Fan Wu laughed from the side: "My palace happens to be not far from the Elders' residence. In the future, you must come visit me more often, Elder."
The Elder replied politely: "Since the Sacred Master has such kind intentions, this old man may well have cause to impose on your hospitality in the future. I hope the Sacred Master won't mind."
Yang Kai could afford to give Fan Wu a cold shoulder, but the Elder still had some reservations. Before Xiao Xiao had become Tai Yue, the Stone Spirit Clan's strength was still a step below the other party, and Yang Kai couldn't stay in the Ancient Land forever to protect them.
Even if they couldn't forge an intimate relationship with Fan Wu, at the very least they shouldn't let things turn hostile. For the Stone Spirit Clan, that alone would be a good thing.
Fan Wu burst into hearty laughter: "Elder, you're too kind. If you find yourself free in the future, you absolutely must come sit in my palace."
Luan Feng also smiled softly behind her hand: "I would welcome the Elder as well."
Cang Gou shot them a sidelong glance and snorted: "You make it sound like I'm the one keeping people at arm's length." He turned to the Elder with a smile: "Elder, my palace is a bit farther from the Stone Spirit Clan's territory, but I've long heard that the Wood Spirit Clan's wines and delicacies are incomparably delicious. If I were to come visit someday, I hope the Elder won't show me the door."
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare! If a Sacred Master wishes to come, our humble clan would naturally be overjoyed!" The Elder gave a bitter laugh. When had he suddenly become such a hot commodity? The three Sacred Masters of the Ancient Land, one after another, wanted to build connections with him. All of this was undoubtedly because of Yang Kai. He wasn't the sort of person to be hypocritical about it, and continuing to exchange pleasantries with these three Sacred Masters was beyond his energy, so he quickly turned to Yang Kai: "Master Yang, matters here are settled. This old man will take his people back now. I wonder if Master Yang..."
Yang Kai smiled faintly: "I won't be going with you, Elder. This time I entered the Ancient Land to find Xiao Xiao. Now that Xiao Xiao has already gone to the Blood Gate, my business here is finished. I'll be leaving the Ancient Land before long."
The Elder's face showed a trace of regret upon hearing this. But he still said: "Then I wish Master Yang a smooth journey. If you ever return to the Ancient Land again, please do come visit the Stone Spirit Clan's territory. This old man will rush out with his shoes half-on to welcome you!"
"Farewell, Elder." Yang Cupped his fists in a cupped-hand salute.
The Elder returned the courtesy. He exchanged further farewells with Fan Wu and the others before finally turning and departing.
Before long, the Stone Spirit Clan vanished from everyone's sight along with their Elder.
Fan Wu and the others stood behind Yang Kai, exchanging uneasy glances. Their hearts were filled with apprehension. In the end, Fan Wu cleared his throat lightly and asked tentatively: "Master Yang, what are your plans going forward?"
Yang Kai tilted his head to look at him and chuckled: "What's this? Lord Fan Wu wants me to leave the Ancient Land in a hurry?"
Fan Wu's expression changed, and he exclaimed in alarm: "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare! Master Yang's arrival in the Ancient Land is a blessing for the entire Ancient Land. How could Fan Wu ever think such a thing?"
"You really wouldn't dare? Just say what you're actually thinking. A mere first-layer Emperor Sovereign like me can't do anything to you anyway." Yang Kai said with a cold, sardonic sneer.
You can't do anything to me, but that descendant of Tian Xing certainly can. Fan Wu cursed inwardly while forcing a smile: "Master Yang, you worry too much. From today onward, you are an honored guest of our Ancient Land. If you wish to stay here, we would welcome it more than anything."
Yang Kai reached out and patted Fan Wu on the shoulder, laughing heartily: "I didn't expect Lord Fan Wu to be so hospitable. In that case, I suppose I'll have to give you a little face. It's settled then—I'll stay in the Ancient Land for a while."
Fan Wu's face darkened, and he wished he could slap himself a few times.
Luan Feng and Cang Gou also shot him resentful looks, thinking: Why did you have to go and open your mouth? Wouldn't it have been better to just stay silent?
Yang Kai pointed with one hand and said: "Do you gentlemen still want this thing or not?"
Fan Wu and the others snapped back to attention. Seeing that Yang Kai was pointing at the Mountain and River Bell lying on the ground, their hearts lurched with alarm. They replied in a panic: "This is Master Yang's possession, naturally it should be returned to its rightful owner. How could we dare covet it?"
Yang Kai snorted: "And who was it that told me before that this was originally the Ancient Land's property?"
Cang Gou immediately scratched his head with an awkward grin: "A treasure belongs to the one with the virtue to hold it. This bell has existed in the Ancient Land for countless years, yet no one has ever been able to subdue it. Since Master Yang was able to make it acknowledge him as master, he must naturally be a person of virtue."
It was Cang Gou who had said those words earlier. Now terrified that Yang Kai would settle accounts, he hastily changed his tune.
"I wouldn't have guessed it—Lord Cang Gou with his taciturn manner is actually quite the silver-tongued speaker." Yang Kai gazed at him with a look of pointed amusement.
Cang Gou's face flushed red, and he wished he could find a hole to crawl into. He had truly lost face today. Fortunately, besides Fan Wu and Luan Feng, there was no one else around—the Demon Kings and Holy Envoys were all ten miles away. Otherwise, if word of today's events got out, what authority would he have left to command his subordinates?
"You really don't want it?" Yang Kai's expression turned serious. "Don't say I didn't give you the chance. This is a primordial treasure. 'One ring of the bell commands the mountains and rivers, imperial rhythm shifts heaven and earth'—that's exactly what they say about this Mountain and River Bell. Hold it and you'll be brave enough for anything. Even if you ran into the Dragon Clan, you could march up and slap them across the face. Miss this chance and there won't be another. Don't come regretting it later."
Fan Wu smiled bitterly without end: "Master Yang, please stop teasing us."
He looked as though he could barely take it anymore, practically begging Yang Kai to quickly put the Mountain and River Bell away.
Luan Feng also pleaded: "Master Yang, what we did before was wrong. But Shi Huo has already been punished. I hope Master Yang can let his anger cool."
Yang Kai glanced at her and said indifferently: "Since Madam Feng has put it that way, I'll give you a little face."
Although Luan Feng had stood by and done nothing earlier, she had still stopped Ruoxi from taking her own life. For that alone, Yang Kai felt some measure of gratitude toward her.
This response took Luan Feng somewhat by surprise. Fan Wu and Cang Gou both hurriedly glanced at her, as if realizing something.
Yang Kai stepped forward and placed his hand on the Mountain and River Bell. His Emperor Yuan and Divine Sense surged forth, and his heart held a trace of unease.