No one knew what kind of conflict or grudge Long Tianshang had with those destroyed sects. Rumor had it that it all involved a woman.
Since then, Long Tianshang had vanished from sight. In the last thousand years, no one had laid eyes on him. All anyone knew was that he was stationed on the Water Moon Star, cultivating in seclusion somewhere.
Yet today, he had actually shown up of his own accord.
Faced with a Void King Third Stage powerhouse, no one dared to be lax. They all cupped their fists in salute—even someone like Zuo De didn't dare break custom.
Long Tianshang chuckled and returned the salute to Zuo De. "It's been decades since we last parted, and Master's bearing is as impressive as ever. I'm quite pleased to see it."
"Elder Long is too kind." Zuo De nodded.
"Martial Uncle Long, what brings you out for a stroll today?" Ai Ou asked in surprise. While others didn't know what kind of temperament Long Tianshang had, Ai Ou knew all too well. In the entire Star Domain, he was the one who had the most contact with Long Tianshang.
On ordinary days, even he couldn't easily get an audience with Long Tianshang. More often than not, when he went to pay his respects, he'd be turned away and have to slink back in defeat. Who would have thought that today the man would actually appear of his own volition? Ai Ou was thoroughly stunned.
"Just came to join the fun." Long Tianshang chuckled. His temperament was extraordinary, yet he gave off a feeling like a warm spring breeze—anyone who saw him couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. As he spoke, he turned to look at Yang Kai. "This is... Yang Kai, right? I hope you don't mind me calling you by your name."
"Not at all." Yang Kai smiled and nodded.
"Mm, you're a fine one. From now on, the Hengluo Chamber of Commerce is your ally. Come whenever you wish—don't stand on ceremony." Long Tianshang smiled.
"Thank you for your kindness, Senior. This junior will treat this place as his second home." Yang Kai was quick to seize the opportunity.
Standing nearby, Xue Yue heard this and understood exactly what Yang Kai meant. A hint of shyness and happiness immediately bloomed in her beautiful eyes.
Meanwhile, Zuo De's old face darkened somewhat upon hearing Long Tianshang's words. Although Long Tianshang hadn't said much, those few words alone told Zuo De that the man was somewhat displeased with his actions—otherwise, why else would he be so warmly attentive to Yang Kai?
But... so what? In theory, a Void King Third Stage cultivator held the same status as himself, so he didn't think too much of it.
"That's good to hear." Long Tianshang nodded, seemingly satisfied with Yang Kai's response. Then he shifted the topic and chuckled lightly: "That said, you've set a wager with Master Zuo today. If you lose, don't go back on your word. Since I've come to join the fun today, I can't very well stand by and do nothing. If you dare to run, I really will cut you down."
He said this with a warm smile, without the slightest hint of killing intent in his words, yet everyone who heard it couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
With a Void King Third Stage powerhouse watching over this place, who would dare default on the wager? That would be tantamount to courting death.
"Rest assured, Senior. This junior is a man of his word and would never go back on a promise."
"Good." Long Tianshang then turned to Zuo De. "And you, Master? With me here keeping watch, can you rest easy?"
"Elder Long's word is enough." Zuo De nodded.
"Then let's begin. It's been a long time since I've seen something this entertaining—I'd like to enjoy a good show." Long Tianshang smiled faintly. The moment his words fell, his entire figure dissipated like mist, vanishing on the spot.
He was simply gone.
But everyone knew he hadn't gone far—he had simply concealed himself because his mere presence was too overwhelming.
"Brother Yang, you're really going through with this?" Ai Ou looked at Yang Kai with a grave expression. He really didn't want Yang Kai to compete against Zuo De in pill refining.
He felt both grateful and helpless about this proposition.
It was like a three-year-old child challenging an adult to a contest of strength—the former had absolutely no chance of winning.
That term of address—Brother Yang—grated on Yang Kai's ears no matter how he heard it...
He couldn't exactly point it out. All he could do was feign calmness and nod: "Senior Long has already appeared here—would this junior still have a chance to back out?"
"Haha, of course not!" From the void came Long Tianshang's hearty laughter, which carried a hint of schadenfreude that made Xue Yue grit her teeth in frustration.
"Sigh!" Ai Ou let out a heavy sigh. "Then let the two of you begin. Ai Ou, along with Martial Uncle Long and all the masters, will serve as witnesses!"
He knew that things had progressed to a point where nothing could be done to change the outcome.
However, he had already made up his mind—if Yang Kai suffered a crushing defeat, he would help Yang Kai escape this place, even at the cost of his own reputation.
After all, it was on account of Gu Bihu that Yang Kai had willingly jumped into this murky mess.