Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 511 Three Lottery Draws, Bestowal of Seeds, New Fiefdom

Huizhou Prefecture, Fu Family Secret Hall.

This was a stone chamber deep underground, its walls covered with hidden runes, making even the air seem frozen. Fu Yongrui, dressed in a black robe, sat quietly before the table, his fingertips lightly tapping a jade slip that emitted a faint glow.

The jade slip records the anomalies of the Huiyang County mine over the past decade—miners disappearing, mine tunnels collapsing, spiritual materials being lost… Each item seems ordinary, but when strung together, they reveal a strange pattern.

“Han Ping…” Fu Yongrui murmured the name, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

This mine manager appeared honest and law-abiding, but the spies planted in the secret area noticed that he would go deep into the abandoned mine tunnels alone every now and then, and every time he returned, an accident would occur at the mine.

Even more suspiciously, the mine's accounts showed an extra "repair expenses," a small amount that conveniently concealed the whereabouts of certain materials.

“Interesting.” Fu Yongrui’s lips curled up slightly. He raised his hand and waved it, and a light screen appeared on the table, densely marked with Han Ping’s activity trajectory.

"Three years ago, the mine purchased a batch of black iron to reinforce the array, but less than 70% of it was actually used."

"Two years ago, the East Third Mine tunnel collapsed, burying two miners, one of whom was a member of a collateral branch of the Fu family."

"A year ago, Han Ping left the mine for several days under the pretext of 'visiting the families,' and his whereabouts became unknown."

With a light tap of his fingertip, Fu Yongrui displayed a map on the screen—Han Ping's whereabouts that day had taken a long detour, eventually disappearing into the desolate mountains at the border of Huiyang County and the far west.

“The far west…” Fu Yongrui frowned slightly.

That place is where sects are based, and ordinary cultivators would never go near it.

He hesitated for a moment, then took out a black token from his sleeve and whispered, "Shadow Guard!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

From the shadows, three figures silently emerged, kneeling on one knee.

"Keep a close eye on Han Ping, record his every move, but don't alert him," Fu Yongrui said coldly. "Also, investigate the backgrounds of everyone who has entered or left the mine in the last ten years, especially those who 'died accidentally.'"

"Yes!" The shadow guard accepted the order and disappeared back into the darkness.

Fu Yongrui turned and entered the secret room containing the case files.

The candlelight in the secret room flickered, illuminating Fu Yongrui's cold and stern face. He lightly tapped the mountain of jade slips piled on the table, selected Han Ping's file, and pressed it to his brow. A surge of information flooded his mind:
"Han Ping, originally named Han Sanshi, was a rogue cultivator with the Purple Mansion cultivation level. Thirteen years ago, he married into the Yun family of Jingzhou. Later, due to the decline of the Yun family, he switched allegiance to my Fu family and became the mine manager..."

Fu Yongrui read the records in the file in a low voice, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

On the surface, it appears flawless.

He raised his hand and waved, and Han Ping's portrait appeared on the light screen—a middle-aged man with a simple and honest face and shifty eyes, who looked timid and harmless.

"But how could a cultivator at the Purple Mansion level be content to be a manager in a mine for ten years?"

Fu Yongrui sneered, flicked his finger, and the screen switched to another file—

Thirteen years ago, the entire Li family in Huizhou was massacred overnight, except for the son-in-law Han Ping, who "luckily escaped." He later claimed that it was the work of his enemies, but the murderer has not been found to this day.

"A coincidence?" Fu Yongrui narrowed his eyes. "After the Li family was wiped out, Han Ping immediately sought refuge with my Fu family and happened to be assigned to the mines in Huiyang County..."

He continued flipping through the pages and soon discovered another crucial clue—

"Han Ping traveled to the far west for three years, during which his whereabouts remained a mystery."

“The far west…” Fu Yongrui tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, lost in thought.

Several days later, the shadow guards sent back a secret report.

"Master, Han Ping went to the abandoned mine tunnels again last night, and this time... he brought something with him." The shadow guard handed over a recording stone.

Fu Yongrui scanned the scene with his divine sense and saw Han Ping sneaking out of the mine, seemingly carrying something in his arms, with faint black energy emanating from him.

"This is... the aura of witchcraft?" Fu Yongrui's pupils contracted slightly.

The practice of witchcraft and sorcery was prevalent in the northern border regions.

Although the Fu family now also raises Gu (poisonous insects), Han Ping has never had any opportunity to come into contact with the Gu Hall: "This Han Ping is truly..."

He abruptly stood up, his black robe billowing even without wind: "Keep watching. I need to know his next move."

...

...

Jingzhou Yunshan County.

Fu Changsheng returned to the secret chamber and waved his hand to set up layers of restrictions. As the last isolation array lit up, the entire secret chamber was instantly completely isolated from the outside world.

With a thought, he appeared in the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space.

Sitting cross-legged on the futon, Fu Changsheng closed his eyes and concentrated, the familiar system panel appearing in his mind:

"Redeem for a special lottery draw."

As soon as he had a thought, a yellow light surged on the panel.

Suddenly, a golden wheel appeared in his mind's eye, with twelve sections engraved with different patterns: pills, magic weapons, cultivation techniques, and spirit beasts. The pointer in the very center was flashing with a mysterious light.

"Start the lottery!"

The roulette wheel spun rapidly.

Finally, the pointer slowly stopped on a small silver sword pattern that exuded a sharp sword aura.

"Ding! Lottery draw complete."

As soon as the system notification sounded, Fu Changsheng felt something suddenly appear in his storage bag. He quickly took it out and saw a pure white jade box in his palm. The box was engraved with profound sword patterns, and he could feel the amazing sword intent contained within just by holding it.

"This is."

The moment he opened the jade box, a dazzling silver light shot into the sky! The spiritual energy inside the small wooden house instantly surged, and the Five Elements Space trembled. Floating inside the box was a three-inch-long silver sword blank, its blade as transparent as crystal, with what appeared to be a flowing galaxy within, radiating an extremely pure innate sword energy.

[The Acquired Sword Embryo]

[Rank: Acquired Spiritual Item]

[Characteristics: Can be integrated into a cultivator's golden core to nurture a natal sword pill; sword comprehension increased by 300%; power of all sword techniques doubled]

[Note: This item can only be given to your offspring.]

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly; this was actually an acquired spiritual artifact!
In the cultivation world, acquired spiritual objects are treasures born of heaven and earth, each one incredibly precious. This sword embryo not only enhances sword talent but can also nurture a natal sword pellet, making it a treasure every sword cultivator dreams of.

"This [Acquired Sword Embryo] is quite suitable for Yongxuan."

After Yongxuan formed his core, he repeatedly protected the Fu family and guarded the Chiyang Stone mine in Huiping County for nearly twenty years.

Moreover, among his many offspring, only Yongxuan and Yaoyao possessed the strongest swordsmanship talent, having both reached the Core Formation stage. He himself, however, possessed the Nine-Leaf Sword Mushroom and therefore had no need for this item.

"Two more special prize draw opportunities"

Fu Changsheng carefully put away the [Acquired Sword Embryo], the silver-white jade box still emitting a faint sword hum in his storage bag. He took a deep breath to calm himself, and his gaze returned to the system panel.

"Continue to redeem special prizes."

The golden wheel in his mind reappeared, its twelve regions shimmering with light. With a thought, the wheel began to spin rapidly, the various colors of light intertwining to create a mesmerizing halo.

"stop!"

The pointer finally stopped on a pattern it had never seen before—a crystal-clear jade cicada, its wings as thin as gauze, with iridescent light flowing within it, as if it carried some indescribable, mysterious Taoist charm.

"Ding! Obtained [Hope Gu]"

As soon as the system notification sound ended, Fu Changsheng's palm suddenly felt heavy.

A completely transparent glass cup appeared out of thin air, and inside it lay a jade-colored Gu worm the size of a thumb. This Gu worm was shaped like a silkworm, but it had twelve pairs of transparent wings. Whenever the wings trembled slightly, it would scatter specks of starlight, like fragments of a galaxy drifting away.

[Hope Gu]

[Rank: Ancient Rare Item]

【Characteristics: Can be implanted into a cultivator's Purple Mansion, unleashing potential in dire circumstances; requires a hundred years of nurturing after each use】

[Note: This Gu poison will choose its own master.]

Fu Changsheng stared at the Gu worm, a slight tremor in his heart. He could sense that this [Hope Gu] was not an inanimate object, but rather contained a certain spirituality, as if it were scrutinizing him.

Just as he was pondering, the glass lamp suddenly trembled violently, and the jade cicada-like Gu worm flapped its wings on its own, transforming into a stream of light that shot straight towards his brow!

"Um?"

Fu Changsheng instinctively tried to stop it, but the [Hope Gu] was incredibly fast, disappearing into his dantian in an instant.

In an instant.

A warm and mysterious power spread through his mind.

The Gu worm slowly unfurled its wings deep within his Purple Mansion. Its twelve pairs of transparent, thin wings trembled slightly, and the scattered starlight merged into his sea of ​​consciousness, giving his soul a faint sense of comfort.

Fu Changsheng examined his own body and discovered that the [Hope Gu] had formed a subtle connection with his soul. It was not parasitic, but rather like some kind of symbiotic entity, quietly lying dormant, waiting for a certain opportunity to arrive.

"It has chosen its own master..." Fu Changsheng murmured, "It seems this creature has already chosen me as its master."

He tried to touch the [Hope Gu] with his divine sense, but only felt a vague response, as if it was still asleep and would only awaken in a truly desperate situation.

"Interesting." Fu Changsheng's lips curled into a slight smile. "I'm looking forward to the moment it truly comes into play."

He composed himself.

My thoughts landed on the panel of my consciousness:
"Redeem your prize for the final special draw."

When the golden roulette wheel stops spinning for the third time.

Suddenly, a seven-colored glow appeared on the panel, along with countless phantom images of delicacies. There was the exotic fragrance of dragon liver and phoenix marrow, the rich aroma of fine wine, and many other mysterious spiritual materials that were difficult to describe.

"Ding! Obtained [Heavenly Chef Technique Seed]"

A golden-red seed shaped like a peach landed in Fu Changsheng's palm.

The seeds have naturally formed patterns resembling a gluttonous beast on their surface, with a broth formed from condensed spiritual energy flowing within each pattern. Most remarkably, the seeds pulsate slightly with the rhythm of breathing, as if they possess life.

[Heavenly Chef's Recipe]

[Rank: Immortal Cuisine Origin]

【characteristic:
1. Only those with Golden Core stage cultivation can withstand it.

2. It can allow the recipient to evolve into a "Heavenly Chef Dao Body".

3. Inheriting the legacy of "Nine-Turned Exquisite Cuisine"

[Note: This offer is only valid for holders of the Myriad Food Spirit Body.]

Fu Changsheng was stunned for a moment, then his face lit up with joy: "This magic seed is practically tailor-made for Fu Ge'er!"

Fu Ge'er, a seemingly simple-minded child, treated the kitchen like his own private sanctuary from a young age, dedicating years to researching spiritual cuisine without cultivating. Later, through skillful manipulation and enhancement of his spiritual root, he developed the Myriad Cuisine Spiritual Body, though his cultivation level remains at the Purple Mansion stage.

"We can only wait until Fu Ge'er reaches the Core Formation stage. Right now, we have enough contribution points to add to Yongxing's."

Fu Changsheng's thoughts landed on the [Offspring Spiritual Root Aptitude Improvement] option on the consciousness panel:
"Improve Fu Yongxing's spiritual root aptitude"

hum!
The panel vibrated.

After consuming 5,000 family contribution points.

A line of text appears:

Fu Yongxing: Spiritual Root Aptitude (100/100)

Followed by.

The family contribution value on the panel has been changed to 5,000.

"I wonder if Yongxing has given birth to a spirit body made of bone?"

Fu Changsheng still had some expectations. In addition, according to news from his clan, the imperial decree conferring new fiefdoms would arrive soon, and he should return to Huizhou Prefecture.

...

...

Huizhou Prefecture · Xuanyu Iron Seclusion Room

The heavy, dark jade iron gate was tightly shut, and the secret chamber was filled with spiritual energy, like mist and tide. Fu Yongxing sat cross-legged on the cold jade futon in the center, his body surrounded by spiritual light, and a purple mansion spiritual pattern was faintly visible between his brows, a sign that he had just broken through to the purple mansion realm.

He had a handsome face and a sharp air about him. Although he closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, there was still a faint, arrogant smile on his lips.

"With the Purple Mansion complete, the path to the Golden Core is just around the corner."

He silently chanted in his heart, and the spiritual power within his body surged like a river, circulating along his meridians and continuously consolidating the newly opened Purple Mansion space.

However, at this moment——

"Buzz!"

In the void, a mysterious and unpredictable power descended silently, as if favored by the heavens or bestowed upon him by destiny, merging into his body without warning.

"Um?!"

Fu Yongxing suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils contracting sharply.

He felt a sudden tremor in his bones, followed by a strange burning sensation, as if thousands of runes were being imprinted deep within them. Then, an unprecedented spiritual energy burst forth from within him, and his bones faintly gleamed with a metallic luster, neither gold nor jade, exuding a profound and mysterious essence of the Dao of Artifacts.

"This is... a [Spirit Body of Artifacts and Bones]?!"

He was startled, then overjoyed.

The Spiritual Body of Artifact Refining is the ultimate talent in the art of artifact refining! Those who possess this spiritual body can refine artifacts with ease, and can even use their own bones as the embryo to nurture their natal magic weapon!
"Hahaha! God help me too!"

Fu Yongxing laughed loudly, stood up proudly, and with a wave of his sleeve, the spiritual mist in the secret room was instantly dispersed. He raised his hand and grasped, and a flying sword he always carried instantly fell into his palm. The sword felt an unprecedented sense of harmony with him, as if the sword was him and he was the sword!

"With such a spiritual body, what is there to worry about in not being able to forge a weapon!"

His eyes flashed like lightning, and a surge of heroic spirit welled up within him.

Fu Yongxing couldn't wait to go to the House of Earthly Fire, intending to forge a second-tier flying sword and see how effective it would be.

...

...

Inside the Fire Chamber, scorching magma surged and rolled under the restraint of the array, turning the entire stone chamber a fiery red. Fu Yongxing stood before the refining platform, his fingertips lightly tapping, and a wisp of pure spiritual energy flowed into the Fire Chamber array.

"boom--"

Crimson flames suddenly surged up, transforming into a fire dragon that coiled beneath the furnace. With a flick of his sleeve, several pieces of black iron ore flew into the furnace, gradually softening under the high temperature.

"Feast!"

Fu Yongxing let out a low shout, and suddenly pale golden patterns appeared on the bones of his arms. These patterns spread to his fingertips as if they were alive, actually outlining refining runes in the void. The runes that originally required mental effort to inscribe now flowed out naturally as if breathing.

Guided by runes, the molten iron sculpted itself, gradually solidifying into the prototype of a three-foot-long sword. Even more astonishingly, the impurities within the sword embryo were refined layer by layer by the golden light emanating from its bones, achieving a purity more than 30% higher than that obtained using traditional methods!
"Zheng——"

As the formed flying sword emerged from the furnace, its clear, melodious cry was like that of a phoenix. The entire blade gleamed with a deep blue luster, and fine golden magical runes were faintly visible along the edge—clearly a sign that it was almost a magical weapon!
"A second-tier top-grade item?!" Fu Yongxing was stunned.

What would take an ordinary weapon refiner over a month to complete, he accomplished in just a few days, and the quality far exceeded expectations.

He suddenly remembered something, and a drop of blood seeped from his fingertip and flicked onto the sword. The moment the blood touched the blade, the golden patterns deep within his bones suddenly shone brightly, and the flying sword circled him three times as if it were his own arm, finally hovering obediently in his palm.

"As expected, it can directly recognize its master!" Fu Yongxing's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "The spirit body of the artifact bones is terrifying!"

Strike while the iron is hot!

The blazing fire illuminated the boy's focused eyes.

Fu Yongxing made a hand seal, and a wisp of spiritual fire coiled around the sword embryo floating in mid-air. The sword was crimson, with faint dragon patterns appearing on its surface. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes—the second second-tier flying sword was about to be completed.

Just then, the jade talisman at his waist trembled slightly.

"Xing'er, come to the secret room to see me."

His father's voice was calm as still water, yet it made Fu Yongxing's fingertips tremble.

"Zheng——!"

The sword blank went out of control and fell into the quenching pool, splashing sparks everywhere.

—His father actually took the initiative to summon him?

Since he began cultivating, he has been in seclusion almost year-round. Moreover, in order to protect him, the clan has rarely allowed him to come into contact with the outside world. He also has very few opportunities to see his father, Fu Changsheng, because his father is almost always in seclusion.

However, since his birth, his father had gifted him a near-fourth-tier Black Scale Python as his guardian spirit beast, so he could still sense his father's love for him.

"I wonder why my father has summoned me?"

The last time we met was when our family was promoted to the sixth rank.

Fu Yongxing slowly exhaled, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart.

“Xuanbo,” he called softly.

The black-scaled python coiled on the beam opened its scarlet vertical pupils.

"You stay here and guard the cave. I'll go see my father and then come back." Fu Yongxing raised his hand to brush away the iron filings on his clothes and subconsciously tidied the stray hairs at his temples.

The mirror reflected the boy's handsome face, his brows carrying a hint of arrogance, yet softened by the trepidation of meeting his father.

He took a deep breath and pushed open the door to go out.
-
Before the patriarch's secret chamber, the gilded door knocker, adorned with the Yazi beast head, exhaled cold mist.

As soon as Fu Yongxing raised his hand, the stone door opened silently. The room was dimly lit, with only nine ancient bronze lamps suspended in mid-air, illuminating the figure sitting behind the jade table.

"Father." He clasped his hands in a salute, his voice steady, but his fingers curled slightly inside his sleeve.

Fu Changsheng raised his eyes, his gaze as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.

"sit."

The tea on the table was steaming, with three jade-like leaves floating in the tea soup—the very same kind of tea that Fu Yongxing had asked the black python to bring to him when he was building his foundation.

He felt a slight tremor in his heart, but sat down without showing any emotion.

"Is the Purple Mansion stable?" Fu Changsheng asked.

"The seventy-two-zhang-long Spirit Ruins have been opened up," Fu Yongxing replied, but his gaze was unconsciously drawn to his father's left hand—there, a ball of silver light was held, and within the halo, it seemed that thousands of weapons were floating and sinking.

With just one glance, he felt a sharp, tingling pain throughout his bones, as if countless tiny weapons were clanging within him.

Fu Changsheng smiled slightly and suddenly opened his palm.

"Shh-!"

The silver light surged, and all the restrictive runes in the secret chamber lit up simultaneously!

A magic seed, engraved with the ancient seal script "Hundred Refinements of the Soul of Soldiers," spun in mid-air, each rotation producing a metallic clang. Fu Yongxing's entire body resonated, emitting a clear, resonant echo like a dragon's roar, even causing the teacup on the table to tremble.

"A spirit body made of artifact bones, indeed destined for it." Fu Changsheng chuckled, then pointed his fingers like a sword and struck Fu Yongxing's brow!
"Bear with it!"

"boom--!"

The moment the seed of Dharma entered his body, silver flames burst forth from Fu Yongxing's seven orifices!
The scene before my eyes shattered with a deafening roar—

He saw the ancient artifact wield its hammer, smashing stars with a single blow;
He saw countless sleeping weapon spirits paying homage to him in the Tomb of Ten Thousand Swords;
He saw the "Hundred Refinements of Heavenly Craftsmanship Manual" pouring into his sea of ​​consciousness like a celestial river flowing backward!
It felt as if his bones were being reforged in a furnace, the pain was intense, yet it was also accompanied by a feeling of exhilarating transformation!
"boom!"

He knelt on one knee, his right hand unconsciously pressing on the floor tiles.

"Click——"

Five finger marks were actually pressed into the hard, iron-like fourth-order basalt!
What flowed between their fingers was no longer flesh and blood, but a strange substance resembling liquid metal.

Fu Changsheng flicked his sleeve, dispersing the silvery light filling the room, and said calmly, "How do you feel?"

Fu Yongxing looked down at his hands, which were gradually regaining their original color, his eyes filled with undisguised shock.

He glanced at the ordinary dagger on the table—

At this moment, he could see seven forging flaws in the dagger!
Even more astonishingly, when he stared at it for more than three breaths, his mind automatically deduced three improvement plans!

“Father…” His voice was slightly hoarse, and the mask of his usual composure finally cracked, revealing the burning, innocent heart beneath, “I can see… the spirit of the weapon!”

Fu Changsheng laughed loudly, and something flew out of his sleeve.

"Try this again."

It was a piece of unrefined black iron ore, with dirt still clinging to its surface.

Fu Yongxing instinctively caught it, and silver light flowed in his palm as the ore melted and reformed like wax!
As the light faded, a dagger lay quietly in his palm—exactly the same as the one on the table!

"A single thought can create a vessel..." he murmured to himself, his heart filled with indescribable shock. "My child, I will certainly not fail this seed of Dharma!"

Fu Changsheng looked at Fu Yongxing kneeling on the ground, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. He raised his hand to help him up, and a gentle force lifted Fu Yongxing up.

"Get up," Fu Changsheng said gently. "This [Hundred Refinements of Weapon Soul Seed] complements your weapon-boned spirit body, containing the entire 'Hundred Refinements of Heavenly Craftsmanship Manual,' and also possesses the ability to sense weapon souls. Calmly study and comprehend it; given time, you will surely become a grandmaster of weapon refining."

As he spoke, he took out a jade slip from his sleeve and handed it to Fu Yongxing: "This contains my insights into weapon crafting collected over the years. You can take it for reference."

Fu Yongxing took it with both hands, scanned it with his divine sense, and immediately showed a look of surprise: "This...this is the refining technique of 'Nine Netherworld Iron'?"

Fu Changsheng smiled without saying a word, then took a brocade pouch from his waist: "This contains some refining materials that I obtained in my early years. They are of little use to me now, so you can use them to practice."

Fu Yongxing took the brocade pouch and probed it with his divine sense, immediately gasping in astonishment. The pouch was spacious, filled with various rare ores and spiritual materials, including many second- and third-tier items.

“Father, these are too precious,” Fu Yongxing said, his voice trembling slightly.

Fu Changsheng waved his hand: "Since you've chosen the path of weapon crafting, these materials will only reach their full value in your hands. However..."

His tone shifted, and his expression became serious: "Weapon crafting is important, but cultivation is fundamental. Now that you've entered the Purple Mansion realm, your goal should be Core Formation. You must make good use of these resources and not put the cart before the horse."

Fu Yongxing solemnly replied, "Your son will remember your teachings, Father."

Fu Changsheng nodded in satisfaction, then took out an ancient token from his pocket. The token was engraved with the words "Tiangong" and exuded an aura of vicissitudes.

"This is the 'Heavenly Crafting Token,' which grants access to the family's secret 'Heavenly Crafting Pavilion.' It houses refining manuals collected by generations of family members, as well as some special refining furnaces. With this token, you can freely enter and exit without time or number of visits."

Fu Yongxing took the token and felt a warm, gentle force coming from his palm.

"Thank you, Father!" He solemnly put the token into his pocket.

"Alright, go ahead." Fu Changsheng waved his hand. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask your brother Yongjing."

Fu Yongxing bowed and slowly left the secret room.

Returning to the stone chamber where he had secluded himself, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.

"Xuanbo!" he called softly.

The black-scaled python emerged from the shadows, its scarlet vertical pupils fixed on him.

"I'm going into seclusion for a while, and no one is allowed to disturb me," Fu Yongxing said in a deep voice.

"Roar." The black python nodded, then transformed into a black shadow and coiled up at the entrance of the cave.

Fu Yongxing returned to the House of Earthly Fire, sat cross-legged, and took out the jade slip and brocade pouch given to him by his father.

"Let's take a look at this 'Hundred Refinements of Heavenly Craftsmanship Manual' first..."

He closed his eyes and concentrated, his consciousness sinking into his sea of ​​consciousness.

In an instant, countless weapon-refining methods and weapon pattern diagrams surged in like a tide. His consciousness seemed to be in a huge weapon-refining workshop, with all kinds of magical treasure embryos floating around him, each exuding a unique aura.

"So the art of weapon crafting has so many variations!"

He absorbed this knowledge with great eagerness, and the spiritual body within his body resonated continuously, making the golden patterns on his bones increasingly clear.

Time flies, and several days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Fu Yongxing opened his eyes, a glint of silver light flashing in them.

"It's time to try out new weapon-refining techniques."

He took out a piece of "Crimson Flame Crystal" from the brocade pouch. This was a third-tier fire-attribute spiritual material, usually used to refine fire-type spiritual artifacts.

According to the records in "The Hundred Refinements of Heavenly Craftsmanship", he formed a hand seal, and the spiritual power in his body flowed along the golden patterns on his bones, eventually converging at his fingertips.

"Congeal!"

With a soft shout, the Crimson Flame Crystal floated in the air and gradually melted under the guidance of his spiritual power, turning into a ball of crimson liquid.

With a thought, Fu Yongxing caused the liquid to begin to shape itself, and the outline of a short sword gradually took shape.

"The artifact's patterns have appeared!"

With a light tap of his fingertips, intricate patterns appeared out of thin air, imprinting themselves onto the short sword. The sword instantly shone brightly, and a scorching aura emanated from it.

"It's done!"

The short sword landed in his palm, its blade crimson like blood, with flames faintly flickering at the edge. It was actually a low-grade, third-tier fire-attribute flying sword!
Fu Yongxing was thrilled. In just a few months, his weapon-refining skills had made a qualitative leap.

...

...

the other side.

Inside the patriarch's residence.

No sooner had Fu Yongxing left than Fu Yongrui eagerly requested a meeting.

"Father, I have something important to report."

"Come in," Fu Changsheng said, looking somewhat tired. However, since Fu Yongrui had taken the initiative to request an audience, the matter was probably quite serious.

Fu Yongrui entered and saw that Fu Changsheng's aura was even more unfathomable than before. He was initially delighted, but then said in a deep voice, "Father, Han Ping, the manager of the Huiyang County mine, is very likely a Golden Core cultivator in disguise, and is secretly cultivating witchcraft with malicious intent."

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened: "Evidence?"

Fu Yongrui handed over the photographic stone and a secret report: "This man's whereabouts are elusive, but I have discovered that he has been to the far west, and the recent 'accidents' at the mine are all related to him. Most importantly..."

He paused, his voice icy: "I suspect he was sent by the Joyful Sect, and based on our intelligence network in the far west, this person is very likely—Mo Huaiyuan."

Fu Changsheng took the secret report, scanned it with his divine sense, and a murderous intent flashed in his eyes: "He... is he coming for me?"

Fu Yongrui nodded: "Father's condensation of a first-grade golden core makes him an excellent vessel for demonic cultivators to possess. Mo Huaiyuan's lifespan is nearing its end, and he is skilled in concealment, having lurked in the mines for many years. After much thought, I believe this thief is most likely waiting for an opportunity to get close to Father, and in a few days, that will be the day our investiture document is issued."

Fu Changsheng sneered, "That's quite a scheme."

He looked at Fu Yongrui, his tone softening: "You handled this matter very well. Let's not alert them yet; I have my own plans."

Fu Yongrui bowed his head: "Yes."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Yongrui, you've already made some progress in cultivating the 'Shadow Scripture,' have you encountered any bottlenecks?"

Fu Yongrui was taken aback, then replied truthfully, "I've been stuck at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm for a long time."

Fu Changsheng smiled slightly, flipped his hand, and took out a jet-black spiritual pill: "This is called the 'Netherworld Essence Pill,' which is of the dark attribute and can help you break through your bottleneck."

Fu Yongrui accepted the elixir, sensing the immense dark spiritual power within it. A flicker of emotion flashed in his eyes: "Thank you, Father."

Fu Changsheng patted him on the shoulder: "Go on, keep an eye on Mo Huaiyuan, and report back immediately if there are any unusual movements."

Fu Yongrui solemnly agreed and turned to leave.

In the secret chamber, Fu Changsheng's gaze was deep as he muttered to himself, "The Joyful Sect... they really are a persistent ghost."

...

...

Deep inside the mine, Mo Huaiyuan sat cross-legged in a stone chamber, his fingertips stroking the blood-red jade slip, his expression shifting between light and dark.

The latest news from the jade slip plunged him into an icy abyss—

"Master Xuanyang will personally come to Huizhou Prefecture to preside over the ceremony for the conferment of fiefdoms to the Fu family."

"An old monster at the False Infant Realm..." Mo Huaiyuan gritted his teeth, his knuckles turning white.

Although he was confident in his mid-stage Golden Core cultivation, he had no chance of escaping in front of True Person Xuan Yang. What was even more troublesome was that with the Prefect of the World-Suppressing Bureau personally present, the Fu family would surely be heavily guarded, making it impossible for him to use his carefully arranged Devouring Yuan Gu Formation.

"Damn it!" He slammed his hand down on the stone table beside him, sending shards of stone flying.

But he quickly calmed down, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

"After the investiture ceremony, the Fu family will surely hold a celebration banquet..." he muttered to himself, "At that time, True Person Xuan Yang will definitely not stay long, and when the Fu family members lower their guard—"

He suddenly looked up, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
-
Late at night, Mo Huaiyuan quietly sneaked into a natural cave deep within the mine. The cave was cold and damp, with moss that emitted a faint glow crawling on the stone walls, and an intricate blood-red array carved on the ground.

The twelve miners' corpses were arranged in a circle. The tops of the skulls of each corpses had been cut open, and the brains had been removed and replaced with a pitch-black Gu egg.

"Using the brains of mortals as a vessel, nurturing the heart-devouring Gu..." Mo Huaiyuan murmured the incantation, flicking a drop of essence blood from his fingertip, which fell into the center of the formation.

"Buzz——"

The formation suddenly lit up, and the twelve corpses convulsed simultaneously. The Gu eggs expanded at a visible speed, and a hideous human face appeared on their surface.

Mo Huaiyuan took out three Soul-Destroying Needles and pierced the hearts of the three corpses respectively.

...

...

a few days later.

Huizhou Prefecture.

On the bell tower of the Demon-Controlling City, the bronze bell suddenly rang without wind, its deep sound piercing the clouds and startling birds all over the mountain.

"Boom-thump-thump-"

Three chimes were the highest form of ceremony for welcoming imperial envoys.

Fu Changsheng wore a dark blue robe, the head of the family, with seven ancient copper coins adorning his jade belt—the very "Seven Stars Town Fortune Coins" left behind by the old patriarch. He stood with his hands behind his back in front of the archway, with the core members of the Fu family standing solemnly on either side behind him.

"Patriarch." Fu Molan walked over quickly and said in a low voice, "Master Xuanyang has already passed Yunlai Mountain and will arrive in half an hour."

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the clansmen behind him. Liu Meizhen, dressed in formal attire, stood at the very front, a blue phoenix hairpin adorning her hair gleaming in the morning light; Fu Yongning, holding a wooden flying squirrel, stood beside his mother, looking around curiously; Fu Yongpeng, Fu Yongjing, and other members of the clan were all dressed in formal attire, their expressions solemn.

After a while.

Auspicious clouds surged across the sky, and nine red-crowned cranes pulled a jade chariot through the clouds. There were no guards around the chariot, only the Xuan Yang Zhenren, dressed in a plain robe, sitting upright inside, holding a whisk, exuding an air of otherworldly grace.

"coming."

Fu Changsheng straightened his clothes, led his clansmen forward three steps, and bowed respectfully: "Welcome, Supervisor!"

Master Xuanyang landed gracefully, lightly sweeping his whisk, and a gentle force lifted everyone up: "Young friend Fu, no need for such formalities." His gaze lingered on Fu Changsheng, then he suddenly uttered a soft "Eh?": "Second level of Golden Core?"

Upon hearing this, the stewards who followed Master Xuanyang were all astonished.

It has only been seven years since Fu Changsheng formed his Golden Core. While others are barely able to consolidate their realm, Fu Changsheng has already broken through to the second level of the Golden Core stage.
Such a speed of cultivation is simply unheard of!

Master Xuan Yang stroked his beard and laughed: "Good! Good! A first-grade Golden Core is rare enough, but to cultivate at such an astonishing speed is truly a gift from heaven!" He patted Fu Changsheng on the shoulder, his eyes full of admiration: "Back then, it took me a full thirty-eight years to go from the first to the second level of the Golden Core."

Fu Changsheng humbly replied, "This junior has been fortunate enough to have some opportunities, and dares not accept such praise from you, sir."

Master Xuanyang laughed loudly: "Excessive modesty is hypocrisy!" As he spoke, he took out a scroll of purple-gold documents from his sleeve. "I have come here in person today for two reasons. First, to deliver the investiture document for Yulin Prefecture. Second..." He lowered his voice, "I wanted to ask if you still intend to run for the position of Imperial Inspector?"

Fu Changsheng accepted the document with both hands, and a quick scan with his divine sense confirmed its accuracy. Upon hearing the second half of the sentence, he hesitated briefly before frankly saying, "This junior does indeed have this intention, but..."

"Are you worried about the fierce competition?" Master Xuan Yang flicked his whisk. "Come with me for a walk."

The two walked slowly along the bluestone path of the Fu family's ancestral land. Xuan Yang Zhenren said as they walked, "The selection of patrol envoys has always been the best of the best. However..." He suddenly stopped and pointed to a seedling by the roadside, "Look at this spirit tea tree. If it is only watered with spirit spring water, it will only grow a foot tall in a hundred years; but if it is tempered by thunder, it can mature ahead of time."

Fu Changsheng seemed to be deep in thought: "What does Your Excellency mean?"

"Pressure is opportunity." Master Xuan Yang's eyes shone brightly. "Among the top-tier missions the imperial court is undertaking, one is to explore the entrance to the 'Xuanming Secret Realm' in the northern frontier. Although dangerous, the rewards are sure to be astonishing... It is said that those who complete this top-tier mission will be qualified to enter the royal treasury to select a treasure."

Seeing Fu Changsheng's eyes flicker slightly, the old man winked slyly: "It is said that there is a Chaos Stone from outer space in the vault."

These words finally made Fu Changsheng's expression change.

For ordinary cultivators, Chaos Stones might just be materials for refining weapons, but for him, who possesses a Chaos Dao Foundation, they are nothing short of priceless treasures!

Fu Changsheng took a deep breath and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will accept this task."

"Yes, very good."

Master Xuan Yang lightly flicked his whisk and continued walking slowly along the bluestone path, his voice leisurely: "This task has a generous time limit; it can be completed within ten years. Even if you fail, you will only miss this year's selection of the Imperial Guardians; there will be no further punishment."

Fu Changsheng's eyes flickered slightly, keenly sensing the key point: "Does Your Excellency mean that this task... will not be accepted by just one person?"

Master Xuanyang chuckled and nodded: "Indeed. The imperial court has issued three task jade slips, each kept by the supervisors of the Zhenshi Division in Wuzhou, Qingzhou, and Yunzhou respectively. Whoever completes them first will secure the position of Imperial Inspector." He glanced at Fu Changsheng, adding meaningfully, "Although there is ample time, it's first come, first served."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then asked, "Who has the other two jade slips?"

Master Xuanyang did not hide anything: "Yu Xiaozi of Qingzhou, Tuoba Xiong of Yunzhou."

Fu Changsheng was familiar with these two names.

Yu Xiaozi is the number one sword cultivator in Qingzhou, with a cultivation level of the fourth level of the Golden Core stage. He once cleaved through the gate of the Demon Sect with a single sword strike, earning him a fearsome reputation. Tuoba Xiong is a direct descendant of a powerful clan in Yunzhou. He possesses innate divine strength and has cultivated a domineering body technique. It is rumored that he once tore apart a Golden Core demon beast with his bare hands.

They're all tough opponents.

Seeing him deep in thought, Master Xuan Yang added, "However, you also have an advantage—you are a first-grade Golden Core cultivator with incomparably profound magical power, something the other two are far inferior to."

Fu Changsheng understood and cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

Master Xuanyang waved his hand: "There's no need for formalities between us." He looked up at the sky, "Once you've thought it through, bring this jade talisman to the Zhenshi Division. Someone will then open the teleportation array to the Northern Frontier for you." As he spoke, he handed over a dark blue jade slip, its surface engraved with intricate cloud patterns, faintly exuding an ancient aura.

Fu Changsheng accepted the jade talisman and said, "This junior will certainly do my utmost."

After a few more words of conversation, Master Xuanyang drifted away, riding a crane and disappearing into the sky in an instant.

Fu Changsheng stood still, holding the jade slip in his hand, his gaze deep.

A ten-year timeframe may seem ample, but it is actually quite tight.

Yu Xiaozi and Tuoba Xiong are no ordinary people. If they get there first, the Chaos Stone will have no chance.

"It seems... we need to set off as soon as possible."

but.

before this.

He needs to get rid of Mo Huaiyuan, this potential threat!
Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back under the eaves of the ancestral hall, gazing in the direction where Xuan Yang Zhenren had disappeared, a cold smile playing on his lips. He lightly touched the jade pendant at his waist, and a secret telepathic message was sent to Fu Yongrui's ear:

"Tonight's celebration banquet will mark the end of our operation."

(End of this chapter)