Ji Ying was remarkably efficient. Yang Kai had been waiting at Lingxiao Palace for fewer than five days before he saw Ji Ying return, travel-worn and dusty, heading straight for the main peak—Lingxiao Peak.
"Brother Ji, how did things go?" Yang Kai couldn't read anything from his face and asked with some trepidation.
Ji Ying said, "Master has agreed to meet your wife."
The answer was somewhat disappointing to Yang Kai, but he knew that Great Emperor Miao Dan wouldn't take on a disciple so casually. Since she had agreed to meet, there was at least a chance. If Great Emperor Miao Dan had refused to even see her, then he would have had to abandon the idea entirely. At least there was still a sliver of hope.
"If your wife has nothing else to attend to, let's set off immediately. We can't keep Master waiting." Ji Ying was unwilling to delay and prepared to head back to Medicine Pill Valley at once.
"I'm grateful, Brother Ji." Yang Kai cupped his fists. Xia Ningshang stepped out from behind him, and the two exchanged a few parting words, reluctant to separate.
Though they had only just reunited and were already parting again—and once she truly entered Medicine Pill Valley, meetings would not come easily in the future—for the long term, Medicine Pill Valley was undoubtedly the best place for Xia Ningshang. When she returned with her skills mastered, there would be time enough for a lifetime together. Why cling to these fleeting moments?
Ji Ying released his tower-ship artifact, which carried Xia Ningshang and soared into the sky as a streak of light.
Yang Kai stood before the hall, watching, and did not withdraw his gaze for a long time.
Su Yan, Shan Qingluo, and Xue Yue stood behind him. Yang Kai composed himself and turned to ask, "A-Luo, are you really not going to the Primal Wasteland?"
Over the past few days, Yang Kai had given the four women a broad overview of the Star Realm's situation. He could arrange for Xia Ningshang to enter Medicine Pill Valley. As for Shan Qingluo, the best destination was naturally the Primal Wasteland. Though she was human by birth, she carried demon bloodline and bore the primordial power of the Celestial Moon Demon Spider. Looking across the entire Star Realm, the Primal Wasteland was undoubtedly the best place for her to grow.
Yang Kai was confident that if he sent Shan Qingluo to the Wasteland, Luan Feng and the others would have no major objections. Of course, even if they did, it wouldn't matter.
But Shan Qingluo didn't seem to have any intention of going, preferring instead to stay at Lingxiao Palace and cultivate.
As for the reason, Yang Kai could guess well enough—she was probably worried that Xue Yue would be lonely and had chosen to stay and keep her company.
"I'm not going." Shan Qingluo smiled faintly. "Wherever the heart is willing, where can one not cultivate?"
Yang Kai nodded gently. "True enough."
Lingxiao Palace was no longer lacking in cultivation resources. Even if Shan Qingluo didn't go to the Primal Wasteland, it wouldn't hinder her progress. Since she was unwilling to go, Yang Kai naturally wouldn't force her. He turned to Su Yan. "Let's go. To Ice Heart Valley."
With those words, he flickered forward and headed toward the spatial array.
Su Yan followed closely behind.
In moments, the spatial array lit up in the forbidden zone of Ice Island within Ice Heart Valley. The Ice Heart Valley disciples standing guard noticed it immediately and rushed to investigate. After determining the situation, they reported it up through the ranks.
Yang Kai didn't visit Ice Heart Valley often, but nearly every veteran disciple there recognized him. After all, when Ice Heart Valley had faced catastrophe years ago, it was Yang Kai who had turned the tide and saved the valley from certain destruction.
In the hearts of Ice Heart Valley's disciples, Yang Kai held an exalted status. Otherwise, how could a man freely enter and leave this gathering place of women? Any other man who showed his face would be beaten to death on the spot.
A stick of incense later, Yang Kai was already standing in a great hall, meeting with Bing Yun.
No one else was around—only Ji Yao stood in attendance.
The moment Yang Kai saw her, his head ached. He could never help recalling the embarrassing incidents he'd shared with her back in the Primal Wasteland.
Ji Yao's expression was somewhat peculiar. She looked at Yang Kai with an ambiguous half-smile that made him feel increasingly as though pins were being driven into his back. He had the constant feeling that her eyes were hiding unspoken words.
Keeping his gaze straight ahead, he stepped forward and cupped his fists in greeting. "Yang Kai pays respects to Senior."
Bing Yun smiled gently, her voice soft. "Why so formal? You haven't visited in over a decade, have you, boy?"
Before Yang Kai could answer, Ji Yao cut in with a sarcastic tone. "Palace Master Yang is a busy and important man who only associates with the wealthy and powerful. How could he ever think of this cold, desolate Ice Heart Valley?"
Yang Kai glanced up at her, thinking, "I haven't provoked you in any way—why the thorns in every word?" Even Bing Yun cast a look at her third disciple.
Yang Kai twitched the corner of his mouth. "Junior Sister Yao, I trust you've been well."
Ji Yao reached up to brush the hair behind her ear and said lightly, "You used to call me Yao'er, and now it's Junior Sister."
The corner of Yang Kai's eye twitched. Even Bing Yun's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness. She raised her hand and said, "We're all family here. Let's sit down and talk."
Ji Yao said, "I'm afraid we have no tea to offer. Palace Master Yang, please don't hold it against us."
"Heh..." Yang Kai had no idea how to respond other than a sheepish laugh.
Bing Yun finally could bear it no longer and shot Ji Yao a glare. Only then did the latter lower her eyelids, adopting a docile appearance.
"Who is this..." Bing Yun glanced curiously at Su Yan behind Yang Kai, privately suspecting that Ji Yao's icy remarks had something to do with this boy bringing a woman along. She naturally asked.
Su Yan stepped forward and cupped her fists. "Su Yan pays respects to the Grand Ancestor!"