The Night is Still Young

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Has Always Been Arrogant

They knew it. It would've been like this. Sooner or later.

Four inspectors suffered injuries. Approximately fifty Wen Clan Members escaped. After leading them into the Burial Mounds, Jiang Wanyin summoned hundreds of fierce corpses to patrol the base of the mountain. The Four Clans are still unable to progress.

Silence filled the Golden Pavilion.

Everyone's gaze was drawn to Jiang Yanli. Her face was clouded as she sat straight-back in the front.

"What A-Cheng did was indeed a little too much," Jiang Yanli said after a few moments. "I apologize to all the zongzhu in place of him. Please let me know if there is any way at all to help the situation. I'll make amends however I can."

Beside Jiang Yanli's seat sat A-Xuan. He held her balled hand, such action tells her that he will be with Jiang Yanli in all decisions.

It helped to alleviate some pressure on her chest.

Somewhat.

Jiang Yanli soundlessly took in a deep breath, "Mei geren, I'm afraid you don't know that the Wen Cultivator whom A-Cheng wanted to save was called 'Wen Ning'. We owe him and his sister Wen Qing gratitude for what happened during the Sunshot Campaign."

His question almost taunting...

"You owe them gratitude?"

...Nie-zongzhu asked.

"Isn't it the Qishan Wen Clan who caused the Yunmeng Jiang Clan's annihilation?"

When she heard Nie-zongzhu mention the incident involving her clan, hatred sprouted within Jiang Yanli. She tightened her grip on Jin Zixuan reflexively.

The crowd boiled over. Surging. Chattering.

Everyone has heard of Wen Qing's name several times. She didn't take part in any of the Sunshot Campaign's crimes. But she's never stopped them, either, as Wen Qing was one of Wen Ruohan's most trusted people.

When the Wen Clan was wreaking destruction, she chose silence over opposition -- it is the same as 'indifference'. She shouldn't have been so disillusioned as to expect to be treated with 'respect' while the Wen Clan was doing evil, then refused to suffer the consequences and pay the price when the said clan was wiped out.

"She's never participated?" The cultivators are skeptical. "Is there any Wen-dog who doesn't have a single drop of blood on their hands?"

Maybe it's just that, they haven't 'heard' about it yet!

"Everyone, please calm down," A-Yao says abruptly. "This isn't the point of what we're discussing today." As he spoke, he let the servants bring out chilled slices of fruits (to divert their attention).

The Golden Pavilion settled down, gradually.

Taking this opportunity, Jin Guangshan spoke, "Jiang-zongzhu, this was supposed to be a matter of your clan. It would have been inappropriate for me to barge in. But now that things have gotten this bad, I'll have to warn you about Jiang Wanyin."

Jiang Yanli's brows were knitted. She says nonetheless: "Jin-zongzhu, go ahead."

After receiving the 'go' signal, Jin Guangshan conveyed his thoughts, "Jiang-zongzhu, Jiang Wanyin is your right-hand man. You hold a high regard for him. All of us know this. However... it is difficult to tell whether or not he 'actually' respects you.

In any case, I've been a sect leader for so many years. I've never seen anyone from any clan be so arrogant... so proud.

Have you heard what they say outside? Things like how the Yunmeng Jiang Clan's victories during the Sunshot Campaign were solely due to Jiang Wanyin. What nonsense!"

Hearing this, Jiang Yanli's demeanor was already quite dark. Almost... black.

Jin-zongzhu shakes his head in disappointment, "In an event as important as the Flower Banquet, he dared throw a fit right in front of you, leaving however he pleased.

He even dared to say, 'I don't care about Jiang Yanli-zongzhu at all!'

Everyone present heard it with their own ears..."

Her tolerance fraying, Jiang Yanli raised her voice, "No. I didn't hear A-Cheng say this, nor did I hear him express any disrespect towards me."

Jin-zongzhu, "..."

Jiang Yanli stared at him quietly, refusing to turn her eyes away. "Jin-zongzhu, A-Cheng is my didi. I know him better than anyone. A-Cheng would never do such a thing to me."

When she interrupted Jin Guangshan, he was more surprised than annoyed. But, after all, his fabrication... his 'deception' was exposed in front of a large crowd. He felt awkward.

The good news was that, not long after he felt awkward, Jin Guangyao came to save the day, exclaiming:

"Really? That day, Jiang-gongzi stormed into Koi Tower with such force. Saying too many things, each more shocking than the last. Perhaps... he said a few things along those lines. But I can't remember them, either."

His memory could only be on par with Jiang Yanli's, if not better. Nie Mingjue frowned slightly as he realized Jin Guangyao had been...

Lying. On. Purpose.

"That's right." Jin Guangshan followed the transition, "Anyhow, his attitude has always been arrogant."

Although Jiang Wanyin contributed to the Sunshot Campaign, many guest cultivators contributed more than he did.

He was the most arrogant cultivator they had ever seen.

Initially, Jin-zongzhu asked Jiang Wanyin for the Tiger Seal with good intentions, concerned that he wouldn't be able to control it and cause a 'disaster'. Howbeit, he used his own yardstick to assess the intentions of others.

Did he think that, everyone wanted his treasure?

What a joke!

In terms of treasures, is there a clan that doesn't have a few treasures?

They knew that something 'bad' would happen if Jiang Wanyin continued down the Demonic Path.

One of the sect leaders added, "Look! His killing intents are already being revealed. Killing indiscriminately those from our side just because of a few Wen-dogs..."

Suddenly, an untamed voice interjected, "It's not 'killing indiscriminately', is it?"