Cao Yun was honestly embarrassed by Lord Wanghuo's so-called gifts. However, he did make the most of it. Several gorgeous women wearing incredible dresses were playing music, drawing calligraphy, chanting poems, dancing. A few girls also helped Cao Yun in his cultivation through massages. That being said, he did stay chaste. Honestly speaking, it wasn't because the women didn't want him, but it did feel very strange to him. Besides, he was worried about many things, including whether Feng Yingyue was alive or not.

After they had understood that Cao Yun wouldn't be as gluttonous as Lord Wanghuo, the women became even more agreeable. As it turned out, those so-called gifts were very good. Cao Yun enjoyed himself and he also developed his cultivation.

The fight had pushed his Spear Intent. At the moment, he was getting closer and closer to the Spear Heart. Reaching such a state would be incredible for Cao Yun. Indeed, Martial States had nothing to do with one's actual cultivation, although cultivation made reaching them easier. Some Martial States were just impossible to reach without a certain cultivation, just because they were simply too hard to grasp and any mortal would be dead before getting to it. However, one's Martial States were unbounded by one's cultivation. Obviously, such a power was alluring to Cao Yun. With an actual Spear Heart, he might really be able to contend with a late Spirit Warrior. Technically, Lord Wanghuo had suppressed his cultivation. Otherwise, the fight would have been much shorter and one-sided. Cao Yun would have been able to struggle a little, but that would have been pretty much it.

His Qi cultivation had also advanced as the pressure on his Soul Embryo had helped nourish it. Unfortunately, it was almost impossible to know how long nourishing it would really take. For the time being, it was an egg. Even if the egg showed signs of moving around, it was impossible to know when it would actually hatch. One day, it would suddenly break open and that would be it. For now, Cao Yun had to be patient and take good care of it.

What also progressed was his asura cultivation. Indeed, he had almost developed his full Fallen Arrow. Although he had not found perfect answers to all the questions about his goals and purposes in life, he had made some progress. To be fair, even the greatest sages could not easily find a satisfying answer to those questions. Was there even any goal to one's existence? Even if Cao Yun became truly immortal and could explore reality itself, would that be all that satisfying? Eternity in itself was terrifying. But a mortal couldn't even imagine what it would be like. Most likely, the way Cao Yun viewed reality itself would change as his understanding of the Dao would mature. At the moment, his desire to explore the Dao and the mysteries of the world was strong. Maybe it wouldn't last, maybe aging would change his perspectives. Sincerely, Cao Yun doubted that as nothing else truly motivated him.

After seeing many people ruling over others, Cao Yun was absolutely certain that he didn't want that at all. First of all, he would always be in doubts as to whether his decisions were right or wrong. And he saw how far some rulers could fall. As much as he wished to believe that he would be different, his own experience told him that he wouldn't. He would be as hypocritical as others, maybe not as much as the worst rulers. But he knew that he would change, and he was afraid of who he might become. On the other hand, choosing the people who actually ruled wasn't a bad idea.

On that point, Cao Yun had already chosen who would rule the Desolate Sepulcher. It was obvious that Lord Wanghuo wouldn't do anything. Even his few decisions mostly came from Minister Renhai's influence. So long as Lord Wanghuo had the comfort and luxury he enjoyed right now, he would be content, not to say complacent. It was the very reason why he had not done anything about the sudden rise of forced slavery.

Then, Cao Yun's chosen rulers would really control the policies of the Nalupu Kingdom and the Desolate Sepulcher as a whole. Chieftain Sha Chai Gan was already ruling the nomadic tribes. Even if she had separated them anew, they were all under his influence. With the Sun Scorpion Clan now changed to a group of elite mercenaries, she would remain the most powerful figure of the Desolate Dune Desert for a very long time, especially considering who her father was and General Sha Lang Hu at her side. At the same time, she would be supported by Dan Yao and the Blazing Swallow, the richest alchemy company in the Desolate Sepulcher.

Soon, Dan Yao would even be officially announced as City Lord Dan Yao. And Dan Yao was indebted to Cao Yun for everything. Besides, his past as a slave made Cao Yun a bit more confident about his future. Still, he was not completely naive and had made sure that the boy was the right person for the situation. At the very least, Cao Yun had found no one better and Dan Yao seemed really good. Moreover, Cao Yun had also other influences to balance Dan Yao's power.

Obviously, the Sisters of the Abyss were completely under his thumb as he could kill all their upper echelon with mere thoughts thanks to the seals forced in them. He himself thought he was hypocritical to fight slavery while blackmailing all those women. However, he didn't really care that much in the end. She had made their choice by following High Mother Qin Xue. That was how he was able to justify his own actions to himself. As much as it was flowed, Cao Yun was not naive enough to think that there would be a perfect solution right in front of him. Reality was messy and finding the righteous path was not easy. It was a fight of every instant unless one became a complete hermit. Unfortunately, Cao Yun lacked the constitution for that, he was still attached even to some demons he had barely met.

Finally, Cao Yun had to get rid of City Lord Sihe. For that he had the perfect plan. At least, he had been convinced of that until Nie Pian had joined Siqian City. Even now, Cao Yun could read many reports praising Nie Pian. Almost everyone seemed to like it to some extent. Of course, City Lord Sihe's violence and insanity were helping a lot. With that alternative before them, they were absolutely glad that Nie Pian was an available option to get things done. Almost no one wanted to deal with City Lord Sihe.

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There were many reasons behind why so many influential people were running away from City Lord Sihe. Unfortunately for them, they were still tied to him by business and couldn't easily escape from his clutches. First of all, City Lord Sihe had clearly lost any support in the capital and among the Sisters of the Abyss. This was a big deal for everyone else. Moreover, he had been implicated through the Weiji family and their use of poison. Nasty rumors had been spread. And most of those rumors had not even been fabricated by the Sisters of the Abyss, although a few clearly were to be fair.

Taking all that into consideration, the main reason for City Lord Sihe's isolation was the fact that he had become truly paranoid and had killed many people for absolutely no reason at all. Who would want to risk discussing anything with him? Even a harmless encounter could result in one's gruesome death if City Lord Sihe wasn't in the right mood. Only his status as City Lord was protecting him. Secretly, many were intriguing behind the scenes to convince Minister Renhai to abolish his status. Technically it was possible, but it was also extremely rare. And Minister Renhai was afraid that other City Lords would frown upon it, fearing that it might happen to them at some point.

Unfortunately, Minister Renhai lacked any form of imagination. He simply couldn't think outside of the way he was instructed. For him, real life was an abstraction. His politics was limited to administrative documents and paperwork. Honestly, most City Lords were also done with City Lord Sihe but stayed mostly polite if they were not already affiliated with someone else. In fact, they were also mostly convinced that City Lord Sihe was behind the assassination of Boss Gui. Although she had never had a good reputation, mostly because she was the newest addition to their circle, they couldn't forgive her death. But there was no clue. And to be fair, City Lord Sihe really was innocent.

At last, Cao Yun received the news he had been expecting. The Sisters of the Abyss knew before anyone else. After all, they were extremely good at intelligence, and they were expecting it too. High Mother Lisha brought Cao Yun the news in person. As soon as she stepped into his room, she saw a heaven of art and beauty. Honestly, even she fell under the charm of all those beauties. But she was there for serious business. That being said, she did get some ideas on how to reform the Sisterhood by focusing on art instead of sacrificing people to a pool of blood. That would help them spread their influence even more if they got excellent painters, musicians, and many other excellent artists in general. They could nurture that much more than they were doing at the moment.

High Mother Qin Xue wasn't stupid enough to talk in front of all those women. After all, they came from Lord Wanghuo's harem. If they could improve their position and status by leaking some secret they had overheard, they would. Most likely, Minister Renhai had planted some of his trusted agents among them. In fact, High Mother Qin Xue literally knew who they were. Thus, she sent a telepathic message to Cao Yun, knowing no one could intercept it within this room.

"The Weiji family was slaughtered. Their bodies have been found as well as letters from City Lord Sihe. Minister Renhai authenticated them personally."

"Then, they already think that City Lord Sihe is behind the attack?"

"As of now, they're not entirely certain. But the evidence is clear and subtle enough. They won't find any reason to doubt it. Besides, it is actually the truth. My guess is that Minister Renhai will try to play it safe. However, Lord Wanghuo genuinely appreciated Marshal Weiji He. Although he couldn't support his last actions, he did want to protect his family. Thus, City Lord Sihe is a dead man. There's no way for him to survive. In fact, I'm pretty sure Lord Wanghuo will ask us to get rid of him one way or another."

"What about Nie Pian?"

"If they dig, and they will, they won't find anything against him. In fact, they'll even find proof that he tried to dissuade City Lord Sihe from acting in such a way. Unfortunately, City Lord Sihe acted behind his back."

"And the truth?"

"Nie Pian pushed City Lord Sihe until he decided that killing the Weiji family was his only hope. And he fabricated the second letter to put doubts on the first one City Lord Sihe was trying to shield himself with. I have to admit that this is a perfect move from him. Even if some evidence came to light, as soon as it's not too obvious, everyone would defend him against City Lord Sihe. After all, this is the perfect opportunity to get rid of him for good."

"That's good news. When Lord Wanghuo asks you to get rid of City Lord Sihe, don't accept right away of course. I wouldn't want Minister Renhai to figure out that this was our goal. And send a message to Nie Pian. Tell him that his actions have caused his demise. Make sure that everything pointing to him is under your control. As much as he covered himself, I'm certain that he missed a few things. As you said, no one cares about it at the moment, but things might change soon."

"What is your plan for Nie Pian? Didn't he betray you? No matter what you think, it might be dangerous to trust him with anything..."

Cao Yun didn't answer right away. Instead, he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Betray me?! Hmph...!"

After some awkward pause, he finally answered High Mother Lisha.

"We'll need to talk about this in the near future. For now, just make sure that Nie Pian is protected. My guess is that he'll be chosen as a temporary replacement for when City Lord Sihe disappears. After that, we'll have to adapt. My first idea was to make Sha Chai Gan a City Lord. But this might not be the ideal move in the end. It could reduce her influence on the tribes in fact. And since Nie Pian has done such a great job, he might be perfect for the position."

"What?!"

As much as she was surprised, High Mother Lisha didn't betray her emotions. None of the women saw anything else than Cao Yun and High Mother Lisha enjoying some wine while admiring their craft. They could imagine that they were talking mentally, but none could know what they were saying to each other, even those who were actually trying.

"As I said, there are many things we'll have to talk about concerning Nie Pian. Although many influential people like him at the moment, they'll turn on him if he tries to become City Lord. After all, he's a former slave, a nobody. He's liked because of the contrast with City Lord Sihe. For his status to reach this level, he'll need something else."

"And you want the Sisters to support him?! He's already betrayed you! No matter how much you think you can control him..."

"I don't plan on controlling him. And he didn't betray me at all. Do you really think that City Lord Sihe could have removed my seals that easily without Nie Pian dying from it? You really took me that lightly?"

"What?! You mean..."

"Oh?! Something even you couldn't see through. I honestly thought it was obvious. I have to admit that I'm disappointed that you failed to see through it. Maybe it was too obvious so you didn't consider it."

"You sent Nie Pian to City Lord Sihe?!"