Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 506 Saintess, Temple of the Witch God, Special Lottery

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened. He saw that the spiritual spring was crystal clear, its surface shimmering with nine-colored light. Nine holes were faintly visible at the bottom of the spring, opening and closing in a mysterious rhythm. Each time the holes opened and closed, a wisp of pure spiritual energy rose up, forming a lotus-shaped mist on the surface of the spring.

"It really is the Nine Aperture Spirit Spring!" Qiu Niang exclaimed in surprise, but then her expression changed. "Master, watch out behind you!"

Behind them, a dense mass of mummies had caught up, their limbs twisting and emitting chilling "clucking" sounds, their grayish-white skin adorned with eerie blood-red patterns.

Fu Changsheng snorted coldly, and the Lotus Lantern suddenly burst into a blinding blue light. Nine blue lotuses spun out and formed a solid barrier around the three of them. The desiccated corpse at the forefront crashed into the barrier and was instantly pulverized by the chaotic energy.

"Qiu Niang, fetch the spring water!" Fu Changsheng said in a deep voice, "Xiao Bai, provide cover!"

The blue-faced white fox let out a long howl, its three tails unfurling like a screen, and countless silvery-white foxfire rained down on the group of mummies. The foxfire ignited fiercely upon contact with the mummies, and no amount of beating could extinguish it.

Taking advantage of the moment, Qiu Niang rushed towards the spiritual spring and took out a jade bottle from her waist. Just as she was about to scoop up some water, the nine stone beasts by the spring suddenly turned their heads with a "click," and a scarlet light shone from their empty eye sockets!

"Not good!" the blue-faced white fox warned sharply.

The nine stone beasts opened their mouths simultaneously, and the copper coins they held flew out with a clang, forming a strange array in the air. The copper coins collided with each other, emitting a metallic tremor that shook the mind. Qiu Niang was instantly struck as if by lightning and staggered backward.

"Soul-capturing demonic sound!" Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted, and he immediately formed hand seals and chanted an incantation, "Lotus Protects the Heart, Suppress!"

The blue flame of the Lotus Lantern wick suddenly surged, transforming into nine beams of blue light that shot towards the copper coins. However, the copper coins were exceptionally agile, tracing mysterious paths in the air and dodging the blue light beams one by one.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the horde of mummies broke through the foxfire's blockade and frantically rushed towards the barrier. Sweat beaded on the blue-faced white fox's forehead; it was clearly struggling to hold on.

A cold glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. He suddenly bit his fingertip, flicking a drop of blood essence towards the Lotus Lantern: "Chaos, open!"

The lamp's blue flame instantly turned a chaotic color, and nine blue lotuses simultaneously burst forth with dazzling golden light. The copper coins, struck by the golden light, fell to the ground as if struck by a heavy blow. The nine stone beasts also froze in place, the red light in their eyes gradually fading.

"Hurry!" Fu Changsheng shouted.

Despite her headache, Qiu Niang rushed towards the spiritual spring again. This time, she didn't use the jade bottle, but instead directly summoned her natal bronze mirror. With the mirror facing down, a beam of silver light shone out, enveloping the surface of the spring. The water level of the Nine Aperture Spiritual Spring dropped at a visible speed, being absorbed into the mirror.

The moment the last drop of spiritual spring water was collected, the entire valley suddenly trembled violently. The desiccated corpses on the rock walls exploded, turning into a cloud of blood mist. As if alive, the blood mist gathered in the center of the valley, gradually condensing into a three-zhang-tall crimson giant!
"Blood Demon Puppet!" Qiu Niang's voice was grave. "Master, be careful! This is an evil artifact that only a Nascent Soul cultivator could refine!"

The crimson giant roared to the sky, its sound shaking the rock walls and causing them to crumble. It had no facial features, only a crack in its face revealing a dense array of sharp teeth. With a wave of its hand, a river of blood appeared out of thin air and swept towards the three of them.

Fu Changsheng's expression changed slightly. He activated the Lotus Lantern at full power, and the Chaos Azure Lotus Barrier shone brightly. The Blood River crashed against the barrier, emitting a hissing, corrosive sound, and tiny cracks began to appear on the surface of the barrier!
"go!"

Fu Changsheng grabbed Qiu Niang, and the blue-faced white fox also turned into white light and disappeared into his sleeve. The three of them flew rapidly towards the valley entrance, with the blood-red giant taking big strides in hot pursuit behind them, each step causing the earth to shake.

Just as the valley entrance came into view, a curtain of blood suddenly descended from the sky, blocking their path. The crimson giant let out a triumphant roar, its arms transforming into two giant pythons that lunged at the three of them.

Seeing the blood python about to strangle him, Fu Changsheng's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he shouted in a low voice, "Little White, Qiu Niang, follow me into the realm!"

Before he finished speaking, a five-colored ray of light flew out from his sleeve, instantly enveloping the three of them. Qiu Niang chuckled, her figure transforming into a streak of emerald light and disappearing into it first. The green-faced white fox snorted coldly, its nine tails swaying as it followed closely behind.

"boom!!!"

The blood python swooped down, only to miss its target. The crimson giant stood frozen in place, its massive jaws, filled with sharp teeth, slightly opening and closing, seemingly unable to comprehend why its prey had suddenly vanished.
-
Familiar five-elemental spiritual light flowed, and the illusory images of mountains and rivers appeared and disappeared among the clouds and mist. Qiu Niang lightly landed on a branch of a spirit tree, swinging her legs and laughing, "It's so comfortable at home! That Blood Fiend Puppet stinks!"

The blue-faced white fox gracefully strolled to the edge of the spirit well, lowered its head, and took a sip: "Master, how long will we hide this time?"

Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, his divine sense perceiving the outside world through space: "Wait until that demonic puppet dissipates before going out."

Qiu Niang took out a bronze mirror from her bosom. Ripples appeared on the mirror's surface, revealing the outside world—a blood-red giant was pacing irritably in place, occasionally letting out a deafening roar.

"It seems it's not going to leave." Qiu Niang squinted her eyes.

"Very good." Fu Changsheng's lips curled into a slight smile as he flipped his hand and took out the Mountain and River Suppressing Clan Cauldron. "Since it refuses to leave, let's give it a surprise."
-
Half an hour later, the aura of the Blood Fiend Puppet outside began to dissipate. Just as its form was about to disintegrate, a crack suddenly appeared in the void!
“Now!”

Fu Changsheng leaped out first, and the Mountain and River Cauldron swelled in the wind, transforming into a ten-zhang-long giant cauldron that crashed down! The Blood Fiend Puppet hastily raised its hand to block, but was shaken by the spiritual energy gushing out of the cauldron, causing its blood mist to churn.

"Lock!"

The blue-faced white fox unleashed its three tails, each bound by silver chains that firmly restrained the demonic puppet's limbs. Qiu Niang then appeared from the other side, a golden beam of light shooting from her bronze mirror, aiming straight for the demonic puppet's chest.

"roar--!!"

The demonic puppet struggled frantically, but then Fu Changsheng's chaotic mark between his eyebrows shone brightly, and the Lotus Lantern floated above his head, with nine green lotuses simultaneously radiating dazzling golden light.

"Destroy!"

The chaotic energy, like an inverted Milky Way, instantly engulfed the Blood Fiend Puppet. When the light faded, only a blood crystal remained, spinning endlessly.

With lightning speed, Qiu Niang snatched the blood crystal away in a flash of light: "This is a valuable item; refining it can enhance blood-path magic treasures!"

Fu Changsheng said, "Let's leave quickly; the commotion just now was too great."

Fu Changsheng and his two companions transformed into streaks of light and swiftly left the valley. After passing through dense forests, they finally returned to the secluded cave where Yao Yao and Master Yu were.

Outside the cave, Master Yu was leaning against an ancient tree, drinking. Seeing them return, his cloudy old eyes lit up: "You're finally back! Any later and I would have come looking for you!"

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Uncle Yu, I have not failed you."

He strode into the cave, where he saw Fu Yongyao sitting cross-legged on the stone bed, her silver hair disheveled, the bird mark between her brows even more vivid and striking than before. Hearing the movement, she slowly opened her eyes, a hint of joy flashing in her silver pupils: "Father."

"Don't speak." Fu Changsheng gently stroked her hair, then took out a jade box and a bronze mirror. "The Star-Patterned Grass and the Nine-Aperture Spirit Spring have been obtained; I'll detoxify you immediately."

Master Yu followed them in and, seeing the nine-colored spring water reflected in the bronze mirror, exclaimed in astonishment, "Good heavens, you really found the Nine-Aperture Spirit Spring!"

Fu Changsheng didn't delay any longer. He first ground the Star Pattern Grass into powder and mixed it with spiritual spring water. The moment the spiritual herbs blended, star-like specks of light appeared, flowing endlessly in the medicinal liquid.

"Yaoyao, it will hurt a little." Fu Changsheng's voice was gentle, yet carried an unyielding firmness. "Bear with it."

Fu Yongyao nodded gently and closed her eyes. Fu Changsheng gathered a wisp of chaotic energy at his fingertips, dipped it in the medicinal liquid, and gently applied it to the mark between her eyebrows.

"laugh--"

A piercing sound rang out, and the bird-like mark twisted as if it were alive. Fu Yongyao trembled violently, his silver hair moved without wind, and the nine phantom fox tails swung wildly behind him.

"Hold on!" Fu Changsheng shouted, and the Lotus Lantern floated up, with nine green lotuses hanging down in beams of clear light, enveloping Fu Yongyao.

Upon seeing this, Master Yu immediately formed hand seals and set up an array. Golden runes lit up on the ground, forming a stable protective formation. Qiu Niang also took out a bronze mirror, its light as clear as water, cleansing the chaotic spiritual energy around Fu Yongyao.

As the medicine continued to penetrate, black blood began to seep from between Fu Yongyao's brows. The blood dripped onto the ground, causing the rocks to sizzle and crackle. The blue-faced white fox unleashed its three tails, its foxfire burning away the poisonous blood.

"Ah!" Fu Yongyao suddenly cried out in pain, falling backward. Fu Changsheng quickly caught her, only to see that the mark between her eyebrows had cracked open, and the phantom of a blood-red bird was struggling to emerge!

"Trying to escape?" Fu Changsheng sneered, his left hand forming a hand seal, his right hand forming a sword-like gesture, and the chaotic energy transforming into chains that firmly bound the bird phantom.

“Refine!”

The Lotus Lantern blazed brightly with blue flames, and the phantoms of birds let out mournful screams as they gradually melted away in the chaotic fire. At the same time, wisps of black energy seeped from the pores of Fu Yongyao's body, the blood poison that had penetrated deep into his bones being forced out.

The entire process lasted a full hour.

As the last trace of blood poison was purified by the Nine Aperture Spiritual Spring, the bird mark between Fu Yongyao's brows completely disappeared. Her aura suddenly surged, her silver hair moved without wind, and nine phantom fox tails unfurled behind her, radiating pure spiritual light.

"This is..." Master Yu gulped down a mouthful of wine, his cloudy old eyes widening, "He's about to form his core?!"

Fu Changsheng's expression hardened. The secret realm was already unstable; if the Golden Core Tribulation were triggered here, the entire secret realm might collapse!
"Yaoyao, suppress your spiritual power!" he said urgently.

Fu Yongyao's face was pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead: "Father... I can't control myself."

Her spiritual energy surged like a tide, and a spiritual cloud had already condensed above her head, with faint flashes of lightning. The secret realm space began to tremble, and tiny cracks appeared on the surrounding rock walls.

"Damn it!" Master Yu acted decisively, slamming his wine gourd onto the ground. "Heavenly Lock, seal!"

A golden light flew out of the gourd, transforming into countless fine runes that wrapped around Fu Yongyao's body. Her surging aura was immediately suppressed, and the spiritual clouds above her head gradually dissipated.

"I have temporarily sealed her cultivation with the Heavenly Lock," Master Yu said, wiping his sweat. "But it can only last for three years at most, and the longer the seal is broken, the more disadvantageous it will be for Yao Yao, because the longer it drags on, the stronger the tribulation lightning will be!"

However, Yao Yao hasn't gathered all the necessary magic weapons for her tribulation yet. If she tries to undergo the tribulation on her own, she will only face certain death.

Fu Changsheng said:

"Search in the secret realm to see if there are any items that can help you overcome the tribulation. If not, you can find some rare and precious materials to exchange for what you need in the market outside."

He was also planning to go to the Frozen Valley in the northern part of the secret realm to find the Ice Soul Grass, which was an auxiliary spiritual medicine for refining the Profound Essence Condensing Pill.

Also.

According to previous intelligence reports.

There is also a Witch God Temple in the Ice Valley, where you might find a witch treasure that can connect the Yin and Yang realms.

at the same time.

Northern Xinjiang.

The cold wind howled, swirling up snowflakes that stung our faces like knives. Nights in northern Xinjiang always come exceptionally early and are exceptionally cold.

Miao Qingluo walked barefoot on the thick snow, yet seemed oblivious to the cold. She wore only a thin, silver-white gauze robe, the hem embroidered with intricate dark patterns that shimmered faintly in the moonlight. Her long, black hair was loosely tied up with a silver hairpin, a few strands falling beside her cheeks, making her skin appear even whiter.

"High Priest, the time has come," she said softly, her voice like icicles striking each other, clear yet with a hint of coolness.

Behind her, an old man with a hunched back slowly raised his head. The face of the high priest Chi Gu was hidden under a wide black cloak, revealing only a pair of turbid eyes, in which countless insects seemed to be wriggling.

"What's the rush?" Chi Gu chuckled hoarsely. "Is the Holy Maiden perhaps afraid?"

Miao Qingluo didn't answer, but simply turned her head slightly to look at the burly man standing on the other side. The village chief, Meng Yan, was nearly two meters tall, with bulging muscles all over his body. His bronze skin was covered with strange blue patterns, which were the highest-level witchcraft patterns in the Miao village.

"Let's begin," Meng Yan said in a deep voice, his tone like muffled thunder.

The three stood in a triangle, with a black stone tablet about half a person's height in the center. The tablet was covered with dense runes and was now glowing with a faint blood-red light.

Chi Gu made the first move, his withered fingers forming a hand seal in front of his chest as he chanted an obscure incantation. As the incantation began, his wide sleeves moved without wind, and dozens of strangely shaped Gu worms crawled out from his sleeves, arranging themselves into a bizarre pattern on the snow.

"With my blood, I offer sacrifice to my Gu." Chi Gu bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the Gu worms. The Gu worms immediately began to writhe wildly, devouring each other until only one blood-red centipede remained, as thick as an arm, with a hundred hooked legs, emitting a nauseating stench.

Miao Qingluo frowned slightly, but quickly regained her composure. She raised her slender hand and took the silver hairpin from her hair. The tip of the hairpin gently grazed her wrist, and a drop of crystal-clear blood fell onto the snow, instantly melting the snow within a three-foot radius and revealing the black soil beneath.

"With my blood, call forth my spirit."

The wound on her wrist healed quickly, but the drop of blood swam in the soil as if it were alive, eventually transforming into a small silver snake that flicked its tongue and swam toward the stone tablet.

Meng Yan punched himself in the chest, spitting out a mouthful of blood. The blood mist condensed in the air, transforming into the phantom of a blood-red battle axe.

"With my blood, I forge my weapons!"

The crimson battle axe slammed down on the stone tablet with a deafening roar. The runes on the tablet lit up one by one, spreading rapidly upwards from the bottom like lit fuses.

Chi Gu's red centipede, Miao Qingluo's silver snake, and Meng Yan's blood axe simultaneously crashed into the stone tablet. At the moment the three forces converged, the world seemed to freeze for a fleeting instant, and then—

"boom!!!"

A blinding beam of blood-red light shot into the sky, turning the night sky an eerie red. The space in front of the stone tablet began to distort, rippling like water, eventually forming a vortex-shaped entrance.

"Let's go!" Meng Yan shouted in a low voice and stepped in first.

Miao Qingluo followed lightly, while Chi Gu brought up the rear with a sinister smile. After they had all entered, the vortex rapidly shrank and eventually disappeared, leaving only the stone tablet, its runes now completely faded.

The biting cold instantly snapped Miao Qingluo back to reality. She opened her eyes and found herself standing in a snow-covered wonderland, surrounded by towering icebergs. The sky was an eerie bluish-gray, bright as day despite the absence of the sun.

“This is where Meng Yan’s voice came from behind.”

"Frosty Valley." Chi Gu took a deep, greedy breath. "The legendary homeland of the Witch God!"

Miao Qingluo remained silent, simply looking down at the ice beneath her feet. Through the transparent ice, she could see countless strange creatures frozen beneath, some still struggling, as if instantly frozen in time.

“Map.” She held out her hand.

Chi Gu reluctantly pulled a yellowed animal hide from his robes, on which a rough topographical map was drawn with dark red lines. Miao Qingluo took the map and carefully compared it with the surrounding environment.

“We’re here.” She tapped the edge of the map with her slender finger. “According to legend, the Temple of the Witch God should be located…”

"Northeast!" Meng Yan suddenly said, pointing to a strangely shaped mountain peak in the distance. "Doesn't that look like a coiled snake?"

Miao Qingluo followed his finger and indeed saw a winding mountain peak with two indentations at its summit, resembling snake eyes. A glint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Let's go."

The three of them trudged through the thick snow toward the mountain peak. The further they went, the lower the temperature became, and their breath instantly froze into ice crystals on their eyebrows and hair. Chi Gu kept swatting various Gu worms at his body; the worms burrowed into his skin as soon as they touched it, causing his face to turn pale and then red.

Miao Qingluo appeared to be strolling leisurely, but in reality, every step she took was precisely on a safe path. The silver bell on her wrist jingled crisply with each step, exceptionally clear in the silent icy valley.

"Watch out." She suddenly stopped and reached out to stop Meng Yan.

The snow ahead appeared flat, but Miao Qingluo's silver bells had strangely stopped ringing. She bent down, picked up a piece of icicle, and gently tossed it forward.

"laugh--"

As soon as the icicles landed, dozens of ice spikes shot out from the snow, each as thick as an arm and with a bluish luster at the tip.

"Mysterious Yin Ice Fiend." Chi Gu licked his lips. "Good stuff, I can use it to feed my Frost Gu."

He was about to go forward to collect them when Miao Qingluo stopped him.

"Don't rush," she smiled slightly, "the real danger is yet to come."

As if to confirm her words, all the ice spikes suddenly burst open, turning into a sky full of icy mist. Countless tiny shadows could be vaguely seen moving within the mist, emitting a faint "buzzing" sound.

"Ice Soul Insects!" Meng Yan's expression changed drastically. "Retreat quickly!"

The three retreated rapidly, but the insects followed them relentlessly. Miao Qingluo snorted coldly and gently shook the silver bell she had just taken off her hat.

"jingle--"

Amidst the crisp ringing of bells, a circle of silver ripples spread out. The Ice Soul Insects, upon contact with the ripples, immediately fell like raindrops. But even more insects surged forth from the icy mist, one after another.

Chi Gu let out a strange laugh, pulled a black gourd from his sleeve, uncorked it, and a plume of foul-smelling black smoke billowed out. Within the smoke, countless tiny black particles could be vaguely seen, which immediately adhered to the Ice Soul Insects upon contact, instantly turning the insects black.

"Soul-Devouring Gu, go!"

At Chi Gu's command, the blackened Ice Soul Insects suddenly turned and attacked their own kind. Chaos erupted within the swarm, with insects turning on each other. Taking advantage of the chaos, Meng Yan retrieved a bone shield, its surface etched with grotesque ghost faces. He bit his finger and drew a simple symbol on the shield, which immediately expanded, protecting the three of them behind it.

"Walk!"

Protected by the bone shield, the three quickly traversed the dangerous area. By the time they finally reached the foot of the serpentine mountain, the sky had grown even darker, as if they were about to be plunged into eternal darkness.

“This is it.” Miao Qingluo looked up at a crack in the mountain wall. The crack was regularly shaped and was clearly an entrance that had been carved out by man.

Chi Gu eagerly stepped forward, only to be repelled by an invisible barrier. He cursed angrily and pulled a handful of bone powder from his robes, scattering it forward. The bone powder burned in the air, revealing a semi-transparent barrier covered with intricate runes.

"The Witch God's Restriction," Chi Gu stared greedily at the runes, "Only those with pure Witch Clan blood can pass through."

Miao Qingluo stepped forward slowly and gently placed her slender hand on the barrier. Surprisingly, her hand passed right through it!
"As expected." A slight smile played on her lips. "I was the chosen one."

A sinister glint flashed in Chi Gu's eyes, and he suddenly grabbed Miao Qingluo's wrist: "Why is the Holy Maiden in such a hurry? Why not let this old man scout ahead first?"

As he spoke, he forcibly pulled Miao Qingluo's hand and shoved it into the barrier. Strangely, the barrier did not repel him!
"High Priest!" Meng Yan roared, "Release the Holy Maiden!"

Chi Gu ignored her and instead exerted even more force. Miao Qingluo, however, remained surprisingly calm, even revealing a mysterious smile: "Is the High Priest sure you want to do this?"

Before he could finish speaking, Chi Gu suddenly let out a scream and abruptly released his grip. A bloody hole appeared in his palm, as if it had been pierced by something sharp.

"You—" Chi Gu looked at Miao Qingluo with a mixture of shock and anger.

Miao Qingluo gently shook her wrist, and the silver bell jingled crisply: "I warned you."

Meng Yan stepped forward, blocking the two: "Enough! Now is not the time for infighting. Holy Maiden, since you can pass through the barrier, you should go in first to scout ahead."

Miao Qingluo glanced at Meng Yan and nodded slightly: "Okay."

She turned to face the barrier, took a deep breath, and passed through the invisible barrier as if melting. Chi Gu and Meng Yan exchanged a glance and each tried to pass through using their own methods.

Within the barrier lay a deep, dark passageway, its walls inlaid with luminous blue crystals that illuminated the path ahead. Miao Qingluo walked slowly forward, her silver bells jingling rhythmically with each step.

At the end of the passageway stood a massive stone gate, upon which was carved an intricate pattern: a giant serpent coiled around a large tree, beneath which countless tiny figures knelt in worship. Miao Qingluo stared at the pattern, then suddenly reached out and pressed her hand against the serpent's eyes.

“Crack—”

The stone door slowly opened, revealing the space inside. It was a circular hall with a pool in the center. The water in the pool was an eerie green, emitting a faint glow. Around the pool stood twelve stone pillars, each carved with a different creature.

As soon as Miao Qingluo stepped into the hall, footsteps sounded behind her. Chi Gu and Meng Yan had also successfully passed through the barrier and followed her in.

"The Altar of the Witch God!" Chi Gu trembled with excitement. "The legendary Pool of Immortality!"

He rushed towards the pool, but Miao Qingluo stopped him: "Wait, look around first."

Meng Yan cautiously circled the pool, then suddenly stopped in front of a stone pillar: "There are writings here."

Miao Qingluo walked over and saw a line of small characters carved at the base of the stone pillar: "Only by offering blood and souls can one attain eternal life."

"Playing tricks." Chi Gu snorted disdainfully, and suddenly shot out a black light from his sleeve, aiming straight for Miao Qingluo's back!
Miao Qingluo seemed to have eyes in the back of her head, subtly dodging the attack. The black light struck the stone pillar, revealing itself to be a jet-black centipede, instantly corroding a large hole in the pillar.

"Chi Gu!" Meng Yan roared, "Are you insane?"

Chi Gu grinned sinisterly: "She is the obstacle! Only by eliminating her can I obtain the true inheritance of the Witch God!"

As he spoke, he suddenly tore open his robe, revealing his emaciated chest. What was chilling was that countless insects seemed to be wriggling beneath his skin, pushing up small bumps.

"A hundred poisons devour the heart!"

With a fierce shout, Chi Gu caused the bulges to burst open, and countless Gu worms gushed out, rushing towards Miao Qingluo and Meng Yan like a black tide.

Meng Yan immediately raised the bone shield, but the Gu worms began to gnaw at the shield! Miao Qingluo, however, remained calm and took off her silver bell and shook it gently.

"jingle--"

As the bell rang, the green liquid in the pool suddenly boiled, and a column of water shot into the sky, transforming into a giant water snake that opened its mouth and swallowed all the Gu worms!
Chi Gu stared in disbelief: "This is impossible! How can you control the power of the Witch God?"

Miao Qingluo walked slowly towards the pool, the silver bell in her hand emitting a soft glow: "Because I am the true descendant of the Witch God."

She turned to face Chi Gu, a hint of pity flashing in her eyes: "High Priest, you are too greedy."

As she spoke, she gently waved her hand, and the water snake suddenly lunged at Chi Gu. Chi Gu retreated hastily, but crashed into a stone pillar. Suddenly, the carvings on the pillar came to life, and a stone python tightly coiled around him.

"No!" Chi Gu struggled in terror, "Save me! Meng Yan!"

Meng Yan hesitated for a moment, about to step forward, but was stopped by Miao Qingluo: "Don't go over there, he's beyond saving."

Sure enough, Chi Gu's body began to shrivel at a visible rate, eventually turning into a desiccated corpse. The stone python released him, and the desiccated corpse fell to the ground with a "thud," shattering into countless pieces.

Miao Qingluo walked to the edge of the pool, bent down, and scooped up a handful of green liquid: "Now, it's time to complete our mission."

Meng Yan looked at her warily: "Who exactly are you?"

Miao Qingluo smiled slightly: "I am the holy maiden of the Miao village, and also the chosen successor of the Witch God." She divided the liquid in her hand in two, "Drink it, and you will gain supreme power."

Meng Yan didn't reach out: "What's the price?"

"The price?" Miao Qingluo chuckled. "Loyalty, of course. Loyalty to me, and to the Witch God."

Just as the two were facing off, the hall suddenly shook, and stones from the top began to fall.

"The secret realm is collapsing!" Meng Yan exclaimed. "We must leave immediately!"

Miao Qingluo remained calm: "No, it's the start of the inheritance process."

She poured half the liquid into the pool and drank the other half in one gulp. As the liquid went down her throat, her eyes turned an eerie green, her silver hair moved without wind, and she exuded a powerful aura.

“Chief Mengyan,” her voice became ethereal, “make your choice.”

Looking at the woman before him, who was both familiar and unfamiliar, Meng Yan finally knelt on one knee: "I swear by blood that I am loyal to the Witch God and the Holy Maiden."

Miao Qingluo nodded in satisfaction and placed her hand on Meng Yan's head: "Very good, then accept your reward."

A beam of green light flowed from her palm into Meng Yan's body, and Meng Yan immediately felt a powerful force surging through his meridians. On his bronze skin, the blue witch patterns became even more complex, faintly shimmering with green light.

“Now,” Miao Qingluo turned and looked into the depths of the hall, “let’s see what other treasures the Witch God has left behind.”

She walked towards a small door behind the pool, with Meng Yan following closely behind. Behind the door was a staircase leading upwards to a higher part of the mountain.

Outside the Frozen Valley, wind and snow howled.

Fu Changsheng stood atop an ice rock, his green robe fluttering in the wind. He gazed at the deep valley entrance ahead, where a spiritual herb, entirely ice-blue, swayed in the wind and snow—it was the Ice Soul Grass.

"Uncle Yu, how's the setup going?" he asked without turning his head.

The sound of wine gourds clinking came from behind him. Master Yu took a swig of wine and wiped the ice shards from his beard: "It's done! My 'Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation' plus Yao Yao's 'Heavenly Fox Illusion' will guarantee that beast won't leave alive!"

Snowflakes blanketed Fu Yongyao's silver hair, and the phantom images of nine fox tails flickered behind her. She toyed with a jade slip in her hand and whispered, "Father, information about that spirit beast."

Fu Changsheng nodded: "It has just entered the Golden Core stage. Its natal magic weapon is a single horn, and it also possesses a witch treasure called 'Frost Soul Pearl,' which is skilled in high-level ice-type spiritual techniques."

"Three against one, the advantage is in my hands!" Master Yu laughed heartily and took another swig of wine.

Fu Changsheng leaped off the ice rock, the Lotus Lantern hovering beside him: "I'll go lure it out."

The moment he stepped into the Frozen Valley, a bone-chilling cold assaulted his senses. Fu Changsheng activated the Nine Heavens Star Technique, causing a faint starlight to emanate from his body, keeping the cold at bay. With each step he took, he left a clear footprint in the solid ice.

"Roar--!"

A deafening roar echoed from the bottom of the valley, causing the entire icy valley to tremble. Immediately afterward, a massive white shadow tore through the wind and snow, hurtling towards them.

It was a colossal beast, entirely white, resembling a rhinoceros but with six legs, and a single, spiraling horn on its forehead that gleamed with a metallic sheen. Its eyes were crimson, and white vapor spewed from its nostrils, shattering the ice wherever it passed.

"Humans, you're courting death!" the behemoth uttered in human language, a cold light gathering on its single horn.

Fu Changsheng remained calm and activated the first transformation of the Lotus Lantern—nine azure lotuses bloomed, forming a barrier. "Boom!" An ice pillar struck the barrier, causing the azure lotuses to sway slightly, but the barrier itself remained unmoved.

"Is that all you've got?" Fu Changsheng chuckled, deliberately provoking the other party.

The giant beast roared, and its single horn suddenly detached from its forehead, transforming into a long spear radiating cold light! "Whoosh!" The spear pierced through the air, freezing ice crystals wherever it passed.

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted; this was actually its natal magic weapon! He dared not be negligent, and activated the second transformation of the Lotus Lantern—the lantern body lengthened, transforming into a three-foot-long green sword.

"clang!"

Swords and spears clashed, sparks flying. Fu Changsheng felt an immense force surge through him, his hands going numb. This beast's strength was terrifying!
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the behemoth unleashed its first high-level spiritual technique – "Frozen Ten Thousand Miles"! Using its unicorn spear as a guide, countless ice spikes erupted from the ground, surging towards Fu Changsheng like a tidal wave.

"Well done!" Fu Changsheng roared, and the Ancient Origin Thunder Scripture was activated, with a golden lightning bolt bursting from his palm.

"Evil-repelling divine thunder, break!"

The golden lightning collided with the ice tide, unleashing a deafening roar. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Fu Changsheng turned and fled, not forgetting to turn back and mock, "Fool, do you think you can catch me?"

The behemoth was indeed enraged, and it charged forward on all six legs in pursuit. It then unleashed its second high-level spiritual technique—"Frosty Soul Mystic Light"! A beam of eerie blue light shot from its mouth, freezing the air in its path.

Fu Changsheng was prepared; purple divine light burst forth from his body, forming a purple barrier behind him. "Swoosh—" The cold light collided with the purple energy, dissolving into each other.

Just as he was about to be caught, Fu Changsheng suddenly made a sharp turn and rushed towards the pre-set trap area. The giant beast, unsuspecting, gave chase.

"Now!" Fu Changsheng shouted.

Suddenly, countless runes lit up the ground, and nine yellow pillars of light shot into the sky, forming a huge cage—it was Master Yu's "Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation"! At the same time, Fu Yongyao's "Heavenly Fox Illusion" was activated, and nine fox tail phantoms coiled up, confusing the giant beast's mind.

"Despicable!" the giant beast roared, its unicorn spear slashing wildly at the formation, but it could not break through for a time.

Fu Changsheng wouldn't give it a chance. The third transformation of the Lotus Lantern activated—the wick separated, hanging above his head, casting a clear light to heal his minor injuries. At the same time, he fully activated the Nine Heavens Star Technique, the sound of rushing rivers echoing within his body—his blood flowing rapidly through his veins!
"Star Body Refinement, activate!"

His body shone brightly with starlight, and he charged towards the behemoth like a war god. The behemoth hastily responded, unleashing its third high-level spiritual technique—"Mystic Ice Armor"! A thick layer of ice armor covered its entire body.

"boom!"

Fu Changsheng slammed his fist into the ice armor, sending ice shards flying. The giant beast was forced back several steps, utterly astonished: "You, a human, have such a powerful physical body?"

"There's something even more powerful!" Fu Changsheng sneered, the chaotic mark between his brows flashing, a wisp of chaotic energy coiling around his fist as he unleashed another attack.

"Crack!" A crack appeared in the ice armor.

The behemoth finally panicked and unleashed its last trump card—the witch's treasure, the "Frost Soul Pearl"! A dark blue pearl flew out of its mouth, instantly lowering the surrounding temperature to an extremely low level.

"Watch out!" Master Yu shouted from outside the formation, "That's an ancient witch artifact!"

The Frost Soul Pearl shone brightly, and countless ice crystals condensed into sharp blades, slashing towards Fu Changsheng.

Fu Changsheng's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Facing the overwhelming ice blades, he neither dodged nor avoided them, but instead revealed a mysterious smile.

"You beast, let me show you the true magic weapon!"

With a flick of his sleeve, a golden light shot out—it was the "Joyful Zen Staff," the prized treasure of the Joyful Zen Sect! The staff's nine interlocking rings emitted a captivating, clear sound. The sound seemed to pierce the very soul, causing the giant beast's crimson eyes to momentarily dazed.

"jingle--"

The second bell rang, and countless graceful fairy phantoms appeared on the staff, dancing ethereally. The white breath exhaled from the giant beast's nostrils suddenly became erratic, and its six legs involuntarily swayed to the rhythm. It desperately shook its head, but could not escape the seductive music.

"Now!" Fu Changsheng roared, and the Mountain and River Suppressing Clan Cauldron appeared in response!

The ancient bronze cauldron swelled in the wind, its surface gleaming with brilliant golden light as the mountain and river patterns adorned its body. With its mouth facing downwards, it unleashed a vast surge of spiritual energy, like a celestial river hanging upside down, crashing down upon the back of the giant beast.

"Boom!"

The colossal beast's six legs simultaneously sank into the ice, its icy armor shattering inch by inch. It roared in agony, its single-horned spear slashing wildly at the cauldron's light, but all in vain—this was a supreme treasure capable of suppressing the destiny of an entire clan!

Fu Changsheng stood in mid-air, his green robe fluttering in the wind. He formed hand seals, and a chaotic mark shone brightly between his brows. Wisps of chaotic energy were drawn from the Lotus Lantern, transforming into nine chains that bound the giant beast's limbs.

"Yaoyao!"

Fu Yongyao, who had been waiting for a long time, leaped out. Her silver hair danced in the air, and her nine fox tails were fully extended, each hair shimmering with a moonlit glow. As she formed hand seals, an ancient contract array lit up beneath her feet, and intricate runes moved toward the giant beast as if they were alive.

"With my blood, I pledge my soul to you!"

She bit her fingertip, and a drop of her blood fell into the center of the magic circle. The moment the blood drop touched the ground, the entire magic circle burst forth with a dazzling silver light, enveloping the person and the beast within.

The behemoth struggled frantically, the light of the Frost Soul Pearl flickering. Fu Changsheng snorted coldly, and the Lotus Lantern suddenly surged with azure flames, nine chaotic azure lotuses blooming simultaneously!

"town!"

The blue lotuses spun and landed on the giant beast's vital points. With each lotus that landed, the beast's momentum weakened. When the ninth blue lotus pressed down on the base of its single horn, it finally let out a mournful cry and its forelimbs knelt on the ground.

The contract array shone brightly, silver threads coiling around the giant beast's body like a spiderweb. Fu Yongyao's eyes turned pure silver, and the phantom of a nine-tailed celestial fox appeared behind her. She parted her lips slightly and uttered an ancient incantation:

"Heaven is our witness, earth is our testimony; we are bound by blood, we will share life and death!"

As the last word fell, a silver fox tail mark suddenly appeared on the giant beast's forehead. At the same time, a miniature rhinoceros totem appeared on the inside of Fu Yongyao's left wrist.

"It's done!" Master Yu exclaimed excitedly, smashing the wine gourd.

Fu Changsheng remained vigilant, manipulating the Mountain and River Cauldron to slowly rise, ready to suppress it again at any moment. The ferocity in the giant beast's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a glimmer of clarity.

It slowly raised its head, its gaze towards Fu Yongyao carrying a hint of reverence: "Master."

Fu Yongyao smiled slightly and gently stroked the wrinkles on its nose: "From now on, your name is 'Hanxiao'. Come, take me to your cave and see what treasures you've collected."

at the same time.

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

"You have added a Golden Core stage combatant to your family and have been awarded a special lottery draw. Would you like to redeem it?"

(End of this chapter)