King of Creation Chapter 1799 - 1784: The Patrol Gold Order and Compromise

The Great Zhou Dynasty's Imperial Court moved with lightning speed to apprehend all those implicated in the massive incursion by one hundred thousand demon soldiers.

In less than five days, two new Wind Patrol Envoys, hand-picked by the Grand Celestial Official Wu Yu and given the nod by Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long, officially took their posts, accompanied by a large retinue and an overwhelming aura of authority.

Alas, despite these two appointed Wind Patrol Envoys stepping into their roles, Inspector Xio Qiangu found himself utterly swamped, lacking both the time and the capacity to 'entertain' them properly.

The specter of the hundred-thousand-strong demon army invasion loomed over Inspector Xio Qiangu like an insurmountable mountain, plaguing him with relentless headaches and making life a living hell for the Heavenly Patrol Divine Hunters and Wind Scouts under his command.

Every single operative within Xio Qiangu’s Heavenly Patrol Divine Hunters and Wind Scouts was deployed far and wide, employing every conceivable tactic to unearth any lingering traces or hiding spots the demon army might have left behind.

Their search was exhaustive, spanning the surface world, delving underground, combing through mountain ranges and dense forests, and probing subterranean rivers – no corner of the land was left unexamined, not a single speck of soil overlooked.

Even Ye Zhen, the Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy, was compelled to assign more than half of his personnel to join the widespread search, if only to maintain a semblance of diligent effort.

A full month had passed since the swift execution of Left Assistant Chii Jingshan of the West Patrol.

The grueling and exhausting conditions for the Heavenly Patrol Divine Hunters and Wind Scouts of the West Patrol had persisted for this entire month, leaving everyone with eyes as bloodshot as a rabbit's.

In truth, the hardship wasn't confined to the West Patrol's forces; this crisis had become a widespread affliction.

Beyond the West Patrol's jurisdiction, all the provinces bordering the beleaguered Pingzhou and Weizhou had escalated their alert status to the absolute highest level.

Armor remained donned, horses stayed saddled, and every soldier, from County Soldiers in each locality to State Guards and local garrisons, maintained peak combat readiness. They were poised to react instantly, constantly fearing a surprise ambush by the demon army.

This stringent level of alert severely hampered interstate trade, leading to critical supply shortages and widespread public discontent. Yet, no one dared to lower their guard.

If that elusive demon army were to suddenly reappear and decimate another county city, who would be held accountable?

Whose shoulders could bear such a devastating responsibility?

Adding to the immense pressure, substantial reinforcements from the Heavenly Patrol Department, including formidable Void Hunting Kings and their elite Heavenly Patrol Divine Hunters, were finding themselves in an equally dire struggle.

Even seasoned Dao Realm Experts were buckling under the strain of a month-long, high-intensity, sleepless search operation.

To make matters even worse, the gravity of the situation here was casting a dark shadow over the entire Human-Demon Battlefield.

The Human-Demon Battlefield, which typically maintained a tense but focused posture against the demon clan's primary fronts, had enjoyed a relatively calm rear.

This rear sector served vital functions: a logistical hub, a recovery center for the wounded, and a respite zone for weary frontline soldiers.

However, the chilling news of the demon army's movements instantly transformed this sanctuary into a frontline. The rear areas of the Human-Demon Battlefield were plunged into chaos as frantic efforts were made to erect hasty defenses.

Constant vigilance was maintained, guarding against the possibility of a sudden, devastating raid by the demon army.

This pervasive state of crisis had even begun to disrupt the normal operational flow of the Human-Demon Battlefield itself.

Could one possibly fathom the true weight of this predicament?

Consider the immense pressure bearing down upon Inspector Xio Qiangu!

A daily blizzard of official documents descended upon the West Patrol headquarters, leaving Inspector Xio Qiangu with perpetually furrowed brows and a scattering of new white hairs.

At this relentless pace, even if his West Patrol forces weren't worked to death, they would undoubtedly be worn down to complete exhaustion.

Most critically, as the Emperor's demands intensified and public grievances escalated, a single misstep could compel the court to revisit the West Patrol's culpability in this entire affair.

Should such a reassessment occur, Inspector Xio Qiangu would be plunged into despair.

While the loss of one or two Wind Patrol Envoys and trusted confidants might not spell doom for the formidable, deep-seated power of his West Patrol network,

such an outcome would cast a perilous shadow over his standing within the revered Xio Family.

The ancestors of the Xio family had an unforgiving tradition regarding Clan Leaders deemed incompetent.

Despite his own conviction of his capabilities, the sheer volume of critical issues erupting during his tenure could lead even the most lenient ancestors to deem him unfit.

At that dire juncture, those formidable ancestors might very well decide to depose him, selecting a new Family Head to succeed Xio Qiangu.

In reality, this was the true existential threat Xio Qiangu confronted, the source of his profound anxiety.

Conversely, regarding the presence of the hundred thousand demon army, Xio Qiangu had already concluded that they had likely departed a considerable time ago.

However, the pressing challenge now was that, even if the demon army had indeed retreated, he absolutely needed to unearth irrefutable evidence of their departure. Only then could he effectively quell the current storm.

This was the sole path to resolving the critical crisis he faced!

....

Within the North Sea County City, Ye Zhen, fresh from inspecting the garrison camp, was found ambling along the street with Princess Changle, who was in disguise.

They would frequently pop into roadside stalls, indulging in their offerings.

Initially, Princess Changle held reservations about these humble street-side vendors.

However, after a single taste, her reluctance vanished.

Though not fancy and appearing somewhat unhygienic, these meals possessed the comforting allure of familiar sustenance.

Princess Changle's particular fondness, though, was for the inexpensive jewelry and hair adornments from street stalls, crafted from common materials yet exhibiting unique designs.

Ye Zhen would purchase them in large quantities, as long as they caught Princess Changle's eye, and then personally fashion replicas using superior materials, much to her delight.

To be candid, the past month had been remarkably tranquil for both Ye Zhen and Princess Changle.

Each day involved managing governmental affairs, wandering through the city streets, staying abreast of current events, and then retreating into the Mirage Dragon Pearl for rigorous Cultivation to augment their powers.

"There's a small beggar over there, Brother Ye, quickly!"

Once she identified a target, Princess Changle would tug Ye Zhen along, hastening towards them, and after a thorough assessment, she would issue a quiet directive, "Subdue them!"

Swiftly, Ren Kong, a Sacrificial Guard from the Barbarian Spirit Hall, would materialize, causing the young beggar to cry out in alarm.

In truth, Princess Changle's intentions were benevolent.

Her aim was to dispatch these impoverished children to the imperial estates within her domain, providing them with a means of survival. Yet, these street urchins proved difficult to reason with, necessitating the use of force.

"There are sugar art figures over there, Brother Ye, hurry...." These sugar figurines were Princess Changle's delight—a pleasure to behold, though never consumed...

As Ye Zhen hurried forward, a communication talisman descended from above. A mere glance was enough to cast a peculiar expression upon Ye Zhen's face.

"West Patrol Inspector Xio Qiangu himself has arrived!"

This was the intelligence conveyed by Liuu Feng, and Ye Zhen found himself troubled. Only last month, West Patrol Inspector Xio Qiangu had appeared with the intent to assassinate him, only to be thwarted by Princess Changle.

What could possibly be his motive for returning?

Nevertheless, Ye Zhen could not evade an encounter with this West Patrol Inspector, given the recent incident involving the hundred thousand demon clan army. Last month, Xio Qiangu had issued a stringent decree to all Wind Patrol Envoys.

Personnel under the direct command of the West Patrol Inspector, from the highest rank to the lowest, were forbidden from entering seclusion, attempting breakthroughs, or undertaking journeys, and were instead ordered to remain vigilant and stationed within their respective jurisdictions.

This was an authoritative command from a senior West Patrol Inspector, one that Ye Zhen could not disregard.

However, it seemed that dealing with the West Patrol Inspector would not pose an insurmountable obstacle.

Consequently, Ye Zhen continued his leisurely shopping and dining with Princess Changle for a full two hours before they returned to the recently reconstructed Government Office of the Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy.

Ye Zhen had initially anticipated the West Patrol Inspector Xio Qiangu might be in a state of fury, but unexpectedly, the office was remarkably serene.

West Patrol Inspector Xio Qiangu was observed calmly sipping his tea.

Upon noticing Ye Zhen's arrival, Liuu Feng approached with a crestfallen expression, "Sir, why have you only just arrived? We have refilled the tea eighteen times."

Ye Zhen gestured towards Xio Qiangu, "He hasn't caused you any distress, has he?"

Upon hearing this, Liuu Feng's countenance also shifted to display a peculiar look, "Not at all, ever since he arrived, he has been doing nothing but this."

"Ye Zhen, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you!" Seeing Ye Zhen's return, West Patrol Inspector Xio Qiangu set down his teacup and spoke.

"A private conversation." Xio Qiangu added.

"Oh?" Ye Zhen arched an eyebrow, "A private talk? Could it be that Inspector Xio intends to make another move?"

Hearing Ye Zhen's words, Xio Qiangu swiftly moved his fingers like blades, and with a flash of Spirit Light, he pressed upon vital acupoints around his body, each point pulsing with spirit power that resembled dragons and tigers.

"Our Xio Family's secret Dragon-Tiger Spirit Sealing Technique possesses formidable power, even when applied against Dao Realm experts. I am aware of the method to break the forbidden seal, but to breach the mystic barrier swiftly requires approximately the duration of a single breath; would that suffice?" Xio Qiangu inquired, his eyes blazing with intensity.

This display stirred Ye Zhen's interest; Xio Qiangu's actions appeared to be imbued with genuine sincerity.

The span of a single breath was more than enough for Ye Zhen to effect an escape, suggesting that Xio Qiangu truly intended to negotiate.

A few moments later, Ye Zhen dismissed those nearby, and together with Xio Qiangu, they erected potent seals, their immense Divine Sense simultaneously spreading outwards, acting as a ward against any potential eavesdropping.

"Ye Zhen, I wish to propose a transaction!" Xio Qiangu stated plainly.