King of Creation Chapter 1705 - 1690: The Struggle for the Position of Hall Master (Happy Lantern Festival)

Nine beams of faint light assaulted Ye Zhen with startling suddenness and speed. Just as the light was about to reach him, an enraged shout echoed.

The dim light exuded the aura of a peak Ninth Stage Realm King. However, what truly jolted Ye Zhen was the concealed chilling energy that pricked his skin like countless needles.

Despite Ye Zhen's Black Dragon Tyrant Body cultivation reaching the Third Stage, granting him physical strength comparable to a High Grade Suppressing Device capable of withstanding attacks from Mid to Late Stage Realm King experts, the piercing coldness still made him exceedingly cautious.

Acting on instinct, Ye Zhen's body spun rapidly, evading several beams of the dim light while simultaneously unleashing his Heavenly Thunder Spirit Fire to incinerate the attacking lights.

Suddenly, with a sharp clang, the jade knife in Ye Zhen's grasp fractured into numerous pieces, scattering onto the ground. A beam of that dim light had struck his weapon.

At that precise moment, an eerie green luminescence swiftly unfurled. Princess Changle, with a movement like a swift wall, swung her wide sleeve, shielding Ye Zhen.

"Who dares to incite chaos within my Barbarian Spirit Hall..."

Before the sentence concluded, Princess Changle's expression froze in surprise. "Second Hall Master, Third Hall Master? When did you two return?" she inquired, her voice laced with astonishment.

"Hmph, were it not for our return, this Barbarian Spirit Hall would have already been turned upside down by your actions."

Two robust, burly men strode in from the depths of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, their gazes, sharp as swords, fixed upon Ye Zhen.

"May I have the honor of asking the First Deputy Hall Master, with the Main Hall Master position vacant in our Barbarian Spirit Hall, can the appointment of the Left Chief Priest be decided unilaterally without our consent?" the Second Deputy Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, Ba'erlong, questioned harshly.

Ye Zhen's gaze shifted, his understanding dawning: the intent behind those nine beams of faint light was primarily to shatter the jade knife poised for the hand ritual. Had Ye Zhen insisted on wielding it, he himself might have suffered injury.

Within those few pointed words, Ye Zhen grasped that the day's conflict stemmed from his appointment as the Left Chief Priest.

"A private appointment? I possess the Soul Imprint of the Talisman Command, signed by Head Priest Bai Xiang himself. Should you dare interfere with the communion between the Left Chief Priest and the Tributor to the Barbarian Spirit again, you shall face charges of instigating chaos within the Spirit Hall!"

Princess Changle retorted calmly, her face hardening into a mask of frost as she commanded, "Ye Zhen, proceed with the hand ritual!" This directive was aimed squarely at Ye Zhen.

"Head Priest Bai Xiang's Soul Imprint of the Talisman Command? How could this be?" Barbarian Spirit Hall's Second Deputy Hall Master, Ba'erlong, expressed visible surprise.

"Brother, that's utterly impossible! This woman must be attempting to deceive us," declared the Third Deputy Hall Master, Ba'erhu, an even more imposing figure than Ba'erlong, his voice laced with a cold sneer.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhen's gaze instantaneously pierced towards the Third Deputy Hall Master Ba'erhu like sharp blades.

The latter met Ye Zhen's intense stare with disdain. "You pretty boy, I am..."

Abruptly, as the Primordial Spirit within Ye Zhen's mansion ascended and its Soul Light radiated outwards, a terrifying Divine Soul Pressure surged towards the Third Deputy Hall Master Ba'erhu like a furious tide.

The latter's chest constricted violently, his Divine Soul trembling as if jolted by a startled cat, immediately silencing him. His eyes widened with a ghastly, ghost-like expression.

His cultivation stood at the Early Stage Ninth Stage Realm King, yet he was utterly intimidated by the Divine Soul Pressure emanating from a Sixth Stage Divine Communication Realm Martial Artist? What terrified him even more was the uncanny similarity between Ye Zhen's Divine Soul Waves and those of the various halls' day rituals.

Primordial Spirit Pressure! This was the terrifying might of Primordial Spirit Pressure.

"Did you not hear my words? Continue the hand ritual!" Princess Changle urged, a flicker of surprise mixed with delight crossing her gaze as she looked upon Ye Zhen.

"I dare anyone!"

"Without my authority as Hall Master, I dare anyone to perform the hand ritual!" roared the Second Deputy Hall Master Ba'erlong.

This was a crucial moment where the various leaders of the Barbarian Spirit Hall vied for authority. Though Ba'erlong and Ba'erhu had managed the Barbarian Spirit Hall for five hundred years, its progress had been stagnant. In terms of influence, they paled in comparison to Princess Changle, who had only held the position of First Deputy Hall Master for just over three years.

From behind Ye Zhen, two Moon Priests decisively presented him with a jade knife for the hand ritual. Witnessing this, the Second Deputy Hall Master Ba'erlong bellowed in rage and strode forward, intending to personally halt Ye Zhen from completing the ceremony.

With a flick of her wrist, Princess Changle summoned two menacing Yin Spirits, their cultivation reaching the Peak Ninth Stage Realm King, to maliciously obstruct Ba’erlong.

Princess Changle casually tossed out a Jade Scroll Document. "Take this. It's the personally signed Soul Imprint of Head Priest Bai Xiang, approving Ye Zhen's appointment as Left Chief Priest.

Read it carefully. If you dare cause further trouble, don't blame me for my ruthlessness!"

Ba’erlong accepted the Jade Scroll Document, and the expressions of both brothers shifted dramatically. The Soul Imprint of the Talisman Command from the Grand Hall Master of the Ancestor God Temple, Head Priest Bai Xiang himself, was virtually impossible for anyone to impersonate or forge.

"Is this genuine?" the brothers exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and awe on their faces.

With another wave of her hand, Princess Changle retrieved the Jade Scroll Document. "Since the Head Priest’s Soul Imprint of the Talisman Command has been verified, Ye Zhen's appointment as Left Chief Priest will naturally involve interactions with the Second and Third Hall Masters. Therefore, I request the two Hall Masters to participate in this hand ritual ceremony!"

While extending the invitation, Princess Changle made it clear that rejection was not an option, gesturing gracefully. "Please, Hall Masters, grace the ceremony with your presence!"

Ba’erlong and Ba’erhu were simultaneously left stunned, reluctantly complying with the request to attend the ceremony, appearing somewhat dazed by the abrupt turn of events.

Ye Zhen also felt a pang of surprise; in just a few short years, the once naive young woman had clearly attained significant authority.

"Commence the hand ritual!" a Moon Priest announced with a booming voice. Ye Zhen, summoning the white dragon elephant once more, raised the jade knife, preparing to make the decisive strike.

However, at this precise moment, the Second Deputy Hall Master, Ba’erlong, who had been pushed aside, seemed to snap back to awareness. He rapidly stepped forward, positioning himself directly between Ye Zhen and the white dragon elephant.

Ye Zhen remained uncertain of Ba’erlong's intentions.

Princess Changle, however, was incensed. "The Soul Imprint has already been verified! Maliciously interfering with the ritual and causing disruption within the Spirit Hall – Vice Hall Master Ba, do you truly believe I cannot deal with you?"

In her fury, Princess Changle summoned a formidable Yin Spirit, its immense cultivation aura overwhelming the entirety of the Barbarian Spirit Hall.

This display caused the faces of the Ba’erlong and Ba’erhu brothers to pale.

Yet, comparatively, Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong maintained a semblance of composure.

"Head Priest Bai Xiang's Soul Imprint of the Talisman Command is indeed valid, but its effectiveness is contingent upon the Main Hall Master position in the Barbarian Spirit Hall being vacant. Only then does the command hold sway.

"What if the Barbarian Spirit Hall already has a Main Hall Master?" Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong suddenly declared.

Princess Changle's eyes narrowed, and a cold sneer touched her lips. "Since when does the Barbarian Spirit Hall possess a Main Hall Master? Why am I completely unaware of this? Furthermore, can the appointment of this Barbarian Spirit Hall's Main Hall Master bypass my authority entirely?"

Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong's expression remained stern. "Palace Master Ji, have you perhaps forgotten the promise Head Priest Bai made in your presence, with me and all the Power Priests as witnesses, when you first assumed your office?"

Hearing this, Princess Changle’s expression underwent a sudden transformation. She scrutinized Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong with disbelief, murmuring, "Could it be... could it be that you have found it?

Have you discovered a new Barbarian Spirit from a higher realm for us to offer as tribute?"

Ba’erlong offered a chilling smile. "What do you surmise?"

"This is truly wonderful!" Princess Changle exclaimed, a smile instinctively blooming on her face, only for it to quickly fade into melancholy.

The initial smile was an involuntary reaction of joy for the Barbarian Spirit Hall's advancement, while the subsequent melancholy stemmed from concern for Ye Zhen.

If Ba’erlong's claim proved true, Ye Zhen's recently appointed position as Left Chief Priest might be far from secure.

"My brother and I have, over these past three years, braved arduous journeys across vast and harsh territories, thoroughly scouring the Barbarian Territory. Our efforts have finally yielded a discovery: a Barbarian Clan Battle Spirit at the Ninth Stage Realm King Peak.

According to the promise made when Palace Master Ji took office, should any one of us three discover a Barbarian Spirit of a higher Cultivation Stage for tribute, they would immediately be eligible to assume the role of Main Hall Master. Is this not correct?" Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong challenged.

"That is indeed the case!" Princess Changle confirmed, her voice soft.

"This development is a cause for great celebration for our Barbarian Spirit Hall, and we should promptly inform the Head Priests to preside over the formal offering ceremony." Princess Changle suggested.

"There is no need for that!" Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong interjected.

At this moment, Vice Hall Master Ba’erlong's face radiated immense satisfaction. "Upon my arrival, I had already notified Head Priest Bai. I believe Head Priest Bai and the other Chief Sun Priests are currently en route."

"Ha, once my brother becomes the Main Hall Master, it won’t be your turn to act arrogant over our heads... Once my brother is the Hall Master, you will be my brother’s subordinate. In our Ancestor God Temple, you, a princess, cannot put on airs..."

Vice Hall Master Ba'erlong glared, immediately silencing the speaker.

But Third Deputy Hall Master Ba'erhu wasn’t idle either, arrogantly yelling at the surrounding priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall.

"Are you all deaf? Cease the sacrifice immediately; the selection of Left and Right Chief Priests will be personally appointed by the rightful Hall Master. Take all these beasts away immediately!"

"And prepare immediately for everything the rightful Hall Master needs for taking office—apparel, rituals, offerings. If anything is missing, beware of your heads!"

Ye Zhen’s brow slightly furrowed. Up till now, he had only gathered a rough understanding of the contention between Princess Changle and these two.

It’s still all about the position of Main Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall.

Ultimately, it’s about benefits.

Before, the position of Main Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall was left vacant, with real power controlled by the brothers Ba'erlong and Ba'erhu. But Princess Changle took office over three years ago.

The authority of the Main Hall position was largely transferred to Princess Changle.

Despite appearances, the Barbarian Spirit Hall was weak within the Ancestor God Temple, but the Cultivation Resources that should be allocated and Spirit Hall materials were nonetheless plentiful.

The stakes involved are indeed vast.

However, even with Ba'erhu’s threats, those Moon Priests still showed no inclination to heed, infuriating Ba'erhu.

Just as Ba'erhu was about to erupt, a transmission sound suddenly echoed from afar.

"Head Priest arriving!"

As the distant transmission sound echoed, over a hundred Moon Priests in moon-white robes rapidly streamed into the Barbarian Spirit Hall, forming an alert passage.

Chief Sun Priest Bai Xiang, dressed in flaming red robes, along with several other Chief Sun Priests, streamed in smoothly, instantly making the atmosphere in the Barbarian Spirit Hall become extremely tense.

Head Priest Bai Xiang had barely set foot when, after everyone paid respects, he immediately focused on the matter at hand.

"Master Ba, you claim to have found a stronger Barbarian Clan Battle Spirit for offering?"

Ba'erlong nodded, "Indeed, Head Priest."

With a flash of light in Ba'erlong’s hand, he revealed a statue three meters high, exuding obscure aura, appearing in the Barbarian Spirit Hall.

The moment the statue appeared, the originally revered Barbarian Clan Battle Spirit statue in the hall dimmed in radiance, marking a distinct difference.

Head Priest Bai Xiang closed his eyes, carefully sensing.

"A Guardian Battle Spirit of the Yutu Barbarians at the Peak of Ninth Stage Realm King, hmm, if my senses are correct, they should be the Guardian Battle Spirit of the Yutu Barbarian race, which was exterminated in ancient times? Its power is inclined towards protection, capable of resisting a Dao Realm expert for half an instant, but its attack potential is somewhat lacking."

"The Head Priest is wise!" Ba'erlong eagerly nodded.

"However, the power of this Yutu Barbarian’s Guardian Battle Spirit doesn’t quite align with the cultivation path of most priests in our Spirit Hall, and it doesn’t greatly enhance cultivation." Bai Xiang pondered aloud.

At this time, Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna behind Bai Xiang spoke, "But for the overall Cultivation Realm improvement and breakthrough of the Barbarian Spirit Hall priests, it’s still beneficial. By the way, does the Head Priest remember the agreement made when Princess Changle took office as the First Deputy Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall?"

"Agreement?" Head Priest Bai Xiang showed a face of forgetfulness.

In reality, Bai Xiang couldn’t possibly forget the agreement, but in Bai Xiang’s view, both now and in the future, the Barbarian Spirit Hall being overseen by Princess Changle is the most appropriate choice.

"At that time, the Grand Power Sacrifices agreed that among the three Deputy Hall Masters, whoever finds a Barbarian Clan Battle Spirit at a higher Cultivation Stage for offering should ascend to the position of Main Hall Master." Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna said with a smile.

"Oh, is that so...but, the new Barbarian Clan Battle Spirit found by Ba'erlong doesn’t greatly enhance the strength of the Barbarian Spirit Hall..."

"But a promise is a promise, a decree is still a decree!" This time, Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna directly interrupted Head Priest Bai Xiang.