King of Creation Chapter 1720 - 1705: Sacrificial Battle Formation
Previously on King of Creation...
"Retreat?"
"Very well!"
"But before that, this old scoundrel must apologize to me, the Inherited Divine Messenger!" Ye Zhen bellowed, his finger pointed accusingly at the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin. At this moment, the Divine Archer Yiz Lie revealed himself. Ye Zhen's audacious words caused Tumen Changyin's face to contort with extreme displeasure, yet he dared not provoke Ye Zhen or Princess Changle. The Second Grand Power Sacrifice, Tongna, was truly incensed today. Princess Changle held the dual titles of Hall Master and a Royal Princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty; as a mere Power Sacrifice, he could not contend with her authority. However, this junior, the Inherited Divine Messenger Ye Zhen, surely he could handle? "Insolence!" Tongna bellowed furiously at Ye Zhen, preparing to make his move. Yet, just as Tongna was poised to strike, Ye Zhen ascended five meters into the air above the Barbarian Spirit Hall. From his palm, the Seal of the Left Chief Priest of the Barbarian Spirit Hall erupted, radiating a brilliant light. "All priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, heed my command! Deploy the War Spirit Sacrificial Battle Formation!" Upon hearing this directive, the Moon Priests and Star Priests who had accompanied Tongna and Tumen Changyin, already quite stunned, widened their eyes in even greater astonishment. Princess Changle's previous actions were outrageous enough. But for this Left Chief Priest, Ye, to now order the deployment of the War Spirit Sacrificial Battle Formation – what was his intention? Was this an act of rebellion or a prelude to a massacre? It is common knowledge that each branch of the Ancestor God Temple possesses a War Spirit Sacrificial Battle Formation. This formation is where priests employ secret techniques to bolster and sustain war spirits, enabling them to unleash their combat power to its fullest extent during critical junctures. Typically, these War Spirit Sacrificial Battle Formations are rarely activated; their initiation signifies a measure of last resort. The eyes of the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice, Tumen Changyin, narrowed into slits. He could not fathom the source of Princess Changle and Ye Zhen's immense confidence today that allowed them to challenge a Power Sacrifice like himself. Especially to the point of invoking the power of war spirits against him! Such an event had never occurred within the hallowed halls of the Ancestor God Temple! Tongna was now genuinely trembling with rage. His fury surged to the point of causing visible tremors at Ye Zhen's decree! To actually intend to deploy the War Spirit Sacrificial Battle Formation against the Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice – was this not outright rebellion? "How dare you!" Tongna roared, suddenly noticing Ye Zhen still suspended in mid-air, his gaze fixed coldly upon the priests positioned in all directions around the Barbarian Spirit Hall. "Seize this treasonous wretch for me!" Tongna commanded furiously, leveling his halberd at Ye Zhen. "Let us see who dares!" "Who would dare lay a hand upon my general's Inherited Divine Messenger?" Both Princess Changle's delicate yet firm rebuke and the furious challenge of the War Spirit Divine Archer Yiz Lie resounded simultaneously. Thousands of spectral Yin Spirits materialized behind Princess Changle, forming a protective cordon around Ye Zhen. The several Moon Priests who had initially followed the Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna's order faltered mid-step, freezing in place, utterly unwilling to move. Each wore an expression of unbearable tension, beads of cold sweat trickling down their foreheads. The reason for their paralysis was starkly clear. The imposing Giant Bow held by the Divine Archer Yiz Lie was now fully drawn, with three potent Spirit Arrows nocked and ready. The sheer oppressive aura emanating from these three aimed arrows was sufficient to intimidate the ten-plus Moon Priests who had intended to apprehend Ye Zhen. Every single Moon Priest could distinctly feel that any further aggressive movement on their part would result in their immediate targeting by Yiz Lie's Spirit Arrows. The very essence of those Spirit Arrows hinted at either instant death or grievous injury. Consequently, none dared to make a move. This tableau of defiance nearly drove the Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna to the brink of explosion. Although Tongna was not the supreme authority within the Ancestor God Temple, his prestige and influence were only marginally less than that of the Great Chief Priest Bai Xiang. Even Bai Xiang's own loyal followers would never dare display such blatant disrespect towards him, always adhering to his commands without question. Yet, here he was, repeatedly thwarted within the confines of the Barbarian Spirit Hall! The primary catalyst for this humiliation, in truth, was Princess Changle. Once Princess Changle unleashed that singular drop of Creation Spirit Blood, the Ancient God War Spirit revered by the Barbarian Spirit Hall would unleash its formidable might. Even the Divine Archer Yiz Lie had willingly stepped forward to champion the cause of that drop of Creation Spirit Blood, asserting his capability to contend even against a god in the Creation Realm's early stage if the need arose! The Divine Archer Yiz Lie's declaration was no mere boast.
Given that Holy Spirit Peak was present, and his True Spirit resided in proximity to it, having just undergone several grand Essence Blood Sacrifices, such power could indeed be unleashed.
How immense was that intimidation?
Needless to say, a mere glance at the steely expression, the unwavering focus, and the beads of cold sweat on Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice Tumen Changyin’s forehead would offer insight into the extent of that pressure!
From the moment Divine Archer Yiz Lie made his appearance, his Arrow Intent subtly focused on Tumen Changyin.
In that instant, under Princess Changle’s sharp reprimand and Divine Archer Yiz Lie’s furious shout, neither Tongna nor the individuals accompanying Tumen Changyin dared to make a move!
"Priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, are you not preparing to form the array, or do you intend to disregard orders?" Ye Zhen’s commanding and frigid voice suddenly echoed.
As soon as Ye Zhen spoke, a portion of the priests from the Barbarian Spirit Hall promptly began to stir, rapidly proceeding towards the Holy Spirit Peak altar to set up the formation.
These individuals were loyal followers handpicked by Princess Changle, understanding the shared fate of Ye Zhen and Princess Changle, and thus complied with Ye Zhen’s directive.
Yet, a significant number of other priests remained indecisive.
Witnessing this, Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna bellowed heatedly at the priests assembling the formation, "I wish to see who dares!"
At this outburst, the hesitant priests abruptly halted their actions regarding the formation.
"Left Chief Priest Ye, according to the regulations of our Ancestor God Temple, how should those who fail to obey the directives of the Hall Master and Main Priest, and those who falter on the battlefield, be handled?" Princess Changle’s clear and chilling voice suddenly cut through the air.
"In accordance with the laws of the Ancestor God Temple, those who disobey commands and retreat in battle shall face execution!" Ye Zhen responded, a killing aura emanating as he addressed Princess Changle.
"Very well, as you are the Left Chief Priest, the authority to administer punishment rests with you!
Today, any individual who defies your orders and refuses to advance shall be put to death then and there!" Princess Changle’s voice resonated with resolute and merciless determination.
Ye Zhen turned his head to briefly acknowledge Princess Changle, discreetly offering a gesture of approval. He had not anticipated Princess Changle grasping his intent so swiftly.
In reality, Ye Zhen’s primary objective in actively stepping forward to issue commands and orchestrate the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation was not to address the immediate predicament.
The current circumstances did not necessitate such decisive actions.
Rather, the aim was to consolidate the strength of the entire Barbarian Spirit Hall, reinforce Princess Changle's authority as the Temple Mistress, and ensure that all priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall recognized their true leader.
In recent days, the roster of priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall had surged dramatically, expanding from fifty thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand, a threefold increase.
Of these additional hundred thousand individuals, aside from the new priests personally vetted by Princess Changle, the majority had either been voluntarily dispatched or strategically placed by various influential families from other halls.
The allegiance of these individuals to specific families, and their willingness to follow Princess Changle's commands during a crucial moment, remained uncertain.
At this juncture, Ye Zhen was employing this situation to unify the Barbarian Spirit Hall's power, identify, and purge those unreliably integrated individuals.
As for the inherent risks.
Ye Zhen had thoroughly considered them; the Ancestor God Temple could not directly oppose Princess Changle, and without confronting Princess Changle, they could not possibly deal with him, Ye Zhen, given Princess Changle's resolute stance.
Furthermore, Ye Zhen, as the Inherited Divine Messenger, held paramount importance.
Most critically, Princess Changle's challenge today was founded on justifiable grounds.
Regardless of the opposition, the logic underpinning the situation remained unshakeable.
This resulted in the current scenario escalating indefinitely!
Following Princess Changle's decree, Ye Zhen’s sharp, eagle-like gaze immediately surveyed the hundred and fifty thousand priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall.
"Where are the sacrificial guards under the Left Chief Priest? Immediately utilize Spirit Shadow to meticulously record and preserve the likenesses of all priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall who defied orders and retreated from combat, to serve as irrefutable evidence!"
"Where are the Law Enforcement Priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall?"
Ye Zhen issued two swift commands, and promptly, three hundred priests emerged from behind him, bearing Shadow Capture Jade Slips, commencing the solemn task of recording the Spirit Shadows.
Simultaneously, a contingent of one hundred black-robed Star Priests, spearheaded by two black-robed Moon Priests, materialized abruptly from the shadows in a secluded corner of the Barbarian Spirit Hall.
The two Moon Priests offered a respectful bow and salute to Ye Zhen, inquiring, "The Ritual Sacrifice of the Barbarian Spirit Hall has arrived; what are your orders, Left Chief Priest?" "As per the laws of our Ancestor God Temple, once the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation commences its deployment, all personnel must assume their positions within sixty breaths. From this moment, the countdown begins. Any individual who fails to reach their designated post within the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation after sixty breaths, irrespective of their cultivation or status, shall... face execution!" The concluding word, 'execution,' sent shivers through all one hundred and fifty thousand priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, as well as the accompanying Moon and Star Priests who served the two Grand Power Sacrifices. A biting, cold wind swept through them! As for those hesitant priests within the Barbarian Spirit Hall, an oppressive killing aura seemed to close in! "Yes, we shall strictly adhere to the commands of Left Chief Priest Ye! The countdown is initiated!" The commander of the Ritual Sacrifice issued the decree, and a clear, resonant timing sound echoed. Over a hundred Ritual Sacrifices unveiled their sacrificial blades, emanating a chilling aura and fixing their gaze upon the Barbarian Spirit Hall priests like predatory wolves. They were biding their time, anticipating the moment to unleash a massacre! In a mere instant, thirty thousand priests had already moved to their assigned stations within the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation, taking firm footing and commencing the casting and empowerment. Furthermore, some eager Moon Priests and Star Priests observed Ye Zhen and Princess Changle with fervent anticipation. The Barbarian Spirit Hall, long suppressed, was finally poised for a moment of resurgence and pride! The decisive actions of these priests who promptly secured their positions, coupled with the menacing glares of the black-robed Ritual Sacrifices directed at the hesitant ones, proved too much for the wavering priests in the Barbarian Spirit Hall. One by one, they channeled their Qi, surging towards the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation, meticulously arranging the formation's layers according to established training protocols. The infusion of spiritual power from the one hundred and fifty thousand individuals amplified the aura of Divine Archer Yiz Lie, who stood at the heart of Holy Spirit Peak. This rapid enhancement caused the complexions of the Moon Priests and Star Priests, currently locked in the sights of Divine Archer Yiz Lie’s Arrow Intent, to grow even paler. Under the overwhelming momentum, not a single priest from the Barbarian Spirit Hall dared to disobey the directives! Ye Zhen turned slightly and addressed Divine Archer Yiz Lie, stating, "General Yiz Lie, this old scoundrel has uttered insolent words, defiling our Holy Spirit Peak's Ancient God War Spirit. Today, this villain shall not depart our Barbarian Spirit Hall unless he offers an apology. Should he make any move, General Yiz Lie, please do not hesitate to shoot!" "Insult our Holy Spirit Peak? Very well!" Divine Archer Yiz Lie acknowledged with a slow nod. His Giant Bow and Spirit Arrow subtly shifted, causing a burst of light to emanate from the Bone Shield protecting Seventh Grand Power Sacrifice Tup Menn Changyin. Unable to withstand the palpable killing intent under the lock of Arrow Intent, Tup Menn Changyin quickly activated his Protective Treasure to counter Divine Archer Yiz Lie’s Arrow Intent. Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna observed this unfolding scene, utterly bewildered and stunned. In his centuries of service as a Power Priest within the Ancestor God Temple, he had never witnessed such audacity from branch hall priests and hall masters who dared to threaten the esteemed Power Priests of the Ancestor God Temple! This was.. sheer madness! However, the situation within the Barbarian Spirit Hall was escalating with alarming speed. Under the combined pressure from the black-robed Ritual Sacrifices and the Spirit Shadow's influence, all priests of the Barbarian Spirit Hall successfully formed the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation, channeling continuous power to Divine Archer Yiz Lie. The malevolent gazes of the black-robed Ritual Sacrifices shifted towards First Deputy Hall Master Ba’erlong, leaving no ambiguity in their intentions. Simultaneously, the focused attention of Ye Zhen and Princess Changle also fell upon First Deputy Hall Master Ba’erlong, causing him to tremble intensely. The countdown being announced by the black-robed Ritual Sacrifice resonated in Ba’erlong's ears like the tolling of a death knell! And precisely at this critical juncture, as the Arrow Intent of Divine Archer Yiz Lie, amplified by the War Spirit Sacrificial Formation, reached a significant threshold, a sudden alarm bell pierced the air within the Ancestor God Temple. "Who dares to act with such presumption? To utilize Dao Realm Peak power within the sacred grounds of the Ancestor God Temple?"