Chapter 191: First Guí Spirit Treasure Exchange Meeting (Part 1)

These scoundrels truly disgusted him. They all deserved to die!

While the Jiang and Guan families could handle most of the issues, two locations were occupied by formidable Core Formation cultivators. According to his scouts' intelligence, he had to deal with these personally. Both were early-stage Core Formation cultivators, powerful outsiders who had crossed over from the Youzhou territory of the neighboring Yellow Spring Temple. Originally rogue cultivators, they later joined the first-rate Fiery Demon Sect but rebelled after killing the grandson of a direct elder. Upon learning of the opportunity in Dongjijing, they came to Yunling Prefecture and were now entrenched on his territory, refusing to leave. This was a considerable blow to his prestige.

Wang Yu would not seek help from the Sacred Sect unless it was absolutely necessary. Competition in the demonic path was fierce. Zhuo Shouqing had certainly not found it easy to secure his position as Guiling City Lord. If he rashly sought assistance, ill-intentioned individuals might accuse him of incompetence and demand his removal, which would put him in a very difficult situation. Unless he encountered an insurmountable obstacle, his approach would be different.

Currently, the two early-stage Core Formation cultivators were occupying two separate resource locations. Once his Yin Corpse was refined, he might very well have the power to contend with them. Of course, for absolute certainty, finding an additional helper would be even better!

As time passed, the buzz surrounding the Dongjijing incident gradually faded. Various rumors and tidbits from all corners of the world began to circulate within the city. One day, a treasure would appear in a certain place; the next, a genius would defeat a stepping stone opponent against all odds; and the day after, the Saintess of the Joyful Union Sect would declare her love for the chief disciple of the Nether Mountain Sect. All sorts of stories emerged, revealing a completely different side of the demonic cultivation world.

By April of the 19th year of Wang Yu's tenure as an elder, almost two years had passed since his conversation with True Monarch Jin. During this period, Wang Yu made considerable progress. His second top-grade Ice Spirit Pill had been fully refined, increasing his True Essence by 144 drops. His 'placement slot' cultivation added another 75 drops, and his self-cultivation yielded 20 drops, totaling an increase of 239 drops. Since his first successful Essence Condensation, which transformed his True Essence into a spring, his cultivation speed had nearly doubled. As he cultivated faster, the 'placement slot' would only become even quicker. From 50 strands/day with dual slots, it had increased to 100 strands/day with dual slots. This rate would surge again after his second Essence Condensation, when the spring transformed into a lake. Since a thousand strands of spiritual energy equaled one drop of True Essence, this meant he could condense one drop of True Essence every ten days—a substantial improvement. Since breaking through to the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment, and combined with his original accumulation of 500 drops of True Essence, his True Essence capacity had now reached 739 drops. He was only a little short of the 800 drops required to break through to the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment. Once he consumed his third top-grade Ice Spirit Pill and cultivated for another six months, he would be able to break through smoothly.

Indeed, improving his aptitude felt great. If he had possessed dual spiritual roots during his Qi Condensation stage, he might have achieved Foundation Establishment in his early twenties. Still, it wasn't too late to enjoy the benefits now.

The matter of the ancient ruins had now completely settled, and Guiling City had returned to its usual unremarkable state. After two years of meticulous preparations, the City Lord's Mansion was about to host its first "Scent-Appreciation Exchange Fair."

City Lord Wang, in his own name, sent invitations to Foundation Establishment cultivators both inside and outside the city. Most of them were people he knew, with only a small portion being new contacts. Accounting for those who wouldn't come, the first event would likely be an intimate gathering of acquaintances. He only needed to ensure that two or three new contacts attended. After two or three such events, the fair's reputation should spread locally. He could then seize the opportunity to arrange for people to disseminate the news further.

The Scent-Appreciation Fair publicly invited young talents and veteran cultivators with exceptional skills to come, discuss cultivation, and exchange ideas. Ostensibly, it aimed to recruit venerable experts for the Guiling City Lord's Mansion. In reality, the "Treasure Exchange" segment was the main event. Wang Yu had meticulously refined many details, covering all aspects. Servant girls, specifically chosen for their beauty, were purchased from Yunmeng Pavilion to attend to the guests.

Once everything was meticulously prepared, Guiling City became bustling within ten days. That day, the presence of Foundation Establishment cultivators was frequently felt throughout the city. The renamed second-tier top-grade spiritual incense, 'Pure Origin Marvelous Dao Incense,' was provided free of charge. Lighting one stick and placing it in an incense burner was enough for twenty to thirty people to inhale its scent. However, to truly experience its effects, at least three sticks were barely sufficient. This incense was not cheap; he had paid a hefty sum for it.

Wang Yu suggested to True Monarch Jin that it be processed into incense powder, pressed into discs. Each guest could then be provided with a handheld incense burner, and just a small piece would burn for two days. This would also differentiate it from the unique techniques of the Scent-Appreciation Sect. The other party agreed, but the modification wouldn't be ready so quickly, likely not until the next Scent-Appreciation Fair. For this event, he would simply consider the extra spiritual stones as an investment to establish the fair.

As expected, the first to arrive were the young cultivators from the Guan and Jiang families. Judging by their aura, they were only at the first or second layer of Foundation Establishment, having broken through recently. Upon seeing Wang Yu, they nodded from a distance as a greeting. These two were decoys, prepared with two rare second-tier spiritual artifacts in hand, just in case they needed to liven up a dull moment.

Next were Lady Chaoyun and Xiangxiang from Yunmeng Pavilion. These two had recently gained many benefits from Zhuo Shouqing, looking radiant every day, even with slightly distended bellies. Upon seeing Wang Yu, they quickly bowed. "City Lord Wang," they greeted. "No need for such formality," Wang Yu replied. "Today, at the Scent-Appreciation Fair, both of you are esteemed guests. Have you prepared what I previously asked for?" Lady Chaoyun chuckled sweetly. "Of course, City Lord. You'll soon see the special products of my Joyful Union Sect."

Soon after, the red-faced elder from Purple Dragon Mountain and a middle-aged cultivator from the Ink Sect arrived together, while the Scent-Appreciation Sect was represented by a young woman. The first two bypassed Wang Yu and went directly into the palace building to take their seats. Purple Dragon Mountain had a grudge against the previous Guiling City Lord, and Wang Yu was indirectly affected. This was a minor issue that wouldn't impact the main event. The Ink Sect's change in attitude was, naturally, due to Wang Yu having revealed all the intelligence they had gathered over generations concerning the exploration of Dongjijing—information obtained at a bloody cost, with countless lives of their predecessors. Anyone would be angry. Wang Yu expressed his understanding, acknowledging that whatever grievances there were, they had to be set aside for today. The representative from the Scent-Appreciation Sect, however, bowed to him. She seemed to be a genius of the younger generation, with early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. "I am Kou Lan, greetings, City Lord Wang," she said. "No need to be so formal, please come in. Everyone is almost here," Wang Yu replied. "Alright~," she chirped.

Next came the rogue Foundation Establishment cultivators from the northern district, Reverend Zijin and Bloodblade. These two were also acquaintances of Wang Yu. Despite their humble origins, through their extensive contact with lower-tier cultivators, they sometimes acquired rare, overlooked items. "City Lord," they said in unison. "Yes, please come in," Wang Yu replied.

Just then, a rare guest descended from mid-air: Zhuo Shouqing had arrived. Wang Yu was somewhat surprised, as Zhuo Shouqing had been quite elusive recently. Zhuo Shouqing chuckled, "Whatever you're dabbling in, I, Zhuo, must support it. Rest assured, I'll definitely help you maintain appearances." "Thank you," Wang Yu said. "Between us, there's no need for formalities," Zhuo Shouqing replied.

Unbeknownst to him, Wang Yu was now able to gather a large group of Foundation Establishment cultivators. This network of connections was merely one of the most unassuming gains since he became Guiling City Lord.

After waiting for another short while, several streaks of light rapidly descended from the horizon. These were precisely Wang Yu's key targets for expanding his network: the top-grade second-tier talisman master from Sanmao City, Master Jiugu; the rogue cultivator powerhouse at the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment, Rogue Cultivator Longhu; and the top-grade second-tier spirit plant master from Yunyan City, Daoist Yu. These were all Wang Yu's primary targets for engagement. If they were satisfied and exchanged for desirable treasures, the name of the Scent-Appreciation Fair would naturally spread within their circles. With friends bringing friends and mutual introductions, even more people would attend next time. Their attendance was mainly due to Wang Yu's significant reputation in Yunling Prefecture and the protection of the Reversing Spirit Blood Sect behind him, with Guiling City conveniently located nearby. Given the small opportunity to gain top-grade second-tier spiritual incense for free, there was no reason for them not to come. Of course, they undoubtedly had their own agendas as well.

"City Lord Wang, I've long admired your reputation," they said. "You're too kind," Wang Yu replied with a gentle smile. "Daoist Jiugu, Daoist Longhu, Daoist Yu," Wang Yu began, "since you three are willing to attend the Scent-Appreciation Fair, I presume you've heard something." "Hahaha, rest assured, City Lord Wang, we have our own preparations," Rogue Cultivator Longhu said with a carefree laugh, his attitude the most amicable. "Please come in—" Wang Yu invited.

Wang Yu stepped aside to let the three enter first, then glanced at the sky, estimating that these would be all the attendees for the first Scent-Appreciation Fair. Just as he was about to instruct someone to close the palace building doors, "City Lord Wang~ wait for me," a golden-robed figure jogged over. It was Ye Qing, the newly appointed Head of Jinman Tower's Guiling branch. "Head Ye? You've come to..." "Of course, to attend the Scent-Appreciation Fair. I heard there's also a treasure exchange segment. The third floor of my Jinman Tower specializes in this kind of business and offers absolute security." Wang Yu shook his head, refusing. "If Head Ye is here to expand business, then please return." "No, no, it's fine even if no business is conducted. I, Ye, am simply here to broaden my horizons." "Very well," Wang Yu conceded. This much, he didn't need to refuse. "Let me be frank, Head Ye," Wang Yu stated. "If you wish to participate, you are welcome! But if you intend to cause trouble... do not blame this City Lord for being ruthless." "Of course not!" Ye Qing nodded repeatedly. He had heard of Wang Yu's notorious reputation before coming and knew what Wang Yu was capable of, fully believing Wang Yu could make him pay dearly. His presence was indeed to observe the situation. Guiling City had no renowned treasure exchange fairs; most were merely small gatherings where Qi Condensation rogue cultivators rented space within buildings, and the branch's performance differed significantly from other locations. Previously, this was due to a lack of a decisive strong figure, existing grudges between major powers, and a scarcity of respected and trustworthy individuals to preside. With Wang Yu's arrival, a new era began. Lawless individuals were directly exterminated, and those who remained naturally cast aside their past prejudices and enmities. City Lord Wang possessed the foundation to facilitate this.

After the palace doors were closed, the luxurious venue felt somewhat spacious due to the relatively small number of attendees, especially after the servant girls withdrew. However... this was only the beginning. As the saying goes: "A mountain is revered not for its height, but for the presence of immortals; a body of water is revered not for its depth, but for the presence of dragons." Satisfying the guests was the first step!

With a dozen or so people scattered throughout the hall, Wang Yu spoke a few casual words, then clapped his hands, signaling the official start of the Scent-Appreciation Fair. After enjoying song, dance, beautiful courtesans, spiritual food, and a wine banquet—all according to the planned schedule—the Scent-Appreciation Fair truly began as night fell. At each seat, Wang Yu had prepared a small incense burner. Starting with first-tier spiritual incense, they gradually moved up in quality. Since it was a Scent-Appreciation Fair, it was naturally impossible to provide only one type of spiritual incense, and the Scent-Appreciation Sect had supplied the majority of these.