Yang Kai coughed lightly, suppressing the joy and excitement welling up in his chest, and said evenly, "Since the culprits have already been dealt with, let today's matter end here. I hope Young Master Xie will behave himself going forward."
"Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Brother, thank you, Elder." Xie Hongwen wept bitterly, thanking them over and over.
"Still here?" Qian Tong barked. Xie Hongwen scrambled to his feet and fled into the distance, his legs trembling beneath him. He never wanted to set foot here again—if he stayed any longer, his life might truly be forfeit.
The dispute was resolved to everyone's satisfaction.
Yang Kai had obtained the souls of two Return Void Realm powerhouses. Being able to absorb their insights into the Heavenly Dao and Martial Dao to study the concept of Force naturally pleased him. As for Xie Hongwen, Yang Kai couldn't refuse to give Qian Tong face. If he truly killed Xie Hongwen, Qian Tong would likely turn against him, and that would be more trouble than it was worth.
Qian Tong had finally managed to save Xie Hongwen and was also quite satisfied, thinking that although Yang Kai was young, he understood when to advance and retreat—a fine quality indeed.
It was a happy ending for everyone.
"Elder Qian, thank you for your help this time. This junior will remember it," Yang cupped his fists and said solemnly. He knew that if Qian Tong hadn't arrived so quickly, he would have been forced to kill today, and Xie Hongwen would have undoubtedly died. If Xie Hongwen died, there would be no way for him to establish himself here. There were still many Void Spirit Crystals beneath Dragon's Lair Mountain—for that alone, Yang Kai had to thank Qian Tong. The Elder had given him enough breathing room.
"Don't mention it, nephew." Qian Tong laughed heartily. "This old man didn't do much. Rather, nephew is a true dragon among men—actually wounding Hong Zhen and his lot with only a first-level Saint Realm cultivation. Your future achievements will be limitless."
"It's not my credit. I merely made use of the array's power," Yang Kai said with a faint smile.
Qian Tong looked as though he understood, and he glanced at the array a few more times. But with the array inactive, he couldn't discern anything of note. A quiet shock stirred within him—could it be that the person behind Yang Kai was not only a Void-grade Artifact Refiner, but also an Array Grandmaster?
His guess was entirely correct. He simply guessed the wrong person. The artifact was forged by Yang Yan. The array was arranged by Yang Yan, and the person was right under Qian Tong's nose. Unfortunately, Qian Tong had no idea.
"Does nephew have any plans?" Qian Tong shifted the conversation. "If not, I could recommend you to the Shadow Moon Hall. With your talent, you would surely become a Core Disciple upon entering. I just wonder if it might be beneath you."
How could Yang Kai not see through his intentions? He slowly shook his head. "No need. I'm quite content living here. I've always been a free spirit—I don't know the proper etiquette, and if I joined some great sect, I'd probably just end up making a fool of myself."
Qian Tong smiled faintly and immediately dropped the subject. He knew that pressing further might undo everything he'd just accomplished. He glanced casually toward the cave's entrance and fell silent, waiting for Yang Kai to invite him inside.
In his mind, that Void-grade Artifact Refiner and Array Grandmaster behind Yang Kai must be resting inside the cave. If his luck was good, he might catch a glimpse upon entering.
Qian Tong said nothing, and Yang Kai had nothing more to say either. He was eager to enter seclusion to study this concept called Force, and was in no mood for further conversation. He barely stopped short of seeing his guest out.
The two stared at each other for a long moment, both seemingly feeling rather awkward.
"Greetings, Elder Qian." At that critical moment, Wu Yi approached with Yang Yan and offered a graceful bow, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"Good, good." Qian Tong nodded with a smile. "You're a disciple of the Haik family, aren't you?"
"I was, but Wu Yi has already left the family. I now follow Senior Brother Yang," she replied softly.
"Good for you. Following nephew Yang is surely more promising than staying with the Haik family. You have a good eye, little girl—work hard, and you might just manage to win nephew Yang's heart."
You old fox, that's a bit undignified! Yang Kai grumbled inwardly.
Wu Yi's cheeks flushed slightly. She pressed her lips together and smiled. "With my humble appearance, I'm afraid I'm not worthy of Senior Brother Yang."
She wasn't being falsely modest. After witnessing Yang Kai's abilities, she genuinely felt that very few people could be considered his match—and she certainly wasn't one of them. Besides, she had little interest in such matters at the moment. Qian Tong had tossed out a casual remark, and she'd responded in kind.
"And this is...?" Qian Tong turned his gaze to Yang Yan. Anyone who could come along with Wu Yi and was part of Yang Kai's inner circle was surely not someone to be taken lightly.
"This is my junior sister," Yang Kai said, introducing her before Yang Yan could speak.
Both Wu Yi and Yang Yan stared at him, taken aback.
"Oh, so she's your junior sister. Wonderful, wonderful."
"She's also a Saint-grade Artifact Refiner," Yang Kai added deliberately.
Qian Tong's eyes lit up, his expression turning to one of genuine delight as he burst into laughter. "At such a young age, she's already a Saint-grade Artifact Refiner! It seems your junior sister's future achievements will be no less than your own."
"Indeed, indeed. My junior sister is very impressive," Yang Kai nodded quickly.
"I used to think the disciples in our sect were quite exceptional, but after meeting you two today, I realize our sect's disciples simply pale by comparison. What a pity—if only the two of you could join my Shadow Moon Hall."