King of Creation Chapter 1700 - 1685: A Huge Bargain?

"This Poison Dragon Pearl completely lacks any spiritual nature. It only contains a massive amount of Poison Flame, devoid of any sentience. This object is merely inert, not even qualifying as a post-heavenly treasure," Ye Zhen declared, frustration evident in his gaze.

Observing this, Baili Fei let out a cold snort, while Mu Xu swiftly intervened, attempting to placate the situation. "How could that be possible? Please, sense it again with greater focus. Allow me to assist in suppressing the Poison Flame so you can perceive the core of this Green Smoke Suanni Pearl."

"The core?"

As Mu Xu once more subdued the Poison Flame, Ye Zhen's Divine Sense plunged into the deepest recesses of the Poison Dragon Pearl. His expression instantly became rigid.

Within, a faint trace of spiritual nature was indeed fluctuating.

However, this fluctuation was weaker than that of a newborn infant, as if it had only just begun to form.

No, to be precise, the spiritual nature within this Green Smoke Suanni Pearl had only recently started to nurture.

Yet, precisely because of this minuscule trace of spiritual nature, combined with the overwhelming Poison Flame residing within the Poison Dragon Pearl, this item could barely be classified as a post-heavenly treasure.

It could be considered a post-heavenly treasure, but only of the lowest grade, one that has just begun its nurturing process. To truly manifest combat power, the inherent wisdom within the Poison Dragon Pearl needs to fully mature.

The predicament, however, is that for this nascent spiritual nature to grow, it would require at least a millennium.

"Our Heavenly Temple upholds its promises. Since we pledged a post-heavenly treasure, we shall not renege! You must have already sensed the spiritual nature fluctuation, correct?" Baili Fei's words were smooth, yet his eyes glinted with mockery.

Nevertheless, his statement held a semblance of truth.

The Green Smoke Suanni Pearl, or rather this Poison Dragon Pearl, could indeed be deemed a post-heavenly treasure. However, for Ye Zhen to harness its potential, it would likely take at least ten thousand years.

Certainly, expedited methods exist, but their attainment is exceptionally challenging.

When Ye Zhen previously acquired the Innate Spiritual Object, the Nine Thunder Spirit Vine, within Kui Niu Cave, he also discovered several Thunder Spirit Pearls. These pearls, when refined using specific Secret Techniques, could also transform into post-heavenly treasures.

The reason remains the same as this Poison Dragon Pearl; it lacks an Artifact Spirit, necessitating the infusion of a Divine Soul from a Thunder Element Beast of comparable power. Various secret techniques must then be employed to forge the Thunder Spirit Pearl into a post-heavenly treasure.

This Poison Dragon Pearl faces the exact same obstacle.

The immense Poison Flame contained within the Poison Dragon Pearl cannot be subdued by the Divine Soul of a mere Poison Python or Flood Dragon.

The Ancient Green Smoke Suanni Beast—the Heavenly Temple deployed formidable forces to subdue it, and still, two Dao Realm cultivators perished in the attempt.

How immensely powerful was this Ancient Green Smoke Suanni Beast?

It is highly probable that the overwhelming Poison Flame within the Poison Dragon Pearl originated from the Heavenly Temple sealing the entirety of the Ancient Green Smoke Suanni Beast's cultivation into its Demon Core through secret techniques prior to its demise.

The Heavenly Temple's original objective was likely to refine a post-heavenly treasure of immense potency.

However, during the refinement process, an unforeseen mishap occurred, preventing the successful sealing of the Ancient Green Smoke Suanni Beast's Divine Soul.

Consequently, this Poison Dragon Pearl remained an inert object, left unused to this day.

Only today, upon Ye Zhen stipulating this condition, did the Heavenly Temple finally present this long-neglected Poison Dragon Pearl.

Yet, after eons of inactivity, a sliver of spiritual nature finally manifested within the Poison Dragon Pearl, elevating it to the barest qualification of a post-heavenly treasure.

Considering the current rate of development, if tens of thousands of years have yielded merely a trace of spiritual nature, the complete formation of an Artifact Spirit will likely demand several additional tens of thousands of years.

As it stands, it is essentially making use of a flawed item.

Admittedly, an alternative method exists to achieve a post-heavenly treasure: directly infusing the Divine Soul of another Demon Beast possessing equivalent power and cultivation. Though this would substantially diminish its ultimate power, it could be utilized immediately, manifesting the artifact's post-heavenly might.

The challenge, however, lies in the ferocity of the Poison Flame from the Ancient Green Smoke Suanni. For tens of thousands of years, even the formidable Heavenly Temple has been unable to procure a suitable Demon Beast Divine Soul for infusion.

Injecting a Demon Beast Divine Soul with a cultivation level lower than that of the Ancient Green Smoke Suanni would fail to suppress the Poison Flame, resulting in its instant annihilation.

While Demon Beasts possessing a higher level of cultivation than the Ancient Green Smoke Suanni are not entirely absent, suitable souls that meet all stipulated conditions have yet to be discovered.

A creature possessing the fire element, the Poison Flame, a Dragon Clan aura, and an incredibly high cultivation—these are exceptionally rare.

Even with the vast resources of the Heavenly Temple, a fitting Demon Soul has escaped discovery over these tens of thousands of years, let alone one for Ye Zhen.

Consequently, following a rigorous selection process, the Heavenly Temple made the decision to bestow this borderline postnatal heavenly treasure, the Poison Dragon Pearl, upon Ye Zhen. This action was taken to prevent empowering a potential adversary!

Possessing his own expertise in artifact refining, Ye Zhen was fully privy to these machinations and naturally grasped the Heavenly Temple’s underlying motives.

However, Ye Zhen was not disposed to endure such treatment in silence.

After expending considerable effort and strategic maneuvering, receiving a piece of useless junk was bound to incite frustration in anyone.

Moreover, Ye Zhen currently held significant leverage over the Heavenly Temple, making him unwilling to accept being swindled.

Just as he was poised to voice his objections, a voice emanating from the Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit, Achou, suddenly echoed within Ye Zhen’s Spirit Palace.

"Lord Ye, it would be prudent to accept this item. Perhaps this instance presents an unexpected windfall for you."

"A windfall? How can that be? It is merely a lifeless object," Ye Zhen inquired, perplexed.

"Have you perchance forgotten that particular item?"

"Which item are you referring to?"

"Prior to your descent through the Ancient Teleportation Formation beneath the waters of the True Profound Continent, the one you successfully tamed," the Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit, Achou, elucidated.

"You are suggesting..."

The realization dawned upon Ye Zhen instantly, yet there was insufficient time for further contemplation; he could only heed the counsel of the Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit, Achou, and accept the Poison Dragon Pearl. Nevertheless, Ye Zhen had already begun to unravel a portion of the mystery!

Though the purported charade had reached its conclusion, Ye Zhen still orchestrated a dramatic display.

"Very well, the deceptive tactics of your Heavenly Temple have been experienced firsthand by me," Ye Zhen retorted with a sneer.

"How can this be construed as deceit? Commander Ye, you yourself acknowledged its properties. After all, this is a Low Grade Postnatal Spirit Treasure; its full potential simply requires a little more time to manifest," Baili Fei chuckled.

"Not just a little more time!"

Ye Zhen's displeasure was evident.

"Next, Commander Ye is expected to present all the Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows, is that not correct?" Mu Xu interjected, attempting to de-escalate the situation.

"They are all accounted for." Ye Zhen produced a storage ring.

Upon examination, Baili Fei's brow furrowed. "Including the Original Spirit Shadow, there are merely thirty-four Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows in total. Furthermore, where is the roster of individuals who have come into contact with these Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows?"

"Precisely this quantity! It was merely for show. At the time, I surmised that your Heavenly Temple would scarcely dare to disregard these Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows," Ye Zhen declared mockingly.

"You..." Baili Fei's eyebrows rose in indignation but were quickly subdued by Mu Xu's intervention, allowing Ye Zhen a partial victory.

"And regarding the list of those who have had contact with the Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows?" Baili Fei inquired, maintaining his patience.

"With the exception of the Original Spirit Shadow, all these Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows bear my unique seal, and currently, all seals remain unbroken.

My subordinates have only handled these Jade Scrolls and are unequivocally incapable of discerning their contents, rendering a separate list unnecessary," Ye Zhen stated.

"This will not suffice; this entire matter must be watertight, as per our agreement..."

"Did your Heavenly Temple not also present me with the Poison Dragon Pearl?" Ye Zhen's tone remained displeased.

Baili Fei's expression shifted, and he was on the verge of anger when Mu Xu restrained him. "Rest assured, is there not the Dao Heart Demon Talisman available?"

Upon the mention of the Dao Heart Demon Talisman, Baili Fei's demeanor visibly improved.

Swiftly, he produced a pre-drafted oath and then handed Ye Zhen a Jade Scroll that emanated a mysterious aura, crisscrossed with faint, blood-colored veins.

"Utilize your Divine Soul Power in accordance with the Secret Technique to activate this talisman, and subsequently, take the oath," Mu Xu instructed.

The stipulations of the oath primarily ensured that Ye Zhen had surrendered all Jade Scroll Spirit Shadows and would not divulge any information regarding the matter. The Heavenly Temple refrained from imposing any excessive clauses, and even if they had, Ye Zhen would not have sworn to them.

What truly captivated Ye Zhen was the profound and absolute mystique of this Dao Heart Demon Talisman.

As Ye Zhen channeled his Divine Soul to take the oath, the Dao Heart Demon Talisman radiated light, and Ye Zhen perceived, in a vague sense, the resonance of numerous Heaven and Earth Laws fluctuating directly above his head.

Each vow he uttered seemed to meld into the fluctuating Heaven and Earth Laws overhead, guided by the influence of the Dao Heart Demon Talisman, imbuing him with an indescribable sensation.

A sensation, like a binding chain, yet also like a tangible presence, permeated Ye Zhen.

With the final oath uttered by Ye Zhen, the Dao Heart Demon Talisman’s radiance retracted, and the fluctuating Heaven and Earth Laws that had loomed overhead vanished in an instant.

Upon closer inspection, the blood-red Dao Heart Demon Talisman now faintly displayed Ye Zhen’s likeness.

Witnessing the transformed Dao Heart Demon Talisman, Baili Fei and Mu Xu exchanged relieved glances; the matter was now settled.

In essence, Ye Zhen’s willingness to swear an oath using the Dao Heart Demon Talisman signified the absolute truth of his words.

No one, not even the Creation Gods themselves, would dare to trifle with the Dao Heart Demon Talisman.

With Ye Zhen’s oath confirmed as truthful, the dire hidden threat to the Heavenly Temple was neutralized.

Henceforth, even if Ye Zhen and the Heavenly Temple were to clash once more, disseminating such news would fail to stir significant unrest, as finding believers would prove exceedingly difficult.

The saying ‘seeing is believing’ held sway; without concrete Spirit Shadows as proof, any claims would be dismissed as mere slander!

Nevertheless, the ultimate step of activating the Dao Heart Demon Talisman for verification could not be bypassed.

Baili Fei casually projected a stream of Spirit Light, causing the Dao Heart Demon Talisman to pulse with blood-red light that instantly enveloped Ye Zhen; the previously vanished Heaven and Earth Laws reappeared with their fluctuations.

Almost simultaneously, the Heaven and Earth Laws above Ye Zhen’s head trembled, and the blood-red light engulfing him abruptly extinguished.

Within the dissipating Blood Light, Ye Zhen remained unharmed; he simply felt the shackling sensation that had been present moments before vanish completely.

Observing this outcome, Baili Fei and Mu Xu nodded to each other once more.

“Commander Ye, this particular matter is considered concluded. However, understand this: should you dare to oppose our Heavenly Temple again in the future, I will personally ensure your soul is scattered to the winds!”

With this chilling pronouncement and a cold snort, Baili Fei dissolved into the air, leaving the somewhat awkward Hall Master Mu Xu standing by himself.

“Why are you still lingering here?” Ye Zhen inquired, his tone laced with displeasure, directed at Mu Xu. “Do you also intend to issue a warning to me?”

“Uh… No!”

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Mu Xu’s face as he hastily waved his hand. “I absolutely have no such intention. Our Mu Hall has always maintained a cordial relationship with Commander Ye.

My reason for staying is that our Green Dawn Peak wishes to acquire the latter half of the Yimu Spiritual Communication Technique from Commander Ye. Please, name your price.”

Ye Zhen blinked in surprise. His gaze settled on Mu Xu, regarding him as if he were a plump sheep ripe for the taking.