In the courtyard of the Second Elder of Lingxiao Pavilion, Yang Kai was wolfing down his food, while Su Mu and the others sat beside him, chatting.
Of course, the group was also inquiring about why Su Yan had been so harsh on Yang Kai that night, but Yang Kai didn't dare to say anything.
"By the way, has Wei Zhuang caused you any more trouble?" Yang Kai changed the subject, wondering how the sect had handled the matter after he had fainted and been frozen in ice.
"That's all in the past. From the elders to us younger disciples, no one will bring it up again," Su Mu replied, suddenly looking at Yang Kai with a puzzled expression. "Actually, the reason we're safe and sound this time isn't because of my grandfather."
"Hmm?" Yang Kai raised his head. "Wasn't it because of the Second Elder's efforts?"
"No." Su Mu slowly shook his head, somewhat embarrassed as he recounted what had happened in the Elder Hall that day. "Just as I was being restrained by my grandfather, guess who came?"
"Who?"
"You wouldn't have guessed. It was actually the Dream Shopkeeper from the Contribution Hall. He brought the Sect Master's jade pendant and the Sect Master's verbal command, which is why the matter was smoothed over."
"Dream Old Man?" Yang Kai was taken aback.
"If it weren't for him, Senior Brother Yang, you would have been severely punished by the First Elder," Su Mu said, his face full of guilt.
Yang Kai smiled carefree. "Junior Brother Su, don't worry about it."
Su Mu bowed repeatedly. "I know Senior Brother is magnanimous. I apologize on behalf of my grandfather; the old ghost really didn't act properly this time."
Yang Kai didn't take it to heart. Struggles among the higher-ups often involved their disciples as pawns, which was only natural.
Su Mu continued, "The Dream Shopkeeper has a mysterious background, and even the old ghost says his strength is unfathomable. I just don't know why he got involved in this matter, and why he has a connection with the Sect Master."
Yang Kai pondered, "Dream Old Man is the type who won't move without a benefit. He must have some ulterior motive, but regardless, he did help us. We should go thank him and see what he wants."
"Senior Brother is right. We're waiting for you to go together," Su Mu said.
"Let's go now."
Without delay, the group marched toward the Contribution Hall.
Inside the Contribution Hall, the Dream Shopkeeper was unusually awake, sitting behind the counter with a smile, as if he had been waiting for them. Su Mu greeted him with a smile, "Grandpa Dream, hello!"
In the past, this second-generation scoundrel would always call the Dream Shopkeeper "Hey, old man," but today, Su Mu didn't dare to be disrespectful.
The Dream Shopkeeper smiled slightly. "The boy is quite obedient."
"Hehe." Su Mu was embarrassed.
"Are you here to thank me?" the Dream Shopkeeper looked at them with a sidelong glance.
"Yes," the group nodded.
"Alright, Little Yang Kai, stay. The rest of you, scram!"
"Yes!" Su Mu and the others didn't dare to hesitate, quickly bowing and retreating. After leaving the Contribution Hall, they realized that the Dream Shopkeeper had helped them solely because of Yang Kai. Otherwise, why would he have kept Senior Brother Yang behind?
But... why did he help Senior Brother Yang?
Inside the Contribution Hall, Yang Kai was also puzzled. "Dream Shopkeeper, what do you want from me?"
He didn't beat around the bush but asked directly.
Dream Wuyuan chuckled and walked out from behind the counter, hands behind his back, circling Yang Kai several times before raising his head and asking, "What do you think I want from you?"
"I don't know." Yang Kai rolled his eyes, thinking, "If I knew, why would I ask you?"
Dream Wuyuan said, "Since you're so straightforward, I won't play games with you. You seem like someone who repays kindness. I helped you out of trouble this time, and I only want you to do me a favor."
Yang Kai frowned. "Can I help you?"
The Dream Shopkeeper was highly skilled, and if he couldn't handle something, how could Yang Kai?
As if reading his thoughts, the Dream Shopkeeper smiled. "Don't worry, it's not dangerous. If you meet the conditions, not only will it be safe, but there will be a great benefit waiting for you."
Yang Kai keenly noticed that when the Dream Shopkeeper said the last part, his face showed a hidden pain.
"Helping you also requires meeting conditions?" Yang Kai was even more puzzled. He had never seen someone who was so picky when asking for help.
The Dream Shopkeeper said, "Not only do you have to meet my conditions, but you also have to satisfy another person."
"Too troublesome, I won't do it." Yang Kai was about to leave.
"Wait!" The Dream Shopkeeper was in a panic. He had finally found someone who met the conditions and couldn't let him go just like that.
"Little Yang Kai, you can't be like this. A drop of water should be repaid with a spring of water. I am your savior, how can you let me down?"
"Then don't beat around the bush. Tell me what you need, and if I can help, I will. If not, find someone else."
"Extend your hand, I need to check your internal essence energy." The Dream Shopkeeper didn't dare to keep them waiting any longer.
Yang Kai looked at him suspiciously but extended his hand, trusting that the Dream Shopkeeper wouldn't harm him.
Dream Wuyuan extended two fingers and placed them on Yang Kai's wrist, his face serious as he examined him. His expression changed rapidly, from nonchalant to serious, then to surprise, making Yang Kai gape in astonishment.
"Good, good, good, such pure Yang essence energy!" Dream Wuyuan withdrew his hand, overjoyed.
"Is the favor related to the essence energy I cultivate?" Yang Kai guessed.
"Of course it is." Dream Wuyuan nodded vigorously. "Otherwise, why would I look for you? Little Yang Kai, I have one more question for you, and you must answer honestly."
"What is it?"
Dream Wuyuan's expression suddenly became awkward, his eyes darting around as he carefully chose his words. After a long pause, he asked nervously and hopefully, "Are you still a virgin?"
Due to his nervousness, Dream Wuyuan stretched his neck out, leaning his face close to Yang Kai, his eyes fixed on him.
Yang Kai quickly stepped back, then took another three steps back, his skin crawling, and he shivered involuntarily. He asked warily, "What are you doing?"
This old man, does he have some special fetish? This question is too absurd!
"Why are you running so far? I'm not going to eat you!" Dream Wuyuan pursued relentlessly, cornering Yang Kai against the wall, and asked in a low, mysterious voice, "Are you really a virgin?"
"What do you want to do?" Yang Kai adopted a stance, ready to fight to the death if the old man made any move.
"What do you think I am?" Dream Wuyuan, seeing Yang Kai's reaction, finally realized what was happening, blushing and stepping back a few steps. "It's not what you think. How can you be so dirty, you little brat!"