"Did you hold back simply because she was a woman?" Yang Kai asked, a little confused.
"No! Such areas I strayed from hitting as a result of my own ideals. This was a simple spar, so I can not in good conscience take any advantage of it. Enemies on the other hand… Hehehe, they won't feel too good. And that's if they manage to get close enough for it to matter." I said, explaining myself. "That aside, I feel that senior has praised me far too much. 5 blows for 2 is not something I am capable of quite yet. I think no matter who my opponent may be, the result will be similar to this last match." I added.
"Good, I don't want you fighting on this battlefield if you get hung up on the enemy being a man or a woman. Such trivial matters could lead to one's death." Yang Kai nodded and patted my shoulder.
"Surely father jests. Those damn things out there can hardly be considered male or female. They are nothing more than a scourge upon this world." I said, with a slightly confused look.
While Yang Kai had his hand on my shoulder he was inspecting my condition. I could feel the Divine Sense flowing through me once again. A sensation I could never get used to.
"I see, so that's how it is. I think you could benefit from some more practice. But It seems like you have something more important to take care of. Once that's done we should discuss the question you have with Martial Uncle Ding. I'm sure he can help figure that situation out." Yang Kai chuckled.
"I understand, I'll return to refining these parts of the Ink Nest. I don't want to suffer a similar problem as last time. Fainting like that is never fun." I said, in a cool & collected tone.
"Yeah, don't do that again. Dragging so many people along with you at the Open Heaven Realm is never a fun experience. You made me worried for a moment." Yang Kai laughed.
"Wait… Was it not Regiment Commander Ding Yao who brought us out of that situation?" One of the former Ink Disciples asked, confused.
"Ahahaha! While I might have had such ability. It was not this Ding who performed that task. It was this freakishly powerful brat…" Ding Yao laughed as he explained what had happened at that time.
The look on the former ink disciples faces was nothing short of priceless. Even after having seen me battle, they still had a hard time believing it. But it was all true. They frantically looked at all of the seniors who had watched the battle. After several nods confirming the story, the former ink disciples trembled.
"We humbly thank Junior… Young Master Leiji for the graciousness of saving our lives and giving us a chance at vengeance. Such a deed will never be forgotten till the day we die." The former Ink Disciples said, cupping their hands and bowing respectfully.
"Hey, it's alright. I did it because it is something I should do. And while I am flattered by your speech… I was unable to save all of you. The Ink Clan is a detestable breed of scourge on this world. As such I had to request the aid of others to properly treat the fallen's corpses." I said, motioning them to stop bowing. It was quite uncomfortable.
"Young Master Leiji, don't let their deaths get you down…" One of the former Ink Disciples started saying. In an attempt to console me.
"I'll stop you right there. You need not console me on such matters. I know that my strength has significant limitations. Moreover I know what the mission was this time around. I am not blind and I am not stupid. The loss of those cultivators will not be forgotten. However, I… WILL… NOT RELENT!" I said, as my realm changed. A look of slight difficulty appeared on my face.
"3rd Order Emperor Realm! Congratulations Young Master Leiji!" The former Ink Disciples cheered.
"It seems Leiji had the right Idea to get some real sparing in. Congratulations Son. You're that much closer to the Open Heaven Realm." Feng Ying said, proudly. "But what is that problem?" She thought.
"Awe! Little Leiji is amazing! Mother is going to smother you." Bai Yi said, hugging me tight into her bosom. "No matter what you'll always be Little Leiji to me. Congratulations on your breakthrough." She continued.
"Bai Yi, let go of him. He has some things he needs to do. And the task is still piling up right now. They have already cut about half the Ink Nest apart now. And he has another match to fight." Yang Kai sighed, taking her attention away.
Bai Yi let me go and I stretched. "Hmm… I don't feel any discomfort. In fact I feel… fantastic. So this is the 3rd Order. Hmmm… Father, if our next fight only has Feudal Lords will you let me fight outside the ship? I have a few things I must test out. Of course that is when the time comes." I said, inspecting my body.
"I'll think about it. For now focus on refining the pieces." Yang Kai said. " Don't worry about your mother, I'll make sure she can't interrupt you." He added, with a difficult smile trying to hold Bai Yi away.
I looked at the Ink Nest Pieces and smiled. "It would be wrong of me to be rude to mother Bai. So I'll take care of this in a flash." I said, raising a hand towards the Ink Nest Pieces. A ball of lighting appeared in my hand.
I fired the ball into the center of the pile. A short moment later it burst open and expanded, refining the pieces in just 2 breaths of time. The once giant pile of evil corruption was now a collection of purest energy anyone has ever seen.
"It seems I can refine it with damn near no waste. Is this really the difference my divine body has? It's like my Emperor Qi flows like water… No…" I said, making a small cut on my hand. Sparking silver blood flowed out.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Martial Grandson Leiji, it looks like you might very well be the bane of Ink's existence." Ding Yao laughed, after seeing this scene.