"You've got the spirit. But we don't have much time left. Remember, tomorrow is an important day." Yang Kai mentioned. "We can have our spar after the celebration ends. Know that I'll be counting on you to handle things during that time." He continued, making sure I knew the stakes.
I took a small breath and then sighed lightly, one of relief and joy, not sorry or annoyance.
"I understand, father. I won't let any incident go unanswered on my watch." I said, clearly showing my confidence.
"Good, then once again, starting now, you're in charge of everything. Until the moment we come out of retreat that is." Yang Kai announced for all the onlookers to hear.
The Divine Monarchs, all 8th rank open heavens, cupped their hands acknowledging the temporary change. And with that, the rest of the willing, had taken turns with the scroll. Each growing a substantial amount. To include my wives, friends and other family.
~ The Next Day ~
Star Boundary was abuzz with energy and joy. Why? The Yang Family's royal wedding! Entertainment strewn about everywhere. And disciples from all over arrived to pay their respects.
Couples arrived for the purpose of basking in the joyous occasion. This ended up with minor squabbles that were quickly resolved by the actions of the High-Heaven Disciples.
After a long wait, bringing up the hype of the crowd a couple of the supreme Elders came to speak to me. Their face's seemed fine, though there was something about it… It felt like a fake smile. It was the supreme elder from Azure Void and another from Azure Nether.
"Young Palace Master, may we speak with you privately?" The Supreme Elder from Azure Nether Paradise asked, a slight tinge of worry in his voice.
"Hmm, it must be awfully important…" I said, looking into their eyes. "Continue like this. I don't have any other options for the moment." I whispered.
"Understood, Young Master, I've seen the others arrive from all our forces. But the ones from both our forces haven't arrived yet." Azure Nether's Supreme Elder stated.
I stopped moving for the slightest of instances upon hearing that. Immediately looking at the Azure Void's Supreme Elder.
"It's true, we can't contact them either. And we're unsure of their condition. Our force at home won't be aware of this until well after the fact. So we ask that you allow us to leave together on a mission to recover… Save our people…" Azure Void's supreme Elder said.
"You and I both know I can't just let the two of you go under some suspicion. And you should know, once Qing Ning became my wife…" I started my reply.
"That's right, my apologies. I've overlooked this point. Then, will you come with us?" Azure Void's Supreme Elder asked.
"I can't just leave, I have too many responsibilities…" I started talking and then… It happened.
There wasn't even the slightest build up. So it caught me off guard for a moment. But a peak 5th rank open heaven broke into the Star Boundary. A ripple of this event reverberated throughout the Universe. And then they arrived at the palace, cursing in their mind. Their body, covered in injuries.
He flew into the Palace without caring about anything else. The news he brought was far too important to wait. He, weakly yet forcibly moved to present himself formally. Recognizing the Supreme Elder at a glance.
"SUPREME ELDER! HELP US! AN AMBUSH!" The man panted out, and then collapsed unable to retain his strength. The injuries were quite severe.
"Well, this changes things." I said, my Aura erupting into chaos.
"Husband… I know this disciple…" Qing Ning said worriedly.
I teleported to the disciple and forcibly stabilized his cultivation. And gave him a healing pill. He woke up, slightly unconscious but able to understand what was happening. Holding him by the shoulders, another cultivator took action to help circulate the man's Qi.
"No formalities, only answers. How far?" I asked.
"Two Domains away. There were… So… MANY!" The man shouted in a panic, clearly terrified.
"Not too far then. I can make it there fairly easily. Rest well, I'll save who I can." I said, as the disciple relaxed and finally fell asleep.
I stood up clenching my fist to the point of bleeding. This is the worst time for this to happen. There's no covering this up anymore. We will deal with that later, let's get a search… Hmm he was followed.
"Azure Void's Supreme Elder, Azure Nether Supreme Elder. Are either of you interested in seeing just how ruthless I can be to the enemy?" I said, creating a gate to my side. And then through it, came a single high rank Ink Clan.
"AHAHAH! You're… Oh shit! It's you! The freak!" The high rank ink clan screamed in terror.
I flicked a single drop of my blood on him, vaporizing it completely and returned the energy used, to the World Tree. Strengthening the Star Boundary slightly. And then I created another gate as the other one closed.
"I may not know the faces, or ideals of the people currently fighting for life. But I know they are our allies against a truly terrible enemy. And so, I, Temporal Thunder Great Emperor, shall go and rescue them from an undeserved hell." I announced walking through the gate, clearly showing I was about to wreak some havoc.
"Husband…" Qing Ning murmured.
The Supreme Elder's both rushed together, and went through the gate following after me.
"Sister, Qing Ning, trust in husband. He's been advancing by himself for a long time. You can trust that he knows how to handle himself." Huo Lei said, hugging Qing Ning.
"That's not it, I'm just worried. I believe he will come back. But we never know when that time will be the last time." Qing Ning said.
The Supreme Elders that remained looked at Yang Kai. The look of intrigue and worry written on their faces was clear as day.
"This isn't going to be an easy thing to cover up." One of the Supreme Elders sighed.
"Why should we? With someone like my son in our ranks… That should be more than enough to cast enough light in the darkness." Yang Kai said.
"Besides that, the twins are learning to control their power far better. It may take a while before they are ready…" Ruo Xi added.
"So you're saying, we should instead capitalize on your son's image?" Another Supreme Elder asked, though it was more of a statement of understanding.