Chapter 1152: Chapter 728: Anticipation (2)

Lin Jianghong felt anger in his heart; this Ao Jiuni was truly cunning, shirking all responsibility and pushing it onto him as a scapegoat.

The key was Ao Jiuni’s demeanor, clearly indicating a great fear of Gao Xuan. If he had known earlier, his attitude should have been softer just now.

But having said all that, there was no taking it back.

Lin Jianghong could only emphasize to Gao Xuan: "I am only mediating this matter out of consideration for our colleagues. If you are unwilling, just treat it as my meddling."

Gao Xuan said, "I will have to think about this matter. We’ll discuss it during the Dharma Assembly."

He added, "I still have lessons to attend to, so I must not keep you two any longer."

Gao Xuan said to Ripples, "Ripples, please see the guests out."

Ripples disdained Lin Jianghong and Ao Jiuni, especially Lin Jianghong, who was so rude as to demand apologies from the master, it was simply intolerable.

Fortunately, the master had a good temper and did not mind such trivial matters. Otherwise, these two would not have been left with their lives.

Ripples pouted slightly in dissatisfaction as she spoke to Lin Jianghong and Ao Jiuni, "Please, go on."

Ao Jiuni quickly rose and saluted Gao Xuan; he certainly did not want to stay any longer.

Lin Jianghong felt greatly humiliated. Did Gao Xuan just dismiss him like that? This person was truly unbearable!

He left with a cold expression, not even uttering a word of courtesy.

As soon as they exited the main gate, Ripples couldn’t wait to shut the door.

Lin Jianghong, full of anger, glared at Ao Jiuni and said, "Ninth Prince, what is your intention?"

Ao Jiuni smiled wryly, "I truly do not know the thoughts of my royal father, nor can I decide on his behalf."

Lin Jianghong was even angrier. After all the commotion, he was made the villain for nothing. But Gao Xuan’s attitude left him deeply displeased, and he would not let this matter rest.

"Come, let’s go find your royal father."

Seeing Lin Jianghong’s fury, Ao Jiuni also felt embarrassed. Today’s events indeed did Lin Jianghong a disservice.

He thought for a moment and said, "The royal father has already descended to the Celestial Gate Platform. Please, Celestial Master, follow me."

The Celestial Gate Platform is the highest peak of Celestial Dragon Island. The buildings on it are the most magnificent and splendid, and it has always been Ao Ming’s palace.

With the Celestial Dragon Dharma Assembly approaching, Dragon King Ao Dongcheng had already arrived at the Celestial Gate Platform with the masters of the Dragon Court. Yet he had not made a public appearance, nor met with the various powerful figures.

This time, with the undercurrents surging at the Celestial Dragon Dharma Assembly, Ao Dongcheng had to make preparations in advance to guard against unexpected events.

Following Ao Jiuni to the Celestial Gate Platform, Lin Jianghong could see from afar the brilliant display of spiritual lights, forming a large array, impressive in its momentum and heavily fortified.

Lin Jianghong was alarmed, unexpectedly the East Sea Dragon Court took it this seriously, like facing a formidable enemy. Could it be all for one Gao Xuan?

Upon entering the palace of the Celestial Gate Platform, Lin Jianghong followed Ao Jiuni unimpeded, without anyone questioning them.

Though as they passed through, Lin Jianghong sensed several auras of powerful beings, each no less than his own. These mighty beings were likely just the guards of the Dragon Race, not even the highest echelon.

Lin Jianghong became more anxious, could it be that the Dragon Court was deploying all its forces this time?

Upon reaching the main hall of the palace, Dragon King Ao Dongcheng was seated on the Golden Dragon Throne, eyes half-closed, head resting on the back of the chair, elbow propped on the armrest, supporting his cheek with his hand, reclining comfortably in a relaxed and leisurely manner.

It had been two thousand years since Lin Jianghong had seen this Dragon King. He knew he was far below the Dragon King in both status and cultivation, and always remained respectful and polite before the Dragon King.

From a distance, he bowed with respect, "This poor Daoist greets His Majesty the Dragon King."

Dragon King Ao Dongcheng slowly opened his eyes and nodded to Lin Jianghong, "Celestial Master Lin has arrived, please be seated."

Two beautiful maids in white presented a chair, placing it at the lower position of the Dragon King.

After thanking them, Lin Jianghong took his seat and then said to the Dragon King, "Your Majesty, this person Gao Xuan is arrogant and does not regard this poor Daoist in his eyes. I am ashamed to fail in the trust you placed."

While Lin Jianghong spoke, Ao Jiuni approached the Dragon King’s side and reported in detail the interaction with Gao Xuan earlier.

The Dragon King was not surprised; given Gao Xuan’s abilities, Lin Jianghong was unlikely to suppress him.

Lin Jianghong is a narrow-minded person. Having suffered indignity at Gao Xuan’s hands, he was bound to bear a grudge. This was satisfactory.

The Dragon King gently reassured him, "This person Gao Xuan, relying on his peerless Divine Techniques, regards others as beneath him. It has truly been hard on Celestial Master Lin."

He paused, then added, "However, Gao Xuan is after all from the Celestial Court; could the Celestial Master truly have no means to restrain him?"

Being asked so directly by the Dragon King, Lin Jianghong dared not give a perfunctory answer. Moreover, he did indeed hold resentment towards Gao Xuan.

After pondering, he said, "This poor Daoist will send a message to the higher-ups, asking them to handle Gao Xuan. It will just take some time."

The Celestial Court has always been indifferent to the Cyan Celestial Realm. It’s impossible that merely because of his complaint, they would immediately take action.

According to Lin Jianghong’s estimation, it might take hundreds of years for the Celestial Court to leisurely send a missive.

Of course, the Celestial Court is his backing, his banner to wield externally. Lin Jianghong wouldn’t divulge the full truth.

"The Celestial Court is high above, with overwhelming personnel redundancy, and cannot immediately handle Gao Xuan, which is quite normal."

The Dragon King was actually quite aware of the situation in the Celestial Court, and he knew Lin Jianghong’s words were just for show, without substantive effect.

He said, "Celestial Master, since Gao Xuan is a Celestial Master of the Celestial Court, it would be best to leave this matter for you to handle."

Lin Jianghong remained silent; Ao Dongcheng’s words were spoken lightly, but how could he manage Gao Xuan?

The Dragon King then said, "I have here a Seven Extremes Godslaying Needle. If this treasure pierces the opponent, regardless of man or deity, they will certainly die."