Chapter 1026: I Do Look Down On You
As soon as Ling Zhan said those words—
The surroundings instantly fell silent.
The guests narrowed their eyes, a glint of hostility flashing within them.
Clearly…
They didn't take kindly to what Ling Zhan just said.
Why?
Because this entire banquet was meant to recruit Ascenders into their factions or guilds.
Yet Ling Zhan straight up declared he wouldn't join.
Of course the guests weren't pleased.
A mere level 200 Ascender, and already acting so out of line?
Even if you didn't want to join, at least work under someone for a few years—wait until your wings are strong enough before flying solo.
But you want to fly before your wings even grow?
So you're saying we're not worthy?
Even the more arrogant Ascenders didn't dare say such things.
After all, they were under someone else's roof and had to bow their heads.
"Oh? Since you don't want to join any guild or noble house as a retainer, why even come to this banquet?"
The guest questioning Ling Zhan clearly had a bad temper.
Seeing Ling Zhan so bluntly refuse, his tone turned hostile.
Before Ling Zhan could respond, Yun Man let out a cold laugh and said frostily, "Like my master even wanted to attend your trash banquet!"
And with that—
Whoosh!!
A wave of surprise rippled through the guests.
This girl had guts!
Did she even know what she was saying?
She'd just called this banquet trash!
This banquet was organized by the city lord of Kost, and overseen by his assistant and vice-city lord, Will.
Insulting the banquet publicly was a slap to their faces.
Sure enough…
Will, who had been chatting nearby, instantly lost his refined smile.
It was replaced by a cold, dark expression.
Holding a glass of red wine, he walked up to Ling Zhan, eyes dark as he glanced at Yun Man, then at Meng Shuang and Chang Yue, before finally landing on Ling Zhan.
He asked calmly, "What, are these three your slaves?"
Ling Zhan shook his head and replied flatly, "No."
"Then why do they call you Master?"
"Because they're my beast companions and partners."
"Oh? Interesting. Beast companions, huh…"
Will smirked. "What species are they? Are they strong?"
Ling Zhan couldn't be bothered to answer, silently staring at him.
Will continued, "I don't care what race your pets are. One of them called this banquet trash—that's a direct insult to me, since I organized it."
"Strictly speaking, I'm the one responsible. You insult the banquet—you insult me."
"What now? You just ascended and already look down on me?"
With that—
His eyes turned completely cold, like a venomous snake glaring at Ling Zhan.
Around them, the other guests smirked mockingly.
Looks like…
Some Ascenders really thought too highly of themselves.
Did they really think this banquet was thrown because Ascenders were so valuable?
Did they really think Ascenders held high status in the Upper Realm?
Sure…
Some monstrous Ascenders did rise up and become major powers.
But how many among the tens of millions became such monsters?
The odds were one in a billion.
Did this guy think he was that one in a billion?
Other Ascenders, seeing Ling Zhan had drawn the ire of Kost City's vice-lord, quickly backed away to avoid association.
Even if they didn't want to join a guild, they expected to stay here a few years.
So they couldn't afford to offend these people.
"This human's got some nerve, picking a fight with these guests…"
"Now that Will's holding a grudge, he's screwed."
"He's getting kicked out of Kost City tomorrow for sure."
"Tomorrow? He's probably out tonight!"
The Ascenders whispered anxiously.
And just as Will was about to taunt again—
Meng Shuang chirped, "Yeah! We do look down on you! You've got an ugly mug and a fake-ass poser vibe. Think you're elegant and charming? You look like a damn clown!"
Meng Shuang was the youngest, only around fifteen or sixteen.
She was also the most straightforward.
Seeing Will press so hard, of course she snapped back.
Back in the lower realm, no one dared act this arrogant in front of her master!
And even in the Upper Realm, she wasn't scared.
Her outburst caused another round of gasps and mocking laughter.
Everyone looked ready for a show.
Will's expression froze over completely.
In fact…
A terrifying killing intent started radiating from his body.
"Boy! Was that your idea or did your beast just act out of line?"
"I'll give you one last chance!"
"Kneel down and apologize! And hand over that foul-mouthed brat to my room!"
"Let me teach her some manners!"
Will didn't even hide his intentions—his face dark as he barked.
But Ling Zhan remained calm as ever.
Staring at the furious vice-city lord, he said flatly, "And what if I refuse?"
"Refuse?"
Will sneered, pointing at Ling Zhan. "In five seconds, if you don't hand over that damn girl, I'll have you expelled!"
"Also…"
"Let me make it clear—you won't be leaving Kost City alive!"
That made it obvious: once Ling Zhan and his party were expelled, he'd send level 300 assassins after them.
They couldn't kill him inside the city, but outside… they'd have free rein.
A level 200 Ascender hunted by a pack of level 300s—his survival odds were basically zero.
That's why the other Ascenders were all swallowing their pride.
"Idiot! Just apologize already! What's one pet's sacrifice worth, huh?"
At that moment, many Ascenders were getting anxious.