C16 Pointing Fingers and Criticizing

"Jiaang Lin, I never imagined you'd have the nerve to strike one of my men!"

As Jiaang Lang had mentioned, Jiaang Gao was visibly unsettled upon witnessing Jiaang Feng's humiliation at the hands of Jiaang Lin.

Every Jiaang family disciple there knew that Jiaang Feng was Jiaang Gao's lackey.

There's an old adage that you should consider the master before striking the dog.

By demeaning Jiaang Feng so publicly, Jiaang Lin was essentially slapping Jiaang Gao in the face.

Given Jiaang Gao's temperament, it was clear he wouldn't just stand by idly.

"What's the matter? Your people are allowed to hit me, but I'm not allowed to hit back?"

Jiaang Lin was the picture of serenity, utterly fearless in the face of Jiaang Gao.

With a single retort, Jiaang Gao was left without a comeback.

He stared at Jiaang Lin, astonished, and wondered if this was truly the same person who used to be silent, timid, and so incompetent that he was considered worthless.

To Jiaang Gao, Jiaang Lin seemed to have transformed completely.

Gone was his former silence, his timidity, and his incompetence!

"You've certainly become quite articulate. Indeed, gaining some skill has changed you.

But don't assume that just because you easily knocked down Jiaang Feng, you can act wildly here.

In my eyes, you, Jiaang Lin, will always be nothing but trash!"

It took a moment for Jiaang Gao to collect himself before he responded with a cold voice.

What did it matter if Jiaang Lin had managed to knock down Jiaang Feng with a single punch?

His strength was merely at Body Refining Level Two!

Whereas he, Jiaang Gao, possessed the cultivation of Body Refining Level Seven, vastly superior to Jiaang Lin's. Defeating Jiaang Lin would be effortless for him.

While speaking, Jiaang Gao slowly advanced towards Jiaang Lin, his body exuding a sharp and intimidating aura that grew with each step.

This daunting presence caused many Jiaang family disciples nearby to visibly pale, their bodies shaking uncontrollably.

"I heard that today, in the Dao Artifact Hall, you took down Tang Bei with just one punch."

"I refuse to believe you possess such skill. Now, let's put it to the test," Jiaang Gao declared, halting his advance with a cold tone.

He slowly raised his hand, poised to strike Jiaang Lin.

"Don't you dare go too far, Jiaang Gao!"

A melodious voice rang out as Jiaang Xue materialized like a specter, positioning herself protectively in front of Jiaang Lin.

Her beautiful eyes fixed on Jiaang Gao with an icy glare.

A formidable aura, far surpassing that of Jiaang Gao's, burst forth from her, instantly overwhelming his aggressive presence.

Jiaang Lin and Jiaang Xue had grown up together. To Jiaang Xue, Jiaang Lin was of utmost importance, the person she cherished above all others.

She would not tolerate anyone humiliating Jiaang Lin in her presence.

"Too far? It was Jiaang Feng who struck my man. I'm merely seeking justice for him. How is that excessive?"

Jiaang Gao, watching Jiaang Xue defend Jiaang Lin, felt a surge of jealousy, his expression darkening further.

"Seeking justice? Jiaang Feng instigated the conflict. He got what he deserved," Jiaang Xue retorted sharply.

At her words, Jiaang Gao's eyes narrowed, a glint of coldness flickering within.

"If you're so brave, Jiaang Lin, stop hiding behind a woman."

Finding himself at a disadvantage, Jiaang Gao resorted to taunting Jiaang Lin, well aware that he was no match for Jiaang Xue.

A direct confrontation with Jiaang Xue would surely end in his defeat.

"Stop using provocation tactics on Mr. Jiaang Lin," Jiaang Xue snapped.

"Xue, please move aside," Jiaang Lin interjected, gently touching Jiaang Xue's shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"Mr. Jiaang Lin, don't be swayed by Jiaang Gao's words; he's just trying to provoke you."

Jiaang Xue's voice was tinged with urgency, fearing that Jiaang Lin might be goaded into a battle by Jiaang Gao's taunts.

"I'm aware, but this is a matter between him and me. I intend to settle it with him personally."

Jiaang Lin chuckled, clearly unconcerned about the possibility of Jiaang Gao inflicting any harm on him.

"Mr. Jiaang Lin, Jiaang Gao's strength is at Body Refining Level Seven. I'm concerned that..."

Jiaang Xue trailed off, attempting once more to dissuade him.

In her heart, she knew that although Jiaang Lin could now easily defeat Jiaang Feng, his cultivation level surely wasn't on par with Jiaang Gao's. If Jiaang Lin were to rashly confront Jiaang Gao, he would undoubtedly get hurt.

"What? You don't have faith in your brother Jiaang Lin?"

Jiaang Lin's voice was gentle.

"Mr. Jiaang Lin, it's not that I lack faith in you, it's just that..."

"If you trust me, then do as I say and step aside.

Rest assured, I won't come to any harm."

Jiaang Lin's smile was full of self-assurance.

Seeing this, Jiaang Xue had no choice but to reluctantly move aside.

In her life, she could refuse anyone, but she found it impossible to deny a request from Jiaang Lin.

"Alright, you got your wish. I'm not hiding behind a woman now."

Jiaang Lin faced Jiaang Gao directly, his lips curling into a smile that suggested he was completely harmless.

"You've got nerve."

Jiaang Gao remarked icily.

He hadn't anticipated Jiaang Lin being so impetuous, so easily baited by his taunts – it was sheer foolishness.

Had Jiaang Xue been there to shield him, Jiaang Gao might have been at a loss. But with Jiaang Xue stepping aside, he was free to deal with Jiaang Lin as he pleased!

"Without nerve, how could I call myself a man?"

Jiaang Lin's smile was tinged with mischief.

"A man? Just wait, I'll turn you into nothing!"

Jiaang Gao sneered, his face twisted with contempt.

He then readied himself to make a move on Jiaang Lin.

"Enough! Today, the Jiaang family is hosting a banquet to honor Elder Xue and others for their distinguished contributions to our family.

We will not tolerate such disorderly conduct here!"

Before Jiaang Gao could act, a resonant voice echoed from a distance. Jiaang Zhengzu, accompanied by the Jiaang family's high-ranking officials, arrived and halted Jiaang Gao's actions. The sight of Jiaang Zhengzu leading the family's elite caused a stir among the Jiaang family disciples, who quickly rose to greet them with reverence.

Jiaang Gao, too, subdued his inner strength and respectfully bowed to Jiaang Zhengzu and the other senior members, careful not to show any disrespect. Jiaang Lin, meanwhile, appeared completely at ease, showing no signs of panic or confusion.

Jiaang Zhengzu's gaze shifted from Jiaang Lin to Jiaang Gao and then to Jiaang Feng, who was smeared with filth. His brow furrowed slightly as he looked at Jiaang Gao and asked in a cold tone, "Who's responsible for this?"

"Reporting to the Patriarch, it was Jiaang Lin who struck and injured Jiaang Feng," Jiaang Gao promptly responded, bowing deeply.

"Nonsense!" Jiaang Zhengzu barked in anger. His own son, hurting Jiaang Feng? Impossible! It was clear to him that Jiaang Gao was attempting to frame Jiaang Lin.

"Patriarch, I swear I'm telling the truth and wouldn't dare utter a single lie," Jiaang Gao insisted, bowing even lower, his forehead and back slick with cold sweat.

"If the Patriarch has any doubts, he may inquire with the disciples present. They all witnessed the incident," Jiaang Gao added urgently.

"Reporting to the Patriarch, what Jiaang Gao says is true. Jiaang Feng was indeed injured by Jiaang Lin!" one disciple after another stood up to corroborate Jiaang Gao's account.

As the testimonies from the Jiaang family disciples continued, Jiaang Zhengzu's expression shifted from dark to one of surprise. He stared at his son, disbelief etched deep in his eyes. Even Jiaang Zhengshan and the rest of the Jiaang family's high-ranking officials were taken aback by the claims regarding Jiaang Lin.

Could it be that Jiaang Gao and the others were telling the truth? Had Jiaang Lin actually injured Jiaang Feng?

However, that was simply impossible!

Jiaang Lin was utterly useless, with blocked meridians, unable to cultivate martial arts. How could he have possibly injured Jiaang Feng, who was at Body Refining Level One?

Yet, they were also aware that with the status of Jiaang Gao and the other Jiaang family disciples, they wouldn't dare deceive them lightly.

Consequently, Jiaang Zhengzu, Jiaang Zhengshan, and many other high-level members of the Jiaang family were left in doubt, wondering to themselves—could all of this be true?

The thought of his son managing to injure Jiaang Feng filled Jiaang Zhengzu with a mix of astonishment, joy, and disbelief. It was a whirlwind of emotions.

However, there was one thing that was particularly troubling.

His son had injured Jiaang Feng, which meant he had broken the family rules. As a father, he had to find a way to clean up his son's mess!

"Cough! Cough! This matter requires further investigation. I will inquire about it after the banquet. Everyone, please disperse!"

After a while, Jiaang Zhengzu coughed lightly, his face showing an awkward expression.

"Patriarch, we are all telling the truth. Why do you still need to investigate?"

Jiaang Gao was getting impatient.

He knew all too well that Jiaang Zhengzu was the type to protect his own son.

Of course, he was not about to let Jiaang Lin off the hook that easily. He was determined to find a way to make Jiaang Lin suffer.

After all, the Jiaang family wasn't ruled by Jiaang Zhengzu alone.

"Since when is it your place to tell me how to handle my affairs?"

Jiaang Zhengzu's gaze turned icy as he glared at Jiaang Gao. With a stern rebuke, he silenced Jiaang Gao, who turned pale and dared not make another rash move.

"Big brother, the banquet can wait. I think you should get to the bottom of this matter first."

Suddenly, Jiaang Zhengshan chimed in.

He was stunned by the news of Jiaang Lin injuring Jiaang Feng and was uncertain whether the claims were true.

After all, the word of a disciple alone was not enough to discern the truth.

Only by seeing it for himself could he confirm the truth.

At the moment, he was very curious to know whether Jiaang Lin truly possessed the skill to injure Jiaang Feng.

How could someone considered a waste, with blocked meridians and unable to cultivate martial arts, achieve such a thing?

"Indeed, Patriarch. We should thoroughly investigate this matter before we resume the banquet."

At that moment, other high-ranking members of the Jiaang family chimed in agreement.

They, too, were eager to witness firsthand whether Jiaang Lin had the capability to take down Jiaang Feng.