*Buzz—*
Just as the attackers approached, the Chu Heavenly Clan’s protective barrier suddenly vanished.
This abrupt change baffled not only the onlookers but also the coalition intent on crushing the Chu Heavenly Clan.
*Boom—*
In the next instant, a formidable force surged like a tidal wave from within the Chu Heavenly Clan’s territory, engulfing the attackers in a blink.
So overwhelming was this power that the army of over ten thousand, despite their numbers, had no chance to resist. Like leaves caught in a storm, they were swept away, helpless against the current.
It was oppressive might—the peak of Venerable Realm.
When the force dissipated, the army had been pushed back tens of thousands of meters. Every one of them was injured to varying degrees, utterly disheveled.
Even Black Wind Elder lay sprawled on the ground, a sorry sight.
“This…”
The attackers were panic-stricken, and the spectators from the Ancestral Martial Starfield were equally stunned.
This was no ragtag mob.
Most were Venerable Realm experts, some even Eighth Rank Venerables.
Such cultivation was invincible in the Great Chiliocosm Upper Realm.
To the onlookers, this coalition could have crushed any faction in the Upper Realm, including the Chu Heavenly Clan.
Even if the Chu Heavenly Clan allied with all Upper Realm forces, they’d stand no chance.
Yet, a single strike had routed them, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
“There’s a master in the Chu Heavenly Clan.”
That was the thought in most minds.
All eyes turned toward the Chu Heavenly Clan’s territory.
As expected, a figure appeared in their line of sight.
The peak Venerable might emanated from this person.
“Heavens, isn’t that…?”
But when they saw who it was, many gasped, mouths agape, unable to believe their eyes.
It was the Chu Heavenly Clan Leader.
It seemed impossible, yet the peak Venerable aura undeniably came from him.
They had no choice but to accept it.
“The Chu Heavenly Clan Leader has reached peak Venerable?”
The spectators were shocked, especially the attackers, who trembled, their faces ashen.
What happened to the Fifth Rank Venerable they’d heard about?
What happened to the clan being a pushover?
This was nothing like their intelligence.
“My lord, did you know this all along? Is that why you said they weren’t a match for the Chu Heavenly Clan?”
Amid the shock, those who had mocked the Ghost Sect Hall expert turned to him again.
They no longer saw him as a fool but as a figure of profound insight, their eyes filled with admiration.
“The Chu Heavenly Clan Leader reached peak Venerable some time ago but deliberately kept it secret,” the Ghost Sect Hall expert said.
“With such cultivation, why hide it? Announcing it would deter everyone, preventing today’s events.”
“Yes, no clan leader hides their cultivation. When they advance, they proclaim it to intimidate all. Why did the Chu Heavenly Clan Leader conceal it?”
While marveling at his strength, they couldn’t fathom his actions.
“As you said, if he’d revealed his cultivation, these people wouldn’t be here today.”
“But if they didn’t come, how would we know who harbors ill will toward the Chu Heavenly Clan?” the Ghost Sect Hall expert replied.
“That… makes sense.”
The crowd, initially puzzled, nodded in agreement.
“Clan Leader, how should we deal with these people?” Chu Xuanzhengfa asked, approaching the Clan Leader.
“Let them go,” the Clan Leader said.
“What? Let them go?”
Chu Xuanzhengfa and the Punishment Hall members were baffled.
“You may have had conflicts with Xuanyuan over injuries to loved ones or other matters, but he’s gone. Let the past be the past.”
“I won’t make things difficult for you today. Disperse.”
The Clan Leader’s voice was loud but carried no anger, only resignation.
The attackers could hardly believe their ears, standing frozen.
Since ancient times, factions ruled with iron fists.
Attacking a clan was a grave offense.
If defeated, attackers faced death or severe punishment to deter others.
Having learned the Clan Leader was a peak Venerable, they’d assumed they were doomed.
Yet, he was letting them go?
“What are you still doing here? Scram, or do we have to lock you up?”
Seeing the attackers linger, Punishment Hall members shouted angrily.
They couldn’t understand the Clan Leader’s decision. They wanted to slaughter these troublemakers.
They knew that if the Clan Leader weren’t a peak Venerable, if the attackers had succeeded today, the Chu Heavenly Clan would have faced annihilation.
These attackers would have shown no mercy.
So, the Punishment Hall burned with rage. If not for the Clan Leader’s orders, they’d have punished them harshly, showing no courtesy.
“Thank you, Clan Leader! Thank you!”
The attackers didn’t dare linger, scrambling to their feet and preparing to flee.
“What a grand display, Clan Leader Chu.”
But at that moment, a voice rang out.
Even the Clan Leader’s expression changed.
Accompanying the voice were eight auras.
Each was peak Venerable.
Then, eight figures appeared out of thin air.
They wore blood-red robes, reeking of blood—an aura forged from human blood.
“It’s them?”
Not just the Chu Heavenly Clan and onlookers but even the Clan Leader frowned.
In the Ancestral Martial Starfield, beyond the major powers, there existed a sinister, terrifying force.
Clad in blood robes, they specialized in assassination.
Their targets rarely survived.
They were the infamous organization of the Ancestral Martial Starfield.
The Blood-Devouring Hall!!!
