"May I ask, Brother Yang, were there truly no treasures on the Dragon Ascension Platform?"
Qin Yu's voice transmitted clearly and precisely to Yang Kai's ears.
"Why would Miss Qin ask such a thing?" Yang Kai looked at her, his expression one of utter astonishment.
Qin Yu gazed at him intently, her clear, flawless eyes meeting his own directly, as if trying to peer into the depths of his heart.
Yang Kai met her gaze calmly, his expression indifferent. Suddenly, he furrowed his brow and whispered, "Miss Qin's meaning is... could it be that the dozen or so treasures on the Dragon Ascension Platform weren't all illusions?"
"Hehe..." Qin Yu chuckled softly. "I wouldn't dare presume. It was just a casual question. After all, only you, Brother Duan, and Brother Zong were near the platform at the time. Those dozen or so items were all examined by the three of you."
Yang Kai shook his head. "In any case, I saw no treasures. Furthermore, based on my observation, those two didn't gain any benefit either."
"Oh, I see. It seems I was overthinking." Qin Yu nodded with an apologetic expression.
"Was that all Miss Qin wished to ask?"
"Yes, I've troubled Brother Yang and wasted your time. My sincere apologies."
"Not at all. Since there's nothing else, I shall take my leave." Yang Kai clasped his fists in a farewell gesture and turned to depart.
"Brother Yang, wait!" Qin Yu suddenly called out, stopping him.
"What is it now?" Yang Kai frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure appearing. If it weren't for the fact that she was a seemingly delicate woman with a reasonably pleasant disposition, he wouldn't have bothered engaging with her at all. They had no prior connection, after all.
"Please don't take offense, Brother Yang. I merely wished to ask—are you now going to search for the entrance to the second layer?"
"What if I am?" Yang Kai neither confirmed nor denied.
"Then does Brother Yang know where the entrance is located?"
Yang Kai shook his head. He only knew that the entrance was marked by a five-colored light pillar stretching from earth to sky. He had no idea where exactly it was. Kang Siran certainly hadn't told him that. However, since it was such a colossal pillar reaching from ground to sky, it shouldn't be too hard to find. As long as he wasn't too far away, he ought to spot it.
But seeing the mysterious look on Qin Yu's face, Yang Kai suddenly realized things might not be as straightforward as he'd assumed. An expression flickered across his features as he asked, "Miss Qin knows where the entrance is?"
"I don't know the exact location either," Qin Yu said apologetically, shaking her head.
Yang Kai was rendered speechless.
Qin Yu then smiled brightly. "Although I don't know the precise location, I do have a rough idea..."
As she spoke, she suddenly recited in a low, murmuring voice: "Among the mountains, at the ethereal cloud peaks. Where mountain streams flow clear, the light pillar appears."
"Among the mountains, at the ethereal cloud peaks. Where mountain streams flow clear, the light pillar appears?" Yang Kai repeated with a deeply furrowed brow.
"Exactly!" Qin Yu nodded. "The five-colored light pillar marking the entrance may stretch from earth to sky, but if you don't look in the right place, it's impossible to see. You could pass right by it and still miss your chance."
"You read this in some ancient text as well?" Yang Kai looked at her in surprise.
Qin Yu nodded.
"Miss Qin is truly well-read and knowledgeable! I am full of admiration." Yang Kai was genuinely impressed.
A faint blush appeared on Qin Yu's pale face, making her look momentarily more alive. She shook her head. "You flatter me, Brother Yang. I merely enjoy reading all sorts of miscellaneous things. It's hardly refined or proper. In truth, I am also heading to find the entrance to the second layer now. If Brother Yang doesn't mind, how about traveling together?"
She actually extended an invitation to Yang Kai.
Hearing this, Yang Kai looked up and glanced at the magnificent tower ship Artifact behind her, a contemplative expression appearing on his face.
Having this tower ship would save a tremendous amount of energy. He could even rest on it and keep his mind refreshed. It wasn't a bad idea at all.
But...
"I'm accustomed to coming and going alone. Therefore, I appreciate Miss Qin's kind intentions, but I must respectfully decline." Yang Kai considered for a moment and politely refused Qin Yu's proposal.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Qin Yu's face, but she didn't insist. Instead, she nodded. "In that case, I won't bother you further, Brother Yang. I wish you good luck."
"You as well. Farewell!" Yang Kai clasped his fists, turned, and walked away.
"How ungrateful!" Once Yang Kai's figure had disappeared, one of the guards beside Qin Yu stared coldly in the direction he'd gone, snorting with a look of clear dissatisfaction, apparently feeling it was beneath her to have made such an offer.
Qin Yu smiled faintly. "He's merely cautious in his actions. How does being cautious relate to being ungrateful? I think his choice is quite normal."
"That's because you're too kind and generous, Miss," the guard said, still looking disgruntled. "Oh, by the way, Miss, why did you ask him that earlier? Weren't the treasures on the Dragon Ascension Platform all fake?"