King of Creation Chapter 1759 - 1744: Seeking Defeat Alone

"Why does that brat want to rent the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar?" Within the grand hall reserved for the Second Grand Sacrifice Tongna, a hint of puzzlement crossed Tongna's face.

"Your subordinate is also unaware. However, that brat's Divine Soul Aura is rather peculiar. Under the pressure of my Dao Realm aura, it remained utterly unshaken. We must not take him lightly." stated the War Soul Hall Master, Bi Ze.

"If that brat didn't possess so many strange qualities, how could Tup Menn Changyin have suffered such a significant loss previously? How could this old man have lost so much face?"

The Great Sacrifice Tongna's expression turned grim. "Bi Ze, you handled this matter admirably this time!"

"That brat caused this old man to lose considerable face; how could he possibly depart unscathed! Furthermore, he has brazenly walked right into our grasp this time.

I wish to see what further tricks he can conjure. Even if he brings Bai Xiang along, it will prove to be futile this time!"

Upon hearing this, Bi Ze nodded in agreement. "Indeed. This is an internal matter for our War Soul Hall. We are merely adhering to regulations and are not targeting any individual deliberately. No one can find fault with our actions."

Naturally, there was something Bi Ze omitted: the entirety of the rental regulations for the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal were meticulously crafted by their War Soul Hall.

With a darkening visage, Ye Zhen returned to the Barbarian Spirit Hall. Princess Changle observed him, her gaze shifting, yet she remained reticent. She merely instructed a female Sacrificial Guard to prepare a cup of Spiritual Tea and then personally delivered it to Ye Zhen.

"Hmm? It appears things did not proceed smoothly?"

"More than just not smoothly!" The manner in which he was obstructed was profoundly vexing, enough to ignite a burning rage within and leave him with no outlet for his frustration. "As long as it concerns me, it is simply impossible to rent that Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar from the War Soul Hall."

"How could such a thing happen?"

A flicker of dawning comprehension entered Princess Changle’s beautiful eyes. "It seems the Second Grand Sacrifice Tongna must have interfered. The War Soul Hall Master, Bi Ze, operates under the command of the Second Grand Sacrifice Tongna."

"Here, please drink some tea and refrain from anger. We shall diligently devise another approach. So long as the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar exists, a solution will eventually present itself," Princess Changle softly reassured him.

Ye Zhen accepted the teacup; his fingertips grazed lightly against Princess Changle’s delicate jade fingers, sending a tremor through his heart. Only then did he perceive the extraordinary gentleness emanating from Princess Changle at this moment.

She bore no resemblance to the incomparably regal Princess of the past, nor did she resemble the Hall Master of the Barbarian Spirit Hall, who commanded both might and authority. She appeared more akin to a wife, a woman of tender disposition.

Ye Zhen’s prolonged gaze caused Princess Changle’s lovely face to redden. Becoming slightly flustered, she smoothed her dark tresses. "What is it, Brother Ye, is my hair out of place?"

"Uh, no."

Despite his denial, Ye Zhen’s mind recalled the solemn warning Chief Eunuch Yu Chao’en had imparted to him previously.

Towards Princess Changle, he absolutely must suppress any improper sentiments.

To be candid, Ye Zhen’s emotions were in a state of complex turmoil.

On one hand, his fervent desire to locate Caiyi as swiftly as possible consumed him. Over a decade had elapsed, yet every single memory from his time with Caiyi felt as vivid as if it had transpired but yesterday.

On the other hand, Princess Changle genuinely stirred Ye Zhen’s heart. Setting aside the profound connection forged between them, Princess Changle’s peerless beauty and the innate noble aura she exuded unfailingly were sufficient to ignite any man’s inherent desire for conquest.

However, at this juncture, Ye Zhen lacked the emotional bandwidth for such matters.

If he could not achieve a breakthrough to the Dark Palace Realm, if he could not attain greater power, then all other considerations would remain hollow pronouncements.

"What do you surmise would be the efficacy of employing the Heavenly Patrol Department to exert pressure upon the War Soul Hall?" Ye Zhen suddenly inquired.

On his journey back, Ye Zhen had already been diligently contemplating strategies to counter the War Soul Hall, or more precisely, methods to acquire that coveted Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar.

Yet, no matter the extent of his deliberations, numerous avenues simply proved unworkable.

Were it some other form of treasure, relying on the Innate Five Elements Divine Escape, Ye Zhen might have actually managed to pilfer it.

But this Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal already possessed an owner and was utterly integrated with the entirety of the War Soul Hall. There was unequivocally no possibility of theft.

Securing the assistance of Great Chief Priest Bai Xiang through Princess Changle’s intercession was one potential path, but it was fundamentally impractical.

Setting aside the question of whether Great Chief Priest Bai Xiang would even consent to intervene, even if he did, the outcome would likely amount to naught.

Whether the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar was available for rent, or currently in use, rested entirely on the word of the War Soul Hall members. Their pronouncements were final.

After prolonged deliberation, Ye Zhen considered that leveraging Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu to apply external pressure upon the kin and associates of War Soul Hall's high-ranking officials might compel their compliance. This approach seemed viable.

Upon hearing this, Princess Changle slowly negated the idea. "To openly defy such a formidable entity as the War Soul Hall is tantamount to antagonizing the entire contingent allied with the Second Grand Power Sacrifice, Tongna.

Even Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu likely lacks the audacity for such a move! External coercion can serve as leverage, but it cannot be the primary strategy."

"If not as a strategy, then what course of action should we pursue?" Ye Zhen inquired, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Does the War Soul Hall possess any critical vulnerabilities?"

Princess Changle appeared taken aback. "Brother Ye, a critical vulnerability? What are you contemplating?"

"If we cannot achieve our objective through overt means, then we shall resort to forceful measures! Regardless of the path, no matter the method, I am determined to secure the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar for a period." In that moment, Ye Zhen's resolve hardened, his expression becoming one of unyielding determination.

Since the War Soul Hall aimed to obstruct his cultivation path, he would find every possible means to dismantle this obstacle from his way.

Suddenly, Ye Zhen's eyebrows shot up. "Changle, I recall the Ancestor God Temple having regulations regarding challenges and sparring matches. Is that correct?"

"Challenges? Yes, there are."

"Our Ancestor God Temple, much like our Great Zhou Dynasty, embraces a martial spirit. Any Priest within the Ancestor God Temple is at liberty to challenge others for sparring, thereby honing their practical combat prowess.

Furthermore, the various halls within the Ancestor God Temple are permitted to initiate group challenges as a form of collective training. However, whether it be individual Priest challenges or inter-hall contests, participation cannot be coerced; mutual agreement is essential," Princess Changle explained.

"I understand." Ye Zhen's eyes narrowed instantly, a glint of light flashing at the periphery of his vision. "Changle, if our Barbarian Spirit Hall were to issue a formal public challenge to the War Soul Hall, would the War Soul Hall dare to refuse?"

"That is indeed true. If the War Soul Hall declined the challenge, their reputation would be utterly ruined, extending even to their ancestors, and they would be shamed into obscurity." Princess Changle offered a wry smile. "However, given the current standing of our Barbarian Spirit Hall, we likely wouldn't even possess the standing to challenge the War Soul Hall.

Setting aside the Dao Realm, in terms of sheer numbers of Moon Priests alone, the War Soul Hall commands more than ten times our strength. A direct confrontation is simply not feasible."

"I am merely posing a hypothetical. Tell me, if I were to personally appear at the War Soul Hall's entrance and issue a challenge, how would the War Soul Hall likely respond?"

Princess Changle froze for a moment before quickly interjecting, "Absolutely not! The War Soul Hall boasts over a thousand Moon Priests, not to mention their ability to draw upon the Power of War Soul at their main entrance. You alone would stand no chance!"

"Whether I stand a chance or not will be determined after the fight!"

"Since they insist on adhering to rules, I shall engage them by those very rules, and we shall see who prevails!" Ye Zhen's expression was etched with cold ferocity.

Approximately a quarter-hour later, Ye Zhen reappeared before the grand entrance of the War Soul Hall. With a million Priests affiliated with the War Soul Hall, the vicinity of the main entrance teemed with a constant flow of individuals, people arriving and departing without cessation.

Moreover, the War Soul Hall, not only ranking among the top five halls in terms of power within the Ancestor God Temple, but also benefited from a prime location. Situated at the very heart of the Ancestor God Temple, it served as a major convergence point for traffic flowing between all the halls.

Priests adorned in a diverse array of robes, representing various halls, passed by in an unbroken stream.

Striding purposefully towards the War Soul Hall's main entrance, Ye Zhen executed the correct incantation. He then produced two immense flagpoles, each a hundred meters in length and forged from Refined Gold. With a casual toss, the poles plunged into the open ground flanking the main gate of the War Soul Hall, accompanied by a resounding boom.

A colossal banner unfurled across the expanse, snapping audibly in the strong, gusting wind, positioned directly before the War Soul Hall's facade.

However, what truly commanded attention were the bold, blood-red characters emblazoned upon the immense banner.

"Caiyi Hall's Left Chief Priest, Ye Zhen, has specifically arrived to impart martial arts instruction to the esteemed Priests of the War Soul Hall. A single defeat is all that is sought; humble requests are made for your acceptance!"

The instant Ye Zhen hoisted this banner, it captivated the attention of numerous passing Priests from other halls, prompting them to halt their steps and observe. A mere glance was sufficient for them to erupt into fits of laughter.

While they had encountered arrogant individuals previously, none had ever displayed such an audacious level of conceit.

To publicly display such a banner directly at the main entrance of War Soul Hall—was this not a blatant declaration of animosity towards the entirety of War Soul Hall?

Furthermore, the inscription on both the front and back of Ye Zhen’s banner was identical; its unfurling immediately drew countless pairs of eyes.

A considerable number of War Soul Hall Priests happened to be passing by at that precise moment. As Ye Zhen’s banner was revealed, it ignited the fury of numerous War Soul Hall Priests.

To erect such a banner at the War Soul Hall’s entryway—was this not akin to challenging their hall's very foundation?

This amounted to blatant provocation right at the doorstep of War Soul Hall.

Such an act could be tolerated, but how could it possibly be endured!

Without delay, a throng of War Soul Hall Priests surged forward in overwhelming anger, led by a Moon Priest who rushed towards Ye Zhen.

He clasped his hands together and boomed, "I am Pi Zhilong, a Moon Priest of War Soul Hall, here to bestow upon you a defeat!"

"Excellent, please proceed!"

Ye Zhen inclined his head in a gesture of acceptance, preparing to engage in the combat.

However, just as this War Soul Hall Moon Priest, Pi Zhilong, was poised to make his move, another Moon Priest subtly tugged at Pi Zhilong’s sleeve. He then directed Pi Zhilong's gaze towards an additional line of text inscribed in the lower right corner of the banner.

"Ye Zhen, male, twenty-eight years of age, Cultivation at the Peak of Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm, has specifically journeyed here to challenge War Soul Hall, seeking only a single defeat. Should I be maimed or perish in battle, the consequences shall not involve any other party!"

This declaration emblazoned on the colossal banner caused the onlookers to collectively gasp in astonishment.

What truly stunned them was not the Life and Death Contract Ye Zhen had stipulated, but rather the meticulously recorded Cultivation level and age presented above.

Possessing Cultivation at the Peak of Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm was not uncommon; however, to achieve this at the age of twenty-eight was exceptionally rare.

What astonishing speed of Cultivation was this?

Even the most exceptional prodigies nurtured from infancy within the Ancestor God Temple barely reached this level, and perhaps were even slightly inferior.

War Soul Hall's Priest Pi Zhilong, however, was utterly dumbfounded, his countenance instantly contorting into an expression of extreme displeasure.

The crucial detail he noticed was Ye Zhen's self-proclaimed Cultivation – the Peak of Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm.

Furthermore, Ye Zhen's current aura perfectly mirrored the Peak of Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm.

The crux of the issue lay here: he, a Moon Priest at the Sixth Stage of Realm King Realm, engaging in combat with a Priest at the Peak of Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm would be a significant blemish upon his dignity.

Defeat? Pi Zhilong considered this outcome highly improbable.

Yet, even if he emerged victorious, there would be no honor to be gained.

Should he engage and vanquish Ye Zhen, War Soul Hall itself would suffer an even greater loss of prestige.

Once the news disseminated, the prevailing sentiment would be that a distinguished Moon Priest had stooped to bullying a mere Sky Priest at the Peak of Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm.

In truth, prior to this revelation, no one had perceived Ye Zhen as a Sky Priest of the Ninth Stage of Divine Communication Realm. However, with Ye Zhen's own disclosure, the situation fundamentally altered.

At this juncture, Moon Priest Pi Zhilong found himself unable to proceed with his intended action, even if he desired to.

His expression darkening, Pi Zhilong retreated several paces. He then gestured towards a Star Priest of the Dark Palace Realm Seventh Stage standing nearby and commanded, "You shall engage him. Subsequently, strip this individual bare and hoist him upon that flagpole!"

Although Moon Priest Pi Zhilong was unaware of Ye Zhen's specific lineage, the title of Left Chief Priest was sufficient to command his cautious respect.

He opted for a Star Priest at the Dark Palace Realm Seventh Stage to undertake the confrontation. While a disparity in Cultivation persisted, it was considerably more palatable than him personally engaging.

"Yes, subordinate obeys!"

The Star Priest acknowledged the command. Emulating Moon Priest Pi Zhilong's earlier actions, he advanced forward, clasped his hands towards Ye Zhen, and declared, "I am Hong Yuan, a Star Priest of War Soul Hall, here to bestow upon you a defeat..."

"Scram!"

Before the Star Priest could complete his declaration, Ye Zhen's voice thundered out like a clap of lightning. His gaze met the Star Priest's, and a surge of Divine Light erupted, accompanied by vast Divine Soul Waves that flashed and dissipated in an instant.

In the subsequent moment, the Star Priest Hong Yuan appeared to witness something unimaginably terrifying. He let out a startled cry, stumbled backward several steps in a fit of panic, and consequently fell onto his posterior. The look he cast at Ye Zhen was fraught with sheer terror!

Instantly, the entire vicinity was plunged into a solemn, profound silence!