The strange behavior of Zhan Wuhen and
On top of that, given how their spiritual senses had surged moments ago, how could Hua Linglong and
But what exactly could it be, to leave even these two so shaken?
Though Hua Linglong was curious, she refrained from asking further. It was Yao Jun who inquired, "What did you see?"
His title was You Hun — like Yu Rumeng, he excelled above all else in matters of the soul. If something strange lurked within the spiritual sea, he was naturally keenly interested.
But would Zhan Wuhen and Mo Huang pay him any mind? They themselves had seen the Warm Divine Lotus without issue, but if Yao Jun learned of this secret, he would certainly want to study it thoroughly. As a Great Emperor, he wouldn't resort to outright robbery — but what if he asked to borrow it for a time? Would Yang Kai agree or refuse?
So both Zhan Wuhen and Mo Huang tacitly kept their silence. Mo Huang even secretly transmitted a voice to Yang Kai: "Whatever you do, don't let that fellow Yao Jun see that thing, or you'll have nothing but endless trouble."
Yang Kai nodded repeatedly, silently resolving that he would never again be alone with Yao Jun.
With the affairs of the
Zhan Wuhen spoke: "Now that the connection between the two worlds has been severed, the three Demon Saints will need to recall their Demon armies. It looks like the Star Boundary will enjoy a period of peace. However, once that seal is broken, it will likely herald the final battle between our worlds. Yang Kai, you will be the vanguard in devouring and fusing the various Demon Realm continents. So during this time, you must conserve your energy and restore your strength. If you can advance your cultivation further, that would be ideal — but even if not, you must still enhance your strength to protect yourself."
"I understand." Yang Kai nodded. "As it happens, I have some matters of my own to attend to."
As he spoke, he produced a Space Spirit Bead and offered it with both hands: "Please accept this, sir."
Zhan Wuhen glanced at him, then silently reached out and took the Space Spirit Bead.
Then came two crisp claps — Hua Linglong, clapping her hands twice. Following the sound, a figure walked in from outside.
Yang Kai turned to look and saw that the person was none other than
Their eyes met, and Lei Hong gave Yang Kai a slight nod. He walked straight to Yang Kai's side, greeted the Great Emperors with a bow, then turned to face Yang Kai.
The great hall fell silent. No one spoke, but how could Yang Kai not understand the purpose of Lei Hong's appearance here?
He let out a soft sigh, held his palms flat, and with a thought, the body of Great Emperor Mingyue materialized before him, cradled in his hands.
Though Mingyue was dead, her body had been kept in the medicine garden all this time, preserved by exotic flowers and rare herbs. The hole in her chest and her torn clothing had also been tended to by Yang Kai, so from outward appearance she looked as though she were merely sleeping — her expression peaceful.
The gazes of all the Great Emperors turned toward her, their expressions sorrowful. Lei Hong's body trembled, his eyes reddened, and in a shaking voice he called out: "We welcome the Great Emperor back to the Palace!"
As he spoke, he dropped to his knees and raised both hands high.
This kneeling was not directed at Yang Kai, but at Mingyue's body, so Yang Kai could not return the gesture. With utmost solemnity, he placed Mingyue's remains into Lei Hong's outstretched hands. Yang Kai's voice was slightly hoarse: "I'm sorry..."
Lei Hong slowly shook his head, accepting the Great Emperor's mortal remains, and then rose to his feet.
Yang Kai spoke: "Everything the Great Emperor carried upon her person has been left untouched. When you return to the Palace, Elder Lei, please take inventory carefully with the other Elders."
Lei Hong nodded: "Thank you, Palace Master Yang."
Yang Kai felt deeply ashamed. He gave a bitter smile and shook his head, then asked: "The Princess... how is she?"
"Not well." Lei Hong's bitter smile didn't falter. When a Great Emperor fell, natural anomalies manifested and the entire Star Boundary was plunged into mourning. Countless people had felt it in their hearts. As the Great Emperor's daughter,
An Emperor Realm powerhouse was beyond all illness and misfortune, yet after that event Lan Xun had fallen gravely ill. Though the Star God Palace possessed countless miraculous medicines and elixirs, none could alleviate her symptoms. She was still recuperating within the Star God Palace to this day.
Lei Hong found it difficult to say too much about this matter, so he only said: "When Palace Master Yang has free time, please visit the Divine Palace — perhaps you can offer the Princess some comfort."
How could Yang Kai find the nerve? How could he bear to face Lan Xun again? Back in the Celestial Mandate Valley, even though he hadn't given her an absolute guarantee, he had been her only hope. Now, having failed that trust, guilt overwhelmed him.
Yet no matter how guilty he felt, no matter how ashamed he was, he still had to visit the Star God Palace. Even without Lei Hong's words, he would have gone. He nodded: "Very well. I will pay a visit in a few days."
"Then this one takes his leave." Lei Hong's face showed his gratitude. After bowing once more to the Great Emperors, he departed carrying Mingyue's remains.
After he left, Zhan Wuhen waved his hand and said with a look of distaste: "You may leave too."
Yang Kai looked up at him: "You're not going to punish me anymore, sir?"
Zhan Wuhen replied mildly: "If you're so eager for punishment, I wouldn't mind obliging."