"I wonder what else those twenty-something Emperor Realm cultivators identified?" Wen Zishan asked.
Xiao Yuyang's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment of silence, he said, "Tan Junhao used Gu worm techniques to control them and turn them against Yang Kai. Unfortunately, his elaborate schemes came to nothing, and he was killed by Yang Kai. Wu Ming, who aided his wickedness, also died on the spot."
"So Tan Junhao actually did such a thing — despicable methods that blemished the Divine Palace's reputation. He truly deserved to die!" Wen Zishan's expression turned grave as he stared pointedly at Xiao Yuyang. "In that case, Yang Kai essentially cleaned house for the Star God Palace. The Divine Palace should be grateful to him. Brother Xiao, you didn't come here just to thank Yang Kai, did you? If so, there's no need. Elder Yang's actions were nothing more than ridding the people of a scourge — the duty of any hero. The Divine Palace is being far too courteous."
Xiao Yuyang let out a soft breath and said in a low voice, "Hall Master Wen, Tan Junhao was an elder of the Divine Palace, and a third-level Emperor Realm cultivator at that. His death is no small matter — it concerns the Divine Palace's face!"
Wen Zishan smiled faintly. "Of course it's a major matter. But with the testimony of those twenty-something Emperor Realm cultivators, doesn't that speak for itself?"
Xiao Yuyang shook his head. "I'm afraid Yang Kai will have to come back with me to the Divine Palace."
Wen Zishan put on a look of difficulty. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. Yang Kai is now considered an elder of our Divine Temple, and the inauguration ceremony will be held in a few days. If you take him away, won't our Divine Temple become a laughingstock to the world? The Divine Palace has its face, and our Divine Temple has its face too."
Xiao Yuyang said, "Hall Master Wen just said the inauguration ceremony is still days away. As of now, Yang Kai is not yet an elder of the Qingyang Divine Temple."
"Who says so?" Wen Zishan grinned and turned around. "Little Qianqian!"
Chen Qian said nothing. She raised her hand and released over a hundred message talismans, which transformed into streaks of light shooting in every direction, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Then she cupped her fists. "Hall Master, I have already informed the numerous sects and clans of the Southern Domain that the inauguration ceremony will be held in five days!"
"Mm." Wen Zishan nodded slightly.
Xiao Yuyang's expression darkened. "Wen Zishan, do you know what consequences this will have?"
Wen Zishan's expression also turned solemn in an instant. He said calmly, "Yang Kai is our Divine Temple's man. Even if the Divine Palace wishes to take him away, it requires our Divine Temple's consent."
Xiao Yuyang sighed softly and similarly raised his hand to release a message talisman. He said lightly, "I have already reported this matter to the Great Emperor. As for how it will be handled specifically, the Great Emperor will make his own decision."
It was clear that Wen Zishan intended to protect Yang Kai with the full force of his sect. Even if he tore apart his relationship with Wen Zishan, he was afraid he still couldn't take Yang Kai away. He could only report the matter and wait for word.
Wen Zishan's expression finally shifted slightly, but he still smiled. "The Great Emperor is wise and will naturally find a fair resolution. Since a guest has come, Brother Xiao, why not stay at our Divine Temple for a few days?"
"Very well, then I'll trouble you for the hospitality." Xiao Yuyang nodded slightly.
"Please!"
……
In the side hall of Purple Bamboo Peak, accompanied by a series of crackling sounds, the pitch-black Ink Dragon Armor settled onto his body, lending Yang Kai an added air of martial majesty.
After the Golden Sacred Dragon's origin had appeared and intimidated the armor for a while, Yang Kai found refining the Flying Rainbow Ink Dragon Armor surprisingly simple — even easier than refining an ordinary Dao Source Grade artifact. Now the precious armor sat perfectly on his body, fitting snugly while remaining highly elastic. Even if he activated his Draconification Secret Art, he wouldn't have to worry about bursting it.
The only thing Yang Kai found somewhat unsatisfactory was that the armor had significant damage around the waist, dropping it a tier from a mid-grade Emperor artifact to only the power of a lower-grade Emperor artifact.
But it was enough.
Yang Kai hadn't bought this armor for its defensive power in the first place. He simply needed something to cover his body after the dramatic size increase from Draconification. Whether it was mid-grade or lower-grade Emperor artifact made no real difference to him.
That said, the armor's design was exactly to Yang Kai's liking. Worn close to the skin, it was light as air, and once he threw another layer of clothing over it, there was nothing to be seen at all.
After inspecting it for a while, Yang Kai sat cross-legged once more and continued refining the Flying Rainbow Ink Dragon Armor.
Though Purple Bamboo Peak was rich with spiritual energy, it was located in a remote area, and few people ever came around.
Gao Xueting had come back several times, but seeing that Yang Kai was in seclusion, she hadn't disturbed him.
In the blink of an eye, five days passed.
Early in the morning, Gao Xueting pushed open the door and startled Yang Kai.
Looking up, he saw that under Gao Xueting's direction, a group of four or five women filed in one after another. Judging by their attire, they appeared to be disciples of the Qingyang Divine Temple.
"Get up." Gao Xueting beckoned to Yang Kai.
Yang Kai rose to his feet and asked suspiciously, "What's this about?"
Gao Xueting gestured to the female disciples while explaining to Yang Kai, "We're getting you tidied up. Today is your big day."