King of Creation Chapter 1775 - 1760: Principles of Disposition

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Previously on King of Creation...
Xio Qiangu learns that Ye Zhen has secured help from high-ranking officials and is determined to obtain the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal avatar within fifteen days. He plots to use Ye Zhen's absence to frame him. Meanwhile, Ye Zhen enters the War Soul Hall, presenting evidence of corruption to Hall Master Bi Ze and threatening further exposure to force them to comply.

For a significant duration, Ye Zhen’s gaze was fixed upon the War Soul Hall Master, Bi Ze. Eventually, Bi Ze resumed his seat with a noticeable air of dejection.

As Ye Zhen had pointed out, the Second Grand Power Sacrifice, Tongna, wielded substantial influence. However, it was far from a certainty that all the wrongdoers from their clan could be shielded.

More critically, based on Bi Ze’s understanding of Tongna’s character, when faced with the prospect of open conflict against the Heavenly Patrol Department or the Secret Overseer, Tongna would likely meticulously evaluate the potential gains and losses before committing to any involvement.

To put it plainly, Tong Na was a cunning old fox who wouldn't undertake thankless tasks.

Consequently, factions like the Dalantai Da Clan, which invariably ensnared anyone who meddled, were precisely the kind of entanglements that the esteemed Priest Tongna would actively circumvent.

On the other hand, Ye Zhen, even if not holding the esteemed position of Grand Celestial Official within the Heavenly Patrol Department, was nonetheless a figure the department had already set its sights upon concerning the high-ranking members of the War Soul Hall. This was an undeniable reality.

The Left Chief Priest, Xii Mo, his fury ignited by Ye Zhen’s pronouncements, abruptly communicated to Bi Ze through Divine Soul Telecommunication, "Hall Master, this brat is the root of all our woes. Why don't we eliminate him right here and resolve every issue? We can easily frame a scapegoat later!"

As these words were uttered, Xii Mo's eyes flashed with a predatory gleam.

Bi Ze paused for a moment, a flicker of contemplation crossing his face, before he ultimately shook his head.

"Ye Zhen maintains an unusual connection with Princess Changle. Should he perish within our War Soul Hall, explaining it away would prove exceedingly difficult.

Furthermore, as a Wind Patrol Envoy for the Heavenly Patrol Department, his demise within our premises would undoubtedly provoke a severe response from the department!"

At that precise instant, detecting the palpable aura of killing Qi radiating from Xii Mo, Ye Zhen let out a sardonic laugh.

"So, you intend to silence me through death; how convenient. Proceed as you see fit!"

Abruptly, Ye Zhen produced a sly grin, and with a delicate gesture towards his own form, the figure that had been seated cross-legged before them dissolved into nothingness in an instant.

However, in the very next moment, an identical, living Ye Zhen materialized once more in the presence of Bi Ze and the others.

This surreal turn of events caused both Bi Ze and Xii Mo’s countenances to shift dramatically.

"Hall Master, perhaps it would be prudent to first ascertain the precise demands of Left Chief Priest Ye before making any decisions?" the Right Chief Priest, Dalantai, interjected, his tone laced with a plea.

Upon hearing this, the War Soul Hall Master, Bi Ze, felt an unspoken wave of relief wash over him. In truth, he had harbored the same inclination for quite some time.

After all, resorting to the lesser of two evils is often the wisest course of action.

Nevertheless, as the Hall Master, initiating such a question would have signaled a retreat, rendering him unable to articulate his thoughts appropriately.

Now, Dalantai had ingeniously provided him with the perfect opportunity to gracefully step back.

"I wish to understand precisely what Left Chief Priest Ye is seeking?" Although Bi Ze was aware that the current conflict stemmed from the refusal to lend the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal Avatar to Ye Zhen, the exact terms of his demands remained ambiguous as of this day.

"What exactly are your requirements?"

"I desire your War Soul Hall's Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal; are you prepared to relinquish it!" Ye Zhen declared, his words striking them with shock.

Bi Ze’s expression contorted instantly. "That is utterly impossible! It is absolutely out of the question!"

"Merely jesting! I am not that naive!" Observing Bi Ze’s visibly altered demeanor, Ye Zhen motioned for him to be seated. Bi Ze, meanwhile, remained enveloped in a somber mood – treating such a grave situation as a moment for levity?

"My request is exceedingly simple: I merely wish to borrow your War Soul Hall’s Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal Avatar for a brief period!" Ye Zhen stated.

Upon hearing this, a palpable sense of relief spread across the faces of Hall Master Bi Ze, Xii Mo, and Dalantai.

"Is that all?"

"That is indeed all!"

Hearing this confirmation, Bi Ze and the others exhaled in unison, a profound sense of relief evident amongst them. Dalantai, in particular, displayed a relaxed expression tinged with deep regret.

In the end, Ye Zhen’s request was not an insurmountable one; merely borrowing the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal Avatar was a relatively straightforward matter.

Moreover, it was a practice their War Soul Hall had engaged in previously – renting out their Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal.

Dalantai found himself wishing he could tear out his own gossiping tongue.

If only he hadn't been so indiscreet; otherwise, how could their Da Clan have invited such calamitous circumstances upon themselves today?

"This matter is easily accommodated. However, I must inquire, should we agree to Left Chief Priest Ye’s terms, will the Heavenly Patrol Department cease its investigation into our War Soul Hall’s high-ranking clan members?" Bi Ze posed the critical question.

And this was, without a doubt, the most crucial point of contention.

"That can be arranged!" Ye Zhen's affirmation brought renewed joy to Bi Ze and the others. However, Ye Zhen's subsequent qualification sent Dalantai and the others into a state of panic.

"Yes, but I cannot offer a guarantee for every single individual." Ye Zhen appended.

"You cannot guarantee it for all? What exactly do you mean by that?" Dalantai inquired, his anxiety manifesting in a harsh tone. Ye Zhen cast a sharp glance at him, prompting Dalantai to quickly modulate his voice. "Ye Left Chief Priest, could you please provide a direct explanation?"

"Simply put, grave transgressions, such as the collusion with external clans and the Demon Clan found within your Da Clan, cannot be overlooked," Ye Zhen stated plainly.

"Then... how will the Heavenly Patrol Department proceed?" Dalantai inquired with urgency.

"It's straightforward. The primary offenders will face execution, as that is our Great Zhou Dynasty's ultimate boundary. Those who were merely followers can be treated with leniency and spared death."

Previously, Ye Zhen had acquainted himself with Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu's perspective on this very matter.

Upon hearing this, Dalantai appeared lost in thought, "Are you implying there is no hope for my third brother, Dalanshou...?"

Ye Zhen offered a slight nod.

After a prolonged period of contemplation, Dalantai resolutely raised his head, "Compared to the potential punishment of the entire family, this outcome is acceptable.">

Dalantai subsequently assented to Ye Zhen's proposition.

"The same principles shall extend to Master Bi’s faction. For those with minor offenses, the Heavenly Patrol Department may disregard the transgressions, allowing them to retain their posts with only compensation for the financial shortfalls. Those whose crimes are slightly more severe will find the department turning a blind eye, provided they resign after making restitution. As for the two most egregious offenders, Master Bi is well aware of their identities.

Mirroring the resolution for the Da Clan, only the principal culprits will be punished, not their subordinates. These principles of handling matters shall apply equally to other high-ranking clan members within the War Soul Hall!"

"Is this truly the only path available?" Bi Ze inquired with a wry smile.

"This represents the absolute final line!" Ye Zhen declared with finality.

In truth, by the time Ye Zhen articulated the handling principles, Bi Ze had already conceded to them. This was because Bi Ze understood that seeking assistance from First Grand Power Sacrifice Tongna would undoubtedly lead to Priest Tong Daquan's intervention, but the outcome would deviate significantly from Ye Zhen's proposal.

Priest Tongna Tong Daquan could indeed shield and absolve individuals with minor offenses or those whose sins did not warrant death. However, for truly grave transgressions that jeopardized the entire lineage, even Tong Na could not offer protection.

"If that is the case, we can agree. For how long does Left Chief Priest Ye intend to borrow the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal Avatar from our War Soul Hall?"

Ultimately, Bi Ze made a conscious choice. Even Xii Mo, usually so unyielding, let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Hall Master Bi Ze's words.

"One hundred years!"

"What?"

"Did I hear correctly? One hundred years?"

Both Hall Master Bi Ze and the Left and Right Chief Priests, Xii Mo and Dalantai, stared in utter disbelief.

Ye Zhen had originally intended to borrow the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal Avatar for a mere fifteen days, yet the proposition had escalated to a century. Such a vast disparity was astonishing.

"That is utterly impossible! A hundred years is far too long; it cannot be!" Bi Ze vehemently protested.

"Oh, so you are saying there is no room for negotiation? In that case, I shall take my leave. You may reconsider at your leisure. However, rest assured, the Heavenly Patrol Department's actions will not cease!"

With that declaration, Ye Zhen rose, clapped his hands, and prepared to depart.

This move instilled a sense of anxiety in both Dalantai and Bi Ze. After all, Ye Zhen's proposed solution offered the least detrimental impact on their respective families.

Gritting his teeth, Bi Ze quickly interjected, "One hundred years is an unacceptable duration. We can lend you the Ten Thousand Bones Reincarnation Seal Avatar for a maximum of ten years!"

While Bi Ze was still contemplating whether ten years would appease Ye Zhen, he observed Ye Zhen swiftly turn around upon hearing his words, then exclaim with delight to Bi Ze,

"Very well, ten years it is. That is acceptable!"

Upon hearing this, Bi Ze was suddenly struck with a sense of foolishness. He realized he had been ensnared by Ye Zhen's cunning stratagem!

Perhaps, he mused, even for one year or half a year, negotiation would have been possible. That man was truly despicable!