Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 503 Sect Ruins, Family Development, and Path to Promotion
Inside the Qinglan Pass inn, Fu Changsheng sat cross-legged, his body circulating with chaotic energy, repairing the hidden injuries sustained from days of fleeing. Suddenly, he frowned slightly and opened his eyes.

"Patriarch?" Fu Molan, who was standing guard to the side, immediately became alert.

Fu Changsheng raised his hand to signal her to calm down, and took out a communication jade talisman that was still warm from his robes. The two characters "Zhen Shi" on the talisman shone brightly, which was the unique communication method of the Zhen Shi Division.

"Master Xuan Yang has emerged from seclusion." Fu Changsheng scanned the area with his divine sense, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "He has ordered me to return to Wuzhou to rest and recuperate, and then proceed to the Zhenshi Division."

Fu Molan's expression tightened: "Could it be..."

"Don't worry." Fu Changsheng put away the jade talisman. "True Master Xuanyang is always fair and just. This summons is most likely to inquire about my affairs in the far west."

In the far west.

He killed six Golden Core cultivators, which earned him merit points from the imperial court.

I wonder if this will lead to my promotion to Archangel.

of course.

Most importantly, they plotted to seize Wuzhou, the new fiefdom opened up by the imperial court.

He stood up and walked to the window. The lights of Qinglan Pass were dim in the rain, and the distant mountain shadows were like ink, resembling a lurking beast.

"Mo Lan, do you know why I'm so determined to fight for this new fiefdom?"

Fu Molan pondered for a moment: "Is it for the sake of the family's development?"

“That’s not all,” Fu Changsheng transmitted his voice, “The new fiefdom is located at the border of Wuzhou and the Northern Frontier, where a spirit stone vein lies underground. More importantly, it may contain the ruins of an ancient sect.”

"The ruins of an ancient sect?!" Fu Molan's pupils contracted. "Legend has it that a Nascent Soul cultivator once perished here?"

Fu Changsheng nodded: "A hundred years ago, someone obtained a peculiar black stone tablet there. The fragments of cultivation techniques recorded on it were the foundation of the *Chaos Scripture*."

Fu Molan gasped. She finally understood why the patriarch was so obsessed with this fiefdom—it might very well hold a secret related to the Chaos Dao Foundation!

"This matter will be kept secret for now," Fu Changsheng said in a deep voice. "The most urgent thing is to return to Wuzhou. Uncle Yu's injuries need treatment, and we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."

Huizhou Prefecture, the fiefdom of the Fu family.

A streak of blue light streaked across the sky, falling like a meteor to the ground, and landed steadily in the square in front of the Fu family's main gate.

"Boom-thump-thump-"

The bells and drums of the Fu family ancestral hall resounded for miles around, and the grand welcoming procession of this sixth-rank noble family was fully activated, with spiritual light soaring into the sky and auspicious clouds swirling around. The clan elders, deacons, and disciples stood in neat rows, solemn and respectful, their eyes fixed intently on that familiar figure.

Fu Changsheng, the head of the Fu family, has returned!

"Welcome back to the clan, Patriarch!"

The entire Fu family shouted in unison, their voices like a tidal wave, shaking the surrounding mountains and forests.

Fu Changsheng, dressed in a green robe, remained calm as he glanced at the crowd and nodded slightly. Behind him, Fu Molan supported the unconscious Master Yu, following slowly.

-

At the forefront of the crowd, Madam Liu Meizhen of the Fu family stood dignified in a gorgeous dress, with tears glistening in her eyes.

She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and gave a graceful bow: "My husband... your safe return is truly a blessing for the Fu family."

Fu Changsheng reached out to support her and said gently, "You've worked hard, Madam."

Liu Meizhen gently shook her head and said in a low voice, "During the time my husband was away, the clan affairs were complicated, but fortunately, with the help of the elders, there was no major trouble."

Fu Changsheng nodded, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, then suddenly paused—

At the very back of the crowd, a slender figure stood quietly, a wooden flying squirrel perched on its shoulder, tilting its head and curiously observing him.

"Ningning?" Fu Changsheng's heart skipped a beat.

Fu Yongning blinked, seemingly hesitant, but soon, as if confirming something, her eyes lit up, and she called out in a clear voice, "Father!"

A warm feeling welled up in Fu Changsheng's heart, and he strode over: "Girl, do you still remember your father?"

Fu Yongning nodded vigorously: "I remember! Mother said you went to a very far place on business, but you're back now!"

Looking into her clear eyes, Fu Changsheng felt a sense of relief—it seemed that her soul had recovered considerably, and her memories were gradually returning.

The wooden flying squirrel squeaked twice, jumped onto Fu Changsheng's shoulder, and affectionately rubbed against his cheek.

Fu Changsheng chuckled: "You little rascal, you're quite clever."

-

On the other side of the crowd, Fu Yongpeng stood behind the elders, a polite smile on his face, but his eyes were filled with gloom.

"Father... he actually came back."

He was overwhelmed with a complex mix of emotions, including joy, fear, and resentment.

Originally, upon hearing the news of his father's "fall," he secretly plotted to support his younger brother Fu Yongjing in taking the throne, while he himself would seize the opportunity to control the clan's resources, exchange them for Purple Mansion spiritual items, and break through to the Purple Mansion realm in one fell swoop!
But now... all plans have fallen through!
What alarmed him even more was that if his father returned and discovered his previous underhanded tactics, given the way his father dealt with Fu Yongqiang, he would probably completely despise him!
but.

Fortunately, his father-in-law, Clan Chief Wu, did not agree to his request.

Yongjing would never betray his brother.

No matter how.

"I must not let Father know..." Fu Yongpeng clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, but he felt no pain at all.

-

On the other side, Fu Qingli, a Qi Refining disciple, was trembling with excitement, his eyes filled with fervor.

"The patriarch... he's really back!"

He had almost collapsed under the weight of his previous shock upon hearing of Fu Changsheng's demise, and had been living in a daze ever since, his cultivation stagnating. Now, seeing Fu Changsheng return with his own eyes, he felt a surge of heat rush to his head, and he wished he could immediately kneel down and kowtow in gratitude!

"This is the true head of my Fu family! This is the goal I must strive to achieve!"

Fu Qingli secretly vowed to cultivate even more diligently, so that one day he could fight alongside the family head!

-

Fu Changsheng looked around at everyone and said loudly, "Everyone, now that I have returned, I must reorganize the affairs of the clan."

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"There may have been some unrest in the clan because of my 'fall,' but from today onwards, everything will be as usual."

Those who have made contributions will be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes will be punished.

"The Fu family will never stagnate because of anyone's selfishness!"

The words fell.

Fu Yongpeng felt a chill run down his spine, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his back!

—Could it be that Father... knows something?!

-

At the edge of the crowd, Fu Yongning tilted his head, curiously looking around.

The wooden flying squirrel on her shoulder suddenly pricked up its ears, as if sensing something, and tugged at her collar with its little paws.

"Hmm?" Fu Yongning followed the gaze of the wooden flying rat and saw a blurry figure standing quietly on a distant mountain peak, seemingly gazing at the Fu family.

The figure noticed her gaze and vanished instantly.

"Huh? Who is it?" Fu Yongning blinked, somewhat puzzled.

The wooden flying squirrel squeaked twice, as if reminding her of something.

Fu Yongning patted its head and said with a grin, "Never mind, it's good that Dad's back!"

-

Huizhou Prefecture, the main hall of the Fu family council.

Fu Changsheng sat upright in the main seat, his aura deep and profound. Although he did not deliberately release the pressure of a first-grade golden core, it still made everyone in the hall feel awe.

Inside the hall, the core elders of the Fu family sat in order, the atmosphere solemn.

"Everyone," Fu Changsheng said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I have been away from the clan for many years, and the clan's affairs have largely been managed by you all. The reason I have gathered you all here today is to understand the clan's development over the years."

He paused, then looked at the first person on his left: "Qin Da, you go first."

Qin Da—the first son of the Fu family to marry into the Zi family, and the three brothers were in charge of Huiyang County.

He stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, his face honest and his voice rough: "Patriarch, Huiyang County has been relatively peaceful these past few years, except... there's been a problem with the Misty Ghost Forest."

"Oh?" Fu Changsheng frowned slightly.

Qin Da scratched his head and said, "The thick fog in that forest has been spreading outwards for the past seven or eight years. Although the speed is not fast, it is indeed spreading. We sent several groups of people in to investigate, but... none of them came back."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Fu Changsheng somewhat nervously, fearing that the head of the family would blame him for not doing a good job.

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment and asked, "Have you consulted a formation master or a cultivator skilled in dispelling fog?"

Qin Da shook his head: "We've consulted several people, but they were all helpless. They said that this fog is not like ordinary miasma, but rather like some kind of... ancient restriction loosening."

"An ancient restriction?" Fu Changsheng's eyes flashed with a thoughtful look.

—After the Widow King of the Misty Forest went in, she never came out again. The intelligence report mentioned that it was best not to go in, so he could only make a note of it for the time being.

"Keep an eye on things, and don't make any rash moves for now," Fu Changsheng instructed.

Qin Da smiled憨厚ly and nodded emphatically: "Yes, Patriarch!"

-

Fu Yongqing was in charge of Huiping County, with his wife Liu Shuang sitting beside him.

Just as he was about to get up to report, Liu Shuang gently pulled him and whispered, "I'll do it."

Fu Yongqing nodded immediately and obediently sat back down.

Liu Shuang stood up and said gracefully, "Father, the mining of the Chiyang Stone vein in Huiping County is progressing smoothly. Because Mother issued a conscription order, the Lei, Huang, and Ouyang families have all sent tens of thousands of miners to assist. In addition, with the labor force recruited by my Fu family, there are now hundreds of thousands of miners working day and night in shifts. It is expected that the mining will be completely completed in another three to five years."

Fu Changsheng nodded in satisfaction: "Thank you for your hard work."

Liu Shuang smiled slightly and said, "However, the Blood Fiend Sect has been making some small moves lately, seemingly exploring the edge of the mine in secret, as if they want to find new mineral sources."

Fu Changsheng sneered: "The Blood Fiend Sect is still up to its old tricks."

Liu Meizhen interjected at the right moment: "The Blood Fiend Sect's patriarch is a coward. Before, when you were not here, he didn't dare to touch the Crimson Sun Stone mine. Now that you have returned, with Yongxuan helping to watch over the mine, there will definitely be no more trouble."

Fu Changsheng nodded: "However, Yongxuan can't stay in our Fu family forever. After all, she used the Luo family's resources to break through to the Golden Core stage, so she has to do things for the Luo family. Once I've finished dealing with my own affairs, I'll let Yongxuan return to the Luo family, so that she can focus on her cultivation."

Finished.

Fu Changsheng's gaze fell on Fu Yongfu at the far right.

Huixi County was originally under the jurisdiction of Fu Changlei, but after Fu Changlei went to Zhenmo Pass, Fu Yongfu is now in charge. At this moment, Fu Yongfu is enjoying a piece of spirit cake.

Seeing his father looking over, he quickly wiped his mouth, stood up and smiled, "Father, everything is fine in Huixi County! There have been no abnormalities on Leize Floating Island in recent years. As you instructed, I have transformed Huixi County into a 'land of delicacies,' which is now famous far and wide. The annual income of Ling Shan Lou alone is equivalent to the annual income of a small Yan Gang Stone mine!"

As he spoke, he took out a box of exquisite spirit cakes from his storage bag and respectfully offered it: "Father, this is a newly developed 'Cloud and Mist Cake,' made primarily with 'Purple Thunder Rice,' a specialty of Thunder Floating Island, supplemented with Grade Three Spirit Honey. It tastes absolutely delicious. Would you like to try it?"

Fu Changsheng chuckled, took the spirit cake, took a bite, and nodded in praise: "Not bad."

Fu Yongfu immediately beamed with joy and said smugly, "Hehe, I knew it! The way of food is also the way of the great path!"

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, and the serious atmosphere of the meeting eased slightly.

-

Fu Changli straightened his clothes and stood up. As Fu Changsheng's cousin, he resembled Fu Changsheng in one or two ways, but he lacked some of the sharpness and gained more composure. Although he was a few years younger than Fu Changsheng, his temples were already frosted with white, a mark left by his obsession with brewing wine and overwork.

"Patriarch, I have been managing the assets left by the Xuanxiao Sect according to the rules you set back then."

He took out a ledger that glowed with spiritual light from his storage bag, and with a light tap of his fingertip on the pages, sets of data appeared in the air:

"The annual revenue from the three markets is stable at around 80,000 spirit stones; the two black iron mines produce 3,000 catties of refined ore annually, equivalent to 60,000 spirit stones; the Spirit Medicine Valley mainly cultivates the main medicinal materials needed for Foundation Establishment Pills, with an annual profit of about 40,000 spirit stones."

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Over the past eight years, the returns have been stable."

Fu Changli's face showed a look of relief: "Exactly. I specifically instructed the managers that it's better to earn less than to ensure stability. Last year, the Ouyang family wanted to cooperate with us to develop a new mining area, but after my investigation, I felt the risks were too great, so I declined."

Gan Muwan couldn't help but interject, "If we take on that project, the profits will at least double."

"The risks have doubled." Fu Changli immediately retorted, his tone unusually firm: "Seven years ago, didn't the Huang family greedily pursue huge profits, resulting in a mine explosion that killed three Purple Mansion cultivators? Our Fu family's success today is due to our steady and pragmatic approach."

As he spoke, he looked at Fu Changsheng, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "The old patriarch taught us back then that the path of cultivation requires the understanding of 'maintaining prosperity and preserving stability'."

Fu Changsheng gazed at his younger brother, with whom he had grown up since childhood, and suddenly noticed that the corners of his eyes were now covered with fine lines. The boy who used to follow behind him to practice swordsmanship was now an elder of the clan, so he didn't expect his younger brother to make any great contributions; he just wanted him to do as he pleased.

"Third brother," Fu Changsheng's tone softened slightly, "have you figured out any new wine recipes in recent years?"

"Of course there is!"

Mentioning this, Fu Changli smiled broadly, waved his sleeve, and a wine jar floated in front of him. He broke the clay seal on the jar, and a rich aroma of wine immediately filled the entire council hall. He carefully poured a cup of amber-colored spiritual wine for each elder, and finally filled Fu Changsheng's cup.

"Master, please try this. This is this year's newly brewed 'Mysterious Valley Spring.'" He lightly flicked his fingertip along the rim of the cup, and the surface of the wine immediately shimmered with a spiritual light. "It's made with century-old Polygonatum from the Spirit Medicine Valley as the main ingredient, supplemented with three auxiliary herbs recorded in the secret recipe of the Mysterious Cloud Sect."

Fu Changsheng raised his cup and took a small sip, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "The spiritual energy is rich and potent, with a long-lasting aftereffect, more than 30% stronger than the batch from eight years ago."

"It's all thanks to the foundation laid by the patriarch back then." Fu Changli smiled憨厚ly, taking out three wine jars of different shapes from his storage bag. "Over the years, I've mainly dealt in three types of spirit wine: Xuan Gu Chun is a high-end product, exclusively for Purple Mansion cultivators, priced at one thousand spirit stones per jar; this 'Crimson Cloud Brew'..."

He lifted the red silk seal from the wine jar, and the room was immediately filled with its fragrance: "Fermented with fire spirit bacteria from the Red Sun Stone mine, it's perfect for body-refining cultivators and sells best in Huixi County."

Finally, they brought out a rough earthenware jar, still covered in mud: "This is 'Leize Fragrance,' buried under the Leize Floating Island for ten years. It won second place in last year's Wuzhou Lingjiu (spirit wine) competition."

Gan Muwan couldn't help but interrupt, "Third Uncle, let's get down to business."

"This is the important matter," Fu Changli said, his face unusually stern. "Last year, the Spirit Wine alone generated a profit of 58,000 spirit stones, accounting for more than 30% of the Xuanxiao Sect's total inheritance income." He pulled out an account book brimming with the aroma of wine. "All the recipes have been improved, and the cost is 20% lower than during the Xuanxiao Sect era." Fu Changsheng flipped through the account book, suddenly frowning: "Why haven't you developed any new product categories?"

Fu Changli's ears immediately turned red: "Two years ago, I tried brewing wine with Nightshade Grass from the Misty Ghost Forest, and..." His voice trailed off, "...it all ended in failure."

A few soft laughs rang out in the council chamber. This Third Master's dedication to winemaking was well-known—he once slept in the wine cellar for three consecutive months to research a new recipe.

"However!" Fu Changli suddenly raised his voice, taking out a small jade bottle from his sleeve, "Recently, I consulted ancient texts and used the Cold Marrow Ganoderma from Lingyao Valley to try and concoct this..."

The moment the cork was removed, the temperature in the entire council hall plummeted. Fu Changsheng quickly set up a protective barrier to prevent the alcohol fumes from freezing the tables and chairs.

"Cold Marrow Brew!" Fu Changli exclaimed excitedly, like a child showing off a treasure. "One cup can increase a Foundation Establishment cultivator's spiritual energy circulation speed by 30%! However..." He added sheepishly, "the success rate is still less than 10%."

Fu Changsheng looked at his younger brother's face, flushed red from the smell of alcohol, and suddenly remembered when they were young. It was this third brother who stole their grandfather's sacred rice and hid in the woodshed to brew the first jar of wine. Back then, when their grandfather punished him, it was he, the second brother, who took the beating for him.

"Third brother," Fu Changsheng pushed the Cold Marrow Brew back, "continue to refine this recipe. If you need any resources, just ask Meizhen for them."

Fu Changli's eyes lit up, then he hesitated and said, "But what if we waste too much Cold Marrow Ganoderma?"

"It's alright." Fu Changsheng picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. "A man of the Fu family must take risks when the time is right. Just like you said back then—"

"No risk, no good wine!" the two brothers exclaimed in unison, then looked at each other and laughed. Only then did all the elders realize that the one with the best relationship with the patriarch was probably this perpetually drunk Third Master.

At this moment.

Liu Meizhen gave Gan Muwan a meaningful look.

Gan Muwan stood up, raised her hand, and a beam of spiritual light flew out from her sleeve, unfolding a three-dimensional map in the center of the council hall—a holographic projection of the old Tianluomen territory. Mountains, rivers, mineral veins, and spiritual fields were all clearly displayed, and even the flow of spiritual energy could be seen.

"Patriarch, elders," she said, tapping her fingertip, and dozens of points of light appeared on the map. "Although the old territory of Tianluomen is small, its resource distribution is quite unique—three spirit mines are arranged in a triangular pattern, two medicinal fields are located precisely at the confluence of spirit veins, and the market town is situated on a major transportation route."

With a flick of her wrist, the dots on the map began to rearrange themselves: "Following the traditional approach, it would simply mean increasing the number of miners, expanding the medicinal fields, and repairing the markets. But I believe this is a waste of resources!"

Gan Muwan pointed to the northernmost spirit mine, and the image immediately magnified, revealing the mine's internal structure: "This copper mine contains 'star-patterned stone.' Tianluo Sect only knows how to mine copper, but discards the star-patterned stone as waste." With a flick of her finger, fragments of the star-patterned stone swirled and reformed in the projection. "This disciple has already tested it; after being ground into powder, it can be used as a base for talismans, and its effect is 30% stronger than ordinary talisman paper!"

She then pointed deeper into the mine: "Even better, there are natural caves at the bottom of the mine. With a little modification, they could become excellent weapon-refining rooms. I suggest establishing an integrated mining and refining workshop here, using local materials to forge magical artifacts. The profits would be at least five times higher!"

The projection switched to the medicinal herb field area, where the originally neat rows of fields suddenly twisted and deformed into spiral patterns: "The Tianluo Sect's medicinal herb fields are arranged according to ancient methods, which is a real waste of land resources." Gan Muwan formed hand seals, and intricate array patterns appeared above the fields. "This disciple designed this 'Nine Revolutions Gathering Spirit Array,' planting different types of spiritual herbs with different attributes in different areas, allowing them to promote each other's growth."

She deliberately zoomed in on a rapidly growing Ganoderma lucidum: "After three months of trial planting, the maturation cycle of this third-tier spiritual herb has been shortened by 40%, and…" Suddenly, she made a hand seal, and the Ganoderma lucidum miraculously pulled itself out of the soil, its roots intact, "allowing for harvesting without damage!"

The final image of the market suddenly rose from the ground, transforming into a three-story pavilion: "This disciple has checked the accounts; the Tianluomen market mainly profits from stall fees, which is truly mediocre." As she spoke, each floor of the pavilion lit up with a different light: "The first floor specializes in selling our own star-patterned talismans and mineral-based magical artifacts; the second floor houses an appraisal hall, overseen by elders; the top floor…"

She suddenly revealed a sly smile: "Hold an auction! Auction three of our specially made 'mineral-associated spiritual artifacts' every month, whetting the appetites of those rogue cultivators."

Gan Muwan suddenly put away the map and took out a list from her bosom: "The most crucial reform is here—all the former subordinate forces of the Tianluo Sect have submitted. The disciples will disperse them and organize them into various teams, using their expertise to benefit our clan." She specifically pointed to a certain name: "For example, Elder Liu, who is proficient in escape techniques, is currently training our clan's disciples, and the results have exceeded expectations."

The entire council chamber was completely silent. Fu Changli held his wine glass but forgot to drink, while Fu Yongfu's mouth was wide open enough to fit a spiritual fruit.

Fu Changsheng clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Excellent! This is the spirit that the sons and daughters of the Fu family should have!"

-

the end.

Liu Meizhen then spoke, “Husband, during your ‘fall’, the Lei family, in alliance with the Seven Princes’ Mansion, repeatedly tested the bottom line of my Fu family, and even secretly cut off my clan’s trade routes.”

"Furthermore, Zhen Shi Si Yan Zhenren, under the instructions of the Seventh Prince, has been obstructing our clan from acquiring new fiefdoms and has been trying to give priority to the Lei family for resources that should belong to our clan."

A cold glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes: "Yan Mingde... how dare you!"

Liu Meizhen continued, "There is one more thing. Fu Qingyun and Fu Qingyun have returned from Zhenmo Pass, bringing back eight Foundation Establishment cultivators. However... Fu Qingyun's situation is special; he remains unconscious to this day."

Fu Changsheng frowned: "Qingyun is unconscious? What happened?"

Liu Meizhen shook her head: "For specific details, you should ask Fu Qingyun."

-

After the meeting, Fu Changsheng summoned Fu Qingyun privately.

Fu Qingyun was dressed in black, carrying a long sword on his back. His face was cold and stern, and his sword aura was restrained. He had obviously gone through life and death trials at Zhenmo Pass, and his temperament had become even more fierce.

"Master of the family." He clasped his hands in a salute, his voice steady.

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Qingyun, tell me in detail about the Demon Suppression Pass."

Fu Qingyun nodded and said in a deep voice, "After Li Wanhu was transferred to Zhenmo Pass, he deliberately brought us under his command and assigned us to the most dangerous front line, intending to use the demons to eliminate us."

"However, Uncle Changlei turned the tide, not only leading us out of the encirclement but also launching a counterattack on a demon summoning altar, making a great contribution. Now, Uncle Changlei has been bestowed with a Core Formation artifact and is in seclusion to break through to the Golden Core stage. Once he succeeds, he will be promoted to commander!"

A look of satisfaction flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes: "Chang Lei really didn't disappoint me."

He looked at Fu Qingyun and asked, "Why is Qingyun unconscious?"

Fu Qingyun's expression darkened: "Qingyun was injured in that mission while saving us, and has not woken up since."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment and said, "I will find a way to handle this matter, so you don't need to worry."

He paused for a moment, then added, "You have returned from the Demon Suppression Pass after risking your lives; you deserve a great reward."

"Each of the eight Foundation Establishment cultivators will receive a spiritual item to help them break through to the Purple Mansion realm."

"As for you..."

Fu Changsheng flipped his hand and took out a jade slip, handing it to Fu Qingyun: "This is the 'Tianxiao Sword Manual,' left behind by an ancient sword cultivator. It should be helpful to your swordsmanship."

Fu Qingyun took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and was immediately shaken, his eyes flashing with intense light!
"Thank you, Patriarch!" He clasped his hands in a solemn gesture, his voice trembling slightly.

Fu Changsheng patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Cultivate diligently. The future of the Fu family still needs young people like you to support it."

-

As night deepened, Fu Changsheng stood alone in the courtyard, gazing at the moon with his hands behind his back.

Behind me, I heard soft footsteps.

"Husband." Liu Meizhen's voice came, and she took out a sandalwood box from her sleeve. The surface of the box was covered with fine sealing runes. She touched it lightly with her fingertips, and the runes scattered like fireflies, revealing a crystal-clear fruit inside the box—the Yunxiang Fruit. The surface of the fruit was surrounded by cloud-like spiritual energy, and there seemed to be a galaxy flowing inside the flesh.

“My lord, this is Master Luo’s Yunxiang Fruit.” She handed over the wooden box, a sly glint in her phoenix eyes. “I still vividly remember the way Master Luo stared at me with wide eyes before he died.”

Fu Changsheng didn't take it. Instead, he grasped her wrist and pushed the wooden box back: "This is useless to me, but it's you." He ran his fingertips along the spiritual veins on his wife's wrist, his brows furrowing slightly, "The fire toxins accumulated from refining pills over the years should be cleared away."

He suddenly scooped her up in his arms, saying, "Wasn't it over ten years ago that you last received treatment?"

The lanterns under the eaves suddenly moved without any wind, illuminating the tips of Liu Meizhen's blushing ears. This matriarch, who usually strategized so confidently in the council hall, now stammered, "Now...now? You have to see Master Xuanyang first thing tomorrow morning."

"What, are you afraid your husband isn't energetic enough?!"

This was his first time engaging in dual cultivation with someone after condensing his golden core, and he also wanted to test the effects of his Chaos Dao Foundation.

Fu Changsheng carried Liu Meizhen into the cultivation room. The moment the stone door slammed shut, twelve restrictions lit up simultaneously. He removed his crown, and his black hair cascaded down like a waterfall.

Fu Changsheng's eyes darkened, and chaotic energy surged from his palm, carefully flowing into Liu Meizhen's body.

“Hmm,” Liu Meizhen suddenly straightened her back.

Unlike the gentle conditioning of the past, this time the chaotic energy surging into her body carried a thunderous domineering force, yet it also revealed a strange gentleness amidst its destructive power. She vaguely saw the fire poison accumulated in her dantian being gradually eroded by the black and white energies.

Fu Changsheng suddenly bit his fingertip, and a drop of his blood fell onto her chest. The blood droplet didn't scatter or fall; instead, it spun and formed a miniature Tai Chi diagram: "The second level of the Imperial Court Dao Body, capable of reshaping the Dao foundation." His voice was hoarse. "Bear with it."

The Tai Chi diagram suddenly sank into her body, and countless starlight exploded before Liu Meizhen's eyes. The hidden injuries she had forcibly suppressed during her alchemy days, the inner demons she had accumulated for the sake of her family, and even the flaws left over from her cultivation in her youth, were all exposed at this moment. The chaotic energy was like a vast net, destroying what should be destroyed, replenishing what should be replenished, and even transforming what should be retained into nutrients to nourish the nascent golden core.

Four hours later, the strange phenomena in the cultivation room gradually disappeared. Liu Meizhen was surrounded by a jade-like luster, and her cultivation, which had been stuck at the pseudo-core stage, was beginning to loosen.

at the same time.

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in Fu Changsheng's mind:
"Ding"

"You and Liu Meizhen have completed dual cultivation and are about to give birth to a child with spiritual roots. You have gained ten family contribution points."

Fu Changsheng's lips unconsciously curled up, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. He gently stroked Liu Meizhen's still flat abdomen, feeling the breath of new life.

"Once this child is born, the family's precious tree will be able to grow a third branch," he thought to himself.

He had originally thought that conceiving offspring would be more difficult after advancing to the Golden Core stage, since high-level cultivators often needed perfect timing, location, and circumstances to leave behind descendants. However, he never expected the Imperial Court Dao Body to be so domineering, completely ignoring cultivation limitations. Or perhaps his Chaos Dao Foundation played a crucial role?
He looked down at his wife, who was still meditating. Liu Meizhen's body was filled with spiritual light, and her skin was as smooth as jade. It was clear that this dual cultivation had not only cleared the fire poison that had accumulated in her body for many years, but also made her Dao foundation more perfect, laying a solid foundation for her future Core Formation.

He still had twelve Xuanhuang Spirit Pills in his storage bag, which he needed Meizhen's assistance to refine, but now was clearly not the time. He could only busy himself with his daily affairs first. He glanced outside with his divine sense and found that the morning light had appeared outside the window and the sky was turning a pale white.

“The time has come,” he sighed softly.

Today he must go to the Zhenshi Division and meet with the Supervisor, Master Xuanyang.

Firstly, he needs to exchange the merit points earned from killing six Golden Core cultivators to see if he can be promoted to Patrol Envoy.

Secondly, he had to find a way to exchange the elixir and holy medicine to cure Uncle Yu from Xuan Yang Zhenren;

Thirdly, he must return to Yunshan County as soon as possible to stop Yaoyao from forming her core!
Thinking of Yao Yao, Fu Changsheng felt even more anxious.

He gently rose, straightened Liu Meizhen's clothes, and whispered, "Madam, please rest and recuperate. I'll be right back."

Liu Meizhen's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she sensed something, but she did not open her eyes in the end. Instead, the corners of her lips turned up slightly, revealing a relieved smile.

Fu Changsheng didn't linger any longer and turned to leave the cultivation room.

A beam of azure light shot into the sky. Accompanied by a deafening dragon roar, a 30-foot-long azure dragon coiled out, its scales gleaming coldly in the morning sun.

"Go to the Zhenshi Division." Fu Changsheng gently nodded the dragon's head. The green dragon affectionately rubbed against his palm and then bent down to lift him onto its head.

A dragon soared into the sky, and the wind and clouds changed color. The people of Huizhou looked up and saw the blue figure break through the clouds and disappear in the direction of Wuzhou City in the blink of an eye.

When the azure dragon descended upon Wuzhou City, the entire city fell silent.

"That's... the head of the Fu family?!"

"Didn't they say he was possessed and perished?"

"A first-grade Golden Core! It truly possesses the power of a first-grade Golden Core!"

The cultivators on the street stared in disbelief. In the teahouse, several Lei family members smashed their teacups on the ground with a "crack"; at the restaurant window, the chopsticks in the hands of the Huang clan chief snapped with a "crack"; even the cultivators of the Imperial Guard guarding the city gate unconsciously straightened their backs.

Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back on the dragon's head, seemingly oblivious to the commotion below. The azure dragon flew straight towards the obsidian building in the center of the city—the Wuzhou Town Government Office.

Before the gates of the Zhen Shi Si (镇世司), twelve golden-armored guards simultaneously knelt on one knee: "Welcome, Commander Fu!"

The main hall of the Zhenshi Division was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense.

As soon as Fu Changsheng stepped into the hall, he saw an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face sitting in the main seat. The old man was dressed in a plain white Taoist robe with the "Mysterious Heaven Eight Trigrams" pattern embroidered on his chest. He seemed ordinary and unremarkable, but Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly—this man's aura was completely integrated with heaven and earth, clearly indicating that he had reached the perfect Golden Core stage!
“Fu Changsheng of the Fu family of Wuzhou pays his respects to Supervisor Zhang.” Fu Changsheng was very respectful.

Master Xuan Yang raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning. That single glance seemed to pierce through the very soul. When he confirmed that Fu Changsheng was indeed a first-grade Golden Core cultivator, a ripple finally appeared on his usually placid face.

"A first-grade Golden Elixir," he sighed softly. "The Great Zhou Dynasty hasn't seen one in 120 years."

"Excellent! Excellent! Wuzhou has finally produced a talent capable of vying for the title of Imperial Envoy!"

According to the laws and regulations of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Each of the 108 prefectures under the rule of the Great Zhou Dynasty could recommend one person, but the number of positions for the Imperial Inspector was limited, so the competition was even fiercer than expected.

A red-robed deacon leaned forward with a fawning smile: "Commander Fu, you may not know this, but Deputy Supervisor Yan previously blocked your family's new fiefdom and has already been punished by the lord, stripped of his deputy supervisor privileges."

"Enough with the chatter." Master Xuan Yang interrupted, flicking his sleeve and directly taking out a golden scroll. "Young friend Fu, there's no need to mention the new fiefdom again. I've already reported it to the court, and once the follow-up is complete, Yulin Prefecture in Wuzhou will truly belong to your Fu family."

Fu Changsheng was taken aback, not expecting the other party to be so decisive.

Seemingly sensing his confusion, Master Xuan Yang offered a rare explanation: "I dislike the infighting among powerful families; I only respect rules." Pointing to the vermilion seal at the end of the document, he continued, "Your Fu family's merits are sufficient; you deserve it because you came first."

"Chang Sheng thanks you, Your Excellency!"

Fu Changsheng cupped his hands in greeting, then took out six crystalline bean pods and tossed them into the air. The moment the pods exploded, the scene of Yun Zhenren, Yin Kui Zhenren, Granny Yin Hua, and the three Blood Shadow Guards of the Huanxi Sect being hunted down was shown one by one.

"Hiss—" The red-robed deacon staggered back three steps, the merit jade slip in his hand clattering to the ground. His lips trembled, and after a long pause, he managed to squeeze out, "One against three... this..."

Master Xuan Yang's eyes shimmered like a galaxy, and suddenly he flicked his finger. A golden light entered the lingering image, repeatedly replaying the sword strike from which Fu Changsheng slew the Blood Shadow Guard. This cultivator at the peak of the Golden Core stage nodded slightly: "As expected of a first-grade Golden Core cultivator, both the quality and abundance of his magical power far surpass ordinary Golden Core cultivators! Young friend Fu truly deserves his extraordinary talent!"

Fu Changsheng bowed respectfully, neither servile nor arrogant: "Just lucky."

“No need for such modesty.” Master Xuan Yang waved his sleeve, and six image-recording pods flew into the merit book. “According to the rules, killing a Golden Core cultivator earns 10,000 merit points, for a total of 60,000.” He paused meaningfully, “However…”

Master Xuan Yang suddenly raised his hand and set up a soundproof barrier: "If you truly wish to contend for the position of Imperial Inspector, these alone are insufficient." He traced a map of the Great Zhou Dynasty's territory on the table with his fingertips. "One hundred and eight states, and the lowest-ranking prodigy recommended by each state is a third-grade Golden Core cultivator. Yu Xiaozi of Qingzhou just destroyed a Golden Core sect the other day; Tuoba Xiong of Yunzhou is even more ruthless, single-handedly taking down two strongholds of the demonic path, yet the court ultimately only selected thirty-six."

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened. This meant that he had to surpass at least seventy-two cultivators of the same level!
Master Xuanyang tossed out a jade slip. "These are the latest evaluation criteria from the imperial court: either destroy a Golden Core sect or complete a top-tier mission."

Fu Changsheng calmly accepted the jade slip, instantly absorbing its contents with a single scan of his divine sense. He didn't immediately agree, but instead cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Supervisor. However, I am currently preoccupied with clan affairs, and several clansmen are still recovering from injuries. Please allow me to make some arrangements before making a final decision."

Master Xuan Yang nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes beneath his long, snow-white eyebrows: "No rush. The selection of the Imperial Envoy is still three months away."

Fu Changsheng took out an ancient jade tablet from his storage bag, its array patterns swirling like stars and rivers: "I obtained this item by chance in the far west, having heard that the Supervisor is an expert in ancient array formations."

The moment the jade tablet appeared, Xuan Yang Zhenren's pupils constricted sharply. The old man's withered fingers trembled slightly, and he abruptly stood up, losing his composure: "A fragment of the Zhou Tian Star Array?!" He snatched the jade tablet, his fingertips tracing the obscure patterns. "This is... Volume Three, 'The Star Shift Chapter'! I've searched for it for sixty years..."

Seeing Xuan Yang Zhenren's loss of composure, Fu Changsheng spoke up at the opportune moment: "This junior wishes to use this array diagram to request a near-fifth-grade healing elixir from the Supervisor."

Master Xuan Yang finally snapped out of his daze and gave Fu Changsheng a deep look: "You certainly know how to pick your timing." He then took out a purple jade gourd from his robes. "The 'Nine-Turn Spirit Nourishing Pill,' a secret recipe from the Xuan Tian Temple, though not yet at the fifth rank, has remarkable effects on all kinds of injuries."

The moment the gourd opened, a refreshing medicinal fragrance filled the entire hall. Fu Changsheng scanned it with his divine sense and saw nine cloud-like patterns flowing across the surface of the pill, indicating it was a legendary top-grade elixir.

“The value of this elixir,” Fu Changsheng was about to estimate.

"No need to calculate." Master Xuanyang tossed the gourd to him directly. "The array diagram is priceless to me."

After expressing his gratitude, Fu Changsheng noticed that Xuan Yang Zhenren's mind was focused on the ancient formation and immediately said:
"This junior takes his leave."

He carefully put away the pills, a slight smile playing on his lips as he turned away. Sensing its master's presence, the azure dragon let out a clear, melodious roar outside the hall.

After Fu Changsheng left, the red-robed steward couldn't help but ask, "Sir, is that array diagram truly so precious?"

Master Xuan Yang gazed at the flowing starlight on the jade tablet and said softly, "Thirty years ago, I missed the opportunity to advance to the Nascent Soul stage because I failed to complete this formation." He suddenly looked at the steward, "Go and check if any members of the Fu family are about to form their cores, and prepare a generous gift to send them."

At the same time, the Azure Dragon had already carried Fu Changsheng into the sky.

Their gaze turned towards Jingzhou—the most urgent task was to save Yaoyao!
However, the secret realm of Yunshan County in Jingzhou must not be known to anyone; it can only be visited in secret.

(End of this chapter)