C23 Yin Shisan Negotiated with the Guards

What was happening?

Ye Kong was utterly baffled by his words.

He failed to notice the water spilling from the teacup he held.

His gaze fixed intently on Yin Shisan, he said, "Brother Yin, feel free to speak plainly. Naturally, I want to stay alive."

Yin Shisan took the cup from him and refilled it with tea.

"Good to hear you want to live. You might not yet grasp the peril you're in."

Ye Kong's brow creased.

He truly hadn't considered any immediate danger.

Backed by the Giants and with significant achievements to his name.

As long as he didn't seek trouble, what danger could there be?

Of course, the poison coursing through him didn't count, known only to the old drunkard.

He sipped his tea again and murmured, "Please, elaborate."

Yin Shisan spoke with a measured calm, "What exactly did the Eternal Moon Emperor say upon his departure?"

Ye Kong recalled the words and whispered, "Human Ye Kong must die!"

"No, it was 'Human Ye Kong must die! Whoever kills him shall pass freely through the Northern Kingdom, and the Darkling Spectre shall yield.'"

Yin Shisan echoed the Emperor's decree before looking up at Ye Kong.

"Do you understand now?"

"Not really. Humans have always been targets for the Darkling Spectre."

"It's different now," Yin Shisan said deliberately.

"Before, if the Emperor had said this, you wouldn't have much to worry about—hardly anyone leaves the Great Wall.

"But now, things have changed. You've drawn the Giants here."

At that, Ye Kong stood up abruptly.

Yin Shisan smiled, "You see, with the Giants encamped outside the city, the stretch from Long Night Castle to Misty Shadow Mountain is now secure."

Ye Kong was torn between amusement and frustration. He felt he had outsmarted himself.

He had brokered an alliance between the Nightwatchers and the Giants.

As a result, the Northern Kingdom was no longer off-limits to the Nightwatchers.

Undoubtedly, many would venture out.

The Northern Kingdom was vast, with abundant resources.

While the Darkling Spectre might disregard these riches, to humanity, they represented an immense wealth.

At that moment, the Monarch of Eternal Moon's words took on a particular significance.

Beyond the Great Wall, the greatest threat was the Darkling Spectre.

If someone could eliminate the not-so-powerful Ye Kong, passage through the Northern Kingdom would be granted, and the Darkling Spectre would yield.

Then, the vast Northern Kingdom would be theirs to explore, a perilous place transformed into a land brimming with fortune.

Such allure would surely tempt some to risk it all and assassinate Ye Kong.

And there would be no shortage of those harboring such intentions.

Kill Ye Kong, and one could blend into the Northern Kingdom for decades.

Return with vastly improved cultivation, and by then, any notoriety would have faded.

Who would avenge a minor figure long gone?

Moreover, slaying Ye Kong need not draw attention.

He was so insignificant that his demise wouldn't require much commotion.

Having considered all this, Ye Kong gave a respectful bow, "Thank you for the warning."

"Don't mention it. I'm here not only to caution you but also to propose a transaction," came the reply.

"A transaction?"

"Indeed." Yin Shisan nodded, producing a token from his pocket.

"You may not be aware of my identity, no matter. Allow me to introduce myself."

He rose and adjusted his attire.

"I am Yin Shisan, of the Han Yin family, a lineage of Divine Kings."

By then, Ye Kong had recognized him.

Surprised, yes, but he maintained his poise.

In the Human Realm's eastern domain, Nine Kings governed the lands: Qin, Tang, Han, Song, Qi, Chu, Yuan, Zhou, and Jin.

Ye Kong hailed from the Ye family of the Jin Dynasty, once a family of generals, but alas...

The Yin family of Han, on the other hand, was second only to the royal family in stature, with a Divine King at its helm, their power immense.

Curiosity piqued, Ye Kong wondered what brought Yin Shisan to this place.

Perhaps a misstep within the family had led to his assignment here.

He inquired, "What brings you to the Great Wall?"

Yin Shisan scoffed, "I have no taste for deceit and trickery. I thought I'd find some semblance of purity here, but it seems I was mistaken. Wherever there are people, the intrigues of society follow."

"Why not head back?"

"No thanks, I've gotten used to it here. Plus, I'm giving someone else the chance to go back, right?"

He gave Ye Kong a playful look and gestured towards the Divine King Token.

Entering the Wall of Despair was easy; leaving was the hard part.

Once someone stepped foot onto the Wall, they were pretty much destined to spend their lifetime there.

But there were ways to go back.

There were three options: First, serve diligently on the Wall for 50 years. If your performance is exceptional, you could apply for a transfer back home.

This route was tough, despite sounding straightforward. With so many people fighting on the Wall, what made you think you could outshine them all?

This path was essentially reserved for the wealthy and powerful, a lucrative scheme for the elites.

Second: Being chosen by the Icebound Divine King as his protégé or confidant allowed for free passage to and from the Wall.

This was even harder than the first option.

After all, it had been a century, and the Divine King's inner circle hadn't changed.

Third: Possessing a Divine King Token granted a one-time opportunity to leave.

The process was simple: hand over the token, and you're free to go.

However, crafting a Divine King Token required a drop of the Divine King's vital essence, making these tokens incredibly rare.

Ye Kong eyed the token before him, his heart racing.

With it, he could escape the Wall of Despair.

His gaze intense, he asked Yin Shisan, "What's the price?"

"Rules are rules. You've earned a significant reward for your achievements—those resources you'll get, I need them."

Ye Kong was about to protest, but Yin Shisan retrieved the Divine King Token.

"Don't rush. You're heading to Gene Castle next, if all goes as planned, right?"

"Yes, but how did you know?"

"Heh, the old drunk always manages to survive. You think people haven't been suspicious?"

With that, Yin Shisan ended the conversation and left Ye Kong with a word of caution, "Custer isn't as straightforward as he seems. Watch your back."

After parting ways with Yin Shisan, Ye Kong found himself walking alone through the pitch-dark alley.

Before long, he spotted Old Fish atop a wall, meticulously carving an eagle with a small knife.

"Out and about, I see. Did the talk go well?"

"It was alright."

With a nonchalant flick of his wrist, Old Fish tossed the freshly carved eagle into Ye Kong's arms.

"Take this as a gift. I won't say much, but I'll leave you with this—Yin Shisan is the only person I know who willingly sought out the Wall of Despair."

Old Fish didn't wait for a response; he vanished into the night as quickly as he had appeared.

Just then, several guards rushed up to Ye Kong.

"Mr. Ye, Elder Chen requests your presence."

Elder Chen? Why would he summon me at this hour?

Ye Kong was puzzled.

The urgency in the guards' demeanor was unmistakable, though.

Not wanting to waste time, he promptly followed them.

In the dimly lit room, an elderly man, seemingly at death's door, reclined in his chair, his life hanging by a thread.

A pang of sorrow struck Ye Kong.

Only yesterday, he had witnessed the old man's valiant battle against the Darkling Spectre, his power on full display.

How had things taken such a dire turn so suddenly? Could it be a grave injury sustained in combat?

"You're here. My time is running short."