Although Xia Ningshang had already advanced to the Return to Void Realm, far surpassing the Hu sisters in cultivation, she had been able to achieve this only through an extraordinary stroke of fortune — refining the essence of a star.
The Hu sisters could never have such heaven-defying opportunities. In a continent where the land was barren and spiritual energy was thin, they had reached this level purely through their own efforts, which spoke volumes about their exceptional talent.
Seeing the suspicion on Yang Kai's face, the woman on the left smiled coyly and said, "I'm Jiao'er!"
"I'm Meier!" the woman on the right added.
Their voices were sweet and soft, utterly pleasing to the ear. The bearing and demeanor of the two seemed entirely different from before — they had merged their elder sister's boldness and vivacity with the younger one's bashfulness and reserve. Now, as two hearts in one body, they appeared even more alluring.
"If you hadn't told me, I never would have guessed," Yang Kai said, scratching his head.
This somewhat childish gesture made both girls burst into giggles.
"Very few people can tell us apart," Hu Jiao'er said with a delicate laugh. "Even Father frequently mixes us up."
"Mm." Yang Kai nodded slightly. If even Hu Man couldn't distinguish his own daughters, it was hardly surprising that he couldn't. "By the way, you've heard about what just happened. Do you want to stay here, or—"
"Go with you!" Before Yang Kai could finish, the two girls answered in unison, as though their hearts were perfectly attuned, requiring no discussion whatsoever.
"Very well. Make your preparations then. I don't plan to wait long — I'll be setting off in half a month."
"Alright. We'll go see Father first, and also send a message to our master," Hu Jiao'er said. Without delay, she and Hu Meier departed together.
Yet there was a reluctance in their steps.
After so many years apart, they wanted to talk with Yang Kai for as long as possible. But thinking that they would be able to see him often from now on, they decided there was no need to rush this moment.
As they passed by Xia Ningshang, both girls offered a gentle nod, envy gleaming in their beautiful eyes.
Xia Ningshang could naturally stay by Yang Kai's side. They, however, could not...
"Senior Sister, let me use these two weeks to teach you a few things." Once the great hall had emptied out, Yang Kai quickly walked over to Xia Ningshang and led her toward the secret chamber.
What Yang Kai intended to impart to Xia Ningshang were the keys to condensing one's own Force, along with the points that required attention.
When he had condensed his own Force, he had borrowed the imperial might emanating from the Emperor's Garden — a shortcut, in a sense. Though the results had been remarkable, it was not a method suited to Xia Ningshang.
But his understanding, comprehension, and experience regarding Force were universally applicable. Moreover, he had previously gathered a wealth of valuable insights from Qian Tong and others, all of which he now passed on to Xia Ningshang.
In addition to this, Yang Kai also shared the Pill Dao True Understanding with her.
With her Medicine Spirit Sacred Physique, Xia Ningshang had an innate talent for refining pills and needed no one to teach her. The Pill Dao True Understanding was vast and profound, filled with mysteries. She could draw upon whatever information proved useful to her, thereby elevating her alchemy skills.
Half a month — neither too long nor too short.
Yang Kai and Xia Ningshang never left the secret chamber during that time.
Naturally, there were moments of romance and tenderness between them — passion like lightning drawn to fire, the sky and earth entwined...
Since stepping into the Star Field, Yang Kai had kept himself from the company of women. Now, reunited with his beloved, when feelings ran deep, he was like a beast set free — formidable beyond measure.
Xia Ningshang's complexion grew better and better by the day, and her already fair skin gradually became luminous and dewy, as if it might shatter at the lightest touch.
Even the most beautiful flowers needed the nourishment of rain and dew...
Half a month later, Yang Kai and Xia Ningshang emerged from seclusion together.
In a mere half month, Xia Ningshang had naturally not yet managed to condense her own Force. But having received the knowledge and experience Yang Kai had imparted, she now understood what Force truly was and had already gained preliminary insight into this wondrous power. All that remained was for her to cultivate it on her own.
The Pill Dao True Understanding, too, had been effortless for her to study. The myriad techniques and spiritual formations recorded within never failed to inspire her and spark profound realizations.
The Nine Heavens Holy Land was now crowded with people. Nearly ten thousand from the three races — humans, demons, and devils — had gathered in one place.
Among these ten thousand were two thousand disciples of the Holy Land, three to four thousand from the Central Capital, over a thousand from the Demon Race, and two thousand from the Devil Race.
Such an enormous crowd had assembled here, yet the scene was utterly silent. No one spoke above a whisper — in fact, not a single person could be seen exchanging murmured words. They simply waited in quiet anticipation for Yang Kai's arrival.
They were all eager to learn what method Yang Kai intended to use to bring so many people into the Star Field in a single stroke.
A flash of light appeared, and Yang Kai materialized. Over ten thousand pairs of eyes turned toward him in unison.