If you really counted it out, the deceased Wu An and Tang Sheng were actually martial brothers, and Ling Yinqin was of the same generation as Tang Sheng — one generation above Lan He.
When Ling Yinqin first came to Heavenly Wolf Valley, she had only reached the Dao Source Stage Three, but over the years the valley had treated her well. Combined with her own accumulation of power over time, she had finally advanced to the Emperor Realm a few years ago, and Tang Sheng elevated her to the position of Elder.
Lan He said, "Back in the Shattered Star Sea, this disciple met someone. It was that person who told me about Elder Ling. After leaving the Shattered Star Sea, I sent people out to investigate Elder Ling's whereabouts. Coincidentally, before long we had found her and brought her into the valley."
Tang Sheng nodded. "That is what happened. What, are you looking to claim credit from your master?" An additional Emperor Realm expert would be a great help to Heavenly Wolf Valley. He assumed Lan He was fishing for some reward.
Lan He stuck out her tongue. "Not at all. I just wanted to say that the person who told me about it back then was named Yang Kai."
Tang Sheng said, "He seems to have saved you once back then too, sending you out through a rift in the void. You told me about that afterwards as well..." After speaking, he suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to look at her. "You just said you saw your lifeline. Could it be that..."
Lan He smiled with her lips pressed together. "Master's eye is sharp as a torch. I ran into Brother Yang this time."
"He's in the Eastern Domain? Didn't you say he was in the Southern Domain?"
"Yes, he's from the Southern Domain, but he came to the Eastern Domain on some business."
"Did you bring him back? He's your lifesaver after all. Since you ran into him, you should have shown proper gratitude."
Lan He said, "Of course I brought him back. He's in the guest hall right now."
Tang Sheng immediately rose to his feet and glared at her in exasperation. "You girl, if you've already invited him here, why didn't you say so sooner? Beating around the bush like that. Since he's your benefactor, I should go meet him and express our gratitude."
Lan He laughed. "I've already thanked him."
Tang Sheng said solemnly, "A lifesaving grace can never be thanked enough."
Lan He seized the opportunity. "Actually, he has something he needs Master's help with this time. I was worried you might refuse, but with what you've just said, I'm relieved."
Tang Sheng's forward stride faltered slightly. A vague sense of foreboding suddenly arose in his mind, and he turned to look at Lan He. "Why do I get the feeling you're up to no good? Hmph, pouring tea, massaging shoulders — being this attentive for no reason means you're either plotting trouble or up to thievery!"
"What? How could Master think this disciple is that kind of person?" Lan He pouted, looking utterly aggrieved.
Tang Sheng snorted. "As if I don't know what you're like?" After a pause, he continued, "It seems his request this time is no small thing. Out with it — what does he need my help with?"
Lan He fidgeted. "Master..."
Tang Sheng said, "Out with it quickly, or I'll have to apply the sect rules." He lightly tapped Lan He on the head, making her cover it with both hands.
After a moment's hesitation, Lan He finally spoke up. "He came to the Eastern Domain this time because he wants to visit Spirit Beast Island, but he can't find a way in."
"Spirit Beast Island..." Tang Sheng's expression shifted slightly, clearly realizing something. He nodded gently. "I understand."
Spirit Beast Island was ethereal and elusive. Ordinary people who didn't know the way truly couldn't find it. Let alone Yang Kai, an outsider — even people from the Eastern Domain didn't know where Spirit Beast Island was. But while others didn't know, Heavenly Wolf Valley did have a way to locate it. Years ago, a Beast-seeking Envoy from Spirit Beast Island had left behind a token. With that token in hand, one could travel to the Eastern Sea and find the approximate location of Spirit Beast Island.
He smiled faintly. "It's a small matter. Since he did you a kindness, I'll personally accompany him on this trip and make sure he finds Spirit Beast Island." Though the token was Heavenly Wolf Valley's greatest asset, using it only to locate Spirit Beast Island's position wouldn't count as calling in a favor from the island, so the valley would lose nothing. If Heavenly Wolf Valley ever truly faced danger, the token could still serve its purpose. And repaying a favor to Yang Kai in this way was not a bad deal at all.
Moreover, it would be an opportunity to get to know the young man. Tang Sheng had heard from Lan He that this youth was remarkably powerful, outstandingly talented, and — most impressively — well-versed in the laws of space. His future achievements would surely be limitless.
Consider Li Wuyi — it was precisely because he was well-versed in the laws of space that he earned the title of the strongest beneath the Great Emperor. The future Yang Kai might not necessarily fall short of Li Wuyi. If a good relationship could be built through this, it would benefit Heavenly Wolf Valley in the days to come.
Various thoughts flashed through Tang Sheng's mind, and he had already made his calculations. This wasn't to say he was scheming — it was simply a normal consideration. Besides, as the master of Heavenly Wolf Valley, with the entire sect weighing on his heart, it was only natural for him to think a little further ahead.
Hearing this, Lan He showed no delight. Instead, she eyed him cautiously and stammered, "If it were only that, it would be fine. But the current situation for Brother Yang is somewhat unfavorable."
"Hmm?" Tang Sheng frowned suspiciously. "What do you mean?"
Lan He said, "Have you forgotten, Master? He killed quite a few people in the Shattered Star Sea, including the two Holy Sons of Brahma Heaven Sacred Land — Chang Hao and Chang Xian..."
Tang Sheng's expression changed. "Brahma Heaven Sacred Land is giving him trouble?"