Time flew by, and Yang Kai had been at the Radiant Light Divine Sect for two months. Two months wasn't long, but it wasn't short either. Throughout it all, Yang Kai still couldn't make up his mind whether he should rely on the Radiant Light Divine Sect to achieve his goals.
Through his investigations during this period, he'd discovered that the Radiant Light Divine Sect was involved in quite a few shady dealings, which made him uneasy.
After Ji Meng returned from delivering Spirit Pills to the sect's headquarters for the second time, she brought Yang Kai a message: "Elder Duan would like you to come to the headquarters."
"Oh?" Yang Kai raised an eyebrow. "What for?"
"The Elder didn't say." Ji Meng shook her head. "He just said you should come as soon as possible — he has something important to discuss."
"Alright, I understand." Yang Kai nodded. Ever since Duan Hai had brought him here last time, the man hadn't shown his face. As the Radiant Light Divine Sect's Grand Elder, he obviously had plenty of matters to deal with, so Yang Kai understood.
"Should we leave now?" Ji Meng asked tentatively.
"Sure." Yang Kai had no intention of delaying. He nodded and followed Ji Meng as they flew toward the Radiant Light headquarters.
This was Yang Kai's first time heading to the headquarters. Since he was unfamiliar with the place, he naturally needed Ji Meng to lead the way. They flew for quite a while before gradually arriving at a populated area.
Looking down from the sky, vast clusters of buildings spread out below. Many warriors clad in golden robes walked along the streets, and quite a few more flew through the air above, all in a hurry.
The entire Radiant Light Divine Sect thrummed with vitality — warriors beyond counting, and powerhouses emerging one after another.
Yang Kai nodded repeatedly as he watched, full of admiration.
Radiant Light was no great power on the Profound Sky Continent. Even within a few thousand li, it wasn't top-tier. The absolute pinnacle was the Heavenly Misty Sect, a formidable force with a Saint Realm powerhouse presiding over it. Others like the Luosheng Gate and Guyue Grotto-heaven were also more well-established than Radiant Light.
Among these four powers, Radiant Light ranked at the very bottom. Yet it still possessed considerable foundations — a gap that the world Yang Kai came from simply couldn't compare to.
Ji Meng brought them down directly in front of a magnificent building. Yang Guest produced his Guest Elder token. The guarding disciple immediately bowed respectfully. It seemed he'd never seen such a young Guest Elder and kept glancing at Yang Kai with a look of astonishment.
"You can go up from here. Elder Duan is waiting for you up there," Ji Meng indicated.
"You're not coming?"
"I'm not qualified to enter." Ji Meng stammered.
Yang Kai gave a slight nod. "Then wait for me here a moment. We'll head back together later."
"Okay." Ji Meng answered happily.
Yang Kai climbed layer upon layer of stone steps, walking for quite some time before finally arriving before a great hall with its doors wide open. He stepped inside.
Duan Hai was already waiting inside. Upon seeing Yang Kai arrive, he immediately broke into a smile and rose to greet him.
"Elder Duan." Yang Kai clasped his fists in greeting.
"Guest Elder Yang, it's been two months. How have you been?"
"Not bad."
"Have my sect's disciples been serving you well? If you're not satisfied with your attendant, I can arrange for a replacement — I'll make sure you're content."
"There's no need. Ji Meng is just fine." Yang Kai shook his head.
"Whatever you prefer, then." Duan Hai beamed and invited Yang Kai to take a seat. A disciple served fragrant tea. After drinking for a while, Yang Kai finally asked, "I wonder what Elder Duan wanted to see me about this time? Any instructions?"
"Hardly!" Duan Hai waved his hands dismissively, his expression humble. "There's no particular matter. It's just that after every Guest Elder joins our sect, I like to have a chat with them."
Yang Kai's expression remained calm. He knew the man was trying to build a relationship and cultivate connections. It was a common technique all powers used to win people over.
"I recall Guest Elder Yang once mentioned that you wouldn't be staying at the sect permanently. May I ask — is there some urgent matter you need to attend to?" Duan Hai asked with a smile. "If there is, please don't hesitate to say the word. Our sect will gladly lend its full support."
"If it really comes to that, I won't be polite," Yang Kai said with a chuckle.
"Excellent." Duan Hai nodded gently. "Oh, right — Guest Elder Yang also said before that when the time was right, you would ask our sect for a favor. I wonder, has the time now come?"
Yang Kai shook his head.
"I see." Duan Hai laughed heartily. "It seems Guest Elder Yang doesn't have much attachment to our sect, nor any intention of joining. You may even have some doubts about us."
Yang Kai's brows furrowed. He stared deeply at Duan Hai, a flicker of wariness rising in his heart. There was a deeper meaning behind those words.
"If it were possible, I would very much hope that Guest Elder Yang would join our sect and become one of us," Duan Hai said suddenly, his expression turning solemn. "But Guest Elder Yang doesn't seem to have any such plans. And I, on the other hand, am growing rather impatient to uncover the secret you carry!"