"Does your daughter know about this?" Yang Kai asked in a deep voice.
"It's a matter of marriage, and I, as her mother, have every right to decide. Whether she knows or not is of no consequence."
"And Protector Tong? Do you share this view?" Yang Kai turned his gaze toward Tong Yuquan.
Tong Yuquan's face darkened, his lips moving but producing no words. Reading his expression, Yang Kai could tell the man had little say in the matter. He paid him no further attention and looked back at Shangguan Long. "If I refuse, will the Madam simply give the order for those people lying in ambush outside to rush in and hack me to pieces?"
In the short time since they'd arrived, the auras of numerous Open Heaven realm cultivators had gathered outside—none of them concealed. Clearly, Shangguan Long had made thorough preparations.
She knew Lu Xue was a Fifth-Order Open Heaven, not far below her own level, but this was the Flying Flower Pleasure Barge's territory. They had mobilized every elite to pursue Patriarch Moyu, and powerhouses thronged the area. Trapped here, Yang Kai couldn't fly away even with wings.
Shangguan Long said, "That would hardly be necessary. There's no deep enmity between us—why should it come to life and death?"
Her tone shifted abruptly, turning casual. "However, the road is long, and I trust that before we arrive at the Void Land, you'll have ample time to reconsider and give me a satisfactory answer. I can wait!"
"No need to wait," Yang Kai said with finality. "The Madam's scheming and manipulation—she doesn't even spare her own daughter's feelings. Such a ruthless heart, I'm afraid I cannot condone. It may be a disservice to your daughter, but no irreversible wrong has been done yet. I will not agree to this."
Before Shangguan Long could speak, Yang Kai continued, "Now, if you'll step aside, I'll be leaving."
Shangguan Long frowned. "Is Yu'er that ugly? You can't stand the thought of her? Even if you don't love her, marrying her wouldn't be a loss for you. Why reject it so decisively?"
Yang Kai shook his head slowly. "Junior Sister Yu is extraordinarily beautiful—any man would be a fool to call her ugly. But love between two people has nothing to do with appearance. It comes from the heart!"
Shangguan Long stared deep into him, as if trying to pierce through to the depths of his soul. After a long moment, she let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. It's rare to find a man like you in this world. It seems I misjudged you. I shouldn't have been so rash. Let today's matter rest. Since you're unwilling, I won't force you. Release Yu'er, and I'll let all of you leave."
Tong Yuquan let out a breath of relief at these words.
Yang Kai said, "Surely the Madam doesn't think I'm naive enough to believe that? If I release Junior Sister Yu, what chance would I have of walking out of here?"
Tong Yuquan's expression changed. Through gritted teeth, he snarled, "Boy, what do you mean by that?"
Yang Kai glanced at him. "Forgive me, Protector Tong. You know your Madam's true nature better than anyone. If I actually heed her words and let Junior Sister Yu go, I'm afraid I won't see the sunrise tomorrow. I'm afraid Junior Sister Yu will have to endure a bit longer."
"You dare!" Tong Yuquan erupted in fury, his aura bursting forth like spilled mercury, crashing outward in a violent wave.
"I have no choice!" Yang Kai pinched the back of Shangguan Yu's neck. The unconscious girl let out a soft whimper, and Tong Yuquan's face went white. He froze in place, spinning toward Shangguan Long with rage written across every feature.
Shangguan Long's expression was no better. The moment she and Tong Yuquan had burst in and found that Yang Kai already had their daughter in his grip, she'd known the situation had spiraled beyond her control.
In her scheme, when the two of them stormed in, they should have walked in on an unsavory scene. Had that happened, no demand she made would have been excessive.
Yet somehow, Yang Kai had maintained a clear mind through it all, answering her words with perfect composure.
Her gaze boring into Yang Kai, Shangguan Long's face grew darker by the second, a deep sense of regret settling in her chest. Her original plan had been an impulsive whim, which was why she'd arranged things the way she had. But now, it seemed her instincts hadn't been wrong—this young man before her was worth a hundred times more than that Wei Wushuang. To suppress his own desires in a situation like that was no ordinary feat. His future accomplishments would surely be formidable.
If her daughter followed him, she would not only recover from the trauma of this kidnapping—she would walk away stronger. And the Flying Flower Pleasure Barge would gain a powerful ally. If they could use this to swallow the Void Land as well, all the better.
What a shame. He couldn't be bent to her will, and this confrontation might even breed enmity.
Their eyes locked. Shangguan Long's expression was grim as a storm front. Yang Kai's grip tightened ever so slightly, and Shangguan Yu's already pallid face grew even more ashen.
"Madam. Step aside!" Yang Kai hissed through clenched teeth.
Shangguan Long suddenly broke into a smile. "And what if I don't? From what I've observed these past days, you're not the sort to be ruthless. I don't believe you'd actually harm Yu'er. And even if you killed her—the three of you aren't leaving this place alive!"
The moment the words left her lips, Yang Kai reached out and snatched the Water-Cold Sword from Lu Xue's hand. Before her horrified gaze, the blade drove straight through Shangguan Yu's back and erupted from her chest.
One sword, straight through the body.
A sickening squelch. Blood sprayed outward. Shangguan Yu let out a muffled groan as the color drained from her face in an instant.
Tong Yuquan's pupils contracted to pinpoints. His entire vision was consumed by crimson. The whole world seemed to turn red.