The little girl called Xiao Linger tilted her head to one side, her large eyes blinking as she regarded Yang Kai with open curiosity.
She clearly didn't remember him. Though they had met over a decade ago within Yuqing Mountain, Xiao Linger's spiritual awareness had only just awakened back then. She couldn't recall much from that time—only a faint sense that the person standing before her looked somewhat familiar.
Yang Kai offered her a harmless smile.
Luan Feng's heart skipped a beat, terrified that Yang Kai might take a fancy to her daughter and spirit her away. She quickly shot a glance at a nearby maidservant and said, "Take her away. Don't disturb Master Yang."
The maidservant hastened to reply, "Yes!"
As she spoke, she took Xiao Linger's hand, offered a word of apology, and led the girl away at a leisurely pace.
Only once Xiao Linger had vanished from sight did Luan Feng let out a quiet sigh of relief. She secretly resolved that during Yang Kai's stay at the traveling palace, she would absolutely not allow her daughter to meet him again.
A descendant of the Sacred Spirits—there was no human alive who wouldn't find such a figure immensely tempting to possess. Never mind whether she could actually be of any help; her very identity as a Sacred Spirit descendant would be enough to awe countless people. If Yang Kai actually managed to lure Xiao Linger away, Luan Feng would have nowhere to cry. The trouble was that Xiao Linger was far too playful and headstrong, making her a handful to keep an eye on.
"Master Yang, please come this way!" Luan Feng gestured with her hand.
Yang Kai nodded and followed Luan Feng, with the Third in tow, into the Fengluo Palace.
The palace was built on a grand and magnificent scale, its interior decorated with exquisite splendor. It was clear that Luan Feng knew how to enjoy the finer things in life.
Inside, pavilions and towers rose in elegant succession, with dragons carved soaring overhead and phoenixes sculpted in flight—a display worthy of a truly great house.
Luan Feng led Yang Kai all the way to a courtyard deep within the palace before speaking. "Master Yang, have a look and see if this will do. If you're not satisfied, I can arrange something else."
Yang Kai took a brief survey. There was nothing to complain about. He nodded and said, "It'll do."
Luan Feng relaxed. She turned to look at the seven other maidservants who had followed them and said, "During this time, you will serve Master Yang here in all his daily needs. If the master has any request at all, you must fulfill it—otherwise I will not be lenient."
The seven maidservants, all at the first level of the Emperor Lord Realm, hurriedly answered in unison, "Yes!"
Privately, however, they couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. The Sacred Lord had commanded them to satisfy this Master Yang's every request. What if the man turned out to be a lecher who wanted them to do all manner of things? How would they handle that? Men were never any good—human or demon alike, it made no difference.
But the Sacred Lord had given her orders, and they didn't dare show the slightest hint of defiance.
"Master Yang, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. If you need anything, simply order them to see to it." Luan Feng regarded Yang Kai with a warm smile.
Yang Kai nodded. "Lady Feng, please attend to your own matters. And—those spirit flowers and rare herbs, I'd appreciate it if you could give them your attention as well."
Luan Feng smiled bitterly to herself, knowing she hadn't escaped unscathed either, but she could only reply, "Rest assured, Master. I'll see to it immediately."
With that, she bowed respectfully and withdrew.
After she had gone, Yang Kai stepped forward and surveyed the courtyard. Pointing to a pavilion on his left, he asked, "Third, how would you feel about staying here?"
The Third glanced at the pavilion and asked, "Will Master be staying here as well?"
Yang Kai smiled. "I'll be over there!" He pointed to the pavilion next to it.
The Third's face fell with dismay. "But this disciple must attend to Master at all times…"
"It's not far at all. It's fine." Yang Kai waved his hand dismissively. Before the Third could voice any further objections, he turned to one of the maidservants. "What's your name?"
The maidservant dipped in a bow. "This servant is Tianlong, Master."
Yang Kai nodded. "I'd trouble you to take her down and give her a bath. Find some clean clothes for her to change into."
The Third's appearance really wasn't fit for company. The uniform from Ice Heart Valley she wore—who knew how many years it had gone unwashed. Her hair was a tangled mess, her face was grimy, and she carried a strange sour smell, like fruit that had gone off.
Now that they were temporarily settled, Yang Kai naturally wanted to have her cleaned up first. Otherwise, her current state was simply unbearable to look at.
"Yes, Master!" Tianlong said, taking the Third by the arm and pulling her along.
The Third seemed somewhat alarmed. Yang Kai quickly reassured her, "Get yourself cleaned up, then come see me!"
His words still carried great weight with the Third. Upon hearing his instruction, she immediately calmed down.
Once Tianlong had led the Third away, Yang Kai waved at the remaining six maidservants. "You may all go about your business. I don't need any service here."
All six of them brightened visibly at this. Without a word, they bowed in unison and took their leave.
They had genuinely feared that Yang Kai might make some improper demand. If such a thing were to happen, with the Sacred Lord's orders standing before them, they would be powerless to resist. As it turned out, this human seemed rather easy to get along with, which put them much more at ease.
Having dismissed everyone, Yang Kai walked into the pavilion alone and headed straight for the second floor.
The second floor was spacious and well-appointed, every convenience already provided. Yang Kai walked to the desk, sat down, and let out a soft sigh.
This expedition to the Ancient Lands had presented one unexpected twist after another, and the array of surprises was truly impossible to guard against.