Chapter 576 Heavenly Jade Pavilion's Great Expansion
"The humans are weak now," she declared, her voice echoing with a cruel amusement. "Their forces are scattered, their morale shattered. We will crush them, one by one!"
The assembled devil lords roared their agreement, their voices a chorus of dark anticipation. Strategies were debated, loot was divided, and a thirst for bloodshed filled the air. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, and the devils, now a united front, prepared to unleash their wrath upon the cosmos.
Meanwhile, within the idyllic confines of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion's Central Star, Wang Jian reclined luxuriously on a silken chaise longue. His head rested on the inviting lap of Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan, his face lit with a depraved grin.
"My plan is working flawlessly, Cui Lan, my love," he purred, his voice dripping with a dark satisfaction. "The devils are doing our dirty work, weakening the human sects before we even have to lift a finger."
Cui Lan, an amused smile playing on her lips, tilted her head to meet his gaze. "Indeed, Master Wang Jian," she conceded, "The Eastern Cosmos is embroiled in chaos. But what do we do next?"
"Ah, my dear," Wang Jian chuckled, "Now is when our true brilliance shines. Prepare the Pavilion's reserves – weapons, artifacts, array formation discs, talismans – we're going to flood the market."
Cui Lan's eyes widened in realization. "But Master," she countered, "Won't the sects be wary? They know we developed these defenses ourselves."
"Indeed," Wang Jian acknowledged, his grin turning predatory. "But desperation breeds innovation, my love. We'll charge a hefty price, but offer them just enough information to tantalize them. A hint of how our formations work, enough to give them a fighting chance against the devils."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Think about it, Cui Lan. The human sects, depleted and desperate, will be willing to pay anything to survive. We'll become the ultimate war profiteers, fueling the very conflict we orchestrated!"
Cui Lan's eyes sparkled with a newfound excitement. The chaos Wang Jian had sown was not just a means to an end – it was a golden opportunity to elevate the Heavenly Jade Pavilion to an unprecedented level of power. As the war raged outside, they would sit within their impregnable Star Clusters, amassing wealth and influence, ready to strike when the dust settled.
A wicked laugh erupted from Wang Jian, echoing through the serene chamber.
Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan, her beauty aglow under the ethereal glow of celestial lights, embarked on a mission far more intricate than any battlefield clash. Wielding the power of trade, she became the puppeteer pulling the strings of the ongoing war.
Wang Jian's instructions echoed in her mind – fuel the flames of conflict without directly taking sides. With a sly smile, Cui Lan began her masterwork.
The Heavenly Jade Pavilion's marketplace hummed with activity, a stark contrast to the war-torn Eastern Cosmos. Delegations from desperate human sects flocked to their doorstep, seeking salvation in the form of resources. Cui Lan, a picture of charming professionalism, greeted them with open arms.
"Ah, esteemed representatives," she cooed, her voice dripping with honeyed tones. "The Heavenly Jade Pavilion is here to offer its unwavering support in these trying times."
As their passion subsided, Wang Jian turned serious. "Speaking of the plan," he said, "It's time to move on to the next phase."
Cui Lan sat up, a hint of curiosity flickering in her gaze. "And what would that be, Master?"
"Expansion," Wang Jian declared, a predatory glint in his eyes. "While the human and devil forces bleed each other dry, we'll use this opportunity to strengthen our own ranks. It's time to recruit more disciples, more powerful women to join the Heavenly Jade Pavilion."
Cui Lan knew exactly what he meant. The conflict had undoubtedly ravaged the Eastern Cosmos, leaving many female cultivators displaced, disillusioned, or even orphaned. These were prime candidates for recruitment.
The challenge, however, was navigating the lingering distrust. The recent attack on the Heavenly Jade Pavilion by the large human sects had left a bitter taste in many cultivators' mouths.
"We need a new strategy," Cui Lan mused, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "A gentler approach to counteract the perception of aggression."
A slow smile spread across Wang Jian's face. "Leave that to me, my love," he purred. "We'll paint ourselves as the saviors, the sanctuary for women seeking strength and empowerment in these chaotic times."
The following days witnessed a flurry of activity within the Heavenly Jade Pavilion. Under Cui Lan's direction, a multi-
pronged recruitment strategy unfolded.
First, they leveraged the Pavilion's image as a haven for female cultivators. They dispatched skilled envoys, all beautiful and powerful women themselves, to spread the word. These envoys painted a picture of a harmonious sisterhood within the Pavilion, a space where women could reach their full potential without the constraints often faced in other sects.
Next, they targeted the disillusioned. Disgruntled female cultivators, weary of the internal politics plaguing their sects or disheartened by the recent war, were approached with personalized offers. Messages, delivered via discreet communication channels, promised a sanctuary where talent was cherished, merit valued, and leadership opportunities abundant.
For the more materialistic minds, Cui Lan unveiled a truly irresistible proposition. The Pavilion started hosting extravagant exhibitions, showcasing the vast array of resources they'd acquired through their shrewd trade deals. Exquisite weapons imbued with potent energies, rare herbs with mystical properties, and intricate techniques gleaned from the depths of the Devil Star Cluster were displayed in all their glory.
Accompanying these exhibitions were carefully worded announcements. The Pavilion, it was declared, was offering limited opportunities for talented female cultivators to join their ranks, with access to these incredible resources as a significant perk.
Cui Lan's strategy proved highly effective. The word spread like wildfire – the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, previously seen as a formidable rival, was now offering a unique haven for aspiring female cultivators. Promises of sisterhood, opportunities, and unparalleled resources proved irresistible.
Slowly, but surely, a steady stream of talented women began seeking entry into the Pavilion. Young women with raw talent, yearning for guidance, found a nurturing environment where their potential could flourish. Seasoned veterans, disillusioned with their current sects, saw a chance to reignite their passion and contribute to a cause. Even a few disgruntled elders, tempted by the access to rare resources, cautiously made inquiries.
The Heavenly Jade Pavilion, once solely comprised of brilliant women born and raised within its confines, began to embrace a wave of diversity. New faces, new backgrounds, yet all united under the banner of female empowerment and the alluring prospect of honing their cultivation skills under the tutelage of a powerful and innovative sect.