Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 505 Unlimited Plunder, Advancement, and Acquisition of Another Spirit Pet
The Bloodbeak Demon's expression changed drastically: "This is... the Lotus Lantern's 'Nine Lotus Barrier'?!"

He bit his tongue hard, spitting out a mouthful of blood. A blood-red feather emerged from the blood mist, radiating a terrifying late-stage Golden Core aura—this was his trump card, his natal magic weapon, the "Blood Feather Arrow"!
"Break it for me!"

The Blood Feather Arrow transformed into a streak of blood, fiercely piercing towards the Azure Lotus Barrier.

Just now.

Seven-colored light appeared on Fu Changsheng's body, his aura suddenly surged, and a chaotic mark suddenly appeared between his brows.

"Open the Chaos Dao Foundation!"

The Lotus Lantern trembled violently, and the nine blue lotuses simultaneously burst forth with dazzling golden light.

boom!
The Blood-Feather Arrow struck the barrier, but it was instantly swallowed up by the chaotic energy, like a mud ox sinking into the sea.

"Impossible!" The Bloodbeaked Demon was utterly shocked. "You were clearly only at the early Golden Core stage, how could you..."

Fu Changsheng gave him no chance to think. With a change of sword technique, the nine green lotuses contracted simultaneously, trapping the Bloodbeak Demon firmly in the center.

"Uncle Yu!"

Master Yu had been waiting for a long time. He suddenly smashed the wine gourd on the ground, and a golden light flew out of the gourd. It was the "Heavenly Secret Lock" that he had nurtured for a hundred years!
"Heavenly Secret Soul Lock, Seal!"

Golden light coiled around the Bloodbeak Demon's body like a serpent, weakening his aura with each coil. The Bloodbeak Demon struggled frantically, but could not break free from the dual suppression of the Chaos Green Lotus and the Heavenly Lock.

"You can't kill me!" he roared hysterically. "I am the Bloodfeather Cave Master, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator!"

Fu Changsheng ignored his shouts and turned to look at the dying Fu Yongyao, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes.

"The blood poison in Yaoyao's body must be cleared immediately," he said in a deep voice. "Uncle Yu, protect me."

Master Yu nodded, his hands forming a hand seal, and a golden light enveloped Fu Yongyao: "Go ahead and do as you wish."

Fu Changsheng no longer hesitated. He sat cross-legged in front of Fu Yongyao, formed a hand seal, and wisps of chaotic energy surged from his body, slowly flowing into Fu Yongyao's meridians.

As the chaotic energy was injected, Fu Yongyao's pale face gradually regained some color, but the bird mark between his eyebrows became even redder, as if it were about to drip blood.

“Father.” She opened her eyes slightly.

"Don't speak." Fu Changsheng's voice was gentle yet firm. "With your father here, you'll be alright."

He took a deep breath, then suddenly bit his fingertip, and a drop of his blood fell onto Fu Yongyao's brow.

"With my blood, I draw upon the power of chaos to expel evil and break through barriers!"

The moment the essence blood came into contact with the bird mark, a hissing sound was heard, and a foul-smelling black smoke billowed from Fu Yongyao's seven orifices. She arched her body in pain, her silver hair moving without wind, and the nine-tailed phantom behind her reappeared, but this time, the phantom was mixed with strands of blood.

"Not good!" Master Yu's expression changed drastically. "The blood poison has already invaded her Heavenly Fox bloodline; forcibly expelling it will damage its very foundation!"

Fu Changsheng frowned, then suddenly remembered something and turned to look at the Bloodbeak Demon trapped in the Azure Lotus Barrier.

"The Blood Refining Technique reverses Yin and Yang," a resolute glint flashed in his eyes. "Since that's the case, then let's fight fire with fire!"

He suddenly raised his hand, and the Lotus Lantern flew to the top of the Bloodbeak Demon's head, where a wisp of blue flame ignited at the wick.

"What are you doing?!" The Bloodbeak Demon was horrified to discover that the essence blood in his body was beginning to flow uncontrollably toward the Lotus Lantern.

Fu Changsheng coldly said, "You harmed people with your blood refining technique; today I will use your life essence to save my daughter!"

"No!" the Bloodbeaked Demon screamed in agony, "I am a mighty demon, you cannot..."

His voice abruptly stopped, because the Lotus Lantern had already refined his essence into a crystal-clear drop of blood, which flew to Fu Yongyao's brow.

The blood droplets merged with the bird's mark, transforming into a crimson vortex that gradually extracted the blood poison from Fu Yongyao's body.

"what--"

Fu Yongyao cried out in pain, the nine-tailed phantom behind her thrashing wildly, her silver hair gradually turning tinged with blood. But her aura began to steadily recover, and the mark between her brows gradually faded.

Seeing this, Master Yu immediately made a hand seal to help, and the Heavenly Lock transformed into countless golden runes, merging into Fu Yongyao's body to help stabilize her turbulent soul.

Time passed second by second, and the world outside Bloodfeather Cave had already turned upside down. The Bloodbeak Demon's subordinates realized that their cave master was in trouble and rushed to his aid, but they were blocked outside the cave by the formation set up by Master Yu.

Inside the cave, Fu Yongyao's condition finally stabilized.

She slowly opened her eyes; the bloodshot color in them had faded, and they had returned to a clear silver. The nine-tailed phantom behind her gradually solidified, radiating a pure spiritual light.

“Father,” she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks, “it really is you.”

Fu Changsheng gently pulled her into his arms, his voice trembling slightly: "It's me, Yaoyao. Father's back."

Master Yu watched this scene, his old eyes also becoming somewhat moist. He took a swig of wine and muttered, "Alright, alright, let's save the father-daughter reunion act for when we get back. Now we need to get out of this awful place as soon as possible."

Fu Changsheng nodded.

Just then, a violent explosion suddenly came from outside the cave, and the entire Bloodfeather Cave began to collapse.

"Longevity!" Master Yu's expression changed drastically. "Those demon brats want to die together!"

Fu Changsheng made a quick decision, picking up Fu Yongyao with one arm and grabbing Yu Zongshi with the other: "Let's go!"

The three of them transformed into a streak of green light and rushed out of the cave.

He summoned the Lotus Lantern, and nine blue lotuses bloomed once more, protecting the three of them in the center.

"rush!"

A streak of azure light, like a rainbow, broke through the encirclement and sped off into the distance. Behind it, the Blood Feather Cave collapsed completely with a deafening roar, sending plumes of dust billowing into the sky.

...

Fu Changsheng led Fu Yongyao and Master Yu on a swift journey, eventually finding a secluded valley deep within the secret realm.

Fu Changsheng waved his hand and set up a magic array to ensure safety before putting Yaoyao down. Master Yu collapsed to the ground as soon as he landed, gulping down several mouthfuls of wine before his complexion improved.

"This trip almost cost me my life." Master Yu gasped for breath, wiping the wine stains from the corner of his mouth. "Yaoyao, how are you?"

Fu Changsheng looked at Fu Yongyao in his arms. Although she was weak, her breathing had stabilized. However, the bird mark between her eyebrows had not completely disappeared, and there was still a trace of blood left.

“I’m alright,” Fu Yongyao said softly, struggling to sit up from his embrace. Her silver hair fell down, making her face appear even paler. She looked around and suddenly said, “Where am I?”

Fu Changsheng said, "Blood Feather Cave is several hundred miles away, still on the outer edge of the secret realm."

Fu Yongyao seemed to remember something, a hint of urgency flashing in his eyes: "Second Brother... is in the center of the secret realm!"

Fu Changsheng frowned. "The center of the secret realm?"

Fu Yongyao bit her lip: "I heard it from Chi Xiao. After my second brother disappeared, he was actually trapped in the central area of ​​this secret realm. However, the restrictions here are extremely strong, and only Golden Core cultivators can enter."

If so.

That Rong Ge'er has most likely already formed his core.

Master Yu took a swig of wine, squinting as he gazed into the distance: "This secret realm is opening for the first time; it's rich in resources, but also fraught with danger. That Bloodbeaked Demon was just a minor character on the outer perimeter; there are probably something far more terrifying in the central area."

Fu Changsheng said calmly, "Since Yongrong is in the center, I have to make a trip there no matter what."

Yao Yao raised her hand and waved, displaying a topographical map in front of the three of them. She carefully observed the terrain of the secret realm—surrounded by mountains in the distance, a majestic ancient palace in the center was faintly visible, shrouded in a layer of blood-red restrictions, with faint flashes of lightning.

"This restriction..." Fu Changsheng narrowed his eyes.

Master Yu clicked his tongue: "No wonder only Golden Core cultivators can enter. If a Purple Mansion cultivator went in, they'd probably be instantly reduced to ashes by lightning tribulation. I suggest you, Changsheng, break through to the late Golden Core stage before attempting this."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment.

Since Rong Ge'er was inside, he planned to go and check out the actual situation later.

"Yaoyao, you should rest and recover first," Fu Changsheng said, turning his head.

Fu Yongyao nodded, sat cross-legged, and began to circulate her cultivation technique. The nine-tailed phantom behind her appeared and disappeared, her silver hair moved without wind, and the surrounding spiritual energy gathered towards her like a tide.

Sudden.

Fu Yongyao suddenly groaned, and the mark between his eyebrows turned red again.

Fu Changsheng immediately stepped forward, placed a palm on her back, and continuously channeled chaotic energy into her to suppress the remaining blood poison in her body.

"Father, I'm fine." She forced a smile. "It's just that the blood poison hasn't been cleared yet, and it occasionally backfires."

Fu Changsheng frowned.

He flipped his hand and took out a jade slip. A quick scan with his divine sense revealed it to be a book he had casually brought out from the Blood Feather Cave. It recorded that the antidote for the blood poison needed to be made using "Star Pattern Grass" and "Nine Aperture Spirit Spring".

"The Star-Patterned Grass is mentioned in ancient books, but it's long extinct..." Fu Yongyao said weakly. "The Nine-Aperture Spiritual Spring is something I've never even heard of."

"Since this secret realm dates back to ancient times, perhaps these two treasures can be found here," Master Yu suddenly interjected, shaking his wine gourd. "When I was adventuring in my younger days, I heard rumors that the Nine Aperture Spirit Spring was holy water used by ancient powerful beings to refine magical artifacts for their offspring..."

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened. He looked at Fu Yongyao and said, "Yaoyao, you stay here and meditate. I'll go explore the area and see if we can find the Star Pattern Grass and the Nine Aperture Spirit Spring."

Fu Yongyao hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Father, be careful."

Fu Changsheng stood up and said to the Grandmaster, "Uncle Yu, Yaoyao is in your care."

Master Yu waved his hand: "Go, go. With me here, no one can touch this girl."

Fu Changsheng said no more. His figure flashed and he disappeared into the depths of the dense forest as a streak of green light. He found a secluded place, flicked his sleeve, and the light of the Five Elements Space flowed.

"Little White, come out."

A flash of white light appeared, and the blue-faced white fox emerged from the air. Its snow-white fur shimmered with a faint silver light, its narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and it surveyed its surroundings with a cold arrogance. Its voice was clear and cold: "What does Master want with me?"

Fu Changsheng didn't waste any words: "Yaoyao has been poisoned by blood poison and needs Star Pattern Grass and Nine Aperture Spirit Spring to detoxify her. Help me find them."

Upon hearing the name "Yaoyao," a flicker of emotion flashed in the eyes of the blue-faced white fox, but it quickly nodded. It transformed into a streak of white light and swept into the dense forest, causing the vegetation to bow slightly as if paying homage to this proud fox king.

After the green-faced man left, Fu Changsheng said:

"Qiu Niang, come out and help."

“Here we come!”

With a flash of light, a young girl in a bright green dress leaped out. Her almond-shaped eyes were lively, and a string of bells jingled around her waist. She twirled around with a grin, saying, "Master finally remembered me! This secret realm is so interesting! I saw so many strange formations in the space just now!"

Just as the two were about to set off, a sudden surge of intense spiritual energy came from afar. Fu Changsheng frowned, sensing that it was coming from the direction of the blue-faced white fox.

Something's happened.

He flashed away and sped off, with Qiu Niang quickly transforming into a streak of green light to follow.

Deep in the dense forest, a blue-faced white fox confronted a giant purple-scaled python at the early stage of the Golden Core realm. The python was ten zhang long, its scales gleaming with an eerie light, and poisonous mist emanated from its forked tongue.

"How dare a mere fox trespass into my territory!" the giant python hissed.

The blue-faced white fox sneered, "A mere worm dares to address me as such?"

The giant python was enraged and spewed out a stream of poisonous flames. The blue-faced white fox spread its nine tails, its foxfire meeting the attack head-on. The two forces collided and exploded with a deafening roar.

Just as the giant python was about to attack again, a beam of cyan sword light descended from the sky, striking its vital point!

"Roar—" The giant python cried out in pain and rolled away, only to see Fu Changsheng walking through the air, with the Lotus Lantern floating beside him, his aura as deep as an abyss.

Seeing Fu Changsheng's formidable power, the giant python's eyes flashed with a sinister glint. It suddenly opened its mouth and spat out a demon core wreathed in purple light. Nine blood-red lines were wrapped around the demon core, which was its natal magic weapon - the "Nine Fiend Poison Pill"!
"Humans, prepare to die!"

The poison pill swelled in the wind, transforming into nine ferocious, purple-scaled giant python phantoms, each spewing poisonous mist that corroded everything, lunging towards Fu Changsheng. Wherever the poisonous mist passed, vegetation withered, rocks melted, and even the air hissed.

Fu Changsheng snorted coldly, made a hand seal with his fingertips, and activated the Ancient Origin Thunder Scripture within his body. A dazzling golden lightning bolt burst forth from his palm.

"Evil-repelling divine thunder, break!"

Golden lightning, like a dragon emerging from the sea, collided violently with the nine phantom images of venomous pythons. The lightning exploded, the poisonous mist dissipated, but the giant python's demon core mysteriously shifted, suddenly splitting into a tenth phantom image, which silently circled behind Fu Changsheng and suddenly devoured him!

"Master, be careful!" Qiu Niang exclaimed.

Fu Changsheng was prepared. The Lotus Lantern suddenly burst into azure light, and nine azure lotuses swirled around him, forming an indestructible barrier. The illusory venomous python crashed into the barrier and was instantly swallowed by the chaotic energy.

Upon seeing this, a hint of horror flashed in the giant python's eyes. Then, it roared angrily, its scales standing on end, and it unleashed its bloodline secret technique—"Purple Scales Burning the Sky"!
Its body erupted in purple flames, and its scales shot out like blades, transforming into a sky full of purple fire meteors that bombarded Fu Changsheng relentlessly. Each scale contained a deadly poison, capable of melting even the flesh and blood of a Golden Core cultivator upon contact.

While activating the Lotus Lantern for defense, Fu Changsheng secretly sensed his surroundings. He keenly perceived that several Golden Core stage demonic energies were lurking deep within the dense forest, clearly observing from the shadows.

"We cannot linger in battle." His mind raced, and he immediately formed a hand seal. A chaotic mark flickered between his brows, and an ancient Buddhist seal emerged from his palm—the "Joyful Zen Seal" given to him by Master Yun!
As soon as the Zen seal was activated, chanting arose, and golden light transformed into the phantom of a smiling Buddha. The Buddha raised his hand and pressed down, and the purple flames that filled the sky melted away like ice and snow meeting the sun.

"Impossible!" The giant python was terrified; its strongest bloodline technique had been easily neutralized!
Taking advantage of the situation, Fu Changsheng lunged forward, and the Lotus Lantern suddenly flew to the top of the giant python's head. The wick of the lantern blazed brightly with azure flames, transforming into nine chains that coiled downwards. The giant python struggled frantically, but was suppressed by the chaotic energy and unable to move.

"Spare me! Immortal, spare me!" the giant python finally begged in terror. "This little demon is willing to offer up all its treasures!"

Fu Changsheng's gaze turned cold: "Oh? What other treasures do you have?"

The giant python hurriedly said, "The little demon's cave contains a thousand-year-old 'Purple Spirit Ginseng,' an excellent medicine for enhancing cultivation. And... there's also a scale from an ancient demon cultivator, containing a high-level water-based spiritual technique!"

Fu Changsheng's heart stirred. Although the Purple Spirit Ginseng was not as precious as the Star Pattern Grass, it was still a rare and holy medicine for detoxification; and the ancient demon cultivator's scales were even more valuable.

He deliberately hesitated for a moment, secretly sensing the approaching demonic auras lurking around him. If he continued to linger, he feared that the powerful demons would swarm him.
"Lead the way," Fu Changsheng said coldly. "If you dare to play any tricks, I'll annihilate you, body and soul."

The giant python nodded repeatedly and led Fu Changsheng to a hidden cave. Inside the cave, as expected, was a purplish-glowing spiritual ginseng and a scale that shimmered with a ghostly blue light.

Fu Changsheng accepted the treasure, but suddenly sensed several powerful demonic energies approaching from a hundred feet away. He immediately withdrew the oppressive aura of the Lotus Lantern: "Get lost."

The giant python, as if granted a pardon, darted into the ground and fled without looking back.

Qiu Niang blinked: "Master, why don't you kill it?"

Fu Changsheng transmitted his voice, saying, "There are at least three Golden Core demons lurking around. If we and the giant python both suffer heavy losses, they will surely seize the opportunity to attack."

The blue-faced white fox's cold gaze swept across the dense forest, its nine tails slightly raised: "Indeed, there's a repulsive aura about it."

Fu Changsheng carefully examined the dark blue scale, noticing its surface covered with mysterious patterns that refracted a deep-sea blue light under the sunlight. He probed it with his divine sense and immediately sensed an ancient and vast water-based spiritual power.

"This is..." A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes, "a fragment of the 'Mysterious Nether True Water Technique' from the ancient dragon clan."

The scales contain the high-level water-based spiritual technique "Mysterious Netherworld True Water," which can condense the cold waters of the Nine Netherworlds. This water can be transformed into protective true energy or condensed into a mysterious ice sword beam, possessing astonishing power. Even more remarkably, it also includes a "Water Escape Technique," allowing for underwater escape speeds comparable to teleportation.

Qiu Niang curiously leaned closer, the mirror reflecting the patterns on the scales: "Master, this spiritual technique is truly wondrous!" Suddenly, her eyes lit up, "Wait... this Profound Nether True Water seems to complement the Purple Spirit Ginseng!"

Fu Changsheng raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

Qiu Niang gestured excitedly, "The Purple Spirit Ginseng is warm in nature. If it's combined with the cold-attribute 'Ice Soul Grass' to neutralize it, and then with the Profound Nether True Water as a guide, it can be used to refine the 'Profound Origin Condensing True Pill'!" She counted on her fingers, "Although it's only a low-grade fourth-tier pill, it's perfect for Master's current cultivation level!"

Upon hearing this, the blue-faced white fox's cold eyes flashed with a hint of surprise: "You little girl, you do seem to have quite a bit of insight into alchemy."

Qiu Niang shook her head smugly: "Of course! I've seen countless pill formulas in the Mirror World!" Fu Changsheng pondered: "I remember the Blood Feather Cave's records mentioning Ice Soul Grass; it might grow in the Frost Valley in the northern part of the secret realm."

He put away the scales and the Purple Spirit Ginseng, and said to Qiu Niang, "After we obtain the Star Pattern Grass and the Nine Aperture Spirit Spring, we will make a trip to the Frozen Valley."

As they were talking, the blue-faced white fox suddenly pricked up its ears: "Master, I sense a strong fluctuation of yin-attribute spiritual energy in the southwest, which is very likely Star-Patterned Grass."

The three set off immediately. After passing through an ancient forest, a deep pool appeared before them, its surface shimmering with a faint starlight. Beside the pool stood a stone tablet inscribed with three ancient characters: "Star Moon Pool."

"This is it." The nine-tailed blue-faced white fox swayed its tail gently. "There must be star-patterned grass at the bottom of the pool."

"Master, look!" Qiu Niang suddenly pointed to the edge of the pool, "There are array patterns beneath the surface!"

Fu Changsheng stared intently and indeed discovered almost transparent runes flowing at the boundary between the pool water and the air. The blue-faced white fox narrowed its eyes: "It's an ancient demon-trapping formation, at least level four."

Qiu Niang excitedly circled around the edge of the pool: "Let me break this! I'm the best at this kind of ancient formation!" She lightly touched the mirror with her fingertip, and a beam of light swept across the water, instantly reflecting the dense array patterns.

Just as Qiu Niang was preparing to break the formation, Fu Changsheng suddenly grabbed her shoulder: "Wait."

just in case.

Fu Changsheng still managed to exchange for a batch of intelligence.

After a while.

He opened his eyes with delight, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Qiu Niang, don't rush to break the formation." He turned to the pool and said loudly, "Senior Xuan Turtle, would you be willing to make a deal?"

The pool water suddenly churned violently, and an aged voice came from the depths: "Human... will you let this old man out?"

“Not bad.” Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back. “I helped you escape, and in return, you gifted me a Star-Patterned Grass. How about that?”

Suddenly, a massive whirlpool appeared in the center of the pool, and a Xuan Turtle, ten zhang in diameter, slowly emerged from the water. Its shell was covered in star-like patterns, and its cloudy eyes shone with wisdom: "I have been trapped for a thousand years, suffering daily from the scorching power of the stars. If you can truly break this formation, I will give you not just one spirit herb, but ten!"

Qiu Niang's eyes widened in surprise: "So there was such a big turtle trapped in the formation!" She leaned closer curiously, "Grandpa, how did you end up locked up here?"

The Xuan Turtle sighed, "A thousand years ago, I was greedy and ate the spirit toad guarding the Star Pattern Grass. Before it died, that fellow sealed me here with his innate divine power." It shook its head aggrievedly, "I was just having a taste, who knew I'd be locked up for so long."

Fu Changsheng couldn't help but chuckle: "Senior is quite frank." He turned to Qiu Niang, "Is there a way to break this formation?"

After a careful examination, Qiu Niang nodded: "This is the 'Star Lock Demon-Trapping Array,' based on the Big Dipper. As long as all seven array points are severed simultaneously..." She suddenly frowned, "...it requires seven people to act at the same time."

Fu Changsheng took out the Lotus Lantern. "This lantern can transform into nine blue lotuses, which should be enough to deal with the situation."

Seeing this, the black tortoise excitedly paddled its limbs: "Good child! Hurry, hurry, this old man is about to be roasted alive by this starlight!"

Fu Changsheng didn't delay any longer. The Lotus Lantern soared into the air, and the nine blue lotuses landed in seven different directions around the pool. With a shout of "Break!", the blue lotuses simultaneously burst into light, and the array patterns on the surface of the pool shattered.

"boom--"

The pool water exploded into a towering column, and the enormous body of the black tortoise finally broke free from its restraints. It excitedly roared to the sky, its voice echoing through the mountains and forests: "Free! I am finally free!"

Having vented its joy, the Xuan Turtle kept its promise and spat out a radiant, star-patterned spirit herb: "Here, a thousand-year-old Star Pattern Grass, more than enough age."

Fu Changsheng took the spiritual herb and noticed that the leaves still had morning dew on them. He couldn't help but smile, "Senior is quite particular."

The black tortoise shook its head憨厚ly: "Of course, of course." Suddenly remembering something, it pulled out a few small blue grasses from the cracks in its shell: "These are 'Frosty Star Grass' that grow at the bottom of the pool. I'll give them to you as a bonus. This old man is going to find a comfortable place to sleep. Until we meet again!" After saying that, it awkwardly turned around and slowly crawled into the depths of the dense forest.

The blue-faced white fox gazed at the retreating figure of the black tortoise and remarked, unusually, "A rare honest demon indeed."

Fu Changsheng looked at the Cold Star Grass in his hand, which shimmered with a faint blue light. He saw that the grass leaves were covered with fine ice crystals, and they were cool to the touch but not piercing. He gently rubbed the grass leaves between his fingers, and a few drops of crystal-clear blue sap seeped out, reflecting a star-like brilliance in the sunlight.

"This..." A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes, "...is actually the main ingredient for refining the 'Mystic Ice Tempering Pill'?"

Qiu Niang nodded repeatedly and excitedly explained, "Yes, Master! Although the Xuanbing Tempering Pill is a fourth-grade spiritual pill, when combined with appropriate body-refining methods, it can help cultivators with water and ice spiritual roots cultivate 'ice skin and jade bones'. Once refined, it can form a Xuanbing protective membrane in the cultivator's body to withstand the full force of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator."

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng looked thoughtfully at the spiritual herb in his hand. Although he was currently at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, if he could refine his physical body to the "Ice Skin and Jade Bones" realm and combine it with the Chaos Dao Foundation, his combat power could double again.

"Master, look!" Qiu Niang suddenly pointed to the roots of the Cold Star Grass, "These ice crystal patterns... they're at least nine hundred years old, top-quality!"

At the base of the grass, ice crystals had naturally formed mysterious patterns, vaguely resembling a star map. Fu Changsheng probed with his divine sense and immediately sensed an extremely pure, cold-attribute spiritual energy.

“Not bad.” He carefully placed the Froststar Grass into the jade box. “Once we gather the other auxiliary ingredients, we can start refining the elixir.”

After leaving Star Moon Pool, the three followed the map northeastwards towards the secret realm. Upon reaching a canyon, the blue-faced white fox suddenly stopped, its snow-white fur fluttering even without wind: "Master, be careful, something amiss ahead."

Fu Changsheng narrowed his eyes slightly, his divine sense probing forward like a tidal wave. Deep within the canyon, a surge of spiritual energy rippled outwards like ocean waves, mixed with a certain violent aura.

"There's a demonic beast," Fu Changsheng whispered. "Qiu Niang, prepare the concealment talisman."

Qiu Niang understood and took out three talismans glowing with a blue light from the brocade pouch at her waist, affixing them to the three people respectively. Instantly, their auras completely disappeared, as if they had merged with the surrounding environment.

The three moved forward quietly, and after passing through the narrow valley entrance, the scene before them was breathtaking—

A crystal-clear spiritual vein meanders like a giant dragon, its rich spiritual energy condensing into mist that refracts into a rainbow of colors under the sunlight.

"A top-grade third-tier spiritual vein!" Qiu Niang covered her mouth, her eyes filled with surprise. "And it's about to advance to the fourth tier!"

Fu Changsheng's eyes burned with determination. If he could refine this spiritual vein within the Mountain and River Clan-Suppressing Cauldron, the level of the spiritual vein within would advance by another minor rank.
Suddenly, the blue-faced white fox's ears perked up: "They're here!"

A crimson figure leaped out of the cave beside the spiritual vein—it was a three-zhang-tall Fiery Demon Ape. Its fur danced like flames, its eyes were bloodshot, its fangs were bared, and it exuded the ferocious aura of a peak Purple Mansion cultivator. It was now warily surveying its surroundings, clearly sensing the anomaly.

"Peak of the Purple Mansion realm," Fu Changsheng pondered. "Little Bai, are you confident?"

A hint of disdain flashed in the blue-faced white fox's eyes: "Mere ape." It elegantly raised its forepaw. "Master, please collect the spiritual veins; leave this beast to me."

Fu Changsheng nodded and said to Qiu Niang, "Set up the formation."

Qiu Niang immediately understood and quietly took out twelve array flags. Under the cover of the mist, she began to set up a trapping array around them. Her movements were as light as a butterfly, and each array flag landed precisely in a specific position without causing the slightest fluctuation of spiritual energy.

After the formation was completed, Fu Changsheng sat cross-legged on the ground, and the Mountain and River Suppressing Clan Cauldron slowly flew out from his dantian. The ancient cauldron gleamed with a bronze luster in the sunlight, and the mountain and river patterns on its surface seemed to flow as if they were alive.

"receive!"

With a soft shout from Fu Changsheng, the Mountain and River Cauldron swelled to three zhang in size amidst the storm, generating a tremendous suction force from its mouth. The entire spiritual vein trembled violently, and the ground began to crack.

"roar--"

The Flame Demon Ape immediately sensed the change and let out a deafening roar. It pounded its chest with its fists, its body blazing with flames, and was about to pounce when it suddenly froze in place.

Suddenly, the blue-faced white fox appeared before it, its three tails spreading out like a peacock's tail, each hair radiating a mesmerizing silver light. Its eyes transformed into deep vortexes, meeting the demonic ape's gaze.

"Illusion Moon Eye Technique."

The demonic ape's eyes glazed over instantly, its raised arms freezing in mid-air, as if it were trapped in some kind of illusion. But it was, after all, a demonic beast at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, and soon began to struggle, its eyes flashing red intermittently.

"Qiu Niang!" the green-faced white fox said coldly.

"Understood!" Qiu Niang formed hand seals, "Twelve Yuan Chen Demon-Locking Array, activate!"

The twelve array flags lit up simultaneously, transforming into twelve golden chains that wrapped around the demonic ape's body. The chains were covered in densely packed runes that flickered, suppressing the demonic ape's demonic power.

Taking this opportunity, Fu Changsheng activated the Mountain and River Cauldron with all his might. The patterns on the cauldron shone with dazzling golden light, transforming into countless tiny golden threads that wrapped around the spiritual vein. These threads, like living things, spread along the patterns of the spiritual vein, quickly enveloping the entire vein.

"rise!"

With a shout, Fu Changsheng caused the spiritual vein to finally rise from the ground and be absorbed into the Mountain and River Cauldron. A muffled thunderous roar immediately resounded from inside the cauldron, and the cauldron body trembled violently. The mountain and river patterns on its surface changed continuously, as if they were being rearranged and recombined.

"boom--"

A golden light shot into the sky, and the aura of the Mountain and River Cauldron suddenly increased. After the spiritual veins inside merged with the new spiritual veins, they directly advanced to the middle grade of the fourth rank!
Just then, the demonic ape suddenly let out a shrill roar, forcefully breaking free from the illusion and array's restraints. Blood streamed from its eyes, and its fur stood on end; it was clearly insane.

"Watch out!" The blue-faced white fox immediately stood in front of Fu Changsheng.

The demonic ape slammed its fists into the ground, causing countless cracks to erupt and molten lava to gush forth. It opened its mouth and spewed out a pillar of crimson fire, melting even the rocks in its path.

Fu Changsheng remained calm and composed, raising his hand and declaring, "Mountain and River Cauldron, suppress!"

The newly upgraded Mountain and River Cauldron crashed down from mid-air. Even before it arrived, its terrifying suppressive power had already slowed the demonic ape's movements. It looked up in terror, watching the colossal cauldron, which blotted out the sky, fall.

"boom!"

With a muffled thud, the demonic ape was knocked to its knees, blood flowing from its seven orifices. It struggled to stand up, only to find that its demonic power was completely suppressed, and it couldn't even move a finger.

Fu Changsheng slowly stepped forward, looking at the dying demonic ape: "Considering the difficulty of your cultivation, would you be willing to join my Fu family as a guardian spirit beast?"

The demonic ape's eyes flashed with ferocity, still trying to resist. The blue-faced white fox snorted coldly, and a wisp of foxfire landed on it, causing it to howl in pain.

"My master is merciful and will give you a chance," the blue-faced white fox said coldly. "Otherwise, I'll take your demon core right now."

The demonic ape finally yielded, lowering its head. Fu Changsheng took out a Profound Essence Pill and flicked it into its mouth: "This pill can help you heal your injuries. If you perform meritorious service in the future, there will be even more benefits."

After the elixir was ingested, the demonic ape's injuries improved at a visible speed. It gratefully kowtowed and was then placed into the Mountain and River Cauldron by Fu Changsheng for nurturing.

Qiu Niang put away the battle flags and said with a grin, "That's great! Our Fu family has gained another great general!"

Fu Changsheng gazed northeast, his eyes deep: "The spiritual vein has been obtained; next, we should go find the Nine Aperture Spiritual Spring."

Just now.

A familiar voice rang out in my mind:

"Ding"

"You have added a third-tier spirit beast to the clan's combat strength, and have gained 1,000 clan contribution points."

Fu Changsheng put away the Mountain and River Cauldron and turned to the subdued Flaming Demon Ape: "Do you know where the Nine Aperture Spirit Spring is in this secret realm?"

Upon hearing this, the demonic ape's crimson eyes darted around, then it suddenly pounded its chest and growled, pointing to a misty mountain peak in the northeast. Its rough fingers drew several lines in the sand, sketching out a simple map.

"There...is it," the demonic ape's divine sense transmitted intermittently, "but it's a dangerous, ancient restriction."

The blue-faced white fox narrowed its eyes: "Master, this monkey said that place is protected by an ancient restriction. It tried to get close, but was injured by a golden light."

Fu Changsheng pondered, "To make a peak Purple Mansion level demon beast wary, it must be extraordinary." He looked at the demon ape, "Lead the way."

The demonic ape let out a low growl and turned to flee northeast. Fu Changsheng and his companions followed closely behind. After passing through a dense ancient forest, the view suddenly opened up before them—

A valley shaped like a skull stands starkly, its rock walls an eerie grayish-white, their surfaces riddled with honeycomb-like holes. At the valley's entrance stand two heavily weathered stone statues, vaguely recognizable as the likenesses of some ancient mythical beast.

"This is it." The demonic ape stopped in its tracks, cowering. "Any further... and I'll die."

Fu Changsheng focused his senses and indeed discovered almost transparent ripples of a restrictive barrier flowing at the valley entrance. The barrier blended perfectly with the surrounding environment; had he not possessed such keen spiritual awareness, he would have been completely unaware of it.

"Qiu Niang."

The girl in emerald green had already leaped forward, the mirror reflecting the scene at the valley entrance. Her almond-shaped eyes widened, her face gradually hardening: "Master, this is the ancient 'Spirit-Locking Array'!"

The blue-faced white fox's tail bristled slightly: "No wonder it felt so eerie."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then suddenly made a hand seal and pointed a finger, sending a wisp of chaotic energy toward the restriction. The instant the two made contact, dense, blood-red runes suddenly appeared on the restriction, vaguely forming a hideous ghost face pattern.

"Ah!" Qiu Niang exclaimed in surprise as tiny cracks appeared on the mirror.

Fu Changsheng quickly pulled her back, and the Lotus Lantern emitted a blue light, isolating the strange power from the outside. The ghostly face on the barrier seemed to be enraged, letting out a silent roar, causing the entire valley to tremble slightly.

"Interesting." Fu Changsheng was more pleased than surprised. "The stronger the restriction, the more precious the thing it protects."

He turned to Qiu Niang: "Can it be broken?"

The girl pointed at the mirror, gritted her teeth, and said, "Give me three hours! This restriction, though strange, is old and has already broken down. I've found a weak point."

As she spoke, she took out forty-nine miniature array flags and began to arrange them around the valley entrance. With each flag that fell, a beam of silver light shot towards the barrier, gradually weaving into a fine net.

The demonic ape stared in disbelief, involuntarily taking a few steps back. The blue-faced white fox coldly glanced at it: "Stay put."

Two hours later, beads of sweat appeared on Qiu Niang's forehead, but her eyes shone with excitement: "Master, we're ready!"

Fu Changsheng nodded, and the Lotus Lantern floated above his head, its nine green lotuses poised to bloom. The green-faced white fox also revealed its true form, its three tails spreading out like a screen, ready to deal with any unexpected situation.

"break!"

With a sharp cry, Qiu Niang caused all forty-nine array flags to simultaneously light up with a blinding silver light. The ghostly faces on the barrier emitted a shrill scream, and the blood-red runes flickered wildly, but they could not withstand the power of the array flags to break the formation. In the end, they shattered like bubbles with a "pop".

As soon as the valley entrance opened, an extremely cold black mist surged out. Countless twisted human figures could be vaguely seen within the mist, emitting chilling wailing sounds.

"Yin Sha!" the blue-faced white fox shouted sharply, "Step back!"

With a flick of its three tails, it unleashed a rain of foxfire. The shadowy figures scattered upon contact, only to quickly reform in the mist, relentlessly attacking.

Fu Changsheng snorted coldly, and the light of the Precious Lotus Lamp shone brightly, with nine green lotuses rotating to form a barrier. He made a hand seal with one hand, and the chaotic mark between his brows flickered. Strands of chaotic energy emerged like snakes from their holes and burrowed into the black mist.

The hissing sound was incessant, and wherever the chaotic energy passed, the Yin energy melted away like snow meeting boiling oil. But the black mist seemed endless, constantly surging out from the depths of the valley.

Suddenly, the demonic ape let out a terrified roar. Fu Changsheng turned around and saw its massive body being entangled by more than a dozen dark shadows, visibly withering away!

"Save me!" the demon ape cried out desperately, reaching out its hand.

A burst of purple divine light shot out from Fu Changsheng's body, causing the black shadow to sizzle upon contact before dissipating like smoke.

at this time.

Suddenly, a muffled "plop" sound came from the depths of the valley, as if something had fallen into the water. Immediately afterward, all the dark shadows stopped moving and retreated back into the valley like a tide.

The surroundings fell into a deathly silence.

Qiu Niang swallowed hard. "Mistress, shall we go in?"

Fu Changsheng gazed intently into the dark valley and slowly said, "Now that we've come, there's no reason for us to leave empty-handed."

He took the lead, the Lotus Lantern shining brightly, illuminating the path ahead. The blue-faced white fox followed closely behind, its three tails forming a protective screen behind them. Qiu Niang bit her lip and quickly followed.

The scene inside the valley was terrifying—

The rock walls on both sides were densely covered with mummified corpses, including human cultivators and various demonic beasts. They all retained the look of terror before their deaths, their skin a strange grayish-white, almost blending into the rock walls.

"These...were all drained dry by the Yin energy," the blue-faced white fox whispered. "Be careful, they might..."

Before the words were even finished, the nearest mummified corpse suddenly opened its empty eye sockets, a strange smile tugging at the corners of its mouth. Then, all the mummified corpses on the entire rock wall came to life, emitting eerie "clucking" laughs.

"run!"

At Fu Changsheng's command, the three transformed into streaks of light and rushed into the depths of the valley. Behind them, countless desiccated corpses peeled off the rock walls, chasing after them like a tidal wave, moving at an incredible speed.

After rounding a bend, a wide-open space suddenly appeared before us. In the center was a spring, no more than ten feet deep, radiating an extremely pure spiritual energy. Beside the spring stood nine stone beasts of different shapes, each holding an ancient copper coin in its mouth.

"Nine-Aperture Spiritual Spring!"

(End of this chapter)