Days later—
Leaving aside the construction of Tianbao Pavilion, the number of people seeking an audience with City Lord Wang Yu reached a new peak. Representatives from the North District, Fragrance Sect, Inkveil Sect, Purple Dragon Mountain, Jiang Clan, Guan Clan… all came knocking.
Naturally, they came for one reason: Tianbao Pavilion.
A new mega-merchant entering Spiritridge was a game-changer for sects that relied on the city's prosperity. It was a boon—new power, new channels.
For the alliance centered around Wang Yu, it was essential to negotiate how benefits would be distributed—and how to respond to Goldfull Pavilion's inevitable backlash.
Take the Guan Clan, for example. Their paper, ink, brush, and inkstone business used to sell a small portion to rogue cultivators and their own shops. But the bulk went to Goldfull Pavilion, which distributed it across regions for profit. That's the power of a platform.
The Jiang Clan produced tier-one pills, talismans, formations, and tools—low-margin, high-volume. Their vast spirit rice fields outside the city fed most of Spiritridge's cultivators. Only a few premium items were accepted by Goldfull Pavilion.
Inkveil's scroll artistry, Purple Dragon Mountain's spirit beast trade, Fragrance Sect's exotic incense—all these sects survived not just by strength, but by savvy business. Their ability to generate resources and nurture talent was the key to enduring generations.
With Tianbao Pavilion in town, they could compare prices, reach more cities, and benefit from the rivalry. Even a few crumbs from two tigers fighting would be enough to feast on.
They rushed to ask Wang Yu's opinion. As the nominal head of the Spiritridge alliance, his stance mattered.
Their visits were gestures of goodwill, gratitude, and hope—perhaps this opportunity would help one of them produce a Core Formation cultivator.
But Wang Yu refused to meet anyone.
He'd placed Tianbao Pavilion right next to Goldfull Pavilion—a clear provocation. If he openly helped everyone profit from the price war, he'd offend both sides.
So he ordered Xu Ruozhou: no visitors.
Not Han Jia. Not the alliance.
Let them enjoy their benefits quietly. No need for discussion.
He'd already assigned the central district to the City Lord's office. The other four districts—east, south, west, north—were left to the alliance members.
They weren't losing out. All profits came from transactions, and Wang Yu taxed every one. He even raised the rate by 5%—a small handling fee.
This move expanded Spiritridge's market and absorbed the output of Fragrance Sect, Purple Dragon Mountain, and Inkveil. It was a massive tax windfall.
The longer the two merchant giants fought, the richer the city became.
This was no time to step in and ruin the balance.
When the alliance couldn't reach Wang Yu and noticed the City Lord's office only operated in the central district—with a sudden tax hike—they understood his message.
No need for talks. They silently divided the four districts among themselves.
And so—
A unique commercial war began.
—
"Tianbao Pavilion's Spiritridge branch is open!"
"Goldfull sells this pill for 500 spirit stones—we sell it for 400! Limited to 1,000 bottles!"
"Quick! If you don't grab the deal, you're a fool!"
"Finally, Spiritridge gets its turn. I heard Yunyan City's price war was brutal. I think prices will drop more."
"Really?"
"If I'm lying, I'm not a Spiritridge native."
"Then I'll trust you this once."
That afternoon—
Goldfull Pavilion's flamboyantly dressed attendants flooded the streets, calling out to passing cultivators.
"Fasting Pills, Essence Recovery Pills—only 200 spirit stones! Nine pills per bottle! Crafted by tier-two alchemist Master Tongyan. Honest trade!"
Han Jia sensed this with his spiritual sense and cursed under his breath.
But when he recalled the 5.5 million spirit stones he'd earned from Wang Yu, his confidence in Spiritridge's market surged. He immediately gave orders:
"Ice Talismans, Water Armor Talismans, Vine Bindings, Fireballs, Gold Blades—basic five-element talismans, 30 per set.
"Bundle with Fasting Pills, Recovery Pills, Healing Pills—nine per bottle. Total price: 3,000 spirit stones.
"Oh, and include a tier-one formation flag: [Windbreath Mundane Array]."
His staff were stunned. That was a generous deal—especially the formation flag, which was notoriously expensive.
"Go now. Whether we capture the market depends on this bundling strategy from Lakeheart Domain."
"Yes!"
Just as they left, Han Yinfeng entered.
"Father, the heads of the Guan and Jiang clans are here."
"Invite them in!" Han Jia beamed.
Their involvement drew city-wide attention. Even nearby cities heard the news. Cultivators rushed in, hoping to buy low and sell high elsewhere.
It was like Wang Yu's past-life stock market.
Buy low, sell high. Everyone knew the theory. But timing the market and profiting from the merchant war required sharp eyes and judgment.
Not everyone had a seat at the table.
Of all the frustrated people, none were more bitter than Ye Qing.
He'd worked diligently to meet Wang Yu's every request—only to see his old rival arrive and steal the spotlight.
A late Core Formation cultivator opening a tier-three branch? Ye Qing was just Foundation Establishment. Even with equal backing, he couldn't match Han Jia's connections, resources, or cultivation.
He could only compete with Tianbao's Foundation-level protectors—not their elders.
"This is killing me—"
Ye Qing tried to contact Wang Yu. No response.
Tianbao was Wang Yu's guest. Why would he interfere? Besides, Wang Yu mainly dealt with Jin Miaoshan. Ye Qing was just the unlucky middleman.
The last guy—someone named Qian—had suffered the same fate.
Spiritridge needed growth. Wang Yu needed spirit stones. Goldfull couldn't provide. He had to find another path. Sympathy wasn't on the menu.
Unable to reach Wang Yu, Ye Qing had no choice but to burn through his reserves.
The price war lasted six months—and ended with Goldfull Pavilion's defeat.
Han Jia hosted a Core Formation auction. Qingyang won the final tier-three item and announced his seclusion to forge his life-bound artifact.
The welfare spree ended.
But for the alliance, the benefits had just begun. Their supply contracts with Han Jia had minimum terms—six months wasn't enough.
Their defection helped Tianbao seize market share, host the auction, and deliver the final blow to Ye Qing.
According to past merchant war etiquette, Goldfull should now withdraw.
Spiritridge belonged to Tianbao.
But unexpectedly—
Ye Qing refused to leave.
Even with barely 10% market share—insufficient to sustain operations—he clung on.
Han Jia was furious. He wanted to confront him—but had no grounds. The past etiquette was unwritten, not binding.
So he let it go.
Wang Yu watched from the shadows. When he saw Ye Qing's decision, he finally relaxed.
Two merchants coexisting was ideal. Competition breeds progress.
Now he could focus on cultivation.
—
In the second year, Wang Yu resumed normal activities—socializing, hosting Han Jia, and building connections.
Through Han Jia, he met branch leaders from nearby cities and fellow City Lords affiliated with the Blood Reversal Sect.
By the third year, the City Lord circle began to take shape.
Those with strong backgrounds were often Foundation-level prodigies—rarely seen, quietly draining their cities.
Some even embezzled tribute meant for their sects.
Those with weaker backgrounds were mostly Core cultivators—more active, visiting peers, discussing rumors and sect politics.
As external governors, their loyalty had to be firm.
Wang Yu mingled with members of the Zhuo, Yu, and Zuoqiu factions—not just the main clans, but their affiliates. He learned many secrets about Yunling Province.
—
In the fourth year, he began mobilizing his network—inviting heroes and planning the Second Fragrance Gathering.
Expecting Core cultivators to attend, he sent word to Zhuo Shouqing, asking for tier-three incense.
Fragrance Sect's high-grade output might not suffice. He prepared 500 hand-warmers—each guest could sample the scents.
He didn't know how many would come, so he prepared generously.
It would be a grand event—only possible with Blood Reversal Sect backing. If he were a rogue cultivator… well, he'd still be hiding in some mountain cave.
No way he'd have the stature of a City Lord.
—
Year Five.
In the 25th year of Wang Yu's tenure—March—the Second Spiritridge Fragrance Gathering arrived on schedule.
That day—
In his secluded chamber, Wang Yu's tangible slaughter aura slowly receded. Though slaughter was a shortcut, steady cultivation of the [Minor Asura Slaughter Fist] also built killing intent.
He'd progressed from a single aura to full-body manifestation.
In terms of cultivation, he'd refined three peak-grade [Ice Spirit Pills], gaining 420 drops of true essence. His dual placement panels added 186 drops. Personal training added 60 more.
Total gain: 666 drops.
Combined with his original 800, his qi sea now held 1,466 drops.
A year ago, he had successfully broken through—
Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer.
(End of Chapter)