In the grand hall, Hua Yong and Yang Kai sat as host and guest while a group of lithe women sang and danced below.
Such a scene was rare indeed. Within this Shadowless Grotto-Heaven, there was no one below the Open Heaven Realm — anyone with cultivation below Open Heaven simply could not enter this place. In other words, every single woman performing down there was a cultivator of the Open Heaven Realm. Granted, they were all Lower Grade, but they were still Open Heaven.
Only the unique environment of the Shadowless Grotto-Heaven could compel these women to set aside their dignity and pride, abandoning everything for the sake of survival. In the outside world, even the great Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands would never have Open Heaven cultivators doing something like this.
The elegant melody drifted through the air as the dancers swirled gracefully. Each woman, whether slender or voluptuous, displayed every ounce of her natural beauty before Yang Kai, their gazes seductive and enticing.
They had all heard the news — Yang Kai had single-handedly destroyed Xuan Yang Mountain, and even Mao Zhe, one of the three great Mountain Masters, had been subdued by him. If they could catch his eye here and earn his protection, wouldn't they have a comfortable life going forward?
Hua Yong poured wine beside him, watching Yang Kai's expression carefully. He saw nothing but appreciation in the man's eyes — not a hint of anything lecherous. A flicker of disappointment passed through him, but he was also quietly impressed. To remain unmoved by feminine charm was a rare virtue indeed.
After several rounds of wine, Hua Yong waved his hand and dismissed the dancing women.
Yang Kai set down his cup as well and looked at Hua Yong. "Is there something you wish to discuss, Island Lord Hua?"
Hua Yong had invited him to this banquet for a reason, of that Yang Kai was certain. He privately suspected it had something to do with leaving the Shadowless Grotto-Heaven, though he had no idea what exactly Hua Yong was after.
Hua Yong said with appropriate deference, "I wouldn't dare presume to offer guidance. Brother Yang's abilities are extraordinary — you crushed Xuan Yang Mountain single-handedly and even brought Mao Zhe to heel. I couldn't hold a candle to you, so guidance is out of the question. I merely have a few matters I'd like to ask about."
Yang Kai gestured for him to speak freely.
Hua Yong weighed his words carefully before asking, "May I ask — does Brother Yang hail from one of the great Grotto-Heavens or Blessed Lands?"
So he had this theory too. Zhou Ya had probed the same question earlier, presumably on Mao Zhe's orders. Now it turned out Hua Yong had been thinking the same thing.
But it wasn't unreasonable. The strength Yang Kai had displayed far exceeded that of cultivators at the same grade. In the eyes of most people, only a warrior from a Grotto-Heaven or Blessed Land could possess such power.
Yang Kai chuckled and shook his head. "You've got the wrong idea, Island Lord Hua. I'm an independent wanderer — no ties to any Grotto-Heaven or Blessed Land whatsoever."
Hua Yong was visibly startled. "How is that possible?" He could hardly believe it. To have this level of strength without coming from a Grotto-Heaven or Blessed Land?
"I'm the genuine article," Yang Kai said with a smile.
Hua Yong drew in a sharp breath, his admiration growing even deeper. To wield this kind of power without the backing of a Grotto-Heaven or Blessed Land — what would he be capable of if he actually did have one behind him?
After a moment's hesitation, he ventured, "Then does Brother Yang currently have no foothold in the outside world?"
Yang Kai answered frankly, "I established a place called Void Land some time ago. I have the honor of serving as its Master."
Hua Yong relaxed — now that made more sense. Void Land, from the sound of it, was a second-rate power. And since Yang Kai himself was a Middle Grade Open Heaven cultivator, having a second-rate force was perfectly consistent with how the Three Thousand Worlds classified its various factions.
Hua Yong couldn't help but let a wistful look cross his face. "Before I came to this Shadowless Grotto-Heaven, my wife and I had our own territory as well. A pity… ten thousand years have passed. It's almost certainly been swallowed up by someone else by now."
Yang Kai smiled. "As long as you're still alive, what else is there to worry about? You and your wife are both Sixth Grade cultivators. If you do leave this Shadowless Grotto-Heaven, you could occupy any Spirit Continent out there and rebuild from scratch."
Hua Yong shook his head. "We're getting on in years. We don't have the same drive we once did. All we want now is to find a peaceful place and raise our child together with my wife." He rose abruptly, clasped his fists toward Yang Kai, and said with solemn gravity, "Brother Yang, I have an presumptuous request to make."
Yang Kai stood quickly as well, reaching out to steady him. "There's no need for such formality, Island Lord Hua. Please, speak your mind."
Hua Yong said, "My wife and I wish to join your Void Land. Would you be willing to accept us? If so, I would be deeply grateful!"
Yang Kai's expression shifted slightly. "You wish to join Void Land?"
"Indeed! Unless Brother Yang's Void Land doesn't accept outsiders?"
Yang Kai laughed. "It's not that at all. It's simply that Void Land was established only recently — barely over a dozen years ago. Our foundation is still rather thin…" He paused, then continued, "But if you don't mind a small temple, Island Lord Hua, you would be most welcome."
Hua Yong was overjoyed. "For Brother Yang to accept us and give us a place to belong in the outside world — we couldn't be more grateful. How could we possibly mind?" With that, he swept his sleeve back and clasped his fists formally. "Hua Yong pays his respects to the Sect Master!"
Yang Kai held him up, smiling. "There's no need for such ceremony, Elder Hua."
"Elder…?" Hua Yong raised an eyebrow.