The defensive arrays protecting the primary compound of the Cao Clan groaned under the continuous, explosive impact of true Qi.
Outside, the bloodthirsty roars of thousands of cheated miners and rogue mercenaries vibrated right through the heavy stone walls.
Inside the grand council hall, the atmosphere was thick with the suffocating stench of pure panic.
"Think of something! Any solution!" Patriarch Cao Yan roared from his high throne, his voice completely hoarse.
His fingers dug deeply into the armrests, his face pale and slick with cold sweat.
"The defensive formations will only hold for another two hours! If we do not appease that mob outside with either the promised pills or their spiritual stones, they will tear this entire estate down brick by brick!"
Around the long mahogany table, the elders were entirely frozen in despair.
Even the two Supreme Elders, venerable Golden Core masters who usually remained in deep seclusion, sat with grim, tight expressions.
