The two sides were speaking cheerfully, and the host and guests were getting along harmoniously.

However, Lin Jianghong suddenly turned hostile and questioned Gao Xuan, immediately changing the atmosphere in the hall.

The accommodating smile on Ao Jiuni’s face also disappeared; he wanted to see how Gao Xuan would respond.

Gao Xuan, sitting at the main seat, remained calm, his expression unchanged, and his gaze had an unfathomable depth, showing no signs of shock or anger.

In contrast, the harsh Lin Jianghong seemed somewhat agitated and pretentious.

Ao Jiuni felt uneasy. Gao Xuan, just in demeanor alone, stood higher than Lin Jianghong. To achieve this, Gao Xuan must either have been well-prepared or simply did not care about Lin Jianghong.

Regardless of which, it seemed Lin Jianghong would gain no advantage.

Ao Jiuni was also a bit curious about where Gao Xuan got such confidence!

In terms of cultivation, even with the Five Poison Divine Gang Banner in hand, Lin Jianghong probably couldn’t defeat Gao Xuan.

However, Lin Jianghong was a Seventh Grade Celestial Master. In terms of authority, he firmly surpassed Gao Xuan.

Lin Jianghong used his identity from the Celestial Court to manage Gao Xuan, borrowing the power of the Celestial Court. This is why he could act fearlessly.

While the Celestial Court had no influence in the Cyan Celestial Realm, it wouldn’t tolerate a low-tier Celestial Master challenging a high-tier Celestial Master.

Defying authority would disrupt the most basic power structure of the organization. It is the taboo of all organizations.

No organization can tolerate insubordination.

Ao Jiuni actually hoped Gao Xuan would kill Lin Jianghong; at that time, the higher-ups of the Celestial Court would surely move to eliminate Gao Xuan, the troublemaker.

No matter how strong Gao Xuan was, he was just an ant compared to the vast Celestial Court.

Lin Jianghong didn’t believe Gao Xuan would dare defy the authority of the Celestial Court. Of course, there was a matter of degree involved.

If it was a blatant attempt to kill Gao Xuan, no powerful cultivator could endure it.

He didn’t intend to kill Gao Xuan; he just wanted Gao Xuan, for having taken the Dragon Court’s treasure, to exert some effort. Besides, as long as he stayed in the Eastern Province, the Dragon Court must not be offended.

However, Gao Xuan’s calm and indifferent demeanor still displeased him. What did this mean, completely looking down on him?

Seeing no response from Gao Xuan, Lin Jianghong could only raise his voice and ask again, "Do you admit your guilt?"

Only then did Gao Xuan unhurriedly say, "Ao Ming wanted to kill me, but I fought back and killed him. What crime is there in that?"

"It is a grave crime to recklessly kill the Third Prince!"

Lin Jianghong was somewhat relieved when Gao Xuan finally responded; if the latter had remained silent, it would have been hard for him to continue.

Lin Jianghong sternly said, "The duty of a Celestial Master is to protect all life. By killing the Third Prince, regardless of who was right or wrong between you, you must know that the Dragon King’s wrath could lead to floods, claiming countless innocent lives."

He added, "Thankfully, I spoke to the Dragon King on your behalf, which temporarily quelled his anger. However, you must offer an apology to the Dragon King and publicly express your regret."

Gao Xuan humorously asked, "That’s it?"

Lin Jianghong showed displeasure, "If not for me speaking to the Dragon King on your behalf, you wouldn’t still be alive. Without the identity of a Celestial Mestre from the Celestial Court, no matter how high your cultivation, could you possibly contend with the East Sea Dragon Court?"

Lin Jianghong also feared pushing Gao Xuan too hard, so he softened his tone, "As a Seventh Grade Celestial Master from the Cyan Celestial Realm, I naturally have to protect my own. If you heed my words, it won’t cause you any harm..."

Ao Jiuni watched from the side and found Lin Jianghong quite interesting. The conversation was skillful, alternating between hard and soft approaches, truly a mix of firmness and gentleness.

Moreover, Lin Jianghong wasn’t so rigid, insisting on killing Gao Xuan. Inside and out, all he wanted was for Gao Xuan to apologize and express regret.

Earlier, Lin Jianghong hadn’t spoken this way; he said that Gao Xuan must be severely punished to provide an explanation to the Dragon Court.

Lin Jianghong kept emphasizing the authority of the Celestial Court, constantly pressuring Gao Xuan.

It’s fair to say Lin Jianghong was quite shrewd, but Ao Jiuni felt this tactic was ineffective against Gao Xuan.

Not to mention anything else, before Gao Xuan’s calm and peaceful demeanor, Lin Jianghong’s wild antics seemed like a monkey show.

"Offer an apology and express regret?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Gao Xuan retorted, "Is that all?"

Lin Jianghong nodded proudly, "In a few days at the Dharma Assembly, before all the strong from various factions, you shall bow and apologize to the Dragon King."

Lin Jianghong added, "The Dragon King, for my sake, will not truly trouble you. This matter will come to an end then."

Gao Xuan laughed, "In that case, I should thank Celestial Master Lin."

Lin Jianghong replied with full conviction, "As a Seventh Grade Celestial Master of the Cyan Celestial Realm, this is all part of my duty."

Gao Xuan had a bit of admiration for Lin Jianghong; his skin was thick, his mind clever, and he acted with a sense of measure.

He turned to Ao Jiuni, "Is this the wish of your Dragon King as well?"

Ao Jiuni felt a bit panicked when questioned; he came along to supervise Lin Jianghong, ensuring he wouldn’t just go through the motions. He had no intention of opposing Gao Xuan.

Gao Xuan’s sword strike had killed Ao Ming and Ao Shibidi, leaving a deep impression on him. Seeing Gao Xuan, he instinctively felt awe.

Gao Xuan’s questioning was calm, but Ao Jiuni couldn’t discern his intentions.

Based on his understanding of Gao Xuan, this seemingly peaceful man inwardly looked down on the heroes of the world. How could Gao Xuan possibly lower his head?

Unable to fathom Gao Xuan’s intentions, Ao Jiuni dared not answer hastily. After some thought, he lowered his head and said, "I’m just guiding Celestial Master Lin; regarding the rest, I’m unaware and dare not speak recklessly. Please pardon me, Celestial Master."

Lin Jianghong looked at Ao Jiuni in surprise. He was a high-ranking member of the East Sea Dragon Court, a beloved son of the Dragon King, and the actual overseer of Celestial Dragon Island. How could he be so humble before Gao Xuan, not daring to utter a strong word?

Moreover, Ao Jiuni’s clean deflection made Lin Jianghong’s words seem baseless and absurd.