Everyone was startled and quickly turned to look. They saw Bao Banxian, accompanied by a large group, appear before them like a ghost. Judging by the ferocious force of their attack, it was clear they had planned and meticulously prepared. Bao Banxian's face was a mixture of triumph and ferocity. His triumph seemed to declare his victory, while his fierce gaze was like two sharp blades, piercing the crowd, as if victory was already certain.
"Bao Banxian, you actually don't keep your word!" Jiang Xiaohuang shouted angrily, her eyebrows raised and her eyes wide open. Her voice was crisp and loud, echoing in the morning air, filled with anger and unwillingness.
Bao Banxian sneered, his laughter like the cry of a night owl, creepy and chilling, his eyes full of disdain and contempt: "When dealing with a traitor, why bother with credibility?"
In an instant, the atmosphere suddenly became tense, as if the air itself had frozen. A fierce battle seemed imminent, and everyone could smell the thick smell of gunpowder in the air.
At this critical moment, Jiang Yan suddenly had an idea. His brain was working rapidly and he shouted loudly: "Wait! I have something to say!"
Bao Banxian raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of sarcasm on his face, as if he saw a dying ant. He sneered, "Top Scholar, do you have any last words to say?"
Jiang Yan cleared his throat, his expression instantly becoming serious and solemn, revealing the majesty and bearing of a top scholar. His eyes were firm and sharp, like two swords, staring directly at Bao Banxian and saying, "You keep insisting that Mo Chen is a traitor, but do you have any solid evidence? Empty words are useless, and you shouldn't slander others!"
Bao Banxian was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Jiang Yan to ask such a question. But he quickly reacted and shouted, "He stole the Nine-Bend Linked Pearl. Isn't that irrefutable evidence?"
"He didn't steal the bead," Jiang Yan said calmly, looking at Bao Banxian with a determined gaze, as steady as Mount Tai. "I took it!"
As soon as these words came out, it was like a bombshell exploding in the crowd. Everyone's eyes widened in shock, their faces filled with disbelief. Mo Chen was even more anxious and hurriedly said, "Grandpa, that's not the case..."
Jiang Yan raised his hand to interrupt him, his face calm and without a trace of panic: "I saw that the beads were round and lovely, exquisite and translucent, so I thought of taking them back to give to my granddaughter to play with. What's wrong with that?"
Bao Banxian was so angry that his whole body was shaking. His face turned red like a ripe tomato. His hand, which was pointing at Jiang Yan, kept shaking. It seemed as if he was so angry that he couldn't even speak clearly. "You...you are talking nonsense! It's complete nonsense!"
"I'm talking nonsense?" Jiang Yan put on his official authority, his face full of righteousness, his voice loud and firm, "I am the top scholar of the current dynasty, deeply trusted by the emperor. How could I speak nonsense and make up lies at will? If you don't believe me, you can search me and see if I have the so-called Nine-Curved Linked Pearl on me!"
Bao Banxian naturally didn't dare to actually search the champion scholar's body. He knew that if he did, he would bring disaster upon himself. At this moment, he was speechless, his face turning pale and blue, and his expression was extremely ugly, like the sky before a storm.
Jiang Yan struck while the iron was hot, taking advantage of the victory and continuing righteously, "Besides, Mo Chen took the beads to save his mother. This filial piety is so touching that it can be witnessed by the sun and the moon. How can you so easily slander him as a traitor? And you, without any distinction, wantonly hunt him down based on your own opinions. Such behavior makes you the true scum of the martial arts world, despised by the world!"
Bao Banxian was speechless, furious and annoyed, yet unable to refute. He had never imagined that Jiang Yan, whom he had always thought was a bookworm, could be so eloquent and eloquent, forcing black into white, putting him in such an awkward position, like a caged beast, with no way out.
Seeing that Bao Banxian had nothing to say, Jiang Yan took advantage of the situation and pursued him. His eyes were like torches, pointing directly at Bao Banxian's weak spot: "I think you are the ones with evil intentions and ulterior motives. Are you trying to take advantage of this opportunity to seize the Demon Cult's property?"
These words pierced Bao Banxian's sore spot like a gleaming cold blade. He flew into a rage, like a flaming powder keg, and roared, "You...you're slandering me! It's pure slander!"
"Whether or not this is slander, everyone knows it clearly," Jiang Yan said righteously, scanning the group led by Bao Banxian. "My dear heroes, don't you feel ashamed for following someone who can't distinguish right from wrong and who willfully accuses others? Do you want to be pointed at and scolded by the world for aiding and abetting the evil?"
After hearing Jiang Yan's words, Bao Banxian's men began to whisper among themselves, like fish startled in a pond. Many showed hesitation on their faces, a hint of hesitation in their eyes. Clearly, their hearts had begun to be moved by Jiang Yan's words.
Bao Banxian saw this and thought to himself, "This isn't good." He keenly sensed that if he didn't leave now, he'd be deserted by everyone. Helplessly, he glared at Jiang Yan with hatred, a look that seemed to want to devour him alive. He gritted his teeth and said, "Jiang Yan, you're so cruel! Let's see what happens! Let's go!" With that, he fled in disgrace with his men, like a defeated rooster.
Everyone looked at Jiang Yan with admiration in their eyes, as if they were looking at a hero returning in triumph.
"Grandpa, you're amazing!" Jiang Xiaohuang cheered excitedly, her eyes gleaming with admiration, like the brightest stars in the night sky. Her cheers echoed in the morning air, filled with joy and pride.
Jiang Yan stroked his beard proudly, a pleased smile on his face, and said with a smile: "Of course, don't you see who your grandfather is? This little scene is naturally not difficult for me."
Nian Li smiled and joked, "Dad, it would be a shame if you didn't go tell a story about what you just said. You said it so clearly and logically, and it even left Bao Banxian speechless and convinced."
Jiang Yan's face flushed slightly after hearing this, and he feigned anger, saying, "Nonsense! I'm arguing with my arguments based on facts, not storytelling. I'm just stating the truth."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. The laughter was clear and melodious, echoing like silver bells in the morning air, dispelling the tense and oppressive atmosphere and making everyone feel relaxed and happy. Then, with a brisk pace, everyone continued on their journey back to the capital.
Along the way, Jiang Xiaohuang looked at her grandfather walking in front of her, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that although her grandfather sometimes acted a little antic, even making many a hilarious joke, in critical moments, he was always her strongest support, stepping forward without hesitation and protecting her at all costs. This deep family love, like warm sunshine, illuminated her path forward and gave her an immense sense of peace of mind. No matter what difficulties and challenges she faced in the future, as long as her family was by her side, she was fearless, because she knew that her family was her strongest support and her eternal safe haven.
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