The Old Master Remains Still

"Entering the mining area?" Long Zaitian's face darkened immediately as he scrutinized Yang Kai with suspicion. He asked, "He isn't a disciple of our clan, is he?"

Yang Kai stepped forward and respectfully replied, "I am a disciple of the Lingxiao Pavilion."

"Non-disciples of the clan are not permitted entry!" Long Zaitian's eyes widened in anger and disdain as he sneered, "Even our own disciples can't enter the mining area at will, let alone an outsider like you."

Having said that, he turned to Hu Meier with a look of deep disappointment. "Young miss, how could you bring an outsider here? You're young and inexperienced in worldly matters, as they say, 'The human heart is an unfathomable thing; you can never truly know a person's intentions.' Our clan has profited considerably from this mine over the years, and there are those who covet it, particularly certain unsavory characters who are constantly scheming to uncover its secrets. If it weren't for my constant vigilance here, who knows what kind of chaos might have ensued."

Yang Kai's expression darkened at the old man's veiled insults, his words leaving an unpleasant taste.

Noticing Yang Kai's displeasure, Hu Meier quickly interjected, "Grandfather Long, you misunderstand. He has no ulterior motives; he merely wishes to purchase something."

Long Zaitian scoffed, "Purchase something? Do you really need to come here to make a purchase? What a laughable excuse. Boy, whatever your intentions are, get out of here now! If you dare show your face here again, don't blame me if I decide to end your life."

Yang Kai felt a surge of anger boiling within him. This old fool was too full of himself. Despite his simmering rage, Yang Kai was well aware of the vast gap in strength between himself and Long Zaitian. Should a fight break out, he feared the old man could easily crush him with a single blow.

Suppressing his fury, Yang Kai held his tongue. Engaging in a conflict now would only bring him harm.

"Coward!" Long Zaitian's disdain for Yang Kai only grew.

Yang Kai's True Yang Yuan Qi began to roil uncontrollably, as he glared at Long Zaitian.

Noticing the energy stirring within Yang Kai, Long Zaitian was infuriated. "How dare you! Do you wish to challenge me?"

Without any provocation, Long Zaitian, disregarding the disparity in age and strength, struck at Yang Kai with a fierce palm. As the strike approached, Yang Kai found himself immobilized, unable to move a muscle. It wasn't fear that rooted him in place, but rather some technique that bound him.

Yang Kai's expression shifted dramatically. He hadn't anticipated such shamelessness from the old man. Though he sensed Long Zaitian's hostility, he couldn't fathom its cause. Now, faced with a lethal assault, Yang Kai was utterly shaken.

The specter of death loomed, the immense pressure from the Spirit Wandering Realm expert halting Yang Kai's heartbeat and constricting his breath. In that moment of despair, a burning will to survive flared within him.

Suddenly, a searing heat surged from within his bones, rapidly dispersing throughout his body. In the next instant, Yang Kai realized the force binding him had inexplicably vanished.

With all his might, Yang Kai lunged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Long Zaitian's casual strike was intended to crush the Lingxiao Pavilion disciple instantly, yet to his shock, Yang Kai evaded it.

How is that possible? Long Zaitian frowned in disbelief.

How could his Spirit Wandering Realm restraint be broken? Unforeseen by Long Zaitian, this lapse allowed his casual strike to fail.

Though he missed Yang Kai, the encounter left Yang Kai in a miserable state. His face went pale, drenched in sweat, as he steadied himself, casting a cold gaze at Long Zaitian.

If Yang Kai had been merely annoyed by Long Zaitian's attitude earlier, now he was filled with deep-seated hatred. The man's murderous intent was as clear as day, treating him as though he were nothing more than an ant to be crushed.

Long Zaitian understood this, too. Despite his puzzlement over why his binding failed, his resolve to kill Yang Kai remained unchanged. He prepared to strike again, intent on finishing what he started.

It was at this critical moment that Hu Meier snapped out of her shock, quickly stepping between Yang Kai and Long Zaitian. Her eyes flared with anger as she shouted, "Grandfather Long, he's my friend! What are you doing?"

"Those who seek to uncover the mine's secrets are to be killed without exception! Such is the master's command!" Long Zaitian said, his eyes narrowing as he observed Hu Meier with a hint of surprise.

Hu Meier had often associated with young men in the past, yet never had she defended one so fiercely. She was indifferent to the fates of those she attracted; many ended up with unfortunate outcomes. 

But now, she stood resolutely between the Lingxiao Pavilion disciple and danger, her tone impassioned as she challenged him.

Such behavior was unprecedented! Long Zaitian's eyes narrowed, deep in thought, his murderous intent growing.

Hu Meier positioned herself protectively in front of Yang Kai, glaring at Long Zaitian. "I told you, my friend is here only to make a purchase, not to pry into the mine's secrets! Grandfather Long, do you not trust my word?"

Faced with Hu Meier's determination to protect Yang Kai, Long Zaitian could not continue to argue. He replied, "I would never dare question you, young miss. Your words hold weight."

"Then why do you act this way?"

"Forgive me, young miss. I was wrong. Please accept my apologies."

The Blood Battle Gang, distinct from Fengyu Tower and Lingxiao Pavilion, was a family-run power, with the Hu family at its helm. As vice-master, Long Zaitian was compelled to honor Hu Meier's position.

"However, I must ask for your understanding, young miss. The importance of the mine cannot be overstated, and under no circumstances can outsiders be allowed entry!" With that, Long Zaitian turned away from Hu Meier, shot Yang Kai a disdainful look, and left.

Yang Kai took a deep breath, calming the tumult in his chest, and spoke up, "Please wait, sir!"

Long Zaitian, impatient, turned back, eyes narrowed and full of murderous intent.

"Sir, I know that today I am no match for you!" Yang Kai stepped out from behind Hu Meier, meeting Long Zaitian's gaze with unwavering resolve. "But I will remember this humiliation. In five or ten years, I will come to settle this debt. I hope you live long enough to witness it."

Yang Kai's words were calm, yet carried immense gravity.

Long Zaitian's expression chilled before he burst into laughter. "Whether I live that long is none of your concern, but I'm certain you won't last that long! Arrogant boy, watch yourself in the days to come!"

"I shall."

With that, Long Zaitian departed. Hu Meier turned to Yang Kai, her face filled with remorse, and repeatedly apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I had no idea Grandfather Long would act this way. Had I known, I wouldn't have brought you here."

"It's fine." Yang Kai inhaled deeply, still shaken by the close brush with death. If not for the crucial intervention of the Arrogant Bone Gold Body, he would have perished. It was that sudden, searing heat that allowed him to break free from Long Zaitian's grasp and escape death by a hair's breadth.