Some of the incense had been specially procured by Zhuo Shouqing through his own channels.
A designated attendant stood at the center platform, introducing each incense as it was lit. The atmosphere was warm and refined—everyone seemed like a connoisseur of fragrance.
This was true hospitality.
Even if a guest didn't find a treasure to their liking, the attentive service and pleasant experience would ensure they returned next time.
"Fellow cultivators, this is the 'Cloud-Turning Rain-Summoning Incense,' which has… hehe…"
"This stick is the 'Spirit-Calming Mind-Clearing Incense'…"
"And this one…"
The fragrance session lasted until midnight. Everyone had sampled rare scents and minor opportunities—satisfaction was high. At that moment, Zhuo Shouqing proposed:
"Ending the Fragrance Gathering here would feel abrupt. Since we're all present, why not hold a brief treasure exchange?"
"Agreed."
"Indeed, many kindred spirits are gathered today. A fine suggestion."
"Quite so."
Wang Yu's planted guests chimed in. Everyone knew the exchange was coming, but the formalities still mattered.
Seeing the enthusiastic response, Zhuo Shouqing smiled.
"Since I proposed it, I'll start. I have a rare item—
"The [Snowbone Ginseng], a prized tier-two spiritual herb. Trading it for spirit stones would be a waste. I'm looking to exchange…"
"I seek a thunder-element herb. If there's a value gap, I'll make up the difference in spirit stones. Any takers?"
Snowbone Ginseng?
Wang Yu was tempted. It could be used to refine an ice-type [Demonic Spirit Pill]—perfect for nurturing Snow Jade.
But he held back, waiting to see who responded.
Rainflower Daoist stroked his beard. "I have a [Thunderfruit]. Would that suit you?"
Zhuo Shouqing considered. "There's a slight difference in value. Add 5,000 spirit stones and it's a deal."
"Done!"
Rainflower Daoist, a tier-two high-grade spiritual botanist and Foundation Establishment seventh layer cultivator, ran a herb garden in Mistcloud City. He had many rare items.
He likely planned to use secret techniques to cultivate seeds from the Snowbone Ginseng—adding a rare species to his garden. A profitable exchange.
This successful trade set the tone.
Beyond Wang Yu's planted guests, others grew genuinely interested.
The red-faced elder from Purple Dragon Mountain glanced at Zhuo, Rainflower, and Dragon-Tiger Wanderer. After a moment's thought, he stepped onto the platform.
He was the highest-ranked cultivator present—peak Foundation Establishment. No one objected.
"I have an egg from a mid-grade bloodline [Purpleblood Loach]. With proper care, it can reach tier-two within thirty years. It excels at earth evasion.
"Even if you don't follow the beast-taming path, having such a spirit beast enhances both offense and escape."
In cultivation terms:
Tamed beasts = spirit beasts Wild beasts = demon beasts
Purple Dragon Mountain specialized in raising such creatures. The elder's offering was no surprise.
A functional spirit beast was a major asset—especially one skilled in earth evasion. Life-saving tools always had a market.
Interest surged.
"I'm seeking earth-element techniques, secret arts, pill recipes, artifact inheritances… anything of that nature.
"If anyone has intel on earth-element Core Formation materials, even better."
His request was bold—far more valuable than the loach egg itself. But that was the nature of treasure exchanges. If the price felt steep, others could negotiate.
Better to have options than none.
The hall fell silent. Core Formation materials were too valuable. Trust was still limited—this was the first exchange, after all. Even if someone had such items, they wouldn't offer them lightly.
But Zhuo Shouqing stepped in to support Wang Yu.
"Fellow Daoist, I do have such intel. But your chances of obtaining it are slim. Are you sure you want to trade?"
The elder paused, then said solemnly:
"If your information is genuine, I'll offer not just the loach egg—but an egg from a high-grade bloodline [Purpleblood Dragon Loach]."
He was clearly prepared to risk everything.
Zhuo nodded. "I guarantee the intel with the name of the Zhuo Clan. If you're ready, let's move to the private exchange chamber."
"Agreed."
—
The Fragrance Gathering and Treasure Exchange were held in the second-floor [Fragrant Hall], outside the City Lord's formation array. All trades took place in third-floor private chambers.
Thanks to the directional illusion array, all chambers were actually within the formation—ensuring safety and secrecy.
Even the earlier Snowbone Ginseng–Thunderfruit trade had occurred in one of these chambers. No issues whatsoever.
As the two ascended to the third floor, the atmosphere grew even more lively.
The Zhuo Clan's name was known throughout the Crimson Kite Territory. No one expected Wang Yu to have their support.
"Let's continue. I'll offer something next."
Wang Yu revealed his item:
A highly versatile tier-three [Seal-Breaking Talisman]. He had obtained several from Wei Shanze. Only a top-tier talisman master could craft them.
They were extremely rare—premium currency among cultivators, especially those without access to elite channels.
The Nine-Curve Talismanist from Sanmao City was visibly excited.
"City Lord Wang, this item would greatly benefit my talisman studies. What do you seek?"
Wang Yu replied:
"Tier-three materials—preferably of yin or ice attributes. Or any rare item that catches my interest."
His request was intentionally broad. The Nine-Curve Talismanist pondered, then offered:
"I have 100 jin of [Tier-Three Meteorite Cold Iron]. Will that suffice?"
"Add 10,000 spirit stones."
"Done."
"Please proceed upstairs."
Seal-Breaking Talismans were valuable not just for their tier and effect—but also for their rarity and semi-forbidden status. For the talismanist, it was a worthy investment.
As for the Meteorite Cold Iron—100 jin sounded like a lot, but it was only a few fist-sized chunks. Still, for Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was a treasure.
Wang Yu had accumulated many tier-three materials—more than most Core Formation cultivators. Through raids, extortion, and clever procurement, his wealth was unmatched.
Still, it was never enough.
The iron was ideal for crafting pill furnaces and magical artifacts. Stockpiling it was wise.
—
The exchange continued.
Dragon-Tiger Wanderer traded with the Guan Clan for a rare stone called [Dragon-Tiger Stone Embryo], said to enhance his cultivation technique.
The lower-ranked Bloodblade Wanderer also contributed—a poisonous flower called [Boneveil Toxic Bloom], found in the northern [Demonic Bone Forest].
Though deadly, it had unique benefits for body cultivation. Rainflower Daoist claimed it. Wang Yu ensured all three received valuable trades.
Later, he could buy the cultivated flower from Rainflower—he didn't lack for spirit stones.
Yunmeng Pavilion offered a dual-cultivation pill, newly developed by a Nascent Soul elder from the Pleasure Sect.
It enhanced physical sensation tenfold and revitalized fatigued bodies.
Pure pleasure.
The pill, named [Euphoria Pill], was unsurprisingly purchased by Zhuo Shouqing at a high price.
He'd never tried such a stimulant before. With that, the treasure exchange concluded.
—
"Fellow cultivators, this was the first Fragrance Gathering—but not the last. The next will be held in five years.
"If you wish to invite newcomers, you must vouch for them. Any disputes caused by their words or actions will be your responsibility."
This rule was standard in the Crimson Kite Territory. Wang Yu was simply formalizing it.
"Farewell!"
"No need to see us out, City Lord."
—
The night passed peacefully.
The first treasure exchange was a resounding success. Wang Yu immediately dispatched agents to spread the word—ensuring the Fragrance Gathering's reputation would grow.
In five years, he would invite new guests.
They wouldn't reject him as easily as the first batch. After three or four rounds, a stable network would form.
He also began planning security measures—to prevent ambushes and theft during future events.
—
Three months later—
Zhuo Shouqing formally bid farewell. He'd been away long enough.
Though it seemed he'd spent his time drinking and partying, he had secretly planted agents throughout Spiritridge—and used the City Lord's Manor as cover to train a batch of deathsworn warriors.
This had nothing to do with Wang Yu. Zhuo simply seized the rare opportunity to expand his power.
He also struck a deeper deal with Yunmeng Pavilion. Wang Yu didn't pry—he simply offered support.
In politics, knowing when to stop asking questions was crucial.
—
Wang Yu's focus returned to cultivation—and to resolving the issue of the two rogue Core Formation cultivators occupying his resource sites.
If he succeeded, his reputation as City Lord would rise even further.
Previously, Yunling Province saw him as a madman with powerful backing. After this, they'd recognize his true strength.
There were pros and cons.
The benefit? Greater influence—especially for the treasure exchange.
The downside? It made covert operations harder. He needed more trump cards for protection—and fast.
So he reduced his body cultivation time, abandoned sleep entirely, and immersed himself in the corpse-refining chamber.
He temporarily removed the [Dark Serpent Technique] from the placement panel and assigned both slots to the [Yinfiend Corpse Refinement Art], accelerating its progress. He poured nearly all his energy into this task.
No sleep. No distractions.
Just the corpse chamber, the Moonfiend energy, and the slow, meticulous refinement of his creation.
Finally—
In the first month of his 20th year as City Lord of Spiritridge—
After more than half a year of relentless effort—
The corpse he had so painstakingly cultivated was saturated to its limit with Moonfiend energy. A new entity was about to be born:
A special-class Moonfiend corpse.
---
Powerstone....