"It's them helping me. I should actually thank Third Brother for sending five experts over." Yang Kai gave a slight smile. On the first night of the War of Succession, he had captured Yang Tie but didn't use him to exchange for resources from the family; instead, he let him go. In return, Yang Tie had five experts from the Duanmu family follow Yang Kai, which did surprise him a little.
However, over these past few days, after several battles, the five experts from the Duanmu family had indeed contributed significantly. After all, they were five Shenyou Realm cultivators, with one of them being at the eighth layer of that realm, capable of exerting no small effect.
Yang Tie nodded slightly, his expression suddenly grave. His voice dropped low as he said, "When you go to the Elder Hall, absolutely do not back down or act weakly, or else... you will suffer for it."
Yang Kai was taken aback and was about to ask for more details, but Yang Tie had already departed swiftly, not even giving him a chance to speak.
Did Third Brother know something? Yang Kai speculated inwardly.
Although Yang Tie's personal strength wasn't much to speak of and his performance in the War of Succession had been rather dismal, his father held considerable influence in the Yang Family. Compared to Master Fourth Yang, Yang Tie's father's status was undoubtedly higher, and he had access to certain family secrets.
Could it be that Third Brother had heard something from his father? Yang Kai frowned slightly, carefully weighing his brother's words, though his expression remained calm.
Well, what's done is done. He would soon find out why the Elder Hall had summoned him back.
With a casual smile, he turned and walked towards the Elder Hall.
This was Yang Kai's third visit to the Elder Hall. The first time was regarding the Golden Feather Eagle incident, the second time because of the Blood Guards. Each time he came, he found these white-haired, seemingly decrepit elders of the Yang Family to be rather idle.
But this time, the situation was somewhat different.
As Yang Kai led Shadow Jiu and Tang Yuxian into the Elder Hall, he was surprised to find over a dozen elders seated inside. They were arranged in two rows, each radiating an aura of natural authority, their expressions indifferent.
And seated at the head of the main position was Yang Zhen, with whom Yang Kai had interacted several times before. His demeanor was even more so.
They seemed to be waiting for him.
This setup... looks a bit like a trial, Yang Kai thought. He asked himself if he had done anything truly reprehensible during the War of Succession. Why would the elders assemble such a grand lineup?
Doubtful inwardly, he remained composed outwardly. Cupping his fists, he said, "Yang Kai greets the esteemed elders!"
Shadow Jiu and Tang Yuxian also bowed respectfully.
"You two, withdraw!" Yang Zhen waved his hand at Shadow Jiu and Tang Yuxian. His sharp, piercing gaze lingered on Shadow Jiu.
He wasn't the only one; all dozen or so elders looked at them similarly, each of their faces and eyes showing a hint of surprise and suspicion.
Shadow Jiu, whose foundation had been damaged, and who had been afflicted with the Sealed Yuan Curse, was not only standing before them looking perfectly fine but even seemed to possess a strength greater than before. Naturally, the elders were concerned.
None of them knew why this was the case.
Shadow Jiu and Tang Yuxian exchanged a glance, not daring to defy Yang Zhen's order. They bowed and withdrew.
Yang Kai raised an eyebrow, an amused expression playing on his face.
Not only had the elders greeted him with such an extravagant formation, but they had also dismissed the two Blood Guards he brought, leaving him to face the pressure of over a dozen elders alone.
Anyone else would have felt apprehensive, their confidence immediately faltering. They would likely agree to whatever the elders said later, not daring to argue or defend themselves.
Intimidation tactic?
What exactly were they after?
Once Shadow Jiu and Tang Yuxian had left, the dozen or so elders quietly observed Yang Kai's reaction. Seeing that his expression remained unchanged, still as composed as before, they couldn't help but feel a trace of surprise.
Such a bold young man was something they had seen for the first time. Even Yang Wei, perhaps, didn't possess this kind of composure.
"I wonder why the esteemed elders have summoned me back to the clan? Is there some urgent matter?" Yang Kai ignored their probing stares and got straight to the point, addressing Yang Zhen directly.
"Summoning you back to the clan naturally means there is a matter," Yang Zhen replied. Having presided over the Elder Hall for years, handling all manner of family affairs, he had long perfected a cold and stern demeanor. Most people felt a chill of fear upon seeing him.
"This old man asks you, what method did you use to heal Shadow Jiu's injuries and allow him to break free from the Sealed Yuan Curse's restriction? Furthermore, according to my knowledge, injuries among the Blood Guards in your residence frequently occur, yet they heal within a day or two at most. What exactly is the mystery hidden behind this?"