After handling matters within the Minor World, Yang Kai finally withdrew his divine sense back into his body and slowly opened his eyes.
He glanced lightly at Zi Wuji, who was standing nearby. "Second Young Master, please sit."
Although he had been busy dealing with affairs inside the Minor World, he had been aware of Zi Wuji's arrival, so he was not at all surprised.
Seeing Yang Kai's pleasant demeanor, Zi Wuji's face lit up with joy. He hurriedly said, "In front of you, Your Eminence, Wuji will stand."
Yang Kai squinted at him, unhurried. "As the Second Young Master of Purple Star, your status and standing are different. It wouldn't be proper for you to stand while speaking."
Only then did Zi Wuji cup his fists, neither servile nor arrogant. "If that's the case, then please forgive Wuji's presumption, Exalted One."
As he spoke, he sat down across from Yang Kai, took the initiative to pick up the teapot, and poured a cup for Yang Kai with the utmost courtesy.
Yang Kai smiled faintly. "I should first thank the Second Young Master for intervening behind the scenes earlier."
Zi Wuji was briefly startled, then quickly realized what Yang Kai was referring to. He hastily said, "You flatter me, Exalted One. Jiang Chao is nothing but a clown who dared to offend you — he truly deserves a thousand deaths. Wuji did instruct Deputy Commander Qu Zheng to detain him, but unfortunately the Grand Elder's influence was too great, and in the end they managed to get him released. He received no real punishment whatsoever."
Yang Kai chuckled. "As you said, Second Young Master, Jiang Chao is nothing but a clown. Why would I lower myself to his level?"
Zi Wuji immediately cupped his fists. "The Exalted One's magnanimity is truly admirable. Wuji is impressed."
Yang Kai waved his hand. "Enough pleasantries. Second Young Master, you arranged this secret meeting through Li Nuo — what business do you have with me?"
Zi Wuji's expression turned serious. "Wuji heard that Purple Star has produced a third Exalted One of immense power. This is a great fortune for our sect, and I hold you in the highest regard…"
"Get to the point!"
Zi Wuji's voice cut off abruptly. After a long pause, he suddenly rose to his feet and bowed deeply. "Wuji humbly begs the Exalted One to help me seize control of Purple Star!"
His expression was resolute, his voice firm and powerful, yet after making this request, beads of sweat as large as beans appeared on his forehead. It was obvious that he was extremely tense and had struggled deeply within himself.
After finishing, he received no response. Zi Wuji cautiously raised his head to look and saw Yang Kai gazing at him with a meaningful smile. Though there was not the slightest pressure in those eyes, they were like keen swords piercing through all things, capable of peering into the deepest reaches of one's heart.
Zi Wuji's heart lurched. An illusion suddenly seized him that all his secrets had been laid bare. He gritted his teeth and declared in a low voice, "Exalted One, I beg you to lend Wuji your strength!"
"Preposterous!" Yang Kai slammed the table, his tone frigid and deadly.
Zi Wuji shuddered all over and stared at Yang Kai in shock.
Yang Kai sneered, "Second Young Master, I never imagined you would dare such treason! Since you know that I am an Exalted One of Purple Star, you should understand that an Exalted One stands second only to one and above all others. In certain circumstances, he represents the master of Purple Star himself. Yet you dare say such things in my presence — are you trying to overthrow your father's rule and force me to act against you?"
Zi Wuji replied, "Please calm your anger, Exalted One. As the Second Young Master of Purple Star, I understand these rules perfectly. However…"
"However what?" Yang Kai narrowed his eyes at him, his Domain enveloping the other man, giving every impression that if he uttered another such word, lethal force would follow.
Sweat cascaded down Zi Wuji's forehead like rain. For the first time, he felt the scent of death. Under the crushing pressure of Yang Kai's Domain, he was nearly robbed of the ability to think, his knees buckling toward the ground.
At the critical moment, he bit down hard on the tip of his tongue, jolting his mind clear for a brief instant. In a steady voice he said, "Under normal circumstances, Wuji would never harbor such presumptuous thoughts. Purple Star has been controlled by our Zi family for generations, and my father, Zi Long, is one of the overlords who rule the world — the person I respect and admire most. How could Wuji dare show him disrespect? But… my father has already fallen. My elder brother is missing without a trace. Purple Star cannot be left without a leader. If I don't step forward at a time like this, who will?"
"What did you just say?" Yang Kai's eyes narrowed, locking onto Zi Wuji without releasing him. A thread of genuine killing intent stirred in his heart.
He had never imagined that Zi Wuji already knew Zi Long had fallen.
He had no idea how the young man had learned this, but judging from his expression and the conviction in his voice, this was no guess — he was absolutely certain.
But besides Yang Kai and Ghost Ancestor, no one else in the world knew of this. How had Zi Wuji found out? Yang Kai could not make sense of it no matter how he turned the question over.
Zi Wuji seemed to have calmed considerably. His words came clearly now, and he even met Yang Kai's gaze without flinching. "There is no need to deceive Wuji, Exalted One. I learned of my father's fall just a few days after it happened."