Beastmaster of the Ages

His words had every kunlan primalwinger bursting with rage.

”Shut up!”

”Get out of Grand Jiang, you flameyellow bastard!”

”Scram! Get the hell out of here!”

Granny Pu angrily pointed at Tianming, her face frosty as she cursed, ”You’re trying to create conflict so that we’ll destroy ourselves fighting the Tian Jiu Cult. And when both sides fall, Flameyellow can swoop in. If it weren’t for the protection of a fool, Grand Jiang would’ve slaughtered you for your viciousness!”

Even an idiot knew who the “fool” was. With Lord Yue as her backer, Granny Pu behaved arrogantly, showing an utter lack of respect for Jiang Tianzhou.

Lord Yue’s expression turned grim as he addressed Jiang Tianzhou. “Starlord Jiang, we want nothing to do with Flameyellow. Please remove this individual from Grand Jiang to appease the people.”

”Have you ever heard of the saying that those who exploit public opinion have sinister intentions?” Tianming stepped forward, confronting Lord Yue.

”Shut up!”

”Get out!”

A loud barrage of curses rained down. The overwhelming support of the people made him as steady as a mountain. Lord Yue smiled and said, ”Stop trying to mislead the people with your lies. The kunlan primalwingers know clearly who our enemies and friends are.”

”Get out of Grand Jiang!” The crowd continued to hurl curses at Tianming.

He merely stared back at these hot-headed people. He wasn’t at all disappointed that winning over the Primordial Sands would be a challenge. In fact, he had anticipated it.

”I just don’t understand how you can shout and cheer after abandoning your ancient ancestor. Shouldn’t you stay low and safeguard your home?” Tianming retorted, spreading his hands. ”But it’s fine, I’ll protect the ancient ancestor you abandoned.”

”Haha...” They all burst out laughing.

While he understood their decision to prioritize their homeland, Tianming despised Granny Pu’s opportunistic behavior. By painting Jiang Tianzhou’s defense of the ancient ancestor as foolish, she discredited him and manipulated the situation to gain public support.

And so, new sentiment had spread across Grand Jiang: forsaking their ancient ancestor in pursuit of glory. Anyone who dared to speak up for the ancient ancestor would be going against the mainstream, which made them stupid, evil, or even crazy. It all culminated in a misguided notion that the ancient ancestor would bring about their ruin. So they scoffed when Tianming said he would protect her.

”Remember your laughter at this moment,” Tianming said, turning to Jiang Tianzhou. ”Please excuse me, Senior Jiang. I’m leaving.”

The disapproving glances no longer mattered to Jiang Tianzhou. He trusted his own judgment.

”Young Master Li, I must apologize,” he said sincerely.

”You don’t have to.” With that, Tianming soared into the air.

”Catch him. We can threaten Flameyellow with him as a hostage!”

”Don’t let him leave! He’ll be a valuable bargaining chip when Flameyellow tries to invade us!”

Members of the Pu clan shouted. However, Lord Yue ultimately decided against issuing the order.

When Tianming left the astralguard formation, Lord Yue announced, ”The Tian Jiu Cult is arriving. All units, prepare for battle!”

Without the burden of their ancient ancestor, the kunlan primalwingers surged in fighting spirit. Jiang Tianzhou watched all this unfold with a sigh. In fact, he had given up the moment he learned about the Tian Jiu Cult’s full-scale deployment.

But why should they condemn those who persist?

***

An imperial-class astralship arrived at Grand Jiang; it was the Ninedragon Imperial Tomb. Tianming stood within the tomb, looking down upon the star. Countless kunlan primalwingers appeared outside the astralguard formation, eyes blazing as they stared at his astralship.

More than its imperial class, it was the astralship’s divine might that left them in awe. This heroic and indomitable force was difficult to vilify.

”What’s this kid doing beside the ancient ancestor?”

”Is he really going to protect her on his own? With just an astralship?”

”Don’t be stupid. What’s he got to do with our ancient ancestor. It only proves that he’s up to something!”

The people began to discuss among themselves.

”The Tian Jiu Cult’s astral armada will arrive in half a day. Are we going to just stand and watch if all they do is capture our ancient ancestor?” someone asked.

As soon as he spoke, at least a dozen people surrounded him and shouted, ”What? Are you willing to sacrifice all of Grand Jiang for an old witch like that fool?”

Thus, no one dared to speak again. Tianming had naively assumed that coordinating with Grand Jiang’s cosmic god army would be simple, whether it was to guard Feiling or defend the star, but the reality was far from it. He wasn’t even allowed to display his Xi Hwa ghoul army at the secret meeting of the six factions.

”That’s fine as well. I won’t be saddled with any moral constraints.” Glancing at Grand Jiang, Tianming turned the astralship around.

BOOM!

”Here they come!”

His gaze sharpened. A fleet of astralships emerged at the far end, hurtling towards the golden crystal star behind Tianming.

”The eternal Tian Jiu is invincible!”