King of Creation Chapter 1784 - 1769: A Slip of the Mask?

A day quickly passed. As dusk settled, the three-day deadline stipulated in the military decree personally signed by Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu was nearing its end.

The entirety of North Sea County City seemed to be enveloped in a somber mood. The lively taverns and entertainment houses, usually vibrant at night, stood unusually subdued today. However, the streets and alleyways, particularly those in proximity to the Earl’s Mansion of North Sea, were thronged with people.

Numerous ordinary Martial Artists and common citizens gathered in small groups, eager to witness the final resolution. These individuals were the residents of North Sea County, and following the invasion by the Demon Clan, the news had spread like wildfire, naturally reaching the ears of the populace in the County City.

Consequently, the military order issued by Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu, demanding the case be concluded within three days under penalty of military law, was common knowledge. To be candid, in the years since Ye Zhen assumed leadership of North Sea County, his administration had vigorously promoted commerce and collected trade taxes, all while significantly alleviating the burden on the common folk.

Simultaneously, he had repelled the North Sea Aquatic Race, compelling the Blue-scaled Dragon King to sign a treaty forbidding their incursions onto land. Furthermore, he had launched successful campaigns on all fronts, eradicating bandits on both land and water within the county’s territories.

He had also proactively bolstered military preparedness, enhancing patrol strength and frequency. This comprehensive approach had stamped out the bandits, Water Demons, and sporadic infiltrators from the Demon Clan that once plagued North Sea County. In a mere six to seven years, he had transformed a impoverished and desolate county, shunned even by merchant caravans, into a prosperous region where citizens lived and worked in peace.

The population, which was less than ten million prior to his tenure, had surged past twenty million in just a few short years. Moreover, with the newfound stability of North Sea County, refugees from surrounding counties sought settlement, allowing the common folk to raise families without undue anxiety.

It could be fairly stated that over ninety percent of North Sea County’s citizens harbored no desire for Ye Zhen to face harm, much less execution by military decree. Thus, the scene unfolding in North Sea County City was a direct consequence of this sentiment.

"It appears Ye Zhen has governed North Sea County exceptionally well over these past few years?" From the void above, Xio Qiangu, commanding a considerable contingent of troops, surveyed the scene within North Sea County City.

"My lord, Ye Zhen indeed possesses considerable capability. At this pace, within two decades, North Sea County will undoubtedly be ranked among the Upper Counties, rivaling even Lower States," commented Wei Gang, the West Patrol Right Officer.

"Ha, this is indeed a fortunate development!" Xio Qiangu beamed warmly at Wei Gang. "I recall your most accomplished son has undergone sufficient trials on the Human Demon Battlefield. By the way, how have his achievements been accumulating?"

"Reporting to my lord, thanks to your directives over the years, that young man has also amassed notable accomplishments. Conferring him with the title of a first or second-class Earl should pose no difficulty," Wei Gang replied.

"A first or second-class Earl?" Xio Qiangu’s brow furrowed slightly. "That is still insufficient. Once this matter is concluded, make arrangements carefully. Ensure your son accrues another exceptionally glorious achievement, and then petition for his title. Subsequently, maneuver strategically to have this North Sea County bestowed as your son’s hereditary fiefdom. That would then serve as an enduring family treasure!"

Wei Gang was taken aback, then overwhelmed with joy. He knelt on one knee in the void before Xio Qiangu, exclaiming, "On behalf of my son—no, on behalf of my Wei family, I express my deepest gratitude to my lord for your boundless kindness."

"This is merely what you deserve!" Xio Qiangu then addressed the assembled experts of the West Patrol surrounding him. "Wei Gang serves as an exemplary model. As long as you render meritorious service to me, not only titles but even hereditary fiefdoms can be secured for you."

With just a few words, the accompanying Heavenly Patrol Divine General, Heavenly Patrol Divine Hunter, and Realm King Tributor were so thrilled that their eyes gleamed with avarice. A hereditary fiefdom was a reward that every ambitious individual dreamed of attaining.

"We are willing to serve unto death for my lord!"

"Willing to serve unto death for my lord!"

Xio Qiangu waved his hand. "Now, follow me to the Earl’s Mansion of North Sea. Remember, once I give the signal to apprehend, regardless of who it may be, if the slightest resistance is offered, execute them without mercy!"

"Let us proceed!" With a decisive gesture, Xio Qiangu led nearly a thousand elite soldiers, their killing intent palpable, descending from the clouds and charging towards the Earl’s Mansion of North Sea.

This spectacle instantly filled the common folk gathered around the Earl’s Mansion of North Sea with palpable anxiety.

This fact also caused the subordinates of Ye Zhen, who had assembled at the Earl’s Mansion of North Sea, to become extremely apprehensive.

Although their superior had assured them merely three hours prior that the issue was resolved and there was no need for concern, an overwhelming sense of unease persisted among them.

The military decree mandated the presentation of concrete evidence regarding the Demon Clan’s military movements. It was highly improbable that such a demand could be nonchalantly dismissed with mere words.

"You people of North Sea County are remarkably indolent! To have so many officials casually convened within the mansion during such a critical juncture suggests a deeply ingrained habit of laziness," Xio Qiangu, the West Patrol, declared as he abruptly entered the premises, affixing a damning label upon them.

Gu Tieqi, brimming with indignation and poised to retort, found himself interrupted as Ye Zhen emerged from the main hall at the opportune moment. With a soft utterance, Ye Zhen led a contingent of individuals to offer greetings to the West Patrol, Xio Qiangu, with the deference befitting a subordinate.

"We humbly greet Lord West Patrol."

Xio Qiangu waved his hand dismissively. "I am unable to accept such respects from you at this moment."

"Ye Zhen, do you have anything to say at this juncture?" Xio Qiangu inquired directly.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhen feigned puzzlement. "Inspector Xio, what exactly do you imply by that?"

"Ye Zhen, cease this pretense of ignorance and foolishness. This affair cannot be trivialized by such acts. The three-day ultimatum set by the Grand Celestial Official’s military order has elapsed, yet you have produced no results.

Consequently, I am compelled to uphold the Grand Celestial Official’s military order and initiate military action against you, thus establishing a precedent and preventing further dereliction of duty that could lead to widespread suffering and devastation!"

"Guards, apprehend all officials of the Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy, from the Wind Patrol Envoy himself down to the squad captains! Detain them all for military legal proceedings, subject to public execution!" Xio Qiangu commanded.

As these words resounded, Liu Feng, Gu Tieqi, Feng Jiumo, Niu Er, alongside a host of Heavenly Patrol Divine Hunters and Spirit Scout Leaders, all displayed profound shifts in their facial expressions.

No one had anticipated Xio Qiangu’s ruthless intention to enact such a wholesale slaughter.

This was clearly an attempt to entirely eradicate their Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy.

Upon the issuance of the command, the more than a thousand elite soldiers under Xio Qiangu’s West Patrol banner prepared to advance.

"Halt! I dare any of you to make a move!"

With a roar that reverberated like thunder, Ye Zhen’s Purple Spirit Immortal Sword abruptly shot forth. Sword Qi radiated in every direction, and a palpable Killing Qi suddenly enveloped all the individuals and troops Xio Qiangu had brought from the West Patrol.

Beneath the oppressive shroud of Killing Qi and Sword Qi emanating from the Purple Spirit Immortal Sword, every heart trembled, including Wei Gang’s. An inexplicable chill permeated from within, compelling their previously advancing figures to halt abruptly.

Witnessing this development, a peculiar smile traced the corner of Xio Qiangu’s lips. Truthfully, he had eagerly awaited Ye Zhen’s defiant reaction.

Should Ye Zhen indeed choose to resist, his task would become considerably more straightforward.

He had arrived fully prepared on this occasion.

His gaze casually swept across a particular point in the void. Xio Qiangu’s expression suddenly contorted into one of extreme ferocity as he pointed at Ye Zhen and bellowed furiously.

"Ye Zhen, how dare you resist?"

"You are engaging in rebellion, plotting to overthrow..."

"Silence!"

Before Xio Qiangu could complete his furious denunciation, Ye Zhen’s roar, amplified with thunderous resonance, completely drowned out Xio Qiangu’s voice, startling the latter and causing his expression to alter dramatically.

At that precise moment, from a concealed position within the clouds, several faint auras of the Dao Realm fluctuated subtly.

"Inspector Xio, exercise restraint before hurling unfounded accusations at me!

You intend to arrest everyone belonging to my Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy, from the Envoy himself down to the squad captains, for military legal proceedings. May I inquire as to the justification for such an action?

On what grounds do you base this?" Ye Zhen demanded vociferously.

Upon hearing this, both Xio Qiangu and Wei Gang, who had been momentarily stunned by Ye Zhen’s actions, revealed smiles akin to those granted to an imbecile.

"Ye Zhen, are you resolutely determined to feign madness? Must you truly pose such a question?"

Ye Zhen maintained a stern demeanor. "Kindly provide clarification, Inspector Xio; otherwise, apprehending my subordinates would constitute the issuance of a false order, and I shall absolutely not comply without presenting resistance!"

Xio Qiangu’s expression grew grim. "Ye Zhen, it has long been rumored that you cannot feign madness to escape accountability!

The military order, personally issued by the Grand Celestial Official to ascertain the whereabouts of the Demon Clan within the stipulated three days, has now expired!"

"Oh, Inspector Xio, you assert it was a military order from the Grand Celestial Official? I have already fulfilled its requirements!" Ye Zhen declared, adopting an expression of sudden enlightenment.

"Fulfilled it?" Xio Qiangu appeared utterly dumbfounded. He then immediately erupted into laughter. "Impossible! Whom do you presume to deceive? If you have indeed completed the task, present the Military Order Receipt as proof..."

The next moment, Xio Qiangu felt as if his throat was being constricted, his gaze fixed upon the Military Order Receipt that Ye Zhen held aloft. The Grand Celestial Headquarters’ Seal emblazoned upon it caused his eyes to widen to an almost impossible degree.

Wei Gang, the West Patrol Right Officer, found his own eyes nearly bulging out of his head in disbelief.

"This is impossible!"

"Absolutely impossible!" Both Xio Qiangu and Wei Gang stared at the Military Order Receipt, their faces a mask of utter incredulity.

"What is impossible?" Ye Zhen inquired, his voice calm.

"Because this..." Xio Qiangu started to explain, but abruptly halted, realizing Ye Zhen was attempting to trick him into revealing too much. His expression shifted, and he shot Ye Zhen an angry glare.

"Impossible? Might I ask, Inspector Xio, are you perhaps questioning theMilitary Order Receipt's authenticity, or are you casting doubt upon the Grand Celestial Palace's authority?"

"Or could it be that the Grand Celestial holds some hidden knowledge?" Ye Zhen’s voice, at this precise moment, was chillingly cold.

After a brief pause, West Patrol Officer Xio Qiangu finally erupted, "You... Utterly nonsensical!"

"I demand to verify the authenticity of this Military Order Receipt!"

Xio Qiangu snatched the Military Order Receipt from Ye Zhen’s grasp. He meticulously examined the Seal on the Receipt, then applied his own Seal, activating a Secret Technique upon the document. Instantly, the Heavenly Eagle Eye Phantasm, signifying the Grand Celestial’s Headquarters, materialized.

"It’s real... This... How can this be?"

In a state of shock, West Patrol Officer Xio Qiangu urgently commanded, "Immediately contact the Grand Celestial Headquarters to confirm this matter."

Wei Gang promptly procured a specialized communication Teleportation Formation and dispatched the inquiry Jade Scroll.

Merely a few breaths later, the small Teleportation Formation transmitted a Response Jade Scroll.

Upon a single glance, West Patrol Officer Xio Qiangu displayed an expression of profound astonishment. "How is this possible? This..."

Witnessing Xio Qiangu's extreme shock, Wei Gang, disregarding protocol, snatched the Jade Scroll from his superior's hand. A mere glance was enough to evoke the same level of disbelief in him.

"This is impossible, the Demon Clan clearly..." His voice abruptly ceased.

At that moment, Ye Zhen advanced, his entire being radiating a potent Killing Qi that instantly ensnared Wei Gang. "Speak, what about the Demon Clan clearly?"