"Understood, understood." Yang Kai nodded repeatedly.
Yang Yan regarded him suspiciously. "Really understood?"
Yang Kai smiled. "Don't worry, I won't put you in a difficult position." Those stationed in the various cities all had their own difficulties, and Yang Yan was no exception. She had made herself perfectly clear — how could Yang Kai push the matter?
"Good that you understand." Yang Yan breathed a sigh of relief. She had genuinely been afraid that Yang Kai would ask her for manpower as well. Everyone else she could deal with — if she truly couldn't spare anyone, she could simply refuse. But with Yang Kai, she really couldn't bring herself to say no. If he actually asked, she would have to think of some way to make it happen.
After a moment's hesitation, Yang Yan asked, "Is the situation on your end critical?"
"So-so." Yang Kai didn't elaborate, not wanting to make her worry. He smiled and said, "I'll figure out the manpower situation myself. You don't need to worry about it."
Yang Yan said, "Where else can you possibly find people right now?" The eastern, southern, and northern regions were all mobilizing, but this concerned the entire Star Realm. Even if reinforcements arrived, they would all converge here first, and she would be the one to dispatch and allocate them.
Yang Kai smiled. "My Lingxiao Palace can still spare another five thousand people. And besides… there's another place with a batch of reinforcements."
"Where?" Yang Yan stared at him in surprise.
Yang Kai put on an air of mystique. "Can't say, can't say. You'll find out when the time comes. But let me make one thing clear — these people won't be under your command, so don't get any ideas."
Yang Yan rolled her eyes at him, gritting her teeth in frustration, but there was nothing she could do about him.
They chatted for a while longer, and Yang Kai came to have a general understanding of the current situation in the major cities of the Western Region. Each city had a powerful expert stationed there, yet none could leave, because demon armies were lurking outside every single one.
After a little more than half a day, Yang Kai took his leave and activated the Spirit Void Bead to return directly to Lingxiao Palace. He instructed Hua Qingsi to send the remaining five thousand available troops to Tiger Roar City, then set off alone through the spatial formation.
Since he couldn't count on Yang Yan, he would have to find his own way.
He had originally intended to hold this last trump card in reserve, but things had come to this — if he didn't use it now, then when the demon army next descended upon Tiger Roar City, the city's forces would likely be unable to withstand them.
He had no choice but to prepare in advance.
Dragon Island!
The world knew only that dragonkin lived on Dragon Island, but few knew that the island also housed many Emperor Sovereigns, and even half-dragon-blooded experts at the Third Stage of the Emperor Sovereign Realm. The power hidden within Half-Dragon City was absolutely not to be underestimated.
Anyone else wouldn't even be able to locate Dragon Island, let alone bring the experts of Half-Dragon City out of it. But Yang Kai currently had a good relationship with Dragon Island, and presumably they wouldn't make things difficult for him over this matter.
The only thing that gave him a slight headache was how he would face Fu Zhun once he arrived at Dragon Island.
That brat Yang Xiao had gone with Old Qiong into the Four Seasons Land, and there had been no word from him since. If Fu Zhun found out, who knew whether she would blame him for failing to keep watch? It would be bad indeed if it set off that dragoness's fury.
But going to Dragon Island meant he would inevitably have to face her. Yang Kai could only take things one step at a time.
His vision blurred, and he appeared on that small island in the Eastern Sea.
Yang Kai walked out of the cave, briefly got his bearings, and soared into the sky. Before long, he plunged into the ocean.
He entered Dragon Island's world with practiced ease. The moment he appeared, Fu Ling rushed toward him with a look of surprise and delight. "Brother-in-law! I knew it was you! Haha, I was right!"
Yang Kai held up a hand to stop her three zhang away and gave her a sidelong glance. "You knew that too?"
Fu Ling struck a proud pose, clasping her hands behind her back. "Of course! Nobody ever comes to Dragon Island, and nobody else can get in. You're the only one who'd bother showing up." She leaned forward and peered at Yang Kai, blinking her clever eyes mischievously. "What, missing Sister Qing?"
"Mm-hmm, terribly," Yang Kai replied offhandedly.
"What about me? Did you miss me too?" Fu Ling struck a shy, coquettish pose.
"Like hell I did!" Yang Kai rolled his eyes. He couldn't be bothered to banter with her and said, "Stay put. I'm heading out."
"Wait, wait — I still have something to tell you!" Fu Ling shouted after him, but there was no response. She stamped her foot in frustration, glaring at his retreating figure.
Half Moon Island. Yang Kai descended from the sky. Hearing the commotion, Zhu Qing came out to investigate and immediately brightened with surprise. "You're here."
Yang Kai said nothing. He walked up, wrapped his arm around her waist, and kissed her deeply. Zhu Qing's body went soft at once, her beautiful eyes growing hazy.
After a long moment, Yang Kai released her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I came here on business this time — I'm afraid I won't have much time to spend with you."
Zhu Qing asked, "What business?"
"Come with me to see the Grand Elder. I'll tell you on the way." Yang Kai took her hand and flew toward Green Wood Island.