reincarnation npc, but tomorrow's ark

Zuo Le no longer uses honorifics.

Bai Ye smiled:

“In that case, I can tell you that we share the same goal. Let’s address your concerns about the latter part first. The Ursus Empire is completely unaware of this; it was purely my personal action. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be me waiting outside the buffer zone, but rather the Ursus Empire’s Saber Guards.”

Upon hearing this, Zuo Le and Tai He exchanged a glance, and Zuo Le breathed a sigh of relief.

"As for why I'm involved with the avatar of the Year Beast, it's because—"

As Bai Ye spoke, he pulled out the "Wind Chime".

The crisp sound of the sword made both of them involuntarily become wary.

It's quite frightening that someone would draw their sword at the slightest provocation.

“This weapon was forged for me by Nian, so I have to help her.” Bai Ye said with a wry smile, “There are very few weapons in this world that are suitable for me, so this is a great help to me.”

"I see..." Zuo Le looked at the weapon in Bai Ye's hand with some envy. According to the records of Si Sui Tai, weapons personally forged by Nian were not common and could be considered extremely rare. Ordinary people would not even have the chance to see one, let alone possess it.

“This sword is worthy of your swordsmanship,” Taihe said in a deep voice.

That statement is correct. Bai Ye doesn't need a sword forged by Nian himself to prove his strength. He only needs a weapon that can withstand his power, nothing more.

"Let's start by talking about your thoughts on giant beasts and their avatars." Bai Ye put away the "Wind Chime," while Zuo Le kept staring at the sword. When Bai Ye put it away, his expression clearly showed some disappointment.

He didn't even react when Bai Ye spoke, and it wasn't until Tai He nudged him that he came to his senses.

Chapter Nineteen: The Big Shot

"The policy of the Year God is very simple: to solve the problem once and for all and eliminate future troubles," said the youngest candle-bearer of the Year God after he realized what was happening.

"It is indeed simple, but unfortunately it is very difficult to do." Bai Ye shook his head.

"It's just repeating what was done a thousand years ago. Besides, we are now powerful, and they are weak and powerless. A year is still a year, and a beast is still a beast. If they intend to harm the world, who knows how great the disaster will be?"

"The Situation God doesn't want to see this happen, so we must settle this mess that has been going on for thousands of years."

Bai Ye smiled upon hearing this:

"Luckily those two aren't here, otherwise they'd probably be arguing by now."

“Any meeting, correspondence, or conversation among the twelve of them is a major event that affects Si Suitai’s nerves, and now that two of them have left Dayan, it makes it even more unsettling.”

Bai Ye nodded:

“I understand your situation, but I also want to speak up for my friend. Well, she has her reasons for acting this way.”

“According to records, Nian always had a lot of ideas,” Zuo Le said, picking up his teacup and taking a sip.

Bai Ye then realized exactly where the unease lay.

For these officials of the Great Yan Dynasty, apart from a very few immortal beings, the rest of them were no longer the same people they were back then.

But the Year Beasts have always existed, their existence continuing for hundreds and thousands of years.

For Bai Ye, Nian was a friend he had just met, and because of his identity and perspective, Bai Ye didn't have too many strange feelings.

However, for these candle-bearers at the Ritual Platform, their mission is passed down through generations, and their knowledge of the Year Beast exists only in various historical records. Many have never even seen the Year Beast in person, and therefore only possess written knowledge. If the Year Beast, Nian, were to stand vividly before them, they would only feel the vicissitudes of history and the weight of their mission, but not any sense of familiarity.

Different standing angles and perspectives lead to different viewpoints.

However, this viewpoint is very difficult to change.

After thinking for a moment, Bai Ye spoke:

“I understand your attitude, so let me talk about our side of the matter. First, let me talk about myself. As I just mentioned, I helped Nian purely because she had done me a favor personally, and I did what I did to thank her.”

"I can understand. Da Yan appreciates the quality of gratitude, as long as one doesn't go astray." Putting aside the matter of the Year Beast, Zuo Le still has a good impression of Bai Ye.

"Actually, Nian shares the same view as you; she wants to find a way to get rid of that thing. If the Sui Beast awakens, all twelve incarnations will disappear, and she can't accept that. So, on this matter, Nian must have successfully persuaded Xi, which is why she dragged her away from her comfortable little nest... um, probably?"

Bai Ye wasn't quite sure if Xi had been convinced, but in any case, she had made a change.

"Absurd, she wanted to kill herself?" Zuo Le frowned; he had never heard of such a thing before.

“The will of the Year Beast is different from hers. After being divided into twelve parts, some were affected by the remnant soul, lost their reason, and were consumed by anger and hatred; while others wanted to sever their connection with the past, break free from the control of the original body, and live as independent individuals,” Bai Ye explained.

"For example, in 2010, she was unwilling to accept her predetermined fate, so she wanted to rebel. 'It's time to rise up against that great self.' That's what she told me."

“These are not recorded in the Si Sui Tai, I know, and I will report this matter to the court later…” Zuo Le took out his terminal and wrote it down, saying as he wrote, “These are just Nian’s personal opinions, and their credibility needs further confirmation.”

“Yes, no matter how much I say, you still need to make your own judgment. I am just stating their position and thoughts on their behalf.” Bai Ye said, toying with the lid of the teacup in his hand.

Zuo Le continued:

"From my perspective alone, Nian was just looking for a way out for herself. And any rational person wouldn't expect them to solve the problem. Even if I personally believe in Nian, how can I believe she could do something so absurd?"

"If she can't do it, how much unnecessary harm will her existence cause? Does Si Suitai have a more 'safe' way to solve the problem?"

Bai Ye smiled upon hearing this:

"Then tell me your specific methods? Are you sure your plan is truly more reliable and will definitely steer the future in the right direction?"

“This is something the adults are considering… The duty of the candle bearer is to illuminate the shadows of giant beasts and to patrol and observe the dangers facing the nation.” Zuo Le had no reply.

“It seems you can’t guarantee you’re the right one either… However, there’s one thing we can guarantee.” Bai Ye sat up straight.

"Please say."

“I’m here for them.”

Bai Ye's words revealed an undeniable confidence.

"...Indisputable." Although this statement was arrogant, Zuo Le could not find any reason to refute it.

Bai Ye is someone who can slice through the sky with a mere wave of his hand; even in the Great Yan Dynasty, there are few like him. Moreover, during the Great Yan's investigation into him, it was discovered that in just two years, Bai Ye had become an absolutely undeniable force in the Great Yan. His network of connections spans multiple countries, and he maintains close personal relationships with the leaders of various powerful forces. His every move could potentially influence the balance of power in this land.

This person, however, is usually exceptionally low-key, almost never showing off. Yet, in the past two years, various major events that have occurred on this land have always been intricately linked to him. His active figure can always be seen behind the scenes.

The Great Yan had analyzed this guy for a long time, gathering almost everything they could find about Bai Ye, but they still hadn't figured out his intentions and modus operandi. However, some were certain that everything he did had a clear objective. And his involvement with the Great Yan's beast avatars was no exception.

The investigation into Bai Ye began last year when Zuo Le and Tai He met in Longmen.

Therefore, even though Bai Ye claimed it was only to repay Nian's kindness in forging the sword, Zuo Le wasn't entirely convinced. He couldn't believe Bai Ye's one-sided story. Or rather, he thought there were still some things Bai Ye hadn't fully revealed.

Seeing the conversation reach a stalemate, Zuo Le knew it was time.

He didn't actually enter the Ursus Empire to investigate the matter entirely on his own initiative. When he left the capital for Gouwu, he was actually instructed by the Grand Tutor.

Chapter Twenty: Arrogance

"Actually, what I just said is only the opinion of some people in Si Suitai, and it cannot fully represent the Great Yan."

Zuo Le looked at Bai Ye and changed the subject.

Bai Ye sat up straight, knowing that the key to the conversation was about to begin.

“The Great Yan has long noticed you and has also shown you enough importance. Therefore, we will not act rashly. If something bad happens, it will be the people and the nation that suffer in the end.”

Bai Ye nodded after hearing this.

Zuo Le continued:

"As for the incarnations of the Year Beast, different departments of the Great Yan have expressed different opinions. As you know, some of these incarnations have indeed made indelible and undeniable contributions to the survival of the Great Yan dynasty. We have all seen these things. Otherwise, the court would not be so sentimental."

"The Grand Tutor once said that this is a great test. The test does not lie with people, but with those incarnations of the Year Beast. When that day comes, which side they stand on, which side they look at, and which side their hearts are set on will directly determine the losses of the war."

"As for Mr. Bai Ye... we'll take the simplest approach—aren't you the president of the Adventurers' Guild? We welcome your arrival in Great Yan. At the same time, there are some matters that the government can't easily handle, and we can seek assistance through your channels. This is also the Grand Tutor's intention. What do you think?"

This may seem like a casual move, but it could potentially yield unexpected results.

"I have no reason to refuse," Bai Ye smiled. Da Yan's attitude was within expectations.

"Please convey my views: I believe our cooperation should not be limited to the issue of behemoths. We share common interests and topics in many areas—such as the evil spirits in the north, the seas in the south, and various other geopolitical issues."

"This world is a game of chess, and in the future, no one can remain unaffected. I have been looking for an opportunity to talk to the higher-ups of the Great Yan. Now it seems that this is a good entry point."

Bai Ye's words surprised both Zuo Le and Tai He.

Although there are countless talented people on this land, not everyone can see so far ahead, or possess such a broad mind after knowing all this. Most are still thinking about how to protect themselves, or engaging in shady conspiracies for their own selfish interests.

Bai Ye, however, possessed such composure, which was truly surprising. His words refreshed the Great Yan's perception of him.

If that's the case, then those previous actions would have a reasonable explanation.

"I will also report this matter to the court." Zuo Le and Tai He exchanged a glance, then nodded.

"In exchange, I hope that some of the secret techniques and martial arts of the Great Yan can be opened to me, such as thunder magic."

"...If the Celestial Master's Mansion agrees, we naturally have no objection," Taihe said in a deep voice. "This is not something we can decide on our own, but we will convey the message."

-------------------------------------

After the meeting, Bai Ye escorted the two directly back to Longmen. They would naturally have a way to return to Da Yan from there. And this secret meeting would be kept without any official record, as if nothing had ever happened.

"Uncle Taihe, how credible do you think his words are?"

On the way back, Zuo Le suddenly asked.

After a moment of contemplation, Taihe slowly said:

"Seven points or more."

"The seven points Uncle Taihe mentioned... that means they are trustworthy." Zuo Le nodded.

"It's just a gut feeling."

"Unfortunately, I don't have that intuition yet."

Taihe shook his head after hearing this:

“Martial artists need to rely on intuition; but young masters cannot. When facing a giant beast, being suspicious is a good thing.”

Zuo Le joked:

"Consider it a consolation for my inadequate martial arts skills."

"That's true. Forgive my bluntness, but although your lightness skill is superb, you are not good at head-on combat..." Taihe commented seriously.

"Ahem... The Grand Tutor once said that the duty of the candle bearer is to illuminate the shadows of giant beasts and to patrol and observe the dangers facing the nation. The most important thing is to remember one's duty and act swiftly; martial arts skills are secondary..." Zuo Le's expression was somewhat uneasy.

"What you say is true, sir."

……

On the other side, Bai Ye's expression was somewhat conflicted.

He put down the terminal in his hand, paced back and forth in the room a few times, and finally walked to the table and picked up the terminal again.

Although Bai Ye was somewhat reluctant to face Lao Wei, he eventually sent Wei Yanwu a telegram, detailing his sudden trip to Gouwu City in Da Yan, the matter of the Sui Beast's incarnation, and his secret meeting with the candle-bearer of the Sui Tai.

This is a very important matter for Lao Wei. Moreover, those two passed through Longmen on their way to the core city where Bai Ye was located. This kind of thing couldn't be kept from Lao Wei. He's probably wondering right now why those two would come to Longmen again.

"Fortunately, I didn't go directly to Shangshu. I didn't expect the Si Sui Tai to have such an extreme attitude towards the incarnation of the Sui Beast..." Bai Ye couldn't help but sigh after sending the telegram.

What this guy did that year really rattled the nerves of the Great Yan, repeatedly teetering on its most sensitive spot. It was lucky he didn't get beaten up.

Of course, it was a good thing that they didn't participate in this conversation. After all, the Sui Beast incarnation also has its own pride, and if treated like this, it obviously wouldn't be happy and would probably start arguing on the spot. A tense atmosphere is definitely not conducive to communication.

……

“I heard everything…” Just then, Nian’s voice came from outside the tea room, and a moment later, she pushed the door open and came in.

"Huh?" Bai Ye blinked. His mind was focused on Taihe and Zuo Le, and he hadn't really noticed Nian.

Moreover, this creature is the incarnation of the Year Beast, so Bai Ye's powers sometimes don't work on her.

Nian walked over to the table and sat down:

"To be honest, being treated like this naturally didn't put me in a good mood, and I even felt like rushing out to argue... But then I thought about it, and these little guys probably only know about us through information passed down from within the Si Sui Tai. They haven't even met us once, so it's inevitable that they'll have prejudices."

As she spoke, she sighed:

"I've been idle for too long, and I haven't even noticed how much the human world has changed. By the way, I don't know who the current leader of the Si Sui Terrace is."

Their words also revealed the immortal beings' arrogance regarding time and their disdain for mortals. This arrogance, stemming from their own life cycle, is a perfectly normal consequence.

Chapter Twenty-One: Thunder Magic

"Since you've been listening in, do you have any thoughts on this?"

When facing the year, Bai Ye became much more relaxed.