These shameless intruders truly disgusted him.
They deserved to die.
While the Jiang and Guan clans could handle most of the cleanup, two resource sites had been seized by ruthless Core Formation cultivators. According to his spies, both were early-stage Core Formation rogue cultivators from the neighboring Youzhou region, affiliated with the Yellow Spring Temple.
They had once joined the elite Fire Demon Sect but fled after killing a direct descendant of a sect elder. Upon hearing of the Eastern Polaris inheritance, they crossed into Yunling Province and now squatted on Wang Yu's territory, refusing to leave.
It was a direct blow to his reputation.
Unless absolutely necessary, Wang Yu would not seek help from the Holy Sect.
The demonic path was fiercely competitive.
Zhuo Shouqing had fought hard to secure Wang Yu's position as City Lord of Spiritridge. If Wang Yu were to request aid too hastily, it could be used against him—accused of incompetence and stripped of his title.
Only in the face of true calamity would outside intervention be justified.
For now, the two Core Formation cultivators were occupying separate sites. Once Wang Yu completed his Moonfiend corpse, he might be able to challenge them directly.
Of course, for safety's sake, it would be best to recruit an ally.
—
As time passed, the fervor surrounding Eastern Polaris gradually faded. Rumors from all corners of the realm began circulating through Spiritridge:
Today, a treasure emerged in some distant land. Tomorrow, a young genius slew a rival in a dramatic reversal. The next day, a Saintess from the Pleasure Sect publicly courted the Underworld Mountain Sect's top disciple.
All manner of tales—
A vivid glimpse into the chaotic world of demonic cultivators.
It was now the 19th year and 4th month of Wang Yu's tenure as City Lord. Nearly two years had passed since his meeting with Master Goldenflower, and his progress had been substantial.
He had finished refining his second top-grade Ice Spirit Pill, gaining:
144 drops of true essence from the pill 75 drops from the placement panel 20 drops from personal cultivation
A total of 239 drops.
Since his first condensation breakthrough, his true essence had formed a spring. His cultivation speed had nearly doubled—and the placement panel was even faster.
His dual-slot panel had gone from "50 units/day" to "100 units/day." Once he achieved his second condensation and transformed the spring into a lake, the rate would soar again.
With 1,000 units of spiritual power equaling one drop of true essence, he could now condense one drop every ten days—a remarkable pace.
Since breaking through to Foundation Establishment fourth layer, and adding his original 500-drop reserve, he had reached a total of 739 drops.
Only 61 drops short of the 800 required for fifth layer.
With one more Ice Spirit Pill and half a year of cultivation, he would break through smoothly.
Improved aptitude was truly a joy.
Had he possessed dual spiritual roots during Qi Refining, he might've reached Foundation Establishment in his early twenties. Still, it wasn't too late to enjoy the benefits now.
With the ruins quiet once more, Spiritridge returned to its mundane rhythm. But the City Lord's Manor had been preparing meticulously for two years.
Now, the Fragrance Gathering × Treasure Exchange was ready to launch.
Wang Yu personally sent invitations to Foundation Establishment cultivators both within and beyond the city. Most were familiar faces, with only a few newcomers.
Even accounting for absentees, the first event would mostly be a "friends-only" affair. He only needed two or three new guests to make it worthwhile.
After two or three rounds, the event's reputation would spread locally. Then he could arrange for broader promotion.
The Fragrance Gathering invited young talents and seasoned experts to enjoy incense, exchange insights, and—on the surface—recruit new retainers for the City Lord's Manor.
But the real focus was the treasure exchange.
Wang Yu had refined every detail. He even purchased a batch of beautiful attendants from Yunmeng Pavilion to entertain the guests.
Once preparations were complete—
Within ten days, Spiritridge grew lively. Foundation Establishment cultivators arrived frequently. The renamed top-grade tier-two incense, [Clear Source Mystic Incense], was offered freely.
One stick in the burner could serve 20–30 people. For deeper inhalation, three sticks were needed.
It wasn't cheap. Wang Yu had spent heavily.
He suggested Master Goldenflower convert it into powdered incense, compressed into discs. Each guest could receive a personal hand-held burner—just half a disc would last two days.
This would distinguish it from the Fragrance Sect's traditional style. She agreed, but the new format wouldn't be ready until the next gathering.
For now, he'd spend extra spirit stones to make a strong first impression.
—
The first arrivals were young cultivators from the Guan and Jiang clans—barely Foundation Establishment first or second layer.
They nodded to Wang Yu from afar.
They were planted guests, each carrying a rare tier-two item to prevent awkward silences.
Next came Yunmeng Pavilion's Lady Chao and Xiangxiang. Both had recently benefited from Zhuo Shouqing's generosity and now glowed with vitality.
They bowed respectfully.
"City Lord Wang."
"No need for formality. You're honored guests today. Did you prepare what I requested?"
Lady Chao giggled. "Of course. You'll soon see the Pleasure Sect's finest offerings."
Soon after—
A red-faced elder from Purple Dragon Mountain and a middle-aged cultivator from Inkveil Sect arrived. A young woman from the Fragrance Sect followed.
The first two ignored Wang Yu and went straight inside. Purple Dragon Mountain had grudges with the previous City Lord, and Wang Yu had inherited some of that animosity.
It was a minor issue—not enough to derail the event.
Inkveil Sect's attitude had soured because Wang Yu had publicly shared their hard-won intelligence on Eastern Polaris—information paid for in blood.
Anyone would be upset.
Wang Yu understood. Today, all grievances would be set aside.
The Fragrance Sect's representative greeted him politely—a young genius at early Foundation Establishment.
"I'm Koulan. Greetings, City Lord."
"No need for ceremony. Go on in. We're nearly ready."
"Thank you~"
Next came two rogue cultivators from the northern district—Master Purple Gold and the Bloodblade Wanderer. Both were familiar faces.
Though low-born, they often stumbled upon rare treasures from the lower ranks.
"City Lord." ×2
"Mm. Go on in."
Then—
A rare guest descended from the sky: Zhuo Shouqing.
Wang Yu was surprised. Zhuo had been elusive lately.
Zhuo grinned. "You've put a lot into this. Of course I'll support it. Don't worry—I'll help you hold the stage."
"Much appreciated."
"No need for thanks between us."
Without realizing it, Wang Yu had gathered a sizable group of Foundation Establishment cultivators. These connections were among the most understated rewards of his tenure.
—
After a short wait—
Several streaks of light descended from the sky—his key expansion targets.
From Sanmao City: tier-two high-grade talisman master, Nine-Curve Talismanist Rogue cultivator: Foundation Establishment eighth layer, Dragon-Tiger Wanderer From Mistcloud City: tier-two high-grade spiritual botanist, Rainflower Daoist
These were Wang Yu's strategic guests. If they were satisfied and found valuable trades, the Fragrance Gathering's name would spread through their circles.
Friend brings friend. Word of mouth would grow the next event.
They came because Wang Yu's reputation in Yunling Province was strong, and he had the backing of the Blood Reversal Sect. Spiritridge was nearby.
Free access to top-grade incense? No reason not to come.
Of course, they had their own agendas.
"City Lord Wang, a pleasure."
"You're too kind."
Wang Yu smiled warmly.
"Daoists Nine-Curve, Dragon-Tiger, Rainflower—your presence honors us. I imagine you've heard a few things."
"Hahaha, don't worry, City Lord. We came prepared." Dragon-Tiger Wanderer laughed, the friendliest of the three.
"Please—"
Wang Yu stepped aside to let them enter. As he glanced at the sky, he estimated that this was likely the full roster for the first gathering.
He was about to order the palace doors closed when—
"City Lord Wang—wait!"
A golden-robed figure jogged over: Ye Qing, the newly appointed manager of Spiritridge's Goldfull Pavilion branch.
"Manager Ye? You're here to…"
"Attend the Fragrance Gathering, of course. I heard there's a treasure exchange. Our third floor specializes in such trades—very secure."
Wang Yu shook his head.
"If you're here to expand business, please leave."
"No, no. Even if no deals are made, I'd like to observe."
"Very well."
This, he didn't mind.
"But let me be clear: if you're here to participate, welcome. If you're here to stir trouble… don't expect mercy."
"Of course not!"
Ye Qing nodded repeatedly. He'd heard of Wang Yu's ruthless reputation and knew better than to test him.
He was here to observe.
Spiritridge had no famous treasure exchange. Most were run by Qi Refining cultivators renting space. Compared to other branches, the local performance was poor.
Previously, Spiritridge lacked a decisive figure to host such exchanges. The major factions were riddled with grudges, and no one had the reputation or authority to mediate fairly.
But with Wang Yu's arrival, the skies had cleared.
He had crushed criminal clans without hesitation. The remaining powers had no choice but to set aside old grievances. The City Lord now had the credibility to make this happen.
Once the palace doors closed—
The luxurious venue, though sparsely populated, felt spacious and serene. With the attendants dismissed, the hall quieted.
But this was only the beginning.
As the saying goes: "A mountain need not be high—if it holds a spirit, it is sacred. A lake need not be deep—if it harbors a dragon, it is divine."
Satisfying the guests was the first step.
Ten or so cultivators sat scattered across the hall. Wang Yu offered a few opening remarks, then clapped his hands to signal the start of the Fragrance Gathering.
Music and dance, fine food and wine—every element of a proper gathering was present. Only when night fell did the true event begin.
At each seat, Wang Yu had prepared a small incense burner.
The incense began with tier-one varieties, gradually escalating in grade. After all, this was the Fragrance Gathering—it couldn't rely on just one type of incense. The Fragrance Sect had provided the bulk of the supply.
(End of Chapter)