Chapter 1807: Chapter 1792: It Would Be Rude to Refuse
King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang, and others, including Ye Zhen, did not expect that the Early Dao Realm Master Xuanzhi would quit on the spot.
Ye Zhen discovered for the first time that the identity of the Left Chief Priest of the Barbarian Spirit Hall and Inherited Divine Messenger could be so formidable.
More effective than his title as Second Route Wind Patrol Envoy, it directly scared away a Dao Realm expert.
King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang, was utterly shocked as if struck by thunder.
This Master Xuanzhi in front of him was invited at a great cost with countless favors as the National Guardian Master.
After being invited, he played an incredibly significant role.
Besides attracting some experts to Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom with his Dao Realm fame, he also eliminated certain hidden dangers within the Marquisate invisibly.
Add to that, Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom is close to the North Sea, similarly plagued with inexhaustible water disasters like North Sea County, causing endless troubles.
But after Master Xuanzhi took charge of the Marquisate, he captured four Water Mansion Water Monarchs invading the borders consecutively, forcing them to sign an agreement not to violate the waters of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom.
Ensuring peace for the maritime borders of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, making Guo Zhang confident in his good relationship with Master Xuanzhi.
Yet now, just because he urged retaliation against Ye Zhen, Master Xuanzhi decided to leave him, even willing to sever ties by returning masses of tributes previously accepted.
This sparked anxiety in the heart of King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang.
How is it that even a Dao Realm Master doesn’t dare provoke Ye Zhen?
Despite the fear, King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang, couldn’t just watch as the hard-earned National Guardian Master leaves.
Not to mention, without the Master’s oversight, the water crises of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom might recur, so he couldn’t afford to maintain appearances.
"Master, don’t leave! It was my fault, my impatience, please calm your anger," urgently pleaded King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang.
Nonetheless, Master Xuanzhi seemed oblivious to Guo Zhang’s plea, accelerating his departure rather than pausing.
Meanwhile, witnessing this scene stirred a thought in Ye Zhen’s mind.
If Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom could invite a Dao Realm expert to reside, why not North Sea County?
If North Sea County had a Dao Realm expert stationed, not only could many troubles disappear invisibly, but anyone eyeing North Sea County would have second thoughts.
Ye Zhen had previously entertained such thoughts.
However, most Dao Realm Martial Artists are already engaged or have roots, and few Dao Realm Loose Cultivators exist, leaving him without opportunity.
Seeing how Master Xuanzhi withdrew before his identity today sparked an idea.
If he invited Master Xuanzhi to North Sea County, wouldn’t it be akin to having a Sea Stabilizing Divine Needle?
Moved by the thought, Ye Zhen spoke immediately, "Master Xuanzhi, please stay a moment, I have something to discuss with you."
The departing Master Xuanzhi hesitated, considering ignoring Ye Zhen and continuing on.
Yet, contemplating Ye Zhen’s identities as West Patrol Wind Envoy from the Heavenly Patrol Department and Left Chief Priest of the Ancestor God Temple Barbarian Spirit Hall, almost resulting in a conflict with him earlier.
Leaving abruptly might offend Ye Zhen.
Especially seeing Ye Zhen’s vengeful conduct today: after Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom broke the legs of five hundred underlings, he retaliates by breaking the legs of five thousand from Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, even Right General Wu Chong wasn’t spared.
Definitely not a magnanimous figure, more like a vindictive petty person.
Adage says better to cross a gentleman than a petty person.
Especially one wielding significant power.
Ye Zhen’s identity in the Barbarian Spirit Hall means he could mobilize numerous experts, and his position in the Heavenly Patrol Department suggests he could easily uncover Master Xuanzhi’s whereabouts.
To be cautious, Master Xuanzhi decided staying a moment to hear Ye Zhen out wouldn’t hurt.
If Ye Zhen learned how Master Xuanzhi perceived him as a petty person, what might he think?
Though Master Xuanzhi’s deliberation took moments, it was instant as lightning.
As soon as Ye Zhen asked him to stay, Master Xuanzhi turned back.
"What does Left Chief Priest Ye want to discuss with this old man?" Master Xuanzhi asked Ye Zhen.
This left King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang, who sought to retain Master Xuanzhi but failed, with a burning embarrassment.
He was ignored when he, as the Marquisate Ruler, asked Master Xuanzhi to stay.
Yet, with Ye Zhen’s single request, Master Xuanzhi stayed.
It was an open affront, and it was by his own subordinate.
Especially in front of so many people, when his National Guardian Master decided to resign yet was instantly retained by Ye Zhen.
The expressions of many Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom generals toward King Guo Zhang turned slightly awkward.
As if saying, does our ruler Guo Zhang seem somehow unpopular?
"Master Xuanzhi, I genuinely have matters to discuss with you, but may I ask that you wait a while until I finish handling this matter before we delve further?"
Ye Zhen’s manner appeared quite humble, and since Master Xuanzhi stayed, staying a little longer wouldn’t matter, "In that case, I shall comply with the request," Master Xuanzhi responded.
"Thank you!"
Finished speaking, Ye Zhen cast his gaze upon King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang, who felt even more disconcerted.
Yet Ye Zhen’s look alarmed Guo Zhang, abruptly reminding him of Ye Zhen’s leverage over him.
Not waiting for Guo Zhang’s action, Ye Zhen sternly ordered, "Contact the West Patrol and the Headquarters of the Heavenly Patrol Department, and send evidence of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom’s conspiracy against the unit planning rebellion to them."
At this, King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang shivered; Ye Zhen wielded these charges with lethal precision.
Even if falsely accused, with that evidence, it would definitely trouble Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom harshly.
But now, Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom was bound to risk; any strong movement would be deemed evidence of an attack against the Heavenly Patrol Department unit.
Guo Zhang couldn’t help but regret not heeding the Prime Minister’s advice.
Yet regret now was futile; King of Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, Guo Zhang, looked at Prince Huan’s Mansion’s Chief Steward, Mao.
Seeing this, Chief Steward Mao smirked; it was time for his appearance indeed, and today’s affair was supposed to be his stage.
"Chief Steward Mao Yongcheng from Prince Huan’s Mansion greets Commander Ye. The prince mentioned Ye’s exceptional valor once, destined for greatness."
Chief Steward Mao approached Ye Zhen for formalities; though his manner conveyed three-tenth arrogance, only distantly cupping his hands, the latter half followed friendly tones attempting to establish rapport.
"Prince Huan?"
Ye Zhen recollected momentarily, recalling who Prince Huan was.
Prince Huan was the title of Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long’s eldest son, Ji Ao, a first-class prince rank yet inferior to the Eight Council Princes.
Thus enjoying Prince’s privileges but distinguished from the ruling Eight Council Princes.
However, he was a top candidate for the Crown Prince!
Ye Zhen had seen Prince Huan Ji Ao at Princess Changle’s Barbarian Spirit Hall enthronement, hinting at attempts to draw in Ye Zhen, albeit mildly.
Evidently, Prince Huan Ji Ao wasn’t notably invested in Ye Zhen then, whom Ye Zhen tactfully declined.
Unexpectedly soon after, within Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom, he met Prince Huan’s Chief Steward Mao, seemingly indicating connections between Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom and Prince Huan.
Yet as a Wind Patrol Envoy of the Heavenly Patrol Department, Ye Zhen understood clearly.
As Ren Venerate Emperor Ji Long’s life span increases, the princes’ battle for succession intensifies.
Such contests of succession rely on strength and armies; mere rhetoric is useless.
The army of Great Zhou typically isn’t within the grasp of princes; thus, manipulations focus only on the enfeoffed nations’ armies.
The presence of Prince Huan Ji Ao’s forces in Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom is entirely expected.
In an instant, Ye Zhen understood why Marquis Haiyuan Kingdom dared confront the Heavenly Patrol Department.
"So it’s Chief Steward Mao from Prince Huan’s Mansion, do you have guidance for me?" Ye Zhen promptly responded respectfully.
