Chapter 356: The Cold-Blooded Mountain Lord's Persuasion

Near the mountaintop dojo, seeing that the Mountain Lord had not yet returned, Wang Yu went to the Jade Scroll Hall. Elder Yushu was still lounging on the rocking chair in front of the entrance, flipping through an old book in his hands.

Upon seeing Wang Yu approach, he playfully remarked, "Oh, you're back. How was your experience in the Blood Abyss?"

Wang Yu opened his mouth, then held back his words. He pointed a finger to his brow, replicating a memory with his spiritual sense, primarily focusing on his interactions with Song Yun.

"Elder Yushu will understand once he reviews this."

After sending out the spiritual sense cluster, Wang Yu turned and departed. In just a few breaths, the old man's book fell to the ground, and the aura he emitted upon standing up secretly startled Wang Yu.

Elder Yushu indeed gave off a different impression. The sheer quality of his magical power had reached the peak for a Core Formation cultivator. This disparity, merely from the release of his aura, generated an oppressive feeling. No wonder he was reputed to be the most promising cultivator to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Given all this, why wouldn't the sect consider investing in a spiritual item for Nascent Soul formation? And if that's the case, could the opportunity pointed out by Blood Axe be trusted?

*Hiss*— The more he thought about it, the more Wang Yu's sense of insecurity resurfaced. He could only judge such matters for himself. He didn't feel he possessed anything worth coveting, apart from the potential of his physical body. Suspicion was fine, but complete distrust would mean letting an opportunity pass. The attention of the Three Bloodfiend Devils was likely still focused on Xie Xiean; it seemed unlikely they would target him. Therefore, he was probably overthinking it.

As he reached the entrance of the Mountain Lord's dojo, Wang Yu saw Elder Yushu ascend into the sky, presumably to investigate the situation. He hoped Song Yun's matter would provide some stimulus for him. If he could break through to the Nascent Soul stage, it would inevitably cause a shake-up within the power structure of Cold Blood Peak, making it significantly easier for Wang Yu to seize the opportunity to climb higher. Chaos could be a ladder, but excessive chaos was a path to ruin. The impact of Yushu's breakthrough would be just right. He hoped for his success!

Subsequently, he smoothly arrived at the entrance of the Mountain Lord's dojo, leaning against a rock beside the steps, closing his eyes to wait. He didn't have to wait long, only half a day. The Cold Blood Mountain Lord and Yan Ling flew from afar, landing simultaneously on the steps.

"Fellow Daoist Wang Yu?"

This questioning voice was clearly from Yan Ling. Wang Yu nodded to her, then respectfully saluted the cultivator beside her, saying, "Greetings, Mountain Lord."

"No need for formalities."

The Cold Blood Mountain Lord appeared youthful. If he hadn't taken a beauty-preserving pill, it was likely due to his mindset, as a youthful appearance often influenced a cultivator's style of conduct. Whether he was hot-blooded and impulsive was unclear, but he was certainly very different from the personality of an old man. He had long, blue-and-white streaked hair, simply draped behind him. His features were quite refined, and a clear jade band was tied across his forehead. His attire was also simple: a plain purple-black jade silk robe without any patterns. He toyed with a string of ice bodhi beads in his hand, smiling as he looked at Wang Yu.

"Have you come for the upcoming Blood Pool baptism?"

"You could say that." Wang Yu nodded, his answer somewhat vague.

"Then let's go in together. The other peaks have many issues to deal with. Fortunately, Xie Xiean emerged; otherwise..." Otherwise, the Cold Blood Mountain Lord himself would be in trouble. As the "troublemaker" was nearby, he deliberately didn't speak too bluntly, so as not to offend anyone.

Wang Yu wasn't thinking about that. This was his second visit to the Mountain Lord's dojo, and he felt quite comfortable sensing the rich spiritual energy and coldness in the air. This place, apart from lacking the Soul-Freezing Wind, had a cultivation environment that was actually better than on Scarlet Snow Mountain, being closer to the core of a Fourth-Tier spiritual vein. For Core Formation cultivators, it was absolutely a top-tier cultivation haven. This cold energy was also very interesting. It appeared ordinary without any special effects, yet it directly embodied the essence of cold, pushing "coldness" to its extreme. Its effect was no less potent than the Soul-Freezing Wind. Of course, this was because Wang Yu had not cultivated here before. If he were to cultivate here long-term and adapt to its cold energy, he would then find the Soul-Freezing Wind truly lived up to its name. Ultimately, it was a matter of adaptability. The unique cold energies of different places naturally had their own benefits; otherwise, there would be no need to travel extensively in search of places with unusual cold.

"Yan Ling, you may return first."

"Yes, Master."

The master and disciple parted ways, and Wang Yu followed the Mountain Lord into a black ice palace in the center of the dojo. Compared to the black ice he conjured with his magical power, this one was clearly constructed from genuine materials, bearing traces unique to its age. It appeared very ancient and elegant, with numerous seats inside, presumably for Nascent Soul cultivators' meetings.

Passing through this space, they arrived at a side hall with a more domestic atmosphere. The Cold Blood Mountain Lord, with a pleasant expression, motioned for him to sit. "Wang Yu, I presume you've inquired about the outcome of the Dual Zhuo conflict since your return. What are your thoughts?"

"Well..." Wang Yu hesitated slightly. The Cold Blood Mountain Lord's overly familiar attitude clearly indicated other intentions. He said with some uncertainty, "My contract with Zhuo Shouqing has ended. Since he failed, there's no need for me to continue contending with Zhuo Shouyun. I can simply cultivate peacefully on Cold Blood Peak."

"Indeed. The Zhuo clan's 'ship' is too large. For someone of your status, continued involvement would likely not yield good results. Retreating while ahead is a wise move." At this point, the Cold Blood Mountain Lord paused for a moment before speaking. "I hear you have collaborations concerning elixirs with my disciple, and with the Four Cold Blood Clans: Qiao, Xue, Ji, and Chu. Are you a third-tier top-grade alchemist?"

Although it was phrased as a question, nothing on Cold Blood Peak could be hidden from the Mountain Lord. His confident gaze left no room for Wang Yu to deny it. He had already guessed the Cold Blood Mountain Lord's underlying meaning. He simply wanted to recruit him! However, there was an art to utilizing a third-tier top-grade alchemist. Exploitation and respect were two entirely different matters.

Wang Yu was silent for a moment. Deciding to leverage his backing, he took out Elder Yu's command token. The token carried the aura of the Blood-Eyed Demonic Flood Dragon, making forgery impossible.

"Cough, cough—"

"Thank you for your concern, Mountain Lord. I have already pledged allegiance to Senior Demonic Flood Dragon, refining elixirs for him and Miss Tangtang. My cooperation with Cold Blood Peak's internal factions has reached its limit, making it difficult to allocate more energy. Furthermore, the Blood Abyss trial took thirty years, so I anticipate being quite busy for some time."

Wang Yu's strategy was to appeal to reason and emotion. Presenting the command token was a relatively gentle approach, but it seemed he had misunderstood the Cold Blood Mountain Lord's intention. The other party merely shook his head and said, "Your transactions with Yan Ling can continue, even expanding fourfold. However, your dealings with the Four Cold Blood Clans should cease."

Wang Yu's eyes grew serious. "Is this your instruction... or a condition?" The other party had guessed the purpose of his visit. That's why he used the Dual Zhuo conflict as a starting point for their conversation. He had publicly displayed this command token, and even the Thunder Lord's token, before. The other party couldn't possibly be unaware! Therefore, it was because of the retreat of the Zhuo, Yu, and Zuoqiu clans that he wanted Wang Yu to side with the master-disciples faction.

The problem was that Cold Blood Peak also had two late-Nascent Soul Grand Cultivators: Ice Soul Fairy and Old Man Lanxin, one belonging to the Zhuo clan and the other to the Zuoqiu clan. These two were the uncrowned kings of Cold Blood Peak. They simply stayed out of affairs year-round, focusing on cultivation, which led to their distance from the center of power. If they truly wanted to exert control, it would only take a single word. Would the Cold Blood Mountain Lord dare to defy them?!

Furthermore, the Frost Demon Lord sided with the four old Cold Blood clans. Therefore, the struggle between the clan factions and the master-disciple faction on Cold Blood Peak was actually a dispute between the Frost Demon Lord and the Cold Blood Mountain Lord. So, he wanted Wang Yu to abandon the four old clans and completely align with his faction.

Previously, with someone protecting him as backing, Wang Yu had the capital to remain neutral. But now, that was no longer the case. Elder Yu was a sect-guardian demonic flood dragon, with no substantial power to participate in Cold Blood Peak's internal appointments. This principle also applied to Lord Lei Hou. In fact, they wouldn't even need to show courtesy. If a Grand Cultivator from Heavenly Corpse Peak interfered with the Cold Blood Mountain Lord's authority, Ice Soul Fairy and Old Man Lanxin would be the first to object.

This was what made Wang Yu feel troubled. Without the backing of the Zhuo and Zuoqiu clans, and without the Mountain Lord's approval, he simply couldn't enter the twelve positions on Cold Blood Peak's Elder Council. However, he needed this identity for a transitional period, to prevent Fu Xiao from acting unscrupulously and using Zhuo Shouyun's influence against him. At the very least, he needed to secure a chance for a fair fight. After all, they were both opportunities for each other, and neither was willing to give up. This situation would have to continue until he broke through to the Nascent Soul stage to break the current awkward stalemate.

It was all Zhuo Shouqing's fault, that good-for-nothing! Wang Yu couldn't help but curse a few times in his mind.

At this moment, he heard the Cold Blood Mountain Lord say, "You can consider this a condition offered by me, or perhaps advice from an elder. Yan Ling, that child, has a good relationship with you, doesn't she?"

Hearing this, Wang Yu couldn't help but be astonished. It couldn't be what he was thinking, could it...? "Mountain Lord, I am fully devoted to the Dao and currently have no thoughts in that regard."

"No rush, you are both still young."

From the Cold Blood Mountain Lord's perspective, Wang Yu was an unclaimed prize. If he didn't find a way to fully recruit him now, when would he? Using Yan Ling as bait was merely a test. It seemed this young man wasn't fond of women, and he hadn't heard any rumors of him having many wives or concubines. In that case, only "ambition" could serve as bait.

"I know your intention; it's simply for a seat on the Elder Council. However, the number of positions and seats are fixed. You cannot challenge the elders of the Zhuo or Zuoqiu clans. That leaves only challenging my own trusted subordinates. Do you think you can succeed?"

Wang Yu felt he could win, but he couldn't do it! Besides the aforementioned seats, the Frost Demon Lord also held two positions, both occupied by venerable elders of the Ji family. He believed that with his Netherworld Earth Resentment Puppet and early Fourth-Tier spiritual sense as trump cards, defeating one or two of the twelve elders shouldn't be a big problem. But if he did that, he would incur the enmity of the Frost Demon Lord again. If he agreed to the Mountain Lord's demands, he would still make an enemy of the Frost Demon Lord, and might even be considered an eyesore, as the old four clans had tasted the benefits of cooperating with him... It was truly difficult to thrive in this damn demonic sect. No matter what he decided, he would have to face a Nascent Soul cultivator!

Sometimes, Wang Yu would wonder what his situation would be like if he had chosen to develop on the righteous path. Unfortunately, the Taihu region always held a destructive attitude towards secret methods of seizing talent. If he hadn't risen through the Demonic Embryo Secret Charm, he would still be just a Foundation Establishment cultivator. A crippled spiritual root aspiring to form a Core? Even if he filled all his cultivation slots with techniques, it might not work; the efficiency was simply too poor. Thus, he merely pondered it for a moment.

"Make your decision quickly. I still have to go reclaim the Blood Abyss Sacred Talismans later; I don't have infinite time to waste with you."

Wang Yu's lowered head snapped up. A flash of inspiration struck his mind. The Blood Abyss Sacred Talisman in his possession was gifted by Zuoqiu Ming, and it was specifically developed for the Blood Abyss. It was essentially useless outside. The solution to the current stalemate lay with Zuoqiu Ming. The Zuoqiu clan also held fixed seats on the Cold Blood Elder Council, a total of four. Contacting Old Ming might yield some help.

Thinking this, Wang Yu spoke. "Mountain Lord, I'll go back and think about it. I will give you a reply within three days at most. At that time, I will inform Yan Ling about changing the terms of our elixir refining cooperation."

"As you wish." The Cold Blood Mountain Lord seemed to have run out of patience. Seeing his choice to delay, he waved his hand, conjuring a cold wind that directly blew Wang Yu to the entrance of the dojo. Wang Yu landed somewhat awkwardly on the steps. A flicker of indignation passed through his eyes. What was the act for? If things really came to it, he would just go to Elder Yu. With Tangtang's protection, he could still thrive!

His initial purpose for coming had fallen through, but at least he had clarified the Cold Blood Mountain Lord's intentions, so it wasn't entirely without gain. Zhuo Shouqing couldn't be relied upon; Zuoqiu Ming should be able to help. He just didn't know if Zuoqiu Ming's position within the Zuoqiu clan could provide the same level of support as Zhuo Shouqing. If they didn't think he was worth an Elder Council seat, then he would truly be in a bind.

He also hadn't clarified the matter of the Blood Pool baptism. After some thought, Wang Yu returned to his dwelling. For a grassroots cultivator of his generation to make a name for himself in the Rebellious Spirit Blood Sect, apart from relying on factional support, the only path was to "borrow a chicken to lay eggs." Wang Yu had just left the Zhuo clan's support and was already feeling a bit of hardship. Besides sighing with emotion, there was no other way.

After returning to his cave dwelling, he didn't idly wait. Instead, he sought to contact Wei Hao. Besides inquiring about the Blood Pool baptism, he asked Wei Hao to help him get in touch with Zuoqiu Ming. Zuoqiu Ming was theoretically cultivating on Fierce Meditation Peak, but in reality, he rarely went there. Entrusting this matter to Ding Ming would be more suitable, but that fellow had disappeared since their meeting in the Blood Abyss. He had simply vanished and wasn't seen when leaving the Blood Abyss. Most likely, something unexpected had happened to him, so he could only ask Wei Hao for help. If Zuoqiu Ming wasn't on Fierce Meditation Peak, then he would have to send someone to Xianyin to find him.

Three days might not be enough time. But Wang Yu had said this based on his estimation of Zhuo Shouyun's situation. He was racing against time now; securing a seat on the Elder Council would save him a lot of trouble. If he couldn't get it? Then he'd go on a killing spree! As long as true Nascent Soul cultivators weren't deployed, Wang Yu was absolutely confident he could defeat Fu Xiao. However, having departed from the scope of the Dual Zhuo conflict, he couldn't be sure how much power the other party could leverage. A wise person doesn't stand under a crumbling wall; the necessary preparations and attempts should always be pursued.

As for the Blood Pool baptism, Wei Hao had explained it clearly to him: it would take place in the Blood Devil Hall. According to usual custom, it would definitely be held within a month of exiting the Blood Abyss. He didn't need to worry about being held back by the Cold Blood Mountain Lord; the other party didn't possess such authority yet.

Two days later, an unexpected, yet reasonable, visitor arrived. Wang Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Huang Jiu?!?"

(End of Chapter)