In the Shadow Moon Palace's private box, Qian Tong sat motionless for a long while, a faint look of vexation between his brows. Had he known that even after pocketing thirty million in passage fees he still wouldn't be able to win that Void Condensation Pill at auction, he would have bought the Dragon-Beating Whip and gifted it to his disciple instead.
Now he had nothing to show for it, and naturally felt some regret.
A full incense stick's worth of time passed before Qian Tong finally turned to the Shadow Moon Palace disciples standing nearby and said, "You may all return first. The Flowing Flame Sandfield will open soon — focus on your cultivation once you're back."
The disciples nodded in acknowledgment and departed together, leaving only Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er, two disciples of the younger generation. Qian Tong stood and said, "You two, come with me. I'm taking you to meet someone."
"Yes." Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er obediently followed behind him.
In Box Bing-13, Wu Yi took some Holy Crystals and gave them to the two Shadow Moon Palace female disciples who had been attending them. After their delighted thanks, she sent them away.
The three waited and waited, but Qian Tong did not appear.
Just as they were growing thoroughly bored, a knock sounded from outside. Yang Kai gave Wu Yi a look, and she hurried over to open the door. Qian Tong entered with a broad smile, a man and a woman in tow.
"Nephew Yang, sorry to keep you waiting." Qian Tong cupped his fists in greeting, his tone politely warm.
"You're too kind, Senior. I had nothing pressing anyway." Yang Kai rose to greet him.
Hearing Yang Kai shift from addressing him as Elder Qian to Senior, Qian Tong's eyes brightened, and his smile grew even heartier. Previously Yang Kai had always called him Elder Qian, but now the switch to "Senior" clearly carried a note of genuine respect. Qian Tong knew perfectly well it was because of the help he'd rendered this time — how could Yang Kai not feel grateful?
He didn't point it out, and simply sat down at Yang Kai's invitation.
Behind Qian Tong, Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er wore peculiar expressions. When Qian Tong had said he was taking them to meet someone, they had assumed it would be some elder from another faction. But upon arriving, they found themselves face-to-face with a young man even younger than themselves, whose cultivation was hardly impressive — only Holy King First Stage.
What about this person warranted such formal treatment from an elder? Having followed Qian Tong for a long time, they could even detect a hint of careful deference in his words and manner.
He certainly wasn't from any of the Three Great Supreme Forces. Who on earth was this guy?
"These two are...?" Yang Kai looked at Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er with a questioning gaze. Though he had already guessed their identities, it was better to play ignorant for the moment.
Why had Qian Tong brought them here? But after a brief moment of thought, Yang Kai immediately understood Qian Tong's intentions.
Qian Tong seemed to have just remembered as well, and laughed. "I forgot to introduce you, Nephew."
He pointed to the tall, imposing young man. "This is Wei Guchang, the most talented disciple Shadow Moon Palace has produced in several centuries." Then he pointed to the woman. "And this is my own disciple, Dong Xuan'er. You two — hurry and greet Brother Yang Kai."
Upon hearing Qian Tong's introduction, Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er were inwardly startled. It was always the junior who paid respects to the senior, and among peers, precedence was determined by cultivation and standing. This fellow Yang Kai was a nobody — his cultivation was far below theirs. Why was the elder asking them to greet him first?
Thinking this, both hesitated, failing to follow Qian Tong's instructions for the first time.
Qian Tong saw this and immediately understood their confusion. These two disciples, though good in character and temperament — free of the arrogance common among disciples from major factions — had their own pride. One could say that even if Fang Tianzhong or Qu Changfeng stood here, they would have no right to demand these two lower themselves. Among their generation, they treated each other as equals.
Qian Tong grew inwardly anxious, fearing their attitude might displease Yang Kai. If Yang Kai took offense, all his previous efforts would be wasted. He also cursed himself — had he explained the situation to them on the way here, this awkward scene could have been avoided.
But Yang Kai was unconcerned. He chuckled and cupped his fists. "So it's Brother Wei — your reputation precedes you. It rings like thunder!"
He had only heard Wei Guchang's name for the first time today, so the words were entirely insincere. But Qian Tong's face had to be given due respect.
Wei Guchang gave a slight nod and returned the cupped-fist gesture, but said nothing.
Yang Kai turned to Dong Xuan'er. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Dong."
Dong Xuan'er returned a graceful bow, poised and composed. Like Wei Guchang, she remained silent.
Qian Tong laughed it off. "I'm getting old, and you're all about the same age. You should get to know each other better going forward."
Yang Kai offered a noncommittal response, and neither Wei Guchang nor Dong Xuan'er showed any particular enthusiasm either. They saw no reason to cultivate a friendship with Yang Kai. Though the elder seemed to think highly of this person, only the truly strong could earn their respect. High status or prestigious origins meant nothing if one couldn't back it up — they would never stoop to flattery.
Qian Tong, sensing that this wasn't going as smoothly as he'd hoped, had originally brought Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er to meet Yang Kai because they were all around the same age and might hit it off easily. Once they formed a bond with Yang Kai, future benefits would follow naturally. But he realized he had underestimated his disciples' pride.
His enthusiasm somewhat deflated, he sent them outside to wait.