Chapter 2626

“Tian He,” Ji Yao said calmly, “Stand behind Ancestral Founder.”

“Yes!” Shi Tian He didn’t say any more, hurriedly ducking behind the impostor Ancestral Founder that was Yang Kai.

At that moment, the people pursuing them could be clearly seen, just as how the waves of their Emperor Qi could be clearly felt. The group, however, was slightly different from what Shi Tian He had expected. While the leader was indeed a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master, most likely, Profound Thunder Pavilion’s Pavilion Master Bai Yu, he was only followed by four First-Order Emperor Realm cultivators instead of five.

Yang Kai recalled that there had been a fellow named Yan Qing accompanying the Young Pavilion Master Bai Lu, who had his arm wasted in one strike by him. That Yan Qing was probably also an Elder of Profound Thunder Pavilion, and Yang Kai surmised that he was still recovering from his injuries at the moment, and thus unable to come along.

Even so, Profound Thunder Pavilion had sent out almost all of their Emperor Realm Masters, which showed just how important Yang Kai and Ji Yao were to them.

*Shua shua shua…*

With the sound of rushing wind, five figures came to a stop some distance away from Yang Kai and Ji Yao.

Their leader was fair-skinned and beardless, bearing some resemblance to Bai Lu. He was probably the Profound Thunder Pavilion’s Pavilion Master, Bai Yu.

Two middle-aged men and two elderly men made up the other four. Their expressions were impassive yet stern, gazing menacingly towards Yang Kai’s group.

“The leftmost one is Serenity City’s City Lord Yan Dong, and the other three are Elders of Profound Thunder Pavilion,” Shi Tian He conveyed to Yang Kai, “Senior, you and Third Martial Aunt need to be careful.”

Yang Kai nodded lightly.

“So, you are Bing Yun’s Third Disciple, Ji Yao?” The leader Bai Yu suddenly shouted. He did not know Ji Yao’s identity because he had seen her before, but because people had heard Shi Tian He address her as Martial Aunt Ji Yao when they were at Serenity City’s gates.

“How dare you refer to Honoured Master by name!?” Ji Yao snapped through gritted teeth, her beautiful eyes filled with anger.

“Hahahaha!” Bai Yu laughed scornfully, “Even Bing Yun has hidden herself inside Ice Heart Valley with her tail between her legs, not daring to come out. Yet her Disciple here has quite the temper. I wonder where you get the guts to wander about the Northern Territory!”

The four people behind him also laughed mockingly, and it was clear from their attitudes that they were confident in beating Yang Kai and Ji Yao.

It was not at all strange for them to be so confident; after all, Bai Yu was a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master, just like Ice Heart Valley’s First and Second Elders, An Ruo Yun and Sun Yun Xiu.

As the Third Disciple, Ji Yao’s cultivation was at best also Second-Order Emperor Realm, equal to Bai Yu.

If they were to battle, Bai Yu did not fear her in the slightest. Not to mention, he also had four First-Order Emperor Realm Masters with him. When it was time, they just had to take care of Yang Kai first before ganging up on Ji Yao, and there would not be much that she could do against them.

“Honoured Master, I want to tear his mouth off and rip his corpse into ten thousand pieces!” Ji Yao was evidently incensed, as her chest heaving in anger.

“Alright, go on. Leave the others to me,” Yang Kai nodded.

At his command, Ji Yao’s slender form immediately leapt above Bai Yu and she launched a barrage of attacks at him with her sword.

“Arrogant slut!” Bai Yu roared, reaching out and summoning a long spear into his hand. He channelled his Emperor Qi into his spear and instantly deflected Ji Yao’s attacks before sending a wide sweep towards her. Ji Yao’s expression remained unchanged as, with a flourish of her sword, she met his attack head on.

The two of them were immediately entangled in a fierce battle, with Emperor Qi surging and Principles colliding as they fought.

As he was battling Ji Yao, Bai Yu shouted to the others, “Go kill the other two and then come assist me!”

“Yes!” At his order, Yan Dong and the three Elders were immediately on the move, spreading out to surround Yang Kai and Shi Tian He.

“Madame Dong…” Yan Dong’s gaze fell coldly on Shi Tian He as he said, “I really didn’t expect you to be a disciple of Ice Heart Valley. What lengths have you gone to in order to conceal this from me, the City Lord?”

Shi Tian He grit her teeth, “I was expelled from Ice Heart Valley a hundred years back, so I don’t count as a disciple anymore.”

Yan Dong chuckled, “Still, you once belonged to Ice Heart Valley. I heard you’re also An Ruo Yun’s disciple?”

“So what if I am?”

Yan Dong sighed and said, “Many years back, when I was still touring the world, I had become acquainted with a disciple of Ice Heart Valley. That person… She was clear as ice and pure as jade, with a lovely face and a sharp mind, much like Madame Dong. I greatly admired her, yet my feelings went unrequited. That woman thought I wasn’t good enough for her, and it was such a regrettable thing that even now, I feel quite heated when I think of it.”

“There was such a romantic encounter in City Lord Yan’s past?” One of the Profound Thunder Pavilion’s Elders could not help but chuckle, “This is news to me.”

“Indeed, if that woman had accepted City Lord Yan back then, then you would’ve been dragged down for the crime of associating right now. Luckily, City Lord Yan is blessed with good fortune!” Another Elder laughed.

Yan Dong waved a hand dismissively, “This all happened many years ago, don’t laugh at me. Still, even though such a long time has passed, I still remember that woman was named Yu Dan. I wonder if you know her, Madame Dong?”

“Senior Sister Yu Dan?” Shi Tian He was astounded, “You actually know Senior Sister Yu Dan!”

From her expression, it was evident that she knew this Yu Dan too.

Yan Dong chuckled, “As expected, you know her because you were both An Ruo Yun’s disciples. Good, very good!” He nodded repeatedly as he spoke before a dangerous glint flashed across his eyes.

The Profound Thunder Pavilion Elder who had not spoken up until then looked thoughtfully at him, then asked, “City Lord Yan, you’re not thinking of making up for that past regret now, are you?”

Yan Dong smiled, “Why can’t I?”

The others were taken aback by his words. Then, the same Elder commented, “City Lord Yan has unique tastes indeed. This Madame Dong… Has been married for many years, you know?”

“I’m very fond of charming and beautiful women. Besides, she was Sister Disciples with Yu Dan. Since I can’t get the Senior Sister, then it’s not too bad to have some fun with her Junior Sister instead. Now then, when you, Elders, are attacking later, please be a little more careful to not hurt her.”

The Profound Thunder Pavilion Elders had no idea what to say to that, but they knew that Yan Dong bore a grudge in his heart for what happened in the past. If he could get Shi Tian He today, then he could resolve that grudge. Thinking this wouldn’t be any extra trouble, they all nodded and agreed, “Since City Lord Yan has said so, then of course we have to comply.”

Yan Dong chuckled, “Many thanks in advance.”

Shi Tian He’s face was crimson with embarrassment as she shouted furiously, “Yan Dong, I never thought you could be so despicable and shameless! To think Dong Hai spent all these years doing your bidding and obeying your orders!”

“Dong Hai?” Yan Dong coldly snorted, “Why bring up that dead man? Rest assured, he didn’t cherish you, but I’ll make sure to cherish you thoroughly in the future.”

“Dead… man…” Shi Tian He’s pretty face went pale, and she cried out, “What did you do to him?”

Yan Dong smiled coldly, “He was the Dong Family Patriarch, yet he married an Ice Heart Valley disciple, what do you think happened to him? Now that he’s been ripped into ten thousand pieces by me, the Dong Family is no more.”

Shi Tian He’s slender form trembled as she was completely stunned.

Even though she already knew that nothing good would happen to the Dong Family after her identity was exposed, when she actually heard the news, she still found herself unable to accept it immediately.

That was the man who had been her husband for a hundred years, the man she had been willing to leave her Sect for, and now… Just like that, he was dead.

“I’ll kill you, you vile beast!” Shi Tian He’s eyes reddened, gripping her sword in her hand and drawing up all the strength she had as she prepared to charge at Yan Dong.

But before she could even move, she felt a light tap on her shoulder and was instantly frozen in place, completely unable to move. If not for Yang Kai’s Emperor Qi supporting her as well, she would have most likely fallen out of the sky right then.

Yan Dong looked coldly at Yang Kai, and snorted, “Little brat, your own death is upon you, yet you still want to stick your nose into other people’s business?”

Yang Kai grinned, “Are you all really so confident that you can kill me?” As he spoke, he pulled Shi Tian He behind himself and made sure she had a firm footing.

He looked so calm that it made Yan Dong and the three Elders frown a little, wondering where he was getting all his self-confidence from.

They knew Ji Yao’s identity but had absolutely no idea who this man was, or what kind of power he held. That made them rather wary of him.

“Just who may you be? Right now, within the Northern Territory, Ice Heart Valley is hated by all and will be destroyed any day now. If you’re a smart man, you shouldn’t get involved in this mess!” Yan Dong said, looking coldly at Yang Kai.

“Indeed, if you can find your way back from this wayward path, it’s not impossible for us all to be friends!” One of the Profound Thunder Pavilion Elders said, nodding his head.

“Friends like you people… Are a little too far beyond my reach, I’m afraid.” Yang Kai grinned, “Let’s just get to the actual fight, shall we?”

“What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and deal with him!”

Just then, Bai Yu’s furious yell was suddenly heard.

His allies quickly turned their heads towards him, and they could not help but look alarmed when they realised that Bai Yu, a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master, was actually clearly on the losing side of the battle. An ice-cold domain had spread through the air, filling up a large region as Bai Yu struggled to fend off Ji Yao’s attacks, his face looking a little pale.

From the looks of it, he could not hold on much longer.

The others were all shocked as they realised they had underestimated Ji Yao’s strength.

Though she was also a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master, she was far more powerful than Bai Yu.

“If you don’t go and help out soon, your Pavilion Master’s going to die,” Yang Kai smiled as he looked at them while also letting out his Emperor Qi with the intention of showing his cultivation, “Rest assured, I’m not that strong, just a First-Order Emperor Realm. Don’t be afraid now, you can all come at the same time!”

“First-Order Emperor!”

“So, he’s just a First-Order Emperor!?”

“What the Hell!? A mere First-Order cultivator dares to pretend he’s some big shot to intimidate me!?”

Yan Dong and the three Profound Thunder Pavilion Elders all started yelling. They were wary earlier, because they were afraid that Yang Kai had a higher cultivation than them. That was why they did not dare to attack recklessly and had originally intended to probe his strength before doing anything. What they did not expect was for him to reveal everything himself.

What was there to fear from a First-Order Emperor Realm Master? The four of them were all First-Order Emperors as well. Even if one of them could not match him alone, they couldn’t possibly be outmatched if they all attacked together.

“Go!” One of the Elders shouted, and in the next moment, the four of them were lunging at Yang Kai, Emperor Qi surging as they each attacked with their Secret Techniques, full of confidence in their swift victory.

Chapter 2627

The sight of four Emperor Realm Masters flying at them all at once was quite terrifying.

Shi Tian He, who had been fixed in place by Yang Kai, had a sudden feeling of heaviness come over her body, as though several mountains were suddenly pressing down at the centre of her chest, making it impossible for her to breathe.

In the next instant, the four men’s attacks were upon them.

*Hong hong hong…*

Shi Tian He’s heart almost leapt out of her chest from the sound, and she thought her death was certain, but when she looked again, she found that she had somehow mysteriously appeared at a different location, and those four people’s attacks had not hurt her!

Yang Kai was still in front of her, waving his hands casually.

A gigantic, pitch-black Moon Blade formed, pulsating with terrifying waves of power. It was like the scythe of the reaper, biding its time until it could harvest the lives of all in existence.

With a slicing sound, the Moon Blade flew outwards, straight at the four Emperor Realm Masters.

“This is bad!” Yan Dong shouted, his face turning pale.

After the failure of the last attack, he had realised that he and his companions had greatly underestimated Yang Kai’s strength. Although this youth was also a First-Order Emperor like them, he was shockingly fast. Such incredible speed was enough to make him almost impossible to defeat in battle.

Just as Yang Dong looked up, he saw the gigantic Moon Blade flying towards them, and was so terrified he immediately retreated backwards. 

“Quick, dodge!” He yelled to the others.

He was quick to notice and swift to dodge, but the three Profound Thunder Pavilion Elders were not as agile. They were still wondering what had just happened, as they had not seen Yang Kai make any movements, yet he had suddenly vanished.

By the time they heard Yan Dong warning, the Moon Blade was already upon them.

The three Elders all cried out as they pushed their Emperor Qi and Principle Strengths to defend themselves.

*Chi chi chi chi…*

Despite their efforts though, all they met was a sight that filled them with despair.

Everywhere the Moon Blade passed over, it left desolation in its wake, tearing apart their Emperor Qi and Principles like they were paper as it cut towards them.

*Pu…*

With only a soft sound, the pitch-black Moon Blade sliced through the chest of the foremost Elder before it continued onwards to the second Elder without weakening in the slightest.

The second Elder did not survive either as he was swiftly bisected by the Moon Blade.

By now though, the last middle-aged Elder had managed to shift his posture just enough so that the Moon Blade only cut through his shoulder.

In that instant, Yan Dong’s eyes bulged as he stared in horror at the two Profound Thunder Pavilion Elders, who had been cut in half by the Moon Blade, not even daring to blink.

With a loud splatter, the two Elders’ bodies suddenly split in two, sending blood and guts scattering in the air. At the same time, a horrible scream was heard, startling Yan Dong who hurriedly turned to its source.

He saw that the third Elder’s arm had been severed at the shoulder, with blood spraying out like a fountain from the wound. From the open wound, he could vaguely see the Elder’s heart beating in his chest. It was a critical injury.

*Siii…*

Yan Dong drew in a breath of cold air, and his clothes were instantly soaked in sweat. Turning his head creakily, he stared at Yang Kai in terror and nervously asked, “Who… who are you!?”

With one move, only one move, this young man had instantly killed two First-Order Emperor Realm Elders of Profound Thunder Pavilion while heavily wounding another.

How was a First-Order Emperor capable of such a thing? Was he even Human?

Yan Dong was truly scared now. If it hadn’t been for Yang Kai voluntarily channelling his power and showing his First-Order Emperor Realm cultivation earlier, he would’ve thought that Yang Kai was a Third-Order Emperor Realm Master hiding his true strength.

Standing behind Yang Kai, Shi Tian He was also bewildered and couldn’t help gulping nervously.

At that moment, she suddenly noticed that the force that had been binding her had disappeared, and she had regained her freedom of movement.

Yang Kai smiled widely and said, “You don’t even know who I am, yet you come and seek trouble with me. It seems like City Lord Yan doesn’t know how to write the word ‘death’.”

“Death…” Yan Dong’s eyes narrowed as he cast a glance at the two deceased Elders of Profound Thunder Pavilion. Then, he looked at Bai Yu, who was barely able to defend himself and didn’t seem like he could hold on much longer. Realizing his situation, Yan Dong grit his teeth and whirled around, turning into a flash of light as he hurriedly fled.

He did not dare to stay any longer. His opponent was able to instantly kill two Emperor Realm Masters that had comparable strength to himself, so it would obviously be easy for Yang Kai to take his life as well. If Yang Dong stayed any longer, he was sure to die.

However, faced with his opponent’s frightening speed, Yan Dong did not have much confidence in his ability to escape.

Thus, even as he fled, he cast an anxious glance behind him, only to see that Yang Kai was still standing there, seemingly not intending to pursue him. 

The speed of an Emperor Realm Master was great, so in the blink of an eye, Yan Dong had vanished out of sight.

Only then did he start panting heavily, his face full of terror from what had just happened while at the same time he felt relieved to have survived such an ordeal.

He didn’t know why Yang Kai did not pursue him, but since he was allowed to escape, he did not intend to waste this opportunity.

After flying forward for several dozen breaths more, Yan Dong finally regained some sense of security. Regardless of how fast that youth was, since he had shown no signs of pursuit even until now, it meant that Yan Dong was safe.

Before he could finish that thought though, Yan Dong’s steps faltered as he stared grimly at a spot not far ahead of him.

The space before him rippled, as though the air was the surface of a pond after a rock had been thrown into it. Immediately afterwards, waves of some strange energy emanated from the centre of those ripples.

His vision blurred for a moment, but soon, Yang Dong saw a figure appear before him like some terrifying apparition.

*Deng deng deng deng…*

Yan Dong backed away in terror, looking like he had just seen a ghost in broad daylight as he stared at Yang Kai, muttering incoherently, “Y-Y-You… H-H-How did you…”

As he fumbled his words, Yan Dong suddenly seemed to think of something and shouted grimly, “A Spatial Technique!”

He had heard in the past that cultivators who cultivated the Dao of Space and had profound understanding of Space Principles were able to do fantastical things like moving instantly across vast distances, but that had been merely hearsay to him while the Dao of Space was not something an ordinary genius could cultivate. After all, the Dao of Space was one of the most esoteric Daos of all, and people with no innate talent for it could not even begin to comprehend it even if they spent their entire lives trying.

In the entire Star Boundary, there was only one Master who had an extremely deep comprehension of the Dao of Space, and he was said to be the strongest Master below the Great Emperors.

That man was the famed Li Wu Yi of the Eastern Territory’s Spirit Beast Island.

Yan Dong could never have imagined that he would run into an opponent who was proficient in the Dao of Space, and with abilities quite comparable to those of Li Wu Yi.

Yang Kai had not allowed him to escape. Rather, he had confidence in being able to stop Yan Dong with his ability. No matter how Yan Dong tried to run, he could not escape from Yang Kai’s grasp.

“City Lord Yan is quite perceptive,” Yang Kai chuckled, a light grin plastered on his face.

Yan Dong’s face darkened, and he growled through gritted teeth, “I’ve not given up yet!”

He knew he could not escape, and seeing from how he had slaughtered the Profound Thunder Pavilion Elders earlier, Yang Kai was unlikely to let him go even if he begged for mercy. His only hope for survival was to go all out with Yang Kai and pray he could win.

Yan Dong was a decisive man, so at those words, he drew forth all his strength and summoned a sword into his hand. The gleam of the sword’s edge was dazzlingly bright. Man and blade moved as one, slashing towards Yang Kai.

Yang Kai snorted coldly, casually lifting his hand to deliver a palm strike.

As his Emperor Qi surged, the blade’s gleaming light was instantly extinguished, and the palm landed squarely upon Yan Dong’s chest.

*Pu…*

Blood sprayed from Yan Dong’s mouth as he flew backwards and fell onto the ground, smashing a deep pit where he landed.

Crawling out of the pit with much difficulty, Yan Dong looked at Yang Kai with a trembling gaze as the latter gradually descended from the sky, “Aren’t you only a First-Order Emperor?” Yang Dong screamed, “Just who are you?”

How could a First-Order Emperor Realm Master injure him so heavily with just a light palm? How could a First-Order Emperor Realm Master kill two Elders from Profound Thunder Pavilion and injure a third with one move?

Yan Dong was almost certain that Yang Kai had concealed his cultivation so he could toy with them.

It was laughable that they had all thought Ji Yao was the more powerful of the two, but ended up kicking an even thicker iron plate instead.

“Why don’t you guess?” Yang Kai blinked at him as another pitch-black Moon Blade appeared in his hand, though it was not as large as the previous one.

Sensing the waves of power hidden in that Moon Blade, Yan Dong’s face turned ashen. This blade was made of concentrated Space Principles, and he was powerless to defend himself against it.

“Wait…” Yan Dong hurriedly yelled. Since he could not defeat Yang Kai, the only option left was to beg for mercy.

Yang Kai had no intention of letting him speak, however, and with a flick of his wrist, the Moon Blade flew out.

With a soft sound, the Moon Blade cut through Yan Dong’s body. The City Lord’s eyes went wide as he fell to the ground, his body splitting in two as it collapsed.

Yang Kai waved his hand and took the Space Ring from Yan Dong, then turned and disappeared without a trace.

When he reappeared, he was once more standing beside Shi Tian He.

Hearing the sounds of battle still, Yang Kai looked over and saw that Ji Yao and Bai Yu were still locked in a life or death struggle. Bai Yu was in quite a bad state, his hair was dishevelled while his body was covered in bloody wounds. However, due to the effect of Ji Yao’s ice-cold domain, his blood froze the moment it spilled.

Bai Yu’s hair had also turned white with frost while his movements had become sluggish.

It was evident that his mastery of Principles was vastly inferior to Ji Yao’s, and it was only a matter of time before he was defeated and killed.

“Senior, these are the Space Rings of those three,” seeing Yang Kai return, Shi Tian He respectfully handed over the three Space Rings.

The heavily wounded Profound Thunder Pavilion Elder from earlier was already dead, as Yang Kai had quickly taken his life before pursuing Yan Dong to finish things off.

The pungent stench of blood permeated the area, and the ground was covered in a dark crimson.

“En,” Yang Kai nodded and accepted the three Space Rings, putting them with the one he had obtained from Yan Dong just now. He did a quick check and found that these fellows had been quite wealthy, especially Yan Dong, who had a sizable amount of Source Crystals in his Space Ring, as well as some precious treasures.

“Senior…” Shi Tian He called out anxiously. Ever since Yang Kai had demonstrated his terrifying power, she looked at him quite differently, with none of the ease from before but rather with respect and awe, “Just… Who are you?”

“Me? My name is Yang Kai,” he replied with a grin.

Chapter 2628

“Yang Kai?” Shi Tian He was stunned for a moment, then exclaimed, “Senior, you’re the one that…”

Yang Kai smiled, “Indeed, I am the one who the Seeking Passion Sect is looking for.”

Shi Tian He smiled wryly as she heard Yang Kai admit it himself.

When she had previously heard the rumours of what happened, she had admittedly criticized Yang Kai greatly; after all, he was the root cause of the crisis that Ice Heart Valley was currently suffering. It was his killing of Feng Xi in the Shattered Star Sea that made Feng Xuan fly into a rage, which then led to all the subsequent conflicts which placed the Northern Territory in its current state of chaos.

Shi Tian He had never thought that the culprit who started all the mess in the Northern Territory would one day appear right before her own eyes.

As she mused it over, another thought struck Shi Tian He with astonishment.

She suddenly recalled that Feng Xi was killed only a few years ago in the Shattered Star Sea. In other words, Yang Kai had been in the Shattered Star Sea a few years ago, but only cultivators below the Emperor Realm were able to enter that place.

Wouldn’t that mean that Yang Kai was only a Dao Source Realm a few years ago? And now, he had just reached the First-Order Emperor Realm.

But even though he was a First-Order Emperor Ream Master like the Elders of Profound Thunder Pavilion and Serenity City’s Lord, none of them were any match for him.

The cultivation that he had displayed was his real cultivation, and he had not concealed anything!

If such a thing had not happened right before her eyes, Shi Tian He would not have believed it in the slightest. Since when were First-Order Emperor Realm Masters so easy to kill?

In the past, she had even fantasized about one day finding that fellow Yang Kai, capturing him, and handing him over to the Seeking Passion Sect to resolve her Sect’s crisis. But now, she did not dare to have such intentions.

“It’s over for Bai Yu!” At that moment, Yang Kai suddenly spoke.

Shi Tian He hurriedly looked over and saw a dazzling light burst out from where Bai Yu and Ji Yao were fighting. A bone-chilling coldness spread everywhere as there was the flash of a blade, and the battle was finally over.

As the light faded, Ji Yao stood mid-air, only giving a light swing of her longsword, her expression indifferent.

An ice crystal had formed before her, and frozen in its centre was a man, Pavilion Master of Profound Thunder Pavilion, Bai Yu.

Trapped inside the ice, Bai Yu’s face was full of shock and terror. He seemed to still be in disbelief that he had completely, utterly, helplessly lost the battle.

*Shua…*

The ice block plummeted and broke apart with a loud boom as it hit the ground.

Trapped within, Bai Yu also shattered into many pieces, such that there was not a complete part of him to be found.

Just as Ji Yao had sworn, she had shredded his corpse into ten thousand pieces.

With another whoosh, Ji Yao was back at Yang Kai’s side. She cast a glance around, and did not bother asking where the other four opponents had gone. The fresh blood and torn flesh scattered everywhere was more than enough explanation. She nodded at Yang Kai and said, “Honoured Master, let us hurry back to the valley!”

There had not been much urgency earlier on, when she had been ignorant of Ice Heart Valley’s situation, but after hearing from Shi Tian He that Ice Heart Valley had been surrounded, Ji Yao felt intensely homesick. She wished she could instantly return to the valley and weather out the crisis with all her Sisters.

“Good!” Yang Kai nodded, casting a meaningful look at Shi Tian He.

Shi Tian He was quick on the uptake and hurriedly flew over to retrieve the Space Ring from Bai Yu’s corpse.

Ji Yao had brought out her ship by this time, and the three of them boarded it in order. Ji Yao formed hand seals, and the ship instantly flew forth as swift as the wind.

“Senior Yang, this is for you,” Shi Tian He handed over the Space Ring, which was still encased in ice and with a severed finger attached.

Yang Kai took it and channelled his Emperor Qi, melting the ice. He then tossed the severed finger away before throwing the ring back to Shi Tian He.

“Senior Yang, this is…” Shi Tian He looked at Yang Kai in confusion.

“This is your Third Martial Aunt’s spoils, and since she isn’t interested, you can have it instead. Once you’re back in Ice Heart Valley, you should focus on your cultivation so you don’t disappoint your Master again,” Yang Kai smiled.

“Many thanks, Senior Yang,” Shi Tian He said gratefully, “Many thanks, Third Martial Aunt…”

“What do you mean, Senior Yang!?” Ji Yao glared at her, “I already told you, this is the Ancestral Founder!”

“Yes, of course. Many thanks, Ancestral Founder.” Shi Tian He’s face paled and she hurriedly corrected herself. She had no idea how to explain any of this to Ji Yao and snuck a glance at Yang Kai, only to see that he looked even more awkward than she did.

……

Two days later, on a snowy mountain three thousand kilometres from Ice Heart Valley.

Snow was falling heavily upon a frozen landscape while Yang Kai and the others stood on the mountain’s peak, gazing out into the distance.

Ji Yao was full of emotion, unable to stop trembling as she looked upon the familiar sights and breathed in the familiar cold air. Feathery snowflakes fell onto her, gradually melting, and she felt as though she had been reborn. Her joy could not be suppressed.

Perhaps it was the anxiety of being so close to home, but there was also a trace of timidness and worry in Ji Yao’s eyes.

“That’s a lot of people,” Yang Kai let out a breath which turned into white mist.

It could be clearly seen from where they stood that a constant stream of cultivators was patrolling outside Ice Heart Valley, and it was obvious that they were not its disciples. Some of them were gathered together in small groups of three to five while larger groups had up to twenty members, all of them seemingly guarding the key entry and exit points of Ice Heart Valley.

The entirety of Ice Heart Valley was tightly surrounded.

“How did the Seeking Passion Sect gather so many people?” Yang Kai frowned slightly.

Based on what he had heard from Shi Tian He, he knew that not only had Ice Heart Valley been surrounded, but even the neighbouring Ice Moon City had been occupied as well.

Ice Moon City was a crucial hub for Ice Heart Valley’s connection to the outside world. After it had been taken over, Ice Heart Valley’s communications to the outside world had also been cut off.

But how was it possible that Seeking Passion Sect would have enough manpower to both surround Ice Heart Valley and occupy Ice Moon City?

“There are many Sects in the Northern Territory that are subordinate to the Seeking Passion Sect,” explained Shi Tian He, “For them to be able to cause such a ruckus, they must’ve called upon all the great forces from their subordinate Sects.”

“That’s still not enough people,” Yang Kai shook his head slowly, then suddenly added, “Ice Heart Valley and Seeking Passion Sect are both major forces. Since Seeking Passion Sect has its subordinate Sects, doesn’t Ice Heart Valley have some as well? As far as I know, quite a number of Ice Heart Valley’s female disciples have married out of the Sect. With such connections, aren’t any of the other great forces coming to help with Ice Heart Valley’s current crisis?”

Shi Tian He smiled bitterly at his words, not knowing how she should respond.

Ji Yao spoke up instead, “Honoured Master, didn’t you establish rules about this when you founded the Sect? The Sect does not forbid marriage, but disciples who marry out no longer have any connection to Ice Heart Valley. You were concerned at the time that people would misunderstand Ice Heart Valley to be spreading its influence through marriages, and wanted to avoid controversy.”

Yang Kai was shocked, “There is such a rule?”

“You set those rules yourself…” Ji Yao said reproachfully.

Yang Kai gave an awkward laugh, “I must’ve forgotten.”

“Who’s sneaking around over there!”

Just as they were looking around, a sudden shout was heard.

It was immediately followed by several whooshing sounds as a group of five appeared in front of Yang Kai and the others.

Amongst the group, an elderly man was the leader while the others looked like they were under forty years old. All of them were men.

Yang Kai did a sweep with his Divine Sense, and observed that these five were merely Dao Source Realms. The old man, who appeared to be their leader, was Second-Order, while the other four were merely First-Order.

“And who are you?” Yang Kai asked, narrowing his eyes. As he spoke, he released a little of his Emperor Qi and let it wash over the five newcomers.

All of them instantly turned pale, and the old man’s face was full of terror. He cupped his fists and said, “This one’s name is Fang Ming Hui. Greetings to you, Sir, please forgive the rudeness.”

Fang Ming Hui did not dare to show any more brazenness after realising that Yang Kai was an Emperor Realm Master. He hurriedly put on a subservient air, anxious to avoid upsetting Yang Kai in any way.

“What are you people doing here?” Yang Kai asked coldly.

Fang Ming Hui hurried to answer, “This humble one is leading a few people to patrol this area, on orders.” As he spoke, he gave Yang Kai a forced smile.

“Patrol? You are disciples of the Seeking Passion Sect?” Yang Kai frowned.

Fang Ming Hui shook his head, “No, no, we belong to Double Jade City’s Fang Family. The people behind me are all Fang Family disciples.”

“Double Jade City’s Fang Family…” Yang Kai said, comprehending, “Subsidiary great force, I see.”

“Sir, surely you jest,” Fang Ming Hui was still giving a strained smile, “Our Fang Family is merely a small force, how could we gain the interest of a top Sect like the Seeking Passion Sect? Even the entire Double Jade City would most likely be unworthy of their interest.”

Yang Kai was puzzled, “Since you’re not an attached force of the Seeking Passion Sect, what are you doing here? And on whose orders are you patrolling this area?”

This area was extremely close to Ice Heart Valley, so now that the Seeking Passion Sect and Ice Heart Valley were like locked in a life or death struggle, ready to start fighting at any moment, surely people who had nothing to do with the matter would not remain in the area.

Fang Ming Hui was astonished, “On orders from the Seeking Passion Sect, of course.”

Yang Kai snorted, “Are you talking nonsense just to try to confuse me? If you don’t speak clearly, I’ll rip out your tongue!”

Fang Ming Hui paled, “Please quell your anger, Sir,” he said hurriedly, “This humble one really is under orders from the Seeking Passion Sect to patrol this area. But our Fang Family really does not have any connections to the Seeking Passion Sect. This one is not lying, Sir.”

The faces of the four behind him were also pale. They were thinking that Emperor Realm cultivators were indeed not to be provoked, as this guy was threatening to pull out someone’s tongue just because he was in a bad mood. Such violence! If they could ascend to the Emperor Realm someday, they could do the same thing if they ever felt slighted…

“Since you have no connection, why would you obey their commands? You think I’m easy to deceive?” Yang Kai looked coldly at Fang Ming Hui.

Fang Ming Hui wiped the cold sweat from his brow and explained, “Sir, what are you saying? Currently, there are many forces like our Fang Family in the area around Ice Heart Valley…”

As he spoke, he suddenly seemed to realise something, and cast a timid glance at Yang Kai, “Sir, have you not heard of the Seeking Passion Sect’s Recruitment Order?”

“What Recruitment Order?” Yang Kai frowned.

Fang Ming Hui let out a breath, “Sir has not heard of it, then.”

“Explain in detail. If your explanation is satisfactory, I won’t rip out your tongue.”

“Yes, yes, of course…” Fang Ming Hui hurriedly nodded, and began explaining, “A few years back, when the Seeking Passion Sect and Ice Heart Valley started fighting, both of them were top Sects of the Northern Territory. Their strength was about equal, so both sides suffered losses. After the initial battles, in order to avoid further losses, the Seeking Passion Sect sent out a Recruitment Order. It informed all cultivators of Northern Territory that as long as they temporarily joined with the Seeking Passion Sect’s forces and obeyed their commands to help fight against Ice Heart Valley, they would be rewarded with Source Crystals, artifacts, and Secret Arts. Not only that, but depending on their contributions, they could even become Seeking Passion Sect’s subsidiary forces in the future. In addition, after Ice Heart Valley was destroyed, some cultivators who make great contributions would also get a share of Ice Heart Valley’s disciples.”

Chapter 2629

“Obtain a share of Ice Heart Valley’s disciples?” Yang Kai’s eyes went wide with astonishment.

Fang Ming Hui leered, “The women of Ice Heart Valley are all cold beauties, clear as ice and pure as jade. Not only that, but they are all quite gifted. Anyone who can get hold of one or two will have no regrets for the rest of his life!”

Ice Heart Valley had quite a reputation within the Northern Territory. To the cultivators from less impressive backgrounds, its female disciples were like goddesses, ones they could only ogle from afar, but could not come close to, afraid to defile them.

Throughout history, many men of the Northern Territory had viewed it as an immense honour to be able to marry a disciple of Ice Heart Valley.

However, only a small number of them were able to actually accomplish this feat. Now though, countless men from the Northern Territory had been driven into a frenzy by the Seeking Passion Sect’s Recruitment Order. The rewards were trivial compared to the chance to obtain one or two female disciples from Ice Heart Valley after it was defeated. It would be quite impressive to make them into servant girls, but even going as far as to take them as proper wives would not cause any embarrassment, as it would only make others envious.

“You’re all here for Ice Heart Valley’s disciples?” Yang Kai looked curiously at Fang Ming Hui, not expecting him to have such desires at his advanced age.

Fang Ming Hui gave a wry smile, “I dare not have any extravagant expectations. I only seek to get a few of the Seeking Passion Sect’s rewards, which the Fang Family would be able to enjoy for many years. If we can also become a Seeking Passion Sect’s official subordinate, that would naturally be the best result.”

Yang Kai chuckled, “How many people has the Seeking Passion Sect recruited already?”

“There are at least a hundred thousand, most comparable to my Fang Family’s disciples in terms of strength, but there are also a few Masters from second and third class Sects.”

“And you’re not afraid that Ice Heart Valley will come to seek revenge if they manage to recover someday?”

Fang Ming Hui shook his head, “Ice Heart Valley has no such chance anymore.”

“What makes you say that?” Yang Kai raised his brow.

“This lowly one does not know the exact details but…” Fang Ming Hui explained, “I only know that there are currently two Third-Order Emperor Realm Masters in the Seeking Passion Sect, and even though Ice Heart Valley’s Ancestral Founder Bing Yun is also a Third-Order Emperor, she is but one person. How can she stand against the Seeking Passion Sect like this? Ice Heart Valley has also suffered heavy losses over the last few years of conflict. Else, they would not have retreated within the valley and relied on their Sect Defending Array to barely survive. Besides…”

“Besides what?” asked Yang Kai.

Fang Ming Hui smiled slightly, “Ice Heart Valley won’t hold on for much longer. In half a month, or a month at most, they are bound to be defeated.”

Yang Kai snorted, “You’re merely in the Second-Order Dao Source Realm, how can you be so certain?”

Fang Ming Hui glanced around cautiously, then said in a low voice, “Sect Master Feng Xuan has invited Grandmaster Nanmen here, and he’s currently investigating how to break the Sect Defending Array. It probably won’t be long before he is able to crack it. Once Ice Heart Valley’s Sect Defending Array is destroyed, we will hit them with all we have. They will be completely helpless.”

Standing behind Yang Kai, Ji Yao and Shi Tian He’s expressions had been growing more and more concerned and both of them were now quite pale.

After all Fang Ming Hui’s chatter, he finally asked, “Sir, why don’t you join in as well? Seeking Passion Sect is currently still recruiting, and I’m sure they will welcome someone of your strength.”

Yang Kai raised an eyebrow, “I can also apply?”

Fang Ming Hui nodded, “Naturally. You only need to go register at Ice Moon City and explain your background, and then, you’ll be able to serve the Seeking Passion Sect. Benefits are, of course, distributed according to contributions… That reminds me, Sir, I have not yet asked where you come from. If you have any connection to Ice Heart Valley, then the Seeking Passion Sect won’t be interested.”

Before Yang Kai could answer, Ji Yao had already taken a step forward and coldly declared, “This Queen is Ji Yao of Ice Heart Valley!”

At those words, the faces of everyone in Fang Ming Hui’s group paled, and they all started backing away.

The members of the Fang Family had never expected that they had been chatting for so long with someone actually belonging to Ice Heart Valley.

Wasn’t it common knowledge that everyone from Ice Heart Valley was hiding inside their Sect, too afraid to come out? And with the Sect Defending Array active, how did these people get out?

“Run!” Fang Ming Hui was a decisive man, and he knew that his words were sure to have upset these strangers. With that yell, he turned to flee.

The four Fang Family cultivators behind him were also quick to respond, each of them pushing their Source Qi desperately.

But before they could even take a step, a bone-chilling domain suddenly spread out.

*Kacha…*

With a soft sound, the ground was frozen over and it seemed like the whole place was being sealed by ice. The five of them were all stuck in place, unable to move.

“Leave him alive!” Yang Kai hurriedly shouted.

Ji Yao frowned, but still held back some of her strength. She froze the other four Fang Family cultivators into ice statues, leaving only Fang Ming Hui standing there stiffly, his lips blue from the cold and his teeth chattering as he pleaded pitifully, “Please spare my life, Sir, the Fang Family has not done anything to harm Ice Heart Valley directly after joining the Seeking Passion Sect’s forces! All we did was patrol the perimeter, we’ve never harmed any Ice Heart Valley disciples!”

Yang Kai tapped his forehead and knocked him out, then reached over and lifted him up. With a wave of his arm, he turned the four frozen Fang Family disciples into dust.

“Honoured Master, what did you spare his life for!?” Ji Yao’s eyes were icy as she looked at the unconscious Fang Ming Hui, unable to comprehend.

“I need him to convey what he just said to someone else. Perhaps we’ll be able to get some more information from him as well,” Yang Kai explained calmly, then added, “We’re returning to the valley!”

“Yes!” Ji Yao and Shi Tian He answered.

Channelling his Space Principles, Yang Kai wrapped the two women in his power and with a flicker, vanished from the spot.

They reappeared outside Ice Heart Valley’s Sect Defending Array. The array was extremely large and sturdy, looking like a translucent dome of light which enveloped all the vital areas of the Sect.

From afar, it looked as though there was a gigantic crystal bowl inverted upon the ground, and everything inside the dome of light was indistinct, unable to be clearly perceived.

A Sect Defending Array of this calibre was not something that could be easily broken. Though the Seeking Passion Sect was quite powerful, they could not break through by force, and could only hire an Array Master to handle it.

But the Source Crystal upkeep for keeping such a massive array functioning at full strength was also astronomical. Under normal circumstances, a Sect Defending Array would only be activated at full power when the Sect was in danger of extinction.

After spending a long time observing from the snowy mountain, Yang Kai had a good idea of the patrol schedule for this area. Thus, he did not alert anyone when he brought Ji Yao and Shi Tian He over.

“Yao’er, open the array!” Yang Kai scanned the area with his Divine Sense, keeping a close watch over their surroundings as he instructed Ji Yao.

“Yes!” Ji Yao nodded, and hurriedly retrieved a token from her Space Ring. She channelled her Emperor Qi into it and lightly waved it at the curtain of light before her.

A mystical light burst out and a small gap instantly opened in the array. Before the gap closed again, Yang Kai’s group had already slipped inside.

Ordinary people could not open the Sect Defending Array, but Ji Yao was Bing Yun’s Third Disciple, so she had a way to get through.

“Who goes there!?”

They had just entered when a feminine voice was heard, immediately followed by a flash of light from a blade. A petite form was concealed within the streak of light, which was bright and piercing as a comet.

Emperor Intent instantly expanded and the temperature plummeted from the approaching icy aura, causing Shi Tian He to shiver slightly.

“Seventh Junior Sister, is that you?”

Ji Yao was not even thinking of defending against the deadly attack coming towards her, only calling out with a trembling voice as she looked at the person within the streak of light.

“Huh?” A surprised cry was heard and the light quickly dispersed, revealing a petite and delicate figure.

The person landed on the ground, sword in hand, and looked carefully at these intruders.

“Seventh Junior Sister!” Ji Yao’s slender form was trembling a little as she called out.

“T… Third Senior Sister!” The petite figure was also instantly overcome with emotion, almost unable to believe her eyes, rubbing them vigorously, and looked again before confirming that the person before her really was her Third Senior Sister, Ji Yao, who had been missing for many years.

Both Senior and Junior Sisters were very emotional as they looked at each other before they sprinted forward and embraced one another.

“Third Senior Sister, you’ve finally returned! Where have you been all these years?” The petite girl threw herself into Ji Yao’s arms, sobbing.

Ji Yao’s eyes were also red-rimmed, but she tried to contain her emotions and gently patted the other girl’s hair, “I’m sorry I made you all worry.”

At that moment, many other Ice Heart Valley disciples had heard the commotion and came running. In an instant, there were hundreds of people gathered all around, each of them holding a sharp blade and full of battle intent, thinking that enemies must have broken in. When they saw their Seventh Martial Aunt tightly embracing an unknown woman though, they were all bewildered.

Upon hearing what the two said though, the confusion of the crowd was cleared.

“She’s our Third Martial Aunt!”

“What? She is Third Martial Aunt Ji Yao, who’s been missing for so many years?”

“Yes, it’s her! I’ve seen her portrait before in the Sect’s main hall, there’s no mistake!”

“To think Martial Aunt Ji Yao actually came back…”

“With our Sect in danger, it is our good fortune that Third Martial Aunt is back. Ancestral Founder will surely be delighted!”

“Finally, some good news for the valley!”

The crowd of women chattered incessantly like a flock of pretty birds, noisily conveying the joyful news.

“Junior Sister?” Another voice suddenly called out.

Amongst the crowd, a tall woman with refined features was staring in shock at Shi Tian He, who was standing behind Yang Kai.

“Junior Sister Tian He?” she exclaimed in astonishment.

At that cry, Shi Tian He looked over and her body trembled slightly as she tried to restrain her emotions, calling out haltingly, “Senior Sister Yu!”

Her expression was a little wary and timid, not entirely daring to face her Senior Sister Yu, as though she was a child who had gotten into trouble.

Yang Kai naturally heard this conversation and looked over curiously, soon recalling what Yan Dong had said earlier and instantly understanding that this tall woman was the Yu Dan he had spoken of.

Yu Dan strode over and stood before Shi Tian He, looking her over before smiling, “It has been many years since we last met, Junior Sister. You’ve lost weight, have you been mistreated during your years away?”

Shi Tian He’s eyes reddened and she shook her head, biting her lip, tears overflowing from her eyes.

“Now, now, don’t cry. Honoured Master has also been concerned for you all these years. It’s all good now that you’re back now,” as Yu Dan spoke, she gently wiped away Shi Tian He’s tears.

But her tears just kept falling and falling like a broken chain of pearls.

Chapter 2630

The sighs of the Senior Sisters of two different generations reuniting with their Junior Sisters after all this time was really touching.

The disciples of Ice Heart Valley were all quite emotional. Looking here and there, soon everyone’s eyes turned moist one by one, as if they were infected by the atmosphere. All of them sheathed their swords and quietly stood on their spot.

“Cough…” Yang Kai loosened his readied fist and lightly coughed, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.

“Right, Seventh Junior Sister, I came back together with Honoured Master,” startled, Ji Yao said to the petite figure with a look of joy on her face.

“Sister Zhang Sun, we meet again,” Yang Kai called out with a light smile.

The petite figure was none other than Bing Yun’s Seventh Disciple, Zhang Sun Ying, whom Yang Kai had met a couple years back.

Zhang Sun Ying looked at Yang Kai and cried out in surprise, “Senior Brother Yang, how come you’re here?”

She was very surprised, but that was understandable as she was reunited with Ji Yao after a very long time. Being totally absorbed in her joy, she had forgotten to pay attention to anything else and only now did she realize that her Third Senior Sister actually came together with Yang Kai.

She addressed Yang Kai as Senior Brother, not because Yang Kai’s cultivation was higher than hers. She was a First-Order Emperor, and furthermore, when she first met Yang Kai a few years ago, he was just a Third-Order Dao Source Realm.

She addressed him as such out of respect.

After all, Bing Yun was able to escape from the Solitary Void Sealed World and return to Ice Heart Valley mostly because of Yang Kai. After hearing about this, Bing Yun’s Disciples were all very grateful to Yang Kai and began addressing him as Senior Brother as a courtesy.

“Sister Zhang Sun, am I not welcome here?” Yang Kai asked with a slight grin.

Zhang Sun Yin immediately blushed and replied, “When did I say that!? Senior Brother Yang has done a great service to my Ice Heart Valley, so why would Senior Brother Yang be not welcomed? Honoured Master has already exhorted us to treat Senior Brother Yang as family.”

“Senior Bing Yun’s care is much appreciated,” Yang Kai gently nodded.

Ji Yao furrowed her brow deeply, staring at Yang Kai in confusion, puzzlement slowly creeping into her eyes.

In her mind, Yang Kai was her Honoured Master, Bing Yun, but now, when she heard Yang Kai speaking such words, she couldn’t help feeling confused and unable to understand what was happening.

Yang Kai, noticing her change, solemnly asked, “Is Senior Bing Yun free? I have to see her regarding something.”

Zhang Sun Yin hurriedly replied, “Honoured Master hasn’t entered retreat recently. If she learns that you are here and that Third Senior Sister has also returned, she will definitely be very happy… follow me!”

Saying so, she pulled Ji Yao’s arm, leading the way ahead.

Yang Kai, carrying Ming Hui in one hand, walked a few steps before turning around and beckoning, “Tian He, you come too, let’s go and meet your Honoured Master.”

Shi Tian He’s tender figure trembled as a restless look appeared on her face.

“Junior Sister, don’t be afraid. I will accompany you,” Yu Dan patted the back of Shi Tian He’s hand and stated in a gentle voice. Feeling this hand, Shi Tian He finally calmed down a little, before she and Yu Dan followed after Yang Kai.

Halfway there, Shi Tian He anxiously asked, “Senior Sister, is Honoured Master still angry with me after all these years?”

Yu Dan sincerely nodded, “Of course.”

Shi Tian He immediately turned pale, feeling her legs grow heavy as if they were filled with lead, making it impossible for her to move forward.

Yu Dan, on the other hand, mysteriously smiled and added, “Back then, you didn’t hesitate to disobey to go with that guy surnamed Dong, so of course Honoured Master will be angry; after all, she personally taught you for many years. Is she not allowed to be angry after you disobeyed her?”

Shi Tian He bitterly admitted, “Yes, this Junior Sister has disappointed Honoured Master.”

Yu Dan added, “But don’t worry, Honoured Master’s anger aside, she has still been thinking about you all these years.”

“Really!?” She Tian He was overjoyed.

Yu Dan replied in a low voice, “In the past hundred years, I was ordered to visit Serenity City every two years to inquire about your situation and check if you had been wronged in any way.”

Shi Tian He’s figure trembled and excitedly asked, “Did Honoured Master order you to do so?”

Yu Dan replied, smiling wryly, “Without Honoured Master’s order, who would dare to go? Honoured Master said that if you were wronged even once in the Dong Family, no matter how slight the offence was, she would destroy them completely. It might look as if Honoured Master hasn’t cared for you over these hundred years, but in fact, you have been on her mind all the while.”

Hearing this, Shi Tian He’s eyes turned red and she almost cried again. Only after persistent comforting from Yu Dan did she finally calm down.

…..

In the main hall of Ice Heart Valley, Yang Kai sat upright in a rigid fashion while Ji Yao and Shi Tian He stood behind him. As for Ming Hui, he was still unconscious and laid on the ground by Yang Kai’s feet. Yu Dan, who accompanied Shi Tian He, was secretly communicating with her Junior Sister via Divine Sense.

Zhang Sun Ying, after offering tea, stated, “Senior Brother Yang, please wait a moment. Honoured Master has already been notified and will be here soon.”

“She already is,” Yang Kai’s expression changed as he turned to the hall’s entrance.

He immediately noticed a flash, and the next moment, Bing Yun had appeared. Closely following behind her were Ice Heart Valley’s Emperor Realm Masters, ten of them in total.

First Disciple An Ruo Yun, Second Disciple Sun Yun Xiu, and the others were standing in single file.

Yang Kai quickly got up and greeted, cupping his fist, “Yang Kai greets Senior Bing Yun!”

Bing Yun replied, smiling, “You’re here!”

Even though the two had not been in contact for a long time, because they both came from the Heng Luo Star Field, they felt much closer to each other than others. At this moment, Bing Yun was very happy to see Yang Kai.

“Greetings, Senior Brother Yang!” The disciples behind Bing Yun hurriedly greeted.

Yang Kai nodded before gazing at everyone, looking at Liu Xian Yun and Fan Xin before turning his gaze to Zi Yu. Now, Zi Yu was also an Emperor Realm cultivator. She had entered the Shattered Star Sea with Yang Kai, gained an opportunity, and broken through during that time. 

As their gazes met, Zi Yu lightly nodded to Yang Kai, her eyes filled with gratitude.

In the Shattered Star Sea, her breakthrough was imminent but she had also attracted the covetous eyes of her enemies. The Ice Heart Valley disciples by her side had not been strong enough to protect her at the time, but her breakthrough to the Emperor Realm still went smoothly. Only after she finished her breakthrough did she learn from her fellow Sisters that Yang Kai had appeared at the critical moment and lured the enemy away, giving her a safe and stable environment to advance.

This favour alone was enough to make Zi Yu grateful, let alone the fact that Yang Kai and Ice Heart Valley had an intricate relationship. There was also the close ties he had with Ancestral Founder Bing Yun.

Liu Xian Yun was equally excited. She hadn’t seen Yang Kai for several years, but after seeing him this time, she naturally had much to say to him, but she knew that now was not the time.

“I heard that Yao’er returned?” Bing Yun looked around as she asked, quickly noticing a dumbstruck Ji Yao standing there.

“Third Junior Sister!”

“Third Senior Sister!”

An Ruo Yun and the others also cried in excitement.

Ji Yao, on the other hand, stood there in a daze, her eyes filled with confusion. But staring at Bing Yun, the confusion in her eyes slowly became more and more obvious, as if dark clouds were blocking her vision.

“Third Junior Sister, why are you in a daze, why aren’t you greeting Honoured Master!” An Ruo Yun didn’t know what happened, so she just thought Ji Yao was overwhelmed with emotions and quickly reminded her.

Bing Yun, on the other hand, noticed that something was amiss and turned to Yang Kai to ask, “What’s wrong with Yao’er?”

Yang Kai hurriedly informed her via Divine Sense Message about Ji Yao’s current condition. He also didn’t hide the fact that he had been pretending to be her.

Yang Kai’s report broke Bing Yun’s heart. Ji Yao had suffered for many years in the Ancient Wild Lands, so much so that she even lost her mind. If Yang Kai hadn’t found her by chance, it was quite possible she would still be wandering the Ancient Lands aimlessly.

Bing Yun softly sighed before she called out with a face full of gentleness, “Yao’er, your Master is here, can’t you come over?”

“Honoured Master…” Ji Yao tenderly shouted, hearing this. Her figure quivered and her pupils shook violently, the confusion in her eyes shattering at that moment before regaining clarity.

*Pu…* 

Ji Yao opened her mouth and spurted a mouthful of black blood, causing her aura to immediately wane while her eyes regained a kind of lucid brightness.

An Ruo Yun and the others were shocked at the sight of this as they had no idea what was wrong with Ji Yao.

“Honoured Master!” Ji Yao’s figure flickered as she suddenly rushed to Bing Yun, kneeled down and greeted in a trembling voice, “This unworthy Disciple has caused Honoured Master to be worried.”

Bing Yun stretched her hand out and lightly stroked her head, “It’s good that you are back, it’s really good. Get up.”

Ji Yao shook her head and kept crying, holding Bing Yun’s thigh tightly as if she was never going to let go.

An Ruo Yun and the others also wiped the tears from the corners of their eyes.

Bing Yun helplessly stated, “You and I are Master and Disciple, we should be happy to be meeting again after so long, so don’t cry, get up and talk.”

She held Ji Yao and pulled her up gently, personally wiping her tears before handing her to An Ruo Yun. Afterwards, she turned to Yang Kai and continued, “We’ve shown you something embarrassing. Yao’er has been stubborn since childhood, so I ask you not to pay it any mind.”

Yang Kai denied, shaking his head, “Yao’er, she… cough cough, Junior Sister Ji Yao just acts on her emotions.”

He had gotten used to calling her Yao’er during their time together and almost addressed her wrongly.

At that prompt, Ji Yao turned to look at Yang Kai with a complicated expression. After seeing the real Bing Yun, she had sobered thoroughly. Whether she would remain this way or lose her mind later remained to be seen, but at least for now, she was safe and sound.

Because she had fully regained her faculties though, she also finally realized how bad her previous state was.

She had misidentified a man as her Honoured Master. If this hadn’t happened to her personally, Ji Yao would have never believed it.

Yang Kai felt a little guilty and didn’t dare meet her gaze, instead shifting his eyes about in an awkward fashion.

“Sit down and talk, don’t keep standing,” Bing Yun proposed in a good mood. Her Third Disciple, who had been missing for so long, had returned to the Sect. Yang Kai was also back. It was a joyous event, so a rare smile appeared on Bing Yun’s face.

The disciples were overjoyed after seeing this.

They hadn’t seen Bing Yun smile at all these past few years; but today, they finally saw the beautiful moon after the dark clouds had cleared up, lightening the worries in their hearts.

An Ruo Yun, receiving a Divine Sense Message from Bing Yun, didn’t dare to let Ji Yao remain too far away from her. Naturally, she made her sit by her so that she could take good care of her.

“Senior Brother Yang, did you hear about our Ice Heart Valley’s situation and come here on purpose?” After taking her seat, Sun Yun Xiu asked as she curiously looked at Yang Kai. If he wasn’t here because of this, then his timing was too coincidental.

Yang Kai replied, shaking his head, “It wasn’t intentional. I happened to run into Junior Sister Ji Yao in the Ancient Wild Lands by accident and was just planning to escort her back. Certain events happened while we were passing through Serenity City though, and only then did we come to know about the current situation of Ice Heart Valley.”

Chapter 2631

“Serenity City?” An Ruo Yun’s expression changed after hearing this name and asked, “What happened?”

Serenity City might be unfamiliar to others, but to An Ruo Yun, it was like a thorn in her heart. In the past, Shi Tian He didn’t hesitate to disobey her and marry a man from Serenity City.

Shi Tian He’s figure trembled after hearing her question and she timidly looked at An Ruo Yun. Noticing that An Ruo Yun wasn’t looking at her, bitterness immediately filled her heart as she knew that her Honoured Master hadn’t forgiven her; otherwise, why hadn’t she summoned Shi Tian He and questioned her since she had seen her?

Yang Kai replied, smiling, “Speaking of which, it has something to do with Junior Sister An.”

An Ruo Yun thoughtfully looked at the pale Shi Tian He after hearing this. She maintained a stoic face, making it extremely hard to tell what was going through her mind.

“How does the matter of Serenity City have anything to do with Eldest Senior Sister? Senior Brother Yang, let’s hear the details,” Zhang Sun Ying curiously asked.

Yang Kai answered, “Junior Sister Ji Yao and I were resting at night in Serenity City a few days back. When we were about to leave the city, we ran into someone in disguise who wanted to leave Serenity City as well, but was being stopped by some people…”

He told everything that had transpired at Serenity City’s gate. He kept staring at An Ruo Yun while he was speaking, as if he was talking to her alone.

When she heard that Dong Hai completely ignored the century-long love between husband and wife, not only slandering Shi Tian He for stealing the Dong Family’s treasure but also expelling her from the Dong Family in public, the armrest on An Ruo Yun’s chair was crushed to dust.

Although An Ruo Yun had expelled Shi Tian He, she had raised her after all, so how could she let some Dong Family bully her Disciple like this?

What’s more, she knew Shi Tian He the best. How could it be possible for her to commit a lowly act like theft?

“Later, Junior Sister Ji Yao and I learned that the stealing of some precious family treasure was just false pretence while the root cause was that when Tian He learned that her Master Sect was in trouble, she wanted to return to the valley to render aid. But now, the Northern Territory is in turmoil and things don’t end well for anyone who has anything to do with Ice Heart Valley. As such, the Dong Family didn’t dare to let Tian He reveal her identity and pinned this crime on her to expel her from the Dong Family, so as to separate her from them lest they become implicated.”

Yang Kai continued, “Junior Sister Ji Yao and I ran into Tian He and finally came to know about Ice Heart Valley’s situation; after which, we rushed over as quickly as we could.”

After speaking, he picked up the cup of tea beside him and slowly took a sip.

“They went too far!” An Ruo Yun couldn’t hold it in anymore and smashed the other armrest with a smack.

In the main hall, many Ice Heart Valley disciples also looked angry.

For millennia, all the men of the Northern Territory had taken immense pride in being able to marry an Ice Heart Valley disciple, but now, when the dragon was in the shallow water and the tiger had come down to the plain, a mere Serenity City Dong Family dared to bully them.

An Ice Heart Valley disciple had married into the Dong Family as their matron, but in the end, she was expelled from the family in public, and her reputation was also smeared.

Ice Heart Valley’s disciples were fuming in anger.

“Tian He, come here!” An Ruo Yun raised her eyes and finally stared at Shi Tian He by Yang Kai’s side.

Shi Tian He’s tender figure fiercely trembled after hearing this. Her steps were shaky and she was having a hard time lifting her feet. Yu Dan even had to give her a little push and an encouraging look before Shi Tian He finally walked to An Ruo Yun and knelt down.

She didn’t say a word, just kept crying.

An Ruo Yun lifted her hand up high as she stared down angrily at her former Disciple. It seemed that she wanted to unleash a slap, but after a few tries, she couldn’t do it and instead stomped her foot as she dropped her arm.

After taking a deep breath and calming herself down, An Ruo Yun, “Unfilial Disciple, have you realized your mistake!”

Shi Tian He burst into tears and admitted, nodding, “Disciple has realized her mistake!”

An Ruo Yun stated with rage, “A hundred years ago, I advised you not to marry into the Dong Family because of that coincidental life-saving grace. There were many other ways to repay such kindness. There was no need to sacrifice your happiness! You sowed your fate yourself. Why do you humiliate yourself like this!?”

Shi Tian He, with her head touching the ground, kept prostrating and crying, “I ask Honoured Master to punish this unfilial disciple!”

An Ruo Yun stated with a cold face, “Don’t call me Honoured Master. You ceased to be my disciple a hundred years ago. You and I have already severed the ties of Master and Disciple. Everything you are facing is the result of your actions that day, whether it’s sour or bitter, you have to face it yourself. It has nothing to do with me, and neither does it have anything to do with Ice Heart Valley!”

“I beg Honoured Master to punish this unfilial disciple!” Shi Tian He weepingly begged.

An Ruo Yun angrily shouted, “You still dare to call me Honoured Master!”

Zhang Sun Yin couldn’t stand it anymore, standing up to intervene, “Eldest Senior Sister, please calm your anger. Although Tian He didn’t listen to you and disobeyed you in the past, she has suffered so much now. I believe she will never make the same mistake again. What’s more… She desperately tried to return to Ice Heart Valley when she heard that the Master Sect was in a difficult position. Can’t Eldest Senior Sister forgive her out of consideration for her will and loyalty?”

The other Junior Sisters also nodded one after another as they began to persuade her.

Upon seeing this, Yu Dan hurriedly walked forward and knelt down before An Ruo Yun and pleaded, “Honoured Master, please forgive Junior Sister Tian He this time.”

Zi Yu also came to An Ruo Yun’s front and begged, kneeling down, “Honoured Master, Junior Sister Tian He has already realized her mistake, please forgive her!”

Just like Shi Tian He, both of them were direct Disciples of An Ruo Yun, so they were qualified to intercede.

“You…” An Ruo Yun immediately became angry after seeing this, pointing at Yu Dan and Zi Yu as she grit her teeth and shouted, “Good, good, it seems your wings have hardened and now you are disobeying me while still daring to call me your Honoured Master.”

Yu Dan and Zi Yu’s tender figures trembled before they spoke in unison, “Honoured Master, please don’t be angry, Disciple wouldn’t dare.”

“Since you dared not, then quickly stand up,” An Ruo Yun angrily ordered.

Yu Dan and Zi Yu glanced at each other before pleading in unison again, “Honoured Master, please forgive Junior Sister Tian He.”

“You dare bargain with me!?” An Ruo Yun was completely incensed.

“Enough!” Bing Yun suddenly intervened.

As soon as she spoke, everyone immediately fell silent.

Bing Yun looked around before finally gazing straight at the prostrating Shi Tian He, who had her head touching the ground all the while, “Your name is Shi Tian He?”

Shi Tian He hurriedly turned around and replied, suppressing her cries, “Disciple Shi Tian He, greets Ancestral Founder!”

“En!” Bing Yun lightly nodded before pondering for a while and continuing, “Since you disobeyed your Honoured Master a hundred years ago and were expelled from the Sect for this crime, logically speaking, you are no longer a part of my Ice Heart Valley. Your life and death has nothing to do with us…”

Shi Tian He’s figure trembled after hearing this, falling into despair.

Bing Yun immediately continued, however, “But since your heart was still with the Master Sect and you risked your life to come to its defence, this Queen will give you a chance!”

She Tian He hurried asked, “This disciple earnestly requests for Ancestral Founder’s instructions!”

Bing Yun smiled and explained, “This Queen will take charge of this matter and admit you back into Ice Heart Valley. But…whether you can worship back under your Honoured Master or not will depend on your future performance.”

Shi Tian He looked up, looking at Bing Yun with pleasant surprise and gratitude, but very soon, she turned her head and said in a bitter voice, nervously looking at An Ruo Yun, “Since Honoured Master disagrees, this disciple doesn’t dare to return to Ice Heart Valley.”

Bing Yun smiled and added, “Your Honoured Master is my Disciple, since this Queen has given her order, how would she dare to disagree. Ruo Yun, what do you say?”

An Ruo Yun glanced at Bing Yun before she bowed and stated, “Disciple will follow Master’s order!”

After she finished speaking, she looked back at Shi Tian He and ordered, “Why are you still on your knees? Quickly thank Ancestral Founder!”

Shi Tian He was startled but she hurriedly composed herself and kowtowed, “Many thanks for your magnanimity, Ancestral Founder.”

After thanking Bing Yun, Shi Tian He finally stood up, her face beaming with happiness, but tears still flowing out of the corners of her eyes.

An Ruo Yun angrily rebuked, “Are you still going to embarrass yourself?”

While speaking, she threw a handkerchief to Shi Tian He.

Shi Tian He caught it but didn’t use it to wipe her tears, instead just clenching it tightly and using her sleeve to dry her eyes. Zi Yu and Yu Dan stood back up as well and couldn’t help but smile as they exchanged a glance.

“From now on, you will cultivate by Zi Yu’s side. Don’t worry about the Dong Family. After we have settled things here, I will personally go and uphold justice for you!” An Ruo Yun stated in a cold voice.

As soon as she proclaimed this, Shi Tian He knew that she was still in her Honoured Master’s heart. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have said anything about seeking justice for her.

She shook her head and stated, “Honoured Master, the Dong Family doesn’t exist anymore…”

“Doesn’t exist!” An Ruo Yun’s pretty eyes flickered with a cold gleam as she coldly snorted, “They were let off too easily, but if that’s the case, so be it. From now on, you will peacefully stay in the valley. If you commit another mistake in the future, you will not be forgiven!”

“Yes!” Shi Tian He respectfully replied.

“Congratulations Senior Bing Yun for reuniting with your disciple, congratulations Junior Sister An for reuniting with your disciple,” Yang Kai, who had been drinking tea all the while, seeing that things had settled down, finally smiled and congratulated, cupping his fists.

Bing Yun smiled and said, “It’s thanks to you. Speaking of which… several major events involving my Ice Heart Valley are connected with you. It seems that there is an inexplicable relationship between you and I.”

She was able to escape from the Solitary Void Sealed World and return to Ice Heart Valley mainly because of Yang Kai, and now, Ji Yao and Shi Tian He had returned thanks to him. If this wasn’t fate, then what was it?

“Just some chances and coincidences,” Yang Kai smiled. Immediately though, he turned serious and asked, “Senior, Junior Sister Ji Yao and I have just heard some rumours outside and are not that clear about Ice Heart Valley’s exact situation. Senior, could you please elaborate?”

When Yang Kai brought this up, everyone turned serious as Bing Yun asked, “What do you want to know?”

Yang Kai replied, “Seeking Passion Sect and Ice Heart Valley should be on par with each other in terms of strength, so how were they able to force Ice Heart Valley into this precarious position?”

Bing Yun replied with a sigh, “The two Sects were indeed almost on par with each other, but half a year ago, Seeking Passion Sect’s Vice Sect Master suddenly broke through to the Third-Order Emperor Realm. With Feng Xuan and him teaming up, this Queen wasn’t their match. In addition, my Ice Heart Valley has always been somewhat isolated from the world and never formed close ties with other Sects while Seeking Passion Sect has actively recruited many from their subordinates and outside forces. It has been difficult for my Ice Heart Valley to reverse such momentum, leading to us retreating to the valley to seek shelter behind our Sect Defending Array.”

Chapter 2632

“Seeking Passion Sect’s Vice Sect Master?” Yang Kai was taken aback. A figure flashed in his mind as he quickly cried out, “Yao Zhuo?”

Bing Yun confirmed, nodding, “That’s right, him!”

Ji Yao, who had been silent all the while, curiously asked, “You know Yao Zhuo?”

Yang Kai nodded, “When I came to Ice Heart Valley last, I had some interactions with him.”

Last time he came to Ice Heart Valley, he just happened to arrive for the marriage between Seeking Passion Sect and Ice Heart Valley. Seeking Passion Sect’s Young Sect Master, Feng Xi, had fallen in love with Zi Yu and tried every means to obtain her. Ice Heart Valley was forced to agree to the marriage under that pressure.

It was Yao Zhuo, who brought Feng Xi to Ice Heart Valley to greet the relatives.

At that time, Yao Zhuo was in the Second-Order Emperor Realm while Yang Kai was a Third-Order Dao Source Realm. There was a huge gap in their strength.

But Yao Zhuo was still injured by the Emperor Authority Bead gifted by Bing Yun to Yang Kai.

Later, Yang Kai even snatched Yao Zhuo’s ring. In that Space Ring were the gifts prepared by Seeking Passion Sect for the wedding, allowing Yang Kai to make a fortune from it.

This happened only a few years ago, so Yang Kai remembered it very vividly. So, when Bing Yun mentioned Seeking Passion Sect’s Vice Sect Master, he of course recalled Yao Zhuo.

On another side, Zhang Sun Yin’s lips moved up and down as she informed Ji Yao about what happened a few years back via Divine Sense Message.

Ji Yao was speechless after hearing the full story and suddenly realized that Yang Kai was an out and out robber. A few years back, he had snatched the Space Ring of a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master when he was just in the Third-Order Dao Source Realm, and during his time in the Ancient Wild Lands, he had extorted a lot of wealth from the three remaining Divine Venerables.

He was nothing less than a natural-born thief.

“How did Yao Zhuo suddenly advance to the Third-Order Emperor Realm?” Yang Kai slightly frowned.

Although Yao Zhuo was in the Second-Order Emperor Realm a few years back, breakthroughs, especially in the Emperor Realm, were incredibly difficult, often requiring hundreds, if not thousands of years of effort.

Yet Yao Zhuo had made such quick progress in his cultivation in such a short period of time.

Bing Yun replied, shaking her head, “I also have no idea. Perhaps he came upon some opportunity and made a sudden breakthrough.” She sighed and continued, “Originally, my Ice Heart Valley and Seeking Passion Sect were indeed well-matched in strength, but since Yao Zhou’s breakthrough to the Third-Order Emperor Realm, that balance was broken. I am not a match for Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo together, so naturally Ice Heart Valley was quickly suppressed. Coupled with those recruited by Seeking Passion Sect, Ice Heart Valley has fallen into an absolute disadvantage.”

Yang Kai nodded his acknowledgment as he asked, “Then what is Senior planning? You couldn’t be thinking of hiding in the valley forever?”

Bing Yun denied, shaking her head, “I have no plans for the time being. I can only rely on the Sect Defending Array to guard the Sect for the time being.”

“The Sect Defending Array won’t last for much longer,” Yang Kai quickly said.

“Why do you say so?” Bing Yun was taken aback.

Yang Kai explained, “Junior Sister Yao and I ran into a patrol outside Ice Heart Valley upon our return, and according to him, Seeking Passion Sect has invited someone named Grandmaster Nanmen who happens to be proficient in cracking Spirit Arrays. Senior, have you heard of this individual?”

“Grandmaster Nanmen…” Bing Yun furrowed her brow slightly.

An Ruo Yun, on the other hand, cried out in shock, “Nanmen Da Jun!?”

Sun Yun Xiu and Zhang Sun Ying’s pretty faces also turned pale; apparently, they knew about this Grandmaster Nanmen.

Bing Yun cast a questioning gaze at An Ruo Yun, who hurriedly replied, “Honoured Master, Nanmen Da Jun is indeed an Array Master and is a famous figure in the Northern Territory. He is very accomplished in the Dao of Arrays.”

Bing Yun’s pretty face sank as she asked, “What is his background? Does he have a connection with the Seeking Passion Sect?”

She had left the Northern Territory for too long, so she had not heard of Nanmen Da Jun.

An Ruo Yun replied, “He should have nothing to do with the Seeking Passion Sect. As far as this Disciple knows, Nanmen Da Jun was just a commoner who obtained an ancient inheritance related to Spirit Arrays in the past. He is self-taught and does not belong to any Sect or Family. Apparently, because he had suffered greatly and was bullied a lot in his youth, he now only believes in money, not loyalty or people. As long as he is paid well enough, anyone can hire him.”

Sun Yun Xiu agreed, nodding, “But Nanmen Da Jun has always been a hidden dragon, only showing his tail but never his face. I never thought that Seeking Passion Sect could actually find him. They must have paid quite a hefty price.”

Bing Yun also turned serious as she asked, “Yang Kai, is this news true?”

Yang Kai replied, “I have only heard from an outside source. Whether it’s true or not, Senior should just ask herself.”

Saying so, Yang Kai kicked Fang Ming Hui, who was lying on the ground, and stated, coldly snorting, “Get up, if you keep pretending to be dead, I will really kill you!”

Fang Ming Hui, who seemed unconscious, immediately got up with a jolt. His face was pale as he cupped his fasts and greeted, “Greetings, Senior Bing Yun, greetings, beautiful Seniors, this lowly one is Fang Ming Hui, a member of Jade City’s Fang Family. I have nothing to do with Seeking Passion Sect, Seniors, please understand!”

He had woken at some point and had obviously heard most of the conversation, so he knew that the one sitting before him was Bing Yun.

“Did I ask you this? Did I ask you to say this?” Yang Kai went up and started kicking and punching him. While beating him black and blue, he stated, “If you dare to speak more nonsense, I will tear you into ten thousand pieces.”

Fang Ming Hui didn’t even try to protect himself and obediently took the beating, pleading with a crying face, “Sir, I will speak whatever you want me to speak!”

Yang Kai snorted, “Senior Bing Yun has some questions to ask you, honestly answer her; otherwise, you will regret it.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Fang Ming Hui repeatedly nodded.

Although he had known that his Fang Family’s disciples had all been killed, he couldn’t even think of taking revenge at this moment. Who asked him to be weak, who asked him to actively take part in a battle between two top Sects?

Bing Yun, looking at Fang Ming Hui, asked, “What’s this about Nanmen Da Jun?”

Fang Ming Hui replied, grimacing, “Senior, I am also not that clear about it. This lowly one had just heard a rumour from someone he knows that Sect Master Feng Xuan… I mean, that old bastard Feng Xuan invited Grandmaster Nanmen, who began researching methods to break the Sect Defending Array upon arrival. Supposedly he claimed to need half a month to a month to find an appropriate method. Once the Array was broken, at that time, the hundred thousand cultivators gathered outside will charge into Ice Heart Valley and flatten it.”

“Is that everything you know?” Bing Yun furrowed her brow.

Fang Ming Hui replied, “Senior, please understand! My Fang Family isn’t a strong force and although we have taken refuge with the Seeking Passion Sect, we were only responsible for patrolling the periphery. We really don’t know about such confidential matters, nor have we done anything despicable to Ice Heart Valley.”

Yang Kai added, “He also said that the Seeking Passion Sect had issued a Recruitment Order, promising many benefits to anyone who joined their crusade.”

“I already know about this,” Bing Yun nodded, “Otherwise how could Seeking Passion Sect alone have gathered a hundred thousand people?”

Ice Heart Valley’s disciples numbered less than ten thousand at its peak, and after fighting various big and small battles over the last few years, their numbers had dropped to just around seven thousand. Seven thousand vs a hundred thousand was a difference in numbers that could send anyone in despair, not to mention that the Seeking Passion Sect has also recruited many Masters, while also possessing two Third-Order Emperors.”

Once the Sect Defending Array was broken, Ice Heart Valley would surely fall, and at that time, perhaps only a few disciples would be able to escape with their lives.

The situation was so severe that a gloomy atmosphere filled the hall.

They thought that with the Sect Defending Array, the Seeking Passion Sect could only stare at them but not deliver a fatal blow, but now they came to realize that it was just wishful thinking on their part.

Yang Kai pondered for a moment before speaking, “Ice Heart Valley is in this predicament because of me. If I were to…”

Feng Xuan didn’t hesitate to start a war between the two Sects, ignoring the general situation of the Northern Territory, because he wanted to avenge his son, Feng Xi, while it was Yang Kai who killed Feng Xi. Yang Kai felt that if he took the initiative to show his face, he should be able to lure Seeking Passion Sect away. At that time, the danger Ice Heart Valley was facing might be resolved without even needing to fight.

“Impossible!” Before he could finish his sentence though, Bing Yun refuted, shaking her head.

An Ruo Yun, Sun Yun Xiu, Zhang Sun Ying and the others also began to dissuade him.

Bing Yun continued to explain, “Although you may have been the spark that started this conflict, Feng Xuan’s Seeking Passion Sect has been eyeing my Ice Heart Valley since long ago. You also know all about Seeking Passion Sect’s Seeking Passion Supreme Art, and how many Seeking Passion Sect disciples have been cultivating it. On the other hand, my Ice Heart Valley’s disciples are all talented and beautiful, making them the best furnaces to cultivate their Secret Art. Therefore, even if you surrendered yourself to them, Seeking Passion Sect would not stop. Since the things had reached this point, they will settle for nothing less than the total destruction of Ice Heart Valley.”

What she said made sense, drawing a sigh from Yang Kai’s lips.

Bing Yun stood up at that point and said, “Although my Ice Heart Valley is now in dire straits, the Seeking Passion Sect won’t be able to destroy us so easily. Yang Kai, you need not worry about this issue. Since you are here now, stay a few days to rest. Zi Yu, take your Martial Uncle Yang to an appropriate accommodation.”

“Yes!” Zi Yu answered, turning to Yang Kai and saying, “Uncle Yang, this way please.”

Yang Kai nodded, knowing that Bing Yun and the others still had matters to discuss, and that it wouldn’t be appropriate for an outsider like him to be present, he obediently followed Zi Yu.

Leaving the main hall, the beautiful scenery in Ice Heart Valley came into view.

After walking for a while, Zi Yu suddenly pursed her lips and said with a smile, “It was Senior Brother a few years ago, but now it’s Martial Uncle.”

Yang Kai was startled, but soon laughed and said, “If Sister Zi Yu doesn’t mind, let’s speak casually to each other like before.”

When the two met a few years ago, Yang Kai referred to Zi Yu as Junior Sister, but now Bing Yun’s words had raised him a generation higher.

But this was not surprising. Yang Kai got along well with Ji Yao, as if they belonged to the same generation, so with Zi Yu being Ji Yao’s Junior, it was only appropriate that she address him as Martial Uncle now.

Zi Yu shook her head immediately and replied, “I’m afraid I cannot agree to that. If Ancestral Founder were to hear about such disrespectful behaviour, I would certainly be punished.” After a pause, she continued, “Right, I also want to thank Martial Uncle Yang for his assistance in the Shattered Star Sea. If not for Martial Uncle Yang leading those bastards away, Zi Yu is afraid that she wouldn’t have been able to break through so smoothly.”

“It was just a small matter, no need to worry about it,” Yang Kai smiled slightly.

The two of them continued chatting until they arrived at a small, exquisite courtyard decorated with red plum trees and snow frost lotuses.

“Martial Uncle Yang, there is no need for you to be polite when you come to Ice Heart Valley, just call if you have any instructions,” Zi Yu showed Yang Kai into the courtyard and said.

“Good, you can return, I’ll be fine here,” Yang Kai nodded.

Zi Yu bowed politely before taking her leave.

Yang Kai turned his head and looked around the courtyard before opening the door to a certain hut, entering, and sitting down cross-legged to meditate and cultivate.

Chapter 2633

Liu Xian Yun arrived a few moments later.

She and Yang Kai arrived at the Star Boundary together. Although they were from different Star Fields, the Senior Brother and Junior Sister had supported each other in the Blue Feather Sect for a brief period of time. They also went through difficult times together in the Solitary Void Sealed World, forming a firm relationship.

After leaving the Solitary Void Sealed World, Liu Xian Yun stayed in Ice Heart Valley, which was excellent for her.

She did not come to see Yang Kai for any specific matter, it was just that she did not see him for a few years and missed him.

After a long chat, Yang Kai learned that life was great for her and that she had officially become Bing Yun’s Disciple.

She was absolutely qualified for such an honour; after all, she was like Yang Kai, a cultivator who ascended from a lower Star Field. Back then, in the Grand Desolation Star Field, her aptitude was no worse than Yin Le Sheng’s; however, due to her inferior background and heritage, she was forced into a subordinate position.

If Yin Le Sheng could join the Netherworld Sect and become a Legacy Disciple of its Sect Master, Liu Xian Yun could naturally achieve a similar height.

Over all these years, her impeded progress in cultivation was due to her tough life and insufficiency of resources.

Now that she had become a disciple of Bing Yun, with abundant cultivation resources and excellent teachers, her potential had begun to blossom. In just a few years, she had broken through to the Second-Order Dao Source Realm and was well on her way to becoming a Third-Order Dao Source Realm Master. Although her cultivation as a Martial Aunt was inferior to many of her Martial Nephews and Nieces, her future was bright.

She got along well with her Martial Sisters in Ice Heart Valley, and she made this place her home.

Knowing this, Yang Kai was relieved.

Later on, Liu Xian Yun asked about Yang Kai’s life over the past few years.

There was nothing much for him to say. He spent most of the past few years in the Shattered Star Sea, and after leaving it, he rushed to the Eastern Territory’s Ancient Wild Lands without stopping to find Xiao Xiao, meeting the Four Great Divine Venerables in the process.

Yang Kai picked a few of the tamer stories to tell, hiding the dangerous points, but Liu Xian Yun still listened with great enthusiasm as he described his amazing adventures. She felt that Yang Kai’s life was always so wonderful and thrilling.

“Right, Junior Sister, I have a gift for you,” Yang Kai abruptly seemed to remember something.

“What is it?” Liu Xian Yun asked curiously.

Yang Kai grinned, “Just relax and don’t resist.”

After hearing this, Liu Xian Yun gently nodded and took a deep breath, lowering her guard completely as she even closed her eyes.

She was completely defenceless against Yang Kai at this moment. In other words, if Yang Kai intended to harm her, she could be instantly killed.

If she did not have absolute trust in Yang Kai, she would not act like this.

After searching in the Small Sealed World for a while, Yang Kai flipped his hand and a cluster of dim light appeared on his palm. The light actually released a familiar Source aura with its emergence. Looking closely, the cluster of light seemed to be filled with stars in it, like a starry night shrunk down countless times.

In a moment of suspicion, Liu Xian Yun quickly opened her eyes.

She was stunned at the object on Yang Kai’s hand, and questioned curiously, “Senior Brother Yang, what is that?”

Yang Kai replied solemnly, “A Star Source!”

“Star Source?” Liu Xian Yun’s tender body trembled in astonishment.

She naturally knew what a Star Source was since she was from the Grand Desolation Star Field. A Star Source was the core, foundation, and life of a Cultivation Star. Such a vibrant Star Source could only be born by a Cultivation Star after millions of years, and without one, a Star would degrade into a Dead Star.

One could only become a Star Master by refining the Star Source of a Cultivation Star in a Star Field. 

But it was not easy to become a Star Master. Even a Third-Order Origin King could not guarantee their safety when attempting the refinement process. Among the countless Star Fields, there was an enormous number of Origin Kings who had died trying to refine a Star Source.

Back then, there were only a few Star Masters in the entire Grand Desolation Star Field, with Yin Le Sheng being one of them.

Liu Xian Yun had thought of becoming a Star Master by refining the Source Strength of a Star in the Grand Desolation Star Field before, but unfortunately, the Netherworld Sect was in control of everything in the Grand Desolation Star Field, so she did not have a chance to refine one.

Only after reaching the Star Boundary did she realize how rare and important Star Sources were, and that it was almost impossible for ordinary people to catch a glimpse of one.

She thought that it would be impossible for her to come across a Star Source in her lifetime; but contrary to her expectations, there was one in front of her now.

“Is… Is this from the Shattered Star Sea?” Liu Xian Yun asked in a trembling voice.

“En!” Yang Kai nodded.

He had gained a lot of benefits from the Shattered Star Sea, including comprehending the Time Flies Seal, obtaining the Phoenix True Fire and the Mountains and Rivers Bell, and witnessing the battle between the two Great Emperors, Bustling World and Heaven Devouring… A number of Star Sources were also among his gains.

“No, no, no, this is far too precious, I cannot accept it!” Liu Xian Yun rapidly rejected with her head shaking and her hands waving.

Yang Kai beamed, “Why not? It’s just a Star Source. You and I have known each other for so many years already, and now that your Senior Brother is quite successful in cultivation, he can afford to give you some small gifts. Why reject me?”

Although her desire was piqued, Liu Xian Yun still firmly shook her head, “Senior Brother Yang, if you give me other gifts, Junior Sister wouldn’t reject you, but a Star Source… Is something I cannot accept. You should refine it yourself. Once you successfully refine it, your efficiency in cultivation would definitely increase tremendously. It’s said that those cultivators who have refined Star Sources have a great affinity with World Principles!”

“Of course I know about that, but I am already a Star Master, remember?” Yang Kai chuckled softly.

His identity as a Star Master was revealed to Liu Xian Yun during their first encounter in the Starlight Corridor. He had a complete Star Source in his body since long ago and that was one of the reasons his cultivation speed had been so fast through these years.

“I know Senior Brother has one, but you can refine a second one still. Although the effect would not be as good as the first, it would still certainly help you,” Liu Xian Yun insisted.

Yang Kai shook his head, “Since I already planned to give it to you, I won’t take it back. Moreover, I have plenty of Star Sources!”

“Plenty…” Liu Xian Yun was dumbstruck, barely believing her ears.

She knew that Yang Kai had gone to the Shattered Star Sea and had even heard Zi Yu mention that at the Source Sea in the Shattered Star Sea, many Masters obtained complete Star Sources. At most though, one could obtain three or four complete Star Sources. Therefore, she thought Yang Kai was trying to comfort her by telling her that he had plenty of Star Sources.

Little did she know that in fact, Yang Kai did not just have three to four Star Source, but as many as thirty or forty.

The other complete Star Sources were all stored in the Sealed World Bead. Yang Kai had his own plans in using these complete Star Sources, but it did not hurt him to give one to Liu Xian Yun.

“Here!” While speaking, Yang Kai directly pushed the Star Source in his hand towards Liu Xian Yun, using his Star Refining Art to begin fusing it with her before she could react.

Liu Xian Yun moaned as she felt a little uncomfortable.

It was not easy to refine a Star Source. For those cultivators who snatched the Star Sources in the Shattered Star Sea, they temporarily sealed them in their own bodies and suppressed them with their cultivation, planning to slowly refine them once they returned to their Sects. As for whether they could succeed, that was up to chance.

During the process, they might suffer backlash from the rich Source Strength, possibly resulting in their death. It was not uncommon for their bodies to explode from the immense Source Strength they were trying to refine or from the swirling World Principles it would attract. 

“I’m going to teach you a Secret Technique now, so listen carefully. With the aid of this Secret Technique, you can refine this Source easily and will not experience any danger,” Yang Kai remarked seriously.

Liu Xian Yun knew that at this point, she could not reject it anymore, so she immediately sat down and listened to him intently.

Yang Kai passed the Star Refining Art to Liu Xian Yun next while also instructing her to keep its existence a secret. Naturally, Liu Xian Yun complied.

It took more than half a day for Liu Xian Yun to memorize the Star Refining Art before she got up and declared, “Senior Brother Yang, I’ll go back to refine this Star Source now. If you need anything, just ask the disciples standing by outside.”

“I know, good luck,” Yang Kai smiled lightly.

After sending Liu Xian Yun off, Yang Kai went back to his room and sat down cross-legged while taking out some Source Crystals to cultivate.

On the third day, he suddenly opened his eyes and called out, “Enter.”

Soon, the sound of light footsteps was heard, and the door was pushed open. A beautiful looking female disciple greeted, “Martial Uncle Yang, what can I do for you?”

Yang Kai answered, “I want to see Senior Bing Yun.”

“Please follow me, Martial Uncle Yang.” The disciple immediately led the way.

Yang Kai was not just a guest in Ice Heart Valley, but rather their closest friend. A general order had been given that no matter what Yang Kai required, the disciples had to fulfil his needs.

He did not even need to formally request an audience in order to see Bing Yun.

Soon, under the guidance of the female disciple, Yang Kai came to the front of a grand palace.

Just as he arrived, Bing Yun’s voice echoed from the inner hall, “Is it Yang Kai? Come in.”

Obviously, she had sensed his presence.

The female disciple gestured to Yang Kai to enter. After nodding, Yang Kai stepped inside.

This palace should be the place where Bing Yun cultivated in seclusion. The decorations inside were not luxurious, but they were clean and pure.

As Yang Kai walked in, Bing Yun also entered from her inner room, followed closely by Ji Yao.

When he met eyes with Ji Yao, Yang Kai could not help feeling guilty, forcing himself to smile but only receiving an emotionless stare from her, one that hid all her thoughts and feelings.

“Greetings, Senior,” Yang Kai cupped his fist as he saluted Bing Yun.

Bing Yun smiled lightly, “Have a seat.” She then turned to Ji Yao, “Yao’er, tea.”

“Yes!” Ji Yao swiftly prepared the tea.

Yang Kai sat down with an uncomfortable expression.

He did not expect Ji Yao to be here, but on second thought, both Master and Disciple had finally reunited after not seeing each other for thousands of years, so it was natural that Ji Yao would stay close to Bing Yun and fulfil her filial duties.

With a quick effort, two steaming cups of tea were ready. Ji Yao served Bing Yun the first cup of tea, then put down another cup beside Yang Kai, “Senior Brother Yang, have some tea.”

“Many thanks!” Yang Kai nodded in appreciation.

He really did not understand what was going on in Ji Yao’s mind and wondered if she would retaliate against him in the future. However, he could not sense anything from her expressionless face while her treatment towards him was akin to how one would treat a total stranger, with no enthusiasm, quite unlike in the past. 

Chapter 2634

“I apologize, I have been busy with the foreign enemies lately and haven’t had time to see you. Are you accustomed to living in the valley?” Bing Yun asked.

“Yes, I am…” Yang Kai kept nodding his head, “Ice Heart Valley has great people and beautiful scenery. There is nothing uncomfortable about this place.”

“That’s good,” Bing Yun smiled lightly before suddenly declaring solemnly, “But you won’t be staying long, I will personally send you out of here in two days.”

Startled, Yang Kai asked, “Is Senior planning to face the Seeking Passion Sect in a final decisive battle?”

Bing Yun gave a nod, “They are already right at our doorstep, and we, Ice Heart Valley, have no choice but to fight.”

“Is there any chance of winning?” Yang Kai questioned in a heavy tone.

Bing Yun shook her head, “No, but it won’t be easy for them to destroy my Ice Heart Valley. Yang Kai, as we speak about this matter, I still have a favour to ask.”

Yang Kai urged her solemnly, “Senior, ask away.”

Bing Yun sighed, “I established Ice Heart Valley thousands of years ago, but now that its safety is in jeopardy, I hope to preserve its foundation somehow. When I send you away, I hope you can bring some disciples with you and away from the Northern Territory. No matter where you send them, you must tell them not to be reckless and appear before our enemies as they are bound to be defeated. They mustn’t return to the Northern Territory until they are prepared. If they wish to take revenge, they must first be strong enough. If they’re not willing to take revenge… Then, just settle for a peaceful, steady life.”

Yang Kai’s heart sank as he listened, knowing that Bing Yun was telling him her last will. It seemed that she was determined to perish together with Ice Heart Valley.

“Those disciples will be led by Zi Yu. Yang Kai, you and Zi Yu are considered acquaintances, so I will leave them in your hands,” Bing Yun looked at Yang Kai with a solemn face.

Yang Kai frowned and asked pensively, “Senior, is the situation… that severe?”

Bing Yun shook her head, “There are a hundred thousand of them against only seven thousand of us. There is no chance Ice Heart Valley will emerge victoriously.”

Ji Yao, who was standing behind Bing Yun, suddenly spoke up, “Senior Brother Yang, is it possible for you to seek help from those in the Eastern Territory? We don’t need many, just two or three… “

Yang Kai shook his head in disagreement, “Their aid will be too slow to be of any help!”

Yang Kai knew who exactly Ji Yao was referring to.

It could only be the Great Divine Venerables in the Ancient Wild Lands. There was no need for Luan Feng or the other Divine Spirits to appear personally either as a few Monster Kings would be enough to completely flip the situation, but they were too far away in the Ancient Lands of the Eastern Territory.

Ice Heart Valley would be breached long before Yang Kai could return with help from the Ancient Wild Lands.

Moreover, they belonged to the Monster Race, so their appearance might anger the Great Emperors if they intervened rashly with the matters of Human Sects. Luan Feng did not even dare make a move when she accompanied Yang Kai to the Netherworld Sect, only killing Zhou Yong after he repeatedly provoked her.

Although those existences of the Ancient Wild Lands were powerful, there were many limits to the actions they could take when they left their own territory. 

Ji Yao obviously knew this too and only asked that out of desperation; but after hearing Yang Kai’s answer, she sighed helplessly.

Yang Kai pondered, “Senior, I’ve thought about this issue for the past two days and concluded that the reason why Ice Heart Valley is at stake now is simply that the enemy has an Array Grandmaster on their side.”

Bing Yun nodded in agreement, “Yes, this Nanmen Da Jun is quite capable. The Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley has already begun to show signs of weakening. He may even be able to break through the Spirit Array if we gave him another ten days to a half month.”

Yang Kai grinned broadly, “What if he didn’t have ten days or half a month?”

Startled, Bing Yun probed him, “What do you mean?”

Yang Kai continued, “This is what I think. Didn’t the Seeking Passion Sect issue a Recruitment Order? Perhaps I can pretend to submit to the Seeking Passion Sect and infiltrate their ranks so I can find an opportunity to eliminate Nanmen Da Jun.”

“That won’t work!” Bing Yun was shocked, “I know you are proficient in the Dao of Space, but now there are numerous powerful enemies outside Ice Heart Valley, including many Emperor Realm Masters. If anything goes wrong, I’m afraid you will have no chance to escape. And, don’t forget, those top leaders of the Seeking Passion Sect must know what you look like. No. Absolutely not. This is Ice Heart Valley’s matter, how can I possibly allow you to take such risks?”

Yang Kai chuckled slightly and assured her, “Senior, don’t worry about the issue of appearance. As long as I do not meet Feng Xuan or Yao Zhuo in person, I believe the others will fail to recognize me.”

Bing Yun frowned slightly, “Did you cultivate some kind of special Secret Technique?”

Yang Kai shook his head, “No.”

Ji Yao suddenly interjected up, “Does Senior Brother mean to ask Martial Niece Tian He?”

Yang Kai looked at her with a smile, “Exactly.”

Ji Yao thought for a while before nodding, “Senior Brother’s plan might be feasible then.”

Bing Yun looked bewildered as she asked, “Tian He? That disciple who came back with you a few days ago? She is just a Third-Order Dao Source Realm cultivator. What can she contribute in this situation?”

Ji Yao smiled, answering, “Honoured Master, although Martial Niece Tian He lacks in cultivation, she has a very profound skill.”

“What kind of skill?”

Ji Yao replied, “Her Disguise Technique is exceptional. Last time in Serenity City, I didn’t find any flaws even when she stood right in front of me. If Senior Brother Yang hadn’t noticed a slight flaw and warned me, I’m afraid this Disciple would have been deceived by her.”

Bing Yun was intrigued, “Does she have such ability?”

If even Ji Yao could not see through her disguise, other Second-Order Emperor Realm Masters would probably not be able to do so either. Such disguising ability was simply astonishing.

Yang Kai nodded, “With the help of Martial Niece Tian He, it will be unlikely that I will be recognized even if I walked into Seeking Passion Sect. As long as I infiltrate them and find a chance to kill or abduct Nanmen Da Jun, no one will be able to break through the valley’s defences.”

Bing Yun’s eyes lit up when she heard this, but her excitement quickly died down. Shaking her head as she smiled wryly, “It still wouldn’t work. Even if you killed Nanmen Da Jun, the outcome would be the same.”

“Why?” It was now Yang Kai’s and Ji Yao’s turn to be astonished.

Sighing, Bing Yun explained, “Although the Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley is powerful, it consumes too much when it is used at full strength. Even without Nanmen Da Jun, we won’t be able to hold on for more than two months. In two months, the array will fail regardless, so the outcome will not change.”

Yang Kai was instantly relieved, “If that’s the case, Senior doesn’t need to worry. I have some Source Crystals on me, enough to sustain Ice Heart Valley for a long time, and… two months is enough for me to make a trip back to the Eastern Territory to seek help.”

As long as he could buy some time, he could return to the Eastern Territory to bring out a few Monster Kings.

By then, whether the Seeking Passion Sect had a hundred thousand cultivators or two or three hundred thousand cultivators on their side, it would not be a problem.

“Who will you look for in the Eastern Territory?” Bing Yun asked strangely.

“Junior Sister Yao knows,” Yang Kai smiled slightly.

Ji Yao darted her eyes towards Bing Yun and quietly sent her a Divine Sense transmission.

Thunderstruck, she asked Yang Kai in amazement, “Yang Kai, could you really move them?”

“For a trivial matter like this, they should be willing to help,” Yang Kai smiled confidently, and before Bing Yun could object, he pressed on, “Then, this matter is settled. Let’s not delay, I will go to Martial Niece Tian He now!”

He was the one who caused this mess for Ice Heart Valley in the first place, so he could not possibly stay out of it now. He had been racking his brains for the past few days for a way to resolve this catastrophe, and now, he had come up with a solution.

“Wait, Senior Brother Yang, count me in for this matter,” Ji Yao yelled quickly.

“You?” Yang Kai turned his head in shock, and waved his hand, “No, no, I can do this alone, and it’s more troublesome with an extra person.”

Ji Yao insisted, “This is a matter regarding Ice Heart Valley, how can I let an outsider take all the risk alone? I have to go with you.”

Before Yang Kai could refuse again, she sent him a Divine Sense transmission, “Senior Brother Yang, if you dare utter another objection, I will tell the Honoured Master that you have profaned me before.”

Yang Kai’s face froze as cold sweat instantly began dripping down his back. He quickly swallowed the words he wanted to say and changed his tone entirely, “The company of Junior Sister Yao would naturally be best, aha.. haha…”

Bing Yun obviously noticed his insincerity, and wondered what Ji Yao had said to him that changed his attitude so drastically.

But at this point, she could not object either as what Yang Kai said was true, if everything went well, Ice Heart Valley could avoid the fate of being destroyed. Bing Yun had to consider the fate of the seven thousand disciples of her Sect first and foremost.

“Since you insist on this, then ask Tian He to come here, I wish to see her Disguise Technique personally before I make a final decision.”

Ji Yao nodded enthusiastically, “I will ask Eldest Senior Sister to bring her over.”

After speaking, she took out the communication artifact and poured her Divine Sense into it.

Yang Kai also returned to his chair and sat down. He did not look pleased at all, and even the sweet tea that he sipped tasted bitter. He looked at Ji Yao quietly, only to find that she was completely ignoring him, as if the words she spoke before hadn’t come from her mouth.

Within a short time, An Ruo Yun was outside the hall, requesting for a meeting, with Shi Tian He by her side, entering soon after being given permission from Bing Yun.

After the necessary greetings, An Ruo Yun asked, “Honoured Master, what can I do for you?”

Bing Yun answered, “There’s nothing you need to do, I just want Tian He to do something.”

At her words, Shi Tian He hurriedly said, “Ancestral Founder, please give your order, this Disciple will do everything in her power.”

Bing Yun smiled in response, “Don’t be nervous. It’s just that I heard that your Disguise Technique is exceptional. I want to see if it is really that amazing.”

Shi Tian He answered respectfully, “It’s just some paltry tricks, I’m afraid it’s nothing in Ancestral Founder’s eyes.”

An Ruo Yun glared at her, and reprimanded, “Since Ancestral Founder wants to see it, just show it to her.”

“Yes!” Shi Tian He answered honestly, “Then this Disciple will not hesitate to show her inadequacies.”

Yang Kai addressed her, “Tian He, disguise my appearance.”

Shi Tian He looked at Bing Yun for permission, and seeing her nod in approval, she stood in front of Yang Kai and said softly, “Pardon me, Martial Uncle Yang.”

While speaking, she stretched out her hand and took out an assortment of items before placing them on the table next to Yang Kai. Everyone fixed their eyes on the items and found that these things were similar to mud and rouge, seemingly nothing special, possessing no obvious energy fluctuations either.

Shi Tian He fixed her eyes on Yang Kai’s face carefully, her face filled with concentration, taking a moment before she took a deep breath and began moving her hands in a fluid manner, picking up one material after another to smudge and smear across Yang Kai’s face while at the same time using some kind of ingenious technique to merge them together.

Chapter 2635

Right before everyone’s eyes, Yang Kai’s appearance changed dramatically.

His original somewhat handsome face was transformed into a dull, ordinary look with Shi Tian He’s Disguise Technique, which An Ruo Yun and the others watched with wide-eyed amazement.

They would not believe that a simple Disguise Technique could change one’s appearance to such an extent if they did not witness it with their own eyes.

After about an hour of effort, Shi Tian He smeared some material on Yang Kai’s face for the last time before nodding, “It’s done.”

She took a few steps back while An Ruo Yun and Ji Yao immediately drew in to have a closer look, and they were shocked to find that there was absolutely no flaw in this disguise. It seemed as though this man in front of them was born with this plain and dull appearance.

The only thing that was unchanged was Yang Kai’s aura.

However, there were not many people who had met him in Seeking Passion Sect, except for Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo, so as long as he did not reveal his aura in front of them, they probably would not be able to notice anything.

Bing Yun’s enchanting eyes lit up, “What a miraculous technique. Tian He, your Disguise Technique is amazing.”

It could be seen how breathtaking Shi Tian He’s technique was from Bing Yun’s appraisal.

Flabbergasted, An Ruo Yun asked, “Tian He, where did you learn this from? Does the Dong Family in Serenity City have such a technique?”

Although Shi Tian He was her disciple, she was certain she did not teach Shi Tian He this technique. Therefore, it was obvious that she learned it when she went to Serenity City, but how could a trivial small family possess such a magical technique?

Shi Tian He shook her head in denial, “This Disguise Technique was not from the Dong Family. Disciple learned it from a stranger.”

“A stranger?” An Ruo Yun was stunned.

Shi Tian He explained with a reminiscent look, “It was almost sixty years ago. There was a beggar who came to Serenity City. He was dishevelled and despised by most people. One day, he was beaten and collapsed in front of the Dong Residence. This disciple saw him when she came back from an outing and asked someone to carry him to the storage shed in the courtyard to allow him to recover. After that, before he was about to leave, he came to this disciple and passed on this Disguise Technique to her as a gift of gratitude. This disciple didn’t take it seriously at that time, but later when I tested it during my spare time, I realized that this Disguise Technique was nothing short of astonishing.”

“A beggar…” An Ruo Yun and Ji Yao looked at each other, unable to believe this story.

“That man was certainly no beggar, but rather some powerful Senior Expert.” With a flash in her beautiful eyes, Bing Yun continued, “Tian He, you obtained such an opportunity due to your kind heart. Good deeds result in good karma.”

An Ruo Yun and Ji Yao nodded one after another in agreement.

If that person was really an ordinary beggar, how could he have such a miraculous Disguise Technique? It was almost certain that ‘beggar’ was a powerful Master who had a penchant for playing pranks. Some Masters had such strange character quirks, enjoying pretending to be weak to mix with the common people instead of living a more normal life.

“It is a bit unfortunate…” Bing Yun sighed.

“How so, Honoured Master?” An Ruo Yun asked.

Bing Yun explained, “That Senior is probably, in a way, looking for a successor. Unfortunately, Tian He did not meet his requirements, so he didn’t pass down his mantle and instead just gifted her this Disguise Technique as a sign of gratitude.”

“Too bad indeed,” An Ruo Yun nodded in agreement.

If one could really obtain the inheritance of such a Master, perhaps Shi Tian He would already be an Emperor Realm Master like Zi Yu, and the Dong Family would not have been exterminated.

“Did the beggar look… ugly and cunning, with a mouthful of yellow teeth?” After listening for a while from the side, Yang Kai suddenly asked.

Startled, Shi Tian He replied, “Martial Uncle Yang knows this Senior?”

“Yeah… I most likely know him…” Yang Kai nodded his head with an exasperated expression.

A stranger who could sublimate a simple Disguise Technique to such a degree, and also happened to be an ugly and cunning beggar… Yang Kai already had an idea of his identity in his mind.

It was reasonable that this technique could carry out such a miraculous effect if ‘he’ was the source.

Seeing that Yang Kai did not intend to discuss the stranger’s identity further, Bing Yun did not press him on it, instead remarking with a nod, “This Disguise Technique is truly amazing. Even if this Queen was the one inspecting it, I would likely still be fooled.”

“Then this plan is feasible,” Yang Kai beamed.

Bing Yun was still worried, however, “The enemies outside are still quite strong though. If anything goes wrong, how will you escape? It would be better to let Tian He disguise this Queen’s appearance to carry out this plan in person.”

Yang Kai hurriedly shook his head in disagreement, “I’m afraid that is not a feasible plan. Senior, you are a Third-Order Emperor Realm Master, so if you were to go out and accept the Recruitment Order, Feng Xuan or Yao Zhuo would certainly be informed and come to inspect the situation. You will be exposed as soon as either of those two appear before you, but it is different for me. Junior is just a First-Order Emperor, so my cultivation will not be enough to alarm them. Once I enter their ranks, I should still be placed in an important position though, which is convenient for us to execute our plan. Say no more, Senior. This matter is settled, and you don’t have to worry about my safety. If any unfavourable situation happens, I’ll run away immediately.”

Bing Yun sighed as she knew that Yang Kai had made up his mind, “Then you must be careful.” It was fruitless to try and persuade him anymore, so she just advised him gratefully.

Yang Kai nodded, “I still need Senior’s help on one more thing!”

“Just speak your mind.”

“I need a lot of Space Spirit Crystals. It would be best if I could have some Space Spirit Jade.”

“Good,” Bing Yun nodded, “I will ask someone to check the storehouse. If there are Space Spirit Crystals and Space Spirit Jade, I’ll have them brought to you.”

Both Space Spirit Crystal and Space Spirit Jade were in great demand in the Star Boundary, because these two things were the main materials for refining Storage Artifacts, such as Space Rings and Space Bracelets.

In comparison, Space Spirit Jade was a grade higher than Space Spirit Crystal.

Although Bing Yun had no idea what Yang Kai wanted to do with these Space Spirit Crystals and Space Spirit Jades, she agreed to his request without any hesitation or questions.

“Tian He, disguise your Martial Aunt Ji Yao’s appearance too,” after instructing Shi Tian He, Yang Kai turned to Ji Yao, “Junior Sister Yao, I’ll get ready first and we’ll depart tonight.”

Ji Yao glanced at him and nodded slightly without question.

Then, Yang Kai immediately exited the hall with a flicker.

After leaving the palace, Yang Kai did not return to his courtyard, however, and instead rushed to the edge of Ice Heart Valley.

Not long after, he arrived at the place on the Sect Defending Array where he and Ji Yao had entered from a few days ago.

“Who goes there?!” Zhang Sun Ying, who was still guarding this place, instantly dashed out from her hiding place as soon as she sensed his arrival, staring at Yang Kai with a cold face, the rest of her disciples also moving to surround him.

“Junior Sister Zhang Sun!” Yang Kai grinned at Zhang Sun Ying, “It’s me, don’t be nervous.”

“Are you… Senior Brother Yang?” Zhang Sun Ying furrowed her brows slightly and asked, befuddled, “How did you become like this?”

She was indeed taken aback by the sudden appearance of a strange man. She thought that the Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley had been penetrated imperceptibly, otherwise, there would not be an incident here.

But after hearing his voice, Zhang Sun Ying knew that this strange man was none other than Yang Kai, it was just that the change of his facial features was so drastic that she could not recognize him at all.

“I was ordered by Senior Bing Yun to do something outside. Please open the Spirit Array for a moment.” While speaking, Yang Kai pointed at the array.

“Good, wait a moment!” Zhang Sun Ying did not refuse his request. She did not verify this matter with Bing Yun because Bing Yun had informed them that Yang Kai was a friend to them and they should accommodate all his requests without needing to report to her.

Zhang Sun Ying took out a token and put it on her hand. After carefully observing the situation outside and confirming that there was no one nearby, she gently shook the token towards the light curtain of the array.

A mysterious light beamed, and a crack suddenly appeared on the tightly closed barrier.

Yang Kai instantly flew out of the array as he sent Zhang Sun Ying a Divine Sense transmission, “It may take as short as two to three days or as long as five to six days, but I’ll definitely return to this spot. At that time, I’ll have to trouble Junior Sister Zhang Sun to open the array for me again.”

“No problem!” Zhang Sun Yin quickly responded. After confirming Yang Kai’s departure, she sealed the Spirit Array.

“Why is Martial Uncle Yang going out now disguising himself like this?” Yu Dan approached and asked curiously.

Zhang Sun Ying shook her head, replying, “I’ll report to Honoured Master to ask.”

Previously, when Yang Kai made the request, she did not report to verify his intentions because she simply obeyed Bing Yun’s orders. Now that Yang Kai was gone though, she still needed to inform her Honoured Master about it.

She immediately took out her communication artifact and poured her Divine Sense into it.

Inside the temple, Bing Yun soon noticed it and took out her communication artifact, smiling wryly as when she saw the message inside.

Below her, Ji Yao was still sitting there being disguised by Shi Tian He, preparing for ‘tonight’ when she would depart to Ice Moon City to receive the Recruitment Order together with Yang Kai, unaware that Yang Kai had just thrown her off and left on his own.

Bing Yun did not know how to explain this to Ji Yao, but she could see that Yang Kai did this on purpose. She had no idea what happened between her Third Disciple and Yang Kai, which was causing Yang Kai to avoid Ji Yao.

…..

Ice Moon City was Ice Heart Valley’s connection to the outside world and where it gathered almost all of its supplies and information from.

But since half a year ago, not a single Ice Heart Valley disciple could be seen in Ice Moon City.

Seeking Passion Sect came to Ice Moon City and seized it with overwhelming force, turning this place into its temporary stronghold while recruiting a large number of talents who coveted Ice Heart Valley’s wealth and assets. When the time was right, the Seeking Passion Sect planned to deliver Heart Valley a fatal blow to completely destroy it.

The majority of the properties in the city which belonged to Ice Heart Valley were now in ruins, with the resources having long been looted.

At this moment, there was a giant signboard with two big words inscribed on it in front of a grand palace in the Ice Moon City.

Recruitment Hall!

This was the place where the Seeking Passion Sect recruited outside aid.

Ever since Seeking Passion Sect sent out their Recruitment Order, it had attracted many cultivators to serve it by promising them countless benefits. Otherwise, it would be impossible for even a top Sect like Seeking Passion Sect to gather a hundred thousand people under its banner.

Among these people, many of them were either cultivators who lacked cultivation resources or Emperor Realm Masters who had ulterior motives. They were moved by the benefits promised by the Seeking Passion Sect and stayed to serve.

Chapter 2636

An eager, ordinary-looking young man arrived at the front of the Recruitment Hall. Although the young man had an ordinary appearance, he was dressed in exquisite robes and despite the cold temperature of the Northern Territory, he was actually fanning himself lightly while striding towards the hall, looking extremely suave.

He seemed to have caught the attention of some cultivators on the street, all of whom shook their heads and spurned him for being shameless.

The young man was, of course, Yang Kai. He had exited Ice Heart Valley quietly without getting noticed and went straight to Ice Moon City. After inquiring about the location, he headed towards the Recruitment Hall.

The hand fan in his hand was actually a Dao Source Grade High-Rank artifact, something he had collected from one of his many fallen enemies and that he had finally found a use for.

Two Seeking Passion Sect disciples were guarding the entrance of the Recruitment Hall. Their strengths were mediocre, with only First-Order Dao Source Realm cultivations, but no one dared to embarrass Seeking Passion Sect, so their cultivations did not matter as they were only given the role of gatekeeping.

The two guards exchanged disdainful looks when they saw Yang Kai strut over arrogantly. 

Although their cultivations weren’t high, they had the identity of being disciples from the Seeking Passion Sect. From his appearance, Yang Kai was probably a Young Master from an unknown family, dressing in pompous clothing and strolling across the street snobbishly, as if he owned the ground he walked on.

Such an appearance could be passed as acceptable if he was extremely handsome, but his exquisite robes and elegant hand fan were completely mismatched with his completely ordinary face, making for quite a distasteful scene.

“Stop, what are you doing here?” One of the guards stretched out his hand to stop Yang Kai with an extremely cold look on his face.

Yang Kai looked up at the inscribed board, folded the fan in his hand and tapped it on the palm of his other one, “This is the Recruitment Hall, right? What do you think this Young Master is here for?”

The guard frowned and questioned, “Are you here to receive the Recruitment Order?”

“Of course,” Yang Kai smiled, unfolding the fan with a swipe and waving it a few times comfortably, giving him the appearance of someone who was quite the promising young man.

Since he was here to receive the Recruitment Order to work for Seeking Passion Sect, the two guards had no reason to stop him, so the one who had previously blocked his path nodded gently, “Go straight after you enter, then turn left and look for one of the Deacons.”

Yang Kai nodded lightly and strode into the hall.

Following the guard’s instructions, he went straight ahead, then turned left to enter a hall.

Unexpectedly, there were many waiting in line in this hall while behind several tables, Deacons from Seeking Passion Sect were interviewing those who had come to Seeking Passion Sect. If there was no problem with their backgrounds, these people would be registered and then issued a Recruitment Order.

With a Recruitment Order in hand, one would temporarily belong to the Seeking Passion Sect. After breaking the Sect Defending Array and destroying Ice Heart Valley, they would be rewarded.

After the cultivators who had clean backgrounds received the Recruitment Order, the disciples of the Seeking Passion Sect would direct them out and arrange tasks for them to do.

Yang Kai frowned slightly at the long lines behind the numerous tables. It did not look good for Ice Heart Valley that so many had come to receive the Recruitment Order from Seeking Passion Sect.

He stood there to observe for a while before immediately striding towards a table without hesitation when he had a clear picture of the registration process. With the fan in his hand swaying unceremoniously from side to side as he walked, Yang Kai shooed the people around him, “Move aside, move aside, don’t block this Master’s way.”

His arrogant and lawless attitude made it seem like he was some important figure from the Seeking Passion Sect.

The cultivators queuing up were sorely beaten by the hand fan, and the neat line was also quickly disrupted. Everyone glared at Yang Kai, but did not act rashly as they were not sure of his identity.

Sneering, Yang Kai completely ignored these people. They were here to join the Seeking Passion Sect, so they would be the enemies of Ice Heart Valley once the war started. As such, there was no need for Yang Kai to show any respect. The mysterious force sweeping out of the hand fan was enough for those cultivators to be feeling pain for the next ten days to half a month.

The Deacon of the Seeking Passion Sect sitting behind the table was furious at Yang Kai’s arrogant behaviour which completely disrespected the Seeking Passion Sect. He coldly snorted, “Junior, stop this racket!”

“That’s right, he’s too rude, Sir Deacon must teach him a lesson!”

“It burns! This brat is hitting others too rampantly! Sir Deacon, you must seek justice for us!”

“Don’t let him go!”

The group of beaten cultivators yelled.

“Shut up!” Yang Kai’s face turned cold as he palmed towards the complaining group. Instantly, Emperor Qi surged while Principles swirled, sending the whole hall into a buzz.

“Emperor Realm!”

“Heavens, it’s an Emperor Realm Master!”

The cultivators who had been yelling before suddenly became apprehensive, and even the expressions of the Deacons of the Seeking Passion Sect who were sitting behind the tables changed drastically. Although they were Deacons of the Seeking Passion Sect, all of them were just Third-Order Dao Source Realm cultivators. They had no chance of resisting in the face of an Emperor Realm Master.

*Hong…*

Several dozen people flew out after being struck by Yang Kai’s palm, all of them spitting blood in mid-air before they struck the ground miserably. However, everyone was relieved that although the power of this palm was great, none of those who were hit died, though the injuries they suffered were not something that could be restored with just half a month of cultivation.

“Speak nonsense again and I’ll take your dog lives!” Yang Kai snorted coldly, with the arrogant ‘everyone is beneath me’ demeanour.

No one dared to say a word; the hall was so silent that even a needle falling to the floor could be heard.

*Shua… *

A figure suddenly shot out from the inner hall and stood in front of the tables.

As soon as this person appeared, the few Seeking Passion Sect Deacons who did not even dare to breathe lit up and quickly cupped their fists as if they had seen their saviour, “Greetings, Elder Sun!”

“Elder Sun, it’s Elder Sun Ping!”

“It’s really Elder Sun Ping. Now, this little brat is going to be in trouble! Elder Sun Ping is a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master! That boy is definitely not his opponent.”

“How dare he act so rampantly in the territory of the Seeking Passion Sect! This brat should check his face in the mirror.”

At their words, Yang Kai turned to look at the Master who had suddenly appeared.

It was an old man with an all-white beard, his aura was like an abyss, as deep as the sea, which gave tremendous pressure to the surrounding people. His face was thin, but his eyes were as bright as the sun that could pierce through one’s mind.

“Elder Sun?” Yang Kai raised his brow.

He was not familiar with this Emperor Realm Master from Seeking Passion Sect; after all, he only knew Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo. This was the first time Yang Kai had met Elder Sun, but seeing his Second-Order Emperor Realm cultivation, it was obvious his status in the Seeking Passion Sect was not low.

 “Young man, your temper is a bit too hot.” To everyone’s surprise, Sun Ping did not reprimand Yang Kai, but instead addressed him with a smile.

Yang Kai sneered, “They were too noisy, so this Young Master taught them a little lesson.” He lowered his voice and his attitude changed tremendously, cupping his fists as he grinned, “I didn’t mean to disturb Elder Brother Sun. It was indeed my fault.”

‘Bullying the weak, but acting humble in front of a Master’, This saying perfectly described Yang Kai’s current behaviour.

Everyone in the hall despised him, but did not dare to show anything on their faces as they still feared his Emperor Realm cultivation; it was truly frustrating.

“It’s fine!” Sun Ping smiled slightly as he asked, “Since you are here in the Recruitment Hall, I assume Little Brother has come here to receive the Recruitment Order?”

Yang Kai nodded and replied, “Naturally. I heard that the Seeking Passion Sect is looking for talents, so this Young Master came to have a look. Does Elder Sun not welcome me?”

“I wouldn’t dare!” Sun Ping stroked his beard and laughed lightly, “The Sect definitely welcomes young capable people like Your Excellency.”

“That’s good.” Yang Kai grinned.

“But…” Sun Ping turned around and narrowed his eyes, “I shall first warn you, you must possess a clean background to be able to receive the Recruitment Order. My Seeking Passion Sect will not accept those of unknown origins, especially those with cultivation like Your Excellency’s, so Your Excellency will need to answer a few questions from this Old Master.”

If his cultivation was below the Emperor Realm, it would be fine even if his background was a bit vague; but for people with Emperor Realm cultivation, one’s background must be clean and traceable, lest they turn out to be a spy or ally of Ice Heart Valley.

This was the rule.

“I understand,” Yang Kai smiled lightly, not revealing the slightest panic as he probed, “What is it that Elder Sun wants to ask?”

Sun Ping began his interview, “Where does Your Excellency come from? What is your name? Who is your Master?”

Yang Kai answered frankly, “My name is Xiao Bai Yi, and I hail from Azure Sun Temple in the Southern Territory. My Master is Elder Gao Xue Ting!”

As he spoke, Yang Kai silently apologized, [Xiao Bai, Xiao Bai, let me borrow your identity for a short while and please don’t come to settle accounts with me in the future.] He had already planned to use this identity since the beginning, so he was not hesitant to answer the questions now.

“Azure Sun Temple!” Sun Ping was stunned when he heard this name.

Although the Southern Territory was far away from the Northern Territory, Sun Ping still knew of Azure Sun Temple; after all, Azure Sun Temple’s status in the Southern Territory was the same as Seeking Passion Sect’s status in the Northern Territory. They were both top Sects of their respective territories.

However, it was quite incomprehensible for a disciple of Azure Sun Temple to appear in Ice Moon City of the Northern Territory.

Sun Ping frowned and probed further, “This Old Master has long heard of your noble Temple, but… why are you here?”

Yang Kai chuckled and answered, “I only recently broke through to the Emperor Realm, so my Honoured Master ordered me to roam and explore the world to temper myself. I have been travelling the Star Boundary for some time now and just happened to pass by here. I decided to come have a look after hearing what happened between your noble Sect and Ice Heart Valley.”

“I see!” Sun Ping did not suspect him.

It was normal for a young man like Yang Kai to travel the Star Boundary after a big breakthrough to broaden his horizons. Sun Ping himself had done this before, but he had never been to the Southern Territory, instead choosing to wander around the Territory and Eastern Territory. As a result, he didn’t see anything wrong with Yang Kai’s explanation.

After pondering for a while, Sun Ping looked up again and asked, “Considering Young Master Xiao’s age, you should be a core disciple even in Azure Sun Temple with a cultivation like yours. Words can’t prove anything, unfortunately, so does Young Master Xiao have anything to prove your identity?”

“Something to prove my identity with…” Yang Kai thought for a while, then suddenly reached out and turned over his hand. A token had appeared on the palm of his hand, which Yang Kai tossed over towards Sun Ping, “This should be enough to prove my identity.”

Chapter 2637

It was a shiny golden token, one that anyone could notice had extraordinary origins at a glance.

Sun Ping caught the token and rubbed it for a while, then smiled, “I heard that your noble Temple divides its disciple tokens into four grades, Iron, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Only Core Disciples would obtain a Golden Token. By the look of this, this should be the Azure Sun Golden Token.”

The quality of the token was sensational, so even Sun Ping could tell that it was authentic.

Of course, Yang Kai’s Golden Token was not a fake as it really was something given to him by Gao Xue Ting herself back then. Even though she did not forcefully demand him to join Azure Sun Temple, he was still regarded as an in-name disciple of the temple, and was given an Azure Sun Golden Token.

The Azure Sun Golden Token he possessed was the reason Yang Kai chose to impersonate Xiao Bai Yi for this trip.

“Wrong,” Yang Kai chortled, “My Temple’s tokens are divided into five grades, not four.”

“Five grades?” Sun Ping raised his eyebrows.

Yang Kai continued, “Elders hold the Jade Tokens!”

“I see,” Sun Ping nodded lightly. He did not know whether he should believe him or not; after all, he did not know much about Azure Sun Temple. However, it did not seem like Yang Kai was lying.

For a moment, he could not help hesitating.

It was a big boon for an Emperor Realm Master to join Seeking Passion Sect’s forces, as he would undoubtedly provide great assistance during the war. The only issue was, Sun Ping was still uncertain about Yang Kai’s background.

However, Sun Ping was a bit reluctant to let go of such a Master, and moreover, if he rejected Yang Kai, the world might mock the Seeking Passion Sect for being cowardly.

After a moment’s debate, Sun Ping turned to a young disciple and sent him a Divine Sense Message.

After hearing it, the young disciple stood up and cupped his fists towards Yang Kai, “Greetings from Cao Xu to Senior Brother.”

Yang Kai leered at him for a while, then paid no attention to him anymore. He had no idea what Sun Ping had ordered him to do.

Cao Xu pressed on, “A few years ago, when the Shattered Star Sea was opened, this Cao had the honour to meet a few young talents from the Southern Territory there!”

Yang Kai’s heart skipped a beat as he secretly cursed.

He pretended to be Xiao Bai Yi because he thought that no one could recognize him. Furthermore, he had the Azure Sun Golden Token with him, so his plan should have been perfect as it was a mix of both truth and lie.

But now, this guy named Cao Xu just declared that he went to the Shattered Star Sea before, and what was more, he actually met some cultivators from the Southern Territory.

If he recognized Xiao Bai Yi, his lies would be exposed. 

“Oh?” Despite the uneasiness in his heart, Yang Kai looked at him steadily without the slightest change of expression, “This Xiao also went to Shattered Star Sea, but I have never seen Junior Brother.”

Cao Xu smiled wryly, “This Cao’s cultivation is weak, so the places I had visited were probably not somewhere that Senior Brother Xiao would put it in his eyes. It is only natural that you have never seen me.”

[He has never seen Xiao Bai Yi before!] Yang Kai’s courage was instantly buoyed by his statement and he replied, “Is that so? Then why is Junior Brother here? Do you have any advice for me?”

Cao Xu hurriedly explained, “This Cao doesn’t dare to. Although I did not meet any friends from Azure Sun Temple, I had met a few others from the Southern Territory. The one that I had the deepest impression of was Wu Chang. Since Senior Brother Xiao came from the Southern Territory, you must have known him as well.”

“Wu Chang…” Yang Kai nodded lightly. Wu Chang of Heavenly Martial Holy Land was born with the Yin-Yang Dual Body and was quite a ferocious character, so it was natural that he had a deep impression of him.

Yang Kai ignored Cao Xu and turned to Sun Ping who was observing him, waving his hand in front of him to compose the image of a certain character on his palm.

Yang Kai carried on, “Elder Sun, your intention of allowing Cao Xu to question me is to verify my identity. Now you may ask him whether this image is Wu Chang or not.”

Sun Ping turned to Cao Xu, and Cao Xu nodded gently, indicating that there was no mistake.

Sun Ping burst into laughter, “It seems that Young Master Xiao is indeed an elite disciple of Azure Sun Temple.”

There was nothing to be doubtful given that Yang Kai could condense the image of a Southern Territory genius and also possessed a Golden Token from Azure Sun Temple.

Yang Kai beamed, “Can I stay now?”

Sun Ping retracted his smile, and remarked pensively, “One final question.”

Yang Kai immediately became incensed and snapped, “Why are you all so annoying? This Young Master came to help your Seeking Passion Sect, not to accept your interrogation. What is Elder Sun’s motive for questioning this Young Master over and over again? Although the Seeking Passion Sect is not weak, that doesn’t mean my Azure Sun Temple is afraid of you!”

He used the prestige of Azure Sun Temple to unleash his anger on them on the spot, causing the surrounding cultivators to gape at him with their jaws dropped, secretly thinking that he was not afraid even if he was far away in the territory of others because he was truly a disciple from a top Sect. If it were for them, they would not have the courage to do the same.

Sun Ping responded with a smile, “Young Master Xiao, please calm yourself. If you have anything to say, please speak properly.”

“Old man, make sure this is the final question! If you continue to annoy this Young Master after this, I will just leave.” Yang Kai gritted his teeth.

“I guarantee you this is the last one.” Sun Ping assured with a solemn look.

Yang Kai replied with an upset face, “Go ahead.”

Sun Ping proceeded, “Since Young Master Xiao came from Azure Sun Temple, you should have no shortage in cultivation materials. Then, why are you here to receive our Seeking Passion Sect Recruitment Order?”

Yang Kai gawked for a moment before he laughed proudly, waving his fan as he clarified slowly, “Of course this Young Master is not short of cultivation resources. Honestly, all the benefits that your noble Sect had promised are nothing in this Young Master’s eyes, however…” Speaking until here, Yang Kai suddenly grinned, his smile looking extremely obscene, like a fox that had stolen a chicken.

“However?” Sun Ping further asked.

Yang Kai looked around, and whispered to Sun Ping, “Elder Sun, this Young Master is very interested in the beautiful women of Ice Heart Valley. I wonder if your noble Sect could pick a few Ice Heart Valley disciples for me to bring back to be my maids after the war?”

Sun Ping smiled and nodded in acknowledgement, “So, that is the plan of Young Master Xiao.”

He was quite relieved hearing that Yang Kai’s motive was out of desire for Ice Heart Valley’s disciples; after all, it would be strange if an Emperor Realm Master came to receive a Recruitment Order without any demands.

He was now aware that this Young Master Xiao in front of him was fond of beauties.

“Everyone loves beauty.” Yang Kai chuckled.

Sun Ping touched his beard and nodded, “En, not a problem. If we break Ice Heart Valley, based on the cultivation strength of Young Master Xiao, you definitely could share some Ice Heart Valley disciples. This Old Master believes that Sir Sect Master would not refuse, so this Old Master will approve your request on behalf of him.”

“Can I have ten of them?” Yang Kai raised his eyebrows.

Sun Ping could not help cackling, “Isn’t Young Master Xiao a little too greedy? There are only seven thousand disciples in Ice Heart Valley now, while our Seeking Passion Sect has a hundred thousand soldiers. Even if we distributed them only to the strongest among us, it would be impossible for Young Master Xiao to receive ten.”

“Eight then.” Yang Kai tried to bargain.

“Two, at most.” Sun Ping bluntly refused.

Yang Kai jumped, “Your Sect is too stingy.”

Sun Ping shook his head, “It’s not that our Sect is stingy, but we have too little meat for so many wolves.”

Yang Kai sighed, “Elder Sun, this Young Master will be honest with you. This Young Master is having a hard time in life. In fact, this Young Master has an arranged marriage from the Temple, but my fiancée is domineering, arrogant, and extremely ugly. That is why I fled out of the Southern Territory and came to the Northern Territory for training. It will be hard to get along with a shrewish wife at home, so I came in hopes of finding some attractive maids, okay? Elder Sun, for the sake of my pitiful life, allow me to have more please.”

Snickers resounded inside the hall as everyone was taking pleasure in Yang Kai’s misfortune, while even Sun Ping could not hold his laughter.

Nevertheless, he was not interested in Yang Kai’s troubles so he simply ignored the request, “Cao Xu, take Young Master Xiao to Elder Feng Chi, and let him assign some tasks to Young Master Xiao!” He gave an order to Cao Xue.

“Yes!” After receiving his order, Cao Xu gestured to ‘Young Master Xiao’ to leave, “This way please!”

Yang Kai stood still, whining, “Elder Sun, can we discuss this further?”

Needless to say, Sun Ping ignored him and disappeared with a flicker.

Yang Kai sighed and walked out with an unpleasant face. Wherever he went, everyone would avoid him.

After leaving the Recruitment Hall, Yang Kai still looked glum.

As such, Cao Xu just kept quiet and led the way in front of Yang Kai, trying to avoid touching a nerve. Soon, they left the city.

“Where are we going?” After a while, Yang Kai broke the silence.

Cao Xu replied, “To find Elder Feng Chi. He will assign some tasks to you.”

“Elder Feng Chi…” Yang Kai raised his eyebrows, “I heard that your noble Sect Master has the same surname too. Is this Elder Feng Chi… “

Cao Xu beamed, “Elder Feng Chi is the cousin of the Sect Master. Therefore, although he has only a First-Order Emperor, his status is only under the Sect Master and Vice Sect Master. He is responsible for the siege of Ice Heart Valley. At least for now.”

“I see!” Yang Kai nodded his head, “Then where are your Sect Master and Vice Sect Master? This is my first time here, perhaps it would be rude if this Young Master didn’t visit and greet them?”

A trace of disdain vaguely flashed across Cao Xu’s eyes as he thought to himself, [How could someone just meet the Sect Master and Vice Sect Master as they wish?] However, he quickly retracted his gaze and answered, “Sect Master is guarding Ice Moon City, and Vice Sect Master is accompanying him.”

“Good, next time then. There will always be a chance to meet,” Yang Kai chuckled and did not insist.

Soon, the two of them reached a mountain valley about three hundred kilometres away from Ice Heart Valley. Many cabins were built in the mountain valley with numerous cultivators zipping in and out of the houses while others soared through the sky, making the place seem quite lively.

Yang Kai swept his eyes across the place and his heart sank.

Given the number of cultivators gathered in this place, once the Sect Defending Array was breached, the seven thousand disciples of Ice Heart Valley would definitely stand no chance in resisting.

Cao Xu brought Yang Kai to a tall cabin, and informed respectfully, “Elder Feng, disciple Cao Xu asks to see you.”

“Come in!” A voice came out from the inside.

Cao Xu nodded lightly at Yang Kai, then guided him to enter the house.

Inside the house, Yang Kai saw a huge Spirit Array board lying in the centre of the room. The array board seemed to be a projection, which was glittering slightly, displaying the outline of some kind of terrain. 

Yang Kai glanced at it and was soon flabbergasted as he recognized that the terrain outline was actually of Ice Heart Valley. He was surprised that this unknown array board could have such an effect.

At this moment, an elderly man was whispering to another man, who then quickly turned around and left after receiving the order. The man looked like he was in a hurry.

After the departure of the man, the elderly man looked intently at the array board and sneered.

Chapter 2638

After sneering for a while, Feng Chi looked up at Yang Kai and asked Cao Xu, “Another Emperor Realm Master?”

If it was someone who was led personally by Cao Xu, it must be an Emperor Realm Master.

“Yes!” Cao Xu answered courteously.

“Good, very good!” Feng Chi cackled, giving a light nod and cupping his fists towards Yang Kai, “Friend, may I ask for your name?”

Although he looked much older than Yang Kai, according to the laws of the Martial Dao, whoever was stronger would be senior, regardless of age. Since Yang Kai was an Emperor Realm Master, he had the qualification to be addressed as a peer.

“Greetings from Xiao Bai Yi to Elder Feng,” Yang Kai smiled faintly without losing his manners.

“So, it is Brother Xiao!” Feng Chi raised his brow, “May I know where Brother Xiao comes from?”

Yang Kai replied, “Southern Territory, Azure Sun Temple.”

“Southern Territory?” Feng Chi could not help frowning. There were many Emperor Realm Masters who received their Seeking Passion Sect Recruitment Order recently, but none of them were from the other territories; Yang Kai was the first.

He threw a quizzical gaze at Cao Xu, to which Cao Xu hurriedly explained, “Elder Feng may rest assured that there are no problems. Elder Sun has verified Young Master Xiao’s identity.”

Feng Chi nodded, “Elder Sun Ping is an attentive and careful person. Since he says there are no problems, then that must be the case. Brother Xiao arrived just in time, I am currently short of some people on my side right now and need to put you to work immediately.”

“Elder Feng, order as you may. Since this Xiao has already received the Recruitment Order, I’ll naturally listen to your commands,” Yang Kai responded while waving his hand fan.

“Come and have a look!” Feng Chi gestured to Yang Kai to come forward and pointed at the array board.

Yang Kai folded his fan and stuck it behind his back before taking a few casual steps forward to observe the array board intently.

The terrain of Ice Heart Valley was clearly outlined on the array board. Beyond the outline were countless glowing dots, indicating the strong and tight forces that fenced Ice Heart Valley.

Although he did not really understand the array board, Yang Kai was still aware of the critical situation of Ice Heart Valley.

“This Sky Extracting Array Board was laid by Grandmaster Nanmen in person. It’s for the convenience of this Feng to guard this place and plan strategies. It really saved me a lot of trouble.” Feng Chi’s words were full of praise for Grandmaster Nanmen.

“Grandmaster Nanmen is indeed an expert in Spirit Arrays. His craft is truly breathtaking.” Yang Kai commended him too.

Feng Chi smiled lightly, and pointed at a certain place, “Young Master Xiao, this Old Master hopes that you could guard this place and watch over the array flag set up by Grandmaster Nanmen, so as to prevent anyone in Ice Heart Valley from jumping out of the wall in desperation and causing problems.”

“No problem. Is my task only to watch over the array flag there?” Yang Kai looked up and asked.

Feng Chi remarked pensively, “This matter is very important. Once the array flag is disturbed, the layout of the array would be hindered, and it will give Ice Heart Valley breathing space. Therefore, it is necessary to have an Emperor Realm Master take charge of each flag. But in general, there should not be any problem as Ice Heart Valley has not made any moves since they were first besieged. Even so, Young Master Xiao cannot be careless.”

“Understood,” Yang Kai nodded solemnly.

Feng Chi nodded too, “Besides, this Old Master would also assign five hundred men under Young Master Xiao’s command. When Grandmaster Nanmen is ready, Young Master Xiao will be responsible for taking these five hundred men to activate the array flag and connect it with the other array flags. When that happens, we will be able to break the Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley in one strike. Then, we shall dive straight to the enemy’s den and wipe out Ice Heart Valley.

Yang Kai cupped his fist, “I’ll not disappoint Elder Feng.”

“Good, good, good.” Feng Chi repeatedly nodded as he was truly satisfied with Yang Kai’s attitude, “Cao Xu, since you are familiar with the terrain nearby, you shall take Young Master Xiao over there. The five hundred men will arrive later.”

“Yes!” Cao Xu received the order and immediately led Yang Kai outside.

With them flying at full speed, they soon arrived at the location designated by Feng Chi.

Looking around, less than a hundred people were guarding the huge array flag, which was actually hidden in the Void. Yang Kai scanned the area with his Divine Sense, and could only detect an inkling of its presence.

The one hundred people below stared up at them in alarm at the arrival of Cao Xu and Yang Kai.

Cao Xu swept across the place with his eyes, bellowing, “Who is in charge here?”

A middle-aged man came out and cupped his fists, “Senior Brother Cao, it’s me!”

Cao Xu looked at him and nodded, “So, it is Junior Brother Huo Han.”

No doubt, he recognized this Seeking Passion Sect disciple.

“Senior Brother Cao, this is…” Huo Han queried as he glanced at Yang Kai curiously.

Cao Xu announced with a clear loud voice, “This is a Core Disciple of the Southern Territory’s Azure Sun Temple, Xiao Bai Yi. Young Master Xiao has received our Seeking Passion Sect Recruitment Order, and was appointed by Elder Feng to guard this place from now on. I trust everyone here will listen to his orders.”

Curiosity crept onto everyone’s faces at the news that Yang Kai was actually from the Southern Territory’s Azure Sun Temple, but no one dared to voice out any questions and just obeyed with their fists cupped.

“In addition, Elder Feng will send another four hundred people here, and they will also be under the command of Young Master Xiao. Once Ice Heart Valley has been wiped out, everyone will be rewarded according to their contributions!”

The crowd was exhilarated after hearing the word ‘reward’, except for Huo Han and the other Seeking Passion Sect Disciples. All of them looked calm because they knew that once Ice Heart Valley was captured, most of the plunders would belong to their Seeking Passion Sect, leaving only some crumbs to the outsiders.

“Young Master Xiao, I’ll go back first. This place is in your hands now.” Cao Xu cupped his fists towards Yang Kai.

“En,” Yang Kai nodded with a lukewarm attitude, showing the demeanour of an Emperor Realm Master.

Cao Xu spoke no more, turned around, and left.

After he left, only then did Yang Kai sweep his eyes across the one hundred people below, and stated coldly, “I believe that everyone knows the background of this Young Master, and I also believe that everyone heard this Young Master’s task. In the days to come, everyone please cooperate with me. No one here can bear the consequences if anything were to go wrong.”

Huo Han cupped his fists in acknowledgement, “Young Master Xiao is right. We’ll obey as long as it’s the order of Elder Feng.”

Yang Kai nodded, “Good. Now here is my command!”

When the words fell, the faces of a hundred men turned solemn.

“Go and find some wood to build a cabin here for this Young Master!” Yang Kai pointed at a piece of flat ground nearby as he ordered.

Everyone was stunned. Initially, given the solemnity of his tone, they expected Yang Kai to give out some important command, but were dumbfounded when they heard that he just wanted them to build a cabin for him, especially Huo Han and the group of Seeking Passion Sect disciples who now looked annoyed.

They were disciples of the Seeking Passion Sect! When have they ever been ordered to do such menial tasks? Furthermore, Yang Kai was just a foreign Emperor Realm Master; who was he to act so rampant?

“What’s wrong? Was this Young Master not clear enough, or are all of you deaf?” Young Kai snorted coldly and released his Emperor Pressure, causing a devastating force to press down on the hundred men below, turning their faces aghast.

“We will obey the command of Young Master Xiao!” A person instantly cupped his fists.

He rapidly ran out after speaking. The person was not a Seeking Passion Sect disciple, but just someone who served under the Recruitment Order, so he did not have the courage to challenge Yang Kai.

The majority of the people present were like this man, so soon, more than ninety people among the hundred went out, leaving only six people including Huo Han behind.

These six people were obviously Seeking Passion Sect disciples, and due to their identities, they were not willing to yield to Yang Kai’s abuse of power.

Yang Kai snorted coldly again, increasing his Emperor Qi steadily as he warned, “This Young Master will not be merciful to those who don’t listen to his command. Let’s see how long you can hold out!”

Huo Han winced in pain as his face turned red, “This is abuse of power for personal gain! I’ll report this to Elder Feng!”

“Report?” Yang Kai sneered, “Elder Feng Chi has entrusted this Young Master to guard this place, so everyone here must follow my command. This Young Master just came here and all of you dare to refuse his first order? Even if I killed all of you to serve as a warning, Elder Feng would not put the blame on me!”

“You dare?!” Huo Han was infuriated.

“Why wouldn’t I!?” With a raise of his brow, Yang Kai further increased his Emperor Pressure.

“Pu pu pu pu… *

The rest of the Seeking Passion Sect disciples spat a mouthful of blood one after another, no longer able to withstand the pressure. Creaking sounds could be heard from their bones, as if they might break at any time.

Huo Han and the others were all taken aback. They thought that Yang Kai would give them some face given they were Seeking Passion Sect disciples, but they did not expect that this guy to be so ruthless, showing his severity on the first meeting.

The Seeking Passion Sect gave great freedom to invited Emperor Realm Masters as they needed their help right now.

Therefore, Elder Feng would certainly not help Huo Han and the rest out if he learned of this; in fact, he might even punish them further to appease Yang Kai.

At most, they could only retaliate against Yang Kai after the war.

“Young Master Xiao, stop!” Huo Han’s body was shaking. He could not bear the pressure of an Emperor any longer and his body bent so low he almost kneeled down on the ground. He did not dare to hold out against Yang Kai anymore at this point as a trace of panic finally appeared on his face.

If he was really forced to kneel down, he would lose all face.

“Then, will you obey my commands now?” Yang Kai questioned in a cold voice.

“Yes, absolutely! We will listen to your commands!” Huo Han and the others answered without hesitation.

“Idiots! You guys just have to suffer in order to learn!” Yang Kai snorted coldly and retracted his Emperor Pressure.

Huo Han and the others seemed to be drained, so all of them fell on their bottoms, their clothes drenched in sweat.

“Hurry up. If I don’t see a new cabin here within two hours, all of you will die,” Yang Kai bellowed.

Huo Han and the others swiftly got up and rushed out.

The efficiency of a hundred cultivators was no joke. It took only one hour instead of two for them to build an exquisite cabin on the flat ground.

Yang Kai was truly satisfied with the result, praised the crowd, then walked inside proudly, closed the door, and began to meditate and cultivate.

However, after the incident today, most of these one hundred people did not have a good impression of Yang Kai, especially Huo Han and the others. All of them glared at the cabin in hatred, secretly plotting to ask the Sect Elders to avenge them when Yang Kai was no longer of use.

Chapter 2639

Half a day later, the other four hundred cultivators under Yang Kai’s command rushed over. They even caused the ground to rumble as they did so. 

Yang Kai came out of the cabin to take a look; then, after a few words, he returned into his cabin, ignoring them.

Yang Kai could not help ruminating as he entered the cabin.

The main purpose of him infiltrating here using Xiao Bai Yi’s identity was to find Nanmen Da Jun. Once found, Yang Kai would kill him or capture him depending on the circumstances. However, he did not expect that he would be assigned a task to guard an array flag; tying him down to a single spot.

Since he was appointed to guard the array flag, he could not simply run around. Furthermore, he had no clue where Nanmen Da Jun was at the moment.

This caused Yang Kai to be anxious.

Looking at the progress of the Seeking Passion Sect, the array flags and the array bases were all but fully arranged. It would not take long for them to break the Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley. If he continued to delay his mission, he was afraid that it would be too late to save Ice Heart Valley’.

Considering all this, a resolute look flashed upon Yang Kai’s face and he pushed the door open and went out again.

The five hundred cultivators scattered around the array flag, sitting cross-legged, all noticed Yang Kai appear and stood up to await his command.

Unexpectedly, Yang Kai did not even look at them. Instead, he just turned around and flew off.

“Young Master Xiao…” Huo Han shouted with his fist cupped.

“What?” Yang Kai frowned, looking rather displeased.

“May I know where Young Master Xiao is going?” Huo Han queried in a deep voice.

Yang Kai snorted coldly, “You don’t need to worry about where this Young Master is going.”

Huo Han’s face burned furiously. In a neither humble nor arrogant tone, he pressed on, “That’s not true, Young Master Xiao. Since Elder Feng had appointed you to guard the array flag, Young Master Xiao should obey the order and not leave without permission. I’m afraid Elder Feng would not be happy if he knew about this. If anything happens here, who will bear the consequences?”

“It’s so peaceful here. What could possibly happen?” Yang Kai stared at him coldly.

Huo Han smiled faintly, “Who knows? I’m also saying just in case… “

“I’m just going for a walk. I’ll be back soon.” Yang Kai interjected.

Huo Han warned, “Even leaving for just a moment is still considered abandoning your post. If Young Master Xiao insists on doing so, I’ll have no choice but to report this to the Elders.”

He hated Yang Kai for torturing him before, so it was natural for him to seize this opportunity to irritate him. Moreover, the job of these Seeking Passion Sect disciples stationed here was not only to assist the Emperor Realm Master who received the Recruitment Order to guard the array flag, but also to monitor them. 

After all, it was hard to judge one’s heart from his or her face. No one knew whether these Emperor Realm Masters were reliable or not; only their own loyal disciples could be trusted.

Therefore, there would be some Seeking Passion Sect disciples under every foreign Emperor Realm Master. Although there were not many of them, Feng Chi needed these disciples to restrict these outsiders’ movements.

Yang Kai was exasperated looking at Huo Han’s serious yet proud face.

He knew that Huo Han was taking revenge on him, but since Huo Han had made his warning clear, Yang Kai could not act recklessly. If he really caught Feng Chi’s attention, Yang Kai was afraid that he would be monitored more closely.

“Fine, I won’t take a walk then. It’s not a big deal anyway,” Yang Kai chuckled, turned back and returned to his cabin, slamming the door behind him.

Huo Han stood still in the same spot, a happy smile on his face.

Soon, night came.

When Yang Kai was still thinking of a countermeasure, murmuring voices were heard from the outside. After listening carefully for a while, Yang Kai’s face darkened.

The topic that the five hundred cultivators outside were tattling about was not about anything else but himself.

“Have you heard that? Although our Sir Xiao has a huge background, he is a henpecked man.”

“This news is widespread. It’s also said that his fiancée is so hideous that no one could bear to look her in the eye. Furthermore, she is also a shrew of a woman. Sir Xiao could not stand being tortured by his fiancée in Azure Sun Temple and had to escape to the Northern Territory.”

“Haha, I thought he was strong, but he actually fears his woman.”

“Seriously? Such a thing even exists?”

“He said it himself in the Recruitment Hall, how can it be wrong? There were a lot of witnesses present at that time.”

“I think Sir Xiao probably hasn’t met any beautiful woman in his life yet, so he had to come here to receive the Recruitment Order, in hopes of picking up some beauties after Ice Heart Valley is destroyed.

“What’s the point of bringing them back? With a domineering wife at home, I’m afraid that he will not have the guts to go against her. At most, he will only be able to enjoy looking at them.”

“Pitiful, pitiful. He still dares to call himself an Emperor Realm Master? What a disgrace to men.”

….. 

Yang Kai mumbled to himself, wondering who was the bastard that spread out these rumours, causing everyone to gossip about him. By now, his, or rather, Xiao Bai’s unsightly ‘history’ was known throughout the city.

Back then, Yang Kai just blabbered some random nonsense in the Recruitment Hall, never expecting he would be teased by everyone now because of this.

Needless to say, it must be Huo Han who spread these rumours.

Although it was just false information, Yang Kai was still annoyed by these people talking behind his back, especially since they were technically his subordinates right now. Embarrassed and filled with a full stomach of grievances, Yang Kai could not help snorting loudly.

Hearing his voice, the discussion outside abruptly ceased. Everyone exchanged glances, and could not help snickering.

“Becoming angry out of shame!” Huo Han gazed at the direction of the cabin, sneering lightly.

Yang Kay stayed in the cabin for two days, for Huo Han’s obstruction and surveillance had given him no choice but to come up with another plan.

As a Master proficient in the Dao of Space, a trivial Third-Order Dao Source Realm cultivator could never be able to detect it if Yang Kai truly wanted to leave, but he had to be extra careful as he was deep in enemy territory now.

On the third day, Yang Kai, who was meditating in the cabin, suddenly heard a trail of footsteps from outside, followed by a familiar voice, “Cao Xu requests to see Young Master Xiao.”

Yang Kai frowned, as he had no idea why Cao Xu came here. He did not reappear until today since he brought him here a few days ago.

Still feeling dubious about his sudden visit, Yang Kai opened the door and went out with his hand fan waving.

Before he could stand firm though, Yang Kai heard a cold, wrath-filled snort in front of him, followed by an overwhelming aura rushing towards him.

Yang Kai’s face changed abruptly as he staggered a few steps back, staring forward with wide-eyed eyes.

Standing before him was Cao Xu, who had a forced smile on his face. Beside him was a woman dressed in white from head to toe, as if she clothed herself in snow. She had a curvy and exquisite figure that men would not be able to resist fantasizing about while gazing at her.

But the look on her face was stomach-turning.

Freckles and pockmarks were unevenly distributed all over the woman’s face, monolids framing small eyes, and a flat nose accentuated her wide mouth. Although her eyes were energetic, given such ‘majestic’ light, they were also sharp as knives, making any who met them shudder.

The ugliness of this woman’s appearance was indescribable. What could this woman have done to offend the Heavens to be given such a punishment?

“Wha… wha… wha…” Yang Kai’s eyes almost popped out from their sockets as he exclaimed in shock, unable to finish his sentence.

“Hmph, I can’t believe you really came here! You made it all too easy for this Young Lady to find you!” The ugly woman gnashed her teeth and snapped at Yang Kai, as if she was about to peel his skin and tear his flesh.

Yang Kai was drenched in sweat, asking nervously as he wiped his sweat, “What… what are you doing here?”

He totally did not expect the woman in front of him would actually come here.

Despite the strange and hideous look of the woman, Yang Kai recognized her at a glance.

Ji Yao!

It was not that Yang Kai had a sharp vision, it was that Ji Yao deliberately released her own aura at the moment of meeting. Yang Kai and Ji Yao had been together for quite some time, so he was quite familiar with her.

Ji Yao’s current face was obviously a disguise made by Shi Tian He, and there was no trace of her original appearance at all.

Yang Kai had left Ice Heart Valley alone just a few days ago because he did not want to get Ji Yao involved in his plan, but he did not expect that she actually came to him on her own. Moreover, she was brought here by Cao Xu.

[What’s happening!?]

Yang Kai secretly glanced at Cao Xu in horror while the latter forced a smile, “Young Master Xiao, this… this Lady said that she was engaged to you and has come to find you, so… Young Master Xiao, hehe, please forgive me!”

Cao Xu’s voice was hoarse, filled with helplessness.

“Engaged!?” Yang Kai was exasperated.

The five hundred cultivators who meditated nearby also looked over in curiosity. When they saw Ji Yao’s current appearance, their faces changed. For those with poor mental endurance, they instantly turned around and vomited.

“Too ugly, too ugly! No wonder Sir Xiao had to escape from the Southern Region! If I had a fiancée like this, I would run too!”

“I feel sorry for Sir Xiao, too sorry for him… He is an Emperor Realm Master after all, how did he end up with such a woman?”

“A gentleman prefers death to humiliation. It’s better to die proudly than to marry a woman like this!”

The place was buzzing with discussions, as most of the cultivators started to sympathize with Yang Kai from the bottom of their hearts.

After all, he was an Emperor Realm Master, so shouldn’t it have been natural that he could have any kind of beauty he wanted? Why did he have such an ugly fiancée? It was unbearable! Any man in his position would still be traumatized for life even if he extinguished all the lights every night.

However, Huo Han and the other Seeking Passion Sect disciples could not help taking pleasure in Yang Kai’s misfortune, waiting to watch a good show with their eyes peeled.

“What’s wrong?” Ji Yao approached forward with a domineering demeanour, “Do you wish to deny our parents’ orders and the matchmaker’s words? Even though this Young Lady’s looks are a bit mundane, there are still many who want to marry me! If you dare to deny our engagement, I’ll break off your legs right this instant!”

“A bit mundane…” Cao Xu gulped. He could not believe that this lady dared to say such words. It was a complete understatement of her current appearance.

“You recognize the wrong person. I don’t know you. Leave now, leave now!” Yang Kai covered his face and did not dare to look at Ji Yao’s face. At the same time, he sent her a Divine Sense Message stealthily, “Why did you come here? This place is really dangerous, quickly go back.”

Ji Yao yelled hysterically, “Xiao Bai Yi! Don’t reject a face-saving offer! If it weren’t for the order of the Sect Master, do you think this Young Lady would be willing to be engaged to you!?”

At the same time, she sent him a Divine Sense Message back, “How dare you leave me behind! Before, in the Ancient Lands, you lied to me again and again while taking advantage of me. Do you think I have forgotten about that?”

“How do you know my name is currently Xiao Bai Yi? And regarding those matters, you also know that I was forced by the circumstances!” While communicating with her via Divine Sense, Yang Kai continued to shout out loud, “The engagement doesn’t count, doesn’t count! From now on, you and I should walk our own, separate paths and stop appearing in each other’s life!”

Chapter 2640

“Word of your ‘fierce’ fiancée has spread far and wide the past few days. Now, all of Ice Moon City knows about it, so it wasn’t hard for me to find out that you were using the fake name, Xiao Bai Yi. Don’t worry, I perfectly aligned my background to yours as well, and the Seeking Passion Sect is not suspicious in the slightest,” Ji Yao quickly replied through Divine Sense while yelling angrily out loud at the same time, “Xiao Bai Yi! Do you even have a heart!? If I hadn’t taken care of you all these years, you would have been fed to the wild animals in the wilderness! And now, you want to abandon me after taking advantage of me!?”

“Taking advantage!?” All of a sudden, the ears of the five hundred cultivators perked up in amazement.

They had no choice but to respect the courage of Yang Kai for being willing to ‘take advantage’ of such a hideous woman. None of them would dare to do so, as this ‘meal’… was too hard to be savoured.

Their quarrel did not just entertain the five hundred cultivators nearby, but also alarmed those cultivators who were guarding the other array flags in the vicinity. Soon, many had come over to watch the show.

After a little inquiry, all of them learned that Xiao Bai Yi’s wicked fiancée had come to find him.

Everyone had already heard of the news of Xiao Bai Yi’s shrewish wife the past few days, so they were enjoying the show in excitement, waiting to see how Yang Kai would handle his predicament.

“Take advantage…” Yang Kai’s cold sweat dripped even further, revealing a face full of guilt and uneasiness.

Everyone glanced at his expression, and they were even more impressed that such a thing truly happened.

“Do you think I don’t know why you came here to accept the Seeking Passion Sect’s Recruitment Order? Isn’t it all because you want to bring back some beautiful fair-skinned Ice Heart Valley disciples? I’ll tell you now, that will happen only in your dreams! If you bring one, I’ll kill one, if you bring two, I’ll kill two! Bring three, and I’ll cut off your third leg!” 

The five hundred cultivators burst into laughter. Although Ji Yao’s appearance was disappointing, her words were brutal. Sure enough, she was really fearless, and no other normal woman would dare to speak like her.

Huo Han was especially happy as he doubled over in laughter at their conversation, wishing Yang Kai even more misfortunes as he did.

“Hey, you’re taking this act a bit too far…” Yang Kai hurriedly sent another Divine Sense message. He understood Ji Yao far better than anyone else present and knew that it was quite hard for a cold beauty like her to utter such words. With a sigh in his heart, he continued secretly communicating with her, “Fine. Since things have gotten to this point, cooperate with me. Find a chance to start a real fight!”

Ji Yao’s brow rose slightly as she silently replied, “Good!”

“Disgraceful!” Yang Kai cried out bitterly, pointing his finger at Ji Yao with a look of agony on his face as he declared, “I, Xiao Bai Yi, have always lived with dignity and nobility, so why do I have to fall into the hands of a disgusting woman like you!? The Heavens truly have no eyes!”

Ji Yao was infuriated, “How dare you despise this Young Lady!?”

While speaking, she rushed forward with a flicker, swinging her hands wildly as she looked like she was trying to claw out Yang Kai’s face, berating him at the same time without a break, causing everyone to stare in shock.

Yang Kai blocked left and right, but it was not enough. Soon, his clothes were torn by Ji Yao, turning him into an utterly dishevelled mess.

“Sii… This woman is also an Emperor Realm Master?”

“Senior Xiao is an Emperor Realm Master, but he is no match to her at all! It’s obvious that this woman’s cultivation is higher than Senior Xiao’s.”

“I heard that Senior Xiao is from Azure Sun Temple, a top Sect in the Southern Territory, so where did this woman come from?”

Previously, everyone was just enjoying the show and did not pay much attention to Ji Yao until she made a move. The revelation of her Emperor Realm cultivation threw everyone into a panic.

A shrewish woman was not scary, but a powerful shrewish woman was utterly horrifying.

“Enough!” Yang Kai yelled angrily, shoving Ji Yao back with a surge of his Emperor Qi before he shot a ferocious glare at her, “Keep your hands off this Young Master or don’t blame me for being impolite!”

Ji Yao was dumbstruck, seemingly not having expected Yang Kai to dare to fight back, but soon, she roared hysterically, “Xiao Bai Yi! You dare to hit me? This Young Lady will beat you to death!”

Saying so, she flipped her hand and summoned a sword before swinging it towards Yang Kai.

It was too late for Yang Kai to dodge, so the sword cut a big hole in his robes, almost opening his stomach while it did so.

“Are you courting death!?” Yang Kai exploded as he pushed his Emperor Qi and sent a gigantic palm print towards Ji Yao.

*Hong hong hong… *

The faces of the audience changed drastically at the extraordinary combat moves of the two Emperor Realm Masters. However, with a light swish of her sword, Ji Yao easily repelled Yang Kai’s move. She pointed her sword up to the sky, and many flowers made of swords wrapped around Yang Kai in an instant.

“They really started fighting… “

“This will be the battle of life and death!”

“How can two people who are engaged to each other end up like this? Senior Xiao has a bad temper, but this woman is even more unreasonable!”

Previously, these five hundred cultivators were having fun watching the show, but they began to worry when they saw Yang Kai and Ji Yao start a fight, wondering if they would be caught up in the fallout.

Nevertheless, Huo Han was enraptured by the scene, secretly cheering for Ji Yao, wishing her to stab Yang Kai to death for good.

On the other side, Cao Xu was standing still with cold sweat beaded on his forehead. After a short hesitation, he hurriedly rushed towards where Feng Chi was stationed. The battle between two Emperor Realm Masters was out of his league. He could no longer interfere and could only report this matter to Feng Chi in hopes that the latter could find a way to deal with this.

The fight between Yang Kai and Ji Yao took to the sky as both of them appeared to be unleashing all their pent up hatred, yelling and cursing at each other without stopping as they exchanged attacks.

The sky was filled with the sounds of explosions as the two flew back and forth, engaging in an all-out battle.

There were many Emperor Realm Masters watching from below, but they did not meddle as they were not related to Yang Kai or Ji Yao in any way. All of them could not help laughing after learning what was going on.

After a short time, Yang Kai and Ji Yao had moved their fight far away from where it began. Soon, a voice came from below, “Young Master Xiao, what are you two doing!?”

Yang Kai quickly stole a glance while carrying on the fight, spotting Feng Chi arriving with a furious look on his face.

Yang Kai ignored him and continued to fight with Ji Yao, quickly moving them in a certain direction.

“Is Nanmen Da Jun on that side?” Ji Yao asked while realization dawned on her, still throwing moves that seemed like they would kill Yang Kai at any moment.

“En. I’ve been sneaking out secretly these past few days, and although I did not dare to investigate thoroughly, Nanmen Da Jun is definitely on that side. But, I still don’t know his exact location, so we’ll have to search for him!”

“What does he look like?” Ji Yao queried.

“I have never seen or met him before, so I can’t tell. But, since he is an Array Master who is responsible for breaking the Sect Defending Array, there will certainly be some Masters protecting him. We just need to look for the place where there are several Emperor Realm Masters together.”

“Good!” While replying, Ji Yao released her Divine Sense to look around.

Feng Chi’s face hardened in the absence of a response from Yang Kai, as if his face was covered by frost.

“Elder Feng, that’s where Grandmaster Nanmen is! We can’t let them get any closer to that side otherwise they will interrupt the Grandmaster!” Cao Xu reminded Feng Chi as soon as he saw the direction Yang Kai and Ji Yao were headed.

“I know. But these two are so heated right now I’m afraid they won’t stop unless someone falls,” Feng Chi muttered glumly, “If I knew this would happen, this King would never have allowed you to bring that woman over here.”

Cao Xu smiled wryly, “No one could have anticipated that woman to be this unreasonable.”

“This matter cannot be delayed, we must stop them now!” After his remark, Feng Chi immediately flew towards Yang Kai and Ji Yao.

“Over there!” Yang Kai’s face suddenly changed at that moment as he shot Ji Yao a meaningful look, “There is a Second-Order Emperor Realm Master and two First-Order Emperors over there. They should be the ones who are protecting Nanmen Da Jun!”

The two exchanged looks before coordinating to move closer to that side, still exchanging flashing attacks as they flew.

Not long after that, they were close to the location they had previously detected.

Yang Kai swiftly scanned the area and saw a middle-aged man with a burly figure setting up an array flag. There were three Emperor Realm Masters guarding beside him; one of them was a Second-Order, while the other two were just First-Order.

“Nanmen Da Jun!” Yang Kai’s eyes lit up as he stared at the stocky man who was setting up the array flag.

“Who are you to be impudent here? Leave now!” Among the three Emperor Realm guards, the Second-Order Master shouted coldly as he looked up at them.

“Do it!” Yang Kai whispered to Ji Yao.

Ji Yao saw the opportunity and unreservedly performed a palm strike on Yang Kai. The power of this palm strike penetrated the clouds and wind, directly landing on Yang Kai’s chest.

With a miserable scream, Yang Kai spat a mouthful of blood and plummeted from the sky like a meteor.

Looking at the direction of his fall, he was heading directly towards the location of Nanmen Da Jun.

At the same time, Ji Yao’s eyes flashed furiously as she shouted, “Xiao Bai Yi, today is the day you die!”

While shouting, she flew downwards with a vicious look, as if she was leaving no chance for Yang Kai to live.

Ji Yao fell on the ground with Yang Kai, only a hair’s breadth distance from each other, but when they landed, they turned simultaneously and flew out together.

Ji Yao no longer restrained her strength as she swung her sword, causing the space around her to tremble.

“Second-Order Emperor Realm!” The faces of the three men who were guarding Nanmen Da Jun changed slightly. In that one shout, the Second-Order Emperor Realm Master had already made a move to intercept Ji Yao.

Yang Kai, on the other hand, went straight for Nanmen Da Jun, his eyes cold and vicious. At that moment, his vitality surged and he showed not the slightest sign of injury.

Although Nanmen Da Jun was an Array Master, his cultivation was not weak as he was also a First-Order Emperor Realm Master.

At the sight of Yang Kai’s aggressive pounce, Nanmen Da Jun was taken aback. However, he did not panic and instead took a few steps back while returning a cold gaze to Yang Kai.

“Who are you? How dare you try and harm Grandmaster Nanmen!?” One of the First-Order Emperor Realm Masters rebuked as he stood to block Yang Kai.

“Move!” Yang Kai roared and with a wave of his hand sent out a Moon Blade.

Seeing the incoming of the Moon Blade, the First-Order Emperor Realm Master snorted coldly and pushed his Emperor Qi to defend himself, but he had no clue about the lethality of Yang Kai’s Moon Blade. As his Emperor Qi touched the Moon Blade, it completely collapsed, scaring the life out of him as he hurriedly summoned his defensive artifact to protect himself.

However, he was too late, as Yang Kai had already arrived in front of him, and slammed a palm on his head.

With a thud, the First-Order Emperor Realm Master did not even have the time to react before his head was smashed and his brains splashed out.

Chapter 2641

In just a brief moment of confrontation, an Emperor Realm Elder of Seeking Passion Sect had his head smashed to pieces and died on the spot. All the nearby cultivators gasped in disbelief at the brutal scene.

That was an Emperor Realm Master, how could he be killed in just one hit? Could this Xiao Bai Yi possibly be that powerful?

Following his successful attack, Yang Kai once again released a Moon Blade towards the other First-Order Emperor Realm Master while at the same time grabbing towards Nanmen Da Jun.

“Little animal, it’s you!”

Instead of fear and panic though, the remaining First-Order Emperor’s eyes flashed brightly at the death of his companion, as if he had discovered an incredible secret. Grabbing towards Yang Kai with his hand, this Master’s cultivation suddenly soared upwards.

“A Third-Order Emperor Realm Master?” Yang Kai’s eyes widened, and immediately exclaimed when he noticed this person’s aura, “Feng Xuan! So you were hiding here!”

He had received news before that Feng Xuan was in Ice Moon City, but now, he realized that Feng Xuan was not in the rear taking command, but had actually been waiting by Nanmen Da Jun’s side while camouflaging his own appearance and hiding his cultivation, disguising as an ordinary First-Order Emperor Realm Master.

Since he was the Sect Master of the Seeking Passion Sect, it wasn’t surprising he had a Secret Technique capable of at least this much.

The reason for his actions was to have safety measures against Bing Yun; however, contrary to Feng Xuan’s expectations, the one who appeared before him was actually Yang Kai.

A few years ago, Feng Xi fought against Yang Kai in the Shattered Star Sea, the battle ultimately ending with Feng Xi’s defeat and his death. At the end of that battle, Feng Xuan used a Soul Descend to possess his son’s body, but even after fighting a battle with Yang Kai, Feng Xuan failed to save his son.

When the Moon Blade appeared, Feng Xuan instantly recognized Yang Kai’s true identity.

“It’s too late to realize it now! This King already knows who you are! I didn’t expect you to fall into this trap by yourself. My target just served himself on a platter for me, I don’t even need to put in any effort to search for you. Now die!” Feng Xuan sneered as he pushed his Emperor Qi and Principle Strength madly, condensing them into a thick chain that shot towards Yang Kai in an attempt to bind him.

Yang Kai’s face changed drastically and was forced to withdraw the hand grasping towards Nanmen Da Jun in order to rapidly form a series of hand seals as he shouted, “Time Flows on Infinitely, Like a Mighty Stream, Like an Unending Dream!”

A seal shrouded Feng Xuan from above.

“Time Flies Seal!” Feng Xuan was horrified when he felt the great power contained in this Divine Ability. Even a Third-Order Emperor Realm Master like him could not help feeling frightened as an odd sensation overwhelmed him.

Time itself seemed to slow to a crawl as he watched this seal form.

“Time Principles!” Feng Xuan’s face darkened.

Yang Kai used the Time Flies Seal in the Shattered Star Sea back then as well, and it was thanks to this Divine Ability that Feng Xuan’s son had perished. Because of this, Feng Xuan had spent some time over the past few years investigating the mysteries of this Divine Ability.

And his hard work had paid off because he finally had a good understanding of this Divine Ability.

This Time Flies Seal was the unique Divine Ability of the Flowing Time Great Emperor. A single seal not only made time flow rapidly, but also involved Time Principles. It was definitely a powerful Secret Technique that all Emperor Realm Masters would be envious of.

Now, Yang Kai was using the Time Flies Seal again, which he undoubtedly had become more proficient with than a few years ago.

Feng Xuan, who was shrouded by the distorted Time Principles, became sluggish for a moment.

Right at that moment, Yang Kai flashed by him and sprang towards Nanmen Da Jun like a tiger hunting its prey.

Nanmen Da Jun retreated quickly in horror, pushing his Emperor Qi at the same time to protect himself.

But just like Yang Kai, he was only a First-Order Emperor, so how could he resist? He did not even have time to summon any Emperor Artifacts before Yang Kai grabbed his neck. In the next moment, a fierce wave of force invaded Nanmen Da Jun’s body, flooding his meridians and physique. Nanmen Da Jun suddenly gave a cough, his face white as a sheet as cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

“Don’t force me to kill you! It’s not easy to be an accomplished Array Master, it would be a shame for you to die here!” Yang Kai declared coldly when he saw Nanmen Da Jun still trying to struggle.

Nanmen Da Jun sighed dejectedly and dispersed his Emperor Qi, allowing Yang Kai to lift him up.

At that moment, there was a soft cracking sound.

Yang Kai looked back and saw that Feng Xuan, who was under the influence of the Time Flies Seal, had broken free.

“I expected nothing less from Sect Master Feng!” Yang Kai complimented.

Although the Time Flies Seal was exceptional, Yang Kai’s cultivation was still far from Feng Xuan’s, so it was something of a fluke to even be able to trap him for a moment.

*Xiu xiu xiu…*

A group of silhouettes rose into the sky from all directions, and waves of Emperor Qi surged towards this direction violently. Naturally, these auras belonged to the Emperor Realm Masters from the Seeking Passion Sect and those who had accepted the Recruitment Order. They must have sensed something wrong and rushed to help.

At a glance, there seemed to be at least thirty Emperor Realm Masters approaching, an extremely terrifying force.

Although it was not as good as the thirty-two Monster Kings and eight Great Kings from the Ancient Wild Lands, it was still dreadfully shocking that a single Sect could gather so many Emperor Realm Masters.

“Yao’er, I’ve got him, withdraw!” Yang Kai shouted sharply, calling out to Ji Yao who was fighting against the Second-Order Emperor Realm Master guard.

Yang Kai did not want to be entangled here a moment longer. Since he had already achieved his goal, which was to capture Nanmen Da Jun, the wisest course of action was to leave now.

Ji Yao nodded and used her Pear Flower Ice Snow Sword Technique. Pear blossoms bloomed and swirled around her opponent, locking him in place for a moment as she took the opportunity to escape and fly towards Yang Kai.

“Trying to escape? Since you’ve come, this King insists you stay!” Feng Xuan was boiling in anger, like an erupting volcano. Pushing his Seeking Passion Supreme Art to its limit, he released a mystical domain that covered the entire surrounding region.

In this domain, everyone’s emotions and desires seemed to be infinitely magnified, shaking their minds and making it difficult for them to control themselves.

This was the horror of the Seeking Passion Supreme Art. Once it was deployed, it could arouse the emotions and desires hidden in the heart of the enemy, playing an important role of restraint in a battle of life and death; after all, even a small mistake in such a battle could result in death.

Activating his Secret Art, Feng Xuan stretched a hand out and summoned a spear that seemed to pulse with Blood Qi. Whistling wind and booming thunder was heard as Feng Xuan poured his Emperor Qi into the spear.

“Go!” Feng Xuan growled in a low voice as he threw the spear in his hand towards Yang Kai ferociously.

*Kacha… *

The spear turned into a violet bolt of lightning, soaring like a dragon through the Heavens, radiating an astonishing destructive power.

“The inheritance of the Seeking Passion Great Emperor, Wind and Thunder Divine Spear!”

Many Emperor Realm Masters were shocked, and many knowledgeable cultivators recognized the origin of this spear.

It was known that the Seeking Passion Sect was founded by a Great Emperor, and the Seeking Passion Supreme Art was also the cultivation technique created by the same Great Emperor at the time. It was this supreme Secret Art that assisted in his rise to become a Great Emperor.

Apart from the Seeking Passion Supreme Art, the Seeking Passion Great Emperor had left many other relics to his descendants before he passed on.

The Wind and Thunder Divine Spear was the original Natal Emperor Artifact of the Seeking Passion Great Emperor when he was alive, so its power and lethality was naturally immense!

One could see Feng Xuan’s determination to kill Yang Kai when he summoned the Wind and Thunder Divine Spear to fight against him, who was merely a First-Order Emperor Realm Master.

Pressured by the approaching Wind and Thunder Divine Spear, Yang Kai’s expression turned solemn. He felt a sense of crisis that he had never felt before, as if he was about to die the next moment.

Ji Yao’s face also paled slightly.

At the critical moment, Yang Kai stretched out his hand, and a simple little bell materialised before him.

This small bell that seemed to be thoroughly worn by time was engraved with many mysterious patterns. In an instant, it expanded to the size of a house, shielding Yang Kai and Ji Yao behind it.

Mountains and Rivers Bell!

As soon as this Ancient Exotic Artifact appeared, a wave of aura that could suppress the Heavens and Earth filled the air, causing the numerous Emperor Realm Masters who were rushing over to suddenly stagnate, their chests tightening as if they were being crushed by a large mountain.

Its Desolate Aura was released instantly.

Things did not end here though as Yang Kai slammed his palm forward and patted the Mountains and Rivers Bell.

*Hong…*

The ringing of the bell shot straight into the sky and the suppressive force suddenly multiplied. At this moment, countless cultivators hovering in the air dropped like dumplings, unable to resist. Even the Emperor Realm Masters could barely resist this suppressive force.

“What the hell is that?!” Feng Xuan staggered, realising the formidability of this bell. He was shocked that even someone as powerful as him felt his aura tumbling at a mere knell of this bell.

*Hong…*

There was another loud clang in the next instant, caused by the Wind and Thunder Divine Spear striking the Mountains and Rivers Bell.

The moment the two artifacts touched, the original form of the Wind and Thunder Divine Spear reappeared, its brightness dimmed somewhat as it bounced away. On the contrary, the Mountains and Rivers Bell remained exactly where it was, without even a single scratch, as sturdy as a mountain.

Yang Kai, however, spurted a mouthful of blood.

Unlike the last time when he was pretending to be injured by Ji Yao’s sword strike by biting his tongue, he was really injured this time.

The Mountains and Rivers Bell was an Ancient Exotic Artifacts and naturally not afraid of the Wind and Thunder Divine Spear, but as it was linked to Yang Kai, part of the impact of the attack was transferred to its owner still.

The power of the inheritance left by the Seeking Passion Great Emperor was truly extraordinary.

“Let’s go!” Yang Kai bellowed, retrieving the Mountains and Rivers Bell and enveloping Ji Yao and Nanmen Da Jun with his Space Principles before vanishing from the spot.

Silence descended where Yang Kai had just fled.

Bewilderment etched on their faces, the Emperor Realm Masters who had originally planned to rush to the rescue stood frozen on the spot, unable to move an inch.

Although the previous battle was short, the earth-shattering fluctuations displayed the intensity of the fight. No one could have imagined that a trivial First-Order Emperor Realm Master could compete against a Master like Feng Xuan, and was even able to retreat successfully.

“Where did he go?”

“Where is that little brat?”

“Who was he?”

Doubts arose in the Emperor Masters’ hearts, but no one was able to answer them. Perhaps the Seeking Passion Sect knew the identity of that person, but at this time, who would dare to speak? Feng Xuan looked extremely aggrieved, as if someone had just killed his parents and stolen his wives, so no one wanted to touch his nerves…

Chapter 2642

“Space Principles! Someone actually used a Spatial Technique!” Someone suddenly bellowed. Even though the shout was not too loud, it echoed all over the wilderness clearly.

The faces of all the Emperor Realm Masters grew solemn hearing this.

The Dao of Space was an esoteric Dao that only a few could use even when considering the entire Star Boundary. It was rumoured that the man who was the most proficient in the Dao of Space was a Master from the Eastern Territory’s Spirit Beast Island.

But that man supposedly had a powerful Third-Order Emperor Realm cultivation.

Now though, a mere First-Order Emperor actually used a Spatial Technique to such a skilful degree. 

“I think that bell is the Mountains and Rivers Bell!” Another person recognized the bell.

“The Mountains and Rivers Bell? The relic of the Yuan Ding Great Emperor?”

“Yes, it was indeed the Mountains and Rivers Bell! I’ve long heard from my disciples that the Mountains and Rivers Bell appeared in the Shattered Star Sea, but at some point disappeared. Now, it seems like someone has refined the Mountains and River Bell and brought it out of the Shattered Star Sea.”

“Sii… He is proficient in The Dao of Space and managed to refine the Mountains and Rivers Bell… what a great fortune he has!”

“Who was that young man!?”

While everyone was still in doubt, Feng Xuan suddenly roared to the Heavens with an outraged face, “Yang Kai! This King swears he will kill you if it is the last thing he ever does!”

“Yang Kai!”

“Wasn’t that the name of the one the Seeking Passion Sect has been looking for?”

“It is said that he has a close relationship with Ice Heart Valley, and because of that, the Seeking Passion Sect sent troops to Ice Heart Valley to force information about him out of Bing Yun.” 

“So, that little brat was Yang Kai!”

……

No matter whether Yang Kai was famous or not before today, he was destined to become famous after today, for he had killed a Seeking Passion Sect Elder and captured Nanmen Da Jun right in front of the Seeking Passion Sect’s Sect Master, Feng Xuan. Furthermore, he managed to make a successful retreat. No ordinary genius could accomplish the same feats Yang Kai had.

The hot news of Yang Kai wielding Space Principles and possessing the Mountains and Rivers Bells naturally spread out rapidly.

It was just a matter of time before the name of Yang Kai would be known throughout the entire Northern Territory.

Not everyone could master the Dao of Space as it depended on one’s natural talent for this Dao, nor would it be possible to comprehend it even if Yang Kai was captured and they tortured him for information; however, the Mountains and Rivers Bell was the titular artifact of the Yuan Ding Great Emperor, and rumour had it that it was an Ancient Exotic Artifact that was brought out from the Ancient Wild Lands, a treasure that all envied.

During the War of Great Emperors, even though he had to bear serious danger, the Heaven Devouring Great Emperor still chose to kill Yuan Ding first because he was afraid of the Mountains and Rivers Bell in his hands.

This was a treasure that even the strongest Master in the history of the Star Boundary feared! If one could lay their hands on it, his or her strength would soar.

Yang Kai and Ji Yao teleported back to the borders of Ice Heart Valley.

After sensing a tremendous energy fluctuation, Zhang Sun Yin immediately rushed out and looked over at the direction of Ji Yao and Yang Kai nervously, “Senior Brother Yang, you’re injured!” She exclaimed as she saw blood at the corner of his mouth.

Yang Kai waved his hand lightly, “I’m fine!”

Zhang Sun Ying continued, “You two are finally back! Honoured Master has been worried about both of you these past few days. Honoured Master would have gone out to seek you two if she was not afraid that she would alarm the enemy.”

While speaking, Zhang Sun Ying suddenly glanced at Nanmen Da Jun who was being held captive by Yang Kai, asking, “Who is he?”

Ji Yao answered, “Nanmen Da Jun!”

Flabbergasted, Zhang Sun Ying jumped on with joy, “You succeeded!?”

She had no clue about what Yang Kai was doing outside for these past few days. It was only after Ji Yao departed that she found out Yang Kai was going to deal with Nanmen Da Jun, and now that the latter had been captured, there was no doubt that they had succeeded.

Yang Kai nodded, and pushed Nanmen Da Jun forward to her, “I’ll turn him over to you, it will be up to Senior Bing Yun to decide whether he lives or dies. I need to heal myself first.”

Then, he turned to Ji Yao, “Junior Sister Yao, come and find me tomorrow. I’ll need your help.”

Ji Yao nodded without asking any questions.

After that, Yang Kai disappeared.

Although his cultivation was sealed, Nanmen Da Jun still showed the demeanour of a Grandmaster without a single trace of panic on his face. He looked around and stated calmly, “So, this is Ice Heart Valley. This King has long wanted to visit this place, but I didn’t expect to come here with the identity of a prisoner.”

Zhang Sun Ying and Ji Yao exchanged a look, the former stretching out her hand to gesture, “This way, Grandmaster Nanmen. I’ll take you to see our Honoured Master!”

Nanmen Da Jun smiled faintly, “En, lead the way!”

He looked calm and unaffected, which made many disciples of Ice Heart Valley see him in a new light. Although he was responsible for the dire situation of Ice Heart Valley, there was no real grudge between Nanmen Da Jun and Ice Heart Valley, he was simply working after receiving payment.

Since they had captured him, the crisis of Ice Heart Valley was resolved, and there was no point in harassing him.

Inside the room of the small courtyard, Yang Kai sat cross-legged and swallowed a few healing pills before quietly cultivating.

After a night of effort, Yang Kai had basically recovered and no longer showed any signs of injury.

The next morning, Yang Kai opened the door and left his room.

Ji Yao was already waiting outside.

Yang Kai requested as he glanced at her, “I want to see Senior Bing Yun.”

“Follow me!” Ji Yao answered. While leading the way, she took out her communication artifact and sent a message to Bing Yun.

Not long after, the two arrived at Bing Yun’s residence.

Needless to say, Bing Yun expressed her thanks to Yang Kai when they met. Without his help, they would never have been able to capture Nanmen Da Jun so easily.

Bing Yun’s cultivation was extraordinary, but some things just could not be achieved merely by strength.

“What are you going to do with Nanmen Da Jun?” Yang Kai asked.

Bing Yun replied, “We have made an agreement. In exchange for Ice Heart Valley guaranteeing his safety, he has agreed to never act against Ice Heart Valley again. Now, he is considered a guest, and I will send him away when the war is over.”

“Senior is kind-hearted,” Yang Kai nodded lightly.

If it were him, he would certainly teach Nanmen Da Jun a painful lesson first. Even if he did not kill him, he would still torture him to relieve his anger.

Bing Yun smiled, “In the end, he is an Array Grandmaster of our era. Perhaps, Ice Heart Valley will have need of his services in the future, so it is better to build a good relationship with him. He was not targeting us intentionally in any case.”

Instead of continuing their discussion about Nanmen Da Jun, Yang Kai asked, “Has Senior prepared the things that I requested?”

After hearing this, Bing Yun tossed a Space Ring to him, “They are all inside. Check if it’s enough for you.”

Yang Kai caught it and nodded as he scanned it with his Divine Sense, “It’s enough.”

Puzzled, Bing Yun questioned, “What do you need so many Space Spirit Crystals and Space Spirit Jades for? As far as I know, these materials can only be used to refine Space Rings. Do you know Artifact Refining as well?”

Yang Kai smiled faintly, “I don’t know Artifact Refining, but other than refining Space Rings, these materials have another great use.”

With a single thought, a realization dawned on Bing Yun, “Space Arrays?”

“Exactly!” Yang Kai admitted with a nod, “I want to arrange a Space Array in Ice Heart Valley. I wonder if Senior has a suitable place in mind? It’s better to be a place well guarded and hidden.”

Bing Yun was confused, “Why go through all the trouble? Our Ice Heart Valley has a Space Array here, and can travel to most of the places in the Northern Territory. Although it has been sealed recently, it can still be opened.”

Yang Kai shook his head, “I have to personally arrange this Space Array.” 

Seeing his insistence, Bing Yun pondered for a while before she continued, “How about the Ice Lake?”

Yang Kai raised his brow, “The place where Zi Yu was imprisoned before? It’s indeed a good choice.”

Bing Yun concluded, “Then that place it is.”

“But isn’t that a Restricted Area of Ice Heart Valley?” Yang Kai frowned.

Bing Yun smiled faintly, “It was a Restricted Area before, but since you took that bead out, it’s not a Restricted Area anymore.”

Yang Kai was stunned and he chuckled in embarrassment.

When he came to Ice Heart Valley a few years ago, he took the Bead of Winter from the aforementioned Restricted Area. It was because of this opportunity that he gathered all of the Four Seasons Beads, allowing him to comprehend the Time Flies Seal Divine Ability of Flowing Time Great Emperor in the Shattered Star Sea.

In the past, Ice Heart Valley had used the Bead of Winter to create a Restricted Area which was useful for both cultivation and imprisonment, but without the bead, the Restricted Area naturally collapsed.

“It is not a simple feat to arrange a Space Array. Yang Kai, are you proficient in arrays as well?” Again, Bing Yun questioned curiously.

Yang Kai shook his head, “I only know how to arrange this one type of array, and even that was taught to me by a Senior Expert due to some opportunities in the past.”

With these words, a woman in all black emerged in Yang Kai’s mind.

[Yang Yan… ]

Yang Kai had not seen her for a long time. All these years, Yang Kai had been wandering the Star Boundary, but he never heard of a great force that had a Master called Yang Yan, and there was no news of Lin Yun’er, who Yang Yan had taken away with her.

After shaking off these distracting thoughts, Yang Kai got up and announced, “I shall go and arrange the array without delay. Junior Sister Yao, please assist me.”

Bing Yun ordered, “Yao’er, go with Yang Kai. If he has any needs, try to meet them.”

“Yes!” Ji Yao received her order.

The two immediately walked out of the palace and headed to the Ice Lake Restricted Area of Ice Heart Valley. Soon, they arrived at the place.

When Yang Kai came here last time, it was dreadfully cold due to the presence of the Bead of Winter, but now it was no different from the other places in Ice Heart Valley.

The altar in the centre of the island in the middle of the lake was still there, where the Bead of Winter was originally placed.

Yang Kai scanned the island with his Divine Sense and carefully examined the surrounding terrain, “This place is good, I shall arrange it here,” he said with satisfaction.

He stretched his hand and waved, summoning out a pile of materials along with a large amount of Space Spirit Crystals and Space Spirit Jades.

Yang Kai had arranged this kind of Space Array many times before. Previously, when he was in Heng Luo Star Field, he had arranged enough Space Arrays to connect almost every major Cultivation Star, allowing free travel between them all in an instant.

Before Yang Kai set up those Space Arrays, it would take about several months to several years for a cultivator to travel from one Cultivation Star to the next closest Cultivation Star across the vast Heng Luo Star Field.

However, with Yang Kai’s help, one could instantly reach his or her destination through the Space Array network, greatly saving time and avoiding the perils of travelling through the Starry Sky.

It could be said that Yang Kai’s contribution to Heng Luo Star Field was unprecedented, unmatched in history by any other.

It had been a long time since he last set up a Space Array, so Yang Kai could not help feeling a bit out of practice at first; however, his foundation was still there, so after a moment of preparation, he began to work.

Chapter 2643

Yang Kai was very familiar with the Space Array diagram taught to him by Yang Yan.

If it were another Array Master, even for someone like Nanmen Da Jun, they would probably need three to five months to finish arranging this diagram and would also need to go through a lot of trial and error. Because Space Arrays naturally involved the mysteries of the Dao of Space, the Array Master trying to arrange it could only begin after having a detailed understanding of what they were doing.

But for Yang Kai, it was different. He was proficient in the Dao of Space and had a strong grasp of Space Principles, so he had a unique advantage when it came to arranging Space Arrays.

With Ji Yao’s assistance, within only half a day, the basic structure of an array had been formed. Pieces of Space Spirit Crystals and Space Spirit Jades were smelted and arranged on the array by Yang Kai, completing the structure and formations in it, gradually perfecting it.

A day later, Yang Kai finally let out a gentle breath when he finished polishing the last rougher portions.

“It’s finished?” Although Ji Yao asked in a neutral tone, there was shock that could not be concealed in her beautiful eyes.

Even if one hadn’t eaten pork before, how could they not know what a pig was?

A Space Array was one of the most difficult arrays to arrange, and it was said that it required a lot of manpower, financial resources, and time to complete. Currently, only a few Grandmasters in the entire Star Boundary had the ability to arrange one from scratch.

But Yang Kai had completed a Space Array before Ji Yao’s eyes in the Ice Lake in just a day.

“It’s finished,” Yang Kai nodded in affirmation and circled around the Space Array for a while, apparently quite satisfied with his masterpiece.

Although he had not set one up for many years, it was still very easy to pick it up; some skills simply could never be forgotten.

The Space Array Yang Kai had arranged was only about four metres across and could be regarded as small to medium-sized, capable of teleporting no more than ten people at a time. The foundation of the formation was deeply buried in the ground, and countless mysterious runes were engraved on it. The base of the array was white and pristine as a jade, as if it could lead one the Heavens upon activation.

Above the base of the array were a few hundred grooves, which were used to insert Source Crystals as a power source.

“Where can it connect to?” Ji Yao asked curiously.

Yang Kai shook his head and smiled, “It doesn’t connect anywhere yet, it’s an independent Space Array.”

“Independent…” Ji Yao was stunned, “Then what use is it?”

Space Arrays had to be connected to each other to be effective. Two Space Arrays needed to exist in different locations and be connected to each other to allow cultivators to travel between them.

An independent Space Array was useless.

“It’s useless now, but it will be useful later,” Yang Kai grinned.

Ji Yao did not know what Yang Kai had up his sleeves, but it was apparent that he was not going to disclose it, so she could only hold her doubts.

“Take me to the Space Array in Ice Heart Valley then send me to the place closest to the Eastern Territory. I’ll return to the Ancient Lands from there,” Yang Kai turned his head to Ji Yao.

Ji Yao’s beautiful eyes opened wide and she gently nodded obediently, “Follow me.”

Why did Yang Kai want to go to the Ancient Lands? She knew that he was going to get help. The forces supporting the Seeking Passion Sect were both strong and numerous, with at least thirty to forty Emperor Realm Masters among the ranks, including several at the Second and Third-Order. With Ice Heart Valley’s current strength, they had no chance of victory and would surely be wiped out in a frontal conflict with the Seeking Passion Sect.

However, if Yang Kai could bring help from the Ancient Lands, the situation would be different. After all, each Monster King was as powerful as Feng Xuan.

While the two were walking, Yang Kai spoke up, “I won’t be bidding farewell to Senior Bing Yun, please inform her on my behalf. It will take at least one month to as long as two months to return, but I will definitely come back. The Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley should be able to hold on until then.”

“Good,” Ji Yao nodded gently.

“And…” Yang Kai added while taking out a jade slip and sending his Divine Sense into it, engraving something onto it before he tossed it to Ji Yao, “Take this and teach it to Ice Heart Valley disciples while I’m gone.”

Ji Yao caught the jade slip and checked its content curiously, her tender body shaking slightly after a moment as she asked in shock, “What Spirit Array is this?”

Recorded in the jade slip was not a powerful Secret Technique, but a mysterious Spirit Array. Ji Yao, who was a strong Second-Order Emperor, had broad knowledge and insight so she was able to identify its profoundness at a glance.

With the help of this Spirit Array, the strength Ice Heart Valley’s disciples could display would increase immensely.

“The Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation!” Yang Kai replied, “It was the legacy inheritance of the Black Tortoise Sect from the Eastern Territory.”

It was Qin Zhao Yang from Maplewood City who taught Yang Kai this Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation. At that time, Maplewood City was besieged by Demon Qi, and with much difficulty, they managed to form the Seven Point Black Tortoise Formation with the help of seven Dao Source Realm cultivators in order to venture out and seek a solution to the crisis. Unfortunately, their efforts ended in vain.

It was not that the Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation was weak though, but rather that the ones who were using it didn’t possess high enough cultivation or the necessary unity.

This Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation was a core technique of the Black Tortoise Sect from the Eastern Territory. Once seven individuals formed the formation, it could be used offensively and defensively, but it was especially strong to be used as a defence.

It was unfortunate that the Black Tortoise Sect had somehow offended the Divine Spirit, Shi Huo, resulting in it launching an assault on them. Black Tortoise Sect exhausted all its power and resources but still failed to resist in the end, ultimately being wiped out.

The ancestor of the Qin Family in Maplewood City was a refugee from the Black Tortoise Sect. After the Sect’s fall, the Master had fled to the Southern Territory and settled in Maplewood City. It was a pity that the Qin Family continued to decline in successive generations, to the point where even the appearance of Dao Source Realm cultivators was rare. It was a point of great sorrow that no one in their family was able to wield the Myriads Sword Emperor Artifact which had been passed down to them from their ancestor.

“If a full-scale battle with the Seeking Passion Sect breaks out, Ice Heart Valley can somewhat reduce casualties with this Formation,” Yang Kai sighed softly.

There were a hundred thousand on the Seeking Passion Sect’s side, and although they were from different backgrounds, and were not entirely united with the Seeking Passion Sect, such a disparity in numbers more than made up for those flaws. Ice Heart Valley’s mere seven thousand disciples trying to resist such a tide would be like trying to break a stone with an egg.

This Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation would definitely be a life-saving tool for many disciples in Ice Heart Valley.

“Ji Yao thanks Senior Brother Yang on behalf of all the Sisters in Ice Heart Valley,” Ji Yao suddenly gave her gratitude seriously.

Ji Yao had witnessed that Yang Kai had been working hard to help Ice Heart Valley all this time, and now even passed down to them this mysterious and powerful Formation. It was an immense gesture of kindness.

In this world, there were plenty of people who would curry favour when one was blessed and prosperous, but how many could offer timely assistance in a time of crisis?

Yang Kai chuckled, “I have a close connection with Senior Bing Yun, so this much is nothing. I just hope Junior Sister Yao doesn’t tease me anymore in the future.”

Ji Yao’s face turned red as she naturally knew what Yang Kai was talking about.

But she instantly felt like burying her head in the ground when she recalled the time when he saw her naked from head to toe, and the time when she massaged his shoulders while rubbing against his back.

She had no idea how she could be so muddle-headed at that time. Yang Kai was obviously a man, so how could she mistake him for her Honoured Master?

This was a stain that could never be erased in her lifetime… 

They did not speak again for the rest of the journey and soon arrived in front of the Space Array of Ice Heart Valley.

This Space Array was a one-way array. In other words, one could only go out, but not come in.

The Space Arrays in most Sects were generally one-way in order to prevent enemies from directly invading through them; however, now that they were at odds with the Seeking Passion Sect and with Ice Heart Valley’s safety at stake, Bing Yun had even closed this one-way Space Array out of an abundance of caution.

With Ji Yao’s help though, opening the Space Array was not difficult.

Soon, the Space Array was reactivated, and after installing enough Source Crystals, Yang Kai stepped onto it and disappeared with a flash.

Ji Yao looked at the spot where Yang Kai disappeared silently for a while before her tender body flickered hurriedly to report to Bing Yun.

She wanted to pass the Seven Point Black Tortoise Formation to Bing Yun, who would then disseminate it to the disciples.

In a city near the border of the Northern Territory, Yang Kai appeared leisurely. He left the hall where the Space Array was located immediately and asked someone for directions. He then leapt into the air and rushed in the direction of the Eastern Territory.

Although this was the border town, it still took Yang Kai five days to completely leave the Northern Territory.

After twenty days of ceaseless travelling, Yang Kai finally arrived at the desolate city outside the Ancient Wild Lands.

He couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed at this moment. If he had given Luan Feng or any of the others a Communication Bead or Communication Artifact and was able to communicate with them now, Luan Feng could have come out and led him inside, saving him much time and trouble to enter the Ancient Lands this time.

Instead, Yang Kai flew towards a small house and, with a sweep of his Divine Sense, found a familiar aura. Yang Kai could not help feeling relieved as he had worried if the master of this place was out on business.

“Old Ban!” Yang Kai shouted from the entranceway.

Soon, Old Ban’s figure appeared in front of Yang Kai, and seeing who it was, he smiled and greeted, “So, it is Young Master Yang. Didn’t Young Master Yang leave the city already? Why have you returned?”

Yang Kai answered solemnly, “I want to go to Ancient Lands again, and I hope Old Ban can help me. This will be your reward!”

As he spoke, he flicked a Space Ring towards Old Ban.

Old Ban caught the ring, but without even looking inside, he tossed it back to Yang Kai and smiled lightly, “There’s no need for any rewards. This old man is obliged to assist Young Master Yang’s entry into the Ancient Lands.”

It was thanks to Yang Kai rescuing him from Yao Lin back then that he was still alive and well today, so Old Ban did not feel the need to charge Yang Kai his usual fee.

Yang Kai did not insist and accepted the gesture, “Many thanks, Old Ban.”

Old Ban requested, “Young Master Yang, please wait a moment, I will need to settle down Ling’er first.”

As he spoke, a little girl who was about seven to eight years old ran out of the house. It was Old Ban’s granddaughter, Xiao Ling’er. She was still sick when Yang Kai saw her the last time, but now, she seemed to be healthy and active.

“Grandpa is leaving again?” Although Xiao Ling’er was young, she was very sensible. She stared at Yang Kai with her round dark eyes, then turned to look at Old Ban and asked.

Old Ban stroked Xiao Ling’er’s head and explained, “Grandpa is going out and will be back soon. Ling’er must stay at home obediently and not run about outside.”

“Ling’er understands. Be careful along the way, grandpa!” The little girl urged him solemnly.

The worried look on Old Ban seemed to dissolve as he turned to address Yang Kai, “Young Master Yang, let’s go.”

Chapter 2644

Yang Kai did not move, however, and instead looked at Xiao Ling’er for a while before asking, “Old Ban, she’s just a little girl. Is it safe for her to be home alone?”

There were all kinds of people in this desolate city, where there was no one to keep order, and fights happened all the time. Xiao Ling’er was just a seven-year-old little girl. If she was involved in any danger, Yang Kai was worried that she would not be able to protect herself.

Before Old Ban could answer, Ling’er crisply replied, “I will not give grandpa trouble.”

Old Ban smiled, “Ling’er is very well-behaved. When I’m not around, she won’t go out.”

Yang Kai shook his head lightly as this was not a matter of her going out or not. If someone really intended to harm Xiao Ling’er, it was useless for her to hide at home. Yang Kai was actually quite surprised Xiao Ling’er had been safe all these years already.

After pondering for a while, Yang Kai asked, “Has Old Ban ever thought of sending her to a Sect to cultivate?”

Old Ban smiled wryly, “Naturally, I’ve thought about it before, but this old man doesn’t have any connections, so there is no Sect that I can send her to. I would rather teach her by myself as a small Sect won’t be able to nurture her well. As for those big Sects, it’s not easy to join them.”

“How about I recommend her to a Sect?” Yang Kai turned to him, “As your reward for leading the way?”

Old Ban was stunned, then he was overjoyed, “Young Master Yang, are you serious?”

Yang Kai smiled lightly, “Why didn’t you ask me where I will send her?”

Old Ban replied, “How could that Sect be bad if Young Master Yang is the one recommending it?”

Yang Kai was an Emperor Realm Master, and Old Ban had witnessed his incredible strength with his own eyes. Since Yang Kai was the one making this offer, he would definitely not send Xiao Ling’er to some nameless Sect.

This was Old Ban’s greatest wish as well as a great opportunity for Xiao Ling’er.

“Ling’er, quickly thank Young Master Yang,” Old Ban ordered Xiao Ling’er, his face flushed in happiness.

Xiao Ling’er did not kneel, however, but instead stared at Yang Kai curiously with a pair of big, blinking eyes, her long eyelashes quivering as she spoke up, “Can Ling’er ask something?”

Yang Kai was amused by her reaction, as he did not expect that a little girl at her age would already be this precocious. He squatted down to a height even with hers, and nodded, “What do you want to ask?”

Xiao Ling’er tilted her head for a while, then asked, “Will I be separated from my grandpa?”

Yang Kai nodded, “Yes, there are only women in the place where I’m going to send you. Men are not allowed to stay there.”

Xiao Ling’er quickly shook her head like a rattle drum upon hearing it, “I don’t want to go then. I must accompany grandpa.”

After hearing this, Old Ban stomped his foot anxiously, “You little girl, do you know what you are talking about? It is a great opportunity for you that Young Master Yang wants to send you to a Sect to cultivate. How can you say you don’t want to?”

“I’m not going anywhere without grandpa!” Xiao Ling’er stood her ground firmly.

Old Ban was angry and anxious, though a gush of warmth filled his heart. He glanced at Yang Kai, praying that he would not take back such a good offer because of this.

“Simple and naïve, lovely and sensible. Xiao Ling’er is a good girl.” Yang Kai smiled as he nodded before he persuaded, “Ling’er, do you remember when your grandpa was captured last time?”

When he spoke those words, Xiao Ling’er’s face changed; she obviously remembered the last incident. Panic surfaced in her big eyes as she responded, “Are you going to catch grandpa if Xiao Ling’er doesn’t agree with you? If so, Xiao Ling’er will follow you, please don’t hurt my grandpa!”

Yang Kai could not stop himself from laughing as he continued, “I will not hurt your grandpa, but since such a thing happened once, then there will always be a second time, or a third time… Do you want to protect your grandpa?”

Xiao Ling’er looked up at Old Ban and heavily bobbed her head, “I do! I want to chase away all the bad guys! I won’t allow anyone to bully grandpa!”

Yang Kai pressed on, “Very good. If you want to chase away all the bad guys though, you need to cultivate to be strong, and in order to do that, you need to join a powerful Sect. Come, follow me, I will let you gain the strength you need to protect your grandpa!”

Xiao Ling’er pursed her lips, struggling.

Yang Kai continued again, “You also won’t have to worry for your grandpa, he will go with us. Although he can’t always be with you like he used to, you can still see him any time as long as you miss him.”

“Really?” Xiao Ling’er asked, her eyes lighting up in surprise.

“Pinky promise!” Yang Kai smiled and straightened his little finger towards Xiao Ling’er.

Xiao Ling’er glanced at his move and made a crisp response, “Pinky promises are for deceiving children. I won’t make a pinky promise with you.”

Yang Kai was speechless. He could not believe that this little girl was already so worldly at her age, but perhaps this was the fate of those who grew up poor and in constant danger.

“But Ling’er believes you,” Xiao Ling’er continued.

She immediately knelt down and bowed to Yang Kai.

Yang Kai stretched out his hand and lifted her up, “You don’t need to bow to me, I am only going to recommend you to a Sect. When the Sect accepts you, it won’t be too late to bow again to your Honoured Master.”

“Good… good… Please wait, Young Master Yang,” Old Ban was delighted. Although he has been staying in this desolate city and had been making a living as a guide for over a hundred years now, if Xiao Ling’er really found a bright future, he would not choose to remain in this chaotic place.

Old Ban only had a First-Order Dao Source Realm cultivation and was quite advanced in age, so he could not do anything other than act as a guide to earn a few Source Crystals.

Old Ban went into the house to prepare their luggage. Xiao Ling’er looked up at Yang Kai and asked, “My grandpa calls you Young Master Yang, then can I call you Big Brother Yang?”

“Ling’er can call me whatever she wants,” Yang Kai patted her little head.

“Big Brother Yang, where are you going to send Ling’er?”

“Ice Heart Valley!” Yang Kai answered, “You can rest assured that there are many beautiful Big Sisters there who are all gentle and kind. Ling’er will be taken care of very well there.”

“Are there other children like me?”

“Probably,” Yang Kai was not sure about that, but as far as he knew, Ice Heart Valley had always adopted orphans as disciples, so there should be some young children in the valley.

Yang Kai only came up with the idea of introducing Xiao Ling’er to Ice Heart Valley a moment ago. He had already borrowed Old Ban’s expertise to enter the Ancient Lands, moreover, Old Ban did not ask for a reward this time or the previous time, so he wanted to return a favour with a favour by arranging a brighter future for Xiao Ling’er.

Not long after that, Old Ban had finished preparing their luggage and came out of the house and cupped his fists, “Young Master Yang, we are ready to go.”

“Then, let’s go.” With a wave, Yang Kai rapidly lifted Xiao Ling’er up with both hands, and sat her around his neck.

Xiao Ling’er was obviously startled and quickly hugged Yang Kai’s head with both hands, but she was still a child after all and soon started giggling as she regained her balance.

“No, no, no, how could this be appropriate?” On the other hand, Old Ban stared in fear, “Young Master Yang, I’ll take care of Ling’er. It would be impudent of her to sit on your neck.”

Yang Kai waved his hand, “It’s okay. The Ancient Lands Passageway is extremely dangerous, but she will be safe with my protection.”

After hearing this, Old Ban gave up trying to persuade him because Yang Kai was telling the truth. The Ancient Lands Passageway was indeed a dangerous place, so it would be better to have an Emperor Realm Master protect Ling’er rather than trying to do it himself. Thinking so, he once again cupped his fists gratefully, “Many thanks then, Young Master Yang.”

During the journey, Yang Kai briefly introduced Ice Heart Valley to Old Ban and explained his plans for Xiao Ling’er. Old Ban listened to him without objections.

Even though he was located in the Eastern Territory, he had still heard of the great name of Ice Heart Valley as it was a top Sect in the Northern Territory. It was absolutely a blessed opportunity that Xiao Ling’er could join Ice Heart Valley.

In the past, Old Ban did not even dare to dream about such a possibility, but now this far-fetched dream had actually materialised.

He did not know the relationship between Yang Kai and Ice Heart Valley, but since the words came out of Yang Kai’s mouth, what he said should be trustworthy.

At that moment, Old Ban could not help weeping, unable to believe such great happiness could arrive so suddenly.

“Old Ban, you can try to make a living in Ice Moon City after Xiao Ling’er joins Ice Heart Valley. That way, if this little girl misses you, she can come and visit you.”

“Many thanks, Young Master Yang, many thanks indeed for going so far,” Old Ban raised his sleeve and wiped his eyes.

…..

The Ancient Lands Passageway was still shrouded in strange fog, while Yin Souls flew about, vigorous wind blew, and bolts of thunder fell.

However, Old Ban was an expert on all things here and led them on a path that avoided almost all of these dangers.

It took about ten days for the group of three to pass through the Ancient Lands Passageway and enter the Ancient Wild Lands.

Wild Force pervaded the air and seemed capable of corroding any living being composed of flesh and blood. With Xiao Ling’er in his arms, Yang Kai told Old Ban to stay close to him and then flew straight towards the depths of the Ancient Lands.

Old Ban was shaking along the way as, although he went in and out of the Ancient Lands countless times, this was the first time that he really stepped into the Ancient Wild Lands. After all, the Ancient Lands were so perilous that he would not be able to survive with his weak cultivation.

But looking at Yang Kai’s steady composure entering the Ancient Lands as if walking into his own garden, Old Ban was filled with a rush of admiration for the young man.

He had a doubt though. Yang Kai clearly said that he would introduce Xiao Ling’er to Ice Heart Valley, but Ice Heart Valley was in the Northern Territory, while Yang Kai was heading deeper into the Ancient Lands. The two places were in totally opposite directions, and he had no clue about what Yang Kai was up to.

They flew at full speed along the way. It was the first time Xiao Ling’er experienced the fun of flight, and she giggled from time to time, which flustered Old Ban to keep reminding her to not laugh so loudly for fear of attracting the Ancient Lands’ Monster Race.

But of course, just about half a day after entering the Ancient Lands, Monster Qi suddenly soared into the sky in front of the trio, followed by the appearance of a group of Monsters with vicious looks on their faces. The leader of this group even exuded an aura that was comparable to an Emperor Realm Master.

“A Monster Commander!” Old Ban’s face went pale, his clothes drenched in cold sweat.

He did not expect that the first Monster Race that they encountered in the Ancient Wild Lands would be the Monster Commander, who was also leading many Monster Soldiers and Monster Generals.

[We’re dead!]

Although Yang Kai had an Emperor Realm cultivation, their opponents were not weak, and he was afraid that if Yang Kai had to fight, the odds were most likely against him rather than in his favour.

“How dare someone from the Human Race run rampant in our Ancient Wild Lands!? Report your name quickly and perhaps this King will grant you a peaceful death!” The Monster Commander roared loudly while the Monster Soldiers and Monster Generals behind him howled restlessly. In an instant, the clamorous group of Monster Beast mounts they rode sent up a loud ruckus, producing a terrifying scene.

Old Ban was on the verge of fainting, trembling violently while Xiao Ling’er nervously grabbed Yang Kai’s hair, her face as white as a sheet of paper.

However, Yang Kai stood still on his ground, looking coldly at the Monster Commander.

Influenced by the excitement of his subordinates, the Monster Commander on the other side got excited as well and flaunted his majesty, “Puny Human, are you scared? You… huh?”

Before he had finished his words, he suddenly shuddered. The next moment, his eyes widened and he carefully looked at Yang Kai’s face. In an instant, the Monster Commander’s face changed drastically, like he had just seen a ghost, and he hurriedly shouted, “Everyone shut up! Make way, make way, quickly make way!”

Chapter 2645

The Monster Commander was extremely scared, as if he had seen something really terrifying, leaving his subordinates quite befuddled.

“I failed to see that it was Sir who arrived! Please forgive this humble one for offending Sir!” Dumbfounded, the Monster Commander trembled and his forehead dripped with sweat as he pleaded.

“You’re not so stupid after all!” Yang Kai snorted lightly, leading Old Ban and carrying Xiao Ling’er as he flew past the Monster Race group.

The Monster Commander breathed a sigh of relief after seeing that Yang Kai did not try to find trouble with him.

When Yang Kai was out of their vision, one of the Monster Generals asked curiously, “Sir, who was that man? Why was Sir being so respectful to him?”

The whole group of Monsters were puzzled. The Ancient Wild Lands were a paradise for the Wild Races, and the Monster Race was the most powerful among them, so how could Sir Monster Commander be afraid of a mere Human?

The Monster Commander’s face sank, but instead of answering the question, he ordered in a deep voice, “Remember not to provoke that man. The next time you meet him, run as far as you can. If you offend him, even Sir Monster King will not be able to save you.”

“What…” The Monster Race members were all appalled, their curiosity towards Yang Kai’s identity only growing, wondering how capable this Human was that even Sir Monster King could do nothing to him.

“Enough, I need to quickly report this to Sir Monster King.” After a murmur, the Monster Commander turned into a streak of black light that rushed towards a certain direction.

The sudden appearance of Yang Kai here was definitely a huge matter to the entire Ancient Wild Lands. Since the Monster Commander had met him, he must report it, otherwise, he would be severely punished if the Monster King he served came to know about this later.

Yang Kai continued flying through the jungle.

Xiao Ling’er was still naïve, so she did not understand the previous scene; however, Old Ban now worshipped Yang Kai as though he was a Divine Messenger sent from the Heavens.

Why would a powerful Monster Commander who had so many Monster Soldiers and Monster Generals behind him be so deferential to Yang Kai? Old Ban wanted to ask about it in detail, but he felt that his relationship with Yang Kai was not close enough to get to the bottom of the matter, so he simply kept his doubts to himself.

A short time later, Yang Kai frowned and stopped flying forward to look back. 

“What happened?” Old Ban questioned curiously.

“Someone strong is coming, but I don’t know who and why,” Yang Kai squinted at the rear.

“Someone strong…” Old Ban’s heart skipped a beat. Even the Monster Commander gave up picking a fight with Yang Kai, so ‘someone strong’ in Yang Kai’s opinion would be at least a Monster King, right?

Old Ban abruptly felt light-headed and was having trouble standing on his feet.

In the timespan of two sentences, a navy blue streak of light appeared from the horizon behind them and flew over, dispersing to reveal a vigorous figure.

It was a middle-aged man, dressed in blue robes with a hooked nose, eyes as sharp as a knife, and an aura as deep as a sea.

It was a Monster King!

Old Ban’s face turned pale. Although he had never seen a Monster King before, he could still recognize that the one in front of him was no doubt a Monster King of the Ancient Wild Lands.

Rumour had it that only a Third-Order Emperor Realm Master could clash on par with the Monster Kings of the Ancient Lands. In other words, this middle-aged man in front of him was as powerful as a Third-Order Emperor Realm Master!

This kind of existence could easily kill him and Xiao Ling’er thousands of times over in a single breath.

“It really is Young Master Yang!”

When the middle-aged man opposite them saw Yang Kai, he did not show any hostility but instead smiled happily, as if he was reuniting with an old friend. Cupping his fists, the middle-aged man greeted, “Welcome, Young Master Yang. This one is Monster King Ying Fei who serves under Sir Cang Gou!”

“So, it’s Monster King Ying Fei!” Yang Kai nodded lightly with an indifferent expression. He might have seen this Monster King in front of him near the Blood Gate last time as he looked familiar, but this was the first time Yang Kai was learning the other’s name.

“Sir Cang Gou…” Old Ban was dumbstruck with his eyes widened, as if almost petrified.

Although commoners including Old Ban did not know about the division of power in Ancient Wild Lands, he had of course heard the name Cang Gou before.

That was an Ancient Divine Spirit!

It turned out that there was a Divine Spirit in the Ancient Wild Lands, and this Monster King was the subordinate of that Divine Spirit Cang Gou.

“Just now, I heard from my subordinates that they saw Young Master Yang. This Ying Fei thought they must have seen wrongly, but it turns out Young Master Yang really has come,” Ying Fei grinned, with a look as if he knew Yang Kai very well.

Yang Kai asked, “Why did a Monster King like you chase after me all the way here? Do you want to deliver some kind of command to me?”

Ying Fei hurriedly explained, “This Ying wouldn’t dare to command Young Master Yang. I just wondered where Young Master Yang is going and whether he needs my help or not?”

Yang Kai shook his head, “No need, I just wanted to find Lady Feng to discuss something with her.”

“You wish to see Lady Luan Feng!” Ying Fei beamed, “The distance from here to Lady Luan Feng’s Phoenix Nest Palace is not short. Even though most of the Monster Kings and the Monster Commanders in the Ancient Lands will recognize Young Master Yang and would not dare to offend you, there are still many who don’t know you and might cause trouble. Such a thing should not be allowed. If Young Master Yang doesn’t mind, why not allow this Ying to give you a ride? It’s not that this Ying wants to boast, but his speed is not inferior to anyone in the Ancient Lands.”

Since the last time Yang Kai caused havoc in the Ancient Wild Lands, the remaining three Divine Venerables had given instructions to all the Monster Kings and Great Kings under them to never be rude if they met Yang Kai again in the future.

Thirty-two Monster Kings and eight Great Kings participated in the battle on that day, and everyone knew the relationship between Yang Kai and that Heaven’s Order descendant. Even without the instructions of the Divine Venerables, they all knew what to do.

After returning to their respective territories, they summoned their Monster Commanders and Monster Generals to show them the image of Yang Kai, solemnly informing them to never offend him.

This was the reason why the previous Monster Commander recognized Yang Kai and flew into a panic. Although he had no clue what kind of person Yang Kai was, he knew that this Human was someone Sir Monster King would give special care to, so he did not dare to slight him. 

Yang Kai took a deep look at Ying Fei, the corner of his mouth curving into a meaningful smile.

Yang Kai knew exactly what Ying Fei was up to for being so enthusiastic. After all, Yang Kai was the only one in the world who had a close relationship with Zhang Ruo Xi. As Heaven’s Order’s descendant, Zhang Ruo Xi controlled the Blood Gate Restricted Area, where countless Divine Spirit Sources were kept.

It was impossible for Ying Fei to find Zhang Ruo Xi now because she had entered the Blood Gate, but Yang Kai was right in front of him.

If he could build a good relationship with Yang Kai, it might be beneficial to him in the future. Perhaps Ying Fei would have a chance to obtain a compatible Divine Spirit Source from that Heaven’s Order descendant and evolve into a Divine Spirit by awakening his ancestral Bloodline Power.

“Very good. Then I shall trouble Monster King Ying Fei,” Yang Kai nodded.

Ying Fei was delighted, “No problem, no problem. It is this Ying’s pleasure to help Young Master Yang.”

As soon as those words fell, Ying Fei’s body flashed with blue light, and when the radiance dispersed, a proud cry resounded and a giant eagle with a wingspan of several dozen meters appeared. Even with a gentle flap of its wings, this giant eagle kicked up a raging wind.

“Big birdy, big birdy!” Xiao Ling’er who was riding on Yang Kai’s neck clapped happily when she saw Ying Fei’s true form, as if she just discovered something new and interesting.

Yang Kai chuckled, “If Xiao Ling’er wants to, we can ride on this big birdy.”

“Yes, yes!” Xiao Ling’er eyes brightened in excitement.

With a flicker, Yang Kai was already on Ying Fei’s back.

Ying Fei’s true form was gigantic, while his back was flat and spacious, allowing more than twenty to thirty people to sit comfortably. The feathers on his neck were also smooth and soft, making it feel like they were sitting on a fluffy blanket, which was extremely pleasant.

“Grandpa, come up. It’s really comfortable sitting on this big birdy, even more comfortable than our bed!” Xiao Ling’er climbed down from Yang Kai’s neck, sat on the bird’s back and beckoned Old Ban.

Cold sweat beaded on Old Ban’s forehead, he reprimanded, “Stop speaking nonsense!”

The little girl blabbered naively as she did not know the immensity of Heaven and Earth, but Old Ban understood the power of a Monster King. This was an existence that could extinguish one’s Soul with a single breath.

It was a rarity for him to even see a Monster King, but now he was going to sit on his back?

Old Ban panicked and hesitated, not knowing what to do and turning to Yang Kai helplessly.

Yang Kai smiled, “Monster King Ying Fei is kind. Just come up with us, Old Ban.”

“Don’t worry old man, this King will protect all of you,” The giant eagle spoke in Human language.

After hearing this, Old Ban cupped his fists nervously, “Then… please forgive the rudeness of this old man.”

As he spoke, he carefully stepped on the bird’s back, and an extremely unreal feeling grew in his heart.

He had been muddling along without any real goals for his whole life, but now he was actually lucky enough to sit on the back of a Monster King… 

“Hold on tight, all of you.” Ying Fei reminded them as he flapped his wings. His gigantic body instantly turned into a beam of blue light that shot off towards the depths of the Ancient Lands at lightning speed. During the flight, Xiao Ling’er shouted in exhilaration as the surrounding scenery flashed past them speedily.

Although the speed was fast, there was a Monster Qi barrier on Ying Fei’s back serving as protection, covering them from all the headwinds and keeping Yang Kai and the others unruffled.

All of this was clearly an intentional performance. Ying Fei was not just fast but also flew very stably, not producing a single tilt or bump along the way, as if they were just standing on flat ground.

Just about an hour later, Luan Feng’s Phoenix Nest Palace appeared before their eyes.

Ying Fei brought them to the outside of the Phoenix Nest Palace and after they had disembarked from his back, he transformed back to his Human form and cupped his fists towards Yang Kai, “Young Master Yang, fortunately, I did not fail my mission. This Ying will take his leave now.”

It was not convenient for him to stay too long outside the Phoenix Nest Palace as he was under Cang Gou’s command.

Since the beginning, he did not mention anything else to Yang Kai. It seemed like the intention of this trip was merely to escort Yang Kai.

Ying Fei was smart and probably knew that Yang Kai had seen through his purpose of establishing a good connection with him, and thought that he would leave a better impression by just remaining silent instead of appearing greedy by asking for favours right away. 

Moreover, he was not in a rush and knew that even winning Yang Kai’s favour was not a solution. Now that the Blood Gate had disappeared without a trace, even if Ying Fei wanted one of his ancestor’s Divine Spirit Sources, he would still need to wait for the Blood Gate to reopen again.

Yang Kai smiled faintly and cupped his fists too, “Many thanks, Monster King.”

“You are welcome, Young Master Yang!” Ying Fei returned the gesture, turned around and went back the way he came.

苍狗 – Cang Gou is basically Grey Dog… There is no such divine beast that I know of. Likewise, Vermillion Bird, for those that read the MTL, which we call Luan Fung here, is not even vermillion =.=. For god sakes. 

So, most of these Divine Spirits are not even real mythical beasts.

Chapter 2646

“Young Master Yang, this place is…”

 Old Ban asked carefully after Ying Fei had gone far away.

“Luan Feng’s palace, the Phoenix Nest Palace!” Yang Kai answered.

“Luan Feng…”

Old Ban’s eyes widened. He realized that what he had experienced today was more shocking than all the experiences of the rest of his life combined. It was sensational enough to sit on the back of a Monster King, but now, he was actually standing in front of the palace of a Divine Spirit. 

If it were not for Yang Kai, it would be impossible for him to be here. Yang Kai could not only make a Monster King, Ying Fei, willingly serve as a mount, he could even simply walk up to a Divine Spirit’s palace.

Old Ban could not understand what identity and origin Yang Kai had that allowed him to do this.

While speaking, the palace gate suddenly opened, from which a beautiful and slim woman in an elegant dress came straight to Yang Kai and stood in front of him, saluting politely, “Greetings, Young Master Yang!”

Yang Kai smiled as he glanced at her, “Tian Long, long time no see.”

This woman was the maidservant Luan Feng arranged to serve him when he came to Phoenix Nest Palace as a guest the last time. Although Yang Kai had only met her a few times, they were still quite familiar with each other.

“It hasn’t been that long…” Tian Long looked up at him with a far-fetched smile, “Why is Young Master Yang here this time? Is there some kind of problem?”

Yang Kai replied, “I need some help from Lady Feng. May I know where she is?”

Tian Long answered, “Young Master Yang, unfortunately, you’ve come at a bad time. Mistress just happened to enter a retreat a few days ago.”

Hearing this, Yang Kai could not help giving her a meaningful look as he commented, “Lady Feng is a Divine Spirit, and she has a body that is naturally gifted in cultivation where the Heavens themselves assist in her development. Why would she even need to cultivate in retreat? Could it be… she simply doesn’t want to see me?”

Tian Long hastily explained, “There is no such thing. Mistress is really in retreat.”

Yang Kai ignored her and walked straight into the Phoenix Nest Palace.

Seeing this, Tian Long scurried after him hurriedly.

After entering the Phoenix Nest Palace, Yang Kai strode in and yelled repeatedly, “Lady Feng, Lady Feng, Yang Kai has come to see you.”

Tian Long did not know whether she should laugh or cry. She could only follow him all the way and remind him incessantly, “Young Master Yang, please don’t shout. If Mistress is disturbed, she will blame this servant.”

“Lady Feng, Lady Feng!” Yang Kai ignored her and continued his clamour.

After a long time, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Yang Kai. The figure was dignified and graceful, with a deep and profound aura; who else could it be other than Luan Feng?

However, at the moment, Luan Feng looked at Yang Kai with a slightly resentful face, her eyes full of complaint and animosity, as if Yang Kai was some pest she desperately wanted to be rid of. 

“Lady Feng!” Yang Kai grinned as he saw her, and went forward with his fists cupped, “Greetings Lady Feng.”

Tian Long, who followed behind Yang Kai, also came up and looked at Luan Feng helplessly, “Mistress, this maidservant…”

“You may go,” Luan Feng waved to her.

Tian Long received the order and stepped away respectfully.

Luan Feng glanced at Yang Kai wickedly before turning around and walking off.

Yang Kai followed her with a smile while Xiao Ling’er and Old Ban followed close behind.

When she got to the main hall, Luan Feng turned around and sat on her throne, showing not the slightest politeness to Yang Kai and the others as she took a cup of steaming tea and enjoyed it herself.

“Sit, sit!” Yang Kai stretched out his hand and gestured to Old Ban.

Old Ban did not dare to sit. Standing there in the hall was already a very brave thing for him to do. He hurriedly waved his hand, “This old man can just stand.”

The woman in front of him was Divine Spirit Luan Feng. Even though she did not release her monstrous aura, Old Ban still did not dare to be impudent in front of her, or even dare to make a smile, lest he make this Divine Spirit upset with his improper behaviour.

He held Xiao Ling’er tightly with his hands as well to avoid his child from being ill-mannered towards Luan Feng.

Yang Kai did not force Old Ban to sit and instead turned to Luan Feng with a smile on his face, “Lady Feng doesn’t look like she’s in a good mood.”

Luan Feng raised her eyes and shot a look at him, responding impolitely, “I was in a good mood earlier, but not anymore. Why are you here again?”

Yang Kai answered, “I haven’t seen Lady Feng for so long, so I just came to pay her a visit.”

Luan Feng nodded her head lightly, “Now that you’ve seen me, Young Master Yang can go back.”

“How would that be appropriate?” Yang Kai smiled in embarrassment, “I just arrived here and you wanted to drive me away? Is that any way to treat a guest?”

“If Young Master Yang wants to stay here for a few days, this Queen welcomes you. You may stay at the same place where you did the last time. If you need anything, you can find Tian Long.” After speaking, Luan Feng stood up and looked like she did not want to waste anymore time with Yang Kai.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Yang Kai immediately stopped her when he saw her leaving.

Luan Feng snorted, “Little brat, what’s the matter with you? Coming to find this Queen at this time? Quickly speak, this Queen is not in the mood to waste her breath with you.”

Yang Kai continued to smile dumbly, “Lady Feng really has sharp eyes. It is true that this Junior is in need of a little help from you.”

“Ha…” Luan Feng abruptly snorted sarcastically, “What in the world could make a person like Young Master Yang seek the help of this Queen? How come you weren’t this humble when you made a big stir in the Ancient Lands by showing off in front of thirty two Monster Kings and the eight Great Kings last time?”

Yang Kai felt awkward, “Times have changed. Moreover, it was a misunderstanding at that time.”

Luan Feng growled, “You call killing a Divine Spirit a misunderstanding?”

Yang Kai corrected solemnly, “I didn’t kill him, it was Ruo Xi who did. If you want to blame someone, you should blame her.”

Luan Feng frowned, “This Queen is not looking to commit suicide. Furthermore, I don’t owe you anything now, so why should I help you again and again?”

Back then, Yang Kai took her to the Netherworld Sect where she ended up killing that Sect’s Great Elder. That incident would never have happened if Yang Kai hadn’t dragged her there in the first place.

That terrible business concluded not long ago, but now Yang Kai had come looking for her again. Luan Feng had to raise her guard against him as she was worried that this little bastard might do something reckless again.

“Lady Feng, why are you being so cold? It’s just a small favour for you,” Yang Kai grinned.

Luan Feng sighed deeply, “Speak, what do you want?”

It was hard for her to reject him since Yang Kai had already come here. However, she was only doing so out of consideration for the bigger picture. Yang Kai and Zhang Ruo Xi were close, and Luan Feng was still dreadfully afraid of Zhang Ruo Xi, the descendant of Heavens Order.

Yang Kai replied pensively, “I’d like to ask Lady Feng to deal with two Third-Order Emperor Realm Masters!”

“Who are they?” Luan Feng asked with a frown.

“The Sect Master and Vice Sect Master of the Northern Territory’s Seeking Passion Sect!”

“The Seeking Passion Sect of the Northern Territory?” Luan Feng scowled, “That is a top Sect, and this Queen has no grudges against them, why do I have to deal with them?”

“I don’t care! Lady Feng must help,” Yang Kai stuck his neck out.

“You…” Luan Feng laughed in anger, “Don’t play the rascal in front of me! It’s someone else who has offended you, not this Queen.”

Yang Kai chuckled, “Lady Feng, please help. It’s just two Third-Order Emperor Realm Masters, you can easily pinch them to death.”

Luan Feng snorted, “It’s easy for you to say. Although the Sects in the Northern Territory are not ruled over by any Great Emperors, The Wondrous Pill Great Emperor resides in the Northern Territory. If this Queen stirs up a fight in a Human Sect for no reason, how could he not move?”

Yang Kai remarked, “It’s true that the Wondrous Pill Great Emperor is in the Northern Territory, but he only pursues the Alchemic Dao and will not care about this small enmity.”

Luan Feng shook her head, “He may not care about other things, but he just might if this Queen gets involved. I can’t help you with this.”

“Since Lady Feng says so, I won’t force this issue,” Yang Kai sighed, revealing a helpless face.

Luan Feng was surprised. She looked at Yang Kai strangely, as she did not expect it to be easy to reject him. But soon, Luan Feng frowned, because she believed that Yang Kai would not give up just like this. He probably still had some wicked ideas in his sleeves.

Sure enough, after Yang Kai got up and headed towards the exit, he muttered, “There’s no need to rush now. Ruo Xi will definitely take revenge when she comes out and learns that her Sect was destroyed.”

“Wait!” Luan Feng hurriedly stopped him.

Yang Kai turned around and asked, “What else can I do for Lady Feng?”

Luan Feng gritted her teeth, “What did you say just now? Let me hear it again.”

Yang Kai sighed, “Lady Feng has heard everything, what else should I say?”

Luan Feng continued in a deep voice, “You just mentioned that her Sect will be destroyed, what do you mean?”

“What else could it mean? The Seeking Passing Sect wants to destroy Ice Heart Valley, the Sect which Ruo Xi originally hailed from. This Junior wanted to help but he cannot clap with just one hand, so he came to seek Lady Feng’s assistance. Unfortunately, it seems Lady Feng has her own concerns so this Junior will not try to impose any longer.”

“She came from Ice Heart Valley?” Luan Feng was shocked.

Ice Heart Valley and Seeking Passion Sect were both top Sects, and according to Yang Kai, it seemed that the two Sects were at war, with Ice Heart Valley being in imminent peril.

“Yes, didn’t I say so before?” Yang Kai responded.

Luan Feng pressed on with a solemn look, “Did she really come from Ice Heart Valley? Are you lying to me?”

Yang Kai replied seriously, “Why could I be lying? That crazy woman from last time was Ruo Xi’s Martial Aunt, Ji Yao. Did you pay attention to her cultivation technique when she attacked? She used only orthodox Ice Attribute Secret Arts and Techniques from Ice Heart Valley.”

Luan Feng thought back carefully and realized what Yang Kai said was true. Although Ji Yao did not fight much at the time, as a Divine Spirit, Luan Feng had naturally felt the Ice Attribute Emperor Qi and Ice Principles Ji Yao had cultivated.

Nevertheless, Zhang Ruo Xi did not show any signs that she had cultivated an Ice Attribute Secret Art. It was true though that Zhang Ruo Xi and Ji Yao seemed to have a close relationship. 

Right now, Luan Feng was struggling with whether to believe Yang Kai’s words or not.

While she was still pondering, Yang Kai cupped his fists, “Lady Feng, I’ll leave first. When Ruo Xi comes out from the Blood Gate, please tell her that her Sect was destroyed and ask her to go back to the Northern Territory to seek revenge!”

Yang Kai’s words made Luan Feng’s breathing become faster.

If Zhang Ruo Xi was really from Ice Heart Valley, the last thing Luan Feng wanted to do was tell her such news. How could Luan Feng possibly answer if Zhang Ruo Xi asked her how her Sect was destroyed?

Could she tell Zhang Ruo Xi that she knew but stood by and did nothing?

“Stop right there!” Luan Feng hurriedly yelled at Yang Kai, who was about to leave the hall.

Chapter 2647

Yang Kai turned around again to look at Luan Feng with a grin and asked, “Lady Feng, did you have something else you wanted to say?”

Luan Feng gritted her pristine teeth hard and spat angrily, “This Queen really doesn’t know what she owed you in her past life!”

Yang Kai shook his head, “Lady Feng should not say that. Helping others is the route to happiness. But does this mean Lady Feng is willing to provide her assistance?”

Since she had stopped him, she naturally would not refuse the request. After all, she was still unsure whether Zhang Ruo Xi was really from Ice Heart Valley or not, but it was better to believe it than to not. Since Yang Kai had involved Zhang Ruo Xi, Luan Feng had to help no matter what.

She was not helping Yang Kai, but the descendant of Heaven’s Order whom she was extremely frightened of.

“Just two trivial Third-Order Emperor Realms Masters are not enough for this Queen to move personally, a few Monster Kings will be more than sufficient,” Luan Feng grumbled unhappily.

Yang Kai raised his brow and stated, “Lady Feng is wise. Then please send about seven or eight Monster Kings to the Northern Territory with me to eradicate the enemy!”

He never expected Luan Feng to take part in the fight from the beginning. His initial plan was to ask Luan Feng to send a few Monster Kings to boost their forces, and now Luan Feng had offered him exactly what he wanted.

“Seven or eight…” Luan Feng rolled her eyes, “Not even in your dreams!”

She did not possess that many Monster Kings. Hearing Yang Kai request for seven or eight Monster Kings made it seem less like he wanted to help Ice Heart Valley and more like he wanted to wage war against the world.

“Four or five then…” Yang Kai grinned.

Luan Feng did not answer, instead wearing a pensive look for a moment before she spoke, “Since this matter involves ‘her’, it is also a matter for the entire Ancient Lands. This Queen can’t bear the responsibility for this alone. How about this, stay here in the Phoenix Nest Palace for a few days. This Queen will give you a satisfactory answer within three days.”

Yang Kai thought for a while after hearing this, soon realizing something and smiling as he nodded, “Many thanks, Lady Feng!”

There was a pause before Yang Kai continued, “There is one more thing I need to ask of Lady Feng!”

“What?” Luan Feng suddenly became vigilant. The more she interacted with Yang Kai, the more offput she became. Nothing good would come out of this little brat’s mouth.

Yang Kai requested, “I want to build a Space Array in Phoenix Nest Palace, may I know of a suitable location?”

“A Space Array?” Luan Feng frowned, “Do you actually know how to arrange such an array?”

“Somewhat.”

“Where would this Space Array lead to?” Luan Feng asked uneasily.

“To Ice Heart Valley,” Yang Kai replied naturally, “I spent one month to get here, so I can’t return the same way as that would take too much time. That’s why I want to arrange a Space Array here that directly connects to Ice Heart Valley.”

“A Cross-Territory Space Array!” Luan Feng could not help being shocked as she asked incredulously, “Can you really arrange such a thing?”

This was the Eastern Territory, and Ice Heart Valley was in the Northern Territory. If Yang Kai was really not speaking carelessly, he possessed the incredible ability to arrange Cross-Territory Space Arrays. The only Cross-Territory Space Arrays in the entire Star Boundary were ancient relics that had been passed down over tens of thousands of years. Currently, there was no one capable of building new ones.

“Lady Feng can just wait and see,” Yang Kai laughed lightly.

Luan Feng nodded lightly, “This Queen will allow it. Just look for Tian Long, she will arrange everything.”

“Many thanks!”

As soon as they finished their negotiations, Luan Feng summoned Tian Long again and gave her instructions to take Yang Kai to the same small building where he stayed last time.

Back in the same small courtyard, Yang Kai sent Old Ban and Xiao Ling’er to rest before reiterating his request to Tian Long. Tian Long did not object to his request when she heard that it was approved by Luan Feng and personally brought Yang Kai to a concealed and spacious place.

Yang Kai immediately began to build the Space Array in that hidden place.

In less than a day, a brand new Space Array had taken shape.

After confirming the Space Array was not faulty, Yang Kai went back to the building to rest.

Just as he left, a graceful figure suddenly appeared, gaping at the Space Array in amazement.

“Tian Long, did he really only spend a day arranging this?” Luan Feng asked preposterously.

Standing to the side, Tian Long nodded in awe, “This servant saw it with her own eyes. Although this servant stood far away when Young Master Yang was working, she observed everything carefully from beginning to end.”

“Is he really that capable?” Luan Feng asked in disbelief.

Space Arrays were not easy to arrange, not to mention Cross-Territory Space Arrays. Luan Feng originally thought that Yang Kai would need at least ten days to half a month to arrange such an array, possibly even longer, but she had never expected him to complete it in a day.

This was simply amazing.

“Ice Heart Valley…” Luan Feng muttered, “Tian Long, I’ll pay a visit to Ice Heart Valley, you stay here.”

The reason that she decided to go to Ice Heart Valley was to first test the credibility of this Space Array, and second to investigate Zhang Ruo Xi’s relation with Ice Heart Valley.

She could not shake off the feeling that Yang Kai was conning her; after all, that little brat was too untrustworthy and was always up to no good.

Tian Long was flabbergasted, “Mistress must not! It’s not a question of whether this Space Array can be used, but just in case something unexpected happens…”

It was not a joke if an accident occurred during long-distance teleportation. At worst, Luan Feng could be exiled forever to The Void without a way out. Regardless of how strong Luan Feng was, she would be bound to suffer being exiled to the endless chaos.

Luan Feng waved her hand and insisted, “This Queen has her own plans.”

With another wave of her hand, many High-Rank Source Crystals appeared and slid into the grooves of the Space Array before she stepped up onto the platform with a flash.

Tian Long waited at the side nervously.

Luan Feng was also a little nervous. After all, this was something Yang Kai built in less than a day, so it could be faulty.

Surprisingly though, after Luan Feng waited on the formation for a long time, there was still no reaction from the Space Array.

“What? So, he was just running his mouth!” Luan Feng sneered, confirming that the Space Array was completely useless. She got down from the Space Array smugly and went back to her palace in a gleeful mood.

She was now anticipating seeing Yang Kai’s expression when he realized that his precious Space Array was defective.

During the few days of their stay, Old Ban felt like he was always walking on thin ice, constantly trembling in fear.

This was the palace of a Divine Spirit. He was extremely fortunate to even stay here, thanks to the blessing of Yang Kai, so how could he dare expect anything more? On the contrary, Xiao Ling’er was ignorant due to her age and lively by nature, so it was inevitable for her to feel curious when one suddenly moved to such a luxurious place.

The spirit fruits placed on the table were almost completely eaten by her. These spirit fruits were the local harvests of the Ancient Lands, all of which were rich in World Energy and naturally rare items to the outside world. Anyone who ate them would gain great benefits to his or her cultivation.

Xiao Ling’er lived here for only three days, but had eaten several dozen of these precious spirit fruits. Her originally sallow skin and thin figure had become supple and tender while even her dull hair had turned black and shiny while an abundance of energy seemed to pulse through her body.

The morning after the third day, the screech of an eagle was heard outside the Phoenix Nest Palace. A navy blue light fell from the sky and a figure appeared outside the palace. Before he could kowtow at the palace gate, another figure flew over from a different direction, appearing near him.

The two exchanged eye contact and the former smiled slightly as he raised his brow, “Xie Wu Wei!”

The latter greeted softly, “Ying Fei?”

Ying Fei peeked at Xie Wu Wei curiously, “Why did Brother Xie come to Phoenix Nest Palace? This is not Sir Fan Wu’s territory.”

Xie Wu Wei grimaced in reply, “You are here too, and this is not Sir Cang Gou’s territory.”

After speaking, the two seemed to realize something, and they both asked in unison, “Are you here for that?”

There was no answer, but the answer was apparent.

Xie Wu Wei crooned in amazement, “You are so lucky that you were assigned this job. I’m sure the others are all quite jealous!”

Ying Fei laughed heartily, “A few days ago, Young Master Yang travelled through this King’s territory. This King escorted him along the way, so after Sir Cang Gou learned of this, he assigned this King to assist Young Master Yang. But Brother Xie, how about you? How did you land this cushy job?”

He knew that among the Monster Kings under Fan Wu, Xie Wu Wei was definitely not the strongest one, nor the one that Fan Wu valued the most, because he had a short and bad temper, and he was unlikable; it was amazing that Xie Wu Wei actually stood out and grabbed this job.

He could obtain this job without shedding any blood, mainly because of a fortunate encounter with Yang Kai a few days ago, but how did Xie Wu Wei win over this opportunity?

Xie Wu Wei replied grumpily, “None of your damn business.”

Choked by his words, Ying Fei could not help rolling his eyes.

During their conversation, thunder rolled and a lightning-like light shot over from the distance. The light rushed towards Xie Wu Wei and Ying Fei and dispersed in front of them, revealing a burly figure.

“Xi Lei!” Xie Wu Wei frowned.

Ying Fei could not help cackling, “Brother Xi Lei, what happened to you?”

The burly figure before them was Monster King Xi Lei, a Monster King subordinate of Shi Huo. However, after Shi Huo was killed, he took shelter under Luan Feng and was now regarded as one of Luan Feng’s subordinates.

Despite Xi Lei’s rowdy, barbarian appearance, his strength was ranked top three among the thirty-two Monster Kings.

But the powerful Monster King, at this moment, looked quite dishevelled. He had a bruised nose and a swollen face, seemingly having just come from an extremely ferocious battle.

The Monster Race all had strong physiques and would recover rapidly from ordinary injuries, but Xi Lei’s wounds were still shockingly obvious and he had yet to fully heal, so his original injuries were no doubt quite severe.

Xi Lei scoffed at the question, “I just had a fight with those bastards! This Old Rhino suffered, but those bastards are not much better off than me.”

Although Xi Lei’s name did not consist of the word ‘rhino’, he had the body of a rhinoceros originating from an ancient bloodline, so he had always addressed himself as Old Rhino.

Xie Wu Wei and Ying Fei exchanged looks, and could not help feeling sombre. From the looks of Xi Lei’s condition, the two of them immediately understood that if they had not been so fortunate to have some previous connections with Yang Kai, they would have had to fight it out to obtain this position.

Chapter 2648

With the strength of all the other Monster Kings, they would absolutely not be able to stand out in the end.

For a while, both Xie Wu Wei and Ying Fei could not help feeling relieved. Especially Ying Fei, he started to believe that he had made the right choice in escorting Yang Kai on his trip a few days ago.

At this moment, Xi Lei suddenly sensed the abnormality too, and gaped at Ying Fei and Xie Wu Wei, “Why aren’t you two injured?”

Ying Fei snickered, “Why should we be injured?”

Xi Lei shook his head, “Don’t tell me those guys just gave you this good job for no reason. It took a lot of effort for this Old Rhino to get this opportunity!”

Ying Fei proudly responded, “Who dares to refuse Sir Cang Gou’s order? As for Brother Xie… I have no idea.”

Xie Wu Wei snorted with an enigmatic look, not bothering to explain himself.

Xi Lei fumed, “This is not fair! Completely and utterly not fair!”

Ever since the news came out a few days ago, the thirty-two Monster Kings and eight Great Kings of the Ancient Lands were all heated up. Everyone rolled up their sleeves and there was not a single one who did not covet this job. Xi Lei put up a great fight and only won this position because of his outstanding strength in the end. However, Ying Fei had simply been assigned the position by Sir Cang Gou and did not need to go through any tribulations like he did.

It was totally reasonable for Xi Lei to feel unfair at this comparison.

But he soon calmed down as, no matter the process, he still ended up winning the prize.

While the three were talking, the palace gate opened, and a woman dressed in a long gown walked out.

The three Monster Kings cupped their fists as they saw her and greeted, “Sister Tian Long!”

Although Tian Long’s cultivation was not as good as theirs, she was Luan Feng’s confidant, so they dared not to be impolite to her, lest Tian Long complain about them to Luan Feng, which would make their lives quite difficult.

“Mistress asks you all to come inside,” Tian Long called and led the way. 

The three hurriedly followed.

Inside the hall, they saw Luan Feng sitting on her throne, while Yang Kai was sitting on a seat below her with an unknown old man and a little girl standing behind him.

The three Monster Kings stared steadily forward and cupped their fists together, “Subordinate greets Lady Luan Feng!”

“En,” Luan Feng nodded gently with a dignified bearing, “This Queen believes that all of you know why you’re here. You are summoned here this time to follow Young Master Yang to the Northern Territory to resolve a crisis for Ice Heart Valley. While you are out, you will follow the orders of Young Master Yang. Whoever dares to disobey will be punished severely without any mercy.”

“Subordinate will not disappoint Lady Luan Feng!” The three replied in unison.

It was a stroke of luck for them to be able to receive this job and no one would dare to disobey Yang Kai’s order. Even if Luan Feng did not warn them, they would still put all their hearts into serving Yang Kai; after all, this was an opportunity for them to build a good relationship with him.

Luan Feng nodded in satisfaction, “Young Master Yang is not an outsider anyway. You may greet him.”

Only then did they turn to Yang Kai, and cupped their fists, “Greetings, Young Master Yang.”

Yang Kai put on a smile, as he glanced at the three Monster Kings.

Among the three Monster Kings, he only knew the background of two. Xie Wu Wei was Fan Wu’s subordinate, while Ying Fei was Cang Gou’s subordinate. As for the last one, he should be Luan Feng’s subordinate. He came here to ask Luan Feng for help, but he did not expect that Luan Feng would ask each of the other two Divine Venerables to send out a Monster King as well. Luan Feng obviously did not want to bear all the risk herself.

However, Yang Kai did not have any comments on this matter and simply said, “Three Monster Kings don’t need to be so polite. I will be relying on you three in the future.”

Yang Kai was not disappointed at having just three Monster Kings as this was within his expectations. Only a fool would dream of Luan Feng assigning seven to eight Monster Kings together with him.

Of course, Xie Wu Wei and the others dared not to be at ease and continued to act respectfully.

Yang Kai stood up, “Lady Feng, since they are all here, this Yang shall take his leave.”

Luan Feng could not wait for him to leave, so she did not have the intention to stop him, “This Queen will send you off.”

She did not really intend to send him off, but mainly wanted to witness Yang Kai making a fool out of himself.

This little brat extorted a large amount of wealth from the Ancient Lands and dragged her into a pit in the Netherworld Sect. Now, he was even thick-skinned enough to request help from her again. She could not reject him, but it was still possible to watch him make a fool out of himself to relieve her resentment. 

She had tried the so-called Cross-Territory Space Array a few times now and concluded it was just a useless piece of garbage.

However, she was looking forward to what expression Yang Kai would show after discovering this.

The group went straight to the place where the Space Array was located. When they arrived, Yang Kai instructed them to stand on the array and only then did he take out a number of High-Rank Source Crystals and insert them into the array base’s grooves.

“Farewell, Lady Feng. If there is time, this Junior will visit again in the future.”

“Go, go, don’t waste your time,” Luan Feng suppressed a laugh as she waved her hand.

Yang Kai frowned slightly, feeling that Luan Feng’s expression was strange, but he did not know why. He then glanced over at Tian Long beside her, who was also trying to hold back her laughter.

[What are they thinking now?]

Yang Kai was confused, but it was inconvenient for him to ask, so he simply pushed his Space Principles as he stood on the array. A light flashed in the next moment, enveloping everyone who stood atop it.

When the light was dissipated, they were all gone.

Flabbergasted, Luan Feng stared at the empty Space Array. However, she was no fool so after recovering from her initial shock, she ground her teeth angrily, “That tricky little brat!” 

The reason why she could not activate the Space Array while Yang Kai could easily operate it was clearly that he had set up some kind of restriction on it. In other words, the Space Array was completely functional, but no one could operate it other than Yang Kai.

Luan Feng ground her teeth madly as she suspected that Yang Kai had anticipated her trying to go to Ice Heart Valley to verify the information about Zhang Ruo Xi, prompting him to play this trick.

“It really works!” Tian Long was simply startled as her jaw hung loosely.

It was truly a miracle that a Space Array that was arranged in less than one day could be activated.

“So what if it works!?” Luan Feng snorted coldly, “Smash it.”

“Smash… it?” Tian Long was taken aback.

“Smash it!” Luan Feng nodded affirmatively, “With this thing here, wouldn’t it be all too convenient for that little brat to come and go as he wanted? How could this Queen allow him to behave so rampantly!”

It seemed like she had developed a phobia of Yang Kai. In order to avoid any more harassment from him in the future, it was better to smash the Space Array. Otherwise, Yang Kai might just suddenly appear here again one day.

Tian Long received the order, and no longer hesitated. She immediately waved her hand and smashed the Space Array that Yang Kai arranged to pieces.

……

Ice Heart Valley buzzed incessantly as the world seemed to shake around it from time to time. World Energy swirled chaotically, as if it was a sign of the end times.

The entire Ice Heart Valley was now in danger and all the disciples were gripped with fear. However, there was still a determined look in their eyes, one which showed their will to sacrifice themselves together with Ice Heart Valley.

The light curtain of the array that shrouded Ice Heart Valley had become very dim and was now visibly shaking. Obviously it would not last much longer.

“Quickly think! If you can’t think of a way to stabilize the array, you will die the moment it collapses!” Somewhere in Ice Heart Valley, Ji Yao pointed her sword at a man’s neck. This sharp sword had even pierced through the man’s skin, drawing a small trickle of blood.

The man was not flustered even when his life was threatened by a sword pointed at his neck though and just sighed, “With things having progressed to this stage, this King cannot help you anymore. Although this King was captured by your side, the foundation of the array-breaker was almost complete at that time. Even without this King taking charge, the Seeking Passion Sect can still utilize at least half of its power. If this King did not assist you in stabilizing the Spirit Array all this time, do you think it could have lasted until now? This King is afraid it would have broken half a month ago.”

This man was Nanmen Da Jun, who was captured by Yang Kai back then.

After being captured by Yang Kai, Bing Yun did not embarrass him, only saying she would let him go after the war.

Nanmen Da Jun was naturally quite grateful, and to repay their mercy, he had spent these days living in Ice Heart Valley stabilizing their Sect Defending Array.

What he said was the plain truth. Although he was captured by Yang Kai more than a month ago, many of the array flags he set up had already begun to resonate with one another and the foundation of the array-breaker was almost complete.

Even without him, the Seeking Passion Sect could still operate it to a certain degree.

If Nanmen Da Jun did not take the initiative to help Ice Heart Valley in stabilizing the Sect Defending Array since then, how could it have lasted to this day?

He was the one who was in charge of breaking the Sect Defending Array in the first place, but now he was also the one who was stabilizing it. It was not that he was capricious, but rather that Nanmen Da Jun had a principle of equivalent exchange. Since his life and safety were assured, he was now repaying Ice Heart Valley as compensation.

However, this was his limit. Nanmen Da Jun had deep attainments in the Dao of Spirit Arrays, and at a glance, he could see that the Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley would be broken in less than two hours.

“Enough nonsense. If you dare to say you can’t do it again, I’ll kill you now!” Ji Yao yelled angrily.

Nanmen Da Jun glanced at her emotionlessly, “If I were you, I would send my disciples away hurriedly before the array is breached, otherwise it will be too late.”

“You court death!” Ji Yao was infuriated and was about to stab him with the sword in her hand.

“Yao’er, don’t be rude!” Suddenly, Bing Yun appeared from nowhere and shouted at her.

In recent days, Bing Yun had left Ice Heart Valley repeatedly to harass the enemy. She did not expect to kill anyone, but simply wanted to cause some chaos to delay their progress in breaking the array. But unfortunately, she was met by Feng Xuan every time she went out.

There were even several times she nearly didn’t manage to retreat safely. It would be an equal match if she really fought Feng Xuan one on one, possibly even an advantage for her as she was slightly stronger than him, but Bing Yun was no match against the combined forces of the Seeking Passion Sect.

“Valley Master Bing Yun!” Nanmen Da Jun still had deep respect for Bing Yun, so seeing her arrive, he greeted her with cupped fists.

“Grandmaster Nanmen doesn’t have to be so polite.” Bing Yun said before a worried look appeared on her face and she asked, “Grandmaster, is there really no other way?”

Nanmen Da Jun shook his head, “It is now inevitable for the Spirit Array to be broken. It could take as short as one hour, or as long as two hours. Valley Master Bing Yun, you’d best make plans now.”

Bing Yun’s expression turned solemn as she knew that since Nanmen Da Jun had said so, there was no hope to defend Ice Heart Valley. Unfortunately, Yang Kai was not back yet. If he were, perhaps he could bring some hope to Ice Heart Valley.

However, it seemed like Yang Kai could not come back in time because, when he left, he stated that it would take a month or two for him to return.

Chapter 2649

“Yun’er, Xiu’er, Yao’er!” Bing Yun called out softly in a tired voice.

“Disciple is here!” An Ruo Yun, Sun Yun Xiu, and Ji Yao stepped forward together. The three of them were the Bing Yun’s earliest Disciples, and they were the only three Second-Order Emperor Realm Masters in Ice Heart Valley.

“Send the disciples away through the Space Array, I will stay here and delay the enemy for as long as possible.”

The three women exchanged difficult looks hearing this command, and in the end, An Ruo Yun replied, “Honoured Master, it’s not that we do not wish to follow your orders, but… I’m afraid none of the disciples are willing to leave.”

The remaining seven thousand disciples in Ice Heart Valley were mostly orphans who were brought back to Ice Heart Valley at a young age where they cultivated and were carefully taken care of since childhood. To them, Ice Heart Valley was the only home they had ever known, so none of them wanted to leave when their family was facing disaster.

It could be said that in the entire Northern Territory and even the entire Star Boundary, there was no Sect that could match the internal unity of Ice Heart Valley.

A few days ago, An Ruo Yun and the other Elders had made arrangements to send some disciples out of Ice Heart Valley in advance, but it turned out that none of the disciples were willing to go, and they all expressed their intention to either live or die with the Sect.

“They still have to leave even if they don’t want to, we have to save as many as we can.” Bing Yun ordered sternly, “Make arrangements now. Take your most trusted disciples away from the Northern Territory as far as possible.”

The three women did not move, all of them looking sad but also determined.

Watching from the side, Nanmen Da Jun was moved, secretly regretting his actions against this group of women for some paltry wealth. After all, he was in large part responsible for destroying their Sect’s Defending Array.

“Go now!” Bing Yun yelled at the three who remained unmoving.

The three women trembled at the sight of their angered Honoured Master.

At that moment though, a clear cracking sound echoed across the sky and the large light curtain that shrouded Ice Heart Valley suddenly shattered like broken porcelain.

The last layer of protection was finally broken through, leaving Ice Heart Valley completely exposed.

“The array is broken!” Nanmen Da Jun’s expression changed.

The faces of Bing Yun and the others also froze.

“Bing Yun, this Feng has come!” A yell sounded from outside, followed by the whistling of the winds approaching from all directions. A wave of powerful Divine Senses swept across the treasure land of Ice Heart Valley, and soon, the sound of a battle rang out.

Ice Heart Valley’s disciples had engaged the invading enemies.

*Shua Shua Shua…*

The air snapped, and in the blink of an eye, Bing Yun and the others were surrounded by more than twenty people, all of whom exuded the aura of Emperor Realm Masters.

Leading this group was Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo, who had powerful Third-Order Emperor Realm cultivations.

“Ice Heart Valley’s Sect Defending Array was nothing much!” Feng Xuan stood mid-air, looking down at Bing Yun and the others, a smug and disdainful smile adorning his lips.

Bing Yun’s elegant eyes swept across each of the Emperors present with a deep sunken expression. Although many looked at her calmly, a good number of them avoided her gaze with looks of shame.

Ice Heart Valley had stood in the Northern Territory for thousands of years, and had never forged any grudges or grievances with other Sects. On the contrary, many female disciples had married out of the Sect, and although Bing Yun had set the rules that any married disciple would have cut all relations with Ice Heart Valley, rules were just rules after all, it was an unchangeable fact that the relationship formed by such marriages between forces could not be divided so simply.

In other words, after so many years, Ice Heart Valley had more and less become related to all the major forces in the Northern Territory, with excellent disciples from every generation of Ice Heart Valley marrying into these Sects.

But now, the Masters of these Sects, along with Feng Xuan, had broken through the Sect Defending Array of Ice Heart Valley, entered their homeland and surrounded Bing Yun and her disciples. It was really heartbreaking.

Some of them could not help feeling guilty as they met Bing Yun’s cold eyes.

“Valley Master Chen, there are no grievances between our Ice Heart Valley and your Green Wind Valley. On the contrary, it was this Queen who helped you with the detoxification when you were poisoned a hundred years ago. Did Valley Master Chen come today to embarrass Ice Heart Valley, too?” An Ruo Yun glared at an elderly man with her beautiful eyes.

The elderly man’s face flushed and quickly looked away without saying anything.

An Ruo Yun turned to another elegantly dressed woman, “We had addressed each other as sisters in affection when Elder Yu came to Ice Heart Valley as a guest. This Queen is quite surprised at this uninvited visit.”

The woman called Elder Yu forced a smile, and explained, “Junior Sister An, don’t blame Elder Sister. Elder Sister can’t tell you why, but I am forced to do this. Besides, Sect Master Feng doesn’t intend to embarrass Ice Heart Valley. He just wants to find out the origin of a single person. All of this will be over if you just tell him what he wants to know. Junior Sister An, why don’t you tell Sect Master Feng what he wants to know now, and Elder Sister will ask Sect Master Feng to spare Ice Heart Valley further trouble.”

An Ruo Yun sneered, “This Queen understands, but must decline Elder Yu’s good intentions.”

Elder Yu frowned and fretted, “Junior Sister An, is this really necessary? You all…”

“Enough! To think I once thought of you as my sister, this Queen was truly blind to have not seen you for the ungrateful villain you are!”

Elder Yu flushed at the biting remark and shouted angrily, “You really can’t appreciate kindness! Junior Sister An, if you’re still so stubborn, your end today will not be good!”

The woman was enraged out of shame involuntarily from An Ruo Yun’s reprimands.

She bellowed in a deep voice, “Today, Sect Master Feng came with overwhelming might. It is better for Junior Sister An to be wise and submit yourself to fate!”

“Well said!” Feng Xuan laughed, crossing his arms as he stared down sneering, “Bing Yun, when you sheltered the murderer of my son, you should have thought of this outcome, but it is too late to regret, since this King is here now, your ending has been decided.”

He seemed to be extremely confident, and just taking his time to enjoy the pleasure of dominating over Bing Yun and the others.

“Sect Master Feng…” Nanmen Da Jun called out, frowning slightly as he cupped his fists. Before he could say anything though, Feng Xuan interrupted him, glanced at him lightly, and commented, “It turns out Grandmaster Nanmen is here too!”

Nanmen Da Jun mumbled sarcastically to himself, [Why are you talking nonsense? I was taken away right before your eyes that day, where else could I have been?] 

Feng Xuan continued, “Grandmaster Nanmen deserves most of the credit for our success in breaking through this Array. Please stand back now, this King would hate for you to be hurt by mistake in the coming conflict. After this Sect Master destroys Ice Heart Valley, he may still need your help, Grandmaster.”

Nanmen Da Jun frowned, sighed, and stopped replying.

He knew that his words would not carry much weight anyway. Although he was an Array Master, and plenty begged him for his services, there were also plenty of them who were ungrateful and would be willing to get rid of him after he got the job done.

He did not have the power to force Feng Xuan to follow his advice.

It was simply more sensible to shut his mouth, lest he really draw trouble to himself.

“Brother Yao, join hands with this King to first get rid of Bing Yun, then we shall destroy the entire Ice Heart Valley!” Feng Xuan enjoyed the desperate faces of Ice Heart Valley’s Elders for a while, his heart bubbling with glee. Then he roared loudly, murderous intent surging.

Yao Zhuo, who had been silent at the side for a while, took a step forward at that moment and released his powerful Third-Order Emperor Realm aura.

Although his aura was not as rich and pure as the veteran Feng Xuan’s, it was indeed the aura of the Third-Order Emperor Realm. After all, it had not been long since he had broken through.

Summoning a blade into his hand, Yao Zhuo charged towards Bing Yun with a flash. At the same time, Feng Xuan summoned the relic of the Seeking Passion Great Emperor, the Wind and Thunder Divine Spear.

The sound of a brewing storm resounded from the tip of the spear, and it turned into a flash of lightning as it thrust towards Bing Yun.

With two Third-Order Emperor Realm Masters joining forces against her, Bing Yun’s face turned solemn immediately.

These past few days, she had often fought with Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo, and while she was not afraid of either of them in a one on one fight, even having confidence she could kill Yao Zhuo in a stick of incense worth of time, she was completely overpowered when facing the two of them together. With a light tap of her foot, she floated backwards and retreated.

“Formation!” An Ruo Yun shouted at that moment.

In an instant, six Emperors Realm Masters of Ice Heart Valley flew to Bing Yun’s side, spreading out in a mysterious pattern.

The seven pushed their Emperor Qi together, causing a resonation that shook the world around them, sending stone and soil flying from the ground and the sun overhead to dim. Where the seven stood, a vague behemoth seemed to materialize, raising its head as it released a guttural roar.

*Dang dang…*

The earth trembled twice as Yao Zhuo retreated a dozen steps, his eyes filled with shocking amazement when he felt the vitality in his chest tumble. Feng Xuan was also pushed back several steps, the Wind and Thunder Divine Spear that was thrust out repelled by a mysterious force.

“What’s this?”

“What happened?”

“How is Bing Yun so strong?”

The group of spectating Emperor Realm Masters were all dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes. Although no one doubted Bing Yun’s strength, it was still unbelievable to all the audience that she could single-handedly block Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo’s combined strike and even force them back.

But they could not doubt the truth that was right in front of them.

“No! That’s not Bing Yun’s power!”

“A Formation, but what kind of Formation?”

“The silhouette of a Black Tortoise, this Formation… it’s incredible.”

The bright light dissipated, and the vision of the ground gradually became clear. Everyone finally had a clear vision of the scene, and shockingly comprehended how Bing Yun had defended against the two Third-Order Emperor Realm Masters.

Because at this moment, Bing Yun and six of her Disciples had formed a mysterious Formation that connected each other’s Emperor Qi and manifested a huge phantom of a Black Tortoise.

Bing Yun stood at the head of the Black Tortoise phantom, while An Ruo Yun and Sun Yun Xiu were at its front shoulders; Ji Yao and another Emperor Realm Elder stood on its rear feet, while one Elder stood at the centre of the tortoise’s back and a last at its tail.

The Black Tortoise phantom threw a disdainful look at the crowd, displaying a demeanour that alone it could hold out against ten thousand men.

It was the Seven Point Black Tortoise Formation!

Chapter 2650

When Yang Kai left a month ago, he handed over the Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation to Ji Yao. Since then, every disciple of Ice Heart Valley had been practising this Formation diligently, including Bing Yun and her Direct Disciples.

This was the core Formation of Black Tortoise Sect, a secret that was not passed on to outsiders. This Formation’s defensive ability was extremely strong. Now, with the combined force of seven Emperor Realm Masters, including a Third-Order Emperor Realm Master like Bing Yun who took the central position, the Formation that they formed was nigh impregnable.

Although Bing Yun and the others had not doubted the power of the Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation, it was their first time using it in real combat, so they honestly did not know how powerful it would be. Seeing that they easily forced Feng Xuan and Yao Zhuo back, however, they were delighted and knew that if Yang Kai did not leave such a unique formation to them, Ice Heart Valley would be doomed today.

Even though the Sect Defending Array was breached, the seven thousand disciples could still reduce their casualties greatly with the help of this Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation, possibly even allowing some of them to escape and preserve the inheritance of their Sect.

“You bitches!” Contrary to the pleasant surprise of the Elders of Ice Heart Valley, Feng Xuan was maddened.

The Seeking Passion Sect and Ice Heart Valley were both top Sects in the Northern Territory, and they knew each other’s backgrounds extremely well. However, he had never known that Ice Heart Valley possessed such a mighty Formation Technique, nor did he have any clue where Bing Yun obtained it. His mood became dreadful as his proud attack had been turned back so casually.

“Listen to me, my Disciples! Follow me to carve a path of blood out of here!” Bing Yun shouted coldly.

“Yes!” Everyone replied in unison.

“Why are you still standing around gawking? Kill them!” Feng Xuan was enraged but did not lose his mind. Seeing that his combined force with Yao Zhuo was not enough to gain the upper hand, he could only choose to overwhelm the enemy with pure numbers.

This strange Formation was indeed profound and mysterious, but Feng Xuan noticed that Bing Yun and the others had not cultivated it for very long and were still not proficient in using it. In other words, they could not unleash the maximum potential of this Formation.

So, even if they hastily tied together this formation, there was a limit to the amplification it would provide. Feng Xuan had twenty Emperor Realm Masters on his side, so it was still possible for them to break through using brute force.

Hearing Feng Xuan’s order, the spectating Emperor Realm Masters put on solemn looks, pushing their Emperor Qi and summoning their Artifacts one after another before charging towards Bing Yun and her Disciples.

In an instant, the surrounding World Energy and Principles become disordered and space itself cracked, flipping the Heavens and Earth.

Nearly thirty Emperor Realm Masters had become locked in a life or death battle, a sight rarely seen in the Star Boundary.

Emperor Artifacts of various shapes and kinds emerged, displaying their great power, and turning into various attacks, bombarding the phantom of the Black Tortoise. However, the Black Tortoise phantom was extremely durable, remaining safe and sound despite the heavy onslaught.

Nanmen Da Jun was observing from the side with bright eyes, and after a long time, a realization dawned on him as he cried out involuntarily, “The Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation!”

As an Array Master renowned in this generation, Nanmen Da Jun had a broad knowledge base, so although it was his first time seeing this Formation, he recognized its origins quickly.

“The core inheritance of Black Tortoise Sect that was said to have been lost to history!” Nanmen Da Jun had never been so excited before.

Spirit Arrays were his specialty, and his passion for this Dao was as deep as his attainments in it. To him, rare Spirit Arrays and Formations were like great beauties. He had once risked his own life just to study an Ancient Array in a Forbidden Zone, spending a whole three years to crack it in the end, narrowly escaping death.

Nanmen Da Jun had seen the records of the Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation in ancient books and learned that it was once the foundation of Black Tortoise Sect from Eastern Territory. However, when the Black Tortoise Sect was wiped out, the Spirit Array was said to have been lost.

According to the ancient books, Black Tortoise Sect comprehended this Formation by observing the Divine Spirit Black Tortoise. The Divine Spirit Black Tortoise was one of the greatest Divine Spirits of all time, so how could a Formation which was comprehended by observing such a majestic beast be weak?

Seeing this Formation stimulated the desire of Nanmen Da Jun. It was an array that he had studied for a while yet was not able to obtain.

He had never expected to witness this long lost formation in Ice Heart Valley today.

“This trip has been completely worth it!” Nanmen Da Jun’s eyes lit up as he completely forgot that a desperate life and death battle was taking place. Instead, he immersed himself in studying from the side with interest, ogling this Formation as he wished he could rush forward to study it in detail.

Although he was electrified, he knew that with his cultivation, he would only bring a miserable death to himself if he rushed out now. 

On the other side, Ice Heart Valley and Seeking Passion Sect’s battle had reached a fever pitch.

Seeking Passion Sect had twenty Emperor Realm Masters on its side, greatly surpassing Ice Heart Valley in terms of numbers and overall strength, but they still could not break through the defence of the Seven Points Black Tortoise Formation.

Their attacks were all blocked by Bing Yun and the others while, on the contrary, Bing Yun and her Disciples were able to unleash powerful killing moves from time to time, terrifying everyone from the Seeking Passion Sect. All of them were drenched in cold sweat as they tried to handle this precarious situation.

Especially troubling was the cold domain and swirling Ice Principles that slowed down the circulation of Emperor Qi in their bodies.

With the passage of time, the Masters from the Seeking Passion Sect grew more and more frightened, worried they would be completely exhausted before they could break through the defences of this Formation. At that time, they would all become pigs waiting to be butchered.

After all, Bing Yun and the others were defending more than attacking, and with the assistance of this Formation, their consumption would naturally be much lower than those of the Seeking Passion Sect who were attacking.

Many of them were in a panic and their attacks became less fierce than before.

Realizing this situation, Feng Xuan suddenly exploded like a volcano as he raged, “Bing Yun, you are still putting up a stiff resistance with your back to the wall, but this King really wants to see how your seven thousand disciples in Ice Heart Valley will resist our forces! This King’s Sect has already sent another ten Emperor Realm Masters to the centre of your Ice Heart Valley! By now, your precious valley must be a river of blood!”

There were not just twenty Emperor Realm Masters on the Seeking Passion Sect’s side, but more than thirty in total. Only about one-third of this number directly belonged to the Seeking Passion Sect, while the rest were the helpers recruited from the outside.

Before coming here, ten Emperor Realm Masters were ordered to infiltrate into Ice Heart Valley to kill the disciples. With the remaining power of Ice Heart Valley, there was no way for them to resist.

Sure enough, when Feng Xuan’s words fell, the faces of the Ice Heart Valley Elders darkened.

Bing Yun bellowed as she gritted her teeth, “Follow me!”

While speaking, she led her Disciples in an attempt to break through their encirclement.

Feng Xuan put on a fierce expression as he struck out with his Wind and Thunder Divine Spear, “In your dreams! Bing Yun, just watch how this King wipes out Ice Heart Valley, and tremble in despair and regret! When those ten Emperor Realm Masters come back, you will all die!”

Yao Zhuo, who had been silent the whole time, also became bloated with confidence and sneered, “This is the consequence of opposing our Seeking Passion Sect!”

These words had a deep meaning behind them and the Emperor Realm Masters who did not belong to the Seeking Passion Sect turned silent after hearing them, secretly planning whether they should pledge their fealty to the Seeking Passion Sect after this war lest they no longer have a foothold in the Northern Territory.

“Ten Emperor Realm Masters?”

At this moment, a lazy voice sounded. When this voice reached the ears of all the Ice Heart Valley Elders, they could not help feeling delighted as they turned to look at its source.

“Senior Brother Yang!” Ji Yao was pleasantly surprised.

On the other side, Feng Xuan widened his eyes in hatred and burst out, “Little animal!”

He recognized this voice as his son’s murderer. Furthermore, he had encountered Yang Kai outside Ice Heart Valley just a month ago, so it was impossible for him to forget it.

Swiftly, Feng Xuan turned and glared at Yang Kai full of murderous intent, paying his complete attention to him as if no one else besides him mattered.

“Do you mean these ten Emperor Realm Masters? This Young Master brought them to you. It was just a slight effort, no need for any thanks.”

Yang Kai emerged slowly from the Void without the slightest fluster on his face, as if he was taking a leisurely stroll in his own back garden. When his figure was revealed, he waved his hand lightly.

*Hua la la… *

Corpses fell down from the sky one after another. It could be noticed that these corpses all belonged to important individuals as they were all dressed in fine robes. However, they were all dead, each of them having a single fatal wound on their bodies that blood still flowed out of.

“Ah, it’s Great Elder Feng Zi Ping of Green Wind Valley!”

“Liu Rui of Hundred Refining Sect!”

“Nine Star Sect’s Sect Master!”

…..

The air burst out in exclamations as the Emperor Realm Masters who were besieging Bing Yun and the others swept their eyes across the corpses, each of them calling out in fright one after another.

All of them recognized the deceased as they were quite familiar with each other. They had just separated from these people to follow Feng Xuan to tie down Bing Yun while the rest led the hundred thousand troops into Ice Heart Valley.

Nevertheless, all of these Masters had been turned into corpses.

They counted the number of corpses, and it was precisely ten.

In other words, all ten Emperor Realm Masters who separated from them were now dead.

The twenty Emperor Realm Masters gasped simultaneously, feeling a chill running from the back of their spines to the top of their heads. 

Everyone stopped attacking, distracted by the ten corpses, staring in disbelief.

How could all of them die in such a short time? How could Ice Heart Valley still have such formidable power in reserve?

In contrast to the bewilderment on Seeking Passion Sect’s side, everyone from Ice Heart Valley was overjoyed.

Especially Bing Yun and Ji Yao, for both of them knew about Yang Kai’s plan. Now that they saw these ten corpses, they immediately understood that Yang Kai had brought back powerful helpers, otherwise it would be impossible to accomplish this without anybody knowing it.

“Yang Kai…” Bing Yun was lost for words as she called out warmly to Yang Kai.

Yang Kai on the other hand looked at Bing Yun and lowered his head slightly, “I’m late.”

“You aren’t. You came back just in time,” Bing Yun shook her head slowly.

She knew that Ice Heart Valley would be saved with the return of Yang Kai.

“Sect Master Feng, long time no see!” Yang Kai turned to Feng Xuan who was livid, and grinned.

“Bastard!” Feng Xuan’s teeth almost shattered from how hard he was grinding them, “How did you kill all of them on your own!?”

“Well, you see, I…” Yang Kai’s lips curved into a mocking grin, “Have no comments!”

“Little Bastard, I’ll kill you!” Yao Zhuo seethed at this moment, pushing his Emperor Qi madly as he slashed down with his sword from above, intending to cut Yang Kai in two with a single stroke.