CHAPTER 544: CHAPTER 544: ISN’T THAT TOO DOUBLE STANDARD?

"Presumptuous!" As the renowned Patriarch of the Lin Family, Lin Shuo exuded the authority of a leader flawlessly.

His voice full of vigor, he angrily scolded, causing the other party to shiver involuntarily, unable to utter any more indecent words.

The other cultivators looked at each other in confusion; firstly, they didn’t know who Jiang Yuan was, and secondly, the Sect Leader of Fox Immortal Sect had recently gained fame and was at his peak, so naturally, they preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble before understanding the situation.

Thus, upon hearing the commotion, they turned their heads not wanting to get involved, but unexpectedly the Lin Patriarch intervened in such a domineering manner, his dignified and grand demeanor exuding a bit of a commanding presence.

"Lu Erxi, this is a venue for cultivators to gather, no matter what happens, you cannot lose your composure and spew insults at senior masters." Lin Shuo walked over, hands behind his back, and said, "First apologize to Mr. Jiang, and then explain the details one by one, there will always be a conclusion to the matter."

Mr. Jiang?!

The utterance of these three words instantly ignited whispered discussions.

"No wonder Lin Shuo hurriedly scolded, turns out this is the legendary enigmatic Mr. Jiang?"

"Looks rather young, and there’s no spiritual power fluctuation around him, seems quite ordinary."

"Lack of knowledge, huh? Hmph! A Youthful Appearance Pill lets one stay eternally young; wearing a magical treasure to conceal one’s aura can prevent spiritual power detection, but these legendary treasures are rare, and absurdly expensive!"

"I’ve heard Mr. Jiang’s prowess is unfathomable, capable of controlling demon beasts and demon cultivators; I also heard he’s the mentor of the Lin Patriarch’s eldest son, who went missing years ago, and greatly supports the Lin Patriarch in becoming the Alliance Leader of the Cultivator Alliance."

"I’ve heard that too! So today Mr. Jiang shows up to back Lin Shuo?"

"Supporting Lin Shuo, yet he ends up in a clash with Fox Immortal Sect? Everyone knows messing with Fox Immortal Sect is risky, they are notoriously dubious!"

"Lu father and son of Fox Immortal Sect arrived riding a Flying Eagle Demon Beast to attend the conference, the damaged item in Mr. Jiang’s hand is precisely the magical artifact used to tame that demon beast, normally said to be indestructible, so how was it broken?"

"I saw that demon beast! It bears a striking resemblance to Mr. Jiang’s mount, could it be..."

.......

Jiang Yuan silently observed this scene, suddenly realizing that he couldn’t pinpoint when his mindset had significantly evolved. In the past, being cursed before even speaking would have already ignited anger within him.

But at this moment, watching Lu Erxi shout obscenities, he only felt that Lu Erxi was both pitiful and pathetic.

He had never seen a good treasure in his life, holding onto a magical artifact as if it was a supreme treasure, and upon discovering it was damaged, he felt like the sky was falling, ignoring his image, crying and cursing over the heartbreak.

Jiang Yuan suddenly pondered if the so-called divine compassion towards humanity results from standing high enough and owning much, witnessing people busily entrapped in minute confusion, screaming over trifles, feeling pity and sadness?

"I... I... That is the supreme treasure of our sect! Just got ruined by him!" Lu Erxi finally reacted when being yelled at, realizing that this setting was indeed a bit excessive.

But feeling so heartbroken almost suffocated him, he thought bitterly that he must demand back compensation a hundredfold, then this matter would be resolved!

As for the agreed matter of taming the demon beast, he might as well ask Fox Immortal Grandpa for another treasure later, Granny Fox always responds to requests.

Participating in the Immortal Ascension Conference to stand out and gather more believers, Fox Immortal Grandpa would be pleased, and any treasure would be negligible!

Lin Shuo glanced in disdain, what junk has been used so much that it became a supreme treasure?

"There are reasons behind the situation, Lu Sect Leader doesn’t need to shout and scream, let’s clarify it first and discuss a solution for compensation."

Once Jiang Yuan saw the chaos subsiding, he spoke, "This set of shackles is crafted by the Green-eyed Fox Race, designed to temporarily force demon beasts to obey commands, but to thoroughly tame them, other measures must collaborate.

If you plan to tame demon beasts for sale using this, Lu Sect Leader should think twice, else once the beast breaks free from the shackles, it will retaliate brutally, possibly causing harm."

Several family heads and sect leaders who actively sought Lu Erxi for demon beast transactions furrowed their brows and dropped their collaboration plans.

Demon beasts aren’t like small cats or dogs, a hunger strike or slap wouldn’t suffice for taming them.

Those beasts, if cleverer, can surpass humans in cunning, and if they feign submission and are brought home, can create chaos?

Disciples in sects or family members are cultivators, possibly dodging a catastrophe, but civilians in nearby towns would suffer immensely from a vengeful demon beast; too dangerous to risk fame by inviting trouble!

"Hey? How can you be like this? To drive down prices, you slander our Fox Immortal Sect’s treasure, you..." Lu Erxi was fuming mad, "And what’s with this Bead-Eyed Jug you’re babbling about?"

Lin Shuo snorted coldly in support, "Lu Sect Leader better heed advice, Mr. Jiang roams the wilderness and is well-informed, listen to his friendly warning, else causing great disaster to innocents in the future, can you pay the price?"

"These shackles lack taming effects, it’s not me speaking nonsense, the Ice-winged Eagle brought by your father and son to Celestial Sword Sect is my long-lost close friend. I believe Lu Sect Leader has a clearer understanding of how he was captured, imprisoned, and coerced by your sect, let’s not call for confrontation, shall we?"

"Ice... Ice what eagle?" Lu Erxi felt guilty and vaguely embarrassed, unfamiliar with the words spoken by the other.

He was unaware, but Lin Shuo knew too well!

Once Mr. Jiang and his eldest son descended on Lin Mansion riding a formidable and majestic eagle, upon landing, it transformed into human form, apparently an empowered demon cultivator! Later learned to be called Ice-winged Eagle, a powerful tribe from the wilderness!

Damn, the Lu family likely seized it while injured, using some sinister methods for its captivity. Tut-tut, today coincidentally encountering Mr. Jiang’s party at Celestial Sword Sect, seeing a friend restrained by this junk around its neck, wouldn’t it inflame one’s fury?

"You’re quite bold!" Lin Shuo instantly reprimanded, "Mr. Jiang indeed shows great restraint, seeing his close friend humiliated, only sliced this trash with a sword, if it were me, hah... would you two still be standing here? Still yelling and cursing?"

Lu Erxi was petrified by the bluff, pointing at Jiang Yuan and awkwardly looking around, "Did you all hear? He... he’s associated with demon beasts! He’s not one of us, but an accomplice of demon cultivators! This... this is a traitor amongst humans!"

The crowd couldn’t help but roll their eyes.

Back when you rode a demon beast, you boasted about your sect’s prowess in making demon beasts obediently submit, upon hearing others, why does your story flip instantly?

Such double standards! How many genuinely naive people present would believe your words?

Finding no one to speak on his behalf, Lu Erxi turned and smacked his son, who still munched on fruits, "Eat, eat, that’s all you know! Can’t you say a word for your old man?"

"Ow!"

Lu Shaojie, burying his head in fruits to alleviate the gnawing hunger from within, suddenly got slapped, already annoyed from not getting Jade Dew, his beast-like growl burst out, glaring at him.

Seeing this, Lin Shuo was about to reprimand further, Jiang Yuan cast him a cool glance, thinking you’re pushing too hard like a sidekick, don’t think this would make me truly support you as an alliance leader.

The complex relations among the Lin Family, Ouyang Family, and Celestial Sword Sect are left for the disciple to handle, the mentor unconditionally supports his choices.

Judging by his previous actions to avoid entanglement with causal ties definitively, Wan Mingchuan wouldn’t choose to support you, better save your effort.