Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1041 - 726: Chessboard Duel, Trust Me!

Surrounding Lingyun Peak, the vast Cyan Mountains stretched out in rolling waves.

In recent times, facilitated by the Ye Family's expansion, a portion of these Spirit Mountains has been dedicated to raising Cloud Horn Deer, while others have become habitats for spirit beasts such as Mountain-devouring Rats and Forest Pigs.

Each morning, a chorus of low, rumbling calls emanates from these spirit beasts.

Each call a noisy demand for sustenance.

The Ye family members, boarding their spiritual ships, would attend to them systematically, transforming the skies above Lingyun Peak into a hive of activity during this hour.

At this very moment, a swift spiritual shadow was hurtling directly towards Lingyun Peak.

However, prior to reaching its destination, the figure altered its course, diverting towards Taihang Market.

Yet, after traversing a short distance, it descended upon a solitary mountain.

Upon this mountain stood a pavilion adorned in purple.

Before the pavilion, a cultivator sat alone, engrossed in a game of chess.

Having perceived Ye Jingcheng's approach, he gestured for him to come closer.

"Since you have arrived, let us partake in a game!" This cultivator was none other than an avatar of True Monarch Zi Ming.

Ye Jingcheng, currently in the guise of a flying puppet and thus unburdened by apprehension, took a seat opposite him.

However, the white pieces on the board were in a precarious state, nearing a complete deadlock, thoroughly ensnared by the black pieces.

True Monarch Zi Ming's avatar, skillfully manipulating the black pieces, was on the precipice of victory, only a handful of moves away from utter triumph.

Ye Jingcheng's gaze met True Monarch Zi Ming's, noting his unwavering composure, as if completely absorbed in the unfolding game.

Yet, this particular chess match felt profoundly imbalanced.

For the white pieces, the situation was already a lost cause.

His eyes, almost involuntarily, narrowed slightly.

"Your turn, Ye Kid!" True Monarch Zi Ming prompted Ye Jingcheng, who had yet to make his move.

Ye Jingcheng responded with a shake of his head.

"Elder Zi Ming, this game is rather constrained; might we perhaps begin anew?" Ye Jingcheng inquired, retracting his hand from the white piece he was about to place.

"Oh!" True Monarch Zi Ming regarded Ye Jingcheng with a flicker of surprise, yet he gently shook his head.

"Once a move is made, there is no room for regret. How then can we initiate a fresh game?"

"If you invite me into your game, breaking a stalemate harms both parties."

"Should you emerge victorious, it would not be a clean win; conversely, if you falter, the regret would be immense."

"Why not join my game, immerse yourself in a fierce contest? Is that not exhilarating?" Ye Jingcheng, harboring certain suspicions, spoke with newfound confidence.

Without affording True Monarch Zi Ming an opportunity to reply, he swept his hand across the chessboard, causing all the pieces to levitate. As the pieces settled back onto the board, numerous black pieces had vanished, replaced by white pieces, which now held a numerical superiority.

The tide of the game had abruptly turned.

"Intriguing?" True Monarch Zi Ming shifted his focus from the chessboard, his gaze now fixed upon Ye Jingcheng, a peculiar light glinting in his eyes.

Observing that Ye Jingcheng remained unfazed, he proceeded to pick up the chess pieces once more, arranging them with deliberate slowness.

"But what if the black pieces continue to multiply?"

As True Monarch Zi Ming meticulously reset the pieces, once again tilting the game in favor of the black side,

Ye Jingcheng experienced a sudden surge of understanding.

"Then, esteemed Elder, permit me an advantage of three pieces. Should I still succumb after receiving this concession, I shall yield!"

"Very well, three it shall be!" True Monarch Zi Ming readily agreed.

"However, Ye Kid, do not forget to add your pieces, for more pieces invariably present greater opportunities!"

True Monarch Zi Ming rose, clearly preparing to depart, and offered this final piece of advice as he disappeared into the pavilion.

Ye Jingcheng's gaze lingered on the scattered pieces and the incomplete board, his eyes darkening as he watched the distant, vanishing figure.

He recognized that the current predicament was far more severe than he had initially conceived.

Moreover, his apprehension regarding the formidable power of True Monarch Zi Ming deepened.

This chess game, on its surface, served merely as True Monarch Zi Ming's method of circumventing the Spirit Inquiry Talisman to elucidate the dire situation within the Yan Kingdom.

Had Ye Jingcheng simply played along, following True Monarch Zi Ming's lead without demonstrating the Ye Family's formidable capabilities, True Monarch Zi Ming would have undoubtedly sided with the black pieces to assault the Ye Family.

After all, the agreement between Ye Jingcheng and True Monarch Zi Ming stipulated only that the Taiyi Sect would provide outward obfuscation and defense, enabling the Ye Family and the Taiyi Sect to collectively withstand the Qinghe Sect.

However, a crucial prerequisite was the absolute concealment of the Ye Family's strength.

Now, the chessboard stood as an undeniable testament, a stark warning from True Monarch Zi Ming that the Ye Family was beset by myriad enemies.

Even the Taiyi Sect would be incapable of fending them off.

Ye Jingcheng needed no further contemplation to identify these adversaries – they were, undoubtedly, the Qinghe Sect, the Cyan Spirit Trading Association, and the Bai Family.

Considering the potential involvement of at least three Nascent Soul cultivators should the three major powers intervene, Ye Jingcheng found it unbelievable that they would dispatch merely three Golden Core cultivators to surveil the Ye Family.

This very reason was why True Monarch Zi Ming had arrived to await him.

It was plausible, too, that True Monarch Zi Ming might also be there to prevent the Ye Family from abandoning their mountain home and leaving behind their mortal kin.

At that moment, Ye Jingcheng even contemplated exploiting the grotto-heaven to relocate the Ye Family members.

However, he recognized that every cultivator on Lingyun Peak was under True Monarch Zi Ming's watchful eye, and any disappearance would immediately draw his attention.

Moreover, the possibility of being scrutinized, even when making an escape via a flying puppet, lingered.

Throughout this period, Ye Jingcheng absorbed True Monarch Zi Ming's pronouncements, reflecting on prevailing whispers about True Monarch Tian Dao's premature withdrawal.

He deduced that True Monarch Zi Ming's proposal to 'add pieces' alluded to the inclusion of True Monarch Tian Dao and the Demon Emperor.

Yet, the Ye Family had no Demon Emperor in their ranks!

With limited options, he made his way towards Lingyun Peak.

Reaching into his storage bag, he produced a vial of White Willow Dew.

The mountain hosting the purple pavilion was not distant from Lingyun Peak, and soon, Ye Jingcheng stood before it.

Lingyun Peak remained shrouded in mist, with numerous cultivators diligently working in the Spirit Medicine Garden, while others were engaged in the Pill Pavilion and the Artifact Refining Pavilion.

The emanating earth fire was considerable, and Ye Jingcheng's gaze also fell upon Lingyun Lake and the Ye Clan's Academy Hall.

An even greater concourse of activity was evident there, with Ye Jingyun conspicuously absent from the Assembly Hall, instead being present at the Clan Academy.

Subsequently, Ye Jingcheng retrieved a clan token, dispatching messages to Ye Jingyun, Ye Jingli, and Ye Xingqun.

The designated meeting spot was none other than Ye Xingqun's Bamboo Forest.

He first occupied a seat within the forest's pavilion, subsequently activating a subtle Array to ensure their privacy.

These arrangements finalized, he produced a Third-Tier White Willow Dew and a Third-Tier Half-Flood Dragon Body.

It seemed illogical to pair Third-Tier Spirit Wine with ordinary Spirit Fish Spiritual Cuisine, did it not?

This Half-Flood Dragon Great Demon had been vanquished by Ye Jingcheng himself during the beast tide within the Cyan Cloud Sea Domain, presenting an opportune moment for its consumption.

Without delay, Ye Xingqun, Ye Jingyun, and Ye Jingli made their appearance.

However, they observed that Ye Jingcheng had already initiated the wine warming and Spiritual Cuisine preparation.

"Uncle Xingqun, Brother Liu, Brother Jiu, please be seated!" Ye Jingcheng gestured invitingly.

"Jingcheng, you should not have come!" Ye Jingyun couldn't help but voice his concern at this juncture.

"Indeed, we were already adequately prepared. My ability to advance to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment has significantly improved my standing compared to your uncle," Ye Xingqun added his perspective.

He had utilized the Foundation Establishment Pill bestowed by the clan, alongside the Longevity Spiritual Peach.

Nevertheless, they soon perceived Ye Jingcheng to be akin to a Spirit Puppet, as he, at this precise moment, had lowered his Spirit-Blocking Robe, revealing a face bearing faint bruises.

Consequently, the trio naturally took their seats.

They found no fault with Ye Jingcheng employing a Spirit Puppet; in fact, they considered it a prudent decision!

"Is this Flood Dragon Cuisine?" Ye Jingli was the first to exclaim, his senses seemingly transported back seventy years.

"Jingcheng, I shall dispense with pleasantries then. I have never had the privilege of tasting Flood Dragon Cuisine in all my years. The Blood Qi contained within is truly immense!"

He expressed his admiration for the Spiritual Cuisine Meat before shifting his attention to the Spirit Wine.

As the intoxicating aroma of the Spirit Wine reached his nostrils,

he immediately uttered a surprised exclamation:

"Third-Tier Spirit Wine, from whence did it come?"

"Affirmative, Third-Tier Spirit Wine. Uncle Xingyu conveyed it over!" Ye Jingcheng confirmed with a nod.

Ye Jingcheng then procured his wine cup, proceeding to pour for the three assembled individuals.

"This wine would be squandered on us!" Ye Xingqun remarked with a hint of regret.

In reality, Third-Tier Spirit Wine is most beneficially allocated to cultivators on the cusp of a breakthrough, rather than being casually distributed amongst their peers.

With that declaration, Ye Xingqun proceeded to retrieve his own Cyan Bamboo Wine.

"Jingcheng, partake in your Uncle's brewed wine. While its taste may not be the most refined, it invariably carries the rich essence of Lingyun Peak's bamboo!" Ye Xingqun continued his pouring.

Ye Jingcheng did not decline the offer.

Merely three cups had been filled to the brim.

"Uncle Xingqun, Brother Liu, Brother Jiu, this initial cup I offer in remembrance of Uncle Xingyu!" Ye Jingcheng proposed, raising his goblet.

Ye Jingli and Ye Jingyun accepted theirs first, sitting with their postures erect.

They felt they had not brought dishonor to the Ye Family; they considered themselves worthy recipients of this libation.

Ye Xingqun hesitated briefly before also accepting his chalice.

The trio collectively downed a cup of Spirit Wine, feeling the surge of Spiritual Energy coursing through them.

The initial taste of the Flood Dragon Cuisine fell to Ye Jingli.

"My Five-Colored Bone Fire Bead has even become heated by consuming this. This Spiritual Cuisine and Spirit Wine are truly exceptional; I'll certainly boast about this experience later!" Ye Jingli exclaimed with a grin.

However, before he could receive a reply, Ye Jingcheng lifted his cup once more.

"Uncle Xingqun, Brother Liu, and Brother Jiu, it is with great honor that I propose this toast on behalf of our family, acknowledging all your diligent efforts throughout the years!" Ye Jingcheng declared.

The three individuals joined him in another drink.

Ye Jingcheng proceeded to refill their cups.

This time, he held the jug of Cyan Bamboo Wine.

"Uncle Xingqun, Brother Liu, and Brother Jiu!"

Ye Jingcheng raised his chalice, pausing for a fleeting moment before posing a question.

"Do you place your trust in me?"

"Without a doubt!" the trio responded instantly, draining their Cyan Bamboo Wine.

"This Tier Three White Willow Dew remains too harsh; it lacks the refreshing crispness of Cyan Bamboo Wine!" Ye Jingyun commented with a lighthearted laugh.

At this precise moment, Ye Jingcheng's demeanor became strikingly serious.

"Uncle Xingqun, Brother Liu, and Brother Jiu, I must utilize the Forget Dust Pill to seal a portion of your memories. While this is underway, please ensure you discreetly relay the message: I have led some clan members to explore the Secret Realm in search of treasures, and Jing Hu has embarked on a solo adventure to prepare for his breakthrough. These explanations will align perfectly with the commoners' current speculations!"

"The individuals approaching us at this time are likely at the Nascent Soul stage, but with True Monarch Zi Ming firmly on our side, they will be prevented from immediately performing a Soul Search and will be unable to detect any flaws in the Forget Dust Pill. They will likely resort to using a Spirit Inquiry Talisman, which should grant you sufficient time. Therefore, do not do anything rash before a Soul Search occurs, or everything will be jeopardized!"

"Furthermore, Uncle Xingqun, you absolutely must choose the earliest opportunity to enter closed-door seclusion. They will undoubtedly breach the Array and attempt to interrogate you!"

"You must stall for as much time as humanly possible!"

...

After conveying his instructions, Ye Jingcheng meticulously discussed every conceivable scenario and countermeasure with the individuals.

Once their conversation concluded, Ye Jingcheng promptly rose to his feet, commencing the distribution of gifts received from Ye Xingyu to the others.

Following an inquiry about any pertinent information concerning the Tian Dao Sect, he departed from Lingyun Peak.

The current predicament was undeniably fraught with urgency; while the trio could afford some delay, Ye Jingcheng could not.

And, just as he had anticipated, True Monarch Zi Ming's avatar materialized once more, though its presence was limited to a mere sweep of Divine Sense over him.

Evidently, the intention was to ascertain whether Ye Jingcheng had absconded with any Ye clan members or if he carried any potent Magical Artifacts or Treasures.

Given that it was merely a Flying Puppet, it naturally held no interest for the avatar.

Witnessing this, Ye Jingcheng gathered that a few days of respite were currently available.

His immediate focus was not on the Tian Dao Sect but rather on Chixia Ridge.

Considering the Qinghe Sect's Bai Family and the Cyan Spirit Trading Association's intense preoccupation with locating the Beast Desolate Wasteland, Ye Jingcheng resolved to instigate a massive Beast Tide.

If the Ye Family's Cultivators and even the mortals faced potential annihilation, it would be far wiser to take a substantial gamble!

After all, it would merely signify the destruction of the Taihang Mountains Branches; the Ye Family's fundamental foundation would remain intact!