Jiang Li slowly stepped off the stage, his peripheral vision catching Lin Dong’s expression.
Lin Dong’s eyes seemed to be spewing fire.
Jiang Li’s heart jumped. What had Lin Dong experienced to become like this…
Jiang Li immediately activated his Life Script System.
He discovered that Lin Dong’s favorability towards him had already dropped to -50…
Could this kind of person even be a protagonist?
Jiang Li felt a bit speechless. He had only asked about Lin Dong’s beloved, and then he had upstaged him…
The faint murmurs from the surroundings reached Jiang Li’s ears.
Many people were openly stating that Lin Dong was no match for him.
This protagonist’s journey was probably at its end, Jiang Li shook his head slightly.
With such a temperament, if it weren’t for the Heavenly Dao’s protection, he would have been dead and buried long ago.
Many people had noticed the animosity between Jiang Li and Lin Dong.
After all, Lin Dong’s performance in the recent assessment had been exceptionally eye-catching.
Although he couldn’t compare to Jiang Li, he had still crushed most of the miscellaneous disciples and his passing the assessment was practically a done deal.
And Lin Dong had just now shown his malice without any attempt to hide it.
“These two have a history, look at Lin Dong’s eyes, he’s practically ready to devour Jiang Li…”
“You guys don’t know this, do you… You know Luo Yunxi, right? Lin Shan and Lin Dong are rumored to be cousins, and they fell out over a woman…”
“Furthermore, it’s rumored that Luo Yunxi likes Lin Dong, and it’s because she’s always protected him that Lin Dong has managed to survive in the Yellow Springs Demonic Sect for so many years…”
“No way, Luo Yunxi is an ultimate beauty, how could she be involved with Lin Dong? Lin Dong was only at the Body Tempering Triple Heaven before…”
“What do you guys know… Can emotions really be measured by strength…”
“I heard that a while ago, Luo Yunxi and Jiang Li had some intimate interaction. Could it be that Luo Yunxi fell for Jiang Li and decided to abandon Lin Dong, causing Lin Dong to erupt… and his strength to improve dramatically?”
"Now that you mention it, it's quite possible. Men, they don't… until that moment…"
“Hahaha, then Lin Dong is too pathetic. He gained strength, but lost the woman… tsk tsk…”
“If I were Luo Yunxi, I’d also choose Jiang Li. Jiang Li is so handsome, while Lin Dong looks like a country bumpkin…”
…
…
While the surrounding disciples chattered incessantly, casting pitying glances at Lin Dong.
Lin Dong’s face was so grim it looked like it could drip water.
Moreover, the people around him were becoming increasingly harsh with their words.
Some even said that Luo Yunxi had already… with Jiang Li.
Others claimed to have seen Luo Yunxi dating Jiang Li.
All sorts of rumors circulated through the plaza. Lin Dong’s eyes were filled with madness. These bastards, what are they talking about…
…
Not far away, Jiang Li listened to the surrounding discussions and shook his head.
When had he ever… with Luo Yunxi? It was a huge joke.
They were just a bunch of dead people, no need to dwell on it. Jiang Li then found a spot and closed his eyes to rest.
Several days of high-intensity cultivation had left Jiang Li’s body somewhat fatigued.
It was now during the assessment, so it was a good time to rest.
He could also take a look at the Profound Tier High-grade martial art [Thunderclap Fist] he had obtained from the Divine Sea realm expert’s cave.
Jiang Li was in a secluded corner of the plaza, examining [Thunderclap Fist] in his mind.
Due to the deterrence of Jiang Li’s previous display of strength, no one dared to loiter around him.
Furthermore, private duels were forbidden during the assessment.
…
As the surrounding comments became more unbearable, Lin Dong finally lost his temper.
“You bastards, all of you shut up! Yunxi isn’t the kind of person you describe!”
Lin Dong roared, his cold eyes sweeping across the crowd. Powerful spiritual energy surged around him.
The surrounding people instantly stopped their discussions and stared coldly at Lin Dong.
What did this Lin Dong mean? Did he really think he could disregard everyone just because he had gained some strength?
“What are you barking about… Did we say something wrong? Why don’t you take a look at yourself in the mirror…”
“Exactly, exactly. Look at Jiang Li, then look at you… Mud is just mud… Even if you get stronger, you’re just slightly stronger mud…”
“What can we do if we say a few words about you… What can you do about it…”
…
…
Lin Dong’s retort only fueled more intense discussion.
In the crowd, a tall youth sneered.
Lin Dong, Lin Dong, do you really think this world only speaks with strength?
People’s hearts are the greatest weapon!
With your temperament, you’re already agitated by a few casual rumors. Someone like you doesn’t deserve to have any dealings with Yunxi.
Lin Shan watched Lin Dong, who was practically being attacked by the masses from afar, and shook his head slightly!
I hope you can cause more trouble for Jiang Li. Preferably, you’ll both die.
A cold glint flashed in Lin Shan’s eyes, filled with chilling killing intent.
He naturally knew that Luo Yunxi had nothing going on with Jiang Li, but if he could use these rumors to make them fight to the death.
Lin Shan would lose nothing.
It turned out that the rumors that had been circulating were all spread by Lin Shan. With his Body Tempering Eighth Heaven cultivation, he held considerable prestige among the miscellaneous disciples.
Previously, many disciples had sought his protection.
After all, in the Demonic Sect, without immense strength, one could only rely on others for protection.
Lin Shan, with his Body Tempering Eighth Heaven, was undoubtedly a good target for allegiance.
…
Lin Dong’s breathing became rapid as he looked at the crowd filled with displeasure towards him.
He couldn’t understand why, even though he had become stronger, he had only managed to incur more people’s dislike.
And those disgusting rumors, like needles, pierced directly into Lin Dong’s heart.
Damn it. Once the assessment is over, all of you will die.
During the outer sect assessment, disciples were forbidden from killing each other except during actual combat.
This was also why these people, despite their pathetic strength, could openly gossip around.
Lin Shan was precisely exploiting this point.
When martial force could not suppress, words and people’s hearts were the greatest weapons.
The assessment continued, but the criticisms directed at Lin Dong seemed to show no signs of abating; instead, they intensified.
…
“Saintess, it seems someone is targeting Lin Dong. Should we help him resolve it!” a clear voice sounded in the black-robed woman’s ear.
A maidservant brought a cup of fragrant tea and handed it to the black-robed woman.
The black-robed woman accepted it and took a gentle sip.
“If he can’t even withstand this verbal assault, then what qualifications does such a fellow have to catch my eye!” The black-robed woman put down the teacup and looked in the distance at Jiang Li, who was meditating with his eyes closed.
…
ps: Thank you, Carefree Mortal Immortal, for the gift. Thank you.