"So many Ink Clan and you're only a Great Emperor! Even if they were all low rank that would be impressive. Yet you spoke as if there was a mix of High ranks." Yu Xiang Die shouted out.
"Ahahaha! If you think that's a surprise. Wait till you find out when I killed my first High Rank Ink Clan clansman. Oh, you should probably take your seats again. For your own safety." I laughed confidently.
"What do you mean?" Yu Xiang Die asked, confused. She took her seat once again. "Today really is full of surprises." She thought.
"My son Yang Leiji's first battle with the Ink Clan came right after breaking through to the Emperor Realm. And as a 1st Order Emperor he obliterated the enemy. It was quite the show to be honest. Even Blue Sky Pass's Old Ancestor thought it was impressive." Yang Kai explained, struggling to hold in his laughter.
"I'll show you the battle! I just had to record my Martial Nephews debut battle!" Shen Ao said, running into the room eagerly.
"Not now, brother Shen. I have important matters to deal with. Chief among them being a message to all the Cave Heaven Paradises. Here is the letter for the required troops this time. It is up to us to fill this quota. It won't be easy but it must be done." Yang Kai explained, sending the letter to each of the Elders from the Cave Heaven Paradises.
"Question, what exactly is the time limit on this? Even if we rush it and expand the limit of those who were already scheduled to depart…" Yu Xiang Die asked.
"Oh? There is no need to worry about that. The regular intervals of troops will be put on hold for now. There isn't a real need for them at the moment. I came back here personally to make sure this happens. And so I can return to Yin-Yang Paradise for a bit and see how it's been doing in my absence." Smiles said.
"But if you must know. The time limit is however long it takes for me to achieve the Open Heaven Realm." I said. "When I spoke earlier my words weren't simply the shameless boasting of an arrogant Young Master. I am indeed confident about what my strength will be once I achieve Open Heaven. If you aren't convinced of my strength and think it's risky to hedge all bets on my performance feel free to test my strength. I don't mind having a spar." I said, cracking my knuckles.
"No, there is no need for that. I was completely turned to the Ink Clan's side just a few moments ago. And now I have been blessed to bask in the light once more. Your strength is not simple and I am willing to personally attest to it right here and now." The Former 7th rank Ink Disciple Elder said, crossing their arms and nodding.
"But the Palace Master Yang is also capable of a similar feat." Another Elder spoke up in contest of the idea.
"Ahahaha! If you think my method is the same you'd be sorely mistaken. I have to rely on the power of the Sun and Moon marks bestowed upon me by Sun's Burning Shine and Moon's Nether Glimmer." Yang Kai laughed, trying his hardest to hold his stomach together from the pain of laughing so hard. "My son's ability is all his own. It is his own power. I am simply powering another's power. And I can run out of the resources needed for it. Leiji, on the other hand, does not run out." He added, whipping the tear from his eye. "I really need to stop laughing so hard to the point of crying." He thought.
"So you're saying his power is… In that case, fine. But I want to see just how good he is. Proof is always the best thing to source others' confidence." Another Cave Heaven Paradise Elder said.
"I understand, and you'll have your proof in due time. I unfortunately must rest for a short while longer. My breakthrough to the Great Emperor did have a few… Thieves steal some of the required energy. Fortunately I was far stronger than those scum. Even in my Astral state at that time." I said, glaring around the room. "Don't even think about getting angry at those words. You should be thankful I didn't kill them for stealing something so precious, from me." I stated with a stone cold look.
"Alright, Elders from the Esteemed Cave Heaven Paradises, if you would begin making the preparations. I have some more business I must take care of. Though since it is unrelated to you for the moment it's best if you get the ball rolling on preparations for deployment." Yang Kai said. "Oh, and if you find yourself in a spot where you are being corroded by the Ink Force, you should hurry and find a way back here to Star Boundary. Even if I or my son are not available, having the World Tree nearby will be of immense help." He added.
The Cave Heaven Paradise Elders bowed respectfully and left. Their faces, a mix of emotions and concerns. It was clear they had just received a lot of things to think about. And none of it was easy to believe, and even harder to accept. Even still they knew the importance of fighting the Ink Clan. And with a 9th rank Old Ancestor personally guaranteeing the situation. It was difficult to ignore. Now it was just the Great Emperors and people who held important positions in the palace.
"Now then, Hua Qing Si, I will be moving a city out of my Small Universe and bringing it to the Star Boundary. I'd like for it to remain near High Heaven Palace. Please prepare some Masters to come and scout out talents for themselves. And tell them not to worry about resources." Yang Kai said.
"Father, we should invite Ice Heart Valley's Master to also take part in the selection. If I'm not mistaken there should be a few good seeds with affinities for Ice principles." I suggested.
"Pfft… You just want to see your Martial grandmother don't you." Ji Yao giggled after looking at Su Yan and myself. Su Yan started giggling too.