Zombie Bodyguard-Chapter 1531 - 1528: Hidden Motives

Xiao Manxue looked coldly at the Ji Family and said, "Mr. Ji, if you have something to say, just say it directly. All this beating around the bush only tarnishes the Ji Family’s reputation."

Her words were very direct. With people bullying them right in front of her, if she still remained silent, she wouldn’t be called Xiao Manxue. Confronting Mr. Ji publicly surprised the Ancient Martial Artists; everyone’s expressions were quite fascinating.

Ji Zimo remained silent, but upon hearing this, slightly raised his head, a glint flashing in his eyes. Mr. Ji, on the other hand, kept his composure, seemingly not offended by Xiao Manxue’s sharp words, continuing, "As for an unknown sect artifact, it should naturally go through public judgment, with the capable and virtuous guardians. Master Tang, Pavilion Master Ling, am I right?"

Master Tang displayed no particular expression, only calmly said, "Correct. Only the capable can protect the sect artifact, ensuring it doesn’t fall into unworthy hands. The virtuous can guarantee it won’t be used for wrongdoing."

"Damn, you Pavilion Masters, whose side are you on?" Lin Tian was speechless. Even if such an unwritten rule exists in the Ancient Martial World, as Pavilion Masters, you should support your disciples, otherwise, wouldn’t the disciples feel disheartened? What’s the use of the sect if you can’t protect its disciples?

"Master Tang has already agreed. Little Xiao, what else do you have to say? Hand over the Hua Ying Sword, it doesn’t belong to you." Mr. Ji declared indisputably, putting on a fair and just demeanor.

"You..." Xiao Manxue’s eyes turned cold, but before she could say anything, laughter erupted from the crowd.

"Who’s causing a ruckus here? If you have something to say, come forward. Why hide in the shadows!" Mr. Ji’s gaze turned cold, looking toward the source of the laughter.

The Ji Family has always been renowned, so laughter at their expense was certainly displeasing to Mr. Ji. Others didn’t know what was happening and turned their attention to the direction of the laughter.

Everyone focused their gaze where the Ancient Martial Artists stepped aside, quickly forming a path. At the end stood a young man of eighteen or nineteen, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, handsome face, tall stature, and a carefree and rebellious air.

On the platform, Xiao Manxue saw him and nearly fainted, because the one laughing was Lin Tian. She understood Lin Tian’s character best, unconventional in his actions, disobeying common rules, not giving face even to the Heavenly God if displeased.

Her fear was Lin Tian causing a "big scene in the Heavenly Palace." This was her sect’s sacred place. It seemed the more afraid she was, the more it happened. Xiao Manxue blinked hard, signaling Lin Tian to warn him not to act recklessly.

But Lin Tian appeared serious, not even sparing her a glance. Of course, Lin Tian saw Xiao Manxue’s signal, but he didn’t care where they were.

Under everyone’s gaze, including Innate Experts and sect leaders, Lin Tian behaved as if he were in his backyard, calmly and confidently stepping onto the high platform.

Lin Tian’s appearance caused the greatest reaction not among those who knew him like Wang Wanxi, Ling Zishan, and others. Wang Wanxi was merely resigned, thinking it’s inevitable he’d come. Ling Zishan displayed a playful smile, while Ling Shuiyao’s eyes sparkled, relishing the chaos.

The greatest reaction was not from his enemy, Situ Ruoling, but from Situ Ming. Seeing Lin Tian, Situ Ming immediately stood up, his face scary and his eyes murderous.

Situ Ming’s intense reaction startled those nearby. Situ Yufeng pulled him aside, whispering, "Uncle Ming, what’s wrong?"

After several pulls, Situ Ming finally regained his senses, taking a deep breath, his sullenness gradually fading, pretending indifference, "It’s nothing, I just didn’t expect this kid to show up here."

Of course, he dared not say that the person who stripped him and hung him on a tree was Lin Tian. If others knew he was defeated by an unknown youngster, his reputation would suffer even more. So the humiliation and anger remained swallowed within.

He also didn’t reveal that the Divine Sword that emerged that day was in Lin Tian’s possession. He intended to find a way to steal the sword. If other experts learned of this, he’d have no chance.

Beside him, Ling Zishan glanced over, noted Situ Ming’s reaction, then looked at Lin Tian on the platform, a knowing look in her eyes. She had witnessed the emergence of the Divine Sword and guessed that Situ Ming’s embarrassment that day must have been caused by Lin Tian.

On the platform, Mr. Ji stared at Lin Tian, puzzled, "Who are you? From which sect or school?"

Many Ancient Martial Artists here had arrived in Tang City later and didn’t know Lin Tian, so Mr. Ji’s question also echoed theirs. They wanted to know which sect’s outstanding disciple dared oppose the Ji Family.

Lin Tian’s lips curled slightly, smiling casually, "The kid’s surname is Lin, single name Tian, a sectless, schoolless nobody, a three-no person. Oh, a reminder, I’m the ’Lin’ with two wood characters, not the ’Ling’ as in Pavilion Master Ling. Don’t mix them up, everyone."

Many were impressed by Lin Tian’s calm demeanor; few Ancient Martial Artists dared speak so to Mr. Ji, given the Ji Family’s backing. Even if one could defeat Mr. Ji, could they take on the whole Ji Family?

Xiao Manxue rolled her eyes at him, continuing her signals. Lin Tian acted as if he just noticed her, surprised, "Miss, are your eyes unwell? Why do you keep blinking?"

Xiao Manxue almost fainted from anger, exclaiming, "What are you doing up here?"

"I won’t let anyone bully you. It’s always been this way, and always will be," Lin Tian replied earnestly.

Xiao Manxue paused, her expression softening, a light blush appearing on her charming face, indescribably alluring. Although her heart was filled with the Ji Family’s drama-induced anger, sweetness now filled it, joy and tenderness lingering in her heart.

"You rascal, don’t say such things here, be serious," Xiao Manxue pretended to be unconcerned, deliberately serious. Yet, the word "rascal" made Lin Tian’s heart melt.

"Alright, not here then, I’ll say it when we’re alone," Lin Tian grinned mischievously, as if returning to the days of teasing Miss Xiao, indescribably satisfied.

"That’s not what I meant..." Xiao Manxue blushed deeper, to avoid catching her master’s and the Pavilion Master’s attention behind her, she closed her mouth, uncertain what else Lin Tian might say.

Unbeknownst to Lin Tian, while he bantered with Xiao Manxue, another person from the Situ Family grew somber. It was Situ Yufeng. His gaze upon the two on stage was darker than Situ Ming’s.