King of Creation Chapter 1718 - 1703: At Any Cost, Even Blood

With the departure of Ba’erlong, the first deputy hall master, who left angrily to file a complaint, a ripple of unease spread among the priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, their hushed conversations filling the air.

The saying 'where there are people, there is Jianghu' held true even here.

Factional rivalries had been a constant within the Barbarian Spirit Hall since time immemorial.

These internal divisions were quite distinct: initially, a substantial seventy percent of the priests aligned themselves with the brothers Ba’erlong and Ba’erhu.

The remaining thirty percent consisted of priests who found themselves on the wrong side of the Ba’erlong brothers, often suffering deductions in their cultivation resources and being burdened with the most arduous and perilous tasks.

The ascension of Princess Changle to the role of first deputy hall master, inheriting the mantle of the Barbarian Saintess, shifted the power dynamic, placing her above the Ba’erlong brothers.

Thus, the factional strife within the Barbarian Spirit Hall became conspicuously pronounced.

Members of the royal clan possessed an innate talent for navigating such power struggles, a skill undoubtedly honed by Princess Changle's own intellect and diligent efforts.

Despite being frequently confined to the Princess Mansion, she dedicated herself to devouring the vast collection of books in the Luoyi Imperial Palace, even receiving specialized instruction from court scholars.

Consequently, not long after assuming her position as first deputy hall master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, Princess Changle adeptly consolidated the thirty percent of priests who had been marginalized, forming her core support.

Further maneuvers within the Great Zhou Imperial Court, leveraging her status and the court's influence, allowed her to attract several moon and star priests from prominent noble families of Great Zhou within the Barbarian Spirit Hall to her cause. This strategic move enabled her to effectively rival the Ba’erlong brothers and gain significant control over the Barbarian Spirit Hall's power.

This shift in power compelled the Ba’erlong brothers to eventually seek out the Barbarian God Battle Spirit Tributor, intending to reclaim their lost influence in a single decisive action.

Although Princess Changle has now ascended to the position of Main Hall Master, the Ba’erlong brothers had commanded the Barbarian Spirit Hall for centuries, and a substantial contingent of their personnel remained fiercely loyal.

These devoted followers of the Ba’erlong brothers began to discreetly communicate among themselves.

What was their motive?

The reason was now abundantly clear.

The Ba’erlong brothers had suffered defeat in the recent challenge but, unable to accept their loss, were now seeking retribution through the Great Chief Sacrifice Hall.

How did they intend to achieve this?

Their focus was solely on the injuries sustained by Ba’erhu during Ye Zhen's martial display, twisting the events to accuse Ye Zhen of intentional homicide.

While conflicts were not uncommon within the Ancestor God Temple, incidents severe enough to result in fatalities were exceedingly rare.

This was particularly evident in Ba’erhu's ghastly condition, his right arm severed and a significant portion of his shoulder ripped away, revealing wriggling flesh and blood vessels.

The Tiger Soul Giant Bow clutched in his hand lay splintered in two.

More critically, the Tiger Soul Giant Bow was a bound artifact, nurtured by Ba’erhu since his youth; its destruction, even with the artifact spirit intact, inflicted a grievous blow to Ba’erhu's Divine Soul.

He appeared to have aged a decade in an instant, his demeanor one of profound despair and utter misery!

If they could successfully frame Ye Zhen based on these circumstances, the Ancestor God Temple might indeed find him guilty of assaulting a fellow disciple.

While Ye Zhen, holding the esteemed title of Inherited Divine Messenger, could not be formally expelled from the Barbarian Spirit Hall, his position as Left Chief Priest would undoubtedly be forfeited.

Such an outcome would constitute a subtle yet significant victory for the Ba’erlong brothers.

Comprehending the objectives of the two hall masters they served, the unwavering loyalists of the Ba’erlong and Ba’erhu brothers quickly conferred within the assembled crowd.

With their collective testimonies, there was indeed a genuine possibility of their plan succeeding!

Furthermore, even the second deputy hall master, Ba’erhu, understood his elder brother's intentions. Thus, despite having a moment to catch his breath, he showed no inclination to tend to his wounds.

Instead, the previously staunched flow of blood from his severed arm began to recommence its crimson descent, amplifying his tragic appearance!

Princess Changle grasped the underlying machinations with clarity, and Ye Zhen, not one to be easily deceived, shared a knowing glance with her before they both returned to their respective seats.

"The sacred ceremony must not be disturbed; let the music and dance proceed!"

With a gentle command from Princess Changle, a Sky Priest from among the gathered officiants stepped forward once more, initiating the sacrificial music and dance.

It must be acknowledged that Ba’erlong's swiftness was truly remarkable.

In less than a quarter of an hour, he returned with imposing haste, accompanied by two Power Priests.

The Second Grand Power Sacrifice, Tongna, and the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Chengyin, belonging to the Tup Menn compound surname, were present.

Tongna, the Second Grand Power Sacrifice, was the pillar of support for the Ba’erlong brothers, while Chengyin, the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, was a collateral relative.

Despite their distant relation, the Ancestor God Temple maintained a close connection between them.

It was the foresight and planning of the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Chengyin, that facilitated the Ba’erlong brothers' entry into the Barbarian Spirit Hall.

He arrived with a retinue of priests and immediately went to Ba’erhu’s side before uttering a word.

A single look was enough to turn his expression exceedingly grim!

"Ba’erhu’s mastery of the Arrow Path is entirely dependent on his right arm. Severing it, even if the Ancestor God Temple possesses elixirs that can regenerate his limb, will severely compromise his skills.

He will barely be able to return to his former level!"

"Furthermore, the Tiger Soul Giant Bow, a life-bound artifact nurtured by Ba’erhu since childhood, has been destroyed along with his right arm—an act equivalent to demolishing Ba’erhu’s entire Martial Arts foundation!

What profound hatred, what malevolent intent, fuels such an attack on a colleague?"

"Vicious, utterly vicious! To destroy Ba’erhu’s Martial Arts foundation is even more ruthless than killing him outright!"

"To dare commit fratricide within the sacred Ancestor God Temple!"

"Who is responsible for this atrocity?"

"Which lawless and violent scoundrel dared to commit such an act? Stand forward now!"

"Stand up!"

The final three words were bellowed by the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin.

His resounding voice, like a physical force, sent the assembled priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall staggering backward.

Without waiting for anyone else to speak, upon entering the hall, the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, immediately implicated Ye Zhen, branding him as lawless and violent.

It was evident that Ba’erlong had brought him here to reclaim his standing and avenge his brother.

This was undeniably a political maneuver!

Though Ye Zhen might not have been the most adept at navigating such intricacies, his extensive experiences had honed him into a seasoned veteran.

Moreover, being publicly denounced as a "scoundrel" was an insult Ye Zhen would not tolerate.

Unexpectedly, Princess Changle stepped forward before him.

"Great Priest Tumen, I must correct you on one point. Ye Zhen serves as the Left Chief Priest of our Barbarian Spirit Hall, not the 'scoundrel' you referred to.

Ye Zhen is the Inherited Divine Messenger of our Barbarian Ancient God and the five Barbarian Clan Battle Spirits revered by the Barbarian Spirit Hall.

The honor bestowed upon the Inherited Divine Messenger reflects the honor of our Barbarian Spirit Hall!

To insult the Inherited Divine Messenger is to insult the Ancient God War Spirits we venerate; it is to trample upon the dignity of our Barbarian Spirit Hall.

In this matter, even you, as the Grand Power Sacrifice, are not exempt, nor can you be!

Princess Changle’s demeanor became exceedingly stern as she declared solemnly to the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, "Great Priest Tumen, I demand you apologize to the Ancient God and War Spirits venerated by our Barbarian Spirit Hall, and please, apologize to our Barbarian Spirit Hall’s Inherited Divine Messenger, the Left Chief Priest Ye Zhen!"

Regardless of Princess Changle’s formal address, the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, remained disdainful and dismissive.

He, a distinguished Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, expected to apologize for insulting a mere Left Chief Priest? Utterly preposterous!

Even if Ye Zhen were an Inherited Divine Messenger, an apology was out of the question!

He had insulted, and perhaps even directly suppressed, over a thousand Inherited Divine Messengers and Left Chief Priests in his time.

An apology was simply not on the table!

Consequently, the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, completely disregarded Princess Changle, viewing her as nothing more than a child throwing a fit.

An apology? How could such a thing be considered?

"Proceed at once, all of you, gather immediate evidence! Regarding today’s incident where Ye Zhen attempted to murder Ba’erhu, conduct a thorough investigation, meticulously record all details, and have the priests channel their spirit pressure!" Tumen Changyin continued issuing directives as if undisturbed.

From the moment he arrived, he had already resolved to solidify this incident into an undeniable case.

Even if Ye Zhen could not be expelled from the Barbarian Spirit Hall, his objective was to strip him of his position as Left Chief Priest, thereby striking a significant blow against Princess Changle’s influence.

Indeed, the scheme to usurp the position of Main Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall had consistently received the backing and orchestration of the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin.

However, plans, as they often do, are subject to unforeseen shifts.

All the Moon Priests and Star Priests who accompanied Tumen Changyin were exceptionally sharp-witted. Upon receiving their instructions, they swiftly proceeded to gather testimonies from the priests under Ba’erlong’s command.

Naturally, those providing statements were all Ba’erlong’s confidants within the Barbarian Spirit Hall, and they knew precisely how to frame their accounts to favor him.

With two Power Priests overseeing the process, any recorded testimony would be considered irrefutable evidence.

At that point, even if the Great Chief Priest Bai Xiang himself intervened, overturning the judgment would prove exceedingly difficult!

Just as many priests aligned with Princess Changle’s faction realized this and grew anxious, Princess Changle, with remarkable composure, ascended to a position a hundred meters before the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin.

Once more, she addressed him with solemn earnestness, "Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice Tumen Changyin, I implore you to offer an apology for the insult directed at our Barbarian Spirit Hall’s Inherited Divine Messenger, Ye Zhen. Apologize to the Ancient God and the War Spirits whom we hold sacred!"

Upon hearing this, the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, shot her a furious glare. "What? You demand an apology from me? Are you out of your mind, or are you simply foolish?"

Despite his outburst, Princess Changle’s expression remained unchanged.

She resolutely reiterated her demand to the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, "Great Priest Tumen, I urge you once more to apologize to the Ancient God and War Spirits venerated by our Barbarian Spirit Hall, and to our Barbarian Spirit Hall’s Inherited Divine Messenger, Left Chief Priest Ye Zhen! Should you refuse, we are prepared to spill blood to uphold the dignity of our Barbarian Spirit Hall’s Ancient God and ourselves!"

This third entreaty from Princess Changle contained a crucial addition compared to her previous two statements.

However, it was precisely that single added phrase that caused the countenances of the Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna and the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice Tumen Changyin to shift.

"To defend the Barbarian Spirit Hall’s honor with blood? Young lady, are you absolutely certain these are the words you wish to convey to me?" The Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, narrowed his eyes.

Princess Changle’s captivating face turned frigid. "I am the Main Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall and the foremost Princess to have graced the Universe Hall’s corridors within our Great Zhou. By what right do you address me as 'young lady'?"

"Great Priest Tumen, in uttering such words, you demonstrate disrespect towards this Palace and our Barbarian Spirit Hall! I grant you a final opportunity to apologize! If not..."

"If not, what?" Tumen Changyin’s expression changed, and he let out a sneer. However, this time, he refrained from daring to refer to Princess Changle as a 'young lady' again.

"Then, we shall shed blood to summon our Barbarian Spirit Hall’s Ancient God to exact punishment upon you!"

No sooner had these words fallen from her lips than a luminous, crystalline green Blood Pearl materialized upon Princess Changle’s forehead.