There was a bit of an unexpected hitch, so the update came late...
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The Dragon Transformation Pool carried the auspicious meaning of fish leaping over the dragon gate and transforming into dragons.
It was a vital place for the Yang Family, and also one of their great treasures!
The waters within the Dragon Transformation Pool held some unfathomable mystery that greatly benefited warriors. It was said that soaking in them could wash the meridians and cleanse the marrow, completely reforming one's body. If a warrior could soak in the pool for a few days, their strength would surely increase, and their aptitude might even be raised.
A warrior's aptitude was the foundation and bedrock of their growth. It determined how far a warrior could rise. Generally, it was nearly impossible to change after one's innate constitution was set, unless one consumed some incredibly rare treasure of heaven and earth.
And the Yang Family's Dragon Transformation Pool held precisely such an effect.
It had always been a place that Yang Family members fought to enter.
But even for direct-line disciples of the Yang Family, gaining entry to the Dragon Transformation Pool was no easy matter. They had to pass review by the Elder Council, which would only grant permission if it deemed the disciple worth the investment.
As for those outside the bloodline, it was even harder—unless they had performed some extraordinary service, they would never be granted the privilege.
"Young Master, Yu Xian and I have both been to the Dragon Transformation Pool. What a fine place it is!" Tu Feng whispered excitedly upon hearing this.
"That's right. I was gravely injured last time while protecting Miss Mei—I nearly lost my life. Fortunately, Miss Mei asked the Fifth Lord to put in a good word for me, and based on that small bit of merit, I was allowed to enter the Dragon Transformation Pool. Not only did my injuries stabilize, but my strength also improved." Tang Yuxian nodded in agreement.
How could Yang Kai not know the value and the effects of the Dragon Transformation Pool? Hearing Fatty Yin Tianyou bring it up, he couldn't help but let a bitter smile cross his face.
Back when he was still at home, because he was born with deficiencies, his father Yang Yingfeng had petitioned the Elder Council multiple times, hoping to let Yang Kai soak in the Dragon Transformation Pool to see if it could make up for his shortcomings.
But no matter how many times Yang Yingfeng applied, the Elder Council rejected every single one!
Why waste the Dragon Transformation Pool's power on a good-for-nothing?
It got to the point where every time his father Yang Yingfeng looked at him, there was guilt in his eyes, as if he believed his own chronic illness was what had made Yang Kai born deficient. During that time, his mother Dong Suzhu was also perpetually downcast, her face streaked with tears.
The two parents would often take on family missions, working themselves to the bone, all to earn some merit points so that Yang Kai might have a chance to enter the Dragon Transformation Pool.
But no matter how hard they tried, they could never make it happen.
"There will definitely be a chance next time." Every time he returned from the Elder Hall, Yang Yingfeng would say the same thing, as though comforting himself as much as Yang Kai.
The guilt and sorrow in his eyes remained vivid in Yang Kai's memory to this day.
Back then, his parents had tried so hard and never achieved their goal. Now, unexpectedly, the Elder Council had actually opened it up of their own accord.
Then what had all their effort and sacrifice been for?
At this thought, Yang Kai's emotions stirred slightly. His eyes flickered, and he gave a gentle nod.
Yin Tianyou's smile remained plastered on his face as he cupped his fists. "Young Master, there's no time to waste. Shall we head to the Dragon Transformation Pool now?"
For no reason Yang Kai could identify, a feeling of resistance actually welled up inside him. He furrowed his brow and was about to speak when a crisp eagle cry suddenly rang out overhead.
Hearing the cry, everyone looked up at the sky, their expressions turning peculiar in unison.
The Golden Feathered Eagle perched on Yang Kai's shoulder also flapped its wings and shot upward, reaching the high sky in the blink of an eye.
"Looks like a double celebration today—another young master has returned!" Yin Tianyou laughed heartily. He had been waiting here for days without seeing any young master return to the clan. Now two had shown up on the same day, which naturally thrilled him.
Before his words had even faded, a group of people appeared from the other end of the passage.
At their head was a young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, his eyes sharp and spirited, his appearance striking and heroic. He rode a Cloud-Treading Stallion, approaching at a leisurely stroll.
Behind him followed two Blood Guards.
And behind the Blood Guards, there were actually several more formidable fighters.
From a short distance away, Yang Kai's gaze met the young man's in midair. The latter's eyes flickered, and he looked at Yang Kai with a trace of surprise.
Then he broke into a smile and gave Yang Kai a slight nod.
Yang Kai nodded back in greeting. Seeing the young man's face, he now knew who it was.
Yang Zhao—ranked second among the direct-line disciples of the clan, and son of the eldest uncle, Yang Yinghao.
And Yang Yinghao was none other than the current Patriarch of the Yang Family! It was because he had been injured in the great battle against the Cangyun Evil Ground that the clan had recalled its disciples who were training abroad ahead of schedule.
Unlike Yang Kai, who had been obscure and unknown, Yang Zhao—though he had never been publicly revealed to the outside world—was known to most of the clan's people because of Yang Yinghao. They knew of his existence and his face.
Yang Kai had met him a few times before, though they were not particularly close.
Upon seeing Yang Zhao, Fatty Yin Tianyou's expression immediately grew much more solemn, and even the people behind him held their breath in silence.
Regardless of Yang Zhao's actual strength or his performance in the battle for succession, the mere fact that he was the current Patriarch's son meant no one could afford to be careless.
"Young Master..." Yin Tianyou, ever the shrewd one, first greeted Yang Kai with a respectful attitude.