However, much to the cold-faced man's disappointment, no matter how he scrutinized Yang Kai, he could find no traces of concealed cultivation. It truly seemed as though the latter was nothing more than a first-level Sacred King Realm cultivator.
He had no intention of digging deeper, either. Having been born into the Star Emperor Gate, he was an extraordinary genius of rare occurrence. He was confident that even if Yang Kai truly had hidden his cultivation, he would have nothing to fear. Moreover, it was entirely possible that the fellow had merely cultivated some secret art or was wearing a wondrous Artifact that made his realm display as first-level Sacred King.
He simply refused to believe that Yang Kai was genuinely limited to that level of ability.
"Don't misunderstand, friend!" Yang Kai furrowed his brows slightly. "I simply heard some commotion coming from this direction, so I came to take a look."
He offered a brief explanation—not because he feared this man, but because the other party was clearly not someone to trifle with, and Yang Kai had no desire to fight a pitched battle in this godforsaken place over some minor misunderstanding.
To his surprise, the other man merely gave a slight nod. The wariness on his face receded considerably, and he showed no intention of attacking. He even withdrew his Silver Flood Dragon Spear.
Without asking any further questions, the cold-faced man suddenly spoke: "How should I address you?"
Yang Kai deliberated for a moment, then offered his name.
"Leng Qing!" the other man introduced himself in turn.
Yang Kai wrinkled his brow almost imperceptibly. He did not believe for a second that this man wanted to make his acquaintance for no reason. This fellow had been completely silent in the presence of Fang Tianzhong and Qu Changfeng and the others—he was clearly a proud and haughty type, the sort of heaven-blessed genius who didn't consider anyone worth his attention. Yet here, in this place, he had actually offered a self-introduction. That was enough to put Yang Kai on his guard.
His gaze drifted, seemingly at random, toward the mountain-guarding grand array, within which the faint silhouettes of magnificent towers and jade pavilions flickered in and out of view. His frown deepened considerably.
Sure enough, just as he had feared, the man called Leng Qing spoke up: "Are you interested in joining forces to break through this mountain-guarding grand array?"
"Sorry, no interest!" Yang Kai shook his head immediately, without a moment's hesitation.
Leng Qing blinked, clearly not expecting that there was someone in this world who would refuse his proposal—and in a situation like this, no less. Could it be that he wasn't tempted by the Sect ruins within?
His divine sense swept outward, and Leng Qing said coolly, "You believe we lack the ability to break this array?"
"That's right. I don't think there's much chance of success, so I'd rather not waste my energy." Yang Kai nodded frankly. He had observed this fellow's attempts at array-breaking for a while earlier, and he knew full well how refined and resilient this mountain-guarding grand array was. Moreover, that outermost layer of defensive barriers was merely the first line of defense. Leng Qing had thrown everything he had at it without shaking it in the slightest—Yang Kai didn't believe that adding himself to the mix would make any difference.
Of course, if he was willing to burn through a dozen or so drops of Golden Blood, unleashing all the energy contained within, it might just be possible.
But even if he shattered this outer defensive barrier, so what?
Yang Kai could figure out with his toes that there would certainly be layer upon layer of restrictions within, danger lurking at every turn—absolutely more and even more formidable formations awaiting any intruder. He simply didn't have that kind of confidence, nor did he have the time to squander on this place.
A mountain-guarding grand array left behind by a great Sect from tens of thousands of years ago—it was best to leave it well alone.
So he bluntly rejected Leng Qing's proposal, without even the slightest notion of giving it a try.
"What gives you the confidence to say I can't break it?" To Yang Kai's surprise, the perpetually cold and aloof man's expression turned sharp after hearing Yang Kai's candid admission, as though he was irritated at being underestimated. A dangerous aura began to radiate slowly from his body.
Yang Kai narrowed his eyes and said evenly, "If you think you can break it, by all means, go ahead and try. I'll be taking my leave."
With that, he turned and departed directly, vanishing into the dense jungle within a few leaps.
Leng Qing stared at the retreating figure, his expression shifting between dark and light. For some reason, this cultivator named Yang Kai had remained completely unruffled in his presence—showing not the slightest hint of fear. In fact, in that brief instant just now, he had even given off a sensation that was somewhat dangerous. Though that feeling had lasted only a flash, it was enough to make Leng Qing wary.
That kind of presence only appeared in people of formidable strength. Could it be that this Yang Kai actually had the power to wound him?
Shaking his head, Leng Qing decided not to dwell on such thoughts. He would wait until he returned to Star Emperor Mountain and consult those old fossils—see whether there were other hidden experts in this world capable of producing such peculiar disciples.
After Yang Kai had covered thirty li, the thunderous roar of powerful impacts echoed once more from behind him. Clearly, that fellow called Leng Qing had resumed his assault on the mountain-guarding grand array.
If someone else wanted to do all that thankless work, Yang Kai couldn't stop them. As long as he himself wasn't doing it, that was all that mattered.
He had originally warned Dai Yuan to steer clear of this cultivator named Leng Qing, but now it seemed the two of them were unlikely to cross paths. As long as Leng Qing kept hammering away at the grand array and burned through whatever time he had left, it wouldn't be strange at all. And Dai Yuan was searching for a particular spirit herb—she wouldn't be foolish enough to blunder straight into Leng Qing.
Because of the obstruction posed by the mountain-guarding grand array, Yang Kai had to make a wide detour. Occasionally, when he caught a fleeting glimpse through the gaps between the many peaks, he could still make out the hazy outlines of some buildings.
Ten more days passed. Yang Kai could still feel the presence of the mountain-guarding grand array, and his heart grew all the more astonished.