Chapter 285: Yan Ling's Secret Transmission, Three Layers of Core Formation

Only he was aware of the situation. With the “key” in hand, there was certainly no need to rush.

Back on Coldblood Peak, at the site he had chosen for his cave dwelling, numerous Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators were actively working, flying tirelessly around. Pillars adorned with vermilion and gold coiled dragons, translucent glazed tiles, and spiritual wood were rapidly assembled, creating a magnificent and grand structure. To call it a mere courtyard would be an understatement; it resembled a grand palace accompanied by several smaller halls. Even gardens, covered bridges, and scenic pavilions had been built for him. Alchemy chambers, artifact refining rooms, and various other functional buildings were also included. The area was significantly larger than what he had initially demarcated. Perhaps this was an unstated perk of being a candidate elder?

This, however, was unfortunate for his neighbor. Xuening's already nearby cave dwelling had been further encroached upon by the expansion, leaving only a hundred-meter gap between their residences. They were truly neighbors!

Xuening stood atop a temporary snow tower, shaped by spiritual power, gazing blankly at the diligent expansion work. She seemed somewhat bewildered by the situation. Upon seeing this, Wang Yu felt a touch of embarrassment.

He landed near Xuening. “My apologies, Fellow Daoist Xuening,” he began. “These arrangements were made by them on their own initiative, and I…”

“No need to apologize,” Xuening interjected. Recognizing him, she shook her head and, with a hint of curiosity, asked, “Fellow Daoist Wang, what position do you hold within the peak? They are so eager to please you. I inquired about this matter a few days ago, but I didn't expect them to prioritize your needs.”

Hearing this only deepened Wang Yu’s embarrassment. “Perhaps I made my request earlier,” he offered.

“I see,” Xuening replied. “But it seems I was judging a gentleman’s heart with a villain’s mind.”

“Not at all,” Wang Yu quickly responded.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, just as Wang Yu was about to speak further, a few wisps of fragrant, chilly wind swept past, accompanied by the crisp sound of bells.

A woman slowly descended from mid-air. She wore her hair in an ethereal bun, and her form was completely enveloped by a stunning blue, snow-embroidered silk inner garment, obscured by white sable stoles draped over her shoulders and a fine, white velvet cloak. Her eyes were ice-blue, and her unadorned face was smooth and fair. Her small, delicate lips curved into a pleasing smile as she nodded to him in greeting.

“Elder Wang Yu, younger sister Xuening, I didn't expect you two to become neighbors. It seems my trip wasn't in vain.”

Wang Yu was still pondering. Xuening, however, showed a look of pleasant surprise. “Sister Yan Ling, are you looking for me for something?” she asked.

Yan Ling? Wang Yu's mind immediately recalled the slender figure he had seen on Spider Mountain years ago. Although he hadn't seen her true face then, he had already deduced her identity.

Curiously, Yan Ling was over a decade younger than Xuening, yet was addressed as 'sister.' Among cultivators, the accomplished take precedence; the stronger individual is considered the senior. Such a form of address was, in fact, quite normal.

Xuening, possessing a Heavenly Ice Spiritual Root, was no less talented than Yan Ling, who had a Heavenly Water Spiritual Root. Indeed, Xuening's root was even more suited to the Coldblood Peak's lineage. Yet, she had not become a True Disciple, remaining merely an ordinary Inner Elder. Considering that her elder was Master Feixue and recalling that fleeting glimpse, the mysteries surrounding this woman were indeed numerous. This was certainly not the time for such inquiries.

So, Wang Yu turned to Yan Ling and inquired, “May I ask why True Disciple Yan Ling sought me out?”

“I heard Elder Wang Yu returned to Coldblood Peak yesterday,” Yan Ling began, “and has already been promoted to a candidate for the Twelve Elders. Is that correct?”

“That is correct,” Wang Yu confirmed.

No sooner had he spoken than Wang Yu felt a subtle, lingering gaze fixed upon him – it was Xuening! Clearly, she was recalling his earlier remark about making a request in advance. Upon reflection, Wang Yu had only returned to the sect yesterday; there was no truth to 'requesting in advance.' It had simply been an excuse to appease her.

Yan Ling continued, “Elder Wang Yu possesses extraordinary talent. To achieve such a prestigious title immediately upon becoming a Coldblood Elder means that becoming one of the Twelve Elders is merely a matter of time.”

“Oh, no, not at all,” Wang Yu humbly replied. “I have only just formed my Core; how can I possibly compare to the current Twelve Elders? That is still a long way off!”

“Elder Wang is far too modest,” Yan Ling countered. “Very few within the peak have voiced objections to your candidacy for elder, which suggests it must have been sanctioned by the Zuoqiu and Zhuo clans.”

As she spoke, and meeting her direct, ice-blue gaze, Wang Yu understood Yan Ling’s implication perfectly. She simply wanted him to join her faction. However, he was still unfamiliar with the various factions within Coldblood Peak, so caution was paramount. It was only the second day, and her swift approach was truly unexpected. Furthermore, Yan Ling was already the True Disciple of the Coldblood Peak Master. On Coldblood Peak, she held a position second only to the Peak Master himself. Why then, such eagerness?

As he pondered, Yan Ling subtly signaled to Xuening, who immediately spoke up. “Sister Yan Ling, Fellow Daoist Wang Yu,” Xuening offered, “why don't we come into my humble abode and have some tea? We can talk more comfortably there.”

“Then we shall follow younger sister’s suggestion. Elder Wang?” Yan Ling said, turning to him.

“Very well,” Wang Yu assented. He was quite curious about both of them. Moreover, his own cave dwelling was still undergoing construction, leaving him no suitable place to reside. This presented an ideal opportunity to inquire about the situation within the peak.

A moment later, a cup of cool Snow Spirit Tea flowed down his throat. The tea was smooth, subtly fragrant, with a lingering aftertaste and a hint of sweetness. Its invigorating effect was quite remarkable.

After they had savored the tea, Yan Ling took the initiative to speak. “I recall Master Dan Tai was introduced by Elder Wang, and you even delivered a letter for Fellow Daoist Jiang. Why then do you seem so unfamiliar with me now?” Yan Ling probed. This wasn’t a matter of familiarity for Wang Yu, but rather whether he wished to get involved in the internal power struggles of Coldblood Peak.

“Your Highness Yan Ling must be jesting,” Wang Yu replied. “I do indeed know Master Dan Tai, but I cannot control her will. It was your extraordinary methods that attracted her to pledge allegiance. As for the letter you mentioned, I have no recollection of it. Perhaps you are mistaken.”

Wang Yu simply spouted a stream of nonsense. Not only did his words leave Xuening looking utterly bewildered, but they also momentarily confounded Yan Ling. She silently cursed him before once again revealing a captivating smile.

“Yan Ling heard that Elder Wang returned yesterday and visited various peak treasuries, seeking a particular spiritual material,” Yan Ling said. “Is it this?”

Yan Ling then produced an item. It was entirely cyan-blue, its surface gleaming with a glazed luster—precisely the item Wang Yu needed: Glazed Azure Gold Stone!

Though surprised, Wang Yu did not immediately reach for it. Instead, he mused aloud, “May I ask, Your Highness Yan Ling, how I can be of assistance?”

“I…” He had framed the situation as an employment opportunity, which left Yan Ling even more exasperated. She was certain Wang Yu understood her implicit meaning, yet he stubbornly refused to take the bait.

After a moment’s thought, she raised an eyebrow and spoke. “Elder Wang, are you aware that each time the sect’s treasury is replenished, after the Nascent Soul cultivators have had their selection, it’s the Nine Peaks’ True Disciples who get to choose, and only then do the elders have their turn? In the future, if you require any valuable items, you can seek my assistance. If I happen to be unavailable… well, you can likely guess the outcome.”

The implication was clear. If he didn't comply, acquiring the spiritual items he desired in the future would be exceedingly difficult. This wasn't Yan Ling targeting him; rather, someone was attempting to cause him trouble, and she was subtly revealing this information. Among the various factions within Coldblood Peak, the largest was undoubtedly the alliance of the Zuoqiu and Zhuo clans. However, other factions existed, and not all would be favorably disposed towards him. Anyone aspiring to the Twelve Elders candidate position would undoubtedly seek to trouble him. His own foundation was shallow, and Yan Ling’s was not particularly deep either. Their alliance could significantly bolster her bargaining power and secure substantial practical authority.

The path Yan Ling forged was, in fact, quite similar to what Wang Yu had initially planned for himself. The only difference was that he had abandoned the True Disciple path, while Yan Ling had succeeded on it. She, too, was from a humble background, much like Wang Yu. Wang Yu’s parents were mere mortals, while Yan Ling was an adopted orphan – who knew if she was a 'seed' plundered from the Taihu region. Given the prevalence of such histories in the Demonic Dao, this possibility couldn't be ruled out.

After a moment’s deliberation, Wang Yu suddenly turned to look at Xuening, who was delicately sipping from her teacup. Startled by his abrupt movement, her cheeks flushed visibly. She truly didn't resemble a cultivator from a Saint Sect.

“Fellow Daoist Xuening,” Wang Yu asked, “what do you think of Her Highness Yan Ling’s proposal?”

“Wang… Fellow Daoist Wang Yu,” Xuening stammered, “why do you ask me?”

Wang Yu smiled. “I’ve heard that those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots are blessed by fortune, and their insights are often correct. What are your thoughts?”

This, of course, was utter nonsense. Otherwise, Luo Chen wouldn't have fallen so carelessly. Yan Ling, privy to this information, frowned in thought, pondering the true relationship between Wang Yu and Xuening.

In fact, this was Wang Yu’s strategy to build rapport. Speaking too intimately too early is indeed a taboo in social interactions. Yet, people are often eager to make decisions for others, and regardless of whether their advice is sound, they crave affirmation. If Xuening’s innocent demeanor wasn't feigned, it suggested she had been overly protected since childhood, like a hothouse flower, exhibiting a slight social anxiety. He suspected that Xuening’s Heavenly Ice Spiritual Root had been enhanced later, specifically after Master Feixue’s demise. Beyond simply fostering a closer bond, this was also a test of Xuening’s relationship with Yan Ling, to see how she would respond.

“Let me choose…” Just as Xuening seemed at a loss, her ear subtly twitched. She had received a voice transmission from Yan Ling, and her expression immediately calmed significantly. She then spoke, a hint of shyness in her voice: “I think… Sister Yan Ling is right.”

“Very well then,” Wang Yu responded. Having received her affirmation, Wang Yu no longer hesitated. He decisively accepted the Glazed Azure Gold Stone. He indeed needed this spiritual material to refine his destined magic weapon as soon as possible. His prior, indirect interactions with Yan Ling had also proven her character. He knew she was a shrewd individual who understood how to assess a situation. Sometimes, choosing a collaborator isn't about finding the smartest person, but someone who knows when to be astute and when to lie low. In this regard, she was far superior to Su Yulong; at the very least, he wouldn't have to worry about being burdened by groundless affairs.

The remainder of their conversation was significantly more relaxed. Having achieved her objective, Yan Ling departed after only half an hour. Wang Yu’s cave dwelling remained under construction. Xuening hesitated several times before eventually inviting him to stay for a few days. Clearly, their conversation had begun to bear fruit. However, Wang Yu declined. While construction was ongoing, he was content to simply reside in the cave; his requirements for his living environment had always been quite pragmatic.

After taking his leave, he met with the construction team, presented a few more requests, which were all readily met, and then, satisfied, he entered the cave embedded in the rock face. The Glazed Ice Core Pagoda and Feng Shui Plate could now be refined.

He waited for another opportunity.

Day 31 of Elder Wang Yu’s life as an Elder.

On this day, a sudden burst of brilliance occurred. Wang Yu's spiritual power capacity increased to one thousand wisps, and he successfully broke through to the third level of Core Formation!