In the next moment, countless figures shot toward the plaza.
They were the present-era martial cultivators, trying to rescue their clans' juniors.
But before they could even get close, they were blocked by a powerful oppressive force.
In an instant, screams rang out one after another.
Those with lighter injuries had their heads split open and blood streaming down their faces. Those hit harder collapsed on the spot, completely unconscious.
"Causing trouble in our Zhao Ancestral Immortal Clan — you'd better measure your own capabilities."
"This time is only a warning. If you dare make a move again, you will be killed without mercy."
Elder Zhao Daobin's cold gaze swept across everyone present.
This was entirely different from the expression he had worn when looking at Chu Feng.
Though he acknowledged Chu Feng and had even dared to plead for him in front of the Clan Chief, that was a separate matter entirely.
After all, anyone who could become an Enforcement Elder was certainly not someone known for a soft heart.
Facing Zhao Daobin's overwhelming power, forget about harboring any thoughts of rescue — the crowd didn't even dare beg for mercy.
"If you want to leave, there is only one way — rely on your own abilities. Otherwise, your families will be implicated as well."
Zhao Daobin then turned his gaze toward the present-era martial cultivators who remained trapped on the plaza.
They were mostly juniors, since they had been specifically selected by the Zhao Ancestral Immortal Clan for Zhao Zhuyin.
Seeing this, among the present-era martial cultivators, some began to choose opponents.
Once they had made their selection, they engaged in combat right there on the plaza, in full view of the crowd.
However, it didn't take long before those who had chosen opponents were defeated, one after another.
At the same cultivation level, almost no one could defeat a member of the Zhao Ancestral Immortal Clan.
"The present-era martial cultivators really are all trash. They can't even put up a fight."
"That's to be expected. If they actually had any ability, they wouldn't have been so pathetic back in the Ancient Era."
"They're nothing but scavengers who picked up scraps while our ancient races were trapped. And now they actually think they're something?"
At this point, it wasn't just the Zhao Ancestral Immortal Clan — people from all the other ancient race forces were openly mocking them.
On the plaza, not a single person dared to talk back.
Those who had lost had no face to argue.
Those who hadn't yet challenged didn't dare argue either.
They could only carefully choose their opponents, hoping to pick someone weak at the same cultivation level so they'd have a chance to leave with their families.
But those mocking words were also heard by Wang Qiang, Qin Xuan, and the others.
"I am also a present-era martial cultivator. I want to fight on behalf of the present era," Qin Xuan said.
"You want to fight?"
"Sure, you can fight. As long as you can defeat even one person at the same cultivation level, I'll allow you to take ten people from the plaza."
"But if you fail, your formation power will have to be handed over as well."
Zhao Laoba said.
Just as Qin Xuan was about to agree, a large hand clamped over his mouth, completely preventing him from speaking.
It was Wang Qiang.
"Brother Qin, th-there's… there's no need."
"We're not even close to those people. Why would you risk your life for them?"
Wang Qiang urged.
But Qin Xuan's voice still came through. Even with his mouth covered, he managed to speak.
"Brother Wang Qiang, I, Qin Xuan, am a present-era martial cultivator. My sect is gone, but I still have my identity as a present-era martial cultivator."
"I cannot tolerate the people of the ancient races looking down on us present-era cultivators like this."
"I will prove to them that our ancestors were weaker than them in the Ancient Era only because they lacked opportunity."
"With enough opportunity, we are no weaker than them."
Qin Xuan's gaze was resolute. His decision was clearly final.
"Fine."
Left with no choice, Wang Qiang released Qin Xuan.
At the same time, the palace gates swung open.
Qin Xuan shot out through them without hesitation.
But flying out alongside him was also Xianhai Shaoyu.
"Brother Shaoyu, your… your injuries aren't healed yet! What are you getting involved for?"
Wang Qiang hurriedly called out, but Xianhai Shaoyu didn't even turn his head, clearly having made up his mind.
"Wang Qiang sighed.
There wasn't much worry on his face — what he felt instead was annoyance.
"Impulse is the devil."
"You two… you're playing hero. If you succeed, great."
"But if… if you fail, in the end it'll be my brothers left cleaning up the mess for you."
Wang Qiang said this right in front of Little Fisher, as well as Little Fisher's parents and grandfather.
He made no effort to be discreet.
And yet, it was precisely those words of his that brought a look of worry to Little Fisher and the others' faces.