"I understand." Seeing how serious she was, Yang Kai felt a chill run through him, silently thanking himself for not rashly absorbing the energy earlier.
After explaining all the dangers involved, Tang Yuxian handed the small piece of jade back to Yang Kai. "Young Master, keep this safe and don't let anyone else find out. Otherwise, it could attract the covetous eyes of powerful cultivators."
"Mm." Yang Kai nodded. With the Black Book's space at his disposal, hiding something was no trouble at all.
Tu Feng's lips split into a wide, eerily silent grin. "Looks like the Lu family took a huge loss this time."
No matter what price Yang Kai had paid to Lu Si for the Yang Crystal Jade Bed, it was now clear that Yang Kai had gotten the better end of the bargain by a massive margin.
Tang Yuxian also smiled delicately behind her hand. "They probably never expected there to be a True Spirit inside it."
A True Spirit had already developed rudimentary intelligence and could deceive the spiritual sense probes of most powerful cultivators. Before, when it had been hiding within the Yang Crystal Jade Bed, even Lu Si had likely failed to detect it. Otherwise, he would never have parted with it to Yang Kai.
"Hmph, the Lu family is shortsighted indeed — they even dared to have someone monitor Young Master's movements. People like that aren't worth winning over!" Tu Feng snorted lightly. "Yuxian and I have both recovered from our injuries. Young Master, when would you like to leave here?"
"Let's leave tomorrow." He had never planned to stay at the Lu family estate for long. He had only delayed these past few days to wait for the two Blood Warriors to heal, and then he needed to absorb the energy in the Yang Jade. That had been the only reason for putting off his departure.
He had been away from home for so many years now — he couldn't wait to go back and see his parents.
"Alright, I'll go inform Miss Qiu. She said before that she'd be traveling with us." Tang Yuxian nodded.
Word of Yang Kai's departure from the Lu family spread quickly.
Lu Liang and the others actually felt a faint sense of relief. For some reason, as long as Yang Kai remained under their roof, they felt uncomfortable the entire time, as if terrified that the other Yang family young masters might discover the Lu family had been in contact with him.
That evening, Lu Liang hosted another banquet in honor of Yang Kai, Qiu Yimeng, and their party.
During the feast, everyone kept to lighthearted topics. No one uttered a word about the battle for succession among the Yang family or the future political landscape of Zhongdu.
Qiu Yimeng watched coldly from the sidelines. She knew the Lu family had completely given up on backing Yang Kai, but she said nothing about it. Just like before, she ate a little and then excused herself early.
Yang Kai, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed the meal. He made no mention whatsoever of trying to win over the Lu family, simply drinking wine, eating meat, and savoring the fruits and delicacies. His complete inaction put Lu Liang and the others at ease.
They had genuinely feared that at the last moment, he might bring something up. If he had, Lu Liang would have had no idea how to respond.
The wine was the same as before, yet different from the welcoming banquet held for Yang Kai's party a few days prior. The attitudes of the Lu family members had undergone a subtle, almost imperceptible shift.
The banquet ended and everyone retired to their quarters for the night.
The following morning, the senior members of the Lu family gathered at the main gate under Lu Liang's lead to see off Yang Kai and Qiu Yimeng.
Lu Liang's expression was earnest as he looked at Yang Kai. "Young Master Yang, the journey to Zhongdu is fraught with shifting winds and unpredictable storms. You must not take the battle for succession lightly."
Yang Kai nodded casually.
Lu Liang smiled. "It's rare for Young Master Yang to visit the Lu family. I have nothing grand to offer, but please accept some silver as a token of my sincerity. I hope Young Master won't find it lacking."
As he spoke, he nodded with a smile to someone standing beside him.
That person stepped forward quickly, holding a box of banknotes, and presented it with both hands.
Tu Feng and Tang Yuxian's expressions darkened slightly, both clearly displeased. With cold looks, they turned to Yang Kai, waiting for his direction.
Yang Kai was completely unfazed. He chuckled. "Family Head Lu's generosity is truly touching — then this young master shall graciously accept! Tu Feng, take it."
"Yes!" Tu Feng nodded lightly and took the box of banknotes.
"The Lu family wishes Young Master Yang swift victory in the battle for succession, and success in all his endeavors!" Lu Liang clasped his fists lightly and delivered the customary pleasantries.
Yang Kai laughed heartily. "Then I'll take Family Head Lu's good wishes to heart. Farewell!"
With that, he swung himself onto his Cloud-Treading Steed and rode off ahead. Tu Feng and Tang Yuxian let out quiet snorts and followed close behind.
Qiu Yimeng and Luo Xiaoman mounted their own Cloud-Treading Steeds, provided by the Lu family. After riding a few steps, Qiu Yimeng paused and said softly, "Lu Liang, you've probably miscalculated this time!"
Lu Liang's expression shifted slightly. He opened his mouth to speak, but Qiu Yimeng had already urged her steed forward and was galloping away in a blur of wind and speed.
Behind her, the faces of the gathered Lu family members were all rather ugly.
"Miscalculated?" Lu Liang furrowed his brows, chewing on the words Qiu Yimeng had left behind. Her meaning was obvious — she was clearly rebuking him for dismissing Yang Kai so lightly.
But... even if you are the eldest miss of the Qiu family, you're still just a young woman! When it comes to foresight and strategy, how could you possibly compare to this old man?
Though Lu Liang felt somewhat unsettled, he paid Qiu Yimeng's words no real mind.
Then let time prove whether this old man has truly miscalculated!