King of Creation Chapter 1767 - 1752: The Grand Celestial Official’s Conditions

That night, after a talisman communication reached him, Ye Zhen made his way to an unassuming house on the fringes of the Great Zhou Imperial Palace, taking a circuitous route.

Though the dwelling appeared ordinary from the exterior and was not particularly spacious, it unveiled a hidden world upon entry.

Not only was it augmented with an advanced spatial overlay formation, but every object within the courtyard and the flower hall was meticulously arranged.

Some of these items were so valuable that they could not be purchased even with a vast quantity of spirit stones.

"The esteemed guest is requested to wait. The patriarch cannot guarantee his exact arrival time, but he has indicated he will attend to you as soon he is free," a delicate servant stated after serving Ye Zhen some tea before departing.

A discerning observer would note that all the servants within this residence were young eunuchs.

Approximately one hour later, the patriarch mentioned by the servant, Yu Chaoen, the Chief Eunuch and Grand Chief Overseer of the Great Zhou Empire's Secret Office, appeared at his leisure.

Upon his arrival, Ye Zhen promptly rose to offer his greetings.

This particular meeting was facilitated primarily through the influence of Princess Changle.

Furthermore, prior to this encounter, Princess Changle had arranged for a handwritten letter to be delivered to Yu Chaoen.

"I have perused the Princess's correspondence. By all rights, given our relationship, I should have acceded to her request immediately. However, as the matter the Princess has entrusted me with concerns assisting Lord Ye, there are certain points I must clarify," Yu Chaoen disclosed. Perhaps due to the urgency or his existing rapport with Ye Zhen and Princess Changle, Yu Chaoen spoke with uncharacteristic directness.

"Please proceed, Grand Steward."

Ye Zhen conducted himself with utmost propriety before Yu Chaoen, largely because the Grand Steward had consistently shown great care for Princess Changle.

"Your intention to target the kin of War Soul Hall's high-ranking officials presents considerable difficulties. The Second Grand Power Sacrifice, Tongna, stands behind the War Soul Hall. While Tongna holds no direct authority over my Secret Office, his influence within the court is substantial."

"More crucially, you must comprehend the mandate of our Secret Office. Our sole accountability is to His Majesty. Even should we uncover proof of malfeasance by the relatives of War Soul Hall's senior members, it cannot be publicly disclosed in court. Moreover, unless the matter is of paramount importance, I am not at liberty to report it to His Majesty without cause," Yu Chaoen elucidated.

"Grand Steward, my objective is not to directly confront the kin of War Soul Hall's high officials; I merely seek evidence of their transgressions," Ye Zhen clarified.

"To be used as leverage for coercion?" Yu Chaoen inquired, his brow furrowed. "Have you considered the ramifications if they refuse to yield to your demands? Proof of such malfeasance exists amongst nearly every noble house in Great Zhou, yet not all cases can be brought before the court. With the backing of the Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna, your endeavors may prove unsuccessful."

"Anxiety can lead to poor judgment! Furthermore, the Great Zhou Imperial Court is not solely under Tongna's sway, though his influence is undeniable. Besides, despite Tongna's elevated status, he undoubtedly possesses adversaries," Ye Zhen countered.

Upon hearing this, Yu Chaoen regarded Ye Zhen with a look of surprise. "Are you attempting to pluck chestnuts from the fire? Such a maneuver might indeed hold a glimmer of success."

With a sigh, Yu Chaoen continued, "Very well. Since your strategy is indeed ambitious, and it is undertaken at the Princess's behest, I shall assist you this once. However, understand that you owe me a pledge, and this will incur a debt of a favor."

Ye Zhen comprehended that Yu Chaoen's statement implied he would not impede Ye Zhen's interactions with Princess Changle; in fact, he desired the Princess's happiness. Yet, absolutely no improper conduct was to transpire between Ye Zhen and the Princess.

According to Yu Chaoen, such actions would precipitate great calamity for both himself and Princess Changle.

Regarding the owed favor, what recourse did Ye Zhen possess?

For the sake of his martial arts cultivation, for the breakthrough to the Dark Palace Realm, even if it meant owing one, or indeed three or five favors, Ye Zhen was prepared to face the consequences.

....

Another two hours elapsed before Ye Zhen arrived at the headquarters of the Heavenly Patrol Department, awaiting the appearance of Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu.

In contrast to other bureaus and departments within Great Zhou, which ceased operations after nightfall, the Heavenly Patrol Department operated continuously.

Indeed, the headquarters sometimes experienced greater activity during the night than in the daytime.

Earlier that morning, after issuing a challenge at the War Soul Hall's gambling gate, Ye Zhen had dispatched an individual to the headquarters to request an audience with Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu, intending to report on the situation concerning the West Patrol Second Road Wind Patrol Envoy.

The meeting was scheduled for a quarter past midnight.

Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu, it must be noted, arrived precisely as scheduled in the quiet chamber where Ye Zhen awaited his presence. He took a seat directly opposite Ye Zhen, cast a chilly glance his way, and cut to the chase: "Speak, what precisely do you require of me? Spare me the niceties of relaying a situation; my time is far too valuable."

"Uh..." Ye Zhen offered a slightly strained smile. "The Grand Celestial Official is most perceptive!" After a brief moment of flattery, Ye Zhen continued, "Grand Celestial Official, I've encountered a minor predicament and would greatly appreciate your assistance with a small affair."

"A small affair?" Wu Yu inquired, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Let's hear it!"

Quickly, Ye Zhen outlined his request: for the Heavenly Patrol Department to launch an investigation into the close relatives of high-ranking officials within the War Soul Hall.

Before Ye Zhen could even conclude his statement, Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu's eyes flared with intensity. "You deem this a minor affair? Are you suggesting I don't already have enough adversaries?"

"Do you comprehend the implications of this request?"

"It signifies a direct challenge to the Second Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna, an individual who commands over a third of the Ancestor God Temple's formidable influence. It's abundantly clear that the dramatic display you orchestrated today within the War Soul Hall was not merely an act of venting your spleen," Wu Yu asserted.

"Esteemed Sir, if the matter were anything less critical, I would never presume to trouble the Grand Celestial Official."

"The magnitude of the disturbance you've caused is such that if I were unaware, the Heavenly Patrol Department might as well cease to function."

At this juncture, Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu lightly rapped his knuckles on the table. "Do not mistake my concern for my subordinates or my willingness to aid them! Convince me! Provide me with an unassailable reason compelling me to act against the multitude of powerful figures backing Tongna within the Ancestor God Temple, and I shall lend you my support."

"Grand Celestial Official, for the sake of the hard-won foothold I've established within the West Patrol, and for its continued existence and growth, is this reason not sufficient?" Ye Zhen inquired suddenly.

Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu, who had been holding his eyes half-closed, snapped them open abruptly. He sat bolt upright, fixing Ye Zhen with an intimidating and piercingly cold gaze.

"Ye Zhen, am I to interpret your words as a veiled threat leveraging your position against me?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhen managed a wry smile. "Grand Celestial Official, why can you not consider that what I speak is the unvarnished truth?"

"In what manner? Do you genuinely expect me to credit the notion that the War Soul Hall has specifically targeted you?" Wu Yu questioned, a frown creasing his brow.

"I shall not conceal it from you, Grand Celestial Official. My Divine Soul possesses a peculiar nature. My cultivation is presently stalled at the Ninth Stage Peak of the Divine Communication Realm, and I find myself unable to break through... unless..."

Without hesitation, Ye Zhen laid bare his current predicament in its entirety.

Ye Zhen was fully aware that attempting to deceive Wu Yu, the head of the Heavenly Patrol Department, was an exercise in futility. Honesty, he concluded, was the superior course of action.

What Ye Zhen was counting on was the immense value of his precarious foothold. It represented the single instance of successful infiltration into the West Patrol over hundreds of years, the longest-standing connection, and the sole viable avenue for serving as a Wind Patrol Envoy.

Admittedly, Ye Zhen's struggles were indeed genuine.

"Unable to advance your cultivation? Is there truly no alternative path available, other than direct confrontation with the War Soul Hall and that old crony Tongna?" Wu Yu pondered aloud, his brow still furrowed.

"There is one: locating and borrowing two additional Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seals," Ye Zhen responded.

Wu Yu dismissed the suggestion with a wave of his hand. "That path presents an even greater obstacle. Are there absolutely no other recourse?"

"I have consulted with numerous esteemed experts, and they concur that no other solution exists – solely the acquisition of the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal or a comparable Acquired Spirit Treasure for assistance. Moreover, Chief Yu himself has investigated this matter; this is the only viable method to resolve my current predicament," Ye Zhen stated.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yu's demeanor shifted. "Chief Yu is privy to this situation? Have you also sought his assistance then?"

"I lack the influence for such a request; it was Princess Changle who personally penned a letter," Ye Zhen clarified regarding Yu Chao’en's involvement.

Evidently, upon processing this revelation, Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu fell into deep contemplation.

The involvement of Yu Chao’en's Secret Overseer Office, in itself, was not the primary concern; the critical factor was that Yu Chao’en's intervention signaled an alliance between himself and Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long of the Great Zhou Empire. Under such consolidated backing, the associated risks would be substantially mitigated.

"Sir, I found myself with no other recourse but to approach you. If my cultivation remains stagnant, unable to break through, I shall be confined to this level for the remainder of my existence."

My cultivation needs to advance, or it will become exceedingly difficult to continue broadening my influence in the West Patrol. Furthermore, I have no choice but to traverse the globe in pursuit of a breakthrough in my cultivation.

After all, enhancing one's cultivation isn't solely about martial prowess; it also relates to one's lifespan," Ye Zhen slowly added more significance to his words.

At this moment, it appears that Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu has already been swayed.

This was precisely the reason Ye Zhen had meticulously planned his encounters, first with Yu Chao'en and subsequently with Wu Yu.

The involvement of Chief Yu undoubtedly exerted a significant influence on Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu.

After a prolonged period of contemplation, Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu gradually raised his head. "I can indeed offer my assistance in this matter. However, initially, I can only look into the actions of minor figures. As for the truly influential players, I can only apply subtle pressure; do not expect me to directly confront them."

"After all, doing so would mean opposing hundreds, or even thousands, of the Nobility of Great Zhou. I am not utterly foolish!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhen was filled with elation. Indeed, Ye Zhen's original intent was to exert leverage upon the War Soul Hall, compelling them to comply. If hostilities were to truly erupt, he might never succeed in obtaining the avatar of the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal within his lifetime.

"Your subordinate thanks the Grand Celestial Official!"

Ye Zhen hastily stood and offered a deep bow. However, Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu merely waved his hand. "Do not be so eager to express your gratitude; you may yet find yourself cursing my name later."

"Why would that be?" Ye Zhen inquired, a sense of bewilderment crossing his features.

"Because my assistance comes with certain stipulations. You cannot possibly expect me to aid you without seeking anything in return, thereby risking the offense of numerous nobles, can you?" Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu stated.

"Stipulations..."

A wry smile touched Ye Zhen's lips. Although he had anticipated this outcome, it was still somewhat disheartening. The conditions stipulated by a figure of Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu's stature were bound to be anything but simple!