Seeing Ling Taixu assume such a posture, the expressions of the Eight Great Family experts softened slightly. The stout elder chuckled, "Brother Ling, you're too modest—above the Shenyou Realm, there is no hierarchy. We are all equals in discussion. Truly, the seniority among us eight is quite the tangled mess as well."
"Indeed, indeed," someone echoed.
A few pleasantries later, the atmosphere eased considerably.
"So, Brother Ling, what is the purpose of your appearance here?" Yang Liting kept his cold tone, asking despite likely knowing the answer.
"Naturally, it's for this kid." Ling Taixu gave a slight smile, pointing toward where Yang Kai was located. "As his grandmaster, when my grand-disciple is at such a critical juncture attempting to advance to the Shenyou Realm, it's only right that I watch over him carefully."
"You intend to protect him as well?"
"I do." Ling Taixu gave a slight nod.
Yang Liting immediately felt the situation had become more troublesome.
Ling Taixu, who was above the Shenyou Realm; Meng Wuya with his enigmatic aura; Earth Demon, brimming with demonic energy; the eight Blood Warriors executing the Tyrant Blood Art... the combined power of these individuals was no longer something he could simply ignore.
A Blood Warrior at the ninth level of the Shenyou Realm, after using the Tyrant Blood Art, could exchange a few blows with someone above the realm. The strength of eight such warriors was not to be underestimated.
Ling Taixu's strength was plain for all to see; Yang Liting estimated that in a one-on-one fight, he would likely be at a disadvantage. That Meng Wuya was even more mysterious and unpredictable—even Yang Liting didn't know how to gauge his combat power. And Earth Demon was watching from the sidelines like a tiger eyeing its prey.
This fight... could not be allowed to happen. If it truly erupted, even if they won, the resulting devastation would plunge Battle City into untold suffering.
Yang Liting's gaze, always sharp as a falcon's, finally trembled slightly as it pierced through the endless darkness to look at Yang Kai.
He didn't understand how this junior of his family, this mere boy, possessed the merit or ability to gather so many powerful experts to speak for him, to intercede on his behalf.
"Gentlemen, might I say a word?" Ling Taixu's expression turned solemn.
"Please speak, Brother Ling." Daoist Qiu nodded. Facing Ling Taixu, who was also above the Shenyou Realm, they could no longer put on airs of superior status or position.
Ling Taixu was qualified to converse with them as an equal.
"You all wish to prevent my grand-disciple from advancing to the Shenyou Realm. It is nothing more than the fear that upon gaining such formidable power, his nature and temperament will change along with it, causing him to fall into the path of heretics and demons, becoming neither human nor ghost, and bringing calamity to the land."
Several of them nodded, acknowledging that Ling Taixu spoke truly.
Earth Demon, however, rolled his eyes and muttered dissatisfiedly, "Those who cannot control their own power, who become enslaved by their own strength—*they* are the true heretics. What is practicing a heretical technique? What if one is brimming with demonic energy? It's merely that everyone pursues power in different ways. The Tao differs, so its followers do not make plans together. Cultivate your own path; why bother denying and suppressing others? A bunch of short-sighted fools."
"Say it louder," Shui Ling, who had somehow run over to Earth Demon's side, urged him persistently. "If you speak so softly, they won't hear you."
Earth Demon glared at her and gave a strange laugh. "You little girl, don't try to fool this old man. You think I can't see through your origins!"
Shui Ling was startled. "You know?"
"Hmph, of course this old man knows. Not only does this old man know, that unkillable Meng Wuya up there knows too—we all come from the same sky," Earth Demon snorted coldly, a look of pride on his face.
Water Spirit's eyes lit up at once, and she grabbed Earth Demon's arm, her face showing the expression of someone who had found a kindred spirit, her eyes glistening with tears. Trembling with excitement, she said, "Senior, then do you know how to get back?"
Earth Demon looked her up and down and gave a raspy chuckle. "What's this, you can't get back?"
"That's right. I've been trapped here for ages. I've never known how to return. Senior, if you know, could you please tell me?"
Earth Demon let out a cackling laugh, thoroughly pleased with himself. The grating sound of his laughter felt like claws scraping at Water Spirit's heart, utterly excruciating. Yet she had no choice but to put on a pitiful expression, begging for sympathy.
"I'm not going to tell you!" Earth Demon suddenly waved his hand dismissively.
Water Spirit was stunned, and she pouted her vermillion lips in disappointment. "Why?"
Earth Demon shrugged. "Because this old man is going to wait for the Young Master."
"Wait for him?" Water Spirit blinked in surprise. "You think he can break through the constraints of this world?"
Earth Demon snorted. "If the Young Master can't do it, then no one can."
Water Spirit's expression grew solemn. She turned to look over at Yang Kai, and after a long while, she gave a soft nod, murmuring, "If it's this man... then it really is possible..."
"Just watch. At most ten years, at minimum three to five, the Young Master will definitely reach that step." Earth Demon was brimming with confidence, his expectations for Yang Kai's future limitless.
Water Spirit's face darkened, and her legs went a little weak. "That long?"