"This Soul-Stealing Drum can shock the mind and spirit. Its power isn't particularly great, but its strength lies in its subtlety — it catches people completely off guard." As Hua Yulu spoke, she suddenly reached out and lightly tapped the small flower drum.
What was truly bizarre was that no sound came out at all.
Instead, an invisible wave of force rippled outward, like a blade slicing straight into Yang Kai's Spiritual Sea.
Caught off guard, Yang Kai's mind jolted.
However, just as Hua Yulu had said, the Soul-Stealing Drum's power wasn't all that great, so it failed to breach the defenses of his Spiritual Sea. Of course, that also had to do with the fact that Hua Yulu hadn't fully refined it yet and hadn't been using its full power.
Even so, it was quite impressive.
Just imagine — two fighters of equal strength locked in a life-or-death struggle, and Hua Yulu suddenly activates the Soul-Stealing Drum. Her opponent would be done for. Used properly, this Soul-Stealing Drum was absolutely an invaluable weapon for turning the tide of battle and killing without a trace. Its applications were far more versatile than those of an ordinary Emperor Treasure.
"Good stuff!" Having personally experienced the Soul-Stealing Drum's power, Yang Kai praised it without reservation.
Hua Yulu said, "Senior Elder Yang flatters me."
Yang Kai asked, "The three of you went to explore the cave dwelling — you obtained the Soul-Stealing Drum. What did the other two get?"
Hua Yulu replied, "One of them cultivated a secret technique within the cave dwelling. I don't know exactly what it was — the person didn't reveal it — but judging by his expression at the time, its power should be considerable. As for the other person, his cultivation soared dramatically within the cave dwelling. Among the three of us, he had been the weakest — he had likely only recently advanced to the first-stage Emperor Realm — but by the time we left, his aura was the strongest of us all."
"It can even cause a cultivation explosion!" Yang Kai was genuinely shocked.
An opportunity to cause a dramatic surge in an Emperor Realm cultivator's power was exceedingly rare. This proved that the ancient cave dwelling was no ordinary place — the means of those ancient powerhouses were truly extraordinary. After all these years, the cave dwelling still concealed such abundant opportunities.
If one were to explore it thoroughly, who knew how many benefits could be reaped.
If Yang Kai had previously agreed to accompany Hua Yulu to explore the ancient cave dwelling partly out of consideration for Xia Sheng's face, then now he was genuinely interested.
A martial artist's Cultivation was never a matter of seclusion and closed-door study. Venturing out to gain experience was the most important path, and the opportunities encountered along the way often surpassed years of bitter cultivation in seclusion.
"If Senior Elder Yang is interested, then let's meet in the Southern Marshes two months from now. What do you think?" Hua Qingsi looked at Yang Kai and asked.
"Good." Yang Kai nodded. He naturally had no objections. It just so happened he could use this time to visit the Star God Palace and cultivate within the Five-Colored Pagoda.
The two immediately exchanged contact methods, each inscribing a Soul imprint onto the other's compass. This way, as long as they weren't too far apart, they could send messages to each other.
"Then it's settled. When the time comes, little Hua will need to rely on you to look after her, Junior Brother." Xia Sheng smiled faintly.
Yang Kai said generously, "Senior Brother, rest assured. I'll bring Palace Master Hua back to you safe and sound."
Xia Sheng chuckled without commenting, but Hua Yulu's cheeks flushed pink. She stole a glance at Xia Sheng, then a flicker of disappointment crossed her face.
Yang Kai took in both of their expressions and vaguely began to understand the nature of their relationship.
"I'll be staying in Spirit Lake City these next few days. If Bian Yuqing comes out of seclusion, please let me know, Senior Brother."
"Rest easy!" Xia Sheng said seriously. "I'll check on her regularly."
Only then did Yang Kai take his leave. As he turned to go, he suddenly looked back. "Oh, Palace Master Hua — that restriction that blocked your path. Do you still remember what it looked like?"
Hua Yulu paused, then nodded. "I do. Does Senior Elder Yang need it? I can draw it for you."
"That would be best."
Hua Yulu immediately produced a blank jade slip, infused it with her spiritual consciousness, and inscribed what she had seen that day into it. She handed it to Yang Kai. "This is the restriction. It should be an ancient formation. I don't understand formations, so I couldn't make heads or tails of it. I simply memorized it by rote, but it should be accurate."
At her level of cultivation, photographic memory was the most basic skill.
"I don't understand formations either, but I can ask someone who does." Yang Kai smiled.
Hua Yulu's eyes brightened. "Senior Elder Yang knows someone well-versed in formations? That would be perfect. I had originally planned to visit the Gong Family in Heavenly River Valley, but now it seems that won't be necessary."
The Gong Family of Heavenly River Valley — the most renowned formation masters in the Southern Region. Hua Yulu was no fool; she naturally couldn't place her full trust in the other two Emperor Realm cultivators. If she wanted to break the formation and venture deeper into the ancient cave dwelling, it was best to understand the formation first.
And the Gong Family of Heavenly River Valley was the ideal choice.
But now, with Yang Kai's offer, she was spared some trouble. After all, if she went to Heavenly River Valley, the Gong Family might ask where the formation came from, and Hua Yulu would have no choice but to lie.
"Leave this matter to me. Palace Master Hua, spend these next two months recuperating and gathering your strength. We'll meet again in the Southern Marshes then."
"Many thanks, Senior Elder Yang." Hua Yulu nodded gratefully.
No sooner had Yang Kai departed than Xia Sheng rose to his feet and spoke: "Little Hua, make yourself at home. I'm heading out."
"Where are you going?" Hua Yulu glared at him reproachfully. "Leaving in such a rush — afraid I'll devour you or something?"
Xia Sheng's mouth twitched. "Why would I be afraid of you? It's just that if I don't put more effort into my Cultivation, I'm afraid this position of Eldest Senior Brother won't be so secure."
Hands clasped behind his back, he ambled out the door, shaking his head and swaying, and in the blink of an eye he was gone.