Wang Yu feigned astonishment.
"No? Then what's the point of you sitting in this position? If you can't even master the skill of cronyism, what use are you?"
The longer their cooperation lasted, and the deeper their interests became entangled, the more Wang Yu seemed to take on the role of the dominant party, his speech becoming less and less courteous.
He had discovered that Zhao Shang was growing increasingly concerned with the affairs of the Alchemist Association. This proved that Zhao Shang's channels for making money were running into problems; perhaps this was his only remaining path.
Zhao Shang glanced around, then gave him a meaningful look, lowering his voice. "Three months ago, Senior Disciple Su took a concubine. Did you know?"
A strange light flashed in Wang Yu's eyes. He pretended to be familiar with the matter and nodded, though in truth, he had heard nothing of it. "So what? Could it be... she was your childhood sweetheart?"
"You!" Zhao Shang produced a magical tool, a jade pendant, and activated it. A sound-proofing barrier enveloped the two of them—he was truly cautious. He then pointed a finger towards the ceiling.
"That one is in the building right now. The cultivator originally in charge of resource allocation and building benefits, 'Gao Qiuyue,' was my sworn sister. Now—she's finished!
"That little bitch came and stripped her of her position. Now she wants to take my task issuance rights and my management of the [Essential Qi Room]. I suspect she wants to install her own people here to cultivate."
"How ruthless," Wang Yu expressed deep surprise.
"That's not all. A few days ago, she tried to move against a Foundation Establishment cultivator, to drive them out of the building."
Now Wang Yu was genuinely shocked. She represented Senior Disciple Su in the Ice Snow Pavilion, and yet she was trying to expel key forces under the True Disciple's own command?
It was like hearing that an imperial concubine had dismissed a general guarding the frontier—truly absurd.
"What is this concubine's background? Does she have some hidden backing we don't know about?"
Wang Yu's question was exceedingly clever. Zhao Shang, not suspecting a thing, immediately replied, "None. She's just a woman who stumbled into a stroke of luck."
"Then have you considered how she and Senior Disciple Su even met?"
"This—"
"Zhao truly doesn't know. Does Brother Wang have any insights?"
"None of my damn business." Wang Yu had just been making conversation, feeling it had nothing to do with him. The higher the flame, the less it concerned him.
"Help me look for any missions outside the sect. The reward isn't important; it needs to be safe and long-term."
Zhao Shang was taken aback, then a flash of anger crossed his face.
"Aren't you worried she'll drive me out, and all our... underhanded dealings will be discovered? And now you want to run? I won't help you!"
"Who's having 'underhanded dealings' with you? Don't use words you don't understand if you're uneducated," Wang Yu said, utterly exasperated. He continued,
"Stop pretending, it's sickening to watch. What kind of man are you, Zhao Shang? To hold such a critical position under Senior Disciple Su, do you truly think I haven't learned a thing or two about you?
"What can a mere concubine do to you? Hurry up and get it done."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shang suddenly fell silent, then said with deep meaning,
"Don't think it's unsafe within the sect. As long as you walk the main paths, you won't die unexpectedly.
"The outside is different. You could die any moment flying in the sky, and there are all sorts of dangers besides."
These words were not kindly meant advice, but a warning to Wang Yu.
If he left the sect, Zhao Shang would find an opportunity to crush him.
Their eyes locked onto each other. Suddenly, Wang Yu laughed.
"You're afraid of me."
"I'm afraid you'll run away and bring disaster upon me."
"Perhaps."
Shrugging, Wang Yu turned and left. After a moment of silence, Zhao Shang tossed a token out and explained,
"This is the Profound Bone Token. There's a rotation every five years. The destination is Profound Bone Mountain. The next rotation is in just over a year. You can join the team then."
Zhao Shang's explanation wasn't very clear; Wang Yu could investigate the details himself. But one thing was certain: Zhao Shang was deeply wary of him.
After all, they had interacted for a long time. Each had seen about thirty percent of the other's true colors, and they knew too much. Sooner or later, they would try to kill each other. Senior Disciple Su couldn't solve this problem; the only solution was to eliminate the person who knew the secrets.
"Whether I go or not is still up for debate," Wang Yu muttered to himself as he left the Ice Snow Pavilion.
......
......
The next day.
Blood Nether Quarter, Qingji Pavilion!
This place was a joint venture between the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect and another major demonic sect, the [Joyful Union Sect]. The Joyful Union Sect supplied the goods, and the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect managed the operations.
It provided cultivation cauldrons of all ages, both male and female.
Located deep within another sect's territory, the latter merely provided the venue, yet still took a fifty percent cut of the pure profits. It was the most bustling and prosperous location among all ten Reverse Blood Quarters.
Thousands of people passed through its doors daily.
It was truly an excellent place to 'arrange flowers and fondle jade.' If you ask: What flowers are arranged? What jade is fondled?
The flowers are the enchanting, understanding blossoms of spring; the jade is the captivating, soul-stirring beauty of peerless jade~
Wang Yu came here with his own ulterior motives.
He entered the establishment and produced spirit stones.
As the cultivation world had many fastidious individuals, Qingji Pavilion also provided virgins. For those who didn't mind, there were also skilled ladies from good families available, for a higher tip.
Considering he had yet to 'draw first blood' in this life, Wang Yu spared no expense to purchase a virgin cauldron for a night of spring passion.
While waiting, he couldn't help but sigh.
A fortune teller had once told him that he possessed a 'treasure weapon' hidden away in the mundane world. Unfortunately, this treasure was dusty, unpolished. Only the beauties of Qingji Pavilion could make it shine.
No other meaning intended.
It was simply that Wang Yu had decided to cultivate the [Corpse Demon Secret Art]. Considering he would be unable to 'use' it for the next hundred years, or even longer, he felt compelled to enjoy himself one last time in advance, purely for the sake of his mental health.
Living in a demonic path, one's growth was inevitably influenced by the environment. For the sake of his psychological well-being, it was worth a try.
"Young master~"
A voice enough to melt bone, sounded from behind him. A captivating woman in red, sheer gauze approached with seductive, lotus-like steps. Above, full snowy peaks; below, perfectly rounded curves. Her voluptuous figure showcased an enchanting silhouette.
She sat down close to Wang Yu, her beautiful eyes full of starlight.
"Husband~"
Just then, another voice, cool and clear, rang out. A young woman in blue-and-white drifting cloud robes emerged from behind a screen on the balcony. Her flowery countenance could make fish sink and geese alight, her skin snowy white and delicate.
Her chest was modest, like a young maiden's, budding like new flowers. A pair of long, evenly proportioned, straight legs with perfect curves were clad in the Joyful Union Sect's specialty "Green Lotus, White Lily Silken Socks." She gently settled on Wang Yu's right side, her slender hands encircling his sturdy waist.
"Hisss—"
Wang Yu couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath. He had only thought about overdrafting his future needs for today, without considering whether his body could withstand it.
At that very moment, the back of his head rested against something warm, soft, and plump, as if trying to envelop him. The sensation was exquisite, extremely comfortable.
"Little brother~"
Yet another tall beauty, in a blue dress open at the front with a skirt slit up to her waist, nibbled on his ear. Her voice was *****, enough to make one unable to extricate themselves.
No wonder it was said since ancient times that the land of beauties is a hero's grave.
The ancestors did not deceive me!
This night—was destined to be sleepless~
The sun was high in the sky, having passed its zenith twice. Wang Yu, feeling the spiritual power within his body had increased by a noticeable margin, pushed aside the jade-like arms strewn across his chest and carefully rose from the bed.
He was immediately affected by the sore ache in his waist, hissing sharply.
With a hint of lingering attachment, he glanced back once, then steeled his resolve and left Qingji Pavilion. Simultaneously, he made a mental adjustment.
[Placement Slot 3: Corpse Demon Secret Art]
Corpse Demon Secret Art (0/100): One thousand four hundred and forty practices per day. Estimated completion in three months.
From this day forward, he would be bound by the constraints of this secret art.
His body would be like an ancient corpse, never again able to experience the wonders of this day!
(End of Chapter)