After walking for another hour, Yang Kai and Hu Mei Er finally arrived at the Blood Group's mining site. Situated at the heart of Black Wind Forest, the mine spanned roughly twenty li, its borders marked by a few scattered houses where the sect's disciples could rest between shifts.
The ore vein ran underground, leaving the surface barren except for several large holes leading into the depths below. The moment they stepped within a hundred feet of the mine, Yang Kai felt a faint yet familiar sensation stir in the pit of his stomach—a reaction from his Origin of Yang to the underground Bright Yang Stones. As his strength had grown, so too had his ability to sense Yang energy, though the increase was marginal.
Their arrival did not go unnoticed. A Blood Group disciple spotted them immediately, and before Yang Kai could say a word, an old man descended from the sky, landing lightly in front of them. His presence radiated authority, his long white beard swaying slightly in the breeze.
"Young lady!" the old man greeted with a respectful nod.
"Grandpa Long," Hu Mei Er called out affectionately before turning to Yang Kai. "This is our sect's vice head, Grandfather Long, Long Zai Tian."
Yang Kai bowed respectfully. "This one greets Senior Long."
Long Zai Tian, however, barely spared him a glance, his expression filled with disdain. With his cultivation at the Immortal Ascension Boundary and his position as the Blood Group's vice head, why would he pay attention to a mere youth? Especially one who seemed to be relying on a woman for support? He had always despised such people. Were it not for Hu Mei Er's presence, he would have long since slapped Yang Kai to death.
"Young lady, what brings you to the mine?" Long Zai Tian asked kindly, stroking his beard. "This place is filthy and sweltering. It's not suitable for someone of your status. Return at once, or your father will have my head for allowing you to stay."
Hu Mei Er pouted playfully. "That won't happen. Daddy respects you too much to scold you. You're the third most powerful elder in the sect, after all."
Long Zai Tian chuckled at her spoiled tone, clearly enjoying the flattery.
"Grandpa Long, I want to take my friend into the mine," Hu Mei Er said, finally stating her purpose. "Would you allow it?"
Long Zai Tian's expression darkened immediately. His sharp gaze turned toward Yang Kai, scrutinizing him closely. "He's not a disciple of our sect, is he?"
Yang Kai stepped forward and replied with measured respect. "I am a disciple of High heaven Pavilion."
Long Zai Tian's frown deepened. "Outsiders are not permitted entry!" His voice carried a note of finality, his glare making his disdain for Yang Kai clear. "Even our own disciples cannot enter the mine at will, let alone someone from another sect."
With that, he turned to Hu Mei Er, his expression full of concern. "Young lady, how could you bring an outsider here? You're still young and don't yet understand the nature of people. One can know a person for years and still not see their true heart. This mine has brought us great wealth, and there are always prying eyes watching, searching for weaknesses to exploit. If this old man were not stationed here year-round, I cannot imagine the chaos that might have ensued."
Yang Kai remained silent, but his mind was sharp. The old man's words held a veiled accusation, painting him as a potential spy. Being spoken of in such a manner left an unpleasant taste in his mouth.
Sensing his displeasure, Hu Mei Er quickly intervened. "Grandpa Long, you misunderstand! He's not interested in the mine's secrets—"
Her words were cut short as Long Zai Tian raised a hand, his stern gaze fixed on Yang Kai.
"This matter is not up for discussion," he declared. "Leave at once."
Yang Kai met the elder's gaze, his eyes calm yet unwavering. He had not come here to steal, nor did he have any nefarious intentions. But if they refused to allow him entry, there was little he could do for now.
"Brat, I don't know what your goal is, but scram from this elder now. If you dare to come here again, let's see if this elder dares to kill you or not."
A belly full of anger rose within Yang Kai. This senior was far too arrogant. But although he was resentful, he knew that the difference in strength was far too great. If they exchanged moves, Yang Kai feared he wouldn't even last a single breath.
Forcibly suppressing his anger, Yang Kai didn't say a word. If he started something now, he would only disadvantage himself.
"Coward!" Long Zai Tian sneered, his disdain growing as he saw Yang Kai's reaction.
Uncontrollably, the Yang World Qi within Yang Kai's dantian started to swell up as he glowered at Long Zai Tian.
Sensing the change in Yang Kai's Qi, Long Zai Tian angrily snapped, "Impudent! You dare to attack me?"
Without another word, he struck out. A palm shot towards Yang Kai, carrying immense force. Yang Kai found himself unable to move, not out of fear, but because some skill had immobilized him.
His expression changed drastically. He had expected Long Zai Tian to dislike him, but never had he imagined that the old man would be so shameless as to attack him without warning.
Death loomed before him. The overwhelming pressure of an Immortal Ascension Boundary expert made his heart freeze, his breath shallow. But deep within his body, an instinctual desire for survival roared to life.
The attack landed with brutal force. Yang Kai was blasted away, his body tumbling across the ground. Blood spurted from his mouth, his injuries severe. Were it not for his unique boon—his immortality granted until forgotten—he would have died on the spot.
Hu Mei Er's face paled with panic. Rushing to Yang Kai's side, she checked his injuries, her hands trembling as she saw the extent of the damage.
Long Zai Tian's eyes narrowed in disbelief. His attack should have killed the boy, yet somehow, Yang Kai still clung to life. How could this be?
Fury burned in Yang Kai's chest. This old man had tried to kill him, treating his life like it was worth less than an ant's.
Before Long Zai Tian could attack again, Hu Mei Er stepped in front of Yang Kai, her eyes flashing with anger. "Grandpa Long, he is my friend! What are you trying to do?"
"For those who pry into the mine's secrets, death is the only fate, as decreed by the Sect Head!" Long Zai Tian replied coldly, but a flicker of astonishment appeared in his eyes. Hu Mei Er had always been playful with men, but she had never once risked her life for anyone. Yet now, she stood protectively before Yang Kai.
Her defiance made his killing intent even stronger.
"Grandpa Long, do you not understand my words?" Hu Mei Er hissed, her stance unwavering.
Seeing her determination, Long Zai Tian hesitated before sighing. "Very well. Young lady's words, this elder will respect."
But before leaving, he turned to Yang Kai and snorted. "Outsiders cannot enter. This elder does not make exceptions."
Yang Kai slowly stepped forward, his gaze steady. "Senior, the present me is not your opponent. But one day—five years, ten years from now—I will return to settle this debt. I hope you live long enough to see that day."
Long Zai Tian laughed coldly. "Unbridled youngster, be careful in the future."
"I will."