King of Creation Chapter 1712 - 1697: Desire for Freedom

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Previously on King of Creation...
Longnu and Yue Dao present the heads of Heavenly Temple Divine Masters to Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi, claiming credit for destroying the Luo Prefecture Branch Temple. Jiu Xi, seemingly deceived, bestows great power upon Longnu, enhancing his cultivation and bloodline, granting him the title of Strong Ox Demon.
"Strong Ox Demon!" "Strong Ox Demon!" "Strong Ox Demon!" With the Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi’s voice resonating across Ten Thousand Saints Mountain, the Demon Clan erupted in fervent shouts, regardless of whether they had witnessed the event. Demon Clan Divine Master Yue Dao’s gaze was filled with envy; receiving the title of Strong Ox Demon from the Prophet Demon Master conferred benefits of immeasurable value. It served as a protective charm, a mark of status, a grant of qualifications, and a beacon of fame. Henceforth, even if the Strong Ox Demon Longnu committed a grave offense, any disciplinary action by the Demon Emperor or the Demon God Palace would first require the explicit consent of Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi. Yue Dao, with his keen perception, deduced that during the topping ceremony, the Ox Demon Longnu must have chanced upon awakening an ancient bloodline of the Bull Demon Clan, renowned for its prodigious strength. The thunderous ovation persisted for a full fifteen minutes before gradually subsiding. Subsequently, Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi gracefully approached Yue Dao, positioning himself beside Yue Si and inquiring, "Did you achieve any significant results?" In adherence to their prior accord, Yue Dao had already presented nine Divine Master heads from his clan to his royal kinsman, which Yue Si formally submitted at that moment. "Not bad, continue your efforts!" Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi remarked after a brief counsel. He then proceeded to perform the topping ritual for Yue Si, while the surrounding members of the Moon Demon Imperial Family watched with bated breath. However, Yue Si, undergoing the topping, perceived no substantial augmentation to his cultivation base even after Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi concluded the ceremony. His realm merely advanced from the Third Stage to the Fourth Stage Late Stage within the Realm King Realm, paralleling Yue Dao's level, with no observable alterations to his bloodline. Following this, Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi initiated the topping for another Ox Demon, Niu Zhen. While an improvement was noted, its magnitude was comparable to Yue Si’s, falling significantly short of not only the Strong Ox Demon Longnu but even Yue Dao. It became evident to any discerning observer that Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi had perceived something amiss. It was highly probable that Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi had already ascertained that Yue Si and Ox Demon Niu Zhen had not genuinely participated in the extermination campaign at the Heavenly Temple Luo State Branch Temple. Nevertheless, neither the Moon Demon’s royal clan nor the Bull Demon’s royal clan elders seemed to attach any importance to this omission. Their objective in including Yue Si and Niu Zhen was not for the benefit of Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi’s topping. Instead, their aim was to leverage Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi’s procedures to bestow a distinguished accomplishment upon these two individuals. With this recorded success, Yue Si and Niu Zhen were poised for rapid ascent to positions of authority and influence. The sole cause for astonishment was the bestowal of the Strong Ox Demon title upon Longnu, its value being simply incomparable. They harbored a slight regret regarding their preceding coercive alliance with Ox Demon Longnu. "Following this event, I shall hold lectures and provide clarifications within the Nine Xi Tower of the Demon God for a duration of nine days. Leaders of the clans and Dao Realm elders from the royal clan are permitted to attend, along with eighteen individuals nominated by the Demon Emperor," Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi declared before vanishing into thin air. Concurrently, the high-ranking officials of the Demon Clan commenced deliberations and strategic considerations for selecting nominees for the limited attendance slots. The opportunity to receive instruction and guidance from Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi was truly an event of paramount importance. However, the engagements of these four distinguished Demon Clan heroes did not conclude merely with their audience with Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi. Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi’s actions merely reflected the stance of the Demon God Palace; the Demon Emperor still had to bestow further commendations. Yet, the rewards typically issued by the Demon Emperor were largely predictable. These usually entailed the granting of fiefdoms in accordance with military achievements, and apart from material wealth, the most significant component was the assignment of official positions. As per custom, meritorious Demon Clan heroes such as Strong Ox Demon Longnu and Yue Dao would be strategically placed in roles befitting their contributions. However, the specific appointments required several days of careful deliberation by the Demon Emperor to finalize. As a concluding segment of Prophet Demon Master Jiu Xi’s ceremonial departure, the Demon God Palace orchestrated a series of performances, including the enlistment of new Demon Envoys, to be presented sequentially. The assembled clan leaders and elders began to disperse, including Marquis Longnu and Demon Clan Divine Master Yue Dao. Despite this, their respective duties remained incomplete; upon departing, they were obligated to attend celebratory banquets meticulously arranged by their clans, events from which they could not abstain. However, just as they were about to leave, Strong Ox Demon Longnu dispatched a Divine Soul Telecommunication to Demon Clan Divine Master Yue Dao, an action that prompted a flicker of bewilderment to cross the latter's visage. .... For Ye Zhen, the solemn proceedings of the Ancestor God Temple felt increasingly like an arduous ordeal as they unfolded.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the end of a tiring day, it was finally time for the evening meal. Chunks of beast meat, devoid of any seasoning, were brought out after a mere fifteen-minute boil. They were served in substantial pieces to each individual present.

A mere slice of the knife revealed that the meat was still bleeding internally.

Ironically, consuming this entire portion of the sacrificial meat was an integral part of the ceremony. Regardless of personal preference, it had to be finished under the stern gaze of the Moon Priest, who presided over the feast.

The quantity in question was a staggering ten pounds of half-cooked, raw meat.

Fortunately, the martial artists possessed remarkable digestive capabilities; otherwise, such a meal could prove fatal.

However, the most daunting challenge fell upon Princess Changle, presented with ten pounds of similarly undercooked beast meat.

To Ye Zhen's astonishment, Princess Changle delicately employed a silver knife, expertly portioning the still-bleeding meat. She then proceeded to consume it at a pace surpassing even Ye Zhen's.

Her demeanor suggested the meat vanished into her mouth almost without the need for chewing.

Noticing Ye Zhen's look of bewilderment, Princess Changle initiated a Divine Soul Telecommunication, sending a thought directly to him: "Want to know?"

"Hmm?"

"Then remember you owe Changle a barbecue and a pot of braised short ribs, just like the ones you had in the Demon Clan Territory," Princess Changle stated.

It will be recalled that during their time stranded in the Demon Clan Territory, the culinary offerings were, to put it mildly, difficult to stomach. Even the human clan slaves hired as cooks provided only mediocre fare.

Over the years spent traversing the world, Ye Zhen had honed his skills in barbecue and stewing to an exceptional level.

Whenever his schedule permitted, Ye Zhen would personally prepare a delicious meal to share with Princess Changle.

Princess Changle's recollection of those times evoked cherished memories for Ye Zhen.

"No problem. As long as you enjoy it, I can cook for you every day..."

The moment the words left his mouth, Ye Zhen sensed an impropriety. His intention was a lighthearted remark, yet the phrasing carried an unintended implication.

As anticipated, a faint blush crept onto Princess Changle's cheeks.

"You said it, and I’ll remember! Let me tell you the secret behind my way of eating meat."

"Cultivators who have reached the Realm King Realm are capable of condensing and manifesting a Mustard Seed World, whether small or large, within their being. I simply transferred my internal Mustard Seed World to my mouth prior to the commencement of the ceremony," Princess Changle elaborated.

"Internal Mustard Seed World?"

A wave of astonishment washed over Ye Zhen as he redirected his gaze towards the grand hall. He observed the priests, including the esteemed Great Chief Priest Bai Xiang, alongside several Power Priests and the three Princes, effortlessly dicing the bleeding meat into small portions and consuming them.

Their mouths remained virtually still, and the second piece was swallowed moments after the first.

In stark contrast, the Star Priests, mirroring Ye Zhen's own experience, were seen grimacing as they labored to chew, their expressions etched with discomfort.

A sense of frustration settled upon Ye Zhen.

Even with the knowledge of the secret, he was still compelled to force himself to eat!

Beside him, Princess Changle observed Ye Zhen's contemplation of the meat-laden plate, her smile blooming radiantly.

The intricate rituals extended well past midnight, beneath a canopy of stars, yet the proceedings of the Barbarian Spirit Hall were far from concluded.

Princess Changle, holding the esteemed position of Main Hall Master, was still due to undergo a ceremonial inauguration. This would involve receiving the congratulations of tens of thousands of priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall, formally cementing her role as Hall Master.

Not long after her inauguration commenced, a priest approached Ye Zhen with a report: "Returning to you, Left Chief Priest, the Eldest Prince has specifically arrived to extend his congratulations to the Hall Master on her inauguration."

Ye Zhen's brow furrowed slightly. Before he could voice a response, the priest continued, his expression one of slight difficulty, "Along with congratulatory messages from the Fourth Prince and the Seventh Prince."

"These individuals are truly cunning! Go, accept the offerings sent by the Princes, and convey to each of them that the Hall Master acknowledges their good intentions but is currently occupied and unable to meet!" Ye Zhen instructed.

Upon hearing this directive, the reporting priest paused, appearing to perceive Ye Zhen's approach as somewhat abrupt.

"Why are you still lingering here?"

Princess Changle's gentle chiding resonated, "The decision of the Left Chief Priest aligns perfectly with my own. Now, proceed without delay!"

"Understood, I shall convey the refusal promptly!"

Within the expansive hall, the waiting Moon Priests, Star Priests, and Sky Priests exchanged knowing glances with Ye Zhen, consciously observing and noting his demeanor.

Ye Zhen fully comprehended the underlying motivations of the three Princes. With Changle's escalating influence and power, it was only natural for them to seek her allegiance.

Ye Zhen's refusal signaled Changle's current disinclination to become entangled in their political machinations.

"The five-year tenure is drawing near. Following tomorrow's grand ceremony, I shall depart," Ye Zhen declared unexpectedly.

"Five-year term?"

Princess Changle gave a slow nod, a touch of disappointment clouding her eyes. Her heart yearned for Ye Zhen to stay at the Barbarian Spirit Hall, cultivating by her side if it were possible.

Ye Zhen was the sole individual who treated her not as royalty, but as a true friend!

Nevertheless, Ye Zhen's resolve was unwavering.

For five years, the agreement had rendered the trials faced from the West Patrol merely minor inconveniences. However, with the stipulated period drawing to a close, the West Patrol, now unrestrained, was preparing for a life-or-death confrontation with Ye Zhen.

Concurrently, in a discreet tavern nestled within the sprawling Ten Thousand Saints City, Ye Dao and Longnu, having masterfully evaded their clan members under the pretense of festivities after numerous banquets, convened at this secluded establishment.

"What troubles you?" the Demon Clan's Divine Master, Ye Dao, inquired plainly. Earlier at the Demon God Palace, Longnu had urgently sent a telepathic message, requesting this private rendezvous.

With their wine jars in hand, they continued their communion through silent Divine Soul Telecommunication.

"Brother Ye, today, after receiving the Prophet Demon Master's highest honor, a sudden thought occurred to me. If we were to reveal to the Prophet Demon Master that we are under Ye Zhen's control via his Innate Divine Soul, would this potentially liberate us from his grasp?"