Yang Kai suddenly turned his gaze toward a group in the distance, and his brow furrowed slightly. Whether in clothing or in appearance, these people were subtly different from the others gathered here.
As if sensing his scrutiny, the odd group looked back at him, cold and fierce light flashing in their eyes, carrying a silent warning to mind his own business. Glancing at the surroundings, Yang Kai quickly realized the truth—they were not people of the Great Han Dynasty.
"They're from the Tian Lang Dynasty. Their style of dress is quite exotic," Yang Kai commented inwardly, as he stared at the two women in the Tian Lang Dynasty's group. Their bodies were enchanting, and their clothes left little to the imagination as their arms were fully exposed and their tight fitting tops could barely contain their bountiful chests, seems like they would burst free at any moment. These two women completely exposed their thin, flat waists, allowing their exquisite navels to dance charmingly, and covering their lower bodies were skirts which barely reached above their knees, revealing much of their shapely legs.
As time passed, more and more people arrived at the lake, each following an unspoken rule to keep a fixed distance from the others as they quietly waited.
Less than a day later, the lake's entire perimeter was surrounded.
Those who came late and found no open space naturally turned their eyes to weaker groups, speaking a few words before drawing weapons.
Within just an hour, four or five battles had already erupted. Some of the smaller forces—whether their escorting elders or the disciples seeking experience—were slaughtered down to the last person.
Such bloody and cruel scenes caused no waves among the onlookers. Anyone daring to come here had long been prepared for such conflict. If one's strength was insufficient and they were killed, no one would complain or seek justice.
Fortunately, for the moment no one seemed interested in Yang Kai. But as more and more forces arrived, it was inevitable that someone would take notice.
Sure enough, before long an old man approached, bringing with him a young man and a young woman, stopping a short distance away.
Yang Kai, who had been sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, opened them and glanced at the trio, his expression calm.
Raising his guard slightly, he was surprised to find no hostility or killing intent from them.
The old man appeared to hesitate for a moment before cupping his fists and speaking politely, "Reflecting Moon Sect's Elder Zhou Wen requests to know this esteemed young master's name."
"High Heaven Pavilion, Yang Kai," he replied.
Zhou Wen's eyes flickered with recognition. He clearly knew of the High Heaven Pavilion. Offering another polite greeting, he quickly got to the point. "Forgive me. My disciples and I arrived somewhat late, not expecting so many forces to gather here for this experience. It seems there are no positions left near the lake."
Yang Kai, already guessing his intent, asked evenly, "Is there something Elder Zhou wishes to request?"
Zhou Wen gave a dry laugh. "This old man wishes to make a small proposal. The lake's duckweed can carry four people into the interior. If convenient, would you permit my two disciples to accompany you? Otherwise, this trip will have been for nothing, and it would be quite embarrassing to return empty-handed. My disciples would also be greatly disappointed."
Yang Kai's gaze shifted to the two standing behind Zhou Wen.
The young man stepped forward first. "Disciple Chen Xue Shu," he introduced himself respectfully.
The young woman followed quickly, bowing lightly. "Disciple Shu Xiao Yu."
Both carried themselves with courtesy, without the slightest arrogance or dissatisfaction. Seeing this, Yang Kai secretly nodded. The Reflecting Moon Sect was similar to the High Heaven Pavilion—both second-class sects, with disciples of comparable strength.
Chen Xue Shu and Shu Xiao Yu both gave off a calm, gentle air, the type not fond of senseless bloodshed.
"Please rest assured," Zhou Wen said earnestly, "these two have kind hearts. For this experience, they are here only to hunt Monster Beasts and seek opportunities. They will not trouble you in the least. This old man can personally guarantee it."
After a pause, he added, "If little brother is alone, perhaps you may even wish to travel with them once inside, so that you may look after one another."
Yang Kai shook his head slightly. "We can enter together, but once inside, you need not look after me."
They were strangers, and though Chen Xue Shu and Shu Xiao Yu seemed well-mannered, it was impossible to truly know another's heart at a glance. Caution was always wise. Moreover, even if Yang Kai trusted them, it was uncertain they would trust him in return. Zhou Wen's words were ultimately polite formalities—nothing to take at face value.
Hearing Yang Kai agree, Zhou Wen visibly relaxed, letting out a hearty laugh before instructing his two disciples to sit down.
Although this was their first meeting, after only a brief exchange, they were already speaking as if they had known each other for some time.
Having received Yang Kai's consent, Zhou Wen also felt inclined to return the favor, sharing a great deal of information about this site's recent history.
Yang Kai had indeed been lacking such knowledge, so he listened intently as Zhou Wen patiently recounted everything he knew without holding anything back.
From this conversation, Yang Kai learned that this training ground had first been discovered by a few cultivators who had ventured into Nether Mountain by chance. Over time, word of its existence slowly spread, but in general, those who knew of it kept the matter quiet, unwilling to publicize it widely. Thus, even after several thousand years, although more people had become aware of this place, it still remained far from common knowledge.
That was still the case now.
The Great Han Dynasty possessed countless Sects, yet even with the lake currently surrounded by so many forces, they represented less than a tenth of the total number. If news of this site ever spread to the entire world, every decade's gathering would surely devolve into a bloodbath.
"Originally, after this place was discovered, there was no need to compete for entry," Zhou Wen said with a sigh. "But thirty years ago, everything changed. More and more forces began to appear each opening."
Yang Kai's brow lifted slightly. "What happened?"
Zhou Wen lowered his voice, glancing around before speaking in a mysterious tone. "Because thirty years ago, one of the disciples who entered returned with something incredibly rare—several drops of Brilliant Flame Liquid."
At the mention of those three words, Chen Xue Shu and Shu Xiao Yu both inhaled sharply, unable to hide their excitement. It was clear they understood the treasure's worth.
Only Yang Kai's expression remained calm, without the slightest ripple.
Seeing this, Zhou Wen could not help thinking this boy was either remarkably ignorant or astonishingly composed. Little did he know that Yang Kai had simply never heard of the Brilliant Flame Liquid before.
Zhou Wen gave a light cough and continued, "If it were only the Brilliant Flame Liquid, perhaps it would not have drawn so many, but during that same opening, another cultivator also managed to acquire a few drops of Soul Cleansing Dew."
Yang Kai finally revealed a flicker of interest. "And what kind of treasure is that?"
Zhou Wen smiled knowingly and explained, "The Brilliant Flame Liquid can refine a cultivator's True Qi, making it purer. The Soul Cleansing Dew, however, aids in opening one's Knowledge Sea, strengthening the Soul and Divine Sense. When attempting to break through from the True Element Boundary to the Immortal Ascension Boundary, a single drop can ensure the Knowledge Sea opens smoothly, without any hindrance.
"If someone who has already opened their Knowledge Sea consumes it, the sea will expand and stabilize, strengthening the foundation. Such improvement would be equivalent to years of cultivation."
At this, Yang Kai's eyes flashed with a hint of desire.
The Brilliant Flame Liquid meant little to him, but the Soul Cleansing Dew was another matter entirely. His Five Coloured Soul Warming Lotus required soul-nourishing treasures to evolve into its seven-coloured form, and this dew was clearly one such item. Not to mention, even aside from that, its effects were extraordinary.
If he could obtain some, both the Lotus and himself would benefit greatly.