Yang Kai only stepped out from the inner part of the cave after a long time.
The two Blood Warriors, Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man had been standing outside waiting patiently. Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian still maintained their stalwart appearance, but it seemed like Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man had gotten bored and had leisurely taken a seat.
After seeing Yang Kai’s composed manner, Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.
For an entire day and night, although they hadn’t seen Yang Kai, they could clearly sense the mournful atmosphere from the inner cave.
They hadn’t expected the Little Lord to completely adjust himself so quickly.
But now, Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian could clearly see his expression was calm and filled with confidence.
“Make yourselves comfortable, I’m going down to check things out!” Yang Kai greeted the crowd before swiftly moving towards the cave’s entrance.
Qiu Yi Meng suddenly stood up and came over to him, staring at him curiously, “What exactly is down there?”
Ever since she had arrived here, Qiu Yi Meng had been curious about the Coiling Dragon Stream, but the disciples from High Heaven Pavilion had been too fearful to investigate. Even the people from Blood Battle Gang and Storm Hall had strongly advised her not involve herself with the Coiling Dragon Stream.
So until today, Qiu Yi Meng had still not gone to explore the Coiling Dragon Stream.
But now that Yang Kai had declared he was going to enter it, she was naturally curious.
“Heh…” Yang Kai simply smirked and let out a sly laugh before directly descending into the canyon.
“That little…” Qiu Yi Meng grumbled but eventually didn’t chase after him.
Yang Kai clearly didn’t want her to follow him, so if she were to rashly try to tag along, it would only serve to annoy him.
In the blink of an eye, Yang Kai had disappeared into the depths of the Coiling Dragon Stream.
“Apologies, Young Lady Qiu. My family’s Little Lord’s temperament seems to be a little terse.” Tang Yu Xian said with a light chuckle. She hadn’t known Yang Kai for more than a few days, but she was keenly aware that Yang Kai had many impressive points; things that his fellow peers didn’t possess.
Because of this, Tang Yu Xian was actually very optimistic about this Little Lord’s chances and immediately made an excuse for Yang Kai.
“It’s nothing.” Qiu Yi Meng replied in an off-handed manner.
Tu Feng looked at her thoughtfully and casually asked, “Are Young Lady Qiu and our Little Lord old friends?”
“Haha, I wouldn’t dare claim we’re ‘friends’.” Qiu Yi Meng smiled wryly and slowly shook her head.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian both couldn’t help feeling slightly surprised; Qiu Yi Meng, regardless of her identity or aptitude, was amongst the peak of her generation in the capital. The young lords of the Eight Great Families would all be proud to call her as a friend, but now she had intentionally humbled herself, even going so far as to say she wasn’t capable of calling herself Yang Kai’s friend. What exactly was this situation?
The bitterness and unwillingness in her smile was absolutely not false courtesy. Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian were naturally clear about this.
“You’ve probably also noticed how coldly he treats me.” Qiu Yi Meng didn’t shy away from things and instead stated the situation quite clearly, lightly saying, “Him and I, we’re just people who met by chance… nothing more!”
The two Blood Warriors immediately became curious, Tu Feng inquiring, “If possible, could Young Lady Qiu explain how you met one another? If it is inconvenient to say then simply treat it like I had never asked.”
Qiu Yi Meng’s long eyelashes fluttered slightly before calming, and only after a long silence did she reply, “There’s nothing inconvenient. I had been in charge of the team that first came to High Heaven Pavilion to inquire about the new Demon Lord’s information, it was then that I met him and we became enemies. What happened that day, you most likely already know.”
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian both nodded. High Heaven Pavilion’s Sect Master, together with four Immortal Ascension Boundary Elders engaged over a dozen Qiu Family, Bai Family, and Purple Fern Valley masters, but not only did they manage to escape safely, but they also injured several people. After that great battle, it became known that there was a supreme expert at the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary in High Heaven Pavilion.
“But what the rest of the world doesn’t know… is just how amazing this place is.”
“Amazing?” The two Blood Warriors couldn’t hide their surprise. For Qiu Yi Meng to make such a comment, it seems like there were still many details about that day that remained hidden.
“En, amazing. High Heaven Pavilion is an amazing Sect, and your Little Lord is also an amazing person!” Qiu Yi Meng smiled playfully.
Before that day, she had never thought that there was a way for one to connect two different locations more than ten thousand kilometres apart.
Nor had she dreamed that a young man from her generation, with a far lower cultivation than her own, could fight evenly with her.
It was also beyond her wildest imagination that someone could capture the heart of the Beguiling Demon Queen after only spending a single month with her.
If she were to speak objectively, Qiu Yi Meng believed herself to be a top-tier talent. If she was a man, she would surely become the next Patriarch of the Qiu Family! Unfortunately, the Heavens had made her a woman.
But even so, she didn’t dare to compare herself with Yang Kai.
The potential of this young man was terrifying. If he were to truly grow up, his achievements would far exceed those of the current masters!
Maybe, he could even create a new generation of legends!
“What exactly makes him so amazing?” Tang Yu Xian’s beautiful eyes shimmered as she asked in anticipation.
“What exactly… Well, I don’t know how much I should say. If you want to know about it, you should ask Young Master Yang himself. If I say too much, he may really come to hate me… such a thankless endeavour, how could I willingly participate?”
“You…” The two Blood Warriors suddenly became disgruntled. Qiu Yi Meng had just stirred up their interest, only to not give them any satisfactory answers. This feeling of being stimulated and then let down was quite uncomfortable like a cat was clawing at their hearts.
If it were someone else who had spoken like this to them, the two Blood Warriors would have let her clearly experience the Yang Family’s information extraction methods, but since it was Qiu Yi Meng, there was really nothing more they could say.
Adjusting her appearance, Qiu Yi Meng solemnly continued, “Although it isn’t convenient for me to say too much, what I can tell you is that you should absolutely… absolutely… absolutely never underestimate your family’s Little Lord!”
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian nearly staggered upon hearing these words.
Qiu Yi Meng had used three ‘absolutely’ in a row, and the tone she spoke in was extremely dignified.
What did such a statement mean? This showed that the First Young Lady of the Qiu Family was very optimistic about Yang Kai! Enough so to throw her full support behind him.
“Anyone who looks down upon him will pay a heavy price!” Qiu Yi Meng’s smiled meaningfully as she let out a giggle.
Tu Feng’s mouth twitched slightly, suddenly feeling somewhat like he was dreaming.
Tang Yu Xian couldn’t help furrowing her brow as she wondered why Qiu Yi Meng could make such a statement so confidently.
However, even if the two were suspicious, they also know Qiu Yi Meng would certainly not explain any further.
Facing such an impasse, the two simply nodded, “We’ll remember.”
“En.” Qiu Yi Meng nodded slightly, seemingly casually asking, “For this time’s Yang Family Inheritance War, will the Blood Warriors be participating?”
Tu Feng smiled wryly, “We do not know at this point as there hasn’t been a clear announcement from the family.”
“If you do participate, if I were you, I would definitely choose to follow him!” Qiu Yi Meng said with a somber expression.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian didn’t show any change in expression but instead lightly replied, “Many thanks for Young Lady Qiu’s advice, if such a time comes to pass, we will consider it seriously.”
Qiu Yi Meng nodded once and then no longer spoke, knowing that no matter what she said, it would be also impossible to influence the thoughts of the two Immortal Ascension Boundary masters. At that time, if they had to choose who to follow, they would only rely on their own judgment to do so.
Her saying so much now wouldn’t play any big role in their decisions, at most, it would only make them anticipate Yang Kai’s upcoming performance.
At the bottom of the Coiling Dragon Stream, Yang Kai stopped at the place where he had left Old Demon, but there were no traces of him to be found.
[That old devil must have left this place long ago, the soaring Evil Qi here has all been swallowed clean by him so he must have decided there was no point in remaining.]
Back then, Old Demon had said that he would come look for him after he finished absorbing the Demonic Qi here, but the events that had transpired before then were beyond both of their expectations.
The Qiu Family had arrived with a large number of masters, Su Yan and the others had flown ten thousand kilometer away through the Void Corridor, Yang Kai had been sent to the Ash-Grey Cloud Evil Land.
Whether it was him or Old Demon, neither of them could have predicted such startling changes.
Most likely, even if Old Demon really had the intention to find him, there would have been no clear direction for him to search.
If that was really the case, then Old Demon not having contacted him so far would be understandable.
But what if he had decided to betray him? Yang Kai wasn’t clear at all.
Closing his eyes, Yang Kai slowly let his Divine Sense sweep the surrounding area, and a moment later, his expression began to change, quickly turning to look at the side of the canyon.
At first glance, there was nothing unusual about it, there was nothing there to see, but under Yang Kai’s Divine Sense’s induction, he became keenly aware of something unusual.
In that spot, there was some trace of Demonic Qi left behind!
Focusing his sense towards the remnant Qi, an image slowly revealed itself.
Within the ripples of Demonic Qi, a blurry handwriting appeared on the grey canyon wall, and the message was clearly not very old, as if it had been written within the past few months.
With a glance, Yang Kai couldn’t help but smile.
Old Demon didn’t try to escape from him, if he had he wouldn’t have used such a discrete method to leave behind such a message here.
“Old Servant has already accomplished his task and has decided to go seek out Young Master. If Old Servant cannot find Young Master, he will return here after three months from the date of this message!”
This was clearly written by Old Demon for him. Old Demon must be planning to use three months to go out and inquire about Yang Kai’s information and would thus return here after that period of time.
Old Demon must have known that as long as Yang Kai was still alive, he would certainly come here to look for him.
This along was enough to prove that Old Demon was still loyal to him.
Smiling happily, Yang Kai drew a sword and wrote a line of text under the message.
“Central Capital, Yang Family Home!”
There was no need to say anything more, Old Demon only needed to see this and when he came back here.
After letting out a laugh, Yang Kai shot up like lightning towards his secluded cave.
Upon his return, Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian cast an inquisitive gaze towards him.
Yang Kai wasn’t sure whether it was an illusion or not, but he somehow felt that these two were now observing him more carefully than before.
“Have you finished handling your business?” Qiu Yi Meng asked with a slightly playful smile upon her lips.
“En.”
“Then what are your plans?”
Yang Kai grinned, proudly and confidently declared, “Head back to the Capital, and participate in the Inheritance War!”
Qiu Yi Meng slowly revealed an expression of such excitement before eagerly saying, “I also plan to head back. If you don’t mind, how about we travel together?”
Yang Kai gave a quick glance towards her before nonchalantly replying. “Do as you’d like!”
Qiu Yi Meng grinned, “Then I’ll be imposing on you.”
Yang Kai was puzzled by her remark, “Imposing on me?”
“You’ll know tomorrow,” Qiu Yi Meng said with a chuckle but didn’t answer and instead said, “Give me half a day, there’s still some things here I need to deal with. I’ll be ready to leave tomorrow morning.”
“Good!” Yang Kai nodded readily. Qiu Yi Meng had been here supervising the rebuilding of High Heaven Pavilion; naturally there would be issues she needed to resolve before she departed.
The next day, the group of people were ready to set out.
No one from High Heaven Pavilion came to see them off! Even the formerly arrogant Xie Hong Chen didn’t have the face to appear in front of Yang Kai and instead chose to silently preside over the reconstruction of the Sect.
It wasn’t until this moment that Yang Kai finally realized what Qiu Yi meant when she said she’d be imposing on him.
As the Silver Blood Golden Feather Eagle soared high above, Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian each rode on a Cloud Treading Colt and stared towards Yang Kai awkwardly, but both of them smiled as if they were anticipating something.
Yang Kai frowned deeply as he glanced around, obviously somewhat depressed.
There were only three Cloud Treading Colts between them, the two Blood Warriors both rode one and Yang Kai rode the last, the question then was, which mount would Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man ride?
Tang Yu Xian could bring one with her, but the other?
Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man were both young girls and the road to the Central Capital was long and bumpy. No matter who they rode with, there was bound to be a certainly amount of physical contact.
“Xiao Man or I, you can choose yourself,” Qiu Yi Meng obviously understood this, grinning towards Yang Kai.
Her smile, while beautiful and captivating, seemed to contain many different emotions, teasing, anticipation, embarrassment, and so on.
Luo Xiao Man also realized the situation they were in and couldn’t help blushing bright red.
However, Yang Kai just snorted and said, “Yu Xian can take one, Tu Feng can carry the other, I’ll ride alone.”
Qiu Yi Meng’s smile quickly disappeared as she stared at Yang Kai, apparently not having thought he would reject such a great opportunity to be close to a beauty.
As for the two Blood Warriors, both of them couldn’t hide their surprise.
Tu Feng quickly coughed and commented, “I do not mind if the two young ladies have no objections.”
Qiu Yi Meng quickly directed a glare towards him, causing Tu Feng to immediately stifle his words, a faint laugh taking its place.
“If so, I have a suggestion.” Qiu Yi Meng’s gaze quickly transferred back as she let out a giggle.
“What?”
“You and Tu Feng can ride together so that Xiao Man and I can have a mount to ourselves.”
“In your dreams!” Yang Kai resolutely refused. [Don’t screw with me! You want Tu Feng and I to ride a Cloud Treading Colt together?]
Qiu Yi Meng seemed to know that he would say so, so she rolled her eyes exaggeratedly and then said, “Then you can ride together with Elder Sister Tang!”
Tang Yu Xian, who up to this point had been enjoying the role of bystander, suddenly blushed bright red upon hearing this suggestion. Since Yang Kai was one of the Yang Family’s Young Lords and she was a Yang Family’s Blood Warrior, if Yang Kai really insisted on sharing a Cloud Treading Colt with her, she would not refuse, but wouldn’t that be too awkward for her?
Suddenly, she was extremely nervous, for fear that Yang Kai would agree to Qiu Yi Meng’s suggestion.
“No!” Yang Kai frowned, suddenly feeling like the situation was more difficult than he had thought.
“There aren’t enough mounts, so we need to share, if you don’t agree with my suggestions then what do you propose?” Qiu Yi Meng casually said, maintaining her calm and composed smile, obviously she had already considered this issue yesterday.
Yang Kai remained silent for a long time but still couldn’t come up with a good idea.
“Hey, you’re a man aren’t you, make up your mind! Don’t make us sit here waiting all day for you.” Qiu Yi Meng urged.
Yang Kai ground his teeth for a moment longer before jumping up onto his Cloud Treading Colt and reaching out his hand.
Just as Qiu Yi Meng wore a victorious smile and was about to accept, Yang Kai suddenly said, “Luo Xiao Man, come up!”
The Qui Family’s Young Lady’s face cramped up on the spot before she stared blankly at Yang Kai, and a look of embarrassment flashed across her eyes, as she suddenly felt the urge to run up and slap Yang Kai.
On the other hand, Luo Xiao Man, like a frightened rabbit, recoiled sharply and hurriedly whimpered, “N.. n…no!”
Even she wasn’t quite sure why, but she deeply feared Yang Kai.
“Let’s go!” Yang Kai shouted impatiently, signalling to Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian with his hand as he glanced back at the two young ladies.
“Haa…” Qiu Yi Meng let out an exasperated breath as she muttered under her breath, “How can you be so ruthless?”
“What ruthlessness are you talking about? If you don’t want to follow along with us you can find your own way back to the Central Capital. Just go hire a carriage or something.” Obviously Yang Kai really didn’t want to be entangled with her any further.
Qiu Yi Meng stared at him bitterly but quickly found that he wasn’t speaking in jest, letting out another sigh she turned to her side and said, “Xiao Man, go up.”
“I… I… I’m scared!” Luo Xiao Man whimpered as she burst into tears.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, he won’t bite you,” Qiu Yi Meng joked as she held Luo Xiao Man’s arms and, while the latter let out a pitiful cry, tossed her up behind Yang Kai before she mounted Tang Yu Xian’s Cloud Treading Colt.
“Hold on tight,” Yang Kai grumbled before rapidly urging his Cloud Treading Colt forward.
Helpless, Luo Xiao Man resigned herself to her situation and quickly wrapped her arms around Yang Kai, as her pretty face drained of all colour.
The entire party travelled forward in silence.
Qiu Yi Meng seemed quite angry and didn’t try to speak with Yang Kai again even when they stopped to rest. Luo Xiao Man on the other hand slowly relaxed after suffering silently for a whole day.
As the group galloped along the bumpy road, Yang Kai continuously felt two tremendously soft sensations press against his back. Experiencing this wondrous elasticity, he couldn’t help feeling his decision was correct.
[This little girl, Luo Xiao Man, she really has some capital, it’s fantastic!]
If he had chosen to take Qiu Yi Meng with him instead, he wouldn’t have been able to experience such enjoyment.
This discovery suddenly made him feel the trip back to the Central Capital wasn’t so bland.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian could also perceive the strained atmosphere lingering around their group, so they didn’t dare say much, as to not further the awkwardness of the situation. If not for the harsh wind, which whistled past their ears, there would be no sound at all.
Along the way, it seemed like the entire world had already become aware that the Yang Family was recalling their Young Lords and word of the Inheritance War was gradually spreading.
It was only a short while ago that the war between the righteous and evil Sects had broken, out and now the Yang Family was preparing to launch their Inheritance War, it seemed like this year the entire Great Han Dynasty was destined to be a restless.
The Inheritance War attracted the attention of millions of people.
Although the Yang Family’s Inheritance War ostensibly was about selecting its next Patriarch, but each time it happened it would inevitably involve a wide range of influences and many forces from across the dynasty would come to participate.
Those forces which participated would often send out their juniors to bear witness to the heritage and methods of the dynasty’s great families so that they could increase their experience and hone their skills.
On the other hand, it was also an opportunity to forge connections with the Central Capital’s Eight Great Families.
If these smaller influences could accurately judge the situation of these Yang Family Young Lords, there would no doubt be great benefits to them in the future.
In addition to the dynasty’s major forces, there were also many individual cultivators who would come to the Central Capital to seek their own opportunities.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and as such was a much-anticipated event. Some who took advantage of this opportunity would have a chance to leap over the Dragon Gate and became famous while others would only find themselves an early death.
Pros and cons coexist; the entire Inheritance War was a gamble.
Various forces and cultivators bet their lives hoping to secure their futures.
This war was the most important checkpoint for this generation’s Young Lords of the Yang Family.
Five days later.
After traveling some ten thousand kilometers the group was still some distance from the Central Capital.
When the three Cloud Treading Colt stopped for a rest, Qiu Yi Meng suddenly looked off into the distance, after a while saying, “The Lu Family’s home is near here, I’d like to make a detour there to borrow two Cloud Treading Colts.”
Then, turning to look at Yang Kai, she asked, “How about stopping there for a rest?”
When Yang Kai frowned and was about to refuse, Tang Yu Xian suddenly interjected, “Since it’s nearby, then we might as well take advantage of the opportunity, it shouldn’t delay us very long.”
Yang Kai looked at her suspiciously, not immediately understanding why she had made such a decision herself.
However, Tang Yu Xian simply smiled back and said, “The Lu Family seems to have ties to the Qiu Family, right?”
Qiu Yi Meng nodded, “Right, they’re one of our subordinate forces. Amongst the Central Capital’s Eight Great Families, which family doesn’t have one or two such attached influences? Though the world is big, amongst the top forces there’s always some contact, the Lu Family and Qiu Family just happen to share a somewhat closer relationship, these years they’ve also come to visit my Qiu Family’s home quite frequently.”
Tang Yu Xian quickly followed up, “The Lu Family is also considered as a first-class family, Little Lord paying them a visit wouldn’t be inappropriate.”
Once she had mentioned the Lu Family’s status, Yang Kai immediately realized that Tang Yu Xian wanted to take the opportunity to win them over and see if they could become a boost to him in for the coming Inheritance War.
Even if he couldn’t draw them to his side, showing his face would still be a prudent move.
Although Yang Kai currently held the identity of a Yang Family Young Lord, but in the end that meant very little. A Yang Family Young Lord, who had no background or allies, was just a paper tiger even if he was somewhat stronger than his peers.
After realizing her intentions, Yang Kai no longer refused, “Good, this Lu Family can also be said to have some small influence, it wouldn’t be polite not to at least pay them a visit.”
Qiu Yi Meng scoffed lightly at Yang Kai’s dismissive response but didn’t haggle over the matter.
The Lu Family wasn’t originally a first-class family, but because of its close ties to the Qiu Family, after receiving such a great power’s assistance, it gradually became stronger, leading to it accumulating more Immortal Ascension Boundary masters, until finally it had been promoted.
This was something which had only happened in recent years.
In reality though, the Lu Family could only be ranked amongst the lower end of the dynasty’s first-class forces.
After being acknowledged as a first-class family though, the two nearby third-class forces had no choice but to submit to the Lu Family.
Lu Liang, the Lu Family’s current Patriarch, didn’t possess great strength, only achieving Immortal Ascension Boundary Seventh Stage cultivation, but as a Patriarch, individual strength wasn’t the most important requirement. His talents in communication and management were the biggest reasons for the Lu Family’s current prosperity.
It was also because of his persistent visits and overtures to the Qiu Family that the Lu Family had managed to win their favour.
When Yang Kai’s group arrived at the Lu Family’s compound, the guards immediately realized that their status was extraordinary and thus quickly came forward to respectfully greet them.
These Lu Family guards naturally had some vision so upon recognizing the Cloud Treading Colts, Monster Beasts that could only be bred by first-class forces; they immediately knew that Yang Kai was by no means an unimportant person.
After Qiu Yi Meng reported her identity and name, the guards immediately bowed respectfully to her, one of them hurriedly rushed into the compound, most likely to inform the leaders of the Lu Family.
The Lu Family home had many manors within its grounds, along with a number of pavilions, lakes, bridges, gardens and fields, giving one a refreshing impression.
The buildings weren’t grand, but were exquisitely built, refined and elegant.
Qiu Yi Meng led the way, Luo Xiao Man stood alongside her while Yang Kai followed behind them, and the two Blood Warriors brought up the rear.
As they walked forward, Yang Kai also glanced around appreciatively at the various sights.
Soon after Yang Kai’s group’s arrival, a number of people hurried over to greet them, one of them being the Lu Family’s Patriarch, Lu Liang.
Lu Liang wore long cyan robes and had a well-trimmed moustache that gave him a refined appearance; however, his narrow pair of eyes always seemed to be emitting a piercing light.
The first impression one would have of him was ‘shrewd’, and the second impression only reinforced that assessment.
As he walked out from inside the main hall, he wore a welcoming smile as he laughed loudly, before quickly coming before Qiu Yi Meng and bowing politely, “Young Lady Qiu, you honour my Lu Family with your visit!”
Although he was the head of a first-class family, the Lu Family was essentially a subordinate of the Qiu Family. So with Qiu Yi Meng’s status, it was only natural for Lu Liang to greet her so respectfully.
Moreover, it had always been Lu Liang who would visit to Qiu Family in the Central Capital, but now, for the first time, a member of the Qiu Family had actually come to visit. Lu Liang was naturally excited about such an event.
Qiu Yi Meng quickly wore a perfect smile as she nodded, “Uncle Lu is too polite. My companions and I happened to be passing by here and thought to stop over for a rest, I hope we’re not bothering you, are we?”
Lu Liang hastily waved his hand in reply, “Inconvenience, nonsense! The First Young Lady is more than welcome! Having Young Lady Qiu visit is my Lu Family’s privilege. The Lu Family will extend the warmest welcome to the young lady and her honoured guests.”
Qiu Yi Meng calling him Uncle had already made Lu Liang more than happy. All those years he had been running around the Central Capital was specifically to curry favour with the Qiu Family, and now it seemed his efforts had paid off.
With just a few words, the relationship between the two families had been pulled closer so the Lu Family Elders behind Lu Liang were naturally all smiling and bowing.
After exchanging these pleasantries, Lu Liang’s gaze shifted to the two Blood Warriors, his vision becoming slightly dignified as he swept his eyes past Yang Kai, asking, “Great Niece, this Young Lord is…”
Lu Liang’s wit was impeccably sharp so naturally he understood with one glance that Yang Kai’s identity was not low, otherwise, he would not be followed by two Immortal Ascension Boundary masters.
Qiu Yi Meng smiled but didn’t speak a word and instead pointing upwards with her delicate finger.
At that exact moment, a golden feathered eagle flew past, drawing the attention of all the Lu Family masters; upon seeing this Monster Beast, Lu Liang understood just who Yang Kai was.
Returning his gaze to the youth before him, he quickly cupped his fists and greeted, “So it is Young Master Yang!”
“En, Lu Family Master.” Yang Kai stared back indifferently and greeted him.
The other Lu Family Elders were stunned as they secretly began to survey Yang Kai.
The Yang Family recalling its scattered Young Masters and the Silver Blood Golden Feather Eagles spreading out throughout the Great Han Dynasty, while the Blood Warrior masters followed close behind. How could such a major event not be known by the Lu Family?
However, they hadn’t expected that they would actually meet a Yang Family Young Lord at this time!
After careful examination, the young man in front of him appeared shockingly calm, with a firm and indifferent expression. Although he couldn’t see any special place, he was no doubt the Young Lord of a great family, and knowing that family was the world famous Yang Family, it was obvious he wasn’t ordinary.
Lu Liang laughed again before gesturing towards the pavilion behind him, “Great Niece, Young Master Yang, please come inside!”
While escorting these newcomers, Lu Liang quickly signaled to the others behind him, “Prepare the best food and drink, my Lu Family has the privilege of entertaining two distinguished guests today, we cannot show any neglect.”
“Yes!”
Qiu Yi Meng smiled lightly and pulled Luo Xiao Man along with her. Yang Kai also didn’t hesitate to follow.
Inside the Lu Family’s main hall, a variety of delicacies were spread out atop a grand banquet table. There were a variety of rare fruits and sumptuous dishes all accompanied by flagons of fine wines served by the pretty maids.
The atmosphere in the hall was warm and the crowd cheerfully toasted one another.
Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man were both women, naturally, they didn’t drink alcohol. Lu Liang apparently had anticipated this and had specifically prepared a fine fruit juice which was both fragrant and flavorful, yet would not make them drunk.
The two women also seemed to enjoy this drink.
On the other hand, Yang Kai’s identity was somewhat special so although he was a man, no one dared to force him to drink too much. When the many Elders of the Lu Family proposed toasts, they would not mind if Yang Kai only took a sip from his cup.
Tang Yu Xian’s treatment was the same as that of Qiu Yi Meng Luo Xiao Man.
Only one person, Tu Feng, downed his drink proudly.
As a Blood Warrior of the Yang Family, his status wasn’t low even in front of these Lu Family Elders.
In response, the Lu Family’s Elders all frequently raised their glasses to Tu Feng.
Tu Feng sat next to Yang Kai with no intention of moving, but if someone came up to toast him, he would generously accept, making the scene more and more lively.
These members of the Lu Family were all considered overlords in this area, but in front of a Yang Family Blood Warrior, their status was nothing worth mentioning, so naturally their attitudes and gestures were extremely deferential.
In the past, they had only heard rumours about the Yang Family Blood Warriors but had never seen one with their own eyes. Now two of them had actually arrived at their family home, so naturally they wouldn’t let the opportunity to socialize with them go easily.
Lu Liang’s reputation as an eloquent host wasn’t undeserved, his conversation and oratory skills were outstanding, and although he frequently spoke words of praise, none of it sounded false or forced, allowing anyone who heard such overtures to feel comfortable and flattered.
After three rounds of drinks, everyone was quite surprised to find that Yang Kai didn’t carry the usual overbearing arrogance normally associated with young lords of his age. He treated everyone equally, not shunning or despising them due to the difference in status, but on the contrary, this only made the Lu Family members more confused.
Had Qiu Yi Meng not specifically stated that Yang Kai was a Young Lord of the Yang Family, and if it weren’t for the existence of the two Blood Warriors, Lu Liang would find it hard to believe that he was really who he claimed to be.
“Uncle Lu, it has been a long journey here, Xiao Man and I will take our leave here. Please excuse us!” Qiu Yi Meng suddenly said, as if she wasn’t interested in remaining any longer, and promptly stood up and walked towards the exit.
“Good!” Lu Liang hurriedly said, and immediately signalled to two pretty servants by waving, “Escort the two young ladies to their rooms to rest!”
“Yes!”
After Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man had been led away, the banquet continued.
One of the Lu Family Elders suddenly let out a deep laugh and asked, “Patriarch, just drinking like this is somewhat tasteless. How about we add some entertainment?”
Lu Liang nodded slightly and agreed, “Indeed, it seems I’ve been negligent.”
As he spoke so, he clapped his hands loudly.
Immediately afterwards, a group of young women in exotic dress entered the hall and began singing and dancing.
Obviously, they had been waiting outside in anticipation of Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man leaving early.
All of these women were born enchanting flowers, their bodies covered with thin layers of semi-transparent fabric, their delicate navels, white arms, and slender legs all exposed to the air.
Drums and gongs were heard all around, accompanying an array of flutes and strings.
These young women sang and danced gracefully, their voices complimented by the rhythmic background music. All of them wore enchanting smiles as their waists twisted enchantingly, as they beckoned and teased with their jadelike hands.
An alluring mixture of grace and charm was on full display, forming a picture that was difficult to turn one’s eyes away from.
These women also kept brushing past Yang Kai and others as they sat, each of them throwing coquettish looks mixed with a hint of shyness, inviting one’s imagination to wander.
Tang Yu Xian couldn’t help frowning.
Although she wasn’t exactly happy with this display, she also understood Lu Liang’s intentions. She was also quietly observing Yang Kai’s reactions.
Tu Feng, on the other hand, watched unashamedly, the long scar across his face seemed to become more ferocious.
On the contrary, Yang Kai remained indifferent. Although his eyes seemed to be admiring the view before him as he glanced back and forth across these women, but there was no obscene light to be seen, only an aloof appreciation. Even when these young women danced right in front of him or rushed up to him and showed him favour, his reaction was still calm and temperate.
Seeing this, everyone else in the room couldn’t help feeling some surprise.
The youth, especially young men, having a liking for this kind of thing was basically a given. Amongst the Lu Family Elders who sat here, which one of them hadn’t once been young and frivolous? When they had been Yang Kai’s age, all of them indulged in fantasies about bedding the world’s various beauties and tasting their enchanting flavours.
Only when they had grown older did their mentalities change, instead focusing on pursuing other, loftier ambitions.
Lu Liang also intended to take this opportunity to explore Yang Kai’s preferences, to see which type of woman could attract his attention.
Little did he think that, in the face of this blatant temptation, this young man actually remained completely indifferent, not showing the slightest bit of care.
[This Yang Family Young Lord is unusual!]
Faced with such enticement yet being able to control his desires to such an extent, the firmness of this young man’s will was definitely amazing. As long as he could maintain such a strong mentality, his future accomplishments would certainly not be small.
In an instant, these thoughts flashed through Lu Liang’s head, making him secretly nod in satisfaction.
Tang Yu Xian also nodded appreciatively.
She had lived in the Central Capital year in and year out; naturally, she understood the disposition of these young lords. Most of them made no effort to disguise their intentions. Not to mention the capital’s young ladies, some of these young lords had even shown interest towards her, causing no small annoyance to her.
In contrast, Yang Kai’s current performance undoubtedly made Tang Yu Xian very happy.
Unbeknownst to these people, although these women were all beautiful, if one were to speak of beauties Yang Kai had seen, how could these young girls compare to the likes of Su Yan, Xia Ning Chang, Shan Qing Luo, or the Hu Sisters?
In addition, having been plagued by the side effects of the Joyous Unification Art for many years, Yang Kai had long ago learned to ignore the temptations of such flowers.
In this world, unless Shan Qing Luo personally came forward to tempt him, it was unlikely that anyone could successfully enchant Yang Kai against his will.
These sultry little girls with their flirtatious glances and provocative dances were nothing more than a spring breeze to Yang Kai.
Not long after they had begun, Lu Liang casually waved to these young women who then respectfully withdrew.
As they were leaving the hall, many of them cast glances towards Yang Kai, seeming to understand that this young man’s status was unordinary. If they could somehow win his favour, they could leap from their current position and soar into the sky as phoenixes, no longer being lowly dancers in the Lu Family.
Lu Liang laughed upon seeing these attitudes, “These women were all children of poor or impoverished families in our domain. They were adopted and raised by my Lu Family; all of them are pure white jades, only when guests or great importance arrive will they come forward to dance. Would Young Master Yang be interested in receiving one or two? Having a few beautiful flowers to accompany you will certainly make the upcoming Inheritance War more pleasant.
However, Yang Kai simply smiled lightly and slowly shook his head.
In Lu Liang’s slender eyes, a light quickly flashed as he noticed Yang Kai was not putting on an act but really had no interest in these women.
If he was even casually interested, Yang Kai would only need to nod his head here and Lu Liang would definitely arrange it.
Another senior member of the Lu Family spoke up here in a timely manner, “Speaking of the Inheritance War, this old master can’t help remembering back to the battles twenty years ago, that Inheritance War was particularly fierce.”
“En,” another Elder echoed, “How many giants fell, how many families disappeared! It was a pity that my Lu Family was not strong enough to participate at the time, truly a pity.”
The Yang Family Inheritance War was about to unfold, and the various Yang Family Young Lords would surely be making a huge effort to win over supporters to help them win.
At this time, Qiu Yi Meng had intentionally brought Yang Kai to the Lu Family. Although he didn’t say anything, Lu Liang also knew that this was likely an opportunity.
Twenty years ago, the Lu Family was a small influence that could barely be called a local tyrant. Naturally, they didn’t qualify to participate in the Inheritance War.
But now, the Lu Family had grown into a first-class giant!
People seek greater heights just as water flows to the sea! How could the Lu Family pass up a chance to step onto a broader stage?
They had already attached themselves to the great tree known as the Qiu Family, if they could possibly forge a good relationship with the Yang Family, then the Lu Family’s future would be secured.
However, grabbing hold of the Yang Family’s thighs wasn’t that simple.
The Yang Family was a giant beast, and its Patriarch was its head!
Every time the Patriarch changed, it would always cause a lot of turbulence. Lu Liang was eager to participate in this Inheritance War but he had no way of knowing if Yang Kai had the qualifications and strength to win.
If the Lu Family threw their support behind Yang Kai only to see him lose the Inheritance War, this single failure would wipe out all of the Lu Family’s several years of hard work.
Lu Liang had to act prudently, this was something all the Lu Family Elders clearly understood.
The consequences of backing the wrong side were no joke! This was related to the future of their family.
The topic of the Inheritance War was gradually brought up by all the members of the Lu Family whether it was consciously or unconsciously, and all of them continued reflecting on the events from twenty years ago as they quietly observed Yang Kai’s reaction.
However, to their disappointment, Yang Kai didn’t seem interested in these things at all, and instead he just savored the various fruits and dishes before him while casually listening or showing an indifferent expression.
Due to his nonchalant attitude, the Lu Family Elders couldn’t understand what Yang Kai was thinking.
Slowly, the conversation drifted towards the current state of affairs.
Because the majority of the Yang Family’s Young Lords had yet to completely surface, no one knew what kind gains these Young Lords had made over the course of their outside experience.
But now that there was a genuine Yang Family Young Lord in front of him, Lu Liang was naturally interested in listening to Yang Kai’s strengths and connections.
Knowing that it was improper to bluntly ask about such details though, Lu Liang instead decided to ask several casual questions, but before he could get started, Yang Kai had already lazily stretched his back and yawned.
Seeing this, Lu Liang could only swallow back the questions he had.
“Is Young Lord tired?” Tang Yu Xian asked softly.
Yang Kai nodded lightly, “Somewhat.”
Lu Liang’s eyes flickered before a smile appeared on his face, “Since Young Master Yang is weary from his travels, we will end things here for today. Come! bring Young Master Yang to his chambers!”
Yang Kai didn’t refuse, slowly getting up and nodding to the crowd, “If so, then I’ll take my leave.”
“Young Master Yang is too polite!” Lu Liang chuckled.
After draining what was left in their glasses, Yang Kai and the two Blood Warriors departed as the Lu Family Elders looked on.
They had all thought that Yang Kai wanted to draw in the Lu Family so they had all made some mental preparations, each of them observing Yang Kai’s mannerisms carefully until just now. Lu Liang was even thinking that if Yang Kai didn’t bring up the subject himself, he wouldn’t say anything directly either. If he was to be rebuffed here, wouldn’t he lose too much face?
After all, he didn’t know anything about Yang Kai, naturally it was impossible to rush into becoming his allies.
It had never occurred to Lu Liang though that this Young Master Yang would not even mention anything about the Inheritance War and simply leave.
This was beyond everyone’s expectations.
“Patriarch!” A Lu Family Elder frowned awkwardly as he inquired, “It couldn’t be that he really came here just to rest?”
“It shouldn’t be.” Lu Liang mused for a moment before slowly shaking his head, “He must certainly have thoughts about recruiting us. Although he appeared very indifferent, I could still feel it.”
“Then why did he not show any intentions?” The man coldly snorted, “Is he not confident enough?”
Many people also agreed with this idea, nodding their heads lightly. If not for a lack of self-confidence, why would Yang Kai not even bring up the subject? At the very least, didn’t he plan to show off some of his strength in order to appeal to them?
“If that’s the case, my Lu Family shouldn’t put too much hope on him. Knowing that an alliance will fail, why bother wasting our resources?”
All of them had held great expectations for Yang Kai but now these hopes had greatly diminished.
Lu Liang on the other hand furrowed his brow, his eyes flashing a cunning light as a grin appeared on his face, “Rather than him not feeling confident, how is it that I feel he is examining our Lu Family instead?”
“Ah?” Everyone’s expressions suddenly cramped, “Him, evaluate our Lu Family? Does he have the qualification to do that?”
Even if he was a Young Lord of the Yang Family and could participate in the Inheritance War, he was not a master yet. What right did he have to pass judgement on the Lu Family?
Lu Liang simply chuckled though, “Have you forgotten? In the Inheritance War, it is not only we who are choosing a Young Lord of the Yang Family, but also they who are choosing us. Do you think that since we’re a first-class family, he should come grovelling to us to win us over?”
The Lu Family Elders paused for a moment before laughing wryly.
Someone quickly saying, “Patriarch doesn’t need to speak so harshly, we didn’t mean to say that much, right?”
“Good, good, although there is some truth to what Patriarch has said, doesn’t that little brat think too much of himself? Are his eyes fixed atop his head?”
Regardless of anything else, the Lu Family was also a first-class family and could provide Yang Kai with no small amount of help. Whether it was manpower, materials, or other aspects they couldn’t be considered weak. Wouldn’t it be Yang Kai’s good fortune to be able to recruit them into his camp?
Lu Liang glanced around before solemnly saying, “If my guess is right, this Young Master Yang… is not simple.”
After saying as such, everyone slowly pondered over the matter.
Even with the opportunity to win over a first-class family before him, he didn’t behave eagerly and seemed to be considering his situation first. If it wasn’t that he lacked confidence, then that meant that in his eyes, recruiting the Lu Family didn’t matter to him very much, or else he wouldn’t have to display such an indifferent attitude.
If he was really eager to lure in the Lu Family, his performance would have been different.
As such thoughts crossed his mind, Lu Liang increasingly felt that his guess was correct.
His expression became serious, and Lu Liang quietly said, “I don’t know how many days this Young Master Yang will stay in my Lu Family, but in any case, when you see him again, don’t bring up the Inheritance War and don’t display an overly anxious stance.”
Pausing for a moment, he then nodded and stood, “I’ll visit Young Lady Qiu to inquire about the situation first.”
As someone who she brought personally, surely Qiu Yi Meng would know something about this young master, right?
The rest of the Elders nodded. Lu Liang may not be the strongest amongst this group of people, but his prestige was absolutely the highest. In these years it was under his leadership, the Lu Family had flourished. His vision and methods were obvious to all.
Behind the Lu Family’s manor, in a spacious courtyard.
Yang Kai crossed his hands behind his back and stared off thoughtfully in one direction.
Whilst in the midst of this trance, Tang Yu Xian opened her mouth and asked, “Little Lord, why did you act like that? Those people might have misunderstood your intentions. Don’t you want to win over the Lu Family?”
Yang Kai turned to her and smiled indifferently, “If I said I don’t, would you believe me?”
Tang Yu Xian grinned mischievously and slowly shook her head.
If he really didn’t want to, he wouldn’t have agreed to with Qiu Yi Meng to come here. Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man came here because they wanted to borrow two Cloud Treading Colts, but Yang Kai could have simply parted with them and headed straight towards the Central Capital.
Since he agreed to come here, this Little Lord of hers must have a reason.
“Actually, I don’t really care about winning them over.” Yang Kai smiled temperately and shook his head, “Believe what you like!”
Tang Yu Xian suddenly looked suspiciously towards Yang Kai, seemingly wanting to see through his heart, but Yang Kai remained indifferent, without showing the slightest trace of lying.
Tu Feng’s brow also slightly moved as he stared at Yang Kai strangely.
In his situation, the more favour he could win, the more help he would have in the future, and right now was a great opportunity to increase his influence. If Yang Kai could demonstrate enough means and strength to convince the Lu Family, they would surely move closer to him.
Did he really have no intentions to do so?
“I don’t have any friendship with the Lu Family. If they help me, it will only be because of their own interests. I don’t like such relationships!” Yang Kai said softly. “Even if I can win them over now, when the situation becomes dangerous or disadvantageous to them, they’ll inevitably choose to abandon me. I only want allies who will stand firmly beside me no matter how bad things become or how hopeless the situation may seem.”
The two Blood Warriors both gawked for a moment before looking at Yang Kai slyly, seemingly thinking that this Little Lord of theirs was a little naive.
Everyone in this world scurried about desperately for the sake of profit and benefits, if there wasn’t anything for them to gain, who would be willing to share troubles and tribulations with you?
“You don’t believe such people exist?” Yang Kai grinned meaningfully towards the two Blood Warriors.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian can’t help but lightly cough, not knowing how to respond.
“There will be, you’ll see.”
Tang Yu Xian froze, unable to understand where Yang Kai confidence came from, but seeing his resolute and unwavering attitude somewhat touched her, so she soon wore a warm smile, “Then I’ll look forward to it.”
Tu Feng also laughed, “Good, right now, if the Little Lord truly expresses the idea of wooing them, the Lu Family will only be polite but insincere, and definitely won’t take a firm position. Such a result is as good as not doing anything in the first place.”
“En.” Yang Kai nodded. “The Lu Family wants to know my background. I can see this too. Now, anything they say or do is just their probing for information. Before the situation is clear, it’s impossible for them to take a stand.”
The situation right now was naturally unclear. No one knew who all the Yang Family Young Lords were or what their strengths and statuses were like.
However, if you wanted to make a good friend, you must do so when he is small and weak. After he becomes strong, trying to befriend him will obviously not have the same effect.
Adding flowers to a bouquet is never as good as delivering charcoal in the winter.
“Well, although I’m not too interested in recruiting this Lu Family, the Lu Family definitely has something that makes me very interested, heh!” Yang Kai laughed mischievously.
“Em? What?” Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian asked curiously.
“I don’t know. Yet.” Yang Kai said flatly before turning around and walking into his room.
The two Blood Warriors couldn’t help being dazed.
There were obviously many things in this world that could arouse one’s interest, but Yang Kai didn’t know what that something was, so how could he know he was interested in it?
Seeing Yang Kai enter the house to rest directly, Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian both laughed wryly to one another, feeling more and more like they were unable to see through their Little Lord.
When Yang Kai was speaking with the two Blood Warriors, Qiu Yi Meng and Luo Xiao Man, who had just finished their baths, had not yet had time to rest when a Lu Family maid came over to speak with them, “Young Lady Qiu, Patriarch Liang wishes to know if you have time to speak with him now?”
Qiu Yi Meng wiped her wet hair as her eyes flashed, immediately understanding what Lu Liang’s intentions were causing her brow to furrow slightly, “Good, please ask him to come.”
“Yes!” The maid respectfully retreated, and after a short while, Lu Liang walked in.
Smiling warmly, Lu Liang politely said, “First Young Lady, my Lu Family is not as splendid as the Qiu Family, therefore these accommodations are somewhat simple, please forgive me for this.”
Although this was a private meeting, Lu Liang did not dare to refer to her as a Great Niece any more. It was enough for him to call her so once or twice if he persisted in doing so it would inevitably incur the other party’s disfavour.
Lu Liang’s meticulous thoughts and sharp instincts made it impossible for him to make such a low-level mistake.
Qiu Yi Meng smiled lightly and said, “For Uncle Lu to so anxiously seek a meeting with me, it seems you must want information about Yang Kai quite badly, no?”
Seeing her cut straight to the point, Lu Liang didn’t show much of a surprised reaction, instead carefully replying, “En, the world’s situation right now is quite complicated and chaotic, how my Lu Family should act in these times is also uncertain. This one humbly asks the First Young Lady to express her opinion!”
As he spoke, he cupped his fists respectfully, his expression completely serious.
Qiu Yi Meng grinned, sat down at the table and casually asked, “Are you wondering why I brought him to your Lu Family, whether this move was meant as a suggestion to you?”
“First Young Lady is wise, this Elder really thinks so,” Lu Liang frankly admitted. The Lu Family rising to its current height was almost entirely due to it attaching itself to the Qiu Family, it could even be said that the Qiu Family was the Lu Family’s greatest benefactor.
Now, at this sensitive time, Qiu Yi Meng had brought Yang Kai to visit the Lu Family; Lu Liang naturally felt there was more to this than meets the eye.
Perhaps Qiu Yi Meng was optimistic about Yang Kai, so she had brought him here to win over the Lu Family, simultaneously this offered the Lu Family an opportunity to catch hold of Yang Kai.
Was this her way of soft selling?
If so, wouldn’t Qiu Yi Meng know more details about Yang Kai?
All kinds of speculations swirled through Lu Liang’s mind as he pondered over today’s sudden events.
Qiu Yi Meng, however, said, “There’s nothing wrong with you thinking so. I know you’re thoughts are meticulous, but I can tell you this, my bringing him here is not meant as a suggestion to you.”
“It’s not?” Lu Liang couldn’t help feeling surprised.
“No!” Qiu Yi Meng slightly bowed her head, a tinge of anger flashing across her eyes, “My purpose in coming to your Lu Family is merely to borrow two Cloud Treading Colts!”
“Ah…” Lu Liang was stunned and suddenly felt a slight headache coming on thinking that Qiu Yi Meng had only come to his Lu Family because of such a reason.
Quickly composing himself, Lu Liang nodded, “The Cloud Treading Colts that the First Young Lady wants will be ready by tomorrow.”
“En.” Qiu Yi Meng nodded lightly.
Lu Liang opened his mouth to continue but suddenly hesitated to speak. Qiu Yi Meng knew what he wanted to ask so before he could follow up she said on her own initiative, “I don’t know what kind of connections he has, but I don’t dare underestimate him. He can often achieve remarkable and miraculous things, it is truly amazing.”
Lu Liang couldn’t help trembling.
This kind of assessment from Qiu Yi Meng really carried some weight.
Regardless of Yang Kai’s background and allies, it was not difficult to infer from the words Young Lady Qiu that his personal abilities were undoubtedly peerless!
Qiu Yi Meng suddenly grits her teeth, as anger resurfaced on her pretty face, and muttered under her breath, “Also, he’s someone who must seek vengeance for even the slightest grievance!”
Hearing Qiu Yi Meng’s tone, Lu Liang’s neck shrank. He didn’t know how she had offended Yang Kai before, but it looked as if she had suffered quite a lot at his hands.
All he could do in this situation was stare straight ahead and pretend he had heard nothing.
“It seems like he only does things according to his preferences. For anyone, whether their intentions are good or bad, he’s difficult to handle! If you don’t plan on making friends with him, I only have one piece of advice for you!” Qiu Yi Meng grinned knowingly.
“Please advise this one, First Young Lady!” Lu Liang hastily said.
“Absolutely don’t become enemies with him!”
Lu Liang stared at her for a moment before solemnly replied, “This one will remember Young Lady Qiu’s words.”
“En, that’s all I have to say.” Qiu Yi Meng nodded, truly not offering any further insights.
Understanding that she was signalling for him to leave, Lu Liang naturally bowed and turned to leave.
But just as he reached the door, Qiu Yi Meng said, “If you really want to gamble on the Inheritance War, you have to step up now, the sooner you move closer to one of these Young Lords, the better your future benefits will be!”
Lu Liang agreed and nodded, suddenly inquiring, “What about Young Lady Qiu? What side will you be standing on?”
In the Inheritance War, the other seven great families of the Central Capital would also participate; the Qiu Family was naturally not an exception. As the leader of the Qiu Family’s younger generation, Qiu Yi Meng would definitely take part, possibly even serving as the leader of her family’s participants.
“You don’t need to have any ideas about me, the Lu Family’s future and destiny are completely in your own hands. Which of the Yang Family’s Young Lords you stand with is a decision you must make yourself. Success and failure will all be determined by your own choices.” Qiu Yi Meng smiled temperately.
Lu Liang was a little disappointed. He knew that Qiu Yi Meng was saying so because she did not want to be responsible for whatever consequences may come.
The conversation over, Lu Liang swiftly departed.
The next day, at dawn.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian woke early and left their respective rooms only to spot Yang Kai slowly executing a set of forms as he faced towards the rising sun.
His movements were slow but meticulous, and his expression was solemn and serious.
“It seems the Little Lord likes getting an early start.” Tang Yu Xian smiled.
“Young people are always full of vitality, it’s a good thing.” Tu Feng also grinned.
“However, it seems like the forms the Little Lord is practising aren’t anything special. They seem more like they’d be good for ordinary people to use in order to temper themselves, especially the elderly.” Tang Yu Xian couldn’t help laughing as she covered her mouth.
Tu Feng couldn’t help turning his eyes to stare at her, signalling her not to say any more.
Although he also disagreed with Yang Kai’s current method of practice, but after all, he was still a Yang Family Young Lord, so how could they as Blood Warriors say such things behind his back?
If the Little Lord liked practicing as such, then there was no reason to stop him, even if he was just playing around, it’s not like he was doing anything dangerous.
Soon after though, Tu Feng’s brow suddenly furrowed, whispering quietly, “Something’s odd!”
“Hm?” Tang Yu Xian asked hurriedly.
“Look closer.” Tu Feng’s expression became serious as he and Tang Yu Xian carefully stared at Yang Kai’s actions.
Suddenly, Tang Yu Xian’s pupils contracted.
She quickly discovered that Yang Kai’s muscles seemed to be extremely stressed and the ground around his feet was soaking wet, clearly because he had sweat a tremendous amount.
Facing the sun rising in the east, Tang Yu Xian clearly saw atop Yang Kai’s face, on his forehead, drops of crystal beads quickly dripping down his skin.
The slow punching movements he was executing seemed to put an extremely heavy load on him, each step he took even caused the ground beneath him to tremble.
[This is….]
These were all clearly sights that could be seen when someone was under overwhelming pressure.
However, what Yang Kai was currently practicing was just a set of seemingly ordinary stances, Tang Yu Xian had even commented that it seemed suitable for the elderly to use as exercise. How could these movements be causing him such strain?
After observing for a while, the two Blood Warriors had to admit that right now Yang Kai seemed to be enduring an overbearing pressure. Inside his toned physique, there seemed to be a devastating force; however, this force seemed to be constrained by an invisible strength, literally suppressing the force within his body.
Rather, the explosive force within Yang Kai seemed to be fighting against this external pressure, maintaining a kind of odd balance inside and outside his body.
But, what exactly was this pressure?
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian were both deeply surprised by the scene before them. Inevitably, both of them released their Divine Senses in order to examine Yang Kai’s condition more closely, so they closed their eyes and concentrated their senses.
Faintly nosing the aura surrounding Yang Kai as he slowly wielded his fists, Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian gradually incorporated their senses into Yang Kai’s surroundings.
With each action he took, the pair slowly observed a mysterious harmony in his movement.
All of a sudden, the pair’s Divine Senses harmonized with Yang Kai’s aura!
*Hong…*
Immediately, a feeling like the sky collapsing atop their heads appeared, like the Heavens themselves were trying to crush them.
*Bang…*
A loud burst of noise sounded as the ground the two Blood Warriors sunk.
A web of cracks spread out in all directions from where they stood.
Both Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian’s eyes shot open at the same time, and their faces cringed as horror flashed across their faces. The pair’s True Qi instinctively circulated like mad, desperately trying to resist this crushing pressure.
But the two Blood Warriors didn’t anticipate that the terrifying pressure they had just felt would instantly disappear once they took back their Divine Senses.
Bursting forth at full strength, but lost the object it was meant to resist, the pair’s True Qi directly exploded within their bodies.
Two loud bangs erupted as both Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian paled and staggered back several steps unsteadily.
*Wa…*
The two immediately vomited a mouthful of blood at the same time before finally steadying themselves.
Yang Kai stopped his practice and frowned as he turned his head towards this disturbance.
While he was cultivating his Tempered Body Record, he also realized that the two Blood Warriors were behind him and could also feel that they had released their Divine Senses to observe him; however, Yang Kai hadn’t expected such adverse consequences to arise from their actions.
No one had ever observed him using their Divine Sense while he was cultivating this technique and as a result experienced the pressure he was under.
Because of their instinctual responses, the two Blood Warriors had suffered a loss.
Hurriedly lowering his stance, Yang Kai quickly walked over to the pair and asked, “Are you alright?”
Both Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian’s eyes trembled lightly, not having the mind to inspect their own injuries, but instead stared at Yang Kai as if they were seeing some kind of monster.
That pressure they had just felt was definitely real.
With both of them having experienced it, how could it be fake?
But under such terrible strain, enough to even make them unable to resist, how exactly did the Little Lord withstand it?
Given his cultivation, his body should have long ago been crushed into dust. But instead…? The two of them were both high level Immortal Ascension Boundary masters yet only by contacting this pressure they had wounded themselves.
If this matter was leaked out, wouldn’t they be laughed at by the other Blood Warriors?
For a long time, both Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian were too shocked and embarrassed to speak.
But above all else, the two of them kept asking one question to themselves over and over again: How did the Little Lord survive under that pressure?
While the two Blood Warriors were still immersed in their shock, Yang Kai actually had to call out to them three times before Tu Feng suddenly responded, “A minor injury, the Little Lord doesn’t need to concern himself.”
However, these words had little persuasive power after the one who spoke them just vomited blood.
How was this a minor injury? The two of them had pushed their True Qi to the limit and it had subsequently exploded within their bodies. This was tantamount to them suffering their own full powered strike in a completely unguarded state. It was a small miracle that both of them hadn’t fainted on the spot.
“Do you have enough healing pills on you?” Yang Kai asked quietly.
There were a number of healing pills in his storage space, but those pills were prepared by Ling Tai Xu for him long ago and their grades weren’t too high. Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian were both Yang Family Blood Warriors, obviously they had to be carrying some pills the Yang Family Alchemists had refined, each of which was no doubt higher in quality than the ones Yang Kai had.
Yang Kai wouldn’t be so foolish as to offer them these inferior pills.
“En,” Tang Yu Xian nodded as she and Tu Feng pulled out a pair of bottles from their sleeve pockets and poured out a single brown-coloured pill.
Both of the Blood Warriors expressions flashed a hint of unwillingness that seemed to be a mix of tears and laughter all at once.
This brown pill was a specially refined healing pill that Blood Warriors carried in case of emergencies. It was a Mysterious Grade Low-Rank pill that could treat most serious injuries extremely quickly.
This kind of pill was very precious, even if it was the Yang Family’s Blood Warriors, each of them would only be assigned a single one each year, so both of them were naturally reluctant to take it such a time.
However, right now their top priority was to ensure Yang Kai’s safety. If the two of them didn’t recover from their injuries as quickly as possible, if something unexpected happened, it would definitely not end well.
So even if they were reluctant, they had no other alternative at this point, so the two of them decisively swallowed the healing pill.
Above all else, Yang Kai had to be protected!
After the two of them had taken the brown healing pill, Yang Kai’s expression suddenly became solemn, and he quickly extended his hands and pulled the two up, while hurriedly kicking the dirt nearby to cover up the blood stains on the ground.
The next moment, Lu Liang along with many of the Lu Family’s masters arrived.
“What happened just now?” Lu Liang looked around worriedly.
With such a violent disturbance occurring, the masters of the Lu Family had naturally been alerted and subsequently rushed to Yang Kai’s quarters, not daring to delay even a single moment, almost tripping over themselves in their haste.
All of them were worried that some kind of accident had befallen Yang Kai. If a Yang Family Young Lord was injured or worse in the Lu Family’s home, even with the Qiu Family as its backer, the Lu Family would likely not last long.
With the overbearing arrogance of the Yang Family, it would be no surprise for them to raze this land to the ground.
This was a matter concerning the family’s survival, how could Lu Liang not be nervous?
After speaking these words, all the people’s eyes looked towards Yang Kai and saw him safe and sound. Seeing no injuries on his body, all the Lu Family masters breathed a sigh of relief.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian also appeared extremely well-kept. The two of them secretly circulated their True Qi slowly in order to let the colour return to their faces, giving them a healthy, uninjured appearance.
“It’s nothing.” Yang Kai said with a light smiled, “This Young Lord just let Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian compete a little for me, I didn’t expect that the noise it created would be so big.”
“What?” Lu Liang blankly stared.
Yang Kai casually smiled and waved, “I was a little bored and thought it would be entertaining to see two masters exchange some blows.”
Listening to Yang Kai speak as such, Lu Liang and others couldn’t help glancing around in shock.
Seeing the two big pits on the ground and cracked earth that spread out all around from them, Lu Liang and the others were secretly shocked at the strength of the two Blood Warriors.
Just exchanging fists had caused such a tremendous shock, if the two of them were to fight a real life or death battle, how much destruction would be caused?
An awkward smile surfacing on his face, Lu Liang courteously said, “Originally, Young Master Yang was just engaging in some casual leisure. It seems this Lu was overly sensitive, we’ll take our leave, please continue!”
“En!” Yang Kai harmlessly smiled, but before Lu Liang could leave, he casually shouted, “Right, Patriarch Lu.”
Lu Liang frowned and turned to ask, “What instructions does Young Master Yang wish to say?”
His tone seemed to have lost some of the dignity and caution it had yesterday, and even contained a tinge of annoyance; unconsciously, it seemed Lu Liang’s attitude towards Yang Kai had undergone some changes.
However, Yang Kai didn’t care, continuing as if he hadn’t noticed, “The Lu Family home’s scenery is quite outstanding, truly a beautiful place. I would like to spend a few more days here along with my two Blood Warriors, I trust that won’t inconvenience you will it?”
Lu Liang was slightly surprised but didn’t think much about it, only smiling and nodding, “Having Young Master Yang as a guest is my Lu Family’s honour, it isn’t inconvenient at all!”
“En, very good.” Yang Kai nodded lightly.
Lu Liang once again cupped his fists before leading the rest of the Lu Family masters out.
After they had left, Yang Kai shifted his gaze towards a loft several tens of meters away.
On the second floor of that building, Qiu Yi Meng was leaning on the handrail, meaningfully smiling towards him.
As their eyes met, Qiu Yi Meng slightly raised her chin, displaying a subtly smugness; Luo Xiao Man nearby was also smirking, like she had just witnessed something interesting.
Yang Kai glowered at them slightly before leading the two Blood Warriors into the house.
Inside, Yang Kai didn’t avoid the two Blood Warriors line of sight as he changed out of his wet clothes.
Both Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian wore complex expressions, their moods somewhat unstable as they adopted a silent stance.
But as they stood there, Yang Kai seemed to not be in a hurry to speak.
After getting dressed, he casually sat down on a nearby chair and glanced at the two of them.
The two Blood Warriors exchanged a glance before brazing themselves, stepping forward and bowing, “Young Lord, this servant has committed an offence and asks to be punished.”
Yang Kai glanced at them indifferently for a moment before asking, “What offence?”
Tu Feng showed a look of guilt before quickly saying, “Because of our reckless behaviour we have delayed the Young Lord’s journey!”
Yang Kai had told Lu Liang just now that he planned to spend a few more days here, clearly, he wanted to let Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian have a safe and stable space where they could fully recover.
Knowing this, both Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian felt some heartfelt gratitude towards this Little Lord of theirs.
Amongst the Yang Family’s Young Lords, few of them would be so compassionate towards their subordinates. Their injuries were neither light nor heavy, but if it was not properly dealt with right now, it may leave behind some hidden dangers.
After Tu Feng finished, Yang Kai remained silent.
Tang Yu Xian followed up immediately after, “Because of our mistake, we’ve let the Young Lord be underestimated by Lu Family! We are both guilty!”
The slight change in attitude from Lu Liang had shown just now had not escaped their eyes.
Obviously, that subtle difference in attitude was because Yang Kai had said he was idle and bored so he let the two Blood Warriors spar in order to entertain him!
Who were the Blood Warriors? They were the elite masters who guarded the Yang Family, faithful throughout the ages, each one of them had made countless contributions to the Yang Family, and each one of them was willing to lay down their lives to safeguard the lives of the Yang Family and its descendants.
No matter what generation of the Yang Family it was, the Blood Warriors had shed blood for them!
The Yang Family’s prosperity was in large part due to the Blood Warriors tireless service!
The Blood Warriors were the epitome of loyalty and duty.
Even though many outsiders didn’t have favourable opinions of the Yang Family, all of them showed respect and admiration for the Blood Warriors.
But now, two of these honourably warriors were actually made to fight in order to entertain a Young Lord who had yet to even return home to claim his status. The two warriors no doubt were as close as any flesh and blood brother and sister, yet because of a casual order, they had been forced to exchange blows.
They weren’t trained monkeys! How could this Young Lord use them so disrespectfully just to alleviate his boredom?
Yang Kai’s arrogance and unreasonableness had been clearly revealed.
As such, Lu Liang’s opinion of him had dropped significantly.
If Yang Kai hadn’t taken responsibility for what had just transpired, he wouldn’t have been despised so.
If such events were to be propagated, people would begin to think that Yang Kai was a useless playboy, incapable of achieving anything great; such an image would have a terrible influence on his future.
In an instant, the two Blood Warriors had thought that they had harmed their Young Lord, so Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian both had bitter tastes in their mouth and were extremely awkward.
“Is that it?” Yang Kai looked at them and chuckled.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian both looked at each other and didn’t know how to respond.
“Get up,” Yang Kai said with a smile. “I know that Blood Warriors only bow to their masters. You haven’t fully accepted me as such right now, there’s no need for you to show such a ceremony!”
Hearing these frank words, both Blood Warriors blushed.
Yang Kai was straightforward, but such words truly reflected their inner thoughts. Over the past few days, Yang Kai had indeed brought them surprise after surprise, even allowing them to feel a little gratitude towards him, but there was still some distance yet to go before they would pledge allegiance to him.
“One day, when you’re willing to follow me, it won’t be too late to do as such.” Yang Kai said confidently.
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian both got up.
Tu Feng cleared his throat and hesitated a moment before continuing, “But now the Lu Family is definitely not optimistic about the Little Lord….”
“I said from the beginning, I have no desire to recruit them. Them not being optimistic about me is their own prerogative! Even if they thoroughly despise me it means nothing to me!” Yang Kai grinned meaningfully here, “But the two of you shouldn’t try spying on me anymore.”
Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian’s expressions cramped slightly at these words remembering back on that overwhelming pressure, the two of them couldn’t help feeling some fear.
The two Blood Warriors also knew that Yang Kai felt uncomfortable with them observing him so they frankly nodded their heads to his request.
Nonsense, if the two of them were exposed to that terrible suppression again, wouldn’t they be really crushed into the ground? The two of them really wanted to understand how Yang Kai was able to withstand that pressure.
“You’ll have a few days to heal properly when you’ve fully recovered, we’ll set out again for the Central Capital.”
“En,” Tang Yu Xian nodded with a light sigh.
Lu Liang no longer seemed to care much for Yang Kai because of this incident and the Lu Family’s Elders had all but determined that this Yang Family Young Lord was not worth associating with further.
Thinking themselves wise and worldly, they were easily blinded by Yang Kai’s disguise.
With a crisp cry, the Golden Feather Eagle circled the sky before gently landing on Yang Kai’s shoulders, using its hook-like beak to comb Yang Kai’s hair intimately.
The Golden Feathered Eagle did not suffer any hardships when with Yang Kai. In fact, before they entered the Lu Family’s grounds, the Golden Feathered Eagle would freely roam about in search of its own food.
Now, since they were guest of the Lu Family, the Eagle lived in luxury. It would now be fed plentifully, with a variety of sorts. Enough so that the Eagle no longer had to hunt on its own. However, this little rascal was picky. It would only accept live animals, which meant that the area it ate at would always leave a bloody mess after each meal.
Yang Kai glanced up at the Golden Feather Eagle before secretly offering it a drop of Myriad Drug Liquid.
For the past while, every day Yang Kai would feed it with a drop of Myriad Drug Liquid and soon the Golden Feather Eagle came to seek this delicacy on its own.
Yang Kai didn’t refuse as he still had some ideas about this Golden Feather Eagle.
He was eager to know if by feeding it so, could it evolve once more and become a true Sixth-Order Monster Beast?
Throughout the history of the Yang Family, only one Golden Feather Eagle had ever successfully evolved into a Sixth-Order Monster Beast, and that Golden Feather Eagle was the unchallenged leader of all the eagles!
In order to evolve that Golden Feather Eagle, the Yang Family had also spent a lot of money and resources, and in the end only luckily caused it to advance.
Since then, no other Yang Family Golden Feather Eagle had evolved to the Sixth-Order. As time passed, the effort required and the benefit obtained were deemed not proportional, so the Yang Family had largely ceased its efforts to further evolve its Golden Feather Eagles.
In any case, the power of the Yang Family was not dependent on the Golden Feather Eagles, their greatest role was to detect enemies and seek out the scattered Yang Family descendants.
Whether they were Fifth-Order or Sixth-Order Monster Beasts, for the powerhouse Yang Family, it really didn’t make much difference.
But to Yang Kai, this difference was significant.
If the current Golden Feather Eagle could evolve into the Sixth-Order, the role it could play would also rise dramatically. If it were successful, even if it were to face an Immortal Ascension Boundary master it would still have the power to fight back.
For now, Yang Kai with the exception of the two Blood Warriors, this Golden Feather Eagle was the only additional force he could currently try to recruit.
For the upcoming Inheritance War, even the smallest additional bit of strength could mean the difference between success and failure.
Yang Kai himself also took a drop of Myriad Drug Liquid every day. By doing this over a long period of time it could allow a person to be reborn, cleansing their body and enhancing their aptitude, it would certainly be helpful for the Golden Feather Eagle.
After following this regimen for many days, the Golden Feather Eagle had become completely obedient towards Yang Kai. This was not just because of the Beast Slave Seal but also because its sentience and intelligence were quite high.
His eyes flashing, Yang Kai reached out a finger towards the Golden Feather Eagle.
In an instant, it seemed like something had shattered inside the Golden Feather Eagle’s soul causing it to send out a loud cry.
Naturally, the Beast Slave Seal had been dissolved by Yang Kai.
Freed from the Beast Slave Seal, the Golden Feather Eagle first looked at Yang Kai in surprise, a trace of confusion apparent in its gaze, but no signs of exclusion could be seen. Instead, a moment later, it care-freely continued to help Yang Kai comb his hair.
“Haha!” Yang Kai chuckled lightly.
This period of time was apparently enough for the Golden Feather Eagle to obey Yang Kai’s order without the Beast Slave Seal.
This Monster Beast was quite easy to handle actually, after feeding it a drop of Myriad Drug Liquid for ten days; it had become dead set on following Yang Kai. In order to continue obtaining this miraculous treat, it would no doubt faithfully obey him.
“Good, time to eat!” Yang Kai’s face suddenly showed a strange grin, his eyes lighting up as he stared in a certain direction, waving his hands and sending the Golden Feather Eagle off.
Its wings spread out, the Golden Feather Eagle flew off and grabbed a porcupine that had been prepared in a cage for it by the Lu Family nearby and immediately soared into the sky.
The porcupine’s size was not small so the Golden Feather Eagle seemed like it was having trouble holding on to it. As it flew through the air, its talons suddenly lost their grip and, accompanied by a series of unhappy cries, the porcupine fell to the ground.
After a moment, a loud thud resounded. On the ground, it seemed like an explosion of blood had occurred as the Golden Feather Eagle circled above.
Yang Kai also slowly got up and, after smoothing out his appearance slightly, took big strides out of his courtyard and went to the place where the Golden Feather Eagle fell.
Lu Family main hall.
Lu Liang was discussing some matters with several of the Lu Family Elders when suddenly a servant rushed in. Lu Liang looked up casually and asked, “What happened?”
The man who had rushed in quickly knelt and fearfully replied, “Patriarch, it’s terrible! The Grand Elder’s house has been bloodied!”
“What!?” Lu Liang stood up from his chair in shock, the other Lu Family Elders also reacted in a similarly panicked way.
It seemed like something incredible had happened.
“What exactly happened?” Lu Liang did not delay at all, stepped out from his chair and rushed forward to grab the servant, directly lifting him up.
It was clear to anyone who saw that he was extremely agitated.
The Grand Elder! Lu Si!
This was the Lu Family’s only member who had reached the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary, a master who stood at the apex of this world’s power structure! It was only because of his existence that the Lu Family could become a first-class family.
It could be said that the rise or fall of the Lu Family was entirely dependent on Lu Si!
Under normal circumstances, Lu Si would not leave the Lu Family, he would only sit in his courtyard and dedicate himself to cultivating the Martial Dao.
Moreover, because a few years ago, when Lu Si had broken through to the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary, an accident had occurred, he would not be able to leave the Lu Family for extended periods. His courtyard where he secluded himself was also a Forbidden Zone inside the Lu Family. No one was allowed to approach it, even the family Patriarch Lu Liang, unless it was a matter related to the family’s survival, lest they disturb Grand Elder’s cultivation.
But now, Lu Si’s courtyard had actually been bloodied!
How could the Lu Family people not be worried?
It was also strange that this servant didn’t clearly state what had happened. When the Elders heard the word ‘bloodied’, all of them couldn’t help thinking that an accident had happened with Lu Si’s cultivation, aggravating his injury and causing his courtyard to become bloodied.
However, after hearing the full report from the servant, Lu Liang and others breathed a sigh of relief.
In the next instant, Lu Liang felt a wave of grief and anger wash over him as he secretly cursed this servant for not speaking clearly.
It turns out that… a porcupine had fallen into Lu Si’s courtyard and made a mess. This was actually just a minor matter but if it had disturbed the Grand Elder’s retreat it couldn’t be treated lightly.
According to what the man said, it was because of the Yang Family Young Lord’s Golden Family Eagle Family losing its grip while it was holding the porcupine, thus causing it to accidentally fall into the Grand Elder’s yard. As a result, from far away it looked like the courtyard had become a bloody battlefield.
This servant was too afraid to go in and speak with Lu Si, so he had run here to seek Lu Liang’s instructions.
“En, this matter is no longer your concern.” Lu Liang said gruffly before releasing the servant, immediately stepping out of the hall and rushing towards the Grand Elder’s courtyard, his face filled with displeasure.
The other Lu Family Elders also wore similar expressions.
After looking around and seeing no signs of Yang Kai and the two Blood Warriors, some people began whispering, “Patriarch, that Yang Family Young Lord is simply too much! Now, even his pet eagle has insulted the Grand Elder!”
“En, we should expel them immediately!”
“But… he was brought here by Young Lady Qiu. If he refuses to leave, are we able to force him out?”
“Such a useless brat, why would Young Lady Qiu associate with such a waste?”
As they spoke about Yang Kai, all of the Elders slowly shook their heads. Obviously, they felt that this Young Lord Yang was worthless, no doubt he would be eliminated immediately upon the commencement of the Yang Family’s Inheritance War.
“Everyone shut up!” Lu Liang angrily muttered.
Although he was also not optimistic about Yang Kai, he was still not someone who the Lu Family could criticize. If he or his Blood Warriors were to find out about such idle talk, there would surely be terrible repercussions.
Having been scolded so by Lu Liang, the other Lu Family Elders didn’t dare continue to gossip.
Not long after, this group arrived at the Lu Family’s quietest most remote area.
As they approached, everyone could see that something was wrong.
Because the gate of the courtyard was actually open! The pavilion where Lu Si lived was always closed, and no one would dare enter it.
But now, the front gate was wide open! What was this all about?
Lu Liang held his breath before he cautiously looked inside, but the instant he did so he became so enraged he nearly passed out.
Inside this one pristine courtyard, where not a single leaf littered the ground, a large pool of bloody smashed meat was splashed around.
The vague remnants of the porcupine can be seen if one looked carefully, it must have fallen from a great height and exploded once it hit the ground, splattering its blood and entrails all over the courtyard.
Inside, the Yang Family’s Golden Feather Eagle was joyfully feeding on the scattered fresh meat.
Nearby, the Yang Family’s Young Lord was actually putting on the appearance of a countryside boy, casually squatting on the ground with his head resting on his hands as he watched the Golden Feather Eagle eat!
There was a completely content smile adorning his face.
Lu Liang’s eyes nearly burst from their sockets as he desperately struggled to control his anger.
In the presence of the Grand Elder, no matter which member of the Lu Family it was, they would display the utmost respect and dignity, no one would even dare step into this restricted area, but now, this Young Lord had casually strode in. Not only did he wantonly intrude here like it was his own home, he also stopped to appreciate the havoc his Monster Beast had wrought!
At this moment, Lu Liang actually couldn’t help feeling humiliation.
It was as if the woman he had loved and taken care of had suddenly been shamed and taken away from him.
In short, he was furious.
“Patriarch…” The Lu Family elders also trembled in place, not knowing how to proceed.
Waiting outside was not going to resolve the issue, so Lu Liang somehow suppressed his mood and stepped into the courtyard, and the rest of the Elders following close behind their Patriarch.
This was the Grand Elder’s private residence, many of them had never entered here before so although they were enraged with Yang Kai’s behaviour, some of them were also secretly grateful for this opportunity.
Walking straight up to Yang Kai, Lu Liang took a deep breath and bowed, still not forgetting to cup his fists politely as he called out, “Young Master Yang, Young Master Yang!”
Yang Kai seemed to be aware that someone had arrived and quickly looked up, seemingly surprised by these newcomers, stumbling slightly as he fixed his squatting stance before nodding, “Patriarch Lu.”
Lu Liang’s face twitched slightly at this sight but given the situation, they were in he was too lazy to care about his etiquette. However, just as he was about to ask about this situation, Yang Kai held up a finger to his mouth and made a serious expression.
Lu Liang stifled his words and hastily whispered, “What’s wrong?”
Yang Kai smiled silently and pointed forward, “Don’t speak too loudly, it’ll disturb my eagle’s meal.”
Lu Liang almost cursed.
[His eagle, disturb his eagle? This is the secluded retreat of the Lu Family’s Grand Elder! Even if you are a Yang Family Young Lord, even if this Monster Beast is the rare and precious Yang Family’s Silver Blood Golden Feather Eagle, none of you can compare with Grand Elder Lu Si’s worth!]
Worried he’ll disturb this eagle? Patriarch Lu couldn’t care less! His only concern now was that this ruckus would disturb the Grand Elder’s cultivation.
How could Lu Liang still remain calm? At this moment, all he felt like doing was beating this little brat in front of him. Quickly taking a few deep breaths, his expression became even uglier as if he was about to cry, and he whispered quietly, “Young Master Yang, this is not a place to converse, can we move elsewhere to speak?”
“En,” Yang Kai nodded deeply, “If there’s anything you wish to say I’ll listen to it later, let it eat its fill first!”
Lu Liang froze up in shock and staggered back a few steps, before nearly coughing up blood.
For a moment, he even thought that what he was seeing and hearing was some kind of illusion.
The eloquence that Lu Liang had always been so proud of didn’t play any role at this moment, and his mouth twitching as he started towards Yang Kai, feeling like his tongue was tied. “Yang K… I mean, Young Master Yang, I… that is… can we please leave here now to discuss this matter? ”
Lu Liang was really helpless.
He couldn’t understand Yang Kai at all. Although he was the Patriarch of the Lu Family, Yang Kai’s status was by no means lower than his own. Even if Lu Liang felt incredibly annoyed, he still had no choice but to speak in a calm manner and hope that this Young Master Yang could understand the meaning behind his words, praying that he would respond to courtesy with courtesy.
However, this Young Master Yang seemed completely oblivious, like he had no intention of thinking any deeper at all, even given the obvious entreaty in Lu Liang’s words. Instead, he just stared back, blankly, “Why do we need to go somewhere else?”
The veins on Lu Liang’s forehead throbbed in distress.
Still forcing his anger down as best he could, Lu Liang wore a solemn expression and replied, “Young Master Yang, this place is the secluded retreat of a powerful master of my Lu Family. It is normally off limits to everyone. I’m afraid that if we were to speak here, it will disturb this Senior’s cultivation. If so… haha.”
“A powerful master!?” Yang Kai quickly stood up, and the volume of his voice multiplied several times, like booming thunder.
All of the Lu Family’s Elders’ faces suddenly became ugly.
[This brat… is he doing this on purpose?]
Yang Kai seemed ignorant of their pained expressions as he looked around with interest before turning to Lu Liang with a smile, “I don’t see anyone…”
“Young Master Yang!” Lu Liang’s face became gloomy as his patience was pushed to its limit. “Please be serious!”
It was no small feat to force the poignant Lu Liang to speak such harsh words.
If this place wasn’t Lu Si’s secluded retreat, Lu Liang wouldn’t possibly brave the risk of offending Yang Kai.
However, Yang Kai just stared back at him with a sheepish grin.
His smile was calm, completely without other meaning.
Inside however there was just a tinge of surprise; he hadn’t expected that this place would be so important to the Lu Family!
Yang Kai knew that there must be a master living here, or else it would be impossible to have such an ornate courtyard, so he had used the Golden Feather Eagle dropping that porcupine in order to have an excuse to intrude here.
But despite knowing that there was a master here, Yang Kai didn’t fully understand how important this place was until Lu Liang and the other Lu Family Elders had shown up. It looked like he had stumbled upon the Lu Family’s most forbidden area.
However, with things having already reached this point, he had no choice other than to continue feigning innocence, or both sides would end up in an even more awkward state.
Yang Kai wasn’t someone who didn’t understand onset and retreat. As soon as he saw Lu Liang and the others appear here so swiftly, he realized that things weren’t as simple as he had imagined. Now that Lu Liang had spoken so far, Yang Kai could naturally determine who lived here.
The Lu Family’s only Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master!
If it was anyone else, it would be impossible for Lu Liang to be so nervous.
Interestingly, the thing that had caught Yang Kai’s attention actually seemed to be inside that powerful master’s room. This would be a bit tricky, apparently.
His brow furrowing lightly, Yang Kai thought about whether or not to press forward with this matter when suddenly the door to the pavilion house opened wide.
With a quiet squeak, the door came to a halt.
Lu Liang and the Lu Family Elders all trembled lightly, and their expressions became awkward as they quickly turned to face the door and bow.
“Little friend, come inside so we may speak.” From beyond the door, a somewhat old voice echoed. The sound was soft and temperate, but everyone outside couldn’t hide their shock.
Yang Kai blinked for a moment before smiling and walking towards the door, not showing the slightest sign of nervousness.
Lu Liang stared at him, with a look of envy creeping into his expression, but soon after he slowly followed.
In front of the door, Yang Kai paused and looked back at Lu Liang, motioning, “Patriarch Lu, after you.”
Lu Liang grinned wryly and waved his hand, “This one dares not, Grand Elder Si has only summoned you. Therefore, only you may enter.”
While saying so, he took up a position next to the door and firmly planted himself there, his expression now very meticulous.
Yang Kai glanced at him and knew that he wasn’t just saying these words, but truly meant them. He nodded slightly and stepped into the house.
The inside of this house was quite shabby; there wasn’t even a bed in it. The only furnishings that could be seen were a few chairs and a table with a teapot set atop it. Other than that, the room was essentially bare.
However, when Yang Kai entered the room, he immediately stared greedily towards the object under the old man’s butt.
Yang Kai didn’t even try to cover up the desire in his eyes!
The old man in this house was obviously the Lu Family’s Grand Elder Lu Si, the strongest cultivator in the Lu Family. Lu Si’s build was somewhat thin, and his face was adorned with an all white beard. His temperament seemed similar to Ling Tai Xu but without the same light-hearted warmth.
In the end though, Lu Si still gave the unique impression of a powerful master.
This was the second Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master that Yang Kai had seen so far.
Those who had achieved a cultivation of the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary realm seemed to give people a sense of detachment from the mundane. This feeling was incomprehensible and mysterious.
Any Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master was a powerhouse who stood at the apex of this world.
At this moment, Lu Si was sitting cross-legged atop a gigantic gemstone. This precious stone gave off a golden hue, and streams of light flashed within it like clever fish wandering through a jade lake.
This gemstone was like a naturally formed bed, large enough to accommodate a single person atop it.
Lu Si sat on this gem and calmly breathed.
This Precious Jade didn’t emit any obvious Qi. Even when standing right in front of it, Yang Kai couldn’t sense anything energy leaking from the bed, but as soon as he saw it, the Yang Origin Seal in his chest began throbbing.
The Yang Origin Seal would only react to the presence of Yang attribute Precious Treasures. Whatever this thing was, Yang Kai was certain it contained an incredible amount of Yang Qi.
Since the moment he had entered the Lu Family, Yang Kai had already noticed the existence of this large Precious Jade.
This was the reason why he had told Tu Feng and Tang Yu Xian that the Lu Family had something he was interested in, but in the end he only knew that there was some kind of Yang attribute treasure here and couldn’t actually tell what it was.
Seeing this Precious Jade now, he was certain this was what he was looking for.
Such a large natural Precious Jade, if he were to absorb all of it into his dantian, Yang Kai was certain he could directly break through a minor realm.
There wasn’t much Yang Liquid left in his dantian after he had wantonly used it in the Evil Cavern. If he were to run out of Yang Liquid, Yang Kai didn’t know whether the thick evil energy in his Unyielding Golden Skeleton would erupt, possibly affecting him negatively. Even if that didn’t happen, if his Yang Liquid were to be completely exhausted, Yang Kai would lose the ability to use many of his most powerful techniques.
So for some time now, what Yang Kai wanted most was to find a way to supplement his Yang Liquid.
Unfortunately, Precious Treasures of the Yang attribute were hard to find. Even if he were to return back to the Yang Family it was likely he wouldn’t be able to receive any such resources from them. The Yang Family Young Lords who wanted to participate in the Inheritance War had gathered all their allies and materials on their own.
Now that such a great opportunity had suddenly presented itself, how could he easily let it go?
It was just that he had never expected that the treasure he sought was actually the bed of an Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master!
Yang Kai’s expression quickly became awkward as he wondered what kind of price he could offer. Was there something he had that would let the other party willingly hand over this Precious Jade?
For such a treasure, there was no way he could simply take it, and this caused Yang Kai to sink into contemplation.
After a long silence, Yang Kai secretly groaned in his heart; however, his unyielding gaze was still focused directly on Precious Jade under the old man’s butt.
Lu Si was also observing Yang Kai since he entered the door. His expression indifferent, like a tranquil ancient well. It was only after this long silence that he spoke in an amazed tone, “The intentions of this little friend is so obvious, it seems your actions just now really were intentional!”
Hearing these words, Yang Kai finally restrained his greedy gaze and laughed wryly, “Junior has been indiscreet!”
His own methods and careful plotting, in the face of an Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master, were likely long ago seen through, so having been exposed already, Yang Kai was disinclined to quibble over things.
As he spoke, Yang Kai sat down on the floor in front of Lu Si.
Outside the house, all of the Lu Family’s Elders perked up their ears and held their breaths, not wanting to miss a word the two men in the room spoke.
“The Yang Family’s Young Lord is really extraordinary,” Lu Si nodded slightly, showing a slight appreciation. “Truly the great families from the Central Capital are different, such bearing and composure isn’t something my Lu Family could cultivate.”
Yang Kai grinned slightly, “Senior is too polite, the Lu Family is by no means bad.”
Lu Si smiled back temperately.
He himself was an Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master. Amongst the younger generation, only these Young Lords from the Central Capital’s Eight Great Families would be capable of acting so calmly before him, anyone else would clearly be more cautious. However, the young man in front of him didn’t even seem to care about such things. The moment he had entered the room his eyes had been staring hotly at the Precious Jade under his butt, obviously not even regarding the house’s owner. If he wasn’t one of those great families’ Young Lords, how could he act so aloof?
“You came here for this?” Lu Si asked knowingly, pointing down with his finger.
“Yes!” Yang Kai admitted frankly, “It wasn’t premeditated, just taking advantage of an opportunity, haha!”
“You need it?”
“Junior certainly needs it, urgently in fact!” Yang Kai said seriously.
“This old master understands,” Lu Si nodded lightly, suddenly smiling. “Although I understand, I can’t give it to you.”
“Junior understands this point,” Yang Kai replied, not disappointed in the slightest, obviously having expected such a response. Sitting up straight, he continued, “Therefore I want to discuss what conditions Senior has in order to offer it to me.”
Lu Si looked at him temperately and said, “Even if you are a Young Lord of the Yang Family, this old master isn’t willing to offer this to you. Regardless of what conditions you put forward, you’re destined to be disappointed.”
Yang Kai however just shook his head, “Senior’s words are too arbitrary. In this world, as long as it exists, it has a price that Senior will be willing to part with it for, it only depends on whether or not I can afford such a price.”
Lu Si still shook his head, firmly denying Yang Kai’s argument.
The Lu Family Elders who were standing around outside listening all gradually wore awkward expressions.
There weren’t many words exchanged between the old man and the youth inside, and direct statements were few and far between, causing many of them to be confused about what was happening.
It seemed like this Yang Family Young Lord was eyeing one of the Grand Elder’s treasures?
Premeditated?
Taking advantage of an opportunity?
Unable to offer a price?
Was he trying to buy it or just steal it!?
Amongst the Lu Family Elders, none of them could keep up with the changing situation.
Inside the room, Lu Si grinned, “Young Master Yang doesn’t need to waste any effort. True this old master invited you in, but that doesn’t mean I will sell you this.”
“Senior certainly has his own consideration, Junior well understands this point.” Yang Kai nodded slightly before wearing a grin, “But I still need that Jade Bed of yours!”
Lu Si had nothing else to say; however, outside, when Lu Liang heard these words, his expression suddenly became fierce, and he angrily shouted, “Young Master Yang, the Yang Crystal Jade Bed that Grand Elder Lu Si sits on is the most precious object in my Lu Family! No matter who it is, no one may take it away!”
Today, even when Yang Kai had thoroughly irritated Lu Liang, he still managed to keep his calm, but now that he knew Yang Kai wanted the Grand Elder’s Yang Crystal Jade Bed, Lu Liang couldn’t suppress his rage any longer and daringly shouted such words. His tone was firm and straightforward, obviously indicating his unwavering stance on this situation to Yang Kai.
Lu Liang’s tone was extremely harsh, but as Yang Kai listened, his expression remained calm and composed.
Lu Si observed Yang Kai’s reaction and secretly nodded, he knew that this Yang Family Young Lord was not some unreasonable brat.
Grinning lightly, Yang Kai casually waved and said, “Since the Patriarch Lu has said so much, then let’s not mention this Yang Crystal Jade Bed any further.”
Outside, Lu Liang quietly breathed a sigh of relief, and his expression finally loosened somewhat.
As long as Yang Kai gave up on the Yang Crystal Jade Bed, anything else was open to discussion.
“Senior Si, if you don’t mind, how about we discuss your situation?” Yang Kai grinned as he glanced over Lu Si’s form.
Even if he was an Above Immortal Ascension Boundary, Lu Si couldn’t help feeling bewildered and pointed to himself and curiously asked, “About this old master?”
“En. “ Yang Kai nodded politely.
“If Young Master Yang has something to say, then this old master is willing to listen.” Lu Si smiled and showed a glimmer of interest.
It was truly interesting seeing this young man actually boast so calmly in front of himself, speaking as if he was in the commanding position.
Since breaking through to the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary, it had been a long time since anyone had dared act so casually before him.
For a time, Lu Si couldn’t help wondering what exactly Yang Kai would say next, and if he could bring him any other surprises.
“Good, this junior begs your forgiveness if he offends you,” Yang Kai said respectfully, but his expression showed no hesitation as he casually said, “Senior Si has achieved a cultivation at the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary and reached the summit of this world. Unless you meet with others whose cultivation have reached a similar height, it could be said that there are few who could oppose you.”
Lu Si smiled neither warmly or coldly.
“What kind of realm the Above Immortal Ascension Boundary is, this junior doesn’t know, but I do know that at such a height, it is difficult to use external forces to further enhance one’s cultivation. Regardless of what Precious Treasures or Spirit Pills you may take, I’m afraid it would provide little help in increasing Senior Si’s strength! In order to further improve your cultivation, it seems that the only thing Elder Si can rely on is deepening your understanding of the Martial Dao and attempting to break the shackles of Heaven and Earth!”
Lu Si’s expression finally became dignified as he stared slightly at Yang Kai, not knowing how this youth had learned such profound knowledge.
Yang Kai took a look at him and suddenly wore a confident grin, “But from the moment this junior entered the room, Senior Si has been sitting on this jade bed. It also appears that you don’t leave it often, perhaps sitting atop it for months or even years at a time!”
“En.” Lu Si nodded slightly.
“There are only two reasons why Senior Si does so, one is to use this jade to cultivate and strengthen yourself, but as I just said, at Senior Si’s current cultivation borrowing external forces provides little benefit to you, so this reason can be ruled out!”
“Young Master Yang speaks too arbitrarily,” Lu Si smiled slyly, “Although at this old master’s realm it is indeed difficult to borrow any external force to enhance my cultivation, but it is entirely possible to use this jade bed to help consolidate my realm.”
“No no no, Senior Si, you don’t cultivate any kind of Yang attribute Secret Art, so sitting atop this Yang Crystal Jade Bed won’t help you consolidate your strength!” Yang Kai said confidently.
Lu Si’s brow couldn’t help but twitch slightly as he started suspiciously at Yang Kai, “How do you know that this old master doesn’t cultivate a Yang attribute Secret Art?”
At Lu Si’s realm, he could completely conceal his aura, so if he didn’t voluntarily release any True Qi, even a peak Immortal Ascension Boundary master shouldn’t be able to examine his Secret Art’s attribute. Given that, how was Yang Kai so sure about his assumption then?
However, Yang Kai simply grinned and didn’t explain any further.
Lu Si’s momentary lapse in composure had already affirmed Yang Kai’s guess so he didn’t deny it any further, “Young Master Yang speaks correctly. Me sitting on this jade bed has nothing to do with cultivating.”
Yang Kai’s smile became even more brilliant as he continued, “En, then there is only one explanation left. Senior Si spending so much time sitting atop this Yang Crystal Jade Bed must be… in order to heal yourself or something similar.”
Lu Si’s eyes narrowed slightly while all the other members of the Lu Family sucked in a sharp breath. The atmosphere suddenly became tense as everyone felt their hearts tighten, secretly marveling at how sinister Yang Kai’s eyes were!
Lu Si’s existence was the foundation upon which the Lu Family’s first-class family status was built, so it was also the Lu Family’s greatest secret that he had a chronic disability! If this secret were to become known, it would cause no small turmoil.
Forget the world’s true top influences, just the other nearby first-class families would surely try to take advantage of this information.
Seemingly not noticing the dangerous light which flashed across Lu Si’s eyes, Yang Kai continued to talk indifferently, “Senior Si, although you have concealed your aura to the extreme, there is still a lingering sense of weakness around you while the True Qi circulating through your meridians is somewhat turbid. At times it seems rushed and at others unsteady. If junior is not mistaken… Senior Si’s meridians are partially obstructed, correct?”
Lu Si’s pupils shrank sharply as he stared at Yang Kai like he was seeing some kind of monster, and his calm demeanor vanished as his expression became filled with waves!
Noticing carefully, this young man in front of him really was just a True Element Boundary Seventh Stage cultivator!
However, in terms of knowledge and vision, he had exceeded many Immortal Ascension Boundary masters! His opinions and speculations had almost perfectly exposed Lu Si’s current condition!
Lu Si’s look gradually became ugly as all the Lu Family Elders outside stared in horror!
Obviously they were terrified that this incredible secret had become known to an outsider.
Yang Kai suddenly laughed heartily before saying, “If it was someone else who dared say this in front of Senior Si, they would probably be immediately turned into a corpse.”
“En!” Lu Si nodded as he composed himself, “For the sake of the Lu Family’s peace, what does it matter if a few people die!”
“Good! But it’s different for me, right? It’s impossible for the Lu Family to even think of killing me.” Yang Kai said in a carefree manner, completely unconcerned about this potential life or death crisis.
Lu Si ground his teeth bitterly as Lu Liang and the other Elders outside hung their heads.
“Now that I know the Lu Family’s greatest secret, what does Senior Si want to use in order to seal my mouth?” Yang Kai smiled innocently at him.
Lu Si’s expression cramped up again, for the first time feeling like he was being played around with by a junior, but just thinking about Yang Kai’s status and the colossus behind him gave Lu Si a headache.
“No matter what conditions Young Master Yang has, my Lu Family will do its best to meet them; however, this Yang Crystal Jade Bed is still out of the question.” Lu Si was filled with regret, had he only known how perceptive and cunning this little brat was he would never have called out to him just to satisfy his curiosity. He had simply lifted a stone only to pound his own foot; he’d invited a thief into his own home!
Yang Kai’s brow wrinkled, even after reaching this point, Lu Si was still adamant about the Yang Crystal Jade Bed, obviously this treasure’s importance was out of the ordinary to him.
This large piece of Precious Jade was no doubt a Mysterious Grade Quality Precious Treasure that contained a vast amount of pure Yang Qi. Lu Si must be using the Yang energy within it to dredge and warm his meridians, so if Yang Kai were to really take it away, Lu Si would also die shortly afterwards. It was absolutely impossible for the Lu Family to let go of it.
Sinking into thought for a moment, Yang Kai suddenly looked up and asked, “Is there no other solution to Senior Si’s condition?”
If Lu Si no longer need to use the Yang Crystal Jade Bed to stabilize his meridians, then pursuing this issue any further would be pointless. If there was no other way, Yang Kai could only reluctantly give up.
“There is!” But to Yang Kai’s surprise, Lu Si immediately gave an affirmative response.
“Oh? What is this alternative solution?” Yang Kai suddenly saw a glimmer of hope and hurriedly asked.
“A special spirit pill!” Lu Si glanced at Yang Kai and grinned, “If you can help this old master acquire this pill, this old master will gladly hand this Precious Jade over to you.”
Lu Si making such a bold statement clearly indicated to Yang Kai that what he needed was definitely no ordinary pill.
“A Mysterious Grade pill?” Yang Kai smiled perceptively.
“Good, a Mysterious Grade Mid-Rank pill!” Lu Si added.
Yang Kai expression shook. A Mysterious Grade Mid-Rank pill! In this world, only a handful of Grandmasters were able to refine this type of pill, even just finding the required materials would not be easy not to mention there was a decent chance of failure when refining it. Which Mysterious Grade Mid-Rank pill was not worth millions of silvers?
However, while others would break their heads trying to find someone to refine such a pill, Yang Kai actually knew two people he could immediately ask.
Xiao Fu Sheng and Xia Ning Chang!
Xiao Fu Sheng was the best Alchemist in the world and could even refine Mysterious Grade Top-Rank pills!
Xia Ning Chang was able to refine Mysterious Grade Low-Rank pills the last time Yang Kai had seen her, and given her talent and special physique, after such a long time, her skills had no doubt improved greatly. Refining a Mysterious Grade Mid-Rank pill shouldn’t be difficult for her.
Seeing the awkward expression on Yang Kai’s face, Lu Si laughed again, “This old master will take a step back. The alchemy’s material, my Lu Family will help you cobble together, if you can then find someone to help this old master refine this pill, then this Yang Crystal Jade Bed will belong to you!”
“Really?” Yang Kai’s face suddenly lit up.
Lu Si’s brow couldn’t help twitching, and an unpleasant feeling filled his heart, as he wondered why this little brat suddenly seemed extremely excited! But it didn’t seem like a cunning expression, more like one filled with confidence.
Did this kid really have a connection with an Alchemy Grandmaster?
However, Lu Si was also an Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master, when water was poured out, it was naturally impossible take it back, so immediately recovering, he nodded his head firmly, “This old master means what he says!”
“Hahahaha!” Yang Kai couldn’t help laughing joyously, “If so then this matter is easy to resolve, Senior Si, it seems like your Jade Bed must change its surname!”
Seeing him boast so shamelessly, Lu Si couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer and hesitantly asked, “Does Young Master Yang really have a way?”
“En en, naturally I have a way!” Yang Kai nodded.
Lu Si felt his breath choke up; he had been trapped atop this Yang Crystal Jade Bed for several years now because of the problems with his meridians. To the outside world, he was an Above Immortal Ascension Boundary master, feared and admired by all, but in private, he had actually become a suffering old man trapped in his room.
If he could really get his hands on that profound pill, Lu Si could not only cure himself, he could also regain his freedom! Even if it were to cost him this Precious Jade, the gains were completely worth it!
Swallowing audibly, Lu Si did his best to suppress the trembling in his voice and asked, “Which illustrious Grandmaster is Young Master Yang acquainted with?”
Yang Kai grinned meaningfully and replied, “This junior lived atop Medicine King’s Valley Hidden Cloud Peak for some time!”
Lu Si’s look changed slightly while the Lu Family leadership outside also thought they had misheard.
After a long pause, Lu Si asked once again, “Hidden Cloud Peak? Grandmaster Xiao Fu Sheng’s secluded retreat?”
“En.”
Lu Si’s expression suddenly became strange as he looked Yang Kai up and down and frowned, “Young Master Yang isn’t cracking a joke, right?”
“Of course I’m not joking.”
Lu Si’s face became even more confused, before slowly shaking his head as he slowly spoke, “It is not that this old master doesn’t trust Young Master Yang’s words, but… Grandmaster Xiao seems to have only one apprentice, and she’s a young woman. Not to mention, this old master has personally been to Hidden Cloud Peak two months ago, but didn’t see Young Master Yang there.”
“Two months ago?” Yang Kai frowned, “Two months ago I was still stuc… battling the Ash-Grey Cloud Evil Land forces. Naturally you didn’t see me, I only actually stayed on Hidden Cloud Peak for a few months before leaving.”
Suddenly thinking of something, he asked, “Since Senior Si has already been to Hidden Cloud Peak, why did you not ask Grandmaster Xiao to help you already?”
Lu Si grinned, “At the time, Medicine King’s Valley was still in turmoil and Grandmaster Xiao was extremely busy. According to his disciple, it seemed as though he was immersed in studying something. This old master had the privilege of climbing Hidden Cloud Peak, but unfortunately never got the chance to speak with Grandmaster Xiao.”
Speaking of this experience, Lu Si didn’t display the slightest embarrassment on his face.
This was Xiao Fu Sheng!
Xiao Fu Sheng wasn’t a powerhouse, and Medicine King’s Valley was just a second-class Sect, but even an apex master like Lu Si has gone there yet failed to even see Xiao Fu Sheng face to face.
However, Lu Si didn’t dare to complain in the slightest, and his words still contained the utmost level of respect for Grandmaster Xiao Fu Sheng!
“I see…” Yang Kai smiled wickedly and said, “If I could let Grandmaster Xiao help you refine that spirit pill, would that count as fulfilling our agreement?”
“You?” Lu Si looked at him awkwardly and slowly shook his head, “How could you so easily move Grandmaster Xiao?”
Outside, Lu Liang also interjected, “Young Master Yang, some things cannot be spoken casually.”
Yang Kai continued staring at Lu Si indifferently and also shook his head, “Whether I have the qualifications to speak such words, you’ll have to see for yourself. Although I didn’t stay on Hidden Cloud Peak for a long time, asking Grandmaster Xiao for such a small request is no trouble at all.”
Lu Si stared hard at Yang Kai, not capable of blinking at this point.
Outside, Lu Liang and the Lu Family Elders were also surprised. They all knew Xiao Fu Sheng’s name, and they also understood what kind of status he held. Even the Lu Family’s top person, Lu Si, was shrugged off by him! As such, they all couldn’t think of how a young kid like Yang Kai could move Grandmaster Xiao.
On top of that, a Mysterious Grade Mid-Rank pill wasn’t some ordinary pill. Even for Grandmaster Xiao, refining it would take quite a lot of time and effort.
“This will be your best chance to obtain that pill, Senior Si should think over it carefully.” Yang Kai continued looking at Lu Si with a smile.
Lu Si remained uncertain, obviously he was torn whether or not to believe Yang Kai.
Logically, this Yang Family Young Lord didn’t need to deceive him like this, but on the other hand he was still just a junior, and it was normal for young people to like bragging.
After brooding over this decision for a long time, Lu Si suddenly said, “It is not that this old master doesn’t trust Young Master Yang, but since you’ve dared to say this, it means that your relationship with Grandmaster Xiao isn’t something casual.”
Yang Kai nodded, still remaining indifferent.
“If Young Master Yang has really spent some time on Hidden Cloud Peak, then this old master would like to ask you a few questions.” Lu Si obviously wanted to verify whether Yang Kai was telling the truth or not.
“Senior Si, feel free.”
Lu Si saw no signs of panic in his expression and nodded slightly, quickly proceeding, “Grandmaster Xiao has a disciple, is Young Master Yang acquainted with her?”
Yang Kai laughed and said, “Did Senior Si not inquire about that disciple’s name?”
“It seems her name was Dong Qing Yan, the eldest daughter of the Dong Family.”
“The Dong Family is related to my Yang Family by marriage, Dong Qing Yan is my cousin!”
Lu Si’s brow furrowed, suddenly recalling something and calling out in shock, “So that person was originally Young Master Yang!”
“Em? What person?” Yang Kai asked in confusion.
“When this old master went to Hidden Cloud Peak, he heard some people say that half a year ago, Grandmaster Xiao had put on a trial to receive disciples. At that time one man and one woman successfully passed. The woman was Dong Qing Yan and the man was said to be Young Lady Dong’s guard… it seems that this guard was actually Young Master Yang!”
“En!” Yang Kai didn’t deny this but supplemented quickly, “While that’s true, I did not officially become Grandmaster Xiao’s disciple.”
When the rest of the Lu Family members heard this, all of them couldn’t help feeling stunned.
Unexpectedly, there was still a connection between Yang Kai and Xiao Fu Sheng. Passing the test of Xiao Fu Sheng meant that he was qualified to become Xiao Fu Sheng’s direct disciple! With such an Alchemy Grandmaster as his teacher, even if he were to lose in the Yang Family’s Inheritance War, he wouldn’t have any worries about his future prospects.
As this thought flashed through Lu Liang’s head, he felt he should revise his opinion of Yang Kai once more.
Lu Si was already eighty percent convinced that Yang Kai was telling the truth by this point, but to be prudent he still asked one last question, “This old master stayed on Hidden Cloud Peak for a few days and had the privilege of seeing what Grandmaster Xiao was studying thanks to Young Lady Dong, Might I ask Young Master Yang, what exactly was it that Grandmaster Xiao was so zealously studying?”
Yang Kai’s expression was incomparably calm as he casual replied, “A Spirit Array!”
Something that Xiao Fu Sheng would be so anxious to study was definitely related to those Alchemy Spirit Arrays.
It should be the Spirit Arrays that Yang Kai had asked Xia Ning Chang to give to Grandmaster Xiao when he had left Hidden Cloud Peak.
Lu Si was shocked and finally determined that the relationship between Yang Kai and Xiao Fu Sheng was indeed extraordinary, otherwise it would be impossible to know this information.
“It should be such a Spirit Array!” Yang Kai said as he drew a Spirit Array on the floor.
Lu Si quickly held his breath and stared in concentration. The Spirit Array was mysterious and complex and it was unclear what its function was even to a powerful master like Lu Si. Even though he had seen it a few times on Hidden Cloud Peak, Lu Si could still only recall about half of its contents.
However, Yang Kai had now casually drawn the entire Spirit Array in front of him; obviously he was already extremely familiar with it.
“Indeed!” Lu Si nodded his head firmly. Although he still didn’t understand its function, after closing his eyes and focusing, the Spirit Array before him was definitely the same one he had seen on Hidden Cloud Peak.
After he finished drawing it, Yang Kai casually wiped away the Spirit Array and looked up at Lu Si.
At this moment, this powerful master of the Lu Family finally dared not question Yang Kai as he was likely the key to him obtaining that spirit pill.
Staring at him nervously with some traces of expectation, Lu Si even spoke with some trepidation, “Young Master Yang, about that pill…”
“Give me a brush and paper, I’ll write a letter for you!”
“Get a brush and paper, quickly!” Lu Si shouted anxiously at the crowd outside, and a ruddy glow suddenly appeared on his old face.
Everyone outside the house felt their hearts jump as they heard Lu Si’s command, all of them nearly overcome with excitement. Lu Liang quickly shouted to one of the Elders in the back, “Go quickly!”
This Immortal Ascension Boundary Elder didn’t dare delay in the slightest, as he transformed into a blue streak of light and disappeared from the courtyard.
After only ten breaths of time, this Elder returned with a brush, ink, and paper in hand and respectfully stepped into Lu Si’s room, and placed these items in front of Yang Kai before quickly withdrawing.
“Young Master Yang, please!” Lu Si personally spread out the paper and dipped the brush into the ink before handing it to Yang Kai.
Yang Kai took up the brush, smiled lightly and began writing.
Lu Si stared at him with frightening concentration, refusing to miss a single stroke of his brush.
Yang Kai’s letter was very plain and the content was just as Lu Si thought, a simple request to Grandmaster Xiao to help Lu Si refine a pill.
After he finished writing, Yang Kai handed the letter over to Lu Si who carefully used his True Qi to dry it. Then he folded it neatly and tucked it into his chest pocket, at last exhaling a long breath.
It was so exaggerated one might be think he Lu Si was handling his newborn son instead of a simple letter.
“I’ve let Young Master Yang see something embarrassing.” After completing this, Lu Si gratefully cupped his fists and bowed.
“It’s nothing!”
“Young Master Yang, please rest a few more days in my Lu Family, this old master will go to Hidden Cloud Peak immediately, if what you’ve said is all true, this old man will surely deliver you this jade bed!” Lu Si said sincerely.
Yang Kai’s brow furrowed, “I’m afraid that’s not possible, I’d like to take this jade bed now as I still have to hurry back to the Central Capital.”
Lu Si immediately showed an embarrassed expression, “But this is a Mysterious Grade Mid-Rank pill. Even if Grandmaster Xiao comes forward personally, it isn’t an absolute certainty it can be refined. In case the refining fails, this old master will still need this jade bed.”
What Lu Si said was also true. Although Xiao Fu Sheng could indeed refine Mysterious Grade Top-Rank pills, even the greatest of Alchemists did not dare say they would certainly be successful. It was entirely possible that Grandmaster Xiao would not be successful in refining this pill.
At that point, if the jade bed was gone, Lu Si would really have no place to cry.
“Hmm, in that case, can you can help me deliver something to Grandmaster Xiao, if so, I guarantee you that the pill you want will be refined successfully!” Yang Kai paused for a moment and thought before shouting to the Lu Family members outside, “Does anyone have a jade slip they don’t need?”
Outside the house, the various Elders all glanced back and forth at one another, their eyes all eventually landed on a piece of pure white jade hanging around Lu Liang’s neck.
Lu Liang subconsciously clutched this jade pendant and glared back at the crowd, “What are you staring at? This old man’s jade has been worn on my neck for so many years! It is irreplaceable!”
“Take it off!” Lu Si yelled decisively, causing Lu Liang to cringe.
Stepping into the house, Lu Liang reluctantly took the jade pendant from his neck, grit his teeth and with an ugly smile asked Yang Kai, “Young Master Yang, what do you want with this old master’s jade pendant?”
Yang Kai grinned, took the ade slip from Lu Liang and then released his True Qi into it, carving an elaborate set of markings into it.
Lu Liang suddenly felt his heart clench. In front of his eyes, he watched as his jade pendant now in Yang Kai’s hand had streams of True Qi drill into it, yet no apparent damage seemed to be done.
Contemplating for a moment, both Lu Si and Lu Liang couldn’t help but feel amazed, and the more they watched, the more they were shocked, even gradually displaying a look of respect.
How could they not see that Yang Kai was manipulating his True Qi to carve a set of inscriptions into the jade pendant?
In simple terms, he was using this method to transmit a message!
This would allow him to pass along a massive amount of information on a very small medium!
This was easy to describe, but extremely hard to do. Very subtle and precise manipulation of one’s True Qi was required to accomplish this, and any slight mistake would lead to complete failure!
After a long time, Yang Kai opened his fist and handed the jade pendant to Lu Si, “Give this to Grandmaster Xiao and I guarantee you that he’ll refine you that pill!”
His tone portrayed absolute confidence.
Lu Si once again handled this jade with great care.
Yang Kai suddenly grinned at that moment and said, “The information on this jade can only be read once before it will disappear, so Senior Si must be gentle while handling it.”
Lu Si was stunned for an instant before immediately smiling, understanding that the information contained in this jade was extremely important so Yang Kai had used such a method to maintain its confidentiality.
Not minding these thoughts, Lu Si expression become solemn again.
To the side, Lu Liang coughed awkwardly before saying, “Elder Si, this is my precious jade pendant which has accompanied me for many years, please make sure to bring it back!”
Lu Si simply glanced at him, causing Lu Liang to chuckle helplessly before quickly stepping back.
“Might this old master ask what information is contained in this jade slip?” Lu Si couldn’t help asking curiously.
“An Alchemic Spirit Array, but a different one from the one you just saw. If you bring it to Grandmaster Xiao, he’ll know what it is.” Yang Kai smiled lightly.
When he had left Hidden Cloud Peak, Yang Kai had only glanced through a few Spirit Arrays from the True Alchemic Way but now he had studied several more of them, passing along this new knowledge was not a big deal for him.