"There's always a chance something could go wrong." Zhong Liang shook his head. "You and I both know how valuable the Yang brat is. If anything happens to him, it would be a tremendous loss for the entire Ink Battlefield."
Tang Qiu let out a leisurely sigh. "As if I don't know his value. After all, he counts as one of ours from Yin Yang Heaven. If there were any other way, would I really want to put him in harm's way? But Brother Zhong, the Ink Clan has already been developing Palace Artifacts, and they've already made progress. It might take less than a hundred years for them to perfect it. When that time comes, what will the Human race's strongholds have to resist with? Yang Kai's importance is the importance of one man, but the Ink Clan's Palace Artifacts represent the importance of an entire race. Can't you all tell which weighs more?"
Zhong Liang frowned. "That may be so, but Yang Kai's significance goes far beyond being merely a Seventh-Order cultivator."
Tang Qiu said, "I'm well aware of that. But if the Ink Clan really does finish developing those Palace Artifacts, the threat won't be limited to just our Yin Yang Pass. Before long, the Ink Clan here in the Biluo Theater will likely be equipped with large numbers of Palace Artifacts as well. When that happens, what will you use to defend Biluo Pass? The lives of these tens of thousands of soldiers?"
Zhong Liang fell silent. If it came to that, there would be nothing to do but fight to the death. There would be no other option.
Ding Yao said in a deep voice, "So the Yin Yang Pass discovered the Ink Clan's Palace Artifacts, and your first thought was to come here and ask that kid for help? You old fossils are really going downhill."
Tang Qiu's face flushed red, and he said firmly, "Of course not. In fact, before I came to Biluo Pass, Brother Wu of Danxia had already set off alone into the Ink Clan's territory to gather intelligence."
Ding Yao's expression shifted. "Wu Qing of Danxia Blessed Land?"
"Exactly!" Tang Qiu nodded.
Wu Qing, hailing from Danxia Blessed Land, held the position of Southern Army Corps Commander at Yin Yang Pass. Though he commanded the Southern Army, among all Eighth-Order Open Heaven cultivators, he was second to none.
Moreover, he bore the Profound Mysteries Fish, one of the Four Pillars of Heaven and Earth, which meant he had absolutely no fear of corruption from the Ink Force.
His personal involvement spoke volumes about how seriously the Yin Yang Pass was treating this matter. Only someone who bore one of the Four Pillars of Heaven and Earth had the qualifications to venture alone into the depths of Ink Clan territory. Otherwise, even at the Eighth Order, one might never return.
One need only look at Ding Yao as an example. In the past, he had never once dared to charge alone into Ink Clan territory. But after obtaining the World Spring, he had immediately stormed into the heart of the Ink Clan domain and caused a massive disturbance. Though he had sustained some injuries, he had slain quite a few Ink Clan members as well.
Tang Qiu said in a strained voice, "But even though Brother Wu went personally, the chances of success aren't great. He's made numerous appearances in Ink Clan territory over the years — killing enemies is fine, but gathering intelligence is certainly out of the question."
This wasn't hard to understand. The Ink Clan's various territories had likely long since circulated Wu Qing's likeness. The moment he showed his face, forget about gathering intelligence — it would be a blessing if the Ink Clan didn't swarm him with a full-scale assault.
Zhong Liang and the others all nodded.
Tang Qiu continued, "We considered having Brother Wu part with the Profound Mysteries Fish and letting a Seventh-Order cultivator refine it, mimicking what Yang Kai did back then to disguise himself as a Mo Thrall and infiltrate Ink Clan territory. But in this world, what Seventh-Order cultivator could possibly compare to Yang Kai? If we tried that approach and the disguise were to be exposed, not only would that Seventh-Order cultivator be in danger, we might lose the Profound Mysteries Fish as well. So for this intelligence-gathering mission, we need someone who can perfectly conceal their identity, disguise themselves as a Mo Thrall, and possess a certain degree of escape ability. After racking our brains, Yang Kai is simply the most suitable candidate. Everyone, please think of the bigger picture and lend me your support!"
Zhong Liang and the others all remained silent.
They knew Tang Qiu was telling the truth. When it came to such a task, no one in the entire Ink Battlefield was more suited than Yang Kai.
He had experience with this sort of thing. Disguising himself as a Mo Thrall should have long since become second nature to him. What's more, he possessed the Space Laws — even if his identity were exposed, he would still have a certain ability to escape. His combat strength was also extraordinarily formidable; ordinary Ink Clan members wouldn't stand a chance against him.
However, no matter how you looked at it, this mission carried tremendous risk. No one could guarantee that going there meant coming back alive. If something truly happened to Yang Kai because of this, their consciences would never be at ease.
During the silence, Zhong Liang suddenly frowned. "Wait, that's not right. Last time you visited, Yang Kai was only Sixth-Order. How did you know he'd advanced to the Seventh Order?"
If Yang Kai were merely a Sixth-Order, the Yin Yang Pass would likely never have dared entrust him with such a critical mission.
Tang Qiu turned his head to glance at Shentu Mo.
Shentu Mo grumbled, "The old fox went to every length to worm information out of me. I never realized he'd already been eyeing Yang Kai."
Tang Qiu chuckled. "I came here in person without harboring much hope, but Yang Kai really is extraordinarily talented — advancing to the Seventh-Order Open Heaven in such a short time. Hmm, I also know that he and a disciple from Divine Feather Blessed Land joined forces to kill a severely wounded Domain Lord. That kind of strength is no small feat."
Zhong Liang immediately shot Shentu Mo a glare. No need to guess — Shentu Mo had told Tang Qiu all of this.
"His rank is sufficient, his strength is sufficient, he bears the World Spring, and he's well-versed in the Space Laws. I can't think of anyone better suited than him." Tang Qiu's expression turned solemn. "This matter concerns not just our Yin Yang Pass alone, but the entire balance of the Ink Battlefield. It's better sooner than later. Please come to a decision quickly."
Zhong Liang said nothing. Shentu Mo kept his silence.
Tang Qiu pressed urgently, "Whatever the case, at least let me meet with Yang Kai first. I'll explain the situation to him. If he's willing, that would be ideal. If he's not, I won't force him. What do you all think?"
Zhong Liang shook his head. "Yang Kai is currently not in Biluo Pass."
Tang Qiu was stunned. "Not in Biluo Pass? Then where is he?"
Zhong Liang shrugged. "As for exactly where, I couldn't say."
Tang Qiu couldn't help but roll his eyes. As a Corps Commander, how could Zhong Liang not know the whereabouts of the soldiers under his command? He clearly just didn't want to say.