Beastmaster of the Ages

They realized it was Tianming who had spoken.

Ignoring their fiery gazes, Tianming said, ”I have a way to protect the ancient ancestor, defend Grand Jiang, and defeat the Tian Jiu Cult.”

The moment his words fell, the Jiang Royal Palace was enveloped in silence once more. Granny Pu chuckled, staring at Tianming with contempt. ”Let me guess? You’ll represent the flameyellow voidkin and bring a hundred million cosmic gods with you?”

”No.” Tianming shook his head.

But Granny Pu clearly didn’t believe him. ”I told you we won’t trust the flameyellow voidkin. They’re far more dangerous than the Tian Jiu Cult. We won’t leave the astralguard formation even if you bring an army of a hundred million cosmic gods, much less let you in!” She sneered.

Then, turning to Jiang Tianzhou, she cried, ”If the victory you speak of involves whatever this brat is offering, I’ll tell you this—not a single cosmic god on Grand Jiang will support your foolish fantasies!”

”It’s not the Flameyellow army.” Tianming couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. ”Fine then! This might expose military information, but in order to convince you all, I’ll demonstrate...”

”Demonstrate what? What do you have aside from Flameyellow? Can you conjure up a hundred million warriors from the Eightpart Pantheons?” Granny Pu stared at Tianming. ”Your demonstration doesn’t matter. We won’t believe you!”

Tianming was speechless.

”Starlord Jiang.” Feng Buhuo interrupted. ”If you must mobilize the flameyellow voidkin, we all agree that they pose too high a risk. Please forgive us for not leaving the star! We must prevent useless sacrifice.”

”We’re not abandoning you. We’ve sent reinforcements to protect Grand Jiang. Isn’t your ancient ancestor a figure from a bygone era? Surely, she won’t choose to be reborn at the expense of billions of her descendants.” Meng Xinlan added.

”The Pu clan cosmic gods won’t leave the astralguard formation no matter what. I cherish my life and the lives of these children! What does the ancient ancestor of the Jiang clan have to do with us?” Granny Pu wasted no time in making her thoughts known.

”The purpose of our reinforcements is to defend our brothers,” Feng Buhuo said solemnly.

”Likewise.” Meng Xinlan paused before continuing. ”It’s possible Grand Yue hasn’t abandoned their brothers, but are urging you to prioritize the lives of your people! In the face of insurmountable obstacles, you should retreat!”

The pressure now fell on Jiang Tianzhou’s shoulders. The others looked to Chen Qing and Lin Shenjian for their opinions.

”No.” Tianming stood up. ”Why don’t you decide after you see what I can do?”

”Li Tianming, you have no right to speak here. What does the Jiang clan’s ancient ancestor have with you? Why do you insist we leave to protect her? Do you really think your sinister intentions are a secret?” Granny Pu scoffed.

”Fine then!” Tianming had originally hoped to unite these powerful factions to help Feiling overcome her crisis. However, it seemed demonstrating Xi Xi’s abilities would only arouse hatred and alert the Tian Jiu Cult.

”Senior Jiang.” Hoping not to further embarrass Jiang Tianzhou, Tianming said, ”Leave it to me when the time comes. You won’t have to leave.”

Granny Park doubled over in laughter.

For the first time, Tianming wondered how an old woman could be so annoying. He was left speechless by her deep-seated distrust and paranoia about losing their meager territory.

”Tianming, are you serious?” Jiang Tianzhou was still working on a strategy to win them over.

”Yes.” Tianming nodded. ”Leave it to me.”

”I’ll support you,” Jiang Tianzhou said earnestly.

Lin Shenjian stood up and said, ”Brother Jiang, I won’t risk the lives of our descendants, but I can offer you my assistance.”

”Me too,” Chen Qing said.

Meng Xinlan and Feng Buhuo remained silent.

”Just the few of you? Forget about the Tian Jiu Cult’s army; their pope alone could slaughter all of you. He’s stronger than Empress Xia!”

Granny Pu’s anger faded, giving way to a victorious smile. She knew she had won and there was nothing left to say.

”The rest of you, stay and defend Grand Jiang. That’s all, the meeting is adjourned!” Jiang Tianzhou rose to his feet with a stern expression.

It was a cruel reality. No one cared to speak for the ancient ancestor. Their only concern was pressuring him. What about their so-called faith?

Had they shown even a shred of concern or remorse towards the ancient ancestor, Jiang Tianzhou wouldn’t have been so upset. Abandoning her was one thing, but their quick retreat and gleeful smiles was another matter.

And claiming she was the Jiang clan’s ancient ancestor?

The other factions relinquished their claim on the ancient ancestor the moment things went south, leaving her solely to the Jiang clan

Tianming followed Jiang Tianzhou out of the palace, walking beside him in solidarity.

”When the ancient ancestor first appeared, Meng Xinlan, Feng Buhuo, and Pu Fengyun were more enthusiastic than anyone else. They even declared her rebirth a blessing for the Primordial Sands...” Jiang Tianzhou said helplessly.

Tianming pursed his lips and chuckled, ”It doesn’t matter. My Xi Xi will fight.”