Looking up, Yang Kai saw what appeared to be a camp ahead, with several dozen Ink Clan members gazing in his direction. The one at their head had a pair of horns sprouting from his head, a powerful upper body, and a lean lower half — he looked very much like a bull demon standing upright.
Those several dozen auras clearly belonged to these Ink Clan members, and they were all at the Lord level. The bull demon-like figure leading them was even stronger — a Domain Lord.
The entrance to this Secret Realm was guarded by so many powerful Ink Clan members, with a Domain Lord no less at the forefront. It was clear just how much importance the Ink Clan placed on this place.
The Ink Clan Lord who had led Yang Kai inside cupped his fists toward the Domain Lord. "Lord Mie Qiong."
The Domain Lord called Mie Qiong gave a slight nod, glanced at Yang Kai, and seemed to understand immediately. "Found another Artifact Refiner?"
The Lord replied, "He was brought in by Lord Hei Yuan."
"Hei Yuan…" Mie Qiong let out a cold snpder — it wasn't clear whether he had some grudge against Hei Yuan, but Yang Kai distinctly saw a flash of disdain cross his face at the mention of that name. "What sort of goods is this one?"
The Lord answered, "According to Lord Hei Yuan, he's a Master-grade Artifact Refiner."
"Master-grade? Hei Yuan's luck isn't bad!" Mie Qiong showed a trace of surprise. After all, ever since that great plan concerning the future of the Ink Clan had begun years ago, every human Ink Disciple with even a basic understanding of Artifact Refining had been conscripted. Finding a Master-grade Artifact Refiner outside had become no easy task.
Even in this place, Master-grade Artifact Refiners were few and far between.
"I'll leave this man in your hands, Lord Mie Qiong. I still need to return and report to the King!"
Mie Qiong nodded slightly. "Fine. Leave him with me and go."
The Lord added, "The King instructed me to relay a message to both Lord Mie Qiong and Lord Qing Lei — the matter here concerns the future of the Ink Clan. He asks that you both give it your full attention and see it completed as soon as possible!"
Mie Qiong's expression turned somewhat irritated. "What use is it for Qing Lei and me to give Artifact Refining our attention? That's the business of the human Artifact Refiners."
The Lord said coolly, "Is that what I should report back to the King, my lord?"
The corner of Mie Qiong's eye twitched. Holding back his frustration, he said, "Qing Lei and I will supervise closely. The King may rest assured."
Only then did the Lord give a slight nod, turned, and departed through the still-open gateway.
Mie Qiong closed the portal, then turned to look at Yang Kai with a cold sneer. "Gutsy, aren't you? I hope your Artifact Refining skill matches your courage."
Yang Kai managed a smile, looking every bit the man cowed by the other's imposing aura, not daring to say a word.
Mie Qiong beckoned one of his subordinates over and ordered, "Take him to see Qing Lei."
"Yes, my lord!" The subordinate accepted the command and wasted no time channeling his Ink Force, enveloping Yang Kai as they shot into the depths of the Secret Realm.
After a short while, they arrived before an enormous valley. A great hall stood perched on the cliff face of the valley, and within and around it, numerous Ink Clan members moved about. The Lord turned and said, "Follow me."
He walked straight inside without anyone questioning him.
Yang Kai followed close behind.
They quickly traversed the entire hall and emerged onto an open-air platform at the other end. A towering figure stood on the platform, and from this vantage point, one could look down and survey the entirety of the valley below.
The Lord who had brought Yang Kai bowed respectfully to the towering figure. "Lord Qing Lei!"
Qing Lei did not turn around. His deep, resonant voice carried over. "The Secret Realm gateway just opened?"
Though he was stationed here, he was still a Domain Lord — the opening of the gateway had not escaped his perception.
The Lord replied respectfully, "The Royal City sent over an Artifact Refiner."
Qing Lei turned, his gaze sweeping over Yang Kai before he gave a slight nod. "What level?"
"Supposedly a Master-grade Artifact Refiner."
Qing Lei remarked indifferently, "Not bad. Leave him with me."
"Yes, my lord!" The Lord replied, then withdrew respectfully.
Yang Kai stood quietly in place, awaiting Qing Lei's instructions. But after a good while, Qing Lei made no move — he simply stood there.
Yang Kai didn't know what he was waiting for, but though he had only just arrived in this Secret Realm, he had already gleaned some important intelligence.
A Secret Realm like this one was clearly of the utmost importance to King Twilight. Not only did opening the gateway require a special token, but two Domain Lords had been stationed here as well — Mie Qiong, who guarded the entrance, and Qing Lei, who was based inside.
As for the number of Lord-level Ink Clan members, Yang Kai couldn't say exactly, but it certainly wouldn't be small.
Such a formidable force spoke volumes about how cautious King Twilight was being. Though Yang Kai had long steeled himself for the difficulty of this mission, he couldn't help but grimace.
Those Lords aside, carrying out covert operations under the watchful eyes of two Domain Lords would be no easy feat.
Following Qing Lei's gaze downward, Yang Kai immediately spotted an enormous warship spanning the center of the valley.