Chapter 1157: Chapter 729: Driving Out the Wolf to Swallow the Tiger (Part 3)
Ao Jiuni couldn’t help but look toward Ao Dongcheng seated at the main position below. Ao Dongcheng’s expression was calm, as if Lin Jianghong’s defeat was of no concern.
The East Sea Dragon King’s composure also helped Ao Jiuni regain his cool. His father had long set a grand plan in motion; Lin Jianghong was merely a hidden arrow. Success would be good, but failure was nothing significant.
Lin Jianghong evaporated in an instant, and though the process was as fast as lightning, it couldn’t escape the notice of the many powerful figures present.
Cultivators Jiang Yumei, Bai Yunsheng, Buddhist Sect members Xuan Ye, Profound Mirror, and other strong figures all turned their gaze to Gao Xuan.
Unfortunately, the battle ended too quickly. At most, they only saw a remnant light left by the Seven Extremes Godslaying Needle.
The many powerful figures were deeply puzzled—what was happening? The conference hadn’t even started, and there’s already confrontation?
Bai Yunsheng used Divine Sense to communicate with Jiang Yumei and Withered Wood: "It seems Lin Jianghong is dead!"
Lin Jianghong was a Seventh Grade Celestial Master, well-connected in the Eastern Province and old acquaintances with powerhouses from various sects.
Most powerful figures didn’t like Lin Jianghong’s personality, but his cultivation was impressive, with backing from the Celestial Court and close ties to the Dragon Court, so no one wished to offend him.
A dignified Twelve Tribulation Human Immortal, Seventh Grade Celestial Master, disappearing in an instant. Yet Gao Xuan and the Dragon Court seem indifferent.
This abnormal calm made Bai Yunsheng feel even more uneasy.
The conference hadn’t started, but the air was already filled with murderous intent.
Jiang Yumei was unsure: "Was that Lin Jianghong?"
Withered Wood, who usually disliked speaking, proactively replied: "Indeed, it was Lin Jianghong. He’s dead."
The three Daoist Immortals remained silent. As they looked at other Daoist Immortals, each one showed similar confusion, clearly unaware of what had happened or how severe the situation was.
The Buddhist Sect side was no different; Xuan Ye, Profound Mirror, Profound Words, and many Buddhist Sect powerhouses also discussed the matter.
"Has Lin Jianghong gone mad? Has Gao Xuan gone mad?"
The Thunder Sound True Word Sect leader Profound Words was shocked. Because Gao Xuan was their archenemy, a group of Buddhist Sect powerhouses focused on Gao Xuan.
They saw Lin Jianghong approach, saw him attack, and saw him annihilated.
The Buddhist Sect powerhouses were adept at combat, yet hadn’t seen such face-to-face assassination before. Especially with Lin Jianghong being the perpetrator.
Gao Xuan was even more decisive; he killed Lin Jianghong outright. Then he calmly sat there as if nothing had happened.
Profound Words, seasoned and experienced, had never encountered such a situation. The bizarre atmosphere of the Celestial Dragon Dharma Assembly made her feel eerie.
Xuan Ye coldly stated: "Lin Jianghong’s fate isn’t significant. East Sea Dragon King is certainly going to kill Gao Xuan. This is good for us."
What conflict could Lin Jianghong possibly have with Gao Xuan?
Clearly, Lin Jianghong attacked Gao Xuan for the Dragon Race. Furthermore, it was so blatant and undisguised. Evidently, Ao Dongcheng is resolute to eliminate Gao Xuan at all costs.
Celestial Dragon Island is now enveloped by a colossal array, breaking through it won’t be easy.
At this point, Xuan Ye has no mind to contend with Gao Xuan and only thinks of how to lead the many disciples of the Buddhist Sect safely away.
Having Gao Xuan stand as a barrier is undoubtedly beneficial.
Other Buddhist Sect powerhouses nodded, all agreeing with Xuan Ye’s analysis.
At this moment, Ao Zhan brought Returning to the Celestial Pole over.
Ao Zhan of the Six Kings of the East Sea is the highest level openly appearing member of the Dragon Court. Ao Jiuni handles external affairs, but his status is still a tier lower.
All major decisions need Ao Zhan to come forward and make the final choice.
Xuan Ye and other Buddhist Sect powerhouses all had dealings with Ao Zhan. Despite his name having ’battle’, Ao Zhan’s personality was very calm, and his approach moderate.
Of course, Ao Zhan’s moderation is relative to other Dragon Court powerhouses. To the Buddhist, Daoist, and other sects, he is very rigid and tough to handle.
Xuan Ye and the others are deeply wary of the Dragon Court, but in Ao Zhan’s presence, they dare not show arrogance, each standing to greet him respectfully.
Ao Zhan nodded slightly as a form of return greeting, Dragon Court held lofty status, though Xuan Ye and the others possess strong cultivation, in his view they are juniors.
"I won’t be overly courteous; I have an important matter to discuss with everyone."
Ao Zhan didn’t mince words. The cultivators present were all cunning, so there was no need.
He straightforwardly said: "As everyone must have seen, my elder brother has already laid down the Thunder Dragon Array on Celestial Dragon Island. Simply put, this Thunder Dragon Array is akin to the Thirteen Heavens Tribulation level."
Though the many Buddhist Sect powerhouses had anticipated it, upon hearing, they visibly changed demeanor.
Only Xuan Ye remained composed, asking: "What is His Majesty the Dragon King’s intention?"
He coldly questioned: "Did His Majesty the Dragon King invite us here for the Celestial Dragon Dharma Assembly just to eliminate us all?"
"Hahaha..."
Ao Zhan laughed heartily: "If Master Xuan Ye thinks so, there’s no helping it. Fundamentally, some people were too arrogant, attempting to challenge the Dragon Court’s authority. Without killing a few as a warning, the world will fall into chaos..."
The statement brimmed with murderous fury, further alarming the many Buddhist Sect powerhouses. Even Xuan Ye’s expression shifted slightly; the Dragon Race was bluntly showing their weapon with no attempt to conceal.
Ao Zhan continued: "My elder brother is quite dissatisfied with you monks. He hasn’t shown himself for thousands of years, and you truly act as if he doesn’t exist, secretly engaging in various tricks."
Ao Zhan’s smile disappeared, his golden pupils full of flickering golden flames, killing intent rampant.
The many Buddhist Sect powerhouses fell silent. They wished to become the Eastern Province hegemon, but for now, it was merely a thought.
They understood well the tremendous power gap between them and the Dragon Court. Currently, they aren’t qualified to directly challenge the Dragon Court.
