Family Rise: Beginning with Grandfather.

Chapter 1018 A Gift, A Secret

"The energy within the grotto-heaven has changed, from the outside in, and the energy within the grotto-heaven has also changed accordingly."

"This change is very slow, so you may not have even noticed it!"

Yang Zhengshan continued to explain.

"Changes in Qi!" The Azure Fox Lord fell into deep thought, recalling the Qi of the Azure Cave Heaven a thousand years ago, but she could not find any evidence of changes in Qi.

This is normal. First, because it has been so long, even if Qingyuan Fox Lord is a demon lord, he could not remember things so clearly from a thousand years ago. Second, because the fluctuations in the energy flow are very small, even compared to a thousand years ago, the difference is not significant.

Yang Zhengshan estimated that the changes in the Qi of Qingyuan Cave Heaven did not begin a thousand years ago, but rather much earlier, perhaps several thousand years ago.

The changes to the sacred tree only began a thousand years ago.

"Do you have a way to solve this problem?" Qingyuan Fox Lord looked at Yang Zhengshan again and asked expectantly.

Yang Zhengshan said, "Yes, it's actually very simple. All you need to do is become the master of Qingyuan Cave Heaven!"

How does one become the master of a grotto-heaven?

"Refine the sacred tree as a spiritual artifact!"

Although this sacred tree is a fourth-tier spiritual object, it is not a spiritual treasure.

Becoming the master of a grotto-heaven does not require fusing one's soul with the grotto-heaven's original core; it only requires connecting one's soul with the original core.

In fact, it is not an easy thing to merge the soul with the original core. Yang Zhengshan estimated that the first generation of the Fox Clan Demon Lord did not merge with the Sacred Tree, but only entrusted himself to the Sacred Tree.

As time went by, his soul dissipated, and Qingyuan Cave Heaven became ownerless.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan believed that the Qingyuan Cave Heaven could operate on its own, so they never thought of controlling the Cave Heaven or becoming its master.

"That simple?" Qingyuan Fox Lord said with a hint of doubt.

"It's that simple!" Yang Zhengshan said helplessly.

Some things are separated by a thin membrane, but if no one breaks through it, this membrane may block things for thousands of years, allowing people to see what is behind it.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan had become accustomed to the appearance of Qingyuan Cave Heaven and developed a habitual way of thinking, never considering that Qingyuan Cave Heaven needed a master.

As for why Yang Zhengshan didn't take Qingyuan Cave for himself...

Okay, he was afraid of being beaten to death by Qingyuan Fox Lord.

It would be easy for him to take over Qingyuan Cave Heaven. He had thought about putting on a show and then secretly refining the sacred tree.

However, there is a thin veil separating them, and if one is not careful, Qingyuan Fox Lord may find the key to breaking through that veil in his actions.

At that time, he will face the pursuit of the Azure Fox Lord and the entire Azure Fox Clan.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan has more than just Qingyuan Fox Lord as a third-tier demon king; they are a major clan among demons, with several demon kings.

Once he gets involved with such an existence, Yang Zhengshan estimates that he will have no choice but to hide in the Immortal Palace of the Living Realm and never come out again.

So he only thought about it and then gave up.

Rather than provoking such a formidable enemy, it's better to extend a favor and forge a positive relationship with them.

Besides, he already has the Immortal Palace of Life, so obtaining another grotto-heaven wouldn't make much difference.

After considering all factors, he decided to just say it directly.

……

Two days later, the Azure Fox Lord rose from under the sacred tree, his amber eyes sparkling with vitality.

She looked at Yang Zhengshan with a strange gaze, her charming face bearing a bright smile, not the ambiguous smile from before, but one with more sincerity.

This made her look even more charming and alluring, making Yang Zhengshan's heart pound.

This isn't just being attracted to someone; it's the thrill of being seduced.

Damn, this is a fairy!
Yang Zhengshan calmed his mind, and the Seven Treasures Soul-Suppressing Pagoda in his sea of ​​consciousness began to rotate again.

The allure of Qingyuan Fox Lord was ingrained in his very being; every move he made carried an irresistible temptation, and he didn't even need to do it intentionally to bring a fatal attraction to people.

Yang Zhengshan had been staying by her side for the past two days, and with the help of the Twelve Golden Crystal Lotuses and the Seven Treasures Soul-Suppressing Pagoda, he resisted her temptations, which greatly enhanced his soul.

"Thank you for your guidance, young friend Yang. If it weren't for your guidance, my Qingyuan Fox Clan would probably be homeless!" Qingyuan Fox Lord bowed sincerely and said in a soft voice.

"No, no, this wasn't a big problem to begin with, and I didn't help much!" Yang Zhengshan quickly said modestly.

He didn't really help; he just said a few words.

However, his words did indeed have a great effect. Without his guidance, the Azure Fox Lord might have spent another thousand years to solve this problem.

"Young friend, please follow me!"

The Azure Fox Lord smiled and led Yang Zhengshan to the residence of the Azure Fox Clan.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan dwells in Cloud Valley. At the bottom of the valley flows the Jade Stream, its waters striking round stones, reflecting the morning light like shattered silver. Purple flowers bloom along the stream's banks, their fragrance clinging to one's clothes as the wind ripples through them.

The old camphor tree is hollow, with windows carved out and vines strung up. Wild fruits hang from the vines, swaying in the wind like bells. A ginkgo tree leans on the slope, its trunk split to make a house, covered with a thatched roof. Colorful birds perch on the firewood stacks, pecking at the seeds without being startled.

The cave is hidden in the cliff face, the entrance is covered by vines, the interior is lined with soft grass, a thin layer of frost forms on the pot, stalactites drip into the stone basin, and the sound echoes through the quiet valley.

Led by the Azure Fox Lord, Yang Zhengshan arrived at a spacious cave, sat down at a stone table facing the cave entrance, and could see the vast grassland and the tall sacred tree in the distance.

"Please!" Qingyuan Fox Lord brought over a bowl of stalactite and placed it in front of Yang Zhengshan.

Yang Zhengshan thanked him and took a small sip from the bowl.

The cool liquid tasted sweet and sour upon entering the mouth. After swallowing it, a refreshing and pleasant feeling arose throughout the body. Not only did the body feel pleasure, but even the soul seemed to cheer with joy.

"What is this?" Yang Zhengshan asked in surprise.

This bowl of stalactites not only stabilizes the source and refines the Dao body, but also has the effect of condensing and purifying the divine soul. It is a third-tier spiritual object, perfectly suitable as material for refining third-tier elixirs.

"Clear Heart Stalactite, hehe, it's a specialty of our Qingyuan Fox Clan. If you like it, young friend, I'll give you some later!" Qingyuan Fox Lord said gently.

At this moment, Qingyuan Fox Lord found Yang Zhengshan more and more pleasing to the eye.

The main reason was that Yang Zhengshan helped their Qingyuan Fox Clan solve a major problem, which greatly increased her goodwill towards him.

"Hehe, then this junior will accept without hesitation!" Yang Zhengshan said with a smile, without refusing.

This refreshing stalactite is indeed very good, mainly because it can condense the soul, which is very useful to him.

"I must thank you again, young friend. I have prepared a gift for you, and I hope you will accept it!" Qingyuan Fox Lord thanked him once more.

Yang Zhengshan quickly waved his hand and said, "Senior saved my life. I only solved a small problem for you. It's nothing, nothing at all!"

"What may be a small problem for you is a matter of utmost importance to my Qingyuan Fox Clan! The future of my Qingyuan Fox Clan is more important than your life!" Qingyuan Fox Lord said gently with a smile.

Yang Zhengshan looked at her smile and felt a sense of dazzle.

At this moment, Qingyuan Fox Lord is even more alluring than before. Although Qingyuan Fox Lord was alluring in every way before, he also had a somewhat aloof demeanor, which made people feel distant.

But now, Qingyuan Fox Lord's eyebrows and eyes look so gentle, with a kind of tenderness and natural charm.

With a wave of his hand, the Azure Fox Lord sent three equally beautiful Azure Foxes gracefully into the cave, each carrying a tray.

"This is the Pure Spirit Amber Fruit. My Qingyuan Fox Clan only has three left, so I'll give one to you, young friend!"

"This is the Zhenyue Seal. Hehe, I've already had the markings removed, so you can accept it without worry, young friend!"

"This is the Flowing Shadow Shuttle. Young friend, you are missing a flying magical artifact, and I happen to have one."

"Go and prepare some more refreshing stalactites for the young friend!"

Qingyuan Fox Lord briefly introduced the gifts of gratitude, and finally did not forget to prepare the Qingxin Stalactite for Yang Zhengshan.

Looking at the three gifts of thanks, Yang Zhengshan couldn't help but admire the wealth of the Qingyuan Fox Clan and the generosity of the Qingyuan Fox Lord.

A magical artifact was given away without warning, and it wasn't just any ordinary magical artifact.

The Zhenyue Seal needs no introduction; Chi Yuan almost killed him with it before.

This Flowing Shadow Shuttle is no ordinary object; just by looking at its appearance, one can tell that it is a rare spiritual artifact.

The Flowing Shadow Shuttle is about half a foot long, and its entire body is as black as solidified fat. Its surface is covered with a layer of matte dark patterns, as if countless tiny shadows are flowing within it.

Three rhomboid shadow crystals are inlaid on each side of the shuttle body. Inside the crystals is a swirling dark shadow that refracts a purplish-black halo when illuminated. The crystals are connected by black gold threads to form a superimposed shadow pattern.

Under light, the patterns appear as if the same shuttle is reflected in water, creating a play of reality and illusion. The tail tapers into a thin blade shape, adorned with three strands of dark silk tassels, the tips of which are tinged with silver. When they are moved, they appear as afterimages, and their touch is as cool and smooth as jade.

Yang Zhengshan thanked him again and then put away the three gifts.

He played with the Flowing Shadow Shuttle, carefully sensing the Daoist essence within it.

This magical artifact is a kind of artifact that can switch between the virtual and the real world, meaning it can constantly travel between the void and the real world. At the same time, it incorporates the Daoist principles of light and shadow, and can use light and shadow to increase flight speed. It is a rare flying artifact.

With this Flowing Shadow Shuttle, Yang Zhengshan's lack of speed was somewhat compensated.

Of course, a magical artifact is just a magical artifact; Yang Zhengshan still needs to cultivate the art of escape.

Having received the thank-you gift, Yang Zhengshan took the opportunity to say goodbye.

He had been in Qingyuan Cave for more than two days, and he didn't know what the situation was like outside, whether Jian Changhe was safe, or whether that old guy Chiyuan was causing trouble again.

"If you ever need any help in the future, feel free to come to me anytime!"

"That's what Qingyuan Fox Lord said."

"Hehe, senior, rest assured, if I ever encounter any trouble, I will definitely come to you for help!" Yang Zhengshan bowed and chuckled.

He has now established a relationship with the Qingyuan Fox Clan. With such a relationship, he can't say he can do whatever he wants in the Wanhua Mountains, but at least they will be more wary of him.

Of course, friendship is just friendship, and it's still uncertain who owes whom this time.

The Azure Fox Lord rescued him from Chi Yuan's clutches, and in return, he helped the Azure Fox Clan solve a major problem.

For the Qingyuan Fox Clan, Yang Zhengshan's life was naturally unimportant; the continuation of the Qingyuan Cave Heaven and the growth of the Sacred Tree were crucial to the survival of their entire clan.

Therefore, in the heart of the Qingyuan Fox Lord, Yang Zhengshan is considered the benefactor of the entire Qingyuan Fox Clan.

However, on the other hand, Qingyuan Fox Lord had saved Yang Zhengshan's life and later offered him a gift in return. The debts of gratitude between the two parties could be considered offset, leaving only a good relationship.

As for the future, Yang Zhengshan felt that he could interact more with the Qingyuan Fox Clan and deepen this friendship.

Seeing Yang Zhengshan so frankly say that he would come to him for help if he had any trouble, Qingyuan Fox Lord was not offended at all. Instead, he chuckled and said, "Young friend, you are welcome to come often when you have time!"

As she laughed, the light gauze covering her body fluttered gently, revealing a hint of spring beneath her delicate collarbone. Yang Zhengshan was startled and quickly averted his gaze, bowing once more, "Senior, farewell!"

After saying that, he directly plunged into the void and sped away.

This fairy is terrifying; she always manages to stir up unwanted desires in people.

Yang Zhengshan felt that he was very proud of himself for being able to resist her charm.

Qingyuan Fox Lord gazed at the spot where he had disappeared, a slight smile playing on his lips, his bright eyes holding a hint of something more than a smile.

"Interesting little fellow, hehe, now the Wanhua Mountains are even more interesting!"

"Cave Heaven, Void, hehe~~ I seem to have discovered a great secret!"

She thought of the question Yang Zhengshan had raised before.

Do you know the owners of the other two grotto-heavens?

Does the Demon Emperor Wanhua have no relatives?
(End of this chapter)