It turned out that Jiang Cheng was venting his anger on the Jiang Clan's disciples. He roared, "You useless people! My parents asked you to take good care of me, and this is how you do it? I, the dignified Young Master of the Jiang Clan, have been bullied everywhere, and instead of helping me, you even try to stop me. Are you planning to rebel? Are you still qualified to be disciples? If not, get out of here! You can't even handle a small matter. You are indeed the lowly creatures of the lower class. Wait until we get back to Lotus Pier to see how my mother punishes you!"

Jiang Yanli stood quietly to the side, a flicker of pity in her eyes. She knew Jiang Cheng's temperament well; interrupting him now would only add fuel to the fire, intensifying his anger. She thought to herself, "Once everything is settled, I'll make some pork rib soup for my disciples. It will nourish them and ease the grievances they've suffered today, so they don't harbor resentment towards Jiang Cheng."

The disciple's face was noticeably swollen, and he didn't dare touch it. He stood still with his head lowered, letting Jiang Cheng scold him. His fists were clenched at his sides, his nails digging deep into his palms, blood seeping from between his fingers. It was obvious that he was not without anger.

Xuanyuan Jing (Meng Yao) did not ignore the resentment that flashed across the disciple's eyes and sighed softly, "What a patient person."

Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) also agreed: "Indeed, they were treated like this, yet they didn't even ask to leave. They are really patient." Although Xuanyuan Yue's (Wei Ying) voice was not loud, it was not concealed. Everyone at the mountain gate was a cultivator, so they naturally heard it clearly, including Jiang's disciples.

A trace of pain flashed through the disciple's eyes. If conditions allowed, he would have immediately stripped off his Jiang family robes, slammed the Pure Heart Bell into Jiang Cheng's face, and shouted heartily, "I want to quit the Jiang Family!" However, he couldn't do that. The Jiang Family was unlike other aristocratic families. If he proposed to leave, Yu Ziyuan would have mercilessly struck him to death with purple lightning.

Over the past two years, a disciple had indeed attempted to leave the Jiang Clan, only to be flogged to death on the training grounds in front of all the other disciples and students, under Yu Ziyuan's orders. Uncle Jiang, who had brought these "old friend's sons" back home, simply called out "Third Lady" and took no further action. Even the disciple's battered remains were carelessly discarded in Lotus Lake to feed the fish. Since that tragic incident, they haven't tasted a single lotus root or swum in the waters since.

Ever since the child Jiang Fengmian brought back to the Jiang family under the name Wei Ying died in a fire at the Jiang family ancestral hall, he hadn't been given a funeral. This led to widespread gossip among the people of Yunmeng. Although Jiang Fengmian suppressed the rumors, the people of Yunmeng were aware of the situation. This also led to Yunmeng residents no longer sending their children to the Lotus Pier to learn skills. This change forced Jiang Fengmian to adopt orphans or bring talented children back to the Jiang family under the guise of "children of old friends."

Jiang Cheng also heard it and turned to look. He saw four masked figures: Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying), Xuanyuan Yin (Xue Yang), Xuanyuan Jing (Meng Yao), and Xuanyuan Fen (Fen Hua) standing there. Their faces were obscured and they were dressed in unfamiliar clothing. Jiang Cheng thought they were casual cultivators who had come to listen to the teachings, so he turned his attention to them and asked, "What did you say?"

Jiang Cheng's tone was filled with arrogance and disdain, and it was obvious that he did not take these newcomers seriously.

Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) and Xuanyuan Yin (Xue Yang) grew up pampered and indulged by their uncle, Chaoyang, leading a carefree life. They were immediately displeased by Jiang Cheng's involvement for no apparent reason. Furthermore, they harbored deep hatred for the Jiang family and would never tolerate Jiang Cheng's provocation.

Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) crossed his arms over his chest, a sarcastic smile on his lips, and said contemptuously, "Oh, I thought you were some big shot, but it turns out you're the young master of the Jiang family who's been searching for the 'son of an old friend.' So, Young Master Jiang, you're no longer living in Lotus Pier, but have moved to the seaside? You're really nosy, even butting in on us two brothers' conversations."

puff!

Laughter rose and fell in the crowd, and everyone knew what "son of an old friend" meant.

This was no secret among the major families. The two from Lotus Pier often caused trouble, and there were even rumors that "if you eat the Jiang family's rice, you become the Jiang family's servants."

Because of this, the Jiang Clan hadn't seen any new blood in recent years, and its strength had declined significantly. If it weren't for the support of the Meishan Yu Clan and the Lanling Jin Clan, the Jiang Clan might have long since ceased to be a top-tier family. Consequently, many of the aristocratic family members present looked down on Jiang Cheng.

Xuanyuan Yin (Xue Yang) even provoked, "Young Master Jiang, your actions just now seemed a bit excessive. Shouldn't you be more tolerant towards your own disciples?"

Jiang Cheng's face darkened upon hearing this. He was already in a bad mood, and now he was even more furious. "Tolerance? What do you know? How can we allow outsiders to interfere in the affairs of our Jiang family!"

Jiang Cheng's roar echoed through the mountain gates. His gaze was like a knife, sweeping across everyone present, as if to nail them all to the pillar of shame. However, Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) and Xuanyuan Yin (Xue Yang) were not afraid at all. They exchanged a glance, a tacit understanding flashing in their eyes.

"Young Master Jiang, we just can't stand what you do." Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) said lightly, with a hint of provocation in his tone.

Jiang Cheng hadn't expected these wandering cultivators to dare to raise objections to him. He was momentarily stunned, then angrily rebuked them, "How dare these ignorant people from this remote village discuss the affairs of our Jiang family?"

Jiang Cheng's rage poured out like a raging storm, but Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) remained calm, a sneer curling up at the corner of his mouth: "Ignorant person? Young Master Jiang, how can you say that?"

Jiang Cheng's rage poured out like a raging storm, but Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) remained calm, a sneer curling up at the corner of his mouth: "Ignorant person? Young Master Jiang, how can you say that?"

"Although we're not from a prominent family, we know our place." Xuanyuan Yin (Xue Yang) took over the conversation, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Young Master Jiang, aren't you afraid that if word gets out about you treating your disciples this way, it'll ruin the Jiang family's reputation?"

Jiang Cheng laughed in anger. He snorted coldly, "Reputation? How can you, the nameless ones, understand the reputation of my Jiang family?"

Xuanyuan Yue (Wei Ying) snorted disdainfully and was about to continue his rebuttal when Lan Xichen interrupted him. Lan Xichen's face turned serious as he demanded, "They were invited by the Lan Clan to attend the lecture. Does Young Master Jiang have any objections?"

Lan Xichen's sudden intervention made the situation awkward. Jiang Cheng's face turned purple, and his breathing became rapid, struggling to calm down. He clenched his teeth, making a clattering sound. Finally, unable to contain his emotions, he kicked the Jiang disciple beside him fiercely, using the opportunity to scold him: "Useless person, why don't you lead the way! Can't you see it's getting dark? We are not invited guests, do you still want to trouble others?" The Lan disciple who was about to step forward to lead the way silently withdrew his steps. Since Master Jiang has said so, there is no need to waste time.

The Jiang disciple who had been kicked could only swallow his anger and lead the way. However, since this was his first time in the Cloud Recesses, he had no idea where the disciples' quarters were. Ultimately, he had to ask for help from the patrolling Lan disciples, and was finally led to the courtyard where the Jiang disciples lived.

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