Jiang Chengxi’s aura was immensely powerful, his mere presence exuding an oppressive force that made breathing difficult. To a significant extent, Jiang Chengxi was the uncrowned king of Yuezhou Province.
Yu Mengzhi stepped forward, shielding Li Zhiqing behind her, determined to prevent any harm to her mother from the Jiang family. Li Zhiqing, touched by this, also took a step forward.
Li Tiannan and Chen Jinzhao exchanged a glance before warily focusing on Jiang Chengxi’s bodyguards. They were ready to retaliate instantly if any move was made.
“Elder Master Jiang, it has been a long time,” Li Tiance said calmly.
Jiang Chengxi finally noticed Li Tiance and his companions. His brow furrowed slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. “So it’s the Li family’s prodigy. I didn’t expect to run into you here. What an unfortunate coincidence. I advise you to leave this place of trouble as soon as possible, or face the consequences.”
It was clear that Jiang Chengxi did not hold Li Tiance in high regard.
Li Tiannan said sternly, “Elder Master Jiang, why are you leading people to attack Lingyin Temple and targeting our aunt?”
Jiang Chengxi had initially intended to ignore Li Tiannan, deeming him merely a junior unworthy of questioning him. However, with Li Tiance present, he replied with cold indifference, “Does an old man’s actions require the judgment of you juniors? Besides, the person I intend to deal with is Jingchen of Lingyin Temple, not your aunt.”
He was well aware that Jingchen’s true identity was Li Buyan’s daughter, and a different address would lead to different outcomes.
Yu Mengzhi stepped forward and declared, “I will not allow you to harm my mother.”
Jiang Chengxi frowned as he looked at Yu Mengzhi. He didn't immediately recognize her identity. After a while, he chuckled, “Jingchen, I thought you had long renounced worldly desires after years by the side of silent lamps and ancient Buddhas. I didn’t expect your daughter to be so grown up. You’re truly not as well-behaved as I thought.”
Yu Mengzhi and the others were furious. This was blatant slander!
Jiang Chengxi then turned his gaze to Chen Jinzhao. A single glance caused his expression to change drastically. He might not recognize Yu Mengzhi, but he certainly knew Chen Jinzhao.
This was the rising star of the military. What shocked Jiang Chengxi even more was that Chen Jinzhao had recently subdued Han in Su Town; how had he ended up in Yuezhou? What terrible luck!
“Chen Jinzhao, what does this have to do with you?” Jiang Chengxi asked, clearly displeased.
Chen Jinzhao replied indifferently, “You intend to lay hands on my future mother-in-law. Do you think it has nothing to do with me?”
Jiang Chengxi was speechless.
Li Tiannan and Li Tianze looked at Chen Jinzhao in surprise. They hadn't expected him to carry such weight; his single statement had put Jiang Chengxi in a difficult position. Even Li Tiance didn't possess such influence.
Jiang Chengxi looked up at the sky. He had made all preparations before leading his men to attack Lingyin Temple. He had only one objective: Jingchen must die. If Jingchen lived, she would further erode the Jiang family's power, and then how could the Jiang family claim to be a dominant force in Yuezhou?
“Chen Jinzhao, this matter does not concern you, and I have no desire to trouble you. I hope you’ll be sensible and leave Lingyin Temple obediently. I can pretend I never saw you,” Jiang Chengxi said.
Chen Jinzhao narrowed his eyes and asked, “Are you saying you’re determined to do this?”
Jiang Chengxi let out a cold snort. His firm stance was unmistakable.
Chen Jinzhao and Li Tiannan were prepared for a fight to the death, awaiting Jiang Chengxi’s first move.
As the two sides were at a standoff, several more middle-aged and elderly people entered from the main gate. As soon as they arrived, they began to curse Li Zhiqing, using the most vulgar language. Some spoke even more offensively, suggesting Li Zhiqing should serve them before dying. Yu Mengzhi clenched her fists in anger.
Undoubtedly, these people were all affiliates of the Jiang family in Yuezhou. Li Zhiqing’s actions had severely impacted their core interests, which was why they had banded together to turn against her.
A middle-aged man said with a cold snort, “Jingchen, you have committed many wrongdoings and should have faced judgment long ago. Yuezhou Province is not a place you can interfere with. Please take your own life.”
“If you don’t want to die with dignity, we can help you die with dignity.”
Li Zhiqing responded with a cold expression, “Take away your filthy faces. Do you think you can act in Yuezhou, and I cannot? What kind of twisted logic is that? If you have the ability, then kill me.”
“You think we wouldn’t dare?” the middle-aged man retorted.
Jiang Chengxi raised his hand, stopping the middle-aged man from speaking further. He then said calmly, “Jingchen, stop your futile struggle. It is all in vain. Do you think I don’t know you’ve planted many people in the mountains? Now, can you try to see if those hidden individuals can still appear?”
At these words, Li Zhiqing’s expression changed drastically. She had indeed learned of Jiang Chengxi’s intention to break all ties and had secretly mobilized forces to counter him. However, hearing Jiang Chengxi’s words, she realized her actions had failed. Li Zhiqing was now surrounded.
She said with a bitter taste in her mouth, “I was too merciful. That is my weakness.”
Jiang Chengxi chuckled, “No, all struggles end in bloodshed. Therefore, whoever possesses absolute power will achieve ultimate victory.” As a prominent aristocratic family, the Jiangs naturally possessed considerable armed forces.
“How about it?”
“Have you changed your mind now? I don’t want to dirty my hands, so you should do it yourself.”
“Don’t force me to act against your daughter, understand?”
Li Zhiqing pursed her lips, remaining silent. She hadn’t made up her mind, attempting to make a last stand. However, with her daughter by her side, she was unwilling to drag her into this vortex.
Yu Mengzhi said indignantly, “It was supposed to be a fair competition. When you can’t win through upright means, you resort to such despicable tactics? And you call yourselves legendary aristocratic families. Such methods are truly disgusting!”
Jiang Chengxi ignored her, caring only about achieving his objective regardless of the insults.
Chen Jinzhao was ready to act. Li Tiannan, standing beside him, had also tensed up. The moment Chen Jinzhao gave the order, he would rush out to join forces with Chen Jinzhao in capturing Jiang Chengxi. The saying goes, “to catch the bandit, catch the king first.” Once Jiang Chengxi was taken down, the rest would be mere stragglers.
Jiang Chengxi sensed two icy gazes of hostility and took a few steps back, creating a human shield between himself and Chen Jinzhao’s group. This prevented Chen Jinzhao and Li Tiannan from capturing him immediately. At the same time, Jiang Chengxi smirked and said, “I advise you two not to act rashly. Firearms are indiscriminate.”
“The lives of several people are currently targeted by sniper rifles. If you don’t want to die, stand still and don’t move.”
Chen Jinzhao looked up and indeed saw that the high ground had been taken by Jiang Chengxi’s men. More than a dozen gun muzzles were aimed directly at everyone’s heads. This was a fatal trap, one that even Chen Jinzhao couldn't see a way out of.
What could be done?