Dongfang Yinghao was Dongfang Yingcai's paternal cousin by blood, so by that reckoning, Dongfang Shuci and Yang Xuanzhou were cousins as well.
Kinship bound by blood was often closer and more steadfast than other relationships of interest.
"Greetings, Sister Shuci."
Yang Xuanzhou stepped forward afterward and returned Dongfang Shuci's salute.
The two youngsters were perceptive as well. Knowing Dongfang Shuci had come to discuss something with their elder brother, they tactfully withdrew to one side.
Seeing him salute, Dongfang Shuci waved her hand. "Xuanzhou, why are you still being so formal with me? It only makes us seem distant."
"Being away from home is different from being at home. The proper courtesies cannot be neglected."
Yang Xuanzhou responded, then waved his hand to manifest two stone chairs and invited Dongfang Shuci to sit. "Sister Shuci, is there something you wish to discuss with me?"
"There is."
Dongfang Shuci nodded, then manifested two auras amid the breeze in her palm.
Yang Xuanzhou's gaze sharpened slightly. After sensing them briefly, he said, "The Dao Academy and Meishan."
"That's right. You really called it. Though they claimed they were uninterested and did not join us, they have been sending people to secretly watch our movements all along."
After dispersing the currents of wind, Dongfang Shuci continued, "I also discovered traces of scouts on my way here just now. Such actions must have been ordered by their leaders, so I felt it necessary to tell you and see how we should respond next."
Upon learning this, Yang Xuanzhou showed a look of understanding. "Unexpected, yet reasonable. Even an Azure Dragon Young Master like me had to gather people and expend such effort to seek the opportunity within this Secret Realm. Its value naturally surpasses that of ordinary rare treasures. It is only normal that