The Clown

Jiang Feng's agonized screams echoed through the air.

Su Ming watched in bewilderment. He knew Jiang Feng was highly favored within the Jiang family, so seeing Jiang Wan attack him was shocking enough. But now Jiang Zhan was joining in? It made no sense.

As confusion clouded his mind, Mr. Jiang's voice cut through the chaos: "You two, stop!"

Jiang Wan and Jiang Zhan halted, turning to Mr. Jiang with puzzled expressions.

Jiang Feng, bruised and battered, scrambled over to Mr. Jiang. "Grandpa, Uncle and Sister have lost their minds! All I did was tell that Su family reject to kneel and greet Su Ming! What did I do wrong?"

Mr. Jiang's gaze hardened as he looked at Jiang Feng. Suddenly, he kicked Jiang Feng back towards Jiang Zhan. "Did you two forget I was here? If you knock him out, what am I supposed to do for fun? What are you waiting for? Keep going! I want in on this!"

Jiang Feng, dazed and confused, nearly cried out. He was at the peak of the Sea Transformation Realm, yet he was utterly powerless before these three. His grandfather, uncle, and sister, who usually doted on him, were now treating him like this—all because of the Su family's outcast?

But wait—wasn't Jiang Wan supposed to be getting engaged to Su Wu today? Why was the family supporting Horn, of all people? None of this added up!

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Jiang Zhan delivered a sharp kick to his stomach, sending him flying toward Jiang Wan like a ragdoll.

"We've been too lenient with you!" Jiang Zhan barked. "If my son-in-law doesn't forgive you today, you're no longer part of this family. You've been hanging around with shady characters so long you've lost all sense!"

Jiang Feng's thoughts swirled in confusion: Son-in-law?

But before he could process it, Jiang Wan kicked him back towards Mr. Jiang.

"Ah!" Jiang Feng's scream pierced the air as Mr. Jiang caught him mid-flight with his withered hand.

"If you make a mistake, you must pay the price," Mr. Jiang growled, his face contorted in anger, a terrifying aura radiating from him.

Jiang Feng, terrified, realized something was terribly wrong. His grandfather, uncle, and sister were treating Horn as if he were more than just a guest—he was family.

Mr. Jiang hoisted Jiang Feng in front of Horn. "Son-in-law, this fool dared to bully you on behalf of an outsider..."

Before he could finish, Jiang Feng cried out, "Grandpa, what did you just call him? Is Horn the son-in-law Uncle mentioned earlier? But isn't my sister getting engaged to Su Wu today?"

Mr. Jiang's aura intensified, nearly suffocating Jiang Feng. "Did I ask you to speak? Horn is the only grandson-in-law I recognize. Who is Su Wu? A thief who stole my grandson-in-law's immortal bones years ago. Without them, who would he be?"

Mr. Jiang flung Jiang Feng at Horn's feet. "Son-in-law, do with him as you see fit."

Su Ming, standing nearby, felt his blood run cold. Everything had gone horribly wrong. Mr. Jiang was supposed to be on their side, but now...

Horn looked down at Jiang Feng, who was trembling in fear. The silence was deafening.

Jiang Feng, sensing his life was hanging by a thread, suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just any family spat—Horn held real power here. He knelt before Horn, his voice trembling. "I was wrong. I'm not worthy to even speak to you. Please, forgive me this once."

He kowtowed repeatedly, the sound of his forehead hitting the ground echoing through the air.

Mr. Jiang, watching, nodded approvingly. In his eyes, Horn was a Seven-Star Alchemist and Array Master—Jiang Feng's kowtowing was a fitting apology.

Horn's voice was calm. "For Jiang Wan's sake, I'll spare your life. But remember, there won't be a second time. Cross me again, and you're dead."

Mr. Jiang, satisfied, kicked Jiang Feng. "Ingrate! Thank him!"

Jiang Feng, his head still bowed, muttered, "Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for sparing my life."

Horn's gaze shifted to Su Ming, who struggled to maintain his composure. The Jiang family's stance was now crystal clear—this was Horn's domain.

Su Ming clenched his fists, trying to steady his voice. "Mr. Jiang, are you really willing to betray us for the sake of a mere outcast? You had an agreement with my grandfather. Our Su family has gone to great lengths, even contacting the president of the Alchemist Association. He's coming to my grandfather's birthday party today. Is the Jiang family really willing to throw away this opportunity for a Seven-Star Alchemist to refine seven-star elixirs three times?"

Jiang Feng's heart raced—his grandfather had been excited about this just yesterday. What changed?

Mr. Jiang's voice was icy. "You dare accuse me of betrayal? Joining your Su family would doom us. Without my grandson-in-law's consent, you won't leave this house."

Jiang Zhan stepped forward, his face cold.

Under the weight of Mr. Jiang's aura, Su Ming felt his body stiffen. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he gritted his teeth.

Horn's expression remained calm.

Jiang Wan watched Su Ming, her eyes filled with disdain. To her, he was nothing more than a fool playing a dangerous game.