King of Creation Chapter 1693 - 1678: Ye Zhen’s Trump Card

"Ye Zhen?"

The mention of Ye Zhen by Mu Xu, the Mu Hall Master, elicited a cold snort from Baili Fei, the Moon Hall Master, who questioned, "Does Brother Mu believe that, given the current circumstances, Ye Zhen’s issue can be settled with a simple ‘let it go’?"

"Previously, Ye Zhen has had numerous confrontations with our Heavenly Temple, frequent clashes, and he has been a persistent annoyance to the West Patrol, orchestrated by Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long. After this recent event, even if we decide to release this troublemaker, he will undoubtedly view our Temple as his sworn enemy. Consider Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long, who has a penchant for fostering such individuals. Even if Ye Zhen appears weak at this moment, allowing him to grow could ultimately pose a significant threat to our Temple," Baili Fei declared.

Hearing this, Mu Xu’s brow furrowed, "Then what is your proposal, Brother Baili?"

It wasn’t that Mu Xu, the Mu Hall Master, was blindly agreeing with Baili Fei; there was a specific reason behind his consideration.

Previously, Mu Xu had set his sights on Ye Zhen’s Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique, a legendary wood element divine art from ages past. While it wasn’t the absolute pinnacle of wood element cultivation techniques, its significance was undeniably immense.

In a world where countless beings have endured for over a millennium, one must wonder if there are more demonic beasts or more trees and plants. Let alone within their Green Dawn Peak, even in the most desolate mountains and vast marshes, ancient trees that have stood for thousands, even tens of thousands, of years are an everyday sight. Trees that have weathered hundreds of thousands of years are by no means rare.

As long as the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique could be mastered completely, the combat prowess and overall strength of Green Dawn Peak could see a sudden, multi-fold increase. Therefore, for the sake of acquiring the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique, their Green Dawn Peak was resolute.

Years prior, they had extended an invitation to Ye Zhen to the Lower Court of the Heavenly Temple. Mu Xu, in his capacity as the Mu Hall Master, had personally met with him regarding this matter. Their negotiations proved fruitful, and Green Dawn Peak successfully obtained the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique, albeit not in its entirety.

The most vital component remained in Ye Zhen’s possession, as he was no fool. Consequently, after several rounds of discussion, Ye Zhen and the Mu Hall Master established a unique five-year accord.

This agreement stipulated that for the duration of these five years, the Mu Hall was obligated to ensure that the Heavenly Temple would refrain from overt or covert actions against the inhabitants of North Sea County or any individuals close to Ye Zhen. Furthermore, they were to prevent Xio Qiangu from deploying any Heavenly Temple forces against Ye Zhen’s North Sea County.

Upon the conclusion of these five years, Ye Zhen would then surrender the complete Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique. Apart from Princess Changle, no other individual was privy to this clandestine arrangement.

Hence, North Sea County experienced remarkably smooth development over the subsequent four years, facing threats solely from the North Sea and the Demon Clan. The Holy Decree, in effect with Xio Qiangu during the West Patrol, granted Ye Zhen, the Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy, a five-year respite from direct orders, allowing for a period of unfettered development.

This arrangement enabled North Sea County to flourish rapidly and securely, even in Ye Zhen’s absence. After all, the Heavenly Temple’s influence extended far beyond its publicly acknowledged powers.

It was for this very reason that Mu Xu maintained a reserved stance on the matter, deferring to the decisions of Baili Fei and others, all in pursuit of the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique. In truth, had the recent temple massacre not severely infringed upon the core interests of the Heavenly Temple, Baili Fei would have been compelled to seek Mu Xu’s consent before taking any action against Ye Zhen.

Ultimately, they were adamantly unwilling to see any harm befall Ye Zhen before their Mu Hall could secure the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique. It was this underlying concern that led to Mu Xu’s immense relief upon discovering that an external party was responsible for the atrocities at the Shahe City Branch Temple and the Luo Prefecture Branch Temple. Their Green Dawn Peak still harbored aspirations for the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique.

However, he couldn’t help but feel a degree of displeasure upon hearing Baili Fei’s pronouncements.

Baili Fei, undeterred, continued, "Moreover, Xio Qiangu of the West Patrol has also laid down terms, insisting on Ye Zhen’s elimination—to remove this irritant that causes him such vexation. Additionally, Prince Lik, Ji Yuan, has also subtly conveyed his sentiments. After all, one of his direct descendants, Ji Jia, had their ducal title revoked due to Ye Zhen’s actions."

At this juncture, Baili Fei’s gaze sharpened, "Considering all these factors, what grounds do we possibly have to let Ye Zhen off the hook?"

"In view of the present situation, since the Demon Clan has only admitted responsibility for the massacre at the Luo Prefecture Branch Temple, and despite Luoyi’s diligent investigations, no conclusive progress has been made...

Instead of confirming the irrefutable evidence from our Heavenly Temple,

"At that moment, with a slight push and the cooperation of Prince Lik Ji Yuan, we could have easily dealt with Ye Zhen. Why not seize that opportunity?" Baili Fei proposed.

"What about the Barbarian Spirit Hall? What are your thoughts? Ye Zhen is now the Left Chief Priest there. If we act against him, the Ancestor God Temple might fly into a rage," Mu Xu inquired coldly.

Upon hearing this, Baili Fei let out a sneer. "Indeed, those obstinate fools from the Ancestor God Temple might become enraged. However, with two Branch Temples being massacred consecutively, it has already driven the Divine Monarch to the brink of madness.

Just half a day ago, the Divine Monarch issued a decree stating that if necessary, he would manifest his true form to smite all adversaries."

Hearing this, Mu Xu drew a deep breath. His initial intention to reject the proposal wavered, and his temper flared.

"Is the Divine Lord truly capable of such a feat?"

"What is so astonishing about that? Our Heavenly Temple stands strong because, whether it's a Divine King or a Divine Monarch, they can be summoned at any time when needed, without sacrificing cultivation or lifespan.

This is unlike the Ancestor God Temple's cadre of Spirit Gods, who require decades, or even centuries, to recover once summoned. Do you genuinely believe that with their supposed astuteness, they would summon a Spirit God for a mere Ye Zhen?"

Baili Fei's chilly laugh echoed, unsettling Mu Xu, who responded with a slightly rigid expression, "But what about our Mu Hall's Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique?"

Baili Fei cast a look at Mu Xu. As one of the branches under the Heavenly Temple's Three Holy Lands, how could he be unaware of the machinations of Green Dawn Peak's Mu Hall?

After conversing for so long, this question was precisely what he had been anticipating.

After all, without the tacit consent of Green Dawn Peak and the backing of Mu Hall Master Mu Xu, their Sun and Moon Heaven lineage would be incapable of independently confronting the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"Once Ye Zhen is apprehended, he will be handed over to your Mu Hall for disposal. However, members of our Moon Hall must oversee the entire process, ensuring Ye Zhen's soul is utterly annihilated!" Baili Fei proposed this minor transaction, securing Green Dawn Peak's continued endorsement for their Sun and Moon Heaven.

With little hesitation, Mu Hall Master Mu Xu nodded. "Agreed!"

Instantly, Baili Fei and Mu Xu exchanged knowing smiles, and a burst of vibrant green spirit light erupted from the treetops, simultaneously concealing their forms!

Two hours later, Baili Fei and Mu Xu reappeared at Luoyi City Gate, proceeding to the Heavenly Temple's lower court situated in Luoyi East City.

Before they could even settle in, Baili Fei received a flurry of talisman communications. The most urgent naturally came from Prince Lik Ji Yuan and the West Patrol Inspector, Xio Qiangu.

An Innate Demon Master had emerged within the Demon God Palace, accompanied by a public decree to disseminate rewards and orchestrate celebrations across all branch halls of the Demon God Palace.

Such a monumental event, though still reverberating through the deeper territories of the Demon Clan, had already been received by Prince Lik Ji Yuan, the Commander of the Human-Demon Battlefield, and Xio Qiangu, the West Patrol Inspector, who was most proximate to the Demon Clan territories and responsible for intelligence gathering.

Given that this development directly pertained to their scheme against Ye Zhen and the grand strategy of contention with Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long, they immediately sought Baili Fei's counsel on countermeasures.

"Inspector Xio, the plan remains unaltered. We shall proceed as originally devised. Through our combined efforts, we should be able to eliminate that eyesore during the morning assembly the day after tomorrow."

"Your Highness, the matter concerning the Luo Prefecture Branch Temple is distinct from the Shahe City Branch Temple. During the morning assembly the day after tomorrow, please adhere strictly to the established plan, allowing our two factions to collaborate and eradicate this individual completely!"

These were the responses from the two most crucial figures supporting Baili Fei's scheme.

Naturally, this represented merely a general directive. The incident at the Luo Prefecture Branch Temple had significantly impacted the overall strategic landscape.

Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long was certainly not idle.

It was inevitable that during the morning assembly the day after tomorrow, formidable challenges would arise regarding this matter. Devising a response demanded meticulous planning at this juncture, far beyond superficial discussions. It would require considerable time.

Arranging a clandestine location for a detailed face-to-face meeting was also imperative.

Meanwhile, as Baili Fei was engaged in secret consultations with Prince Lik Ji Yuan and West Patrol Inspector Xio Qiangu, within the Imperial Palace's East Arrival Pavilion, the Holy Emperor, Great Zhou Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long, was restlessly tapping his imperial desk, his expression grim and somber.

With a bow, Chief Eunuch Yu Chao’en stood to the side, while Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu appeared equally uneasy.

"Wud Qing, is it established that Inspector Xio has not yet submitted a report concerning the appearance of the Innate Demon Master from the Demon God Palace?"

"Your Majesty, this minister has not received any intelligence from the West Patrol on this matter." Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu’s distress was evident.

Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long shifted his gaze to Yu Chao’en. "Great Attendant, for how long has the Secret Overseer been aware of this information?"

"Your Majesty, this event transpired a day ago. As it was quickly becoming public knowledge, the Secret Overseer under my charge obtained this news within an hour of its occurrence.

It was dispatched back to Luoyi approximately eight hours ago."

Upon hearing this, Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long let out a sneer. "Very well, this time I shall observe how long my West Patrol attempts to withhold intelligence on the Demon Clan!"

Concurrently, Mu Hall Master Mu Xu, who was occupied with managing affairs in the lower court of the Heavenly Temple, suddenly received a most unusual talisman communication.

A mere glance caused Mu Xu to furrow his brow. "Ye Zhen? He wishes to meet me for a private discussion?"

Examining the talisman, Mu Xu slowly shook his head. While he did desire an audience with Ye Zhen, he discerned the reason for the request was quite obvious; no inquiry was necessary.

Was it not intended to use the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique as leverage to negotiate with Mu Xu, thereby securing a path to survival for Ye Zhen?

Nevertheless, at this juncture, even if they could later summon the Divine Monarch from their Green Dawn Peak lineage to guarantee success in the Soul Search and ultimately acquire the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique,

He found himself compelled to follow the prevailing current of the Heavenly Temple.

Yet, out of a sliver of lingering sentiment, he still responded to Ye Zhen via talisman, conveying his inability to meet due to pressing engagements.

Unexpectedly, almost in the same instant, Ye Zhen dispatched yet another talisman communication.

A fleeting glimpse of the Spirit Shadow within the talisman communication was enough to break out cold sweat on Mu Xu’s forehead, leaving him utterly stunned into silence!