"Don't worry, I'll pay you generously," Yang Kai said, then added a quick follow-up.
The warriors standing on the deck seemed to have heard some hilarious joke. They burst into laughter one after another, each wearing an amused expression as they looked at Yang Kai, their gazes tinged with a peculiar sort of interest.
Even the Transcendent Realm expert couldn't help but crack a smile, nodding with a faint grin. "Kid, what kind of reward could you possibly afford?"
"Would ten spirit stones do? That's about all I can spare." Yang Kai tilted his head and played the part of a bumpkin outright. He had already figured out that whoever owned this ship was either wealthy or powerful—someone who certainly wouldn't care about whatever paltry payment he could offer.
That only made them laugh harder.
The Transcendent Realm warrior gave a slight nod. "I didn't expect you to have a bit of spare change, kid. But you can keep those ten spirit stones for yourself."
With that, he waved over a warrior nearby and issued an order. "Give him a small boat and tell him to get lost!"
Yang Kai's evasive answers had put him on guard. Although Yang Kai's cultivation wasn't high, he had no intention of letting him stay aboard the main vessel. Better to just send him on his way as quickly as possible.
"That works too," Yang Kai said without arguing. "But could you at least point me in the right direction? Any direction at all—as long as it's the fastest way to reach land."
"What good would pointing do?" the man snorted coldly. "With your level of cultivation, you'll never make it to shore. Pray to the heavens while you drift on the ocean. You should consider yourself lucky you ran into our Nine Heavens Holy Land. If it had been any other force's ship, you'd have been chopped to pieces and thrown overboard long ago."
"Nine Heavens Holy Land?" Yang Kai's expression turned serious.
Daring to use the words "Holy Land" in their name meant this force was far from ordinary. Since arriving on the Profound Continent, Yang Kai had encountered all manner of factions, large and small—the Lone Pride Alliance, the Water God Palace, the Radiant Lightning Cult, the Heavenly Crest Sect, and others.
Among them, the Lone Pride Alliance and the Radiant Lightning Cult were probably the weakest, the Water God Palace sat in the middle, and the Heavenly Crest Sect was the strongest. This Nine Heavens Holy Land, however, must be even more formidable than the Heavenly Crest Sect!
As they spoke, a small boat large enough for a few people had already been lowered from the great ship. A warrior standing beside it called out, "Uncle Qian, the boat is ready."
The Transcendent Realm warrior called Uncle Qian was about to reply when his brow furrowed. He quickly turned to look off to the side, then bowed respectfully. "Miss, what are you doing out here?"
The other warriors on the deck immediately turned and paid their respects in that direction as well, their demeanor exceptionally deferential.
Yang Kai followed their gaze and couldn't help but feel his eyes light up.
A young woman in a moon-white dress stepped out from the cabin. She was quite young and strikingly beautiful—skin white as mutton-fat jade, dark brows delicately arched, a pair of luminous eyes brimming with lively charm. Her figure was slender and graceful, with a full, firm bust and soft, rounded hips. About her whole person radiated the pleasant, refined bearing of a young lady from a distinguished family.
Seemingly noticing Yang Kai's frankly unabashed stare, the woman furrowed her brows slightly and gave him a cursory glance.
Uncle Qian turned back and let out a cold, low laugh directed at Yang Kai, the warning in it unmistakable.
Yang Kai met it with composure.
"It was a bit stifling inside, and I heard some commotion outside, so I came to see what was happening," the woman said, her voice crisp and pleasing to the ear. She swept a glance over the scene and asked, "What's going on here?"
Uncle Qian immediately reported everything that had happened in full detail, leaving nothing out.
The woman looked at Yang Kai with a hint of surprise, then gave a small nod to indicate she understood.
"I never imagined this trivial matter would disturb you, Miss. This subordinate deserves death!" Uncle Qian said, looking thoroughly alarmed.
"Uncle Qian is too hard on himself," the woman said, slowly shaking her head. She studied Yang Kai for a long moment, then smiled faintly and said something startling: "But I believe he's lying."
Yang Kai blinked in surprise, glancing at the woman with curiosity, unsure why she sounded so certain.
"Yes, I had my suspicions as well," Uncle Qian said. "That's why I was planning to send him on his way." He shot Yang Kai a sinister sideways look.
"There's no need to drive him off. He's merely a Shenyou Realm warrior—casting him out here would surely mean his death. He may be lying, but he bears us no ill will. Perhaps he has some difficulty he can't speak of. Let him stay and travel with us. Once we reach our destination, he can leave then."
"Since the Miss has given the order, this subordinate will comply!" Uncle Qian answered respectfully.
"I'll head back in now. Keep your wits about you," the woman instructed, then turned and departed.
After she was gone, Uncle Qian walked up to Yang Kai and spoke in a frigid tone. "The Miss has shown you mercy by letting you stay. You'd better behave yourself. If I catch you even thinking about causing trouble, I'll show you what true suffering feels like!"
Yang Kai flashed a grin. "Relax, I'll be completely well-behaved. I just want to make it back to land."
"That would be best!" Uncle Qian nodded emphatically, then waved over a warrior at the peak of the Shenyou Realm. "Cheng Fei, keep an eye on him. Don't give him any opportunity to stir up trouble."
"Yes, sir!" a burly, powerfully built man answered promptly.
With his orders given, Uncle Qian went off to attend to his own affairs.