Arasaka Changyi knelt before Ye Ling, his forehead pressed to the floor, his mind racing with a multitude of thoughts, a complex mix of emotions churning within him.
From the moment he chose to submit to Ye Ling, he had, in essence, betrayed his homeland and his people. Any misstep from this point on could see him branded a traitor, forever shamed and reviled by millions. Yet, in his current circumstances, he had no other choice.
The rune condensed by Ye Ling merged into Arasaka Changyi's head. Instantly, Arasaka Changyi felt an exceptionally potent force surge into his body, permeating every single cell.
*Boom!*
A formidable aura erupted from within Arasaka Changyi. His long-stagnant cultivation, stimulated by Ye Ling's rune, shattered its bottleneck! Arasaka Changyi immediately ascended to the eighth-grade realm!
The pressure of an eighth-grade异士 (yishi - a cultivator/supernatural being) spread outwards, engulfing the entire private room.
Wang Liren's eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed Arasaka Changyi's direct advancement to the eighth grade. His heart pounded faster, and he nearly drooled, "The Emperor can truly elevate someone directly to the eighth grade!"
Ye Ling had previously promised him that if he assisted Ye Ling in achieving his goals, Ye Ling would help him reach the eighth grade. At the time, Wang Liren had dismissed it as Ye Ling merely making grand promises, a form of jest. However, seeing it unfold before him, Ye Ling had indeed propelled Arasaka Changyi to the eighth grade!
With such irrefutable evidence, Wang Liren's heart began to race. He, too, yearned for the eighth-grade realm. He was not yet thirty years old and, with Ye Ling's assistance, had already reached the seventh grade. If he performed well this time, reaching the eighth grade seemed a certainty! Before encountering Ye Ling, Wang Liren had never imagined that someone of his ordinary talent could ascend to the pinnacle of China, and indeed the world, at such a young age. This was something he had once considered utterly unattainable in his lifetime. Reflecting on this, Wang Liren couldn't help but marvel at the importance of aligning oneself with the right powerful figure.
Arasaka Changyi, still kneeling on the ground, was equally stunned. He numbly felt the power coursing through him, his mind a chaotic whirlwind. "This… I've broken through to the eighth grade just like that?"
"I, I this…" Arasaka Changyi looked at Ye Ling with excitement, his previous gloom vanishing instantly! Achieving the eighth grade meant an extension of his lifespan by another one to two hundred years. If his luck held, he might even break through to the Red Dust Immortal realm! This meant he could live even longer! The boon Ye Ling had bestowed upon him was enough for him to willingly offer everything he possessed.
"Thank you, Emperor! Your grace in remaking me is immeasurable, and I am eternally grateful!" Arasaka Changyi kowtowed to Ye Ling, his entire body trembling with excitement! He had achieved such immense benefits without having accomplished anything yet. If he could achieve some merit, and Ye Ling granted him further opportunities, perhaps reaching the Red Dust Immortal realm wouldn't be an insurmountable problem! The thought sent him into a state of uncontrollable elation.
"If there is any way I can be of service to the Emperor, please do not hesitate to command me!" If Arasaka Changyi's previous obedience to Ye Ling was merely due to Ye Ling's overwhelming power and his own desire to survive, then now he served with genuine willingness! If anyone dared to oppose Ye Ling, he would be the first to charge forward, defending Ye Ling's interests! Arasaka Changyi had placed all his hopes of reaching the Red Dust Immortal realm on Ye Ling. Protecting Ye Ling's interests was, in effect, protecting his own. Compared to his nation, Arasaka Changyi realized he cared more for himself.
Seeing Arasaka Changyi's current display of unwavering loyalty, Ye Ling smiled slightly, knowing that his strategy of a carrot and stick had thoroughly subdued Arasaka Changyi. Although Arasaka Changyi believed he had received an extraordinary opportunity, for Ye Ling, it was an effortless feat. Runes were something he could create in abundance. The rune left within Arasaka Changyi served not only as his source of power but also as Ye Ling's means of control. As long as the rune remained, Arasaka Changyi could never defy Ye Ling. And even if Arasaka Changyi found a way to break free from the rune, the moment he did, he would lose all his power, and perhaps even his life! Arasaka Changyi had become Ye Ling's puppet, completely and utterly.
Ye Ling addressed Arasaka Changyi, "Very well, I have a question for you first."
Arasaka Changyi immediately responded, "Emperor, please ask. I will tell you everything I know without reservation!"
"It is rumored in the international circle of 异士 (yishi) that there are thirteen top-tier powers in the world today, distributed across thirteen countries and regions, and one of them is located in your country, Yangguo."
"However, while other top-tier powers have established names and are known to exist, the top-tier power within your Yangguo is shrouded in controversy. People don't even know its name, and its very existence is a mystery."
Ye Ling paused before asking Arasaka Changyi, "I ask you, does that power truly exist within your Yangguo?"
Upon hearing Ye Ling's words, Arasaka Changyi's expression shifted slightly. He swallowed nervously and asked, "Emperor, are you referring to… Takamagahara?"
"Takamagahara?" Wang Liren interjected, "Isn't that the heavenly kingdom in your Yangguo's mythology? The Emperor is asking about a hidden top-tier power within your country, not about celestial deities."
Arasaka Changyi replied with a wry smile, "I am speaking of that top-tier power. Their faction is named Takamagahara, and they claim to be gods walking the earth. However, that faction has always been mysterious, and their members are exceptionally powerful. Even our Arashi Division has very little intelligence on Takamagahara."
Ye Ling stated, "Regardless of the means or the cost, I need you to ascertain the details of the Takamagahara faction. The more comprehensive, the better."
Arasaka Changyi expressed concern, "But Takamagahara is unlike other 异士 (yishi) organizations. They are extremely sensitive to being investigated. If my actions are exposed, Takamagahara might even vent their wrath upon the Arashi Division!"
"With their methods, they wouldn't hesitate to wipe out the entire Arashi Division without batting an eye."
Ye Ling, however, chuckled, "I was just looking for a way to find them. If your investigation can draw out the people of Takamagahara, it would suit me perfectly. Proceed with your investigation, and if anything goes wrong, come to me."
With Ye Ling's assurance, Arasaka Changyi's courage grew. He told Ye Ling, "Since the Emperor has said so, I will investigate with confidence and determination, and I guarantee I will uncover the truth about Takamagahara!" The Arashi Division, after all, was the official 异士 (yishi) organization of Yangguo. No matter how powerful Takamagahara was, as long as they operated within Yangguo's borders, they would leave traces that the Arashi Division could uncover. Previously, Arasaka Changyi had feared Takamagahara and dared not provoke them, let alone investigate them. But now, with Ye Ling's backing, and having reached the eighth grade himself, he no longer harbored such fears.
"For now, these are the tasks assigned to you. Go and handle them promptly. The sooner you gather information on Takamagahara, the better!"
"Yes! Your subordinate will attend to it immediately!" Arasaka Changyi bowed to Ye Ling once more before swiftly exiting the private room to carry out Ye Ling's instructions.
After Arasaka Changyi's departure, Ye Ling looked towards the outside of the room and said with a smile, "Brother hiding outside, it's time for you to come in."