Chapter 84: One Thing at a Time

"Wang Yu, we've arrived.""That's the True Disciple's residence ahead."Lost in thought, Wang Yu snapped back to reality and looked around in surprise.

They were halfway up Coldblood Peak. The nine peaks of the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect resembled a winding serpent, coiling upwards like a spiral staircase. It gradually narrowed from bottom to top, with spiritual energy becoming denser and buildings scarcer higher up. Here, the spiritual energy was already at the concentration of a third-tier low-grade spiritual vein.

True Disciple Su's residence was a sprawling ten-mu compound. The front courtyard, side chambers, main hall, left backyard, and right backyard were all exquisitely luxurious, with beautiful maids moving along the surrounding verandas. The entire courtyard was filled with rare flowers and exotic plants, and each room had its own separate magical array. Following Duan Ping and a plump female housekeeper deeper inside, Wang Yu saw rare spiritual items at every few steps, things seldom seen outside. Even the rock gardens were carved from spirit jade, and the flowing water was cool spiritual spring water. Several spirit beasts were kept there, the most eye-catching being a yellowish-brown land tortoise.

After passing the main hall, the number of servants significantly decreased. There were more beautiful female companions for daily pleasure. Wang Yu roughly estimated at least thirty of them, all exceptionally beautiful and each with her own unique charm. This group could be considered concubines, similar in status to Lady Lan. However, Lady Lan being sent to the Ice Snow Pavilion wasn't a sign of disfavor, but rather a mark of greater importance.

As they walked through, True Disciple Su's residence truly opened Wang Yu's eyes. He had expected something more austere, like a simple cave carved into the mountain, furnished with a quiet room, alchemy room, and library. At most, he thought there might be a few female companions for pleasure. It seemed True Disciple Su wasn't cultivating at all; he was clearly enjoying life. No wonder he couldn't compete with Wei Zhong; with his energy spent on such matters, how could he diligently cultivate?

Soon, they arrived at a small Paulownia wood hall in the right backyard."The True Disciple is inside. Manager Xiulan and I will wait for you outside.""Alright." Wang Yu had no objections. He knocked on the door and entered. It was, in fact, their first meeting.

Upon entering, he saw a figure sitting cross-legged on a raised platform, meditating. The platform was only about half a *zhang* high, covered with a thick carpet, and the surroundings were spacious. To the right, an entire curtain of light gauze and hanging beads concealed what appeared to be an indoor hot spring, judging by the dense steam and faint, delicate scent of a woman emanating from behind it. Wang Yu didn't dare to look too long. To the left was a three-inch low platform divided into three sections: a bookshelf, tea set, and chessboard. Various ink landscape paintings hung on the wall, and a large incense burner stood in the center. Clearly, it was designed for entertaining guests. Truly, he knew how to enjoy himself.

His gaze returned to True Disciple Su. He looked no older than twenty-five or twenty-six, though his actual age was under two hundred, two cycles younger than Wei Zhong. With a cultivation at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, his features were regular and well-defined, not handsome, but certainly above average. Most notably, his eyes were a pure ice-blue, giving off a chilling, sharp sensation like a blade.

"Your subordinate, Wang Yu, greets the True Disciple."True Disciple Su nodded. "No need for formalities. Duan Ping said you sought me out voluntarily. Do you have a way to deal with Wei Zhong?""Yes." Wang Yu wasted no time and spoke his mind directly. "Your subordinate believes that Wei Zhong's emergence is a foregone conclusion. You cannot contend with him directly. We must introduce a more qualified individual to challenge Wei Zhong."

"Oh?" True Disciple Su gave a noncommittal hum, and Wang Yu continued: "I've heard that among the ten True Disciples of Coldblood Peak, there is one with a Heavenly Water Spiritual Root, but due to their short cultivation time, they struggle to compete with the other True Disciples. If you can persuade this person, with their Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude and water attribute suitable for Coldblood Peak's legacy, they are clearly more qualified than Wei Zhong. They just lack a fair opportunity."

True Disciple Su chuckled softly, nodding in agreement, but then countered: "Indeed, Junior Sister Yan Ling is more qualified than Wei Zhong. However, helping her would only buy time and wouldn't change the fundamental outcome."

Wang Yu was slightly surprised to learn it was a woman, but quickly developed another idea. "My Lord, if we can facilitate a fair agreement for True Disciple Yan to form her Golden Core and then fight Wei Zhong, with the outcome determining the succession, then during this process, not only you, but the other seven True Disciples are also likely to reach the Golden Core stage. They won't be content either and will surely seize the opportunity to object. At that point, proposing a fair battle among all ten True Disciples to decide the succession would be logical. First, buy time, then seek a change in the situation."

Wang Yu only briefly outlined the plan, but given True Disciple Su's background, there was a good chance of it succeeding. At worst, they could unite with several other True Disciples who had connections to propose it. In any case, it was better than simply waiting for the outcome.

"Furthermore, by helping True Disciple Yan, My Lord might also pursue her further, concealing your true objective, and once she forms her Golden Core, you could naturally insert yourself into the competition."

After hearing Wang Yu's strategy, True Disciple Su remained silent for a long time, contemplating the feasibility of the plan and running through simulations. Honestly, he didn't want to contend with a "mud-footed" person like Wei Zhong. A fight? Wei Zhong wasn't worthy! But there seemed to be no better alternative. Originally, he had planned to persuade the Golden Core masters of the Su and Duan families to find an opportunity to eliminate Wei Zhong. The delay plan sounded good, but he preferred a permanent solution.

"You may withdraw for now. I need to consider this carefully.""Yes, My Lord."

Seeing that the other party didn't immediately affirm, Wang Yu wasn't disappointed. After all, their statuses were different, and the information they possessed wasn't equal. Perhaps the other party had an even better method.

After Wang Yu exited, Duan Ping quickly asked, "Well? Did the True Disciple adopt your plan?"Wang Yu nodded and then shook his head. "He asked me to withdraw so he could consider it alone."Duan Ping visibly relaxed. "That's good. There's a high chance your plan will be adopted.""Perhaps."

Manager Xiulan saw them out. After descending the mountain, Wang Yu quickly headed towards the Enforcement Hall in Evil God Market. There were ten Enforcement Halls across the ten market districts. He only knew Zhuo Shouqing. Each market district had a maximum of three enforcement deacons, and the alchemists from the Alchemist Society were scattered, making it impossible to catch them all at once. He only needed to apprehend Zhou Tao and Luo Pinghu. Among the original four-person team, Huang Kai was the second to leave the society, starting when Zhou Tao violated the rules. This matter had nothing to do with him.

"Big news, big news~" he called out. "Deacon Zhuo—"However, it was not Zhuo Shouqing on duty at the Evil God Market Enforcement Hall that day. Instead, it was another Foundation Establishment cultivator whom Wang Yu didn't recognize. Wearing the enforcement disciple's uniform for the first time and holding his token, Wang Yu rushed straight in without any hindrance. The other person looked at him in confusion. "Who are you? Do you know Old Zhuo?""Greetings, My Lord." Wang Yu saluted before speaking. "My name is Wang Yu. I am an informant placed by Deacon Zhuo in the ten market districts to monitor whether sect disciples violate regulations. I am here to report a matter.""I see." Yu Xing waved his hand, speechless. "For minor matters like this, come back in ten days."