After recounting every rumor circulating through Linzi City, Chongxuan Sheng smiled and asked, "So? How do you feel now?"
Jiang Wang asked in return, "Does anyone believe them?"
"Why wouldn't they? Because you're a Qi State prodigy, a hero of Qi State, the one who raised the state banner at River Viewing Terrace?"
Chongxuan Sheng said, "The idol on an altar is, at its core, nothing more than clay. It can be worshipped upon a table, or trampled beneath one's feet. Do you think you've already achieved an indestructible Golden Body? Even the Golden Body and Jade Marrow of a Divine Presence cultivator can be shattered, much less this insubstantial halo of yours?"
Jiang Wang had not cared at first, since most of it was sheer nonsense. But hearing Chongxuan Sheng put it that way, he could not help asking, "Then how many people are trampling this patch of mud now?"
"All of Linzi." Chongxuan Sheng's gaze was deep and shadowy as he began counting on his fingers. "Not only are the streets and alleys full of curses, there are also people at court who want to open a case against you, some who want to issue a warrant for your arrest outright, some who want to thoroughly investigate Green Sheep Town and directly interrogate the people under your command... There are even those who want to nationalize your Great Void Corner Tower in Heavenly Mansion City, suspecting you of harboring some unspeakable purpose!"
Jiang Wang smiled.
"That smile of yours is rather sarcastic." Chongxuan Sheng chuckled.
"I only feel that..." Jiang Wang said, "I risked my life in the Lost Realm. I won glory for Qi State at River Viewing Terrace. The things I've done, the merits I've earned, ought to have won me at least a little trust."