Chapter 1392: Not Playing By The Rules

Seeing Yi Feng ask questions, Long Tian felt the pressure increase, but he still managed to maintain his composure and delivered the prepared response.

"Esteemed sir," he began, "the affairs of Yuan Star are internal matters of our star system and naturally fall under my jurisdiction. I appreciate your kindness in bringing this news, but I have yet to fully recover to my peak strength. At present, my priority must be the grand cause of Yun Star. Therefore, this matter requires no further discussion."

His words were flawless.

Not only did he assert his authority and responsibilities, implying that others had no right to interfere, but he also reiterated the current priorities. Both in reason and sentiment, he provided ample justification for not aiding Yuan Star.

At first glance, it seemed quite reasonable.

Wei Donghai, with his shallow cultivation and low status, no longer had the courage to speak up.

Yi Feng also appeared troubled.

Observing the slightly weary demeanor of the Star Lord and pondering the deeper meaning behind his words, Yi Feng felt somewhat at a loss. He could only try a different approach to persuade him.

"Star Lord," Yi Feng said, "I understand your difficulties. However, Yuan Star is indeed in crisis. If it's inconvenient for you, I can accompany you to assist in the rescue. With more people, we can pool our strength and likely save the inhabitants of Yuan Star."

Hearing this, Wei Donghai nodded slightly.

Having observed for a while, even if he didn't fully grasp the cultivation levels of the two, he could tell that Yi Feng was superior. Now that Yi Feng had stepped forward to offer assistance, the chances of rescuing Yuan Star would undoubtedly increase. This seemed like the best possible choice.

Surely...

The Star Lord, now without any concerns, would agree to the rescue, right?

As the two waited, Long Tian once again showed a troubled expression and continued to evade the issue.

"This matter is quite difficult..." he said. "Even if you are willing to accompany me, which would indeed be a great help, Yun Star is currently in a critical phase of rebuilding. I must oversee the overall situation and gather the power of faith. How can I set aside the grand cause of the entire star system for the sake of a few insignificant lives?"

"If you wish to save Yuan Star, you may go ahead on your own."

Long Tian spread his hands, a forced smile on his face.

His demeanor indeed conveyed a sense of helplessness, but his words were chilling. It seemed like he was simply passing the buck, shirking his responsibilities onto others.

As the Star Lord, he showed no concern for the lives of cultivators on other planets, speaking with such ease and determination to remain a bystander.

This wasn't a matter of capability but of attitude.

He likely never intended to save Yuan Star from the beginning!

Wei Donghai stood frozen in shock, as if he no longer recognized this revered Star Lord. Without needing to speak, the disappointment and helplessness were clearly written on his face.

Noticing this subtle change in expression, Long Tian's lips curled slightly, and a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

He had been sent to Yun Star not just for his profound cultivation but also for his exceptional ability to control people's hearts. No matter the situation, he was confident in his ability to turn things around with his wit.

Even if he encountered a powerful cultivator of unknown origin, so what?

With a few well-chosen words, he could easily brush them off!

Having spoken to this extent, anyone with any sense would refrain from pressing further. Even if they were dissatisfied, what could they do? After all, he held the title of Star Lord, and even if his cultivation was slightly inferior, in the eyes of outsiders, he still possessed the blessing of heavenly power. The other party would surely show some respect.

Seeing that the situation was settled, his position as Star Lord secure, and the grand plan of the demon race undisturbed, Long Tian smiled at Yi Feng, a confident look of victory on his face.

"Haha..." he chuckled. "Esteemed sir, you have traveled countless miles to bring us this news, and your righteous heart is truly admirable. However, I am burdened with heavy responsibilities and must ask for your understanding. This kindness will be remembered by the inhabitants of Yuan Star, and we will surely repay you in the future."

First, he explained his difficulties to evade responsibility, then used sentiment to build rapport. His words were impeccably diplomatic, and finally, he made a promise in his capacity as the Star Lord, giving the other party ample face.

With such a series of well-crafted statements, he had effectively silenced any dissent.

His mastery of human relations and social maneuvering was truly remarkable.

No matter who it was, they could no longer speak out.

Even if the powerful cultivator before him was formidable, so what? Human cultivators valued social etiquette above all, and someone of his cultivation level should understand this even more. Would he really tear apart the facade of politeness?

Long Tian clasped his hands slightly, his smile widening, as if he had finally regained his dignity.

But after waiting for a few moments, Yi Feng remained silent and made no move.

This strange silence made both Long Tian and Wei Donghai look on in surprise.

Before Long Tian could continue his performance, Yi Feng suddenly erupted in a torrent of curses, completely unrestrained!

"You, a powerful figure in charge of a star system, are actually such a piece of trash?!" Yi Feng roared.

"Yuan Star is on the brink of destruction, and not only do you refuse to help, but you keep making excuses, even calling the lives there insignificant. You have no regard for the lives of the inhabitants of Yuan Star, yet you dare to thank them on their behalf? You're utterly shameless!"

"If you weren't the Star Lord, spouting such nonsense would be one thing, but you hold this position and refuse to fulfill your duties. You won't even go to help when asked. With such an attitude, how dare you call yourself the Star Lord?"

"You don't care about this, you won't save that—what kind of Star Lord are you?!"

"Let me ask you one more time: are you going or not?!"

The barrage of curses left Wei Donghai wide-eyed!

Although the words were utterly unexpected and extremely rude, at this moment, besides being shocked beyond words, he felt an indescribable sense of relief!

He almost couldn't help but clap and cheer!

Well said!

Long Tian, on the other hand, was dumbfounded, his face a picture of disbelief.

"This..."

Logically, he had handled the situation with finesse, and anyone should have taken the hint and backed off. Why was this powerful cultivator so unreasonable, cursing without any regard for propriety?

This person didn't seem like a terrifying expert at all—more like a reckless fool!

He wasn't playing by the rules!

Suddenly, Long Tian found himself in an awkward position, forced to stand his ground.

"I won't go!" he insisted.

After all, he was a high-ranking member of the demon race. If he went to Yuan Star, wouldn't that mean fighting against his own kind? How would he explain that to the图腾大人 when the time came?

The consequences would be worse than soul annihilation—he absolutely couldn't make such a mistake!

Seeing the Star Lord still stubbornly refusing, Yi Feng could no longer contain his anger and slapped him hard!

"Smack!"

The crisp sound came without warning, and Long Tian was sent flying like a cannonball into the desert, kicking up waves of sand!

"Boom!!!"

The entire desert seemed to tremble from the impact!

Yi Feng, still furious, flashed forward, grabbed Long Tian, and began delivering a series of slaps, left and right, the crisp sounds echoing like firecrackers during a New Year celebration!

For a good while, the desert was filled with the continuous sound of slaps.

When Yi Feng finally pulled Long Tian out again, his face was swollen like a pig's head, completely devoid of his previous elegance. He looked utterly defeated, his eyes filled with unmistakable fear!

As Yi Feng raised his hand for another slap, the fear in Long Tian's eyes intensified, and he hurriedly raised his sausage-like lips to plead for mercy.

"Stop! Stop..." he begged. "I'll go to Yuan Star, I'll go, alright?!"

Yi Feng gave him a disdainful glance before finally letting go and nodding.

"You could have gone from the start, but you made me go through all this trouble. What a piece of work you are!"

Looking at the pitiful, swollen face, Yi Feng couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Now you've got even more injuries. You probably won't be able to fight at full strength, and you might even get yourself killed. With you in this state, how are you going to save Yuan Star?"

"Maybe I should just go instead?"

But as soon as he finished speaking, Long Tian quickly waved his hands, acting extremely obedient.

"No need, no need!" he said. "Although I'm slightly injured, I can recover after a short rest. Saving Yuan Star is my duty, and I will not shirk it!"

The change in attitude was like night and day, leaving Yi Feng momentarily stunned.

What a spineless fool...

If I had known, I would have just beaten him up from the start!

Who would have thought that the esteemed Star Lord was such a character? No wonder Yun Star has fallen to such a state. A weak leader truly leads to a weak following.

Seeing that Long Tian had already begun to recover and had agreed to go to Yuan Star, Yi Feng's anger subsided somewhat. He casually agreed and waited nearby.

"Alright."

The scene fell silent once more.

Wei Donghai, who had witnessed the entire exchange, was left in a state of shock. As Yi Feng approached, his hands trembled with excitement, and he bowed deeply, his respect for Yi Feng now far greater than before.

"Elder Yi!" he stammered.