihan City!

In the distant sky, the horizon darkened as if soaked in ink, turning pitch-black and ominous. The ground below was shrouded in a heavy, suffocating darkness that sent chills down one’s spine.

Upon closer inspection, countless ferocious beasts surged forward like a tumultuous tide. Their thunderous roars echoed like an earthquake, shaking the earth and mountains alike.

Liu An and his father immediately sensed danger and hurriedly rushed to the city gate.

When they fixed their gaze on the scene ahead, both gasped sharply.

Each beast bore razor-sharp fangs and terrifying visages, wildly charging toward the city gate. The dust clouds they kicked up swirled like a sandstorm, engulfing the entire sky and earth, making it nearly impossible to see the path ahead.

At this critical moment, Xu Fatty’s fingers moved rapidly, chanting incantations under his breath.

In an instant, thick vines burst from the ground with astonishing speed, intertwining to form an impenetrable green barrier standing firmly before everyone.

Simultaneously, Lin Luomei gracefully waved her staff, sending forth waves of biting frost that swiftly spread, freezing the ground ahead into a thick sheet of ice.

Elsewhere, Fang Yuan stood steady, gripping his long blade. His eyes, sharp as an eagle’s, fixed intently on the approaching beast horde.

With a mighty shout, his blade transformed into a fearsome dragon, roaring and clawing fiercely as it slashed mercilessly at the beasts.

Not to be outdone, Xu Jing’s palms blazed with roaring flames, flickering like the brightest stars in the night sky.

With a sweep of his arm, the burning fireball shot forth like a meteor, striking the beasts directly.

Lastly, Ming Liang raised both hands to the sky, chanting ancient spells. Dark clouds swiftly gathered overhead, thunder rolling ominously.

Suddenly, lightning tore through the heavens, crashing down with devastating force upon the beasts. Electric light flashed and thunder roared, plunging the battlefield into utter chaos.

Liu An, seeing his fellow disciples arrive, said little but drew his sword. Countless sword shadows flew forth, each capable of felling a ferocious beast.

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“This isn’t right. These beasts are too weak. Although the numbers have reached the scale of a beast tide, their strength is hard to gauge,” Lin Luomei warned, urging everyone to remain vigilant.

Amid the chaotic battle cries and deafening clashes, a faint, chilling aura spread silently like a creeping plague.

Behind the surging beast tide, shadowy figures clad in black robes flitted like ghosts.

Their robes billowed wildly in the wind, sometimes obscuring their forms, other times revealing faintly glowing formation diagrams etched upon their garments. These sigils shimmered with strange, eerie light—like the darkest ink in the dead of night—casting an invisible net that slowly enveloped Beihan City.

Each black-robed figure moved with practiced skill, their fingers weaving rapid hand seals as they murmured ancient, arcane incantations.

The chant was deep and melodious, echoing softly through the air. Yet, compared to the earth-shaking roar of battle, the incantations seemed insignificant, like the buzz of a mere mosquito.

Finally, as the last note faded, a tremendous rumble resounded. A transparent, invisible yet palpably powerful barrier suddenly formed, expanding with unstoppable force to encompass the entire city.

At that moment, the citizens of Beihan City looked up in confusion at the sky-bound barrier.

Liu An and his companions exchanged grim looks.

“This is bad! We’re really in deep trouble this time! The situation is dire; if we don’t call for reinforcements from the sect soon, we may not make it out alive!” Fang Yuan shouted urgently, his expression grave. The others’ faces tightened, fully aware of the peril they faced.

“Indeed, Brother Fang is right. But before that, we must work together to break through a gap in this barrier to ensure someone can slip out and send a distress signal,” another agreed.

Fang Yuan nodded. “Among us, Ming Liang is the fastest. Since the communication jade slip is unusable now, he’s the best choice to go for help.”

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All eyes turned toward Ming Liang, who nodded resolutely without hesitation. “Very well, if you trust me, I won’t let you down!”

At that moment, the group noticed that, except for Xu Fatty, each wore a precious item bestowed by their master—artifacts that might prove invaluable in the moments to come.

Without further delay, they dashed together toward one direction, unaware that the black-robed figures watched their every move from afar.

As their carefully laid plot neared fruition, the black-robed men each curled their lips into chilling, sinister smiles. Eyes hidden beneath their sleeves gleamed with a dreadful cold light, like hungry wolves stalking the Qingyun Sect disciples who were unknowingly stepping into a meticulously crafted trap.

At this point, the beast tide could be held back by the soldiers of Beihan City.

As the six approached the barrier’s edge, Xu Jing drew from his waist a fiery serpent formed from flame.

“Crimson Flame Serpent, nearly at the fourth realm in power—your master is truly generous,” Fang Yuan said enviously, watching the small serpent flick its temper.

“Not good! Fall back quickly—we’ve been trapped. There’s something beneath the ground,” Lin Luomei shouted urgently.

Suddenly, the earth trembled slightly. From below, countless enormous ants, black as ink and armored with tough shells that shimmered coldly in the sunlight, burst forth.

These ants moved with astonishing speed, flowing like a black torrent, swiftly surrounding the six.

The rustling of their bodies and the grinding of their sharp mandibles against the earth created an eerie, hair-raising sound.

They opened their jaws wide, baring razor-sharp teeth as if intent on devouring every living thing before them.