Xia Sheng warmly welcomed Yang Kai into his chambers. Once they had taken their seats as host and guest, Yang Kai asked about Bian Yuqing's condition.
"That woman successfully broke through to the Emperor Realm half a month ago. The commotion that day was quite something." Xia Sheng's expression turned solemn.
"She broke through to the Emperor Realm?" Yang Kai raised his eyebrows. The news was both expected and unexpected.
By all rights, given Bian Yuqing's aptitude, even with two months of secluded Cultivation in Spirit Lake Palace's heaven grade secret grounds, the chances of a breakthrough would have been vanishingly slim. Her talent on the martial path was never particularly impressive, and after languishing at the Dao Source Realm for so many years, whatever edge she once possessed had long since been ground away. Without the drive to push forward, how could she possibly achieve a breakthrough?
Absent any extraordinary circumstances, the third level of the Dao Source Realm would have been the absolute peak she could reach in her lifetime.
But Kou Wu's death had shaken her to her core, and on top of that came the various forms of assistance Yang Kai had provided — the massive quantity of Source Crystals and Emperor Pills for Cultivation he had left before his departure. That she managed to break through and take a step further past her limits was only natural.
Regardless, this was a joyous matter. It meant that Ling Xiao Palace had gained yet another Emperor Realm powerhouse.
Spirit Lake Palace had stood for many years, and countless martial artists had broken through their own limitations within its walls, glimpsing the mysteries of deeper realms. Yet those who had advanced to the Emperor Realm there had always been few and far between. The commotion Bian Yuqing had stirred up on the day of her breakthrough had shaken the entirety of Spirit Lake City. Those martial artists waiting in line for their turn to enter Spirit Lake Palace for secluded Cultivation had all seemed to glimpse a new surge of hope, their bodies brimming with renewed vigor, each one eagerly waiting for their turn to enter the secret grounds and train properly.
"She's been stabilizing her cultivation these past two weeks. She should be able to come out of seclusion in a few more days at most." Xia Sheng smiled faintly. As one of Spirit Lake Palace's three stewards, he was naturally well-informed about Bian Yuqing's situation — and besides, she was someone Yang Kai had personally brought along, so he had made sure to look after her.
"That's excellent." Yang Kai nodded with satisfaction.
"Has Junior Brother had anything on his mind lately?" Xia Sheng suddenly shifted the topic.
Yang Kai replied, "I need to make a trip to Star God Palace. Does Senior Brother have some instruction for me?"
"Star God Palace, huh..." Xia Sheng paused briefly, though he didn't ask what Yang Kai intended to do there. After a moment's thought, he said, "How long will it take?"
"A month or two should do."
"In that case, the timing works out." He grinned. "I'd like to ask Junior Brother for a favor, if you happen to have the time."
"Please, Senior Brother, speak freely!" Yang Kai's expression grew serious.
But Xia Sheng didn't immediately state what the favor was. Instead, he turned his head toward the back rooms and called, "Xiao Hua, come on out. You already know Yang here, no need to hide."
At his words, a woman in flowing palace robes stepped gracefully into the room. Her form-fitting gown hugged her elegant figure, a gentle, heart-swaying smile gracing her features. Her limpid eyes shimmered like water, as though brimming with words she could not quite bring herself to say.
"Palace Master Hua!" Yang Kai looked at her in surprise.
The woman was none other than Hua Yulu, Palace Master of Hundred Flowers Palace, whom he had met just a few days ago at Green Sun Divine Temple. He hadn't expected to run into her here as well.
On that occasion, Hua Yulu had been making inquiries about Xia Sheng. It seemed she had come straight to Spirit Lake Palace after leaving Green Sun Divine Temple.
Though Yang Kai had sensed another person's aura in the room earlier, since they were keeping out of sight, he hadn't pursued the matter. Seeing her in the flesh now, he couldn't help but be somewhat startled.
These two seemed to have something going on!
Yang Kai's expression grew thoroughly knowing.
Hua Yulu appeared a touch embarrassed, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She walked up and offered a graceful curtsy, her soft voice carrying a hint of shyness. "This concubine greets Elder Yang!"
"Palace Master Hua is too kind." Yang Kai hurriedly made a courteous gesture to raise her up.
Never mind that Hua Yulu's cultivation was on par with his own and that she was a Palace Master in her own right — given her ambiguous relationship with Xia Sheng alone, he could hardly accept such a formal salute.
Yang Kai turned to look at Xia Sheng. "Senior Brother, this favor you mentioned — does it have something to do with Palace Master Hua?"
Xia Sheng smiled. "That's right. It does concern Xiao Hua." He looked up at Hua Yulu. "Xiao Hua, why don't you explain it yourself."
Hua Yulu inclined her delicate head slightly and parted her red lips, speaking in measured tones: "Three months ago, I ventured to the Southern Marshes to search for a particular herb, and by chance stumbled upon an ancient cave dwelling..."
"An ancient cave dwelling?" Yang Kai started in surprise.