Cao Shu placed a long bench in the courtyard and lay leisurely upon it.
He took a sip of the fruit wine unique to this world. Its flavor was distinct… neither spicy nor sour, yet incredibly pleasant. Leaning back comfortably, a pretty maid in front of him massaged his legs while another behind him kneaded his shoulders. It felt exceedingly relaxing.
Before he had to keep vigil for the late Emperor, he might as well enjoy himself properly. It had to be said… those with status and power truly lived well.
However, Cao Shu’s thoughts were not entirely on indulgence. With the position of Prime Minister secured, it was time to begin the next phase of his plan.
He opened the system shop. Inside, a dazzling array of items filled his vision… everything imaginable was available, purchasable only with villain points. At present, he had accumulated over 10,000 points.
After searching for a while, he finally found what he needed.
[Do you want to spend 3000 villain points to purchase Purple Mist Leaf]
[-3000 villain points obtained Purple Mist Leaf]
[Do you want to spend 4000 villain points to purchase Water Cloud Bamboo]
[-4000 villain points obtained Water Cloud Bamboo]
These two materials were key components for refining the Heaven-Transcending Pill.
The path of cultivation was treacherous and difficult. The further one progressed, the harder it became. The Heaven-Transcending Pill was a rare pill that could greatly increase the probability of forming a Golden Core. Even if it failed, it would not result in sudden death. Because of this, these two key materials were priceless treasures, rarely seen on the market.
As for the remaining materials, with Cao Shu’s current status, they were easy to obtain. With these added, he could begin refining.
Judging by the quantities purchased from the system, even with a 50% failure rate, he could still produce four or five Heaven-Transcending Pills. Whether for selling or personal use, they were extremely valuable.
As for why he didn’t simply buy the Heaven-Transcending Pill directly from the system…
He was poor.
After all, he had only just begun and was far from wealthy.
At that moment, a voice pulled him back to reality.
“Marquis, this is the list of personnel retained after screening. Please review it.”
Old Jia handed over a document. After Cao Shu’s earlier instructions, he had not dared to slack off. He had removed unreliable individuals from the manor and compiled a list of those who remained.
Cao Shu took the list and slowly scanned it. Many of the names were familiar… most were the old Marquis’s trusted subordinates. There were no major issues. Old Jia had handled things well.
“Old Jia, how many years have you served in this manor?”
Old Jia replied respectfully, “Marquis, this subordinate began serving the old Marquis at the age of ten. Thanks to his favor and guidance, it has now been over sixty years.”
Though Old Jia was already over seventy, as a cultivator at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm, he maintained his appearance and longevity. He looked no more than a man in his forties. Visit novelping.com for the full chapter.
Cao Shu nodded. “Sixty years is indeed a long time. You’ve managed the manor well all these years without major mistakes. I am satisfied.”
Old Jia smiled. “This is merely my duty.”
“Mm.” Cao Shu’s tone shifted slightly. “Then among these people, who do you think can replace you?”
Old Jia’s smile froze instantly.
Something felt off.
Didn’t this mean he was being replaced?
Could it be that after helping the Marquis remove others, he himself would be removed as well?
Old Jia’s expression turned uneasy as he cautiously said, “Marquis, have I done something wrong? I have always been absolutely loyal and never harbored any second thoughts.”
“You have done nothing wrong. I am well aware of your loyalty.” Cao Shu’s gaze remained on the list. “It’s just that the manor’s steward position should be given to someone new. Choose someone reliable and train them well over the next few days. When the time comes, I will have him take over your position.”
So it wasn’t a mistake… he was simply being replaced.
Unwilling to accept it, Old Jia said, “Marquis, please give this subordinate another chance…”
Cao Shu interrupted, “No need to say more. This matter is settled.”
Old Jia stared blankly at Cao Shu, then lowered his head in dejection.
After decades of diligent service, giving his youth and effort… was it all ending here?
But thinking of the old Marquis’s instructions, a wave of bitterness rose in his heart.
“This subordinate obeys.”
“Mm.” Cao Shu took out the Purple Mist Leaf and a large section of Water Cloud Bamboo, placing them on the table beside him. “If I remember correctly, you know how to refine pills, right?”
“These are Purple Mist Leaf and Water Cloud Bamboo, the key materials for making Heaven-Transcending Pills. After acquiring the remaining materials, go and refine them. If you’re unsure of the process, there should be a pill formula in the manor.”
“Purple Mist Leaf… Water Cloud Bamboo?” Old Jia looked at the two rare treasures in astonishment. Both were in ample quantity. Where had the Marquis obtained them? Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
“Marquis, what do you need Heaven-Transcending Pills for?”
Cao Shu raised an eyebrow and said, “Haven’t you been stuck at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm for many years? Refine the Heaven-Transcending Pills and use them to break through. Once you reach the Golden Core Realm, I have more important tasks for you.”
Old Jia was his most loyal subordinate and a capable expert. There was no question of dismissing him… he simply wouldn’t remain as steward. Instead, he would be elevated further.
Hearing this, Old Jia’s pupils shrank. His despair instantly turned into excitement.
So the Marquis wasn’t casting him aside… he was entrusting him with something greater.
Not only that, the Heaven-Transcending Pill could give him a chance to break through to the Golden Core Realm.
His cultivation had been stuck at the 9th stage Foundation Establishment Realm for years. He had tried countless methods to form a Golden Core, even risking his life, yet failed. Now, with the Heaven-Transcending Pill, success was within reach.
Upon reaching the Golden Core Realm, both his strength and lifespan would increase significantly, placing him among the upper echelon of cultivators in the Great Zhou Empire.
His gaze toward Cao Shu filled with gratitude and excitement. First the old Marquis, now the young Marquis… both were benefactors in his life.
He clasped his fists and said, “Yes! This subordinate is willing to give his all for the Marquis, even unto death!”
Cao Shu smiled faintly. As someone in power, one must balance rewards and authority. Being overly lenient would only make subordinates think you were easy to bully.
“My requirement is simple. From now on, you are loyal to me alone. Do you understand?”
Since he was cultivating a Golden Core Realm subordinate, Cao Shu would never allow him to obey anyone else and ruin his plans.
“I understand! This subordinate will be loyal only to the Marquis!” Old Jia knew clearly that Cao Shu was destined for great ambitions. His loyalty must not waver.
Cao Shu felt it was enough and waved his hand. “Alright, take these materials and refine the Heaven-Transcending Pills. Also, train a new steward over the next few days.”
“Yes.”
Old Jia took the materials and headed toward the alchemy room within the Marquis Manor.
Cao Shu glanced at the sky. It was already around evening.
There was no urgency regarding the late Emperor’s funeral. Ji Wuyi, whom he had previously knocked unconscious, should have awakened by now… it was time to pay him a visit.
He signaled the maids to stop, stood up, stretched lazily, and in a flash, his figure vanished from the spot.