Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 502 A superior move in strategy, enraged to the point of madness, retribution is swift and swift.
Fu Changsheng moved like lightning through the dense forest.

He must reunite with Fu Molan and Master Yu as soon as possible and leave the far west before the Joyful Sect can react.

Just as he was about to arrive at Black Wind Cliff.

Suddenly, a chill ran through me, and I abruptly stopped in my tracks.

Something's not right.

He scanned his surroundings with his divine sense and discovered a faint, almost imperceptible, pungent smell of blood in the air. This scent was extremely subtle; had it not been for his keen divine sense, it would have been almost impossible to detect.

"People from the Joyful Sect?"

Fu Changsheng frowned slightly, and a wisp of chaotic energy quietly gathered in his palm, ready to make a move at any moment.

Suddenly, a muffled thud came from the woods ahead, followed by the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground.

"boom!"

Fu Changsheng flashed and instantly arrived at the source of the sound. He saw an old man in black robes lying on the ground, his chest pierced and blood gushing out. The old man clutched a jade slip tightly in his hand, as if he wanted to pass on some message before he died.

"This is... Ghost Hand Old Nine?"

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly as he immediately recognized the man as Ghost Hand Old Nine, a black market merchant. He crouched down, checked the old man's breath, and found that he was already dead.

Who did it?

He picked up the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and his expression changed drastically.

The jade slip contained only one short line of text:

"The Joyful Sect has seized control of the smuggling route and set up an ambush. Leave immediately!"

Fu Changsheng's heart sank.

Ghost Hand Old Nine was clearly ambushed by the Joyful Sect. Although he escaped, he was severely injured and died. This means that the Joyful Sect already knew about their plan and had set up an ambush along the smuggling route!
"Oh no! Mo Lan and Uncle Yu are in danger!"

Without a second thought, Fu Changsheng immediately used his escape technique and sped towards Black Wind Cliff.

At the foot of Black Wind Cliff.

Fu Molan supported Master Yu, standing behind a secluded rock. The two had been waiting for a long time, but Fu Changsheng was nowhere to be seen.

"Why hasn't the patriarch arrived yet?" Fu Molan frowned, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.

Master Yu took a swig of wine, appearing relaxed, but his eyes warily scanned his surroundings: "That kid's clever; he'll be fine."

Suddenly, he paused in his drinking, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Someone's coming!"

Fu Molan immediately gripped the Azure Frost Sword and released her divine sense. She saw a figure rapidly approaching from the distant woods.

"It's the head of the family!" Fu Molan breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Master Yu suddenly grabbed her: "Wait! Something's not right!"

They saw "Fu Changsheng," pale-faced and blood-stained, staggering towards them, shouting, "Mo Lan! Uncle Yu! Run! The Huanxi Sect is coming!"

Fu Molan was about to step forward when Master Yu grabbed her arm, saying, "Don't go! He's not the Immortal Boy!"

"What?" Fu Molan was taken aback.

Master Yu sneered, flicked his wine gourd, and a jet of wine shot out: "You put on quite a show, but unfortunately, you can't fool my eyes!"

The wine arrow transformed into a fire dragon in the air, heading straight for "Fu Changsheng".

Fu Changsheng's expression changed, and his body suddenly twisted, transforming into a woman in red, none other than the Crimson Serpent Fairy!

"Old man, you have good eyesight!" The Crimson Serpent Fairy sneered, and several red ribbons flew out from her sleeve, shredding the fire dragon.

At the same time, dozens of disciples of the Joyful Sect suddenly sprang out from the surrounding woods and surrounded the two.

"Where is Fu Changsheng?" the Crimson Serpent Fairy asked in a cold voice.

Master Yu laughed heartily: "Want to know? First, have a drink with this old man!"

As he spoke, he slammed the gourd into the ground. With a loud bang, the gourd shattered, and the wine splattered everywhere, instantly turning into a sea of ​​fire that forced the surrounding Joyful Sect disciples back.

"Mo Lan, let's go!"

Master Yu grabbed Fu Molan and leaped toward the cliff face. There was a hidden path there, the backup route that Ghost Hand Old Nine had told them about before.

"Want to leave?"

The Crimson Fairy snorted coldly, made a hand seal, and a blood-red rainbow flew out from her sleeve, heading straight for the Grandmaster's back.

"Uncle Yu, be careful!" Fu Molan swung her sword backhand, the Azure Frost Sword flashing with a cold light, colliding with the blood-red rainbow.

"boom!"

A surge of energy erupted, and Fu Molan let out a muffled groan, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of her mouth. After all, she was only at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, and the difference in strength between her and the Crimson Serpent Fairy, who was at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, was too great.

"Girl, you go first!" Master Yu pushed Fu Molan towards the path, then turned to face the Crimson Fairy.

"Uncle Yu!" Fu Molan called out urgently.

"Hurry up! I'll meet up with you in a bit!" Master Yu shouted, his aura suddenly surging!

The Crimson Serpent Fairy's expression changed slightly: "Old man, you're courting death!"

She dared not be careless and immediately summoned her natal magic weapon, the "Crimson Whip." The whip's shadow was like a dragon, lashing towards Master Yu with a piercing sound.

Master Yu neither dodged nor evaded, but formed a hand seal and chanted, "The Dionysian Incantation!"

In an instant, a strong smell of alcohol seeped from his pores, condensing into a transparent barrier in the air. The Crimson Whip struck the barrier, but it was as if a mud ox had entered the sea; most of its force was neutralized.

"You've got some skill!" A hint of surprise flashed in the Crimson Serpent Fairy's eyes, followed by a cold laugh. "Unfortunately, your injuries haven't healed; you won't last long!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Master Yu bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood, shouting, "Wrath of the God of Wine!"

Roar!
The essence of blood and the aroma of wine merged, transforming into a blood-red tiger that roared and pounced on the Crimson Fairy.

The Crimson Fairy dared not take the attack head-on, and retreated hastily, simultaneously summoning three blood-red shields in a hand seal to block in front of her.

"boom!"

The crimson tiger slammed into the shield, unleashing a deafening roar. The shockwave swept through, snapping trees and shattering rocks.

When the smoke and dust cleared, Fairy Chilian discovered with a gloomy expression that Master Yu and Fu Molan had disappeared without a trace.

"Search them! They can't have gone far!" she shouted sternly.

At the same time, Fu Changsheng was rushing towards Black Wind Cliff at full speed. Suddenly, he sensed a violent fluctuation of spiritual energy coming from ahead, and his heart tightened.

“Something happened!”

He immediately quickened his pace and arrived near Black Wind Cliff in a few breaths. From afar, he saw the disciples of the Joyful Sect searching everywhere, while Fairy Crimson Serpent stood at the edge of the cliff with a gloomy expression.

"Where are Mo Lan and Uncle Yu?"

Fu Changsheng scanned the area with his divine sense but detected no trace of the two individuals. His heart sank; could they have already...?
Just then, he suddenly sensed a faint connection—it was the Chaos Talisman he had given to Fu Molan earlier!
"Thank goodness you're alright!"

Fu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief and, following his senses, discovered that Fu Molan and Master Yu were in a hidden cave at the foot of the cliff. Both of them were weak and clearly injured.

We must lure the Crimson Fairy away first.

After a moment's thought, Fu Changsheng had an idea. He took out a jade bottle and poured out a drop of silver liquid, which was the "Phantom Water" he had obtained from Granny Silver Flower.

"go!"

He placed the phantom liquid in his palm, made a hand seal, and chanted an incantation. The silver liquid immediately wriggled and deformed, eventually transforming into a phantom that looked exactly like him.

"Draw them away," Fu Changsheng ordered.

The phantom nodded, then flashed away in the opposite direction.

Soon, the disciples of the Joyful Sect discovered Fu Changsheng's whereabouts and shouted loudly. Upon hearing the news, Fairy Chilian immediately led her people in pursuit.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Fu Changsheng quietly arrived at the cave at the foot of the cliff.

"Patriarch!" Fu Molan's eyes flashed with surprise upon seeing Fu Changsheng, but then dimmed again. "Uncle Yu..."

Fu Changsheng rushed forward and saw Master Yu lying on the ground, his face ashen and his breath weak. His clothes were soaked with blood, clearly indicating that he had suffered serious injuries.

"Uncle Yu forcibly used his secret technique, which aggravated his old injuries," Fu Molan said, her voice choked with emotion.

Without a word, Fu Changsheng took out the Spirit-Stabilizing Pill and fed it to the Grandmaster. At the same time, he placed his palm on the Grandmaster's chest, and slowly channeled chaotic energy into it to help refine the medicinal power.

After a short while, Master Yu's breathing finally stabilized, but he remained unconscious.
-
Just as Fu Changsheng was stabilizing Master Yu's injuries, his brow twitched. His keen senses detected a terrifying pressure rapidly approaching—a spiritual pressure no less than that of a Nascent Soul cultivator, as conspicuous as a torch in the night!
"Oh no, it's Venerable Huanxi!" Fu Changsheng's pupils shrank sharply. "And he's with three Golden Core cultivators!"

Fu Molan's face turned deathly pale: "Patriarch, you should go first."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Fu Changsheng glared at Fu Molan, then took out three talismans pulsating with spatial fluctuations from his robes. "These are the 'Great Teleportation Talismans' that Ghost Hand Old Nine hid in the inner layer of the jade slip before his death. They can teleport hundreds of miles in an instant."

He slapped two of the cards on Grandmaster Yu's and Fu Molan's shoulders respectively: "Stay close to me!"

Fu Changsheng formed a hand seal, and his chaotic magical power surged forth, outlining a complex silver array pattern beneath the feet of the three. At the same time, he keenly sensed that the pressure, no less than that of a Nascent Soul cultivator, had entered a fifty-mile radius, and his divine sense swept across the area like a tidal wave.

"We've found you."

After counting the interest.

A cold snort, like a thunderclap, came from above.

At the critical moment, Fu Changsheng bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the array patterns: "Escape!"

A brilliant silver light erupted, and the figures of the three began to blur. Just as they were about to disappear, a golden palm print pierced through the air, causing cliffs to collapse and rocks to fly through the air wherever it passed!

"boom--!"

The palm print slammed into the spot where the three had been standing, causing the entire Black Wind Cliff to tremble violently and countless boulders to tumble down. Amidst the dust and smoke, three streaks of silver light could be vaguely seen, like fish swimming underground, disappearing into the ground.

Hundreds of miles away, there is an underground cave.

"Cough, cough cough." Fu Molan knelt on one knee, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Although she activated her escape technique in time, the aftershocks of Master Huanxi's palm strike still injured her internal organs.

Fu Changsheng, supporting the unconscious Master Yu, anxiously looked around. Fu Molan, relieved to have survived the ordeal, asked, "Patriarch, what is this?"

"The Blackwater Underground River." Fu Changsheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and took out a luminous pearl for illumination. "The second escape route hidden by Ghost Hand Old Nine leads directly to the Great Zhou."

A ghostly blue light illuminated the entire cave—a naturally formed underground river with a rapid current, its rock walls covered in glowing moss. Strangely, the water was jet black, with occasional silver ripples on its surface, clearly not ordinary water.

Fu Molan gathered a wisp of spiritual energy at her fingertips and tentatively touched the water's surface, only to be immediately repelled: "This water..."

"It must be that there are Xuan Yin Stones hidden deep underground, which has imbued the water here with the properties of Xuan Yin Heavy Water, making it particularly effective against divine sense detection." Fu Changsheng took out a palm-sized bone boat and tossed it into the air. "Let's go downstream; Master Huanxi won't be able to find this place for a while."

The bone boat grew as soon as it touched the water, transforming into a three-zhang-long black boat. Fu Changsheng carefully placed the Grandmaster inside the boat, then took out the Spirit-Stabilizing Pill, crushed it, and sprinkled the powder on the Grandmaster's wounds.

"Mo Lan, you take the helm." Fu Changsheng shot a spirit stone into a groove at the stern of the boat.

Fu Molan nodded in agreement.

After half a cup of tea.

Suddenly, the entire cave shook violently, and loose rocks fell from the ceiling!
"They caught up so quickly?" Fu Molan's expression changed in shock.

Fu Changsheng shook his head: "It's not the Joyful One. It's that the teleportation barrier of this underground river itself has been triggered. We can leave immediately!"

Suddenly, the river ahead twisted and turned, the water flowing backward to form a huge whirlpool. At the center of the whirlpool, a bronze coffin could be vaguely seen slowly rising from the water. Nine rusty chains were wrapped around the coffin, each chain engraved with obscure runes.

"This is... an ancient cultivator's seal?" Fu Molan's pupils contracted slightly.

"Go!" Fu Changsheng suddenly activated his chaotic magic power, and the bone boat moved forward rapidly.

at the same time.

The nine chains suddenly taut, emitting a teeth-grinding creak. The lid of the bronze coffin slowly slid open a crack, releasing an aura of ancient age and decay.
"boom!"

A beam of azure light shot out from the coffin, projecting a star map onto the ceiling of the cave. As the star map shifted, the bone boat beneath the three suddenly flew uncontrollably toward the center of the vortex!
"Hold on tight!" Fu Changsheng grabbed Master Yu with one hand and summoned the Lotus Lantern with the other. The Azure Lotus Barrier had barely formed when the bone boat was swept into the vortex.
...

...

Dark clouds filled the sky above Black Wind Cliff.

The Venerable Huanxi stood in mid-air, his purple-gold Daoist robe fluttering without wind, and the oppressive aura emanating from him caused all the birds and beasts within a ten-mile radius to go limp. His face was ashen, and his right hand was spread open, with a strand of golden thread extending from his palm, outlining complex tracking runes in the void.

"Even the Nine Nether Soul Searching Technique can't find it," he said in a low voice, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, "Well done, Fu Changsheng!"

Standing ten feet away, Fairy Chilian sensed the growing murderous aura emanating from her senior brother, the sect leader, and involuntarily tensed up. She knew this senior brother all too well—the calmer he appeared on the surface, the more raging his anger was inside.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Fairy Chilian's forehead: "Reporting to the Sect Leader, our disciples have searched an area of ​​a thousand miles, but have not found any trace of Fu Changsheng and the others. They seem to have already left the far west."

Golden light suddenly surged in Master Huanxi's eyes.

Three Blood Shadow Guards perished, and Junior Brother Yun died—such a price was paid, yet Fu Changsheng and the others escaped?

He suddenly flicked his sleeve, and a golden light shot towards the distant mountain peak. With a deafening roar, the entire mountain peak was cleaved in two, and rubble rained down like rain.

The Crimson Serpent Fairy lowered her head and remained silent, her fingertips secretly tightening around her sleeve. She knew that any explanation at this moment would be futile—her senior brother, the sect leader, hated failure the most, especially this kind of defeat that resulted in heavy losses and nothing gained.

"Investigate!" Master Huanxi suddenly turned around, his eyes filled with murderous intent that almost materialized. "Use all your hidden contacts to find out where Fu Changsheng has fled to. Also, send messages to the Hehuan Sect and the Yin-Yang Sect, and add five 'Bliss Pills' as a reward for Fu Changsheng's whereabouts!"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy was startled. The Bliss Pill was a secret treasure of the Joyful Sect, and even a single pill was enough to make Golden Core cultivators fight tooth and nail for it. How could the sect leader take out five at once?

"Sect Leader," she carefully chose her words, "Fu Changsheng has managed to kill several Golden Core cultivators from our sect; his strength is extraordinary. If we continue the pursuit, I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" Venerable Huanxi coldly interrupted, "Are you saying that continuing the pursuit will cause our sect even greater losses?"

After a moment of silence, the Crimson Serpent Fairy said softly, "Your subordinate is just worried that Fu Changsheng has too many secrets, and we know too little about him."

Master Huanxi narrowed his eyes, then suddenly raised his hand and cast a soundproof barrier. He stared at Fairy Chilian, his voice low and deep: "Chilian, how many years have you followed me?"

“Five hundred and thirty-seven years,” the Crimson Serpent Fairy answered without hesitation.

“Five hundred and thirty-seven years.” Venerable Huanxi repeated the number, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes. “Back then, you were just a minor Foundation Establishment cultivator. I saw your meticulous mind, so I made an exception and promoted you to the position of deacon of the Intelligence Hall.”

The Crimson Serpent Fairy bowed her head: "I will never forget the Sect Leader's kindness in nurturing me."

"Then you should know," Venerable Huanxi's voice suddenly turned cold, "that the reason my Huanxi Sect has stood strong in the far west for thousands of years is because of the four words 'revenge is a must'! Fu Changsheng killed three of my sect's Golden Core cultivators. If this grudge is not avenged, how can my sect maintain its reputation?"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end only bowed deeply: "Your subordinate understands."

Master Huanxi's gaze lingered on her for a moment, sharp as a knife, before he suddenly changed the subject: "Do you think I'm too stubborn?"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said, "Sect Leader's plans are far-sighted; this subordinate dares not presume to judge."

"Hmph." Master Huanxi sneered. "Chilian, you're good in every way, except sometimes you're too weak. Remember, in this world of cultivation, profit is eternal. Fu Changsheng was able to condense a first-grade golden core, could reverse-slay a golden core at the eighth level of the Purple Mansion realm, and could break my 'Blood Soul Seal' secret technique—this shows that the value of the secrets he possesses far exceeds the price we've already paid!"

He turned to look towards the Great Zhou, his eyes gleaming with golden light: "Pass on my order: activate Project 'Heavenly Net.' Activate all spies embedded in the Great Zhou, with a focus on monitoring the Fu family in Wuzhou. Furthermore..."

Master Huanxi took out a blood-red jade slip from his robes: "Give this to the Great Zhou... and tell him I want Fu Changsheng's head!"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy accepted the jade slip with both hands, scanned it with her divine sense, and immediately changed her expression: "This is... a Nascent Soul talisman? Sect Leader, this..."

"You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub." Master Huanxi said expressionlessly, "Fu Changsheng must die! The secrets he holds must belong to my Huanxi Sect!"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy took a deep breath and solemnly put away the jade slip: "Your subordinate will take care of it immediately."

She turned to leave, but was stopped by the Venerable Huanxi: "Wait."

Master Huanxi took out a jade hairpin from his sleeve and handed it to her: "The failure of this mission is not your fault. This 'Azure Spirit Hairpin' can withstand an attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator; you should keep it."

The Crimson Serpent Fairy was stunned. The Joyful Master was always fair in his rewards and punishments; he never rewarded those who failed missions. Why was he doing this today?
Seemingly sensing her confusion, Master Huanxi said calmly, "You are my most capable assistant, and the sect's future plans will require your help. Remember, always act cautiously and avoid impulsiveness."

The Crimson Serpent Fairy felt a warmth in her heart and respectfully accepted the hairpin: "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader."

Master Huanxi waved his hand: "Go. I need to see the complete action plan in three days."

"Yes!"

The Crimson Fairy transformed into a streak of red light and vanished into the distance. The Joyful Master stood alone atop the cliff, gazing in the direction she had gone. The golden light in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a deep, calculating glint.

“Fu Changsheng,” he murmured to himself, “you think you’re safe just because you’ve escaped back to the Great Zhou?”

"I'd like to see how long you can hide!"

-

The Joyful Sect, a side hall of the Golden Glow Hall.

The Crimson Serpent Fairy sat before a desk, dozens of jade slips laid out before her. Her fingertips flashed with spiritual light as she swiftly recorded something on a blank jade slip:
"Project Tianluo Phase One:"

1. Activate all secret agents within the Great Zhou territory, with a focus on monitoring the movements of the Fu family in Wuzhou;

Second, contact the Hehuan Sect and the Yin-Yang Sect, and exchange five Bliss Pills for information on Fu Changsheng's whereabouts.
III. Making contact with forces cooperating with the Great Zhou;
IV. A bounty is offered for a rogue cultivator at the Golden Core stage who will infiltrate Wuzhou disguised as a rogue cultivator and wait for an opportunity to strike.

She paused here, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes.

On the other side of the table, a jade slip placed alone was faintly glowing—it contained information she had privately compiled about Fu Changsheng. The jade slip contained a discovery that made her uneasy: when Fu Changsheng killed Granny Yinhua and others, the cultivation technique he used seemed extremely similar to the legendary "Chaotic Dao Foundation."

If that's true
The Crimson Serpent Fairy rubbed her temples. As the head of the intelligence department, she was used to keeping everything in perfect order, but Fu Changsheng was like a fog; the more she investigated, the more mysteries she uncovered.

"What are you thinking about, Senior Sister?" A clear voice rang out. Fairy Chi Lian looked up and saw her junior sister Zi Ling approaching with a cup of spiritual tea.

"It's nothing." Fairy Chilian put away the jade slip, took the spirit tea, and sipped it lightly. "There are some details in the plan that need to be considered."

Zi Ling leaned closer and lowered her voice, "Senior Sister, I heard that the Sect Leader was furious because of Fu Changsheng?"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy frowned slightly: "Don't ask too many questions about sect affairs."

"I'm just worried about Senior Sister," Zi Ling pouted. "Three Golden Core cultivators died this time, the Sect Leader will definitely..."

"Purple Spirit!" Fairy Crimson Serpent's voice deepened, "Be careful what you say."

Zi Ling immediately shut up and made a face. Fairy Chi Lian shook her head helplessly; this junior sister had excellent talent, but was just too unruly.

After a moment of silence, Fairy Chilian suddenly asked, "Ziling, if you were me, would you continue to hunt down Fu Changsheng?"

Zi Ling blinked: "Why are you asking that, Senior Sister?"

"Just a casual question."

"If you ask me," Zi Ling tilted her head, "Fu Changsheng is definitely not simple; he's killed so many of us. Instead of confronting him head-on, we should find out his background first... Ouch!"

Before she could finish speaking, the Crimson Serpent Fairy tapped her forehead.

"Such words are forbidden from being spoken again," Fairy Chilian said sternly. "Since the sect leader has given the order, we shall carry it out."

Zi Ling rubbed her forehead and muttered softly, "You were the one who asked me that."

The Crimson Serpent Fairy ignored it and turned her gaze back to the jade slip on the table. She thought of the Azure Spirit Hairpin bestowed upon her by the Joyful Venerable, and then of the sect leader's words, "Seek stability in all things," and gradually made a decision in her heart.

"Ziling, go and retrieve File Number Three."

"Now?"

"Now."

After Zi Ling left, the Crimson Fairy took out a blood-red jade pendant from her bosom and gently stroked it. This was her greatest secret—a "Deceiving Heaven Pendant" that could temporarily obscure the Soul Lamp's perception.

"Fu Changsheng," she murmured to herself, "I hope you won't disappoint me."
-
Several days later, at the border of Wuzhou.

A dark stream seeped from the ground, silently merging into an inconspicuous mountain ravine. In the stream, a black bone boat could be vaguely seen drifting downstream. The three people on board were lifeless, as if they had blended into the night.

"Wow--"

As the bone boat docked, Fu Changsheng stepped out first, his divine sense sweeping across the surroundings like a tide. After confirming that there was no obstruction, he whispered, "We've arrived."

Fu Molan helped Master Yu leap ashore. The three of them were soaked, but they could not hide the joy in their eyes.

"Is this...the Great Zhou?" Fu Molan looked around, her voice trembling slightly.

Fu Changsheng nodded, flipped his palm, and took out a bronze token. The four characters "Great Zhou Imperial God" on the token glowed faintly in the rainy night, subtly echoing the mysterious fortune of heaven and earth—this was the unique "Mountain and River Seal" resonance of the Great Zhou territory, which could not be faked.

"Finally home."

Fu Changsheng put away the token and turned his gaze to the distance. At the end of the rain curtain, the outline of a city could be vaguely seen, with banners fluttering on the city walls. It was Qinglan Pass on the border of Wuzhou.

"Let's enter the city to rest first, then send a message to the clan," he said in a deep voice.

Fu Molan nodded and was about to leave when she suddenly stopped: "Patriarch, what if the people from the Joyful Sect..."

"It's alright." Fu Changsheng sneered. "This is the Great Zhou Dynasty, not the far west. If they dare to cross the border to pursue us, the Imperial Guard will be the first to not let them off the hook."

Before the words were finished, a golden light suddenly shone from the distant city gate, streaking across the rainy night like a shooting star and shooting straight at the three of them!
"The Celestial Mirror of the Divine Guardian!" Master Yu's pupils contracted.

Fu Changsheng remained calm and composed, casting a spell. The token at his waist rose into the air, colliding with the golden light—with a "whoosh," the golden light dissipated, the token flew back, and at the same time, a majestic voice resounded throughout the mountains and forests:

"Who dares to trespass on Qinglan Pass?"

Fu Changsheng announced loudly, "Fu Changsheng, the head of the Fu family of Wuzhou, has returned from the far west with his clansmen. I request the Imperial Envoy to inspect them!"

After a moment of silence, a figure flew out from the city wall. The person was dressed in a dark official robe with the words "Divine Envoy" embroidered on the chest, and was actually a Divine Envoy at the early stage of the Golden Core realm.

“Fu…Fu Changsheng?!” The Divine Envoy’s expression changed drastically when he saw the person’s face, his eyes filled with shock.

—Wasn't Fu Changsheng possessed by Yin Kui Zhenren, his life lamp extinguished, and the Fu family even held a grand funeral for him? How is he still alive?

He dared not be careless and immediately summoned an ancient bronze mirror, the "Sky-Patrolling Mirror" standard equipment of the Divine Guard. The mirror's light shone, reflecting Fu Changsheng's aura, soul, and bloodline without any concealment.

"It really is Fu Changsheng... not a possession!" The Divine Envoy was shocked, then his attitude changed drastically, and he respectfully cupped his hands: "Commander Fu, my apologies!"

Fu Changsheng was already a "Commander" of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and now he has condensed a first-grade golden core, with the prospect of reaching the Nascent Soul stage in the future. The court has long heard rumors that if he achieves merit, he is very likely to be promoted to "Patrol Envoy," a position even higher than that of an ordinary Divine Envoy!

The Imperial Envoy dared not delay and hurriedly said, "Commander Fu has survived a great calamity; he is sure to have good fortune in the future! This humble official will open the city gates immediately and invite the three of you to enter and rest!"

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble."

The Imperial Envoy personally led the way with a respectful attitude. He glanced at the unconscious Master Yu and offered him a healing pill: "This is a 'Mysterious Origin Pill' specially made by the Imperial Divine Division, which can help restore vital energy."

Fu Changsheng took the pill, his fingertips subtly circulating chaotic energy to confirm it was non-toxic before feeding it to the Grandmaster. The pill melted instantly upon entering the Grandmaster's mouth, and the Grandmaster's ashen complexion improved somewhat.

"Thank you, fellow Daoist," Fu Changsheng said, cupping his hands in thanks.

The Imperial Envoy waved his hands repeatedly: "Envoy Fu, you are too kind. Your safe return is truly a blessing for the Great Zhou. I have already ordered a superior quiet room to be prepared; please follow me."

The three followed the Imperial Envoy into the city. Along the way, the soldiers guarding the city were all astonished when they saw Fu Changsheng. Some even subconsciously rubbed their eyes, clearly unable to believe that the rumored patriarch of the Fu family, who had supposedly perished, was actually standing alive before them.

Inside the Qinglan Pass inn, the Imperial Envoy personally led the three to a secluded courtyard. The courtyard was filled with spiritual energy, clearly indicating the presence of a spirit-gathering array.

"This is the 'Azure Mist Courtyard,' exclusively for the rest of those of the rank of Patrol Envoy," the Divine Envoy lowered his voice. "Envoy Fu can recuperate here in peace; no one will disturb him."

Fu Changsheng's eyes flickered slightly. This Divine Envoy was being so attentive; he was betting on his future.

"Thank you."

Wuzhou, Lei Family Council Hall

"What?! Fu Changsheng isn't dead?!"

Chief Lei abruptly stood up from his seat, his teacup shattering in his hand with a "crack," spilling tea all over himself, yet he seemed oblivious. His eyes widened as he stared intently at the scout kneeling in the hall, his voice practically forced out through clenched teeth:
"Are you sure the information is accurate?! He was clearly possessed by the Yin Puppet Master, and his life-soul lamp was extinguished. How could he possibly come back alive?!"

The scout pressed his forehead to the ground, his voice trembling, "Absolutely true! The Divine Envoy of Qinglan Pass personally confirmed it, and the Celestial Mirror of the Divine Guardian Division also examined it; there is absolutely no falsehood!"

This statement came out.

The hall fell silent instantly.

Fu Changsheng had condensed a first-grade golden core.

First-grade Golden Elixir!
That is a legendary existence.

This has never happened in the entire Great Zhou Dynasty for nearly a hundred years!

Having survived a great calamity, Fu Changsheng's return makes it almost certain that he will condense his Nascent Soul in the future!

Mind this.

The faces of the elders in the hall turned deathly pale instantly.

Chief Lei's expression shifted between light and dark, his mind in turmoil.

The Fu family was already powerful, and now that Fu Changsheng has returned, along with Fu Yongxuan, a fourth-grade Golden Core cultivator, the Fu family now has two Golden Core cultivators, making its foundation far surpass that of the Lei family! Even if the Lei family can advance to a sixth-grade family, if the Fu family advances to a fifth-grade family in the future, wouldn't the Lei family become a vassal again?
What's even more terrifying is that the Lei family and the Fu family are sworn enemies!

Fu Changsheng's daughter, Fu Yongning, almost died at the Prince's Mansion. The Lei family and the Prince's Mansion are one entity. The Fu family does not dare to openly offend the Prince's Mansion at present, but they will definitely make an example of them.

"Clan leader... what should we do?" The Fifth Elder's voice trembled.

A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Lei clan chief. After a long silence, he suddenly sneered, "What's the panic? No matter how strong Fu Changsheng is, he's only at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, while my Lei family has the Prince's Mansion backing us!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions softened slightly.

Yes, the Prince's Mansion!

Chief Lei narrowed his eyes and said in a sinister tone, "Send the order: prepare a generous gift immediately. I want to personally pay my respects to the Prince!"

"No matter how strong Fu Changsheng is, would he dare to oppose the Prince's Mansion?"
-
The Huang family, the secret room

The teacup in Chief Huang's hand shattered with a "bang," and scalding tea splashed onto his robes, but he was completely unaware.

"Fu Changsheng...is not dead?" he muttered to himself, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

The First Elder sat opposite him, his expression grave: "Fu Changsheng has condensed a First-Grade Golden Core, his strength far surpassing that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators. Now that he has returned to the Fu family, I fear..."

Chief Huang took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.

First-grade Golden Elixir...

The Fu family is about to rise to prominence!
If the Fu family were to rise to the rank of a fifth-grade noble family in the future, wouldn't the Huang family, as a vassal, be forced to depend on them again?

"Clan leader, should we reconsider our stance?" the elder whispered.

Chief Huang opened his eyes, a glint of shrewdness flashing within them: "No rush."

He stood up, walked to the window, looked in the direction of the Fu family, and slowly said, "With Fu Changsheng's return, the most panicked are not us, but the Lei family."

“The Lei family and the Fu family have a deep-seated feud. Now that Fu Changsheng’s strength has increased significantly, the Lei family will definitely be uneasy.”

"We just need to wait and see how the Prince's Mansion responds..."

A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips: "If the Fu family really dares to attack the Lei family, the Prince's Mansion will not stand idly by. At that time, we will decide... which side we stand on!"

The Grand Elder nodded slowly, seemingly lost in thought.

Wuzhou Zhenshisi, Xuanyang Palace

Master Xuanyang, dressed in a dark Daoist robe, sat cross-legged on a jade platform, his body radiating spiritual light and exuding an aura as profound as an abyss. He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze seemingly containing the flickering of stars, and the silent pressure of a perfected Golden Core permeated the entire hall, causing the air in the hall to freeze for a moment.

"Congratulations to the Supervisor on his successful completion of his mission!"

Outside the hall, several stewards of the Zhenshi Division bowed respectfully.

Master Xuan Yang nodded slightly, his voice low: "During my seclusion, has anything important happened in Wuzhou?"

The head steward stepped forward and presented a jade slip with both hands: "Reporting to the Supervisor, Wuzhou has recently been in turmoil, with the matter of the Fu family being the most noteworthy."

"Oh?" Xuan Yang Zhenren took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and his originally calm expression suddenly changed.

"Fu Changsheng...is not dead?!"

His eyes flashed with a sharp light, and the information from the jade slip flooded into his mind like a torrent—

Fu Changsheng condensed a first-grade golden elixir and returned from the far west after dying!

The Fu family has produced two Golden Core cultivators, greatly increasing their prestige!
Master Yan intentionally delayed the matter of the Fu family's new fiefdom...

Master Xuan Yang's face suddenly darkened, and he slammed his hand on the jade platform, causing the entire hall to shake violently!
"Yan Mingde! How dare you!"

His voice was like thunder, so powerful that the crowd outside the hall felt their blood boil and nearly fell to their knees.

Xuan Yang Zhenren's eyes flashed with cold light as he said in a chilling voice, "Issue my order to summon Yan Mingde to see me immediately!"

A moment later, Master Yan arrived in a hurry.

As soon as he stepped into the main hall, he felt a terrifying pressure descend upon him, and cold sweat immediately beaded on his forehead. He quickly bowed and said, "This humble official greets the Supervisor!"

Master Xuan Yang stared at him coldly, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Yan Mingde, you were quite the showman while I was in seclusion."

Master Yan's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a smile and said, "Why do you say that, Supervisor? I have always been conscientious in my duties and have never dared to be negligent in the slightest..."

"Is that so?" Master Xuanyang sneered, raised his hand and waved it, and a beam of light condensed into an image in the air—the scene of the Seventh Prince visiting Master Yan and presenting him with a generous gift.

Master Yan's face turned deathly pale instantly.

"Yan Mingde!" Xuan Yang Zhenren shouted angrily, "As the deputy supervisor of the Zhenshi Division, how dare you put personal matters before official duties and refuse to approve the Fu family's fiefdom?! Do you know that Fu Changsheng has condensed a first-grade golden core and will surely become a Nascent Soul cultivator in the future! Such a talent is a blessing to Wuzhou and a blessing to the imperial court! How dare you delay the imperial court's grand plan because of your personal relationship with Li Wanhu?!"

Master Yan trembled all over and hurriedly explained, "Your Excellency, I have no such intention; I was merely acting according to the rules..."

"Rules?" Master Xuan Yang laughed angrily. "What rules allow you to give the Lei family priority in the new fiefdom?! The Lei family hasn't even officially advanced to the sixth rank yet, and you're already doing favors!"

Master Yan broke out in a cold sweat and dared not argue any further. He could only lower his head and admit his mistake: "This humble official knows his error! Please punish me, Supervisor!"

Master Xuanyang snorted coldly: "Effective immediately, all your special privileges in official duties are suspended. You are to reflect on your mistakes in seclusion for three months! If you dare to show favoritism again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Master Yan was struck dumb, his face turning ashen, but he dared not refute and could only grit his teeth and agree: "...This humble official obeys."

After Master Yan withdrew, Master Xuan Yang took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and said in a deep voice:

"Issue my order: once Fu Changsheng has reunited with his family, have him come to the Zhenshi Division!"

The deacon immediately accepted the order: "Yes!"

Master Yan entered the cave with a grim face. With a wave of his sleeve, the layers of restrictions instantly closed, isolating the inside from the outside. He slowly walked towards the main seat, lightly tapping the armrest with his fingertips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Fu Changsheng... he's still alive?"

He muttered to himself, his tone tinged with disbelief.

First-grade Golden Elixir!
That was a legendary realm, one that hadn't appeared in the entire Great Zhou Dynasty for nearly a hundred years! Not only did Fu Changsheng not die, but his strength increased dramatically, and he was even able to kill a Golden Core cultivator from the Joyful Sect, which had exceeded his expectations.

"Lord Yan..." A trusted steward cautiously stepped forward, offering a cup of spirit tea, "...to the Supervisor..."

"Snapped!"

Master Yan suddenly flicked his sleeve, and the spirit tea cup and saucer smashed on the ground, splashing tea everywhere!

"Supervisor? Ha!" He sneered, a shadow flashing in his eyes. "Master Xuan Yang has been in seclusion for many years, and the first thing he does upon emerging is to target me. What a show of power!"

The steward was so frightened that he immediately lowered his head and dared not say another word.

Master Yan squinted, his knuckles turning white from clenching his fists.

"What surprised me most was not that Fu Changsheng returned alive, but rather—"

"Someone under my command actually dared to betray me!"

His voice was icy, each word deliberate and chilling, like a knife scraping bone.

The steward trembled and immediately knelt down: "Your Excellency, please understand! I have no disloyal intentions!"

Master Yan ignored him, and slowly got up, walked to a bronze mirror in the cave, and lightly touched the mirror with his fingertips.

"Om-"

Ripples appeared on the mirror's surface, and soon several figures emerged—the figures of several deacons from the Zhen Shi Division.

"Investigate," Master Yan said in a chilling tone. "Who leaked the information about the Seventh Prince's visit to the Supervisor?"

The steward broke out in a cold sweat and quickly said, "I'll go investigate right away!"

Master Yan snorted coldly, raised his hand and waved, and the bronze mirror returned to its original state.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze somber.

"Fu Changsheng... he's really tough."

"But do you think you can rest easy now that you're back?"

A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips. He took out a communication jade talisman from his sleeve, and with a flash of spiritual light at his fingertips, he quickly inscribed a line of words:

“Fu Changsheng is not dead. He has returned to Wuzhou and possesses a first-grade golden core. His strength far surpasses that of ordinary golden core cultivators. Your Highness should make preparations as soon as possible.”

The jade talisman transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the sky.

Master Yan gazed in the direction where the jade talisman had disappeared, a calculating glint in his eyes.

“Fu Changsheng, your return alive is a threat to the Lei family and the Prince’s Mansion.”

"And I... only need to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight."

He turned and walked back to the main seat, slowly sat down, tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips, and his expression gradually returned to calm.

"Someone is coming."

"My subordinate is here!"

"Go and find out what the Fu family has been up to lately."

"Yes!"

After the steward left, Master Yan closed his eyes and pondered, a cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Master Xuanyang wants to win over Fu Changsheng? Ha..."

"But if Fu Changsheng really dares to take action against the Lei family, he will be slapping the Prince's Mansion in the face."

"I'd like to see if you, Fu Changsheng, dare to challenge the Great Zhou royal family, no matter how strong you are!"

(End of this chapter)