King of Creation
Chapter 209 - 206: The Indelible Brand

Chapter 209: Chapter 206: The Indelible Brand

"Ye Zhen, the War Soul Blood Flag is far too important! You also know how much the Sword Origin Sect values the War Soul Blood Flag, so it cannot remain in your hands. Otherwise, it would spell disaster for you!"

Sect Master Guo Qijing’s comforting voice appeared in Ye Zhen’s mind, causing Ye Zhen to smile bitterly.

Indeed!

If Ye Zhen hadn’t already had a plan in place, just based on that statement alone, the War Soul Blood Flag would have been out of his reach.

Of course, Ye Zhen didn’t blame Sect Master Guo Qijing for saying such. If Ye Zhen were in his position, he would have done the same. However, the gazes of others made Ye Zhen quite uncomfortable.

Especially the members of the royal family and the elders from the Lishui Sect, including the elders from the Qiyun Sect who looked at Ye Zhen as if they had spotted prey, their eyes filled with greed.

That included Hong Banjiang, the Fifth Elder of the Qiyun Sect, too!

There was no helping it; the War Soul Blood Flag’s forty percent enhancement effect was too astonishing.

Whoever held it, aside from serving the empire, it would undoubtedly be a formidable weapon for braving secret realms and plundering heritage mansions.

"In my opinion, this War Soul Blood Flag should be handed over to our Lishui Sect," the Grand Elder Lik Quan of the Lishui Sect was the first to speak up.

"Why should it be?"

Grand Elder Lut Changchuan of the Qiyun Sect rolled his eyes in response.

"Heh, if you look at the map, our Lishui Sect is located on the outer edge of the Yin Mountain Range. After crossing over the Yin Mountain Range, we come to the Southern Barbarian Tribe. If our Lishui Sect has the War Soul Blood Flag, we can organize an elite squadron to penetrate the Southern Barbarians.

Moreover, should there be conflict with the Southern Barbarians, our possession of the War Soul Blood Flag would allow us to react quickly and reinforce the Border Army..."

"Far-fetched. Can’t our Qiyun Sect do the same thing?"

"Without the War Soul Blood Flag, would the Southern Barbarians dare to invade? Right now, we should focus on subduing the Sword Origin Empire, and it is our Qiyun Sect that should hold the War Soul Blood Flag!" Lut Changchuan firmly countered!

In an instant, the entire council hall turned into a cacophony of noise!

"Sect Leader Guo, Sect Leader Chu, since you are unable to decide its ownership, why not let the empire take hold of the War Soul Blood Flag? When the army marches, the empire will take command, and we can strike into the Sword Origin Nation to reclaim our lost lands..."

....

For a time, the royal family, Qiyun Sect, and Lishui Sect, the three major forces, each employed their own tactics, waging a war of words over the custody of the War Soul Blood Flag.

This is the tale of the two Great Sects of Black Water Kingdom.

Against formidable enemies, they could unite and battle until they drew their last breath, presenting a united front. But when it came time to divide the spoils within the country, the Qiyun Sect and the Lishui Sect became unmistakable rivals!

It wasn’t just the two Great Sects – Ye Zhen estimated that, once the ownership of the War Soul Blood Flag was finally settled, no matter which sect had it, there would inevitably be a struggle within that sect for its possession!

This is the reality!

A blatant battle for interest!

As for Ye Zhen, he sat there with his eyes closed, calmly focusing, even contemplating whether he should thoroughly inventory the materials inside the storage bracelets he had confiscated from the various martial artists he had killed once he got back.

Dozens of storage bracelets – and every martial artist he killed was elite. The haul should be quite substantial, right?

Sitting beside him was Qiyun Sect Leader Guo Qijing, who observed Ye Zhen’s nonchalant demeanor and couldn’t help but deeply admire him, almost to the point of extolling him for his noble character.

Little did Guo Qijing know, Ye Zhen was already planning to watch them squabble over it.

"I wonder how Caiyi is doing, has she missed me?"

"Should I take Caiyi to meet my parents when I return this time?"

"I wonder how my parents will react when they meet Caiyi?"

...

Just as Ye Zhen was letting his imagination run wild, his ears nearly calloused from listening, the clamor within the grand hall suddenly softened.

"Since both Sect Masters have spoken, let’s settle the matter this way!"

"The War Soul Blood Flag will be held in rotation, with Qiyun Sect holding it first for two years, followed by Lishui Sect for two years, and in the last year, it will be entrusted to the Royal Family!"

"Should the Empire wage war, the holder of the War Soul Blood Flag must follow the troops without delay. Should there be any delay to military affairs, severe punishment will be meted out!"

...

A series of agreements were read out by Third Prince Zhu Kun.

It seemed that Third Prince Zhu Kun was very keen, after all, he was the nominal Commander of this Five Countries Conference. Under his leadership, Black Water Kingdom had successfully recaptured the War Soul Blood Flag. What a great prestige and merit it was.

This merit was so significant that at this conference, Third Prince Zhu Kun thoroughly overshadowed Eldest Prince Zhu Xuan, almost stepping into the responsibilities of the Crown Prince.

"Ye Zhen!"

After finishing, Third Prince Zhu Kun called out sharply to Ye Zhen, which frustrated the prince because Ye Zhen was deep in his daydreaming and didn’t hear a thing.

The face of Third Prince Zhu Kun darkened!

"Ye Zhen!"

"Ye Zhen!"

"Hmm? Who’s calling me?"

In the end, it was the Departure Stone Elder from Lishui Sect who nudged Ye Zhen, giving Third Prince Zhu Kun a way to step down gracefully.

"Departure Stone Elder, how have you and Elder Zhong recovered from your injuries?"

No matter what, since the battle that day after the Five Countries Conference, Departure Stone had earned Ye Zhen’s respect.

"Rest assured, Old Ghost Zhong is fine, and so am I! It’s only a drop in cultivation, which I will regain in a few years..."

"Ye Zhen, my father the Emperor, along with Sect Master Guo and Sect Leader Chu, have settled the ownership of the War Soul Blood Flag. Hand over the War Soul Blood Flag now!" Third Prince Zhu Kun said, suppressing his anger.

"Hand over the War Soul Blood Flag? Can I not hand it over?"

As soon as Ye Zhen said this, the expressions of both Guo Qijing and Chu Taiping changed slightly.

"Not hand it over? Ye Zhen, do you understand what you’re saying?" Third Prince Zhu Kun’s expression changed drastically.

"Ye Zhen, although you have made great contributions in the process of seizing the War Soul Blood Flag, it isn’t something you can possess or protect!"

Grand Elder Lik Quan of Lishui Sect expressed dissatisfaction, but still, he dared not push too far.

Reaching into his chest with one hand, Ye Zhen pulled out the War Soul Blood Flag, and the moment it appeared, everyone’s gaze in the grand hall turned incredibly fervent!

What a treasure!

This War Soul Blood Flag was a treasure on par with a Sect Guardian Spiritual Treasure!

"There’s something I would like all the seniors present to know!"

"I have used a secret technique to advance the War Soul Blood Flag to Second Rank in my hand, which can amplify combat power by forty percent! However, if it changes hands now, the War Soul Blood Flag is likely to drop to First Level upon acknowledging a new master, and the amplified combat power will also decrease to twenty percent!"

"What? Is that even possible?"

"This... This seems improbable, doesn’t it?"

Everyone’s faces changed drastically.

Ye Zhen had considered that the fact the War Soul Blood Banner was promoted to Level 5 by him should be kept secret.

An increase in combat power by twice was too terrifying.

Ye Zhen estimated that if he revealed the truth, he might lose his freedom and become a tool specifically used by the higher-ups of Black Water Kingdom to bless the War Soul Blood Banners.

Moreover, in doing so, the dangers Ye Zhen would face would increase a hundredfold.

Ye Zhen was very clear that even if someone killed him, they wouldn’t be able to obtain the War Soul Blood Banner.

However, even if Ye Zhen spoke out, no one would believe him; most would think it was just an excuse from Ye Zhen.

The true power of the War Soul Blood Banner, it’s better to keep it confidential.

"Ye Zhen, are your words true?"

Guo Qijing wore a serious expression.

"Hmm."

"Impossible, such nonsense!"

As Ye Zhen nodded, Third Prince Zhu Kun shouted sternly, "Ye Zhen, do you think, with your excuses, you can deceive the two Sect Leaders and the elders and continue to hold the War Soul Blood Banner?"

"I have to say, although our Black Water Kingdom has not snatched the War Soul Blood Banner for a hundred years, we’ve also spent considerable effort on it.

Secret scouts were dispatched widely, and under hefty bribes, we still obtained some useful intelligence.

About fifteen years ago, the Empire used a honey trap to extract a piece of news from Gu’an Kingdom! That is, the War Soul Blood Banner can be promoted, and its recognition of a master is not exclusive.

Most importantly, once the War Soul Blood Banner is promoted, it will absolutely not drop in rank before returning to the Battlefield of Demon Souls after a period of five years!"

At this point, Third Prince Zhu Kun sneered coldly: "So, Ye Zhen, there’s no need for your alarmist talk to scare the seniors here, just hand over the War Soul Blood Banner obediently!"

"Zhu Kun, is this true?" the Master of Lishui Sect, Chu Taiping, spoke up.

"Sect Leader Chu, my words contain not a shred of falsehood, and all of this can be checked in the secret archives of the Empire!" said Third Prince Zhu Kun.

"Hmm?"

A low hum sounded, and the Master of Lishui Sect, Chu Taiping, looked toward Ye Zhen with displeasure.

"I’m spreading alarming news?"

"Isn’t it so?"

"Hmph, then try it yourself! I wonder what those secret scouts of yours are even for!"

To everyone’s surprise, Ye Zhen casually tossed the War Soul Blood Banner to Third Prince Zhu Kun.

"This young man dares not conceal anything; during the battle with Sword Origin Sect, I had no choice but to promote the War Soul Blood Banner to Second Rank. It then completely recognized me as its master!"

"What, completely recognized a master?"

Everyone, except for Qiyun Sect Leader Guo Qijing, had their faces change drastically.

"Impossible!"

"The intelligence says that the War Soul Blood Banner cannot completely recognize a master!" Zhu Kun simply didn’t believe it!

"Heh, didn’t I give you the War Soul Blood Banner? Go on and try it. If you can stimulate the War Soul Blood Banner to release a streak of War Soul Blood Light, then the War Soul Blood Banner is yours!"

The expressions of everyone present changed drastically, but Third Prince Zhu Kun’s expression filled with ecstasy.

But soon, Third Prince Zhu Kun could no longer feel happy.

Because no matter what method he used, the War Soul Blood Banner was like a clay statue, showing no response whatsoever.

"Come, let me take a look!"

The Master of Lishui Sect, Chu Taiping, took the War Soul Blood Banner, and a moment after closing his eyes and feeling it, a trace of bitterness appeared at the corners of Chu Taiping’s mouth.

"Ye Zhen is right; the War Soul Blood Banner has completely recognized its master! Inside it, there’s a strange Divine Soul Imprint that can’t be erased—at least not by me...."

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhen fully relaxed.

Divine Soul Imprints could be erased!

Since even Chu Taiping could not erase it, Ye Zhen was completely relieved!

While Ye Zhen relaxed, the others were shocked, looking at each other with profound disappointment in their eyes.

"What? This... this is impossible!"

Third Prince Zhu Kun was taken aback!

Third Prince Zhu Kun was very clear that Ye Zhen was a supporter of his elder brother, Zhu Xuan. If Ye Zhen continued to hold the War Soul Blood Banner, his dream of becoming Emperor would be...

"What, are you questioning my judgment?"

Zhu Kun’s face suddenly turned pale, and he repeatedly said he dared not.

"Sect Leader Guo, please take a look," Chu Taiping handed the War Soul Blood Banner to Guo Qijing!

Taking the War Soul Blood Banner, Qiyun Sect Leader Guo Qijing also felt it carefully and after a long while, he too began to smile wryly.

"Sect Leader Chu is right; the War Soul Blood Banner has indeed recognized a master completely, and I’m also unable to erase that Divine Soul Imprint!"

Only then did everyone understand why Ye Zhen was so willing to give away the War Soul Blood Banner—the reason was right here.

Guo Qijing also understood why Ye Zhen was not upset during the discussion of the ownership of the War Soul Blood Banner.

It turned out he knew all along that the War Soul Blood Banner could not be taken by anyone!

The grand hall became instantly silent.

....

After a long silence, Guo Qijing and Chu Taiping exchanged glances and said in unison, "Since that’s the case, then Ye Zhen... will continue to hold the War Soul Blood Banner!"

At these words, Eldest Prince Zhu Xuan was suddenly overjoyed, while Third Prince Zhu Kun’s face turned extremely unsightly; this decision was very unfavorable to him!

With the support of the War Soul Blood Banner, his elder brother Zhu Xuan could earn how many military achievements, even completely take control of the army was possible!

With such thoughts, Third Prince Zhu Kun completely lost his composure!

As for Emperor Yuankang, he was also completely helpless; with matters as they stood, what could he say?

"Now that the matter is settled, let’s convene other meritorious participants of the Five Countries Conference for their rewards by my hand!"

"Hold on, I have something to say!"

Suddenly, the Master of Lishui Sect, Chu Taiping, stepped forward, interrupting Emperor Yuankang with a very serious expression! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please access m.qidian.com to read.)