Chapter 371: Sorting Out the Truth, Shadow of Demon Luo

The intelligence transmitted by the sect primarily serves to reassure the populace in areas like Fengzhou Prefecture City, with certain details having been embellished. To understand the essence, one must look beyond the surface. After reviewing and synthesizing the intelligence Wang Yu had gathered, the actual situation appears to be as follows.

Upon acquiring Zhuo Yuanshen's physical body, Zhuo Shouyun made no effort to conceal this information, clearly intending to obtain the Blood Demon Body. This news spurred the Young Sect Master, who had been cultivating in seclusion within the Blood Pavilion. While the emergence of a second Blood Demon Body would threaten his position as Young Sect Master, it would also provide him with a potential substitute. He had always harbored a fear of being betrayed by the Sect Master. This pervasive fear had kept him from breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage. However, with this sudden opportunity, the Young Sect Master immediately took action upon receiving the news.

His approach was simple and unadorned: it was to hide! He reasoned that the more widely the news of Zhuo Shouyun forging the Blood Demon Body spread, the safer he would be in hiding. Consequently, he vanished into the deepest parts of the Blood Pavilion. He intended to wait for Zhuo Shouyun to take his place. Once everything settled, he would reappear and reclaim his title as Young Sect Master.

This action also provoked Lu Chenzhou, who had been living in constant proximity and under the same oppressive fear. However, Lu Chenzhou's foundation was weak; he had no reliable subordinates or access to top-tier information. He mistakenly interpreted this as a sign that the Sect Master was preparing to act. Why else would the Young Sect Master flee? It was logical.

The above points constitute Wang Yu's conjecture regarding the incident's origins, derived from both intelligence and factual observations. He felt it was highly accurate.

Wang Yu himself had been unsettled by the news concerning Zhuo Shouyun, sensing an impending upheaval within the sect. This prompted his decision to act preemptively and use the opportunity to eliminate Fu Xiao as a means to leave the sect.

According to the memories of Wan and Li, the sect's official statement was that the Young Sect Master had been deceived and lured out of the sect by rogues from the Yellow Springs Temple, taken into Youzhou territory, and was now missing and presumed dead. Lu Chenzhou was cast as the traitor who used malevolent arts to disrupt the Sect Master's seclusion, driving him into a state of madness. He was then "killed" on the spot. The battle between the three Blood Nether Demons and the Sect Master at the mountain gate was also attributed to the latter's irrational frenzy, caused by the harm inflicted upon him.

The transmitted intelligence claimed that the mountain gate would soon be stabilized. It urged Fengzhou not to fall into disarray, but to prioritize suppressing those who exploited the chaos, and advised against dispatching any reinforcements. This information appeared highly official.

Lu Chenzhou's death surprised Wang Yu. He suspected it was a failed escape attempt, leading to his direct consumption by the Sect Master, which subsequently triggered the latter's madness. The fundamental issue was the Young Sect Master's disappearance! If the Sect Master genuinely intended to consume a Blood Demon Body—a naturally endowed Heavenly Blood Spiritual Root—to compensate for his own shortcomings and potentially achieve Soul Transformation through the spiritual body's rare aptitude, then the absence of a crucial component would undoubtedly be fatal. Moreover, neither Lu Chenzhou nor the Young Sect Master had yet formed their Nascent Souls, indicating a disparity in their cultivation levels, which made any outcome highly probable. These details marked the beginning of the events three years ago!

Still, certain points remained questionable: Did the Yellow Springs Temple truly play such a role? Furthermore, the confirmed defeat of the three demons by the Sect Master was even known to minor figures like the Black Bone Bandits. Yet the transmitted messages and directives made no mention of it. No matter how he looked at it, something felt amiss.

Subsequent intelligence reports primarily detailed the conditions in the four states and the corresponding response strategies.

From the Zuoqiu clan, a great cultivator known as the Evil Soul Ancestor emerged from seclusion. He led Elder Lanxin and Lord Leihou south to suppress the encroaching disciples of the Joyful Demonic Sect.

The Yu clan's Ghost Blade Demon Lord, a well-known great cultivator whose reputation preceded even that of the three Blood Nether Demons, took personal charge. He led Immortal Ice Soul and Daoist Three Corpses, both formidable late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, to Yunling State to repel the Yellow Springs Temple's invasion. This comprised the intelligence transmitted from the Sacred Sect's mountain gate over the past three years.

Two of the three major clans had mobilized. The Zhuo clan had no reason to remain inactive; indeed, Elder Lanxin was a member of the Zhuo clan, so they had taken some measures. However, the extent of their involvement seemed too limited compared to the significant mobilizations of the other two clans. The three clans consistently acted in unison, which was the fundamental reason for their significant influence within the sect. Therefore, he could assume that the Zhuo clan was exerting influence in unseen ways, perhaps by suppressing the maddened Sect Master or by pursuing the fleeing Young Sect Master.

Within the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect's Nine Peaks and One Hall, the Blood Demon Hall's inactivity was understandable, as a life-or-death crisis had not yet arrived. Most of the late-stage Nascent Soul grand cultivators from the Nine Peaks had mobilized, with the exception of newly advanced figures like the Nine Evils Sword Lord and other Nascent Soul Ancestors who remained inactive. This suggested that the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect intended to quickly quash the turmoil by deploying its most formidable combatants for direct suppression.

Wang Yu had thus deciphered the general trend of events.

Now, only two potential outcomes remained. First, the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect succeeds in suppressing the unrest, and stability is restored. Second, the intensity of the conflict escalates dramatically, plunging Chiyuan into widespread war. With three of the five demonic sects embroiled in conflict, and great cultivators at the late Nascent Soul stage engaged in battles, anyone from the Taihu Spirit Domain would surely seize such a rare opportunity. If they were to make a move, the optimal point of breakthrough would be Fengzhou!

Wang Yu closed his eyes, his mind racing. The situation had not yet reached its most critical juncture; it hinged on whether the conflict could be resolved within the next few years. If not, the likelihood of a significant escalation in the war's intensity was high. He, however, was unburdened by ties. At worst, he could retreat into the boundless Ice Plains, where the constant cataclysmic blizzards were infused with potent elemental energies. It was a natural barrier that even Nascent Soul cultivators found challenging to traverse. No matter how much the war expanded, it wouldn't reach this region, making it a perfectly logical place to conceal himself.

Moreover, another piece of intelligence led Wang Yu to suspect that the Taihu cultivators would indeed make a move: the Mara Cult! This was a defunct assassin organization, stemming from an "apostate" of the Thunderflame Temple. While in the Heavenly Demon Bone Forest, Wang Yu had encountered a direct descendant of the Thunderflame Temple. That individual had been seeking this apostate, having inherited their aspiration to rescue the people of Chiyuan from their "dire straits." They had even invited him to join and given him a token. At the time, Wang Yu had not yet fully transformed, unsure if his innocence or some other quality had caught their attention. In any case, upon their parting, the other party had explicitly stated their intention to establish themselves in the Black Mountain Demonic Land within the Southern Broken Mountain Range, dedicated to rescuing women trapped by the Joyful Demonic Sect, and welcomed him to join at any time. That "apostate" was also the senior sister of the one who inherited their ambition, having been humiliated and killed by the Yin-Yang Demon Lord. The Thunderflame Temple descendant had sworn to exact revenge.

Yet, in Fengzhou, this bleak and desolate land north of Chiyuan, the memories of Wan and Li contained records of individuals wearing the Earth Luo Ghost Mask, plundering mortals. This intelligence, moreover, originated from Town Beast City, a frontier settlement in southwestern Fengzhou bordering the Northern Broken Mountain Range! The very structure of the Mara Cult made it ideal for espionage. With artifacts like the Earth Luo Ghost Mask to conceal identities, blending in was even easier. Their current presence in Fengzhou strongly supported the notion that the Taihu cultivators intended to initiate a war.

Having sorted through all the information, Wang Yu finally grasped the basic outline of the situation. However, the ultimate direction of events was beyond his sole influence.

While eras of peace are indeed precious, periods of conflict also present opportunities. Chaos serves as a ladder for ascent. Nothing is more effective than war for forging talent and dismantling social hierarchies. If another war between righteous and demonic cultivators were to break out, the outcome would truly be unpredictable. Fortunately, he had arrived swiftly. Had he delayed for a few more years, waiting for the results of the eastern and southern battlefields, the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect might have been completely dragged into the abyss. He surmised he would still be foolishly gathering human elixirs in Fengzhou.

"I must speed up," Wang Yu thought to himself. It was time to investigate the underground palace of Black Bone Mountain and the fated land mentioned by Blood Axe.

His thoughts gradually returned to the present. Wang Yu frowned, observing the two cultivators whose pale faces and unfocused eyes clearly indicated soul damage. The next instant, Wan and Li shivered in unison, offering fawning smiles. "Not foolish, not foolish. Senior Ice Demon's divine sense mastery is truly exquisite; it didn't cause any fundamental harm to us. We will recover in due time."

"Excellent. From this day forward, you are my hounds."

As the ice chains dissolved, Wang Zhenghong, who had been seated for some time, and the other two knelt simultaneously, prostrating themselves before Wang Yu in utter obedience. As before, two demonic thought-seeds were projected, taking root within their nascent Heart Lakes. This covert technique was virtually undetectable unless they too cultivated the Way of the Heart.

Since mastering the Innate Demonic Embryo Art, the Demon Seed technique had also transformed slightly. Wang Yu could now leverage his mastery of the Way of the Heart within this secret art. He could seal a pure mind-shattering punch within the demon seed. With a mere thought, he could shatter their minds, triggering the demon seed's devouring reaction and instantly reducing them to fragile, withered husks that would dissipate into thin air. This method was exceedingly cruel. While ineffective against those with unyielding wills, it served as an excellent antidote for individuals with a strong will to survive, allowing for more effortless control.

"You two may return. Remember to send regular messages to this communication jade slip, especially any news regarding the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect. I need to know every detail."

"This one understands, sir."

"Li shall remember."

Observing the two visibly relax and cautiously head towards the exit, Wang Yu suddenly smiled, causing them to freeze on the spot as he spoke. "Be natural, and smile more. Drink all these cups of wine. If anyone notices anything amiss, you understand the consequences, don't you?"

"Yes, yes, yes..." The two eagerly took the wine pot to their lips, chugging it down until they were tipsy and their faces flushed. Only then did they hastily depart from the Wang family residence.

"You, stand up."

It was Wang Zhenghong's turn, and he felt a degree of apprehension. But Wang Yu simply handed him another communication jade slip. "You are to engrave all messages they send into spiritual sense jade slips. Then, dispatch someone proficient in Earth Escape Arts to deliver them to this location and bury them deeply."

"This old one understands."

Communication jade slips have range limitations and are not omnipotent. This method also serves as a layer of security, as Wang Yu can retrieve the information at his convenience, making ambushes difficult. While seemingly overly cautious, it was a necessary precaution. In extraordinary times, one can never be too cautious.

"You may go."

"By the way, those concubines who served wine..."

"This old one will attend to them immediately." With that, Wang Zhenghong personally drew his sword and decapitated all of them, burning the bodies on the spot. This act served as the old man's stark declaration of allegiance. "Success depends on secrecy, failure on disclosure." This was the principle.

Wang Yu had also deliberately allowed Tao Sixuan to witness this, to prevent her from being swayed by smooth talk, but the outcome surpassed his expectations. Witnessing how easily Wang Zhenghong executed those "fierce individuals" who had once tormented her and against whom she had been powerless, her comprehension of power elevated significantly. Her own predicament felt eerily similar to theirs. She deeply empathized with their plight, particularly as these individuals could be seen as mirroring her own vulnerability. The sense of identification was profoundly strong, and her perception of Wang Zhenghong was utterly shattered. The kind-hearted lady from the inner chambers actively showed affection for Wang Yu, completely ignoring Wang Zhenghong nearby. This sensation was ineffable.

"Let's go. There's business to attend to tomorrow." Tao Sixuan proactively embraced Wang Yu and calmly walked out of the great hall, though Wang Yu could feel her heart beating rapidly. He couldn't help but tease, "What, are you nervous?"

"A little... With Senior here, Sixuan feels no panic."

"Oh?"

"Don't you believe me? Feel for yourself." Wang Yu chuckled at her naive tactics. He unceremoniously reached out his hand.

"Hmm~"

"I think you're lying."

"Senior, please touch again~"

The two walked away laughing, while Wang Zhenghong stood rooted to the spot, stroking his almost entirely bald head, lamenting, "Oh, merciful heavens, how unjustly have I been treated!"

The following day, at the entrance of Zifeng Courtyard, Wang Zhenghong's aged face creased into a chrysanthemum-like smile as he received the Blood Essence Replenishing Pill from Wang Yu, profusely thanking him. "This old one will absolutely fulfill your task, Master!"

Wang Yu had found his weakness. In contrast to his naive notions from the previous day, Wang Yu now offered a Third-tier Blood Essence Replenishing Pill, refined from blood beast crystal cores using the Blood Elixir Arts. How could he not be filled with immense gratitude!

One must remember that he was already seven hundred and eight years old. The probability of cultivators reaching their full lifespan limit was very low; most perished prematurely. The majority met their end at the hands of others. A small minority, however, reached old age, their bodies no longer as vibrant as in youth, their qi and blood rapidly diminishing. All latent injuries or lingering after-effects from severe past wounds would at this stage manifest, gradually ending the cultivator's life, weakening them further and even dispelling their drive, thus accelerating the possibility of premature death during cultivation. So when Wang Zhenghong claimed he still had a century of good life ahead, given his frail body, having survived the previous battle between righteous and demonic cultivators, he would be lucky to live another fifty years. His "old bird" was also shriveled, serving merely as a token of identity.

The Blood Essence Replenishing Pill Wang Yu provided, while not capable of extending his lifespan, could revitalize him, addressing vitality loss issues beyond mere aging. It would essentially allow him to truly enjoy his remaining years. Regarding the Blood Essence Replenishing Pills, Wang Yu still possessed tens of thousands of Second-tier blood beast crystal core raw materials. After purification by the Blood Fiend Primordial Gourd and combined with other vitality-enhancing ingredients, given his level of alchemy, he could easily refine low-grade Third-tier Blood Essence Replenishing Pills, satisfying Wang Zhenghong's requirements without effort.

The art of governance prioritizes winning hearts. Next came the carrot-and-stick approach: after a thorough intimidation, Wang Yu also offered some benefits to keep Old Wang from slacking off. As for the assigned task, it was naturally to investigate the fortuitous land associated with Blood Axe.

While he waited, Wang Yu planned to stay in Fengzhou Prefecture City for a month, preparing to break through to the ninth level of Core Formation before heading to the Black Bone Mountain underground palace. Concurrently, his Twin Corpses, which had shown signs of advancement when he left the Blood Abyss, were also expected to complete their advancement this month. It wouldn't be too late to depart afterward.

(End of Chapter)