After an enjoyable conversation, both sides were in high spirits.
The Great Venerable had nearly finished that half-jug of Thousand Red Flower Brew by himself, and Yang Kai didn't mind in the slightest. For him, securing the friendship of the demon beast clan was far more valuable. Though the arrangement was tinged with mutual self-interest, Yang Kai felt it didn't matter in the least.
The Life Transformation Pool had been restored through his guidance and wouldn't pose any problems in the short term. As for the spirit formations he needed to teach the Great Venerable, there were only a handful — nothing difficult at all.
Sensing that enough time had passed, Yang Kai took his leave.
The Great Venerable naturally didn't try to keep him and allowed Yang Kai to depart freely.
Below the Thunderwood Mansion, the White Jade Deer Yang Kai had previously rescued was waiting. After assuming human form, he looked like nothing more than a shy young boy, with skin as pale and fair as a woman's, delicate and pretty beyond measure.
He thanked Yang Kai personally, looking thoroughly satisfied.
As for the deer's gratitude, Yang Kai waved it off, saying it was nothing — no need to dwell on it. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he flew back toward the Nine Heavens Holy Land along the same route.
From the time he'd set foot in the Beast Sea Dense Forest to arriving at the Thunderwood Mansion, Yang Kai had spent three days. The return trip would likely take about as long.
However, his schedule still had plenty of room, so he wasn't in any rush.
Two days later, while flying at full speed, Yang Kai suddenly sensed a wild and untamed aura approaching rapidly. He probed it briefly, then smiled and halted.
Before long, the Frenzied Lion came hurtling in from one direction, calling out: "Little brother, you're back?"
"Mm." Yang Kai nodded at him. "What a coincidence — we meet again."
The Frenzied Lion curled his lip. "I've been waiting right here for you… Did the Great Venerable agree to your request?"
"He did. In a few days, the Great Venerable will lead people to my Holy Land."
"Ha ha, he really agreed?" The Frenzied Lion burst into laughter, looking thoroughly pleased. He gestured wildly for a moment, muttering to himself: "Now that's great. I've always wanted to go outside and see the world — no more being stuck in this forest, patrolling and scouting day in and day out. It's boring as hell."
Yang Kai was surprised into a smile. Only now did he understand what the Frenzied Lion was actually excited about. He cupped his fists: "If Brother Kuang decides to come along too, I'll welcome you with open arms. I'll make sure to give you all proper hospitality."
"Of course I'm going! I've heard you humans have all kinds of fascinating things in your world, and I definitely want to see for myself."
"Fascinating things, yes — but plenty of dangers too. You'll need to be careful, Brother Kuang."
"Dangers? What's there to be afraid of?" The Frenzied Lion scoffed. "The more dangerous, the better. Wouldn't that be just as boring as staying here?"
"That's exactly the right attitude, Brother Kuang… Well, it's getting late. I need to hurry back, so I won't linger. I'll be waiting at the Holy Land for the Great Venerable and everyone!"
"Go on, go on — watch yourself on the road!" The Frenzied Lion waved him off. After Yang Kai departed, he turned and flew toward the Thunderwood Mansion with great enthusiasm, apparently heading off to volunteer himself to the Great Venerable.
Two more days later, Yang Kai returned safely to the Nine Heavens Holy Land.
He released his divine sense silently, and almost immediately noticed several things that were different from before his departure.
Within ten miles of the Nine Peaks, there were signs of extensive human activity, and the barriers and restrictions surrounding the Holy Land's nine peaks had weakened noticeably — as if they'd been bombarded.
Yang Kai's expression turned cold. He understood. Those factions hadn't respected the deadline he'd set — they'd already launched attacks in the recent period.
But it was likely only a probing assault, so the barriers hadn't suffered serious damage.
News of Yang Kai's return spread quickly. Xu Hui and the others heard and gathered almost at once.
In the great hall, all six Saint Realm cultivators of the Holy Land were present, along with An Ling'er, the sole remaining saintess. Every pair of eyes was fixed on Yang Kai, waiting for him to speak.
"Everything went fairly well. The Great Venerable of the demon beast clan has agreed to help you out of this predicament. Of course, there will be a price."
Xu Hui and the others felt a jolt of excitement, tinged with disbelief. Although they had previously agreed to Yang Kai's plan and proposal, none of them had truly harbored much hope. They'd simply gone along with it out of respect for his position as the new Holy Lord.
The person Yang Kai needed to negotiate with was the Great Venerable of the demon beast clan — not someone easy to deal with at all.
They never expected that in less than ten days, Yang Kai had already settled the matter.
"So what does the Great Venerable… want from us in return?" Xu Hui asked cautiously.
"During the period while you rest and recover, all the alchemists and artifact refiners in the Holy Land must remain here and serve at their disposal. Mm — they also intend to mine the crystal stone vein within the Nine Peaks. Whatever they extract is theirs to keep."
"Only these two conditions?"
"Only these two."
The six exchanged glances, their expressions visibly relaxing.
The crystal stone vein being mined by them was only natural. If the Holy Land's people temporarily withdrew, the vein would fall into enemy hands regardless. Better to let the demon beasts have it.
As for the alchemists and artifact refiners remaining at their service, that was fine too. As long as it was managed well and kept out of others' sight, it wouldn't bring any trouble to the Holy Land.