Compared to other major factions, the ratio of Open Heavens cultivators across the various ranks in Void Land was quite abnormal.
Nine Sixth-Order Open Heavens — such a foundation was by no means weak by the standards of the Three Thousand Worlds. Setting aside the great Cave Heavens and Blessed Lands, it could already be considered a top-tier power.
However, any ordinary faction with nine Sixth-Order cultivators would normally also possess well over a hundred Fifth-Order cultivators, if not more. Void Land, on the other hand, had only around twenty.
The root cause was simple: every Open Heaven cultivator currently present had joined Void Land midway through their journey — none had been cultivated by Void Land itself. That was why the ratio was so imbalanced.
Still, it was hardly a pressing concern. Every martial artist seated here, regardless of their origins or previous cultivation level, was unwaveringly loyal to Void Land.
The news of Yang Kai attending the Dao Discussion Assembly at Yin Yang Heaven — and winning first place — had long since spread across the Three Thousand Worlds. Naturally, everyone in Void Land had heard about it.
At this moment, congratulations poured in from every direction, leaving Yang Kai caught between amusement and exasperation.
Before departing for Yin Yang Heaven, he had never expected things to end this way. But now that the situation was settled, he was the son-in-law of Yin Yang Heaven no matter how you looked at it.
Yang Kai then introduced Hui Gu's background to the assembly, and everyone welcomed him warmly.
Hui Gu was somewhat overwhelmed by the reception. Honestly, before coming to Void Land, he had never imagined that its foundation would be so formidable — that there would be so many Sixth-Order Open Heaven cultivators like himself.
Setting aside the numerous Fifth- and Sixth-Order Open Heaven cultivators seated in this great hall, Hui Gu had even faintly sensed, from somewhere deep within Void Land, an aura that made his heart skip a beat.
Though that aura was concealed and subtle, it occasionally fluctuated just enough to be noticed.
This Void Land was far from as simple as it appeared on the surface. There might be even more powerful forces hidden within. But now was not the time for questions. Having joined Void Land alongside Yang Kai, he would learn the answers in due time.
He suddenly felt as though he had found himself a truly extraordinary master.
"Winning first place at the Dao Discussion Assembly this time was fine and well, but it also stirred up some trouble," Yang Kai said, sweeping his gaze across the assembly below. "During the assembly, I killed a disciple of Thousand Crane Blessed Land."
A murmur of shock rippled through the crowd.
They had only known that Yang Kai had taken first place — they had no way of learning the finer details of the Dao Discussion Assembly. Only now did they discover that something so explosive had happened during the event.
Lao Bai's eyelid twitched. "What was that person's cultivation level? What was his standing in Thousand Crane Blessed Land?"
Yang Kai glanced at him and sniffed. "Sixth-Order Open Heaven. As for his standing — roughly equivalent to Qu Huachang's status in Yin Yang Heaven."
Lao Bai sucked in a sharp breath.
Yue He also frowned. "That could be trouble." Something suddenly occurred to her, and she looked up at Yang Kai. "Is that why Yin Yang Heaven escorted you back?"
Yang Kai nodded with a grave expression. "On the way back, we ran into an Inner Elder of Thousand Crane Blessed Land. If not for Yin Yang Heaven's banner, he likely would have attacked on the spot."
Yue He looked thoughtful. "He may be an Elder of Thousand Crane Blessed Land, but he probably didn't dare risk offending Yin Yang Heaven, which is why he held back. Still, given the circumstances, he certainly won't let this go."
Mo Mei spoke up. "Did Yin Yang Heaven say anything? The Dao Discussion Assembly was their event, after all. If trouble arose, they couldn't entirely wash their hands of it."
"Senior Sister Qu's master, Elder Xu Ling, went personally to Thousand Crane Blessed Land to negotiate. But Thousand Crane Blessed Land didn't give any clear answer."
"No answer is an answer," Yue He said, her delicate brows furrowed tightly.
"Regardless, it would be best if Thousand Crane Blessed Land is willing to let the matter rest. If not, we'll deal with whatever comes our way!" Yang Kai waved his hand. "The reason I'm telling you all this is so you'll be more careful going forward and not let anyone find an opening to exploit!"
With Void Land's current strength, there was no need to worry too much. Two Sacred Spirits stood guard, and the Nine-Layered Heaven Formation protected them. Unless Thousand Crane Blessed Land was willing to deploy an Eighth-Order Open Heaven cultivator, there was simply no way they could do anything to Void Land. The Hundred-Clan Alliance led by the Heavenly Sword Alliance was proof enough of that.
The assembly cupped their fists in unison. "Understood!"
Yang Kai then turned to Lao Bai. "How is the proprietress? Any news?"
Lao Bai replied, "Still in seclusion. Breaking through to the Seventh Order is no overnight endeavor."
Yang Kai nodded. "You lot keep a close eye on the proprietress's situation. If there's any news, notify me immediately."
Lao Bai grinned. "Rest easy."
"That's all. Everyone's dismissed — go about your business. Second Steward, arrange accommodations for Hui Gu."
Bian Yuqing rose at once and answered, "Yes!"