The super space arrays that Yang Kai had set up across the Star Domain over the years had practically connected the entire domain into one seamless whole, making travel back and forth exceedingly convenient.
Over the past year, he had traveled with his four women, sightseeing and enjoying themselves every step of the way. Their journey had taken them through the old land of Zhongdu, where they had also spent some time at the Nine Heavens Holy Land on the Tongxuan Continent, and visited a great many stars renowned for their breathtaking scenery, taking in all the marvels the Star Domain had to offer.
This past year had been one of immense fulfillment and boundless joy for Yang Kai and his four women.
Because in this year there had been no disputes, no battles, not even any cultivation. There had only been the warmth of shared company and the quiet joy of walking the martial world hand in hand. Every one of them had let go of everything else, cherishing nothing more than what they held in the present.
But this day had finally arrived. Yang Kai brought the four women back to the Lingxiao Sect.
The moment Yang Kai's figure appeared, the various Void King Realm third-level powerhouses who had been gathered in discussion suddenly turned their heads toward the space array in unison.
"That brat's back," Long Tianshang said with a grin.
"The little rascal finally decided to show his face," Chi Yue snorted coldly, looking rather displeased.
The Ghost Ancestor let out a cackling laugh. "Our Sect Master enjoys the blessing of many wives. The fact that he remembered the time and came back as promised is already admirable. You all shouldn't demand too much."
Ayo's voice传音 directly to Yang Kai: "Kid, I'm giving you three days to settle your affairs. After that, we proceed as planned."
Over by the space array, Yang Kai's expression shifted slightly. He cupped his fists toward the main peak where everyone was gathered, sending a distant salute.
Then he turned back to the four women and smiled. "I have three more days."
Every one of the four women's faces dimmed slightly, no matter how well they had prepared themselves for this. Now that this day had actually come, none of them could bear it, and they were filled with worry over the unknown lands Yang Kai was about to enter.
Over the next three days, Yang Kai presided over the Lingxiao Sect, summoning its many high-ranking members to discuss the sect's development plans. He appointed Ye Xiyun as acting Sect Master to oversee all affairs of the sect. Su Yan and Xia Ningshang were elevated to the rank of Elder, serving in advisory roles alongside her.
This way, even after he and the Ghost Ancestor departed the Lingxiao Sect, three Void King Realm first-level powerhouses would remain to guard the place. Combined with the sect's natural defensive formations, this would keep the sect safe and sound—unless they faced an assault from a Void King Realm third-level powerhouse.
But even if a Void King Realm third-level powerhouse did attack, the Lingxiao Sect would have the strength to fight back.
Only after settling all of this did Yang Kai truly put his mind at ease.
He then left behind a vast quantity of cultivation techniques, secret arts, spirit pills, and miraculous medicines, stored in one of the Lingxiao Sect's main peaks for the sect's disciples to study and use.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, the atmosphere throughout the entire Lingxiao Sect was solemn.
Countless disciples emerged from their seclusion chambers and gathered in the plaza, lifting their eyes to gaze upon the man who had single-handedly forged the Lingxiao Sect.
Fourth Master Yang and Dong Suzhu, his wife, stood with tears brimming in their eyes as they said their farewells to Yang Kai.
Su Yan and the other three women surrounded Yang Kai as well, each speaking to him in turn.
"When you get there, if you come across anyone who can take care of you, bring her along. A man out in the world needs a woman by his side to keep him in order—that's what gives us peace of mind," Su Yan said earnestly, her words heavy with feeling.
"Junior Brother, you must take care of yourself. Don't push yourself too hard in anything," Xia Ningshang said softly, her eyes reddened.
"However wild you act out there, you'd better leave some room in your heart for us!" Xue Yue said, her expression wistful.
"If you dare abandon us sisters, next time we meet I'll—" Shan Qingluo held up two fingers like a sword and made a playful yet murderous gesture with a coy smile.
Yang Kai chuckled awkwardly, then straightened his expression and spoke. "While I'm away, I'll have to trouble you all to look after Mother and Father."
"Of course. Go in peace," Su Yan replied with a solemn nod.
"Having you all really is the best thing in the world!" Yang Kai said with heartfelt tenderness.
All four women flushed slightly. Shan Qingluo pouted charmingly. "Just go already. The elders over there are watching and laughing at us."
Yang Kai grinned without a shred of concern for the onlookers and pulled each of the four women into his arms, holding them tightly as if to memorize the softness and warmth of their bodies. Only then did he turn around and streak off into the distance without looking back.
None of the women called out, though every one of them opened her lips to try.
"Farewell to our Sect Master! We wish the Sect Master victory in all his endeavors and a swift return! We wish all the esteemed elders glorious fortune in battle and a safe homecoming!" Ye Xiyun's voice rang out from behind.
In the next instant, the entire Lingxiao Sect cried out as one: "Farewell to our Sect Master! We wish the Sect Master victory in all his endeavors and a swift return! We wish all the esteemed elders glorious fortune in battle and a safe homecoming!"
Their voices rose like a dragon, their spirit like a rainbow, shaking the very heavens.
"We'll take those well-wishes!" Long Tianshang laughed heartily, responding from afar.
Several streaks of light shot rapidly into the starry sky and vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.
Only then did many people silently let their tears fall.