Seeing that it was Qian Tong who had spoken, Yang Kai naturally wouldn't put on any airs. He chuckled and cupped his fists politely. "This junior greets Elder Qian and City Lord Fei."
Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu exchanged a glance, both wearing pleased expressions.
They could tell at once that Yang Kai hadn't grown the slightest bit arrogant despite his widespread reputation or his command of that powerful warship. The boy still regarded them as seniors, and his courtesy was impeccable — not a wasted gesture, making their past kindnesses worthwhile.
At this thought, both men felt a wave of relief.
"Brother Wei, Miss Dong, you're here too!" Yang Kai turned to greet a man and a woman standing behind Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu, smiling as he addressed them. The pair were naturally Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er.
The two hurriedly returned the greeting, though traces of bewilderment still lingered between their brows, as though they hadn't yet recovered from the scene they had just witnessed.
"Yang Kai, those rumors..." After the juniors had finished exchanging pleasantries, Qian Tong pressed further.
A sharp glint flickered through Yang Kai's eyes, and he declared in a clear voice, "That's right. The rumors outside are true. Myself, along with a number of Disciples and friends, have indeed taken up residence within the Scorching Flame Sands."
His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly enough for everyone present to hear every word. The moment these words left his mouth, an uproar erupted — some cried out in disbelief, some in envy, and some ground their teeth in fury.
"Good, good, good!" Amid his shock, Qian Tong was also genuinely happy for Yang Kai. "Having a place to settle down is the best thing there is, and in such a treasure trove at that. I dare say you'll never have to deal with the kind of situation from before ever again."
To dwell within the Scorching Flame Sands was to rest easy, with absolutely no need to fear being attacked by a coalition again. Anyone who wished to strike at Yang Kai would first have to breach the Scorching Heat Zone — who in all the Dark Star could manage that?
Not a single soul.
"I appreciate Elder Qian's concern, but I rather think no more foolish creatures will come bothering this junior's cultivation in the future." Yang Kai chuckled, his gaze drifting — deliberately or not — toward several spots where powerful figures stood.
A number of faces darkened at this, though no one cared to speak up.
"This junior should have sent word earlier, but I've been busy these past days and couldn't find the time. Fortunately, you two seniors came here in person — since you're here, why not come inside with Brother Wei and Miss Dong for a chat? There are some matters this junior would like to consult you about." Yang Kai made the suggestion in earnest. It wasn't mere courtesy; he genuinely had things he wished to ask about.
"Go inside?" At these words, Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu's eyes lit up. They exchanged a glance and nodded without hesitation. "Very well. The two of us were just thinking the same thing. We were only worried you might not welcome us, Yang Kai."
"Elder jests. This junior could barely manage to extend a proper invitation, let alone be so rude as to not welcome you." Yang Kai stepped aside and gestured with a smile. "Please!"
Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu shared a grin, wasted no time in dawdling, and with a flicker of movement slipped through the hatch of the Flying Shark Battle Shuttle. Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er hurriedly followed behind them. Though the shuttle didn't look large from the outside, it could comfortably hold twenty or thirty people without feeling cramped, and its interior contained a number of separate rooms. So the moment they stepped inside, Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu were immediately struck with curiosity, gazing around at everything and clicking their tongues in amazement.
Upon discovering that Ye Xiyun was standing behind Yang Yan with an expression of cool indifference, the two quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.
Before Ye Xiyun, they didn't dare put on any airs. In truth, their ages were far younger than hers. If anyone was going to put on airs, it would be her.
"No need for formalities. Just find somewhere to sit. Once the Sect Master has finished dealing with matters outside, we'll all return together." Ye Xiyun waved her hand with a detached air.
Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu hastily complied, found chairs, and sat up straight with impeccable posture.
Even their own elders were this cautious and apprehensive — Wei Guchang and Dong Xuan'er, as juniors, didn't dare say a word more. They stood ramrod straight behind Qian Tong and Fei Zhitu, scarcely daring to breathe.
Outside the Flying Shark Battle Shuttle, Yang Kai stood straight-backed in place, his expression calm. Though many of the powerful figures present possessed cultivation far exceeding his own, on his own territory, Yang Kai had nothing to fear.
After a moment's deliberation, he announced in a ringing voice, "I trust you all just heard what I said. From this day forward, the Scorching Flame Sands are the territory of my Lingxiao Sect. I must ask that none of you linger here any longer — doing so will be considered a provocation against my Lingxiao Sect. As for the consequences... heh heh..."
"Lingxiao Sect?"
"What's that?"
"Does our Dark Star even have such a Sect?"
Voices of suspicion rose from all around, many faces creased with confusion. Mo Xiaosheng and Cheng Pengxuan, however, had furrowed brows, having vaguely guessed at what was going on.