Outside the main hall.
As Wang Yu proactively left and headed to the residential area in the third zone, finding an empty, unused small palace to settle in for the night, planning to talk with the three of them again tomorrow.
Today marked the first day of his career as a steward, a day to start a new career log, symbolizing the starting point of a new life.
Outside.
Yu Xing spoke in a serious tone, "We've been friends since childhood, so I'll be blunt. This Wang Yu is clearly an ambitious character. His choice to come to the Enforcement Hall in the Evil God Market speaks volumes about his goal. What he wants most right now is undoubtedly to use our connections to select a fertile land to establish his manor and govern a city. What are your thoughts?"
Zuoqiu Ming crossed his arms, his demeanor much more serious now. When it came to benefits, he was confident. "Old Yu, are you thinking I'm too stupid, or are you overestimating Wang Yu's cleverness? He has never hidden his objectives, and I've never hidden my approval of him."
"Let me put it this way: regarding the Demonic Womb Profound Origin Secret Curse, since he has mastered it, it means potential. In my view, Wang Yu reaching the peak of Core Formation in the future is not a problem. As for the Nascent Soul stage, that's harder to say and depends more on personal机缘 (jīyuàn - opportunity, fortune). My initial investment has already succeeded. Are you asking me to pull out now? Don't be ridiculous."
Zhuo Shouqing also nodded in agreement, stroking the fine beard he specially kept. "Old Ming's meaning is mine as well. I've had longer contact with Wang Yu and a deeper acquaintance. I have a general understanding of what kind of person he is."
"Benefits are the primary factor to bind him, but preferential emotional treatment is also key. Benefit + Sentiment, a dual binding. I'm not afraid he won't be of use to us in the future."
Yu Xing let out a long sigh. "Have you two forgotten the casting requirements of the Demonic Womb Profound Origin Secret Curse?"
"Wang Yu's spiritual root aptitude has improved significantly, and he's broken through to Foundation Establishment. How many targets could he have possibly captured in just five years?"
Zuoqiu Ming snorted. "So he ate his own blood brothers who had better innate talent. So what? If I could do it, I'd eat them too!" As he said this, Zuoqiu Ming's expression was icy cold.
Being a direct descendant in a large clan had its pros and cons. For those with outstanding talent, it was an aid on the path of cultivation. For those with inferior talent, it was a swirling vortex drawing them closer to death. Although the three of them were direct descendants, their aptitude was only triple spiritual roots, and the worst kind at that, extremely close to quadruple spiritual roots. If not for the resources provided by their families, they would probably still be lingering in the late Qi Refining stage at their age. Even so, they had failed Foundation Establishment once. And the number of clansmen and brothers coveting their positions was countless. If not for the favoritism of the highest-ranking ancestor, they would have long since died in some dark ditch. But the danger didn't disappear; it only grew more severe with age.
Their situations were similar, only Yu Xing was slightly better off because he had an exceptionally talented older sister who attracted more attention. At this point, Yu Xing's expression also darkened. "Back then, among that batch of low-aptitude direct descendants, only the three of us failed the Blood Spring Evil Art. This art can only be attempted once. Are we supposed to cultivate the Demonic Womb Profound Origin Secret Curse now?"
Mentioning this, Zhuo Shouqing's face grew even more overcast. Zuoqiu Ming and Yu Xing failed the Blood Spring Evil Art because, during the forty-nine days of cocoon rebirth, they couldn't withstand the impact of the blood souls. Ultimately, it was a personal issue—their will wasn't firm enough. They felt pity for the same age expendables being devoured, leading to an imperfect fusion. The innate blood spiritual root failed to be forged.
And him? He was sabotaged. Among the materials he gathered, one person's birth two-hour period differed from his by just one period. The cocoon rebirth failed, and he was severely injured. He almost died, wasting ten years of his golden cultivation period. Although the real culprit was caught afterward, he was powerless to take revenge. Even his parents told him to stand down.
Recalling the past, the three of them wore bitter expressions.
After a long while, it was Yu Xing who returned to the topic first. "It's useless to talk about this now. Let's get back to Wang Yu. This person is not only ambitious but also a狠绝 (hěn jué - ruthless and decisive) individual who is difficult to win over. Temporary cooperation is possible, but subduing him? Save your energy."
Hearing this, Zuoqiu Ming couldn't help but laugh. "Old Yu, when did I ever say I wanted to subdue him?"
"You—"
"I even had him change his name to Wang Si. Isn't my intention obvious enough?"
"This—"
Zhuo Shouqing interjected, "I mean the same. Our situation is precarious. We need powerful helpers in the future. We don't need him to be our slave or servant, but saving our lives when the time comes should be expected, right?"
Zuoqiu Ming nodded repeatedly. "Exactly! If he can break through to the Nascent Soul stage, that would be best. We could all rest easy."
"Actually, ever since coming to the Evil God Market, Old Zhuo and I have been scouting for candidates worth cultivating. Wang Yu isn't the only one. If in the future, Old Yu, you find yourself without people to use, you can always come beg your big brothers. Hahahaha~"
"You... you two!"
Yu Xing felt his scalp go numb. When did these two simple-minded second-generation heirs become so shrewd? Was he the only one playing the fool? He couldn't help but ask, "You two spend your days indulging in the Green Courtesan Pavilion. How do you have time to scout for talented individuals lacking resources?"
Zhuo Shouqing raised an eyebrow. "That's where you don't get it. It's all an act for others. The Green Courtesan Pavilion receives thousands upon thousand) of guests daily. It's very hidden."
*Hiding a large tree in a small forest,* as the saying goes. To develop their forces under the enemy's surveillance, they could only choose to invest in first-generation cultivators with potential but lacking resources and connections. They分散 (fēnsàn - dispersed) their efforts, usually having no contact. They only met at the Green Courtesan Pavilion when the other party had a request.
Of course, their standards were strict. They looked not only at innate talent but, most importantly, at character and integrity.
Wang Yu belonged to the cold-blooded but trustworthy collaborator type. Since he was difficult to subdue, they would give him what he wanted most: influence and connections. In the future, when faced with calamity, he would surely help them. After all, they were his big brothers, first, second, and third! Fourth Brother, just say whether you'll help or not.
For geniuses with different personalities, their approach varied. Those who could be subdued, they tried to subdue. They even invested in cultivators with other talents. In places far from the sect, they trained death warriors, cultivated masters in the four auxiliary paths... and so on.
*Only by not wasting one's years can one secure a lifetime of peace.*
"Sigh—" Yu Xing didn't know how many times he had sighed today. It was as if he was seeing these two old brothers for the first time, his gaze extremely complex. He said,颓然 (tuírán - dejected) and失落 (shīluò - lost), "I understand. I will cooperate with you fully."
Zuoqiu Ming suddenly threw an arm around Yu Xing's shoulder, grinning. "Don't mind it. That sister of yours genuinely cares for you and can keep you safe. If Old Zhuo and I fail, your ignorance would mean you wouldn't be implicated."
"But now it's different. Since you've said this much, do you not want to participate anymore?"
Zhuo Shouqing gave a sinister smile, pretending to be dark. "Then don't blame us for resorting to lethal measures."
Yu Xing was stunned for a moment, then burst into loud laughter. "You forced me into this! I'm totally unwilling!"
"Hahahaha~"
The laughter of the three echoed for a long, long time in the quiet night.
Who said the Demonic Path lacked genuine feeling?!
***
The next day.
The sky was bright. Having slept in for the first time in ages, Wang Yu was still a bit dazed when he woke up, sitting blankly for a while before getting up. It was just past noon. Even after resting all night, his cultivation was still advancing by leaps and bounds. Four months had passed since Foundation Establishment. The placement slots had generated 6 drops of true essence, and his own cultivation had generated 1 drop. Exactly 10 drops in total. The progress speed was incredibly fast. Accumulating to a hundred drops wouldn't take long.
He sent someone to inquire about the status of his three "brothers," only to find they were still asleep. He had no choice but to cultivate on his own to avoid wasting time, conveniently pondering the various overflowing legacies in his possession.
Thus, when evening came, the four of them sat around the stove, beginning discussions about the investment. In just one night, Wang Yu found they had all become much more serious, communicating with him in a business-like tone and laying out the expected return on the table.
Zuoqiu Ming spoke first, "Fourth Brother, let me be clear from the start to avoid misunderstandings."
Wang Yu nodded, his expression saying 'go ahead.'
"We discussed it yesterday and decided to tell you about some situations."
"Delighted. Please proceed."
"The families behind the three of us all have multiple Nascent Soul ancestors. But bloodlines have degrees of closeness, and relationships have intimacy and distance. The internal strife within a single clan can be severe."
"The older and more powerful, the more direct the conflicts. What seems like conflicts among the younger generation often involves Nascent Soul ancestors wrestling behind the scenes."
"You've gotten close to us, so naturally, our enemies will also view you with hostility. Be mentally prepared for that."
Wang Yu was naturally aware of this. Everything has its price. The resources and channels these three could provide would save him countless time and struggle. A bit of targeting was insignificant. After all, the sect had rules, and families naturally had rules. If his guess was correct, such conflicts were limited to the younger generation. What was there to fear from such opponents? Moreover, he was just a small fry, a premature product of the Foundation Seizing Art. If this spread, it would only bring shame to the three of them and wouldn't attract targeting from any powerful figures.
"Before this, let's set aside the matter of the Demonic Womb Profound Origin Secret Curse. Consider it a reward for your contribution of the Alchemist Association."
"What we're about to discuss next will greatly benefit your future cultivation, and you also need to agree to our conditions."
"Reasonable."
It seemed that after a night of contemplation, they had decided to be direct. Wang Yu liked this method of having resources thrown at his face. He was—the Number One Trustworthy Man of the Sacred Sect!
"First point: There is a cultivation treasure ground on Cold Blood Peak called the [Spirit Spring Cold Pool]. Undergoing its洗礼 (xǐlǐ - baptism, cleansing) can greatly enhance a cultivator's ice attribute talent and has the effect of improving spiritual root aptitude."
"This point is highly beneficial to you even after mastering the Profound Origin Demonic Womb. It also enhances the talent of ice-attribute demonic beasts. I grant you one spot, redeemable at any time."
Zhuo Shouqing followed immediately, "Second point: There is a Profound Heaven Secret Realm in Fengzhou. It's said to contain other legacies related to the Demonic Womb Secret Curse and also produces large quantities of Core Formation spiritual materials. When you reach the peak of Foundation Establishment in the future, we grant you one spot."
It was Yu Xing's turn.
"Third point, and what you want most: We will grant you a piece of land with great potential, a truly fertile territory. Three hundred years of ownership rights. Unless a Nascent Soul intervenes, no one can动摇 (dòngyáo - shake, challenge) it."
(End of Chapter)