Vol. 1 - Ch. 33 - Battle (3)

Amidst the chaos, the battlefield was a clash of wills and power. Chen Qingyu, who was at the late stage of the Blood Coagulation Realm, faced relentless assaults from two formidable opponents. His strength and courage were undeniable, yet even he couldn't fully withstand the combined might of his adversaries.

Clan Chief Chen Xingzhen had emerged from the ancestral hall to join the fray. 

Despite his age and battle-worn body, his martial prowess and extensive experience allowed him to match a mid-stage Blood Coagulation Realm warrior blow for blow.

But the true marvel was the elderly Chen family ancestor, standing tall despite having only one hand and one foot. 

His unsteady steps belied a body as unyielding as iron. Even when struck hard by a mid-stage Blood Coagulation Realm warrior, he merely staggered, refusing to fall. 

The scars etched into his body were a testament to his enduring strength.

Ji Yang watched in awe. If the Chen family had more ancestors like him, their predicament would be vastly different.

As the battle raged on, the Chen family struggled against the Blood Coagulation realm warriors, but they were at a disadvantage against the Body Tempering realm warriors. 

The Li family had a greater number of Body Tempering realm warriors, including several late-stage warriors. 

Within moments of the battle, several members of the Chen clan were injured, causing their overall strength to drop.

If not for the earlier ambush, which injured one of the Li family's stalwart warriors and eliminated several opponents, the Chen family might have already suffered a crushing defeat. 

Despite their efforts, Chen Xingzhen and the others couldn't hold out much longer. 

Even the Elder Ancestor showed signs of exhaustion. Another limb lost would spell doom for the Chen family.

At this critical moment, a mid-stage Body Tempering warrior was finally overwhelmed by an opponent's punch. 

In desperation, the warrior reached into his robe and pulled out a small hawthorn leaf from the palm of his hand.

As he crushed the locust leaf, a surge of powerful vital energy entered his body. The next moment, the mid-stage Body Tempering warrior seemed possessed by a martial deity.

Despite his injuries, he leapt from the ground, his strength erupting. With a single move, he dispatched his opponent.

Staring at his hands in disbelief, the warrior marveled at his newfound power. 

Not only had his internal energy increased, but his injuries seemed to vanish.

Remembering the clan elder's words about the temporary protection of the divine tree, the warrior hesitated no longer. 

He turned and charged at an early-stage Blood Coagulation Realm enemy.

The Blood Coagulation Realm warrior, currently engaged with the Chen family's Elder Ancestor, sneered, "You overestimate your abilities."

Without hesitation, the mid-stage Body Tempering warrior unleashed his attack, ready to deal with this misguided opponent. 

The difference between the two seemed minimal, but the mid-stage Body Tempering warrior had already refined his entire body, and his blood and energy had increased his strength. 

This was not something a typical Body Tempering warrior could do.

After exchanging blows, the early-stage Blood Coagulation Realm warrior looked at his own fists doubtfully.

Wasn't he in the Blood Coagulation realm? Why hadn't his punch shattered the mid-stage Body Tempering warrior's body or arm during their clash?

Seeing that with the blessing of the locust leaf, he could actually stand up to the Blood Coagulation Realm warrior, the mid-stage warrior's face lit up. 

He charged at his opponent once more.

At that moment, other Chen Clan members noticed the scene. 

With suspicious eyes, one of them took out his own locust leaf from his pocket and crushed it.

Those who used the locust leaves suddenly surged with combat power, breaking through the enemy ranks like an unstoppable force.

In an instant, the Li Clan members cried out in despair.

Initially at a disadvantage, the Chen clan suddenly reversed the situation in their battle against the Li clan in the Body Tempering Realm.

"What the hell is that thing?!" exclaimed a late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm warrior from the Li clan, shocked and confused as he surveyed the battlefield. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴøvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, he decided not to hesitate any longer. 

He prepared to team up with another clan member to quickly deal with Chen Qingyu and relieve the pressure on the rest of the clan.

However, he suddenly noticed a familiar locust leaf in Chen Qingyu's hand.

"What on earth is that thing?"

As Chen Qingyu crushed the locust leaf, his aura surged, hinting at the possibility of breaking through to the Innate Realm. 

The late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm warrior could no longer contain his shock.

What baffled him was how a single locust leaf could unleash such immense power. 

As he pondered, he felt his own strength surge, and Chen Qingyu launched another attack. 

Surprisingly, the power of the locust leaf seemed even greater than he had imagined, suggesting a breakthrough beyond innate limits.

Having learned from previous experience, Chen Qingyu quickly mastered this newfound power. 

As they clashed once again, Chen Qingyu discovered several weaknesses in his opponent that he had never noticed before.

The two warriors fought fiercely, but the Li clan warrior, who had originally planned to quickly defeat Chen Qingyu and assist other clan members, now felt his body tremble from the impact of Chen Qingyu's fists. 

His Qi and Blood flow were disrupted and clear signs of internal injuries suffered during the recent battle.

Meanwhile, the other clan member, also at the mid-stage of the Blood Coagulation Realm, was faring even worse. 

His entire body had turned crimson, and another clash might have crushed him under the intense blood energy emanating from Chen Qingyu.

Not only Chen Qingyu, but even Chen Tianyu, who had remained inconspicuous until now, erupted with power far beyond his usual abilities. 

When everyone activated the Locust leaves, the situation within the clan was completely transformed.

Witnessing the mounting casualties among his kin, the Li clan leader finally gave the order: 

"Retreat! Retreat quickly!

At this command, the Li Clan members, still shaken from their recent encounter, began a frantic flight. 

However, Chen Xingzhen was not about to let them go. 

The power of the Divine Tree was not limitless, otherwise they would have more than just a few locust leaves. 

Though the protection of the Divine Tree had ensured their victory for now, could it maintain such divine power when the Li Clan attacked again? 

By that time, the clan would truly be in a dire situation.

This was their chance; how could they miss it? 

"Kill them all! Spare no one!" Chen Xingzhen roared, his determination fueling his warriors' morale.

The Li Clan, now devoid of momentum, found themselves in a desperate situation.

Outmatched, they knew that fighting to the death was futile. In the midst of the inter-clan battle, courage beyond life and death was essential to victory.

Not far away, as Li Yongfu struggled with Chen Tianjing, he heard the distant call for retreat. 

With a wry smile, Li Yongfu taunted, 

"Chen Tianjing, did you hear that?"

"Your Chen clan is already defeated. Why persist in this futile battle? Surrender and I might spare your life."