"All right, Xue Lian, enough chatter. Since you've come to my palace, you'll follow my rules. Did you think this was still your Blood Flood Dragon Territory? Before you came here, didn't your Blood Flood Dragon teach you how to behave?" Scarlet Moon rebuked him coldly. "I can let this matter slide this time. But if there's a next time, you know what the consequences will be!"
Xue Lian's face shifted through several expressions, struggling, before he finally cupped his fists and said, "Xue Lian was rude. Please don't take offense, Senior Scarlet Moon."
"Mitian, take him back to rest. You'll be setting out before long, so keep a close eye on him. If he causes any more trouble, I'll hold you responsible!" Scarlet Moon cast her gaze toward Mitian, who had been standing off to the side watching the show the entire time. Her expression turned sharp and cold.
"Yes!" Mitian replied obediently. No matter how arrogant he was, no matter how contemptuous of others, he had to keep his tail between his legs in front of Scarlet Moon.
None of the Ten Great Territory Lords of the Demon Race were to be trifled with, let alone one ranked as high as Scarlet Moon.
He hurriedly beckoned to Xue Lian and prepared to lead him away.
"Human, remember this — this isn't over!" Xue Lian shot Yang Kai a venomous glare and dropped one final threat before leaving.
Yang Kai let out a soft, cold laugh and watched them retreat, then recalled his golden dragon manifestation.
"You should all disperse as well," Scarlet Moon said, waving her hand dismissively at Yu Xiong and the others before turning her attention to Yang Kai. After a moment's thought, she said, "As for you — come with me!"
As she spoke, she suddenly reached out and brushed her hand toward Yang Kai. A gentle force enveloped him instantly.
Sensing no ill intent from Scarlet Moon, Yang Kai didn't resist and simply allowed her to act.
In the next instant, the two of them vanished from the spot together.
"Adoptive Mother!" Shan Qingluo cried out in alarm.
"Don't worry, little sister. Adoptive Mother probably won't do anything to that guy. With her immense power, if she truly wanted to harm him, he wouldn't be able to resist anyway," Yu Xiong comforted her.
Shan Qingluo immediately grew anxious and indecisive. Gritting her teeth, she shot toward Scarlet Moon's bedchamber at full speed.
Inside the bedchamber, the figures of Scarlet Moon and Yang Kai materialized.
Yang Kai looked around and found the furnishings quite simple, yet every detail exuded an air of nobility.
This must be where Scarlet Moon lived, he silently surmised.
After bringing Yang Kai here, Scarlet Moon fixed her gaze straight on him, her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, unblinking.
Yang Kai remained perfectly composed, meeting her stare without the slightest hint of fear.
After a long moment, Scarlet Moon gave a slight nod. It was unclear whether it was approval or mockery. "Your courage is certainly something. I doubt there's another human alive who would dare look me in the eye like this. You think I won't do anything to you?"
"Probably not," Yang Kai chuckled. "You don't seem like the type to bully those weaker than you, Senior."
"If you really believe that, you've severely underestimated the value of the Sacred Dragon Origin you carry!" Scarlet Moon drew a deep breath, her expression turning grave. "Let me be honest with you — I'm very interested in the Sacred Dragon Origin within your body. I've even considered killing you and seizing that wisp of origin power. With it, I might be able to glimpse the Heavenly Dao and break through to the third level of the Void King Realm. Do you realize this has been my wish for countless years? Even I can hardly resist such a temptation!"
Yang Kai still showed no fear. He nodded slightly and said, "Since you're saying that, Senior, it means you don't intend to kill me now. May I know why?"
"Clever, aren't you?" Scarlet Moon snorted coldly, then turned and sat down in her chair. She made no effort to hide anything and said, "There are three reasons. First, I can't guarantee that killing you would allow me to take the Sacred Dragon Origin. It chose you, which means it acknowledges you. I'm not confident it would acknowledge me as well. Second, even if it did, I still might not have the chance to break through to the third level of the Void King Realm."
Yang Kai nodded gently. "And the third?"
"You're the man Qingluo has her heart set on. If I truly killed you, I would lose her — and the loss would far outweigh the gain. Her future potential is far greater than mine!"
"I admire your candor, Senior!" Yang Kai grinned.
"Save the flattery. I don't fall for that." Scarlet Moon's expression turned solemn. "Although I've decided not to kill you, do you have any idea how much trouble you've stirred up this time?"
Yang Kai's brow furrowed as he pondered. "You mean Xue Lian, Senior?"
"What kind of trouble is he?" Scarlet Moon scoffed. "When I say trouble, I'm talking about the other Territory Lords on Emperor Star!"