Du Xian wore a puzzled expression when he asked the question, unable to figure out how this stranger, Yang Kai, had ended up together with Ye Qinghan. Still, he didn't display much hostility. The other Thousand Leaves Sect disciples were similarly curious, sizing Yang Kai up with open interest.
Yang Kai offered a faint smile and cupped his fists. "This one is Yang Kai. Greetings, Brother Du."
Ye Qinghan chimed in, "Young Master Yang is an honored guest I've personally invited. He was originally supposed to return to the sect to meet with Father and discuss important matters, but on the way here, Father reassigned him to a task in Sky Crane City, so we had no choice but to come here first. Make sure none of you are remiss in your hospitality!"
Her tone was deadly serious, making it sound as though Yang Kai were some distinguished figure. Du Xian and that Wu Ma exchanged a glance, their confusion only deepening.
They released their divine sense and found that Yang Kai possessed only the cultivation of the second level of the Dao Source Realm. His clothes were nothing lavish—clearly not the attire of someone from a major power. How could a person like this merit such importance from Ye Qinghan?
Though questions swirled in their minds, the two were tactful enough not to press further, simply nodding in acknowledgment.
"Since you're all here, let's head into the city. That old coot's concubine-taking ceremony is tomorrow, correct?" Ye Qinghan looked to Du Xian as she spoke, showing no intention of giving her fellow disciples a clear explanation. After all, the matter of inviting Yang Kai back to repair the cross-realm spatial formation was of the utmost gravity—the fewer people who knew, the better. She hadn't even had a chance to report it to Ye Hen yet.
Only then did Du Xian pull his attention away from Yang Kai. His expression shifted slightly. "Ye-zi, watch your tongue!"
As he spoke, he glanced left and right. The group was standing a mere three hundred zhang outside the city gates. If someone from Sky Crane City overheard that remark, it would invite nothing but trouble.
Ye Qinghan curled her lips dismissively. "Calling him an old coot is being generous. The man's half-buried already, yet he still dares to follow the trend of taking concubines. Who knows which naive young girl he's scammed this time."
Wu Ma smiled wryly. "It may not be a scam. She might have been forced into it. Over the years, this city lord has taken one concubine after another, yet he still has no heir. I wonder whether his body can even handle it… heh heh heh…"
"Poetic justice!" Ye Qinghan looked thoroughly delighted at that.
Du Xian rubbed his forehead. "All right, all right—enough talk. We're here to offer congratulations, not to stir up trouble. Before we left, Master specifically warned us not to cause any problems during this visit to Sky Crane City. Every major faction in the surrounding region will be sending representatives."
Ye Qinghan pouted and fell silent, clearly displeased.
Du Xian turned to Yang Kai with a smile. "Forgive us, Brother Yang. You've had to witness our bickering."
"Not at all." Yang Kai waved it off.
"Everyone, tidy up and let's move into the city!" Du Xian called out to the others. They straightened their garments and, led by him, headed toward the city gates.
The Thousand Leaves Sect's congratulatory gifts were all stored in spatial rings, so there was nothing to organize. Only those who were eager to curry favor with Luo Jin would transport their gifts in horse-drawn carriages—this way, onlookers could clearly see what generous offerings they had brought, satisfying the city lord's manor while preserving face.
The area before the city gate was crowded. The Thousand Leaves Sect group didn't attempt to cut in line; they simply queued up quietly and waited their turn.
Throughout the wait, Ye Qinghan kept apologizing to Yang Kai, afraid of annoying him.
Others might not know Yang Kai's true capabilities, but Ye Qinghan had witnessed them firsthand.
The Four Ghosts of the Blood Blade had been slaughtered to the last man by Yang Kai just ten days ago. That scene was still vivid in her memory. If Yang Kai had wanted to force his way past the gates without queuing, the guards certainly wouldn't have been able to stop him—but it would have brought disaster upon the Thousand Leaves Sect.
Fortunately, Yang Kai seemed perfectly at ease, without the slightest trace of impatience.
Du Xian and Wu Ma's expressions grew increasingly suspicious. They simply could not fathom why Ye Qinghan was treating Yang Kai with such careful deference, her manner so cautious it was as though she were standing before an Emperor Sovereign realm powerhouse.
The line moved quickly. In less than the time it took to finish half a cup of tea, it was the Thousand Leaves Sect's turn.
The warrior stationed at the gate to inspect goods and travelers caught sight of Ye Qinghan and broke into a broad grin, cupping his fists. "Ah, so it's Miss Ye of the Thousand Leaves Sect—what an unexpected pleasure! My apologies for the discourtesy!"
The man's appearance was utterly unremarkable, the very picture of ordinariness. He looked to be around forty, and his clothes were festive in the extreme. A smile was plastered across his face, yet it gave off an unmistakably false impression.
His strength was nothing to scoff at, either—he stood at the first level of the Dao Source Realm, suggesting he held a position of some authority within Sky Crane City.
Gate-duty normally wouldn't fall to a cultivator of his caliber, but today was different. Warriors from every major faction in the surrounding region would be arriving ahead of time to offer their congratulations, and naturally Sky Crane City had dispatched someone of presentable standing to stand watch.
This man was precisely such a figure.
From the way he spoke, he clearly knew Ye Qinghan. That was hardly surprising. According to her, the city lord of Sky Crane City owed his position entirely to the secret backing of the Thousand Leaves Sect. With that kind of history, the people of Sky Crane City and the Thousand Leaves Sect must have had extensive dealings over the years. As the daughter of the Thousand Leaves Sect Master, Ye Qinghan would naturally be no stranger to him.
Ye Qinghan's face was cold as frost as she replied flatly, "Elder Si Ming has his duties to attend to. There's no need for formalities."