Thanks to Feng Ying's earlier quiet introduction, Yang Kai had also taken note of this Eighth-Order Supreme Elder from Yin Yang Heaven — Lu An. He had originally intended to pay his respects when he had the chance, but given the current situation, he could only explain his connections upfront.
Lu An raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised. He hadn't expected Yang Kai to be considered part of Yin Yang Heaven. Though not originally from Yin Yang Heaven, having married two of their disciples meant he was certainly no ordinary person — otherwise the Sect wouldn't have allowed two of their disciples to be married off.
The others were equally stunned. The young man standing below wasn't from one of the Cave Heavens and Paradises?
If he wasn't from the Cave Heavens and Paradises and only had a Sixth-Order cultivation base, how had he ended up on the Ink Battlefield? Even if he was Yin Yang Heaven's son-in-law, there was no precedent for this throughout history. On the Ink Battlefield, everyone below Seventh-Order Open Heaven was an elite disciple of the Cave Heavens and Paradises. Only a handful of Upper-Order Open Heaven cultivators came from other Sects, having been forcibly sent here by the Cave Heavens and Paradises.
Upon learning that Yang Kai was considered part of Yin Yang Heaven, Lu An's expression immediately softened considerably. He nodded slightly and asked, "Which lineage's disciple did you marry?"
This wasn't just idle curiosity — mere verbal claims needed to be verified. He couldn't have Yang Kai spouting nonsense and simply take it at face value, because if something went wrong, it would be Yin Yang Heaven's reputation on the line.
Yang Kai replied, "The ones I married — one is a Personal Disciple under Elder Xu Linggong, and the other is a Personal Disciple under Elder Chen Xiu."
Lu An's eyes brightened with recognition. "So it's Xu the Savage and young Chen..."
He might not recognize Qu Huashang and Tao Lingwan by name. After all, he had been on the Ink Battlefield for quite some time, and when he had left the Sect, the two women might not have even been born yet. But he had some impression of Xu Linggong and Chen Xiu — particularly Xu Linggong. When Lu An had left the Sect, Xu Linggong had still been a rising star who hadn't yet advanced to Open Heaven, but had already been cultivated as a Core Disciple.
Moreover, he'd heard that several decades ago, Xu Linggong had also entered the Ink Battlefield — though not stationed at Azure Sky Pass. This wouldn't be too difficult to verify.
Hearing the exchange, the crowd could essentially confirm that Yang Kai was indeed considered part of Yin Yang Heaven. Someone immediately cupped their fists toward Lu An: "Brother Lu, what a blessing!"
"Congratulations, Brother Lu!"
…
A chorus of congratulations followed, though Lu An himself showed no joy on his face — only a wry smile as he waved his hand and shook his head. Zhong Liang's brow was furrowed even more tightly.
"Yang Kai, was it?" Amid the congratulations, one person spoke.
Yang Kai looked toward the voice and saw it was Tian Xiuzhu. He immediately cupped his fists and bowed. "Yes!"
"When you advanced to Open Heaven, what rank was it?" Tian Xiuzhu asked.
Yang Kai answered, "Fifth-Order!"
"Fifth-Order..." Tian Xiuzhu nodded slightly. "You may be wondering what exactly all of us old fogies are congratulating Lu An about. In truth, this matter concerns you as well."
Yang Kai looked confused — how could this concern him? And he was genuinely curious what everyone was congratulating Lu An for.
Lu An raised his hand to interrupt. "Brother Tian, let's discuss this another day." A look of reluctance and guilt actually crossed his face.
Tian Xiuzhu fixed him with a steady gaze. "The Ink Clan is currently laying siege to Azure Sky Pass. This is precisely when we need to strengthen our forces. The matter should be addressed sooner rather than later. Moreover, virtually every Eighth-Order in the Pass is present right now — there's no better time to speak openly. Brother Lu should know that I have no personal agenda. This concerns the entire human race!"
Lu An sighed softly. "I know you have no personal agenda, Brother Tian, but it's just that…"
Tian Xiuzhu said, "This concerns the entire clan, not Yin Yang Heaven alone. If Brother Lu finds it difficult, you may remain silent."
Lu An sighed once more and said nothing further.
Tian Xiuzhu turned to face Yang Kai. "Since you possess the Four Pillars of Heaven and Earth, and have the power of the Ink sealed within your body, you should understand how effective the Four Pillars are at resisting the Ink's power."
Yang Kai nodded. "This disciple understands." He carried the Heaven and Earth Spring within him, his Small Universe flawless and whole. Back in the Black Prison, even the Mo Lord's secret techniques had had no effect on him. It could be said that as long as one possessed the Four Pillars of Heaven and Earth, there was no need to fear the erosion of the Ink's power. As long as one's strength was sufficient, charging through the Ink Clan's armies would pose no concern.