Streams of orange-red light darted through the formation, countless in number, moving as if alive.
Yang Kai's brow rose slightly as he realized this formation was the key to the inspection. Beyond the formation, the auras of Seventh-Order Open Heaven masters concealed themselves in the darkness, silently observing everyone inside. Yang Kai could distinctly feel that the people gathered around the formation were all on guard, their World Force quietly surging, ready to strike the moment anything unusual happened within the formation.
These people were likely the human powerhouses stationed here to guard and oversee the inspection.
Everyone stood within the formation, and the streams of orange-red light drifted toward them. Before long, each person was enveloped in the glow. Under its illumination, the expressions on everyone's faces took on an uncanny appearance.
Nothing unusual showed for anyone—until the layer of light enveloping Yang Kai suddenly flickered several times, instantly shifting from orange-red to pitch black.
In a split second, every gaze snapped toward Yang Kai. Zhong Liang's eyes narrowed sharply, killing intent surging.
The figures that had been concealed in the darkness around the formation burst out simultaneously, surrounding Yang Kai in an airtight ring in the blink of an eye. As they rushed in, hand seals shifted rapidly. The leader barked, "Seal!"
As his voice fell, exquisite miniature Artifacts—crafted specifically for this kind of situation—were unleashed, hovering in eight directions around Yang Kai. The Artifacts linked to one another, energy surging between them, and in an instant a cage of restrictions materialized around Yang Kai's position, trapping him within.
Only after this was done did everyone allow themselves a quiet breath of relief, though the warriors guarding the formation kept their eyes sharp and wary.
It had been a long time since this kind of situation had arisen. The last time was several hundred years ago, when an Ink Disciple had infiltrated this place and immediately detonated himself using a secret technique. Although the damage to the humans had been minimal, the residual Ink Force left behind after his death had caused a great deal of trouble.
Biluo Pass had expended considerable effort to purge the leftover Ink Force.
That such a situation had occurred again today—fortunately, every human pass had long been prepared for this and responded promptly.
The atmosphere inside the hall turned heavy in an instant.
"Stop!" Feng Ying cried urgently. "This is a misunderstanding!"
The guards around the formation ignored her, their wary eyes fixed on Yang Kai. Yang Kai stood there, lowering his head to examine the black light wreathing his body, a vague suspicion forming in his mind. He spread his hands and stood quietly, signaling that he had no intention of making any rash moves.
Zhong Liang studied Yang Kai for a long moment, then turned his head toward Feng Ying. "What's the meaning of this?"
Feng Ying shot Yang Kai a look, urging him to stay calm, then strode quickly to Zhong Liang's side and transmitted quietly, "Martial Uncle Zhong, I can guarantee that Yang Kai is not an Ink Disciple."
"What grounds do you have to guarantee that? The Ink-Revealing Formation has reacted, which proves there is Ink Force inside him. If there's Ink Force, how can he not be an Ink Disciple?"
Feng Ying transmitted again, "Yang Kai does indeed have Ink Force within him, but he has not been corrupted by it. Inside his Small Universe, he has a Heaven and Earth Spring suppressing it!"
Zhong Liang's eyes narrowed. He turned to look at Feng Ying. "The Four Pillars of Yin and Yang? A Heaven and Earth Spring? You're certain?"
"I've examined him personally. I can confirm it!" Feng Ying nodded gravely. "If Martial Uncle doesn't believe me, you're welcome to check again."
Zhong Liang nodded solemnly. "This matter allows for no half-measures. It does need to be verified."
Feng Ying said quietly, "Martial Uncle, the Four Pillars of Yin and Yang are of enormous importance, and with so many eyes and ears about…"
She left the sentence unfinished, but Zhong Liang understood her meaning perfectly. The Four Pillars of Yin and Yang held extraordinary significance here on the Ink Battlefield. Every human powerhouse who possessed one was an invaluable asset. The existence of such a person was not something that should become common knowledge—it could easily invite trouble.
He gave a slight nod and waved his hand. "Everyone, stand down. Withdraw the restrictions as well."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances. The Seventh-Order Open Heaven leading them hesitated. "But Martial Uncle Zhong, the Ink-Revealing Formation reacted to this man. He is undoubtedly an Ink Disciple. If the restrictions are removed and he makes any move—"
"I have my own considerations. Just do as I say." Zhong Liang's tone brooked no argument.
Seeing him so insistent, there was nothing the others could do. After all, Zhong Liang was the one in charge of this area. Moments later, the Artifacts were recalled, the cage of restrictions around Yang Kai dissipated, and at Zhong Liang's command, everyone filed out of the hall one by one.
Shen Ao and the others cast lingering glances as they left, their eyes on Yang Kai filled with doubt.
If anyone said Yang Kai was an Ink Disciple, they would be the first to disbelieve it. Having spent this time with him, they had come to understand what kind of person he was. Someone who possessed the means to purify and dispel Ink Force—how could he possibly be an Ink Disciple? Moreover, he had transformed into a giant dragon to protect his people, fought his way in and out of the Ink Clan army, and the number of Ink Clan he had killed was beyond counting.
To call someone like that an Ink Disciple would be a travesty.
Yet the Ink-Revealing Formation had reacted, and that was something none of them could make sense of.
Still, Zhong Liang had taken charge of the matter. Confused as they were, all they could do was wait and see.
Before long, only Zhong Liang, Yang Kai, and Feng Ying remained in the hall.