Chapter 410: Helpers and Traps

Despite the chaotic times, Fengzhou Prefecture City remained prosperous and flourishing. In fact, its prosperity only intensified due to the massive influx of outsiders and influential clans seeking refuge from various regions.

However, this also caused prices to skyrocket. Resource production across various regions plummeted, and the cost of spiritual items for escape, defense, and healing surged five to ten times. Had the price of spirit stones not remained stable, everything would have soared to astronomical levels.

In the manor, Wang Yu gave three individuals a simple task: investigate the whereabouts of the Evil Sword Peak disciples of the Holy Sect. Ostensibly, this was to uncover traces of Sword Lord Nine Evils. In reality, it was a deliberate exposure. If any of them were captured, a soul search would inevitably reveal his tracks. The black smoke he had just withdrawn was indeed demonic intent. However, another power was also hidden within them. He had left a black paper boat inside each of the three, imbued with the power of the Soul-Carving Evil Boat Curse, which would destroy their souls if a soul search were attempted.

This was the second layer of concealment. His true objective was, of course, to expose himself to Sword Lord Nine Evils, using himself as bait to lure the individual out for an ambush. The plan was rather crude but absolutely effective. Even if the opponent knew it was a trap, they would still come to test it—a blatant trap. However, if they weren't so shrewd, the two layers of concealment would still allow him to gain the upper hand. He had nothing to lose either way.

After making the arrangements, Wang Yu glanced towards the depths of the manor. Thanks to the Human Pill, Tao Sixuan had already advanced to the Core Formation stage, but her role had become largely insignificant. Her continued presence in Fengzhou was pointless. Wang Yu's thoughts raced; he considered visiting her but then dismissed the idea, flicking out a divine sense jade slip before his figure completely vanished.

Shortly after, an Iron-Winged Centipede landed in the courtyard, transforming into a beautiful, voluptuous woman. Her gaze was alluring, yet a faint sorrow, like that of a lilac, lingered in her brows. Her light blue skirt trailed on the ground, and her slender waist, easily encircled by a hand, accentuated her full, shapely buttocks. This stunning woman, however, carried a sense of trepidation. With the jade slip clutched in her delicate hand, she saw no one in the courtyard and let out a long sigh.

Wang Yu had arranged for her to join the Demonic Luo Legion, ostensibly to gather intelligence from the Taihu Lake area and locate a cat demon named Hei Liu. She, however, felt he was sending her away from the heart of the conflict. She surmised that something significant was about to happen in Fengzhou, and the fate of a mere pawn like herself would naturally be of no concern. Additionally, the Tier 3 magic artifact, the Earth Fiend Ghost Mask, had also been given to her. While it offered little utility to Wang Yu, it would greatly assist her in blending into the Demonic Luo Legion. As for Wang Yu's true intentions, only heaven knew.

In a small courtyard on the outskirts of Fengzhou Prefecture City, Wang Yu reappeared. Jin Miaoshan and Jin Xiyuanjun were seated at a stone table, waiting. Upon his arrival, they immediately questioned him.

“You're finally here. Who exactly is our target?”

“Not yet. The reinforcements from King Tianpeng haven't arrived. We'll discuss it once everyone is here.”

“Very well.”

For some reason, Wang Yu did not meet with Tao Sixuan.

After sitting down formally and pouring a cup of tea, Jin Xiyuanjun abruptly stated, “We don't have much time—two years at most. If the target hasn't appeared by then, Miaoshan and I will need to return.”

“That's fine.”

Yunling Prefecture was Jin Miaoshan's domain, and at such a critical juncture, she certainly needed to be present. Furthermore, Jin Miaoshan was very close to forming a Nascent Soul. Having successfully undergone spiritual Nirvana, she now wielded murderous intent through the Prajna Heart Method, controlling a portion of the Tier 5 spiritual treasure, the Asura Divine Sword. As long as she maintained this, the chance of losing control would be negligible. This meant that as long as her magic power kept pace with her cultivation realm, she could use Jin Manlou's Nascent Soul-forming spiritual materials to attempt a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

Given that she had switched to cultivating the *Asura Killing Saint Scripture*, if she didn't go to the Savage Ancient Plains to absorb demonic killing qi and form a Nascent Soul of Slaughter, her only option was to absorb demonic killing spirit stones condensed from top-grade spirit stones. These, like Frozen Demonic Spirit Stones, could be used as breakthrough spiritual items or to form a demonic Nascent Soul by condensing a Demonic Essence Seed. This would grant the ability to convert the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into demonic essence.

Jin Miaoshan's situation mirrored Xie Xie'an's; it was understandable and predictable that such individuals wouldn't have much time to wait around with him.

“They're here,” Wang Yu said.

As he spoke, a demonic figure emerged from the shadows in the corner of the small courtyard. It was not King Tianpeng himself, but the Shadow Mastiff King, ranked eighth among the Nine Great Demon Kings. His cultivation at the eighth level of Nascent Soul was on par with Jin Xiyuanjun's. This demon had a wild mane of black and white hair, a rigid, fierce countenance, blood-red vertical pupils, and exposed canine teeth, giving him an intimidating aura. His imposing nine-foot frame resembled a small giant.

Apart from a few bloodlines, the demonic race's physical bodies always far surpassed those of humans at the same cultivation level. While demon beasts in lower realms were generally not as formidable as human cultivators, the higher the realm, the more pronounced the advantages conferred by their physical bodies. Combined with no intellectual shortcomings and formidable external and divine abilities, they were generally more powerful than human cultivators of the same realm. The Shadow Mastiff King's particular talent lay in the Way of Shadows. His Shadow Escape technique was extraordinary, even surpassing the Wei Clan's methods. Therefore, despite his berserker-like appearance, he was actually an assassin with immense burst power, serving as the ultimate trump card to eliminate Nine Evils.

The three immediately stood, and Wang Yu addressed him.

“Greetings, Shadow Mastiff King.”

The figure's scarlet beast eyes swept over Wang Yu, then he nodded and cupped a hand to Jin Xiyuanjun in greeting, completely disregarding Jin Miaoshan's presence. This demonstrated that in his eyes, only strength mattered, not status.

“This time, I will follow your command.”

“Thank you.”

With this, Wang Yu now commanded two eighth-level Nascent Soul powerhouses. Jin Miaoshan also possessed a spatial secret treasure capable of sealing Nascent Soul teleportation. However, to guarantee Nine Evils' demise, one more formidable ally was needed. This wait proved slightly longer.

As night fell, a gaunt, small old monkey with a pointed snout and a 'thunder god' face, clad in a Confucian robe and cap, abruptly appeared in the courtyard. Shorter than a child, it bowed slightly at the waist as it greeted everyone.

“True Word King.”

“Mastiff King.”

This was the final demon, a seventh-level Nascent Soul cultivator whose divine ability was called 'Words Become Law,' colloquially known as the 'Bragging Technique.' It was rumored to be one of the top divine abilities originally imparted by immortals from the Upper Realm. Its origins traced back to the Void Manifestation Holy Sect of the Ancient Era, later acquired by the Sword Sect of Taihu Lake. The Northern Demon Race had obtained a fragmented inheritance, and among its strongest abilities was this very divine technique. The True Word King hailed from the Vajra Ape tribe but was naturally frail and unsuited for their inherent traditions. Admiring human culture, he excelled in the art of verbal debate. He had since left the Vajra Ape tribe and served under the Five-Colored Holy Lord.

The Mastiff King was support from the Heavenly Peng Clan, while this old monkey was provided by the Five-Colored Holy Lord. Wang Yu had paid a substantial price to enlist the help of these two powerful cultivators. As long as the plan succeeded, any cost incurred could be recouped in the future. The assistance of three top-tier powerhouses underscored the unwavering resolve of his killing intent.

With all personnel assembled, Jin Miaoshan curiously scanned the group. She was tempted to ask Wang Yu how he had managed to secure their presence, but sensing the atmosphere was not right, she decided to ask later.

Wang Yu, however, spoke. “Since everyone is here, let's discuss our target. The opponent is Sword Lord Nine Evils, a seventh-level Nascent Soul cultivator. I will find a way to lure him to Fengzhou. At that point, I will rely on your assistance. Please ensure this fiend is eliminated.”

The enemy's name was finally revealed. Neither the Shadow Mastiff King nor the old monkey spoke. They had already learned their opponent's identity from King Tianpeng and had even formulated their battle plans, so they showed no surprise.

It was Jin Miaoshan, instead, who questioned him with a puzzled expression. “Sword Lord Nine Evils… isn't he an ancestor of your Holy Sect? You intend to kill him?”

“Is that so hard to understand? Didn't you also wish to eliminate Jin Lin?”

At that, she immediately understood.

“A Holy Sect Nascent Soul… it's not convenient for me to intervene.” Jin Xiyuanjun stated this. Jin Manlou was a neutral organization and could not violate its regulations because of this. Of course, rules were rigid, but people were adaptable. Wang Yu had long ago anticipated how to proceed.

“Miaoshan, lend your spatial secret treasure to the True Word King for now. Fellow Daoist Jin Xi, are you skilled in the art of disguise? If not, a mask will suffice. In this battle, as long as we eliminate Nine Evils, there's no need to worry about exposure. I, Wang, will also return to my sect after this.”

In essence, four words summed it up: a transparent deception.

But dead men tell no tales. After surveying the formidable lineup once more, Jin Xiyuanjun pondered for a moment before nodding.

“Next, I, Wang, will proceed as follows…”

Considering that Lord Leihou was still present in Fengzhou Prefecture City, the battlefield certainly couldn't be chosen there. Furthermore, Wang Zhenghong and his group wouldn't foolishly expose his presence directly unless they faced significant setbacks or life-threatening danger.

The following day.

Spring Pavilion.

Wang Yu vaguely recalled that a profligate young master from a collateral branch of the Yu clan was seeking refuge within Fengzhou Prefecture City. To quickly attract Sword Lord Nine Evils' attention, a high-profile yet inconsequential matter was the prime choice. Matters of romantic dalliance and pleasure, for instance, were most suitable. Learning that the young master frequently came here to drink and engage in 'peeping through a tube' activities, Wang Yu decided to stake out the place.

The Spring Pavilion was filled with patrons, a veritable beehive of activity. While cannon fire raged outside, 'cannon fire' raged within. It was an unspoken understanding: the greater the chaos, the more these individuals needed to release their stress.

The first floor was circular, with a group of Qi Refining stage dancers performing in the center. Clad in light gauze, barefoot, their eyes alluring as silk, their delicate forms offered a hazy, elusive temptation. Amidst the music of strings and flutes, a pink, hazy mist permeated the air. The heavy scent of alcohol hung thick in the air, assaulting the nostrils. This sort of environment was considered rather low-end for a brothel: straightforward, lacking foreplay or elaborate setups, and presumably inexpensive. The service quality was lacking.

Muttering to himself, and seeing neither the madam nor the pimps, Wang Yu proceeded directly to the second floor. His appearance had been somewhat disguised. Otherwise, with his usual cold, austere, white-haired demeanor, who would believe he was there for pleasure? His cultivation aura was suppressed to the Foundation Establishment stage, and his expression had become considerably more animated.

The second floor housed private rooms, offering views of the stage from above or the option to close the door for private enjoyment. The elaborately dressed madam stood in the hallway, conversing with a woman in a red shirt. Wang Yu approached and directly tossed out a high-grade spirit stone.

“I've heard that the courtesan Zi Yan of Spring Breeze Pavilion has quite a reputation. Go fetch her; let this young master test her depths.”

Upon seeing the spirit stone, the madam's face immediately lit up with a radiant smile. “Young master, you jest! I'll call her at once.”

“Nuer, lead the young master to the Begonia private room.”

Wang Yu had rarely visited brothels. In his previous life, he had been intensely curious, but when it came to matters of desire between men and women, he generally adopted a 'go with the flow' attitude. He would indulge if the timing was right, and he also had quite high standards for quality. Spring Breeze Pavilion didn't quite meet his refined taste. For the sake of his plan, he had to make a slight sacrifice, knowing that once the profligate Yu scion arrived, he wouldn't need to feign courtesy any longer.

Upon entering the Begonia private room, he sat at the table and waited. In the history of the Ice Prison Realm, an Immortal Dynasty culture had only emerged in ancient times. Thereafter, no unified dynasties existed; governance was solely by sects. The cultural origins also stemmed from that era, tracing back to the Upper Realm. While somewhat similar to ancient China in Wang Yu's memory, they were, in fact, entirely different.

Just as his mind was wandering, the madam knocked on the door.

“Young master, Zi Yan is here.”

“Enter.”

The beaded curtain parted, revealing a graceful, slender figure. Wang Yu's eyes narrowed slightly. Despite her attempts at concealment, he still sensed the aura of the Yellow Springs Sect—Core Formation, Fourth Level! Encountering such an individual here, especially the top courtesan frequently requested by that profligate young master, naturally sparked further thoughts in Wang Yu's mind.

Interesting. He truly hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise from setting a trap. Considering the priorities, Wang Yu decided not to expose her for now, maintaining a bright smile.

“Lady Zi Yan, please be seated.”

Owing to her cultivation, her face was flawless, as smooth and delicate as white jade. Her eyes were long and narrow, moist and imbued with an enchanting allure. Her tightly fitted purple gown draped down, revealing her fair, fragrant shoulders. Her delicate collarbones harmonized with the inviting curve of her breasts, drawing eyes into a captivating abyss. Her appearance was enchanting and seductive, exuding an overt allure. What common folk referred to as a 'fox spirit' described precisely this type of woman.

Zi Yan covered her mouth with a round fan and chuckled coquettishly. “How may I address you, young master? You seem a bit unfamiliar; you don't frequent Spring Breeze Pavilion, do you?”

Wang Yu nodded. “Fengzhou is in chaos, so my clan had no choice but to relocate to the prefecture city for refuge. Lady, how long have you been in Spring Breeze Pavilion?”

“Is young master perhaps considering redeeming this humble one~”

“If you can make this young master happy, then that is easily arranged.”

Being a brothel, there was no need to conceal one's desires; directness was the norm here. Wang Yu reached out, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and pulled the beauty into his embrace. Feeling rather amorous. A fishing trap didn't preclude him from enjoying himself first. Furthermore, given she was clearly a hidden agent of the Yellow Springs Sect, her identity added an extra layer of thrill. She largely met his 'high-quality' standards.

“Young master~ don't be so impatient. Let's have a few drinks to set the mood.”

“No need for drinks. Lady Zi Yan is beauty incarnate, a feast for the eyes.”

“Hehehe~”

For a moment, the private room filled with the woman's charming laughter.

Suddenly, Wang Yu sensed a ripple of divine consciousness from downstairs, quickly locking onto himself, and his actions became even more unrestrained.

“Ah~~~” Lady Zi Yan let out a soft gasp, her eyes glistening with desire. The more she gazed at Wang Yu's handsome face, the more satisfied she became, and her slender, jade-like hand subtly slid downwards.

Just as they were reaching a critical juncture of intimacy, the private room door exploded open, and the profligate young master from a collateral branch of the Yu clan angrily burst in, followed by curious onlookers peeking from behind.

Wang Yu's eyes deepened. Due to his Innate Demonic Embryo Body, he could perceive exposed emotions through his demonic thoughts, and the young master before him showed no true anger. Yet his face was distorted with feigned fury. Things were getting even more interesting. This kind of disguise was unsuitable for a hidden agent. It was more akin to someone wanted, forced to react in a manner befitting their assumed identity.

“Release Lady Zi Yan! Boy, do you know who I am?”

“Then do *you* know who I am?”