Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 513 Special Lottery, Accountability, Third-Grade Golden Core
Inside the Thunder Spirit Cave of Demon Suppression Pass, Fu Changlei sat cross-legged on a jade platform struck by lightning, surrounded by fine purple electric sparks. The stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling flashed with lightning from time to time, illuminating the entire cave in an intermittent light.

"The Nine Heavens Starry Sky Technique has circulated for thirty-six cycles, and the spiritual energy in my dantian has reached its peak."

Fu Changlei opened his eyes, and lightning patterns flashed briefly in his pupils. He took out the sandalwood box given to him by Commander Chi, inside which the Purple Cloud Thunder Spirit Fruit emitted a heart-palpitating aura.

"The time has come."

Fu Changlei took a deep breath and put the Thunder Spirit Fruit into his mouth.

The fruit melted instantly in his mouth, transforming into a violent torrent of lightning that surged into his meridians. He groaned, and his body was instantly covered with spiderweb-like purple lightning patterns. Every strand of his hair stood on end, and every inch of his flesh crackled and popped under the tempering of the lightning.

"Condensation!"

Fu Changlei formed a hand seal, and the liquid spiritual energy in his dantian began to rotate rapidly.

The immense energy provided by the Thunder Spirit Fruit propelled the spiritual power to continuously compress and solidify, forming a tiny vortex in the center of the Purple Mansion.

At the center of the spiritual energy vortex.

A nascent golden core, the size of a grain of rice, is forming. With each rotation, a large amount of spiritual energy is absorbed into it, and the golden core grows stronger accordingly.

Above the head.

A massive vortex of spiritual energy slowly took shape. Initially, it was only a few feet in size, but as the Nine Heavens Star Technique was activated, the vortex began to frantically devour the spiritual energy between heaven and earth, and its range expanded rapidly!
"Rumble--"

The spiritual energy within the entire Demon Suppression Pass began to surge violently, transforming into countless visible streams of spiritual energy that flowed into the Thunder Spirit Cave Heaven like rivers flowing into the sea!
"what happened?!"

"Spiritual energy... spiritual energy is rapidly disappearing!"

"Someone is forming their Core Formation! It's Captain Fu!"

Inside the Demon Suppression Pass, countless cultivators looked up in shock. In the sky, a huge vortex of spiritual energy swirled like a tornado, with a diameter of a thousand feet, almost covering the entire pass!

"This...this Core Formation phenomenon is too exaggerated!"

"When an ordinary Golden Core cultivator forms their core, they can at most draw upon the spiritual energy within a radius of a hundred miles. But Captain Fu's vortex of spiritual energy has already swept across the entire Demon Suppression Pass!"

"A fifth-grade Golden Core... no, it might even be a fourth-grade one!"

Commander Chi stood outside the cave, his eyes gleaming, a smile playing on his lips: "Good lad, you certainly didn't disappoint me!"

Meanwhile, Li Wanhu, in the distance, had a grim expression, his fist clenched tightly in his sleeve, his nails almost digging into his palm: "Damn it... he can actually condense a mid-grade Golden Core?!"

-

Within the cave, Fu Changlei's spiritual energy had been compressed to its limit!
At the center of the spiritual energy vortex, the rice-grain-sized golden core had now expanded to the size of a pigeon egg, its entire body a purplish-gold color, with three mysterious lightning patterns appearing on its surface, and the faint sound of a dragon's roar echoing around it!
"Third-grade Golden Elixir, successful!"

Fu Changlei suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils exploding with lightning!

However, the moment his golden core was formed, a strange power suddenly descended, and his consciousness was instantly pulled into a state of chaos.

……

Fu Changlei suddenly found himself standing in front of a familiar mansion—the ancestral home of the Fu family in Wuzhou.

The mansion gates were wide open, and the courtyard was silent, filled with a strong stench of blood.

His heart tightened, and he strode in, only to find corpses scattered all over the ground, their blood staining the bluestone floor.

“What… is going on?!”

His pupils contracted sharply as his gaze swept over the corpses, which turned out to be members of the Fu family!

“Uncle Changlei…” a weak voice came.

He turned his head abruptly and saw Fu Qingyun kneeling on the ground, a long sword piercing his chest, blood gushing out.

"Qingyun!" Fu Changlei rushed forward, supporting him, his voice trembling, "Who did this?!"

Fu Qingyun gave a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with despair: "It's...you."

"What?!" Fu Changlei was struck dumb.

"It was you... who betrayed the Fu family..." Fu Qingyun's voice grew weaker and weaker, "You... were already... Li Wanhu's man..."

"Nonsense!" Fu Changlei roared, but the next moment, he suddenly realized that his hand was actually holding the long sword that had pierced Fu Qingyun!

"No...impossible!" He suddenly let go and staggered backward.

"Chang Lei, you have disappointed me greatly." A cold voice came from behind.

Fu Changlei trembled and slowly turned around—Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, looking at him with icy eyes.

"Brother...I..."

"You've forgotten the oath of the Heart-to-Heart Gu." Fu Changsheng slowly raised his hand, a blood-red Gu worm appearing in his palm. "Traitor, your cultivation will all belong to me, and you—your soul will be scattered!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Fu Changlei's spiritual energy suddenly surged violently, as if it were being frantically drawn away by some force. His golden core began to crack, and his cultivation level plummeted!
"No! I did not betray you!" Fu Changlei roared, but his voice sounded so powerless.

……

Outside the blessed land, Commander Chi stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the increasingly violent thunderclouds in the sky, his brows furrowed slightly: "The Golden Core Tribulation is about to begin, but why is Fu Changlei's aura suddenly disordered?"

Not far away, Li Wanhu stood on a tall building, a faint smile playing on his lips, muttering to himself, "It seems... the tribulation of inner demons won't be easy to overcome."

He couldn't wait for Fu Changlei to fail his tribulation and die!

-

Heart Demon Realm

Fu Changlei knelt on the ground, his golden core almost completely shattered, but just as he was about to collapse, he suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with lightning!
"It's fake...it's all fake!"

He roared, and the Nine Heavens Star Technique within his body began to operate wildly. In his Purple Mansion, the golden core that was about to shatter suddenly burst forth with dazzling lightning!
"I, Fu Changlei, have lived a life of integrity and have no regrets!"

"My elder brother trusts me, my people trust me, I—will never betray you!"

"A mere inner demon dares to disturb my Dao heart?!"

boom--!
The illusion shattered with a crash!

Inside the blessed land, Fu Changlei suddenly opened his eyes, and lightning shot into the sky from his body!

"Boom--!"

Thunderclouds rolled across the sky!
Commander Chi's eyes lit up: "We made it through!"

Li Wanhu's face darkened: "Damn it!"

Above the Demon Suppression Pass, dark clouds suddenly gathered, lightning flashed like dragons and snakes, and a terrifying pressure descended, as if the heavens were enraged!
"Golden Core Tribulation!"

"Retreat quickly! The tribulation lightning is about to descend!"

Countless cultivators retreated hastily, fearing they would be caught in the lightning tribulation.

Fu Changlei, inside the cave, slowly stood up, looked up at the sky, and his eyes were filled with fighting spirit!
"bring it on!"

-

A bolt of purple lightning, as thick as a bucket, tore through the sky and struck straight down!

Fu Changlei neither dodged nor evaded, but threw a punch that shattered the power of thunder, turning it into countless tiny electric snakes that were absorbed by the pores of his body!

"Temper your body with lightning tribulation!"

"Hiss... He actually used his physical body to withstand the lightning tribulation?!"

"A madman! He's absolutely insane!"

The onlookers gasped in astonishment.

Fu Changlei, however, grew stronger with each battle. The second and third lightning tribulations struck one after another, and he withstood them all with his bare body, even using the power of the lightning to refine his golden core!
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Each lightning tribulation was more ferocious than the last. Fu Changlei's physical body was constantly cracking and then rapidly healing in the lightning, and his aura became stronger and stronger!
When the seventh lightning tribulation struck, his physical body was completely enveloped by the lightning, and he transformed into a human-shaped bolt of lightning, standing firm!
"Only two more dishes left!"

Commander Chi's gaze turned solemn: "The last two lightning tribulations are the real test of life and death!"

A cold glint flashed in Li Wanhu's eyes, and he thought to himself, "It would be best to just kill him outright..."

-

The eighth tribulation lightning strike has arrived!

This one was no longer just a bolt of lightning, but a thunder dragon formed from pure tribulation power, roaring as it swooped down!

Fu Changlei finally stopped being arrogant, formed hand seals, and his golden core circulated wildly within his body, with nine illusory star images appearing around him!

"Nine Heavens Stars, protect my true form!"

"boom--!"

The thunder dragon crashed into the star barrier, unleashing a devastating power that shook the entire Thunder Spirit Cave!

Fu Changlei's mouth was bleeding, but his fighting spirit remained undiminished. He suddenly threw a punch, which actually crushed Lei Long!

"The last one!"

-

This one was no longer a thunder dragon, but a pure purple-gold thunder pillar, ten feet in diameter, like a sword of divine punishment, piercing straight down!

Fu Changlei took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes, and instead of defending, he soared into the sky, directly meeting the lightning pillar!
"With my golden core, I will withstand the heavenly tribulation!"

"boom--!!!"

Lightning exploded, and the world lost its color!
The entire Demon Suppression Pass trembled under this attack, and countless cultivators were forced to squint at the blinding lightning!
After the lightning subsided—

Fu Changlei's figure slowly emerged, his body covered in lightning patterns, and his aura was several times stronger than before!
Third-grade Golden Elixir, successful!

Commander Chi laughed loudly: "Good! Another Golden Core cultivator has been added to our Demon Suppression Pass!"

Li Wanhu's face turned extremely gloomy.
-
The thunderclouds dispersed, and the sky brightened again.

Fu Changlei stood in mid-air, his body wreathed in lingering lightning. He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, which crackled with tiny sparks of electricity. Having formed a third-grade Golden Core, his spiritual power was now as vast and boundless as an ocean, more than ten times stronger than during his Purple Mansion stage!
"This is the power of the Golden Core Realm."

He clenched his fist, feeling the surging spiritual energy within his body. His divine sense swept across the area, and he could clearly distinguish every blade of grass and every tree within a hundred miles. He could even hear the breathing of the cultivators watching the battle in the distance.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Fu, on achieving the Golden Core stage!"

"Congratulations, Commander Fu!"

Congratulations echoed throughout the Demon Suppression Pass. Cultivators bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with awe. In the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme; a Golden Core cultivator is already a powerful figure, let alone Fu Changlei, who has condensed a Grade Three Golden Core, whose future achievements are limitless.

Fu Changlei nodded slightly, but his gaze was fixed on a tall building—Li Wanhu was standing there with a stiff smile on his face.

"Whoosh——"

With a flash, Fu Changlei appeared three zhang in front of Li Wanhu, standing in mid-air. His Golden Core aura was unrestrained, causing several of Li Wanhu's confidants to turn pale and retreat repeatedly.

“Commander Li,” Fu Changlei’s voice was calm, yet carried a thunderous force, “Just now, when I was undergoing my tribulation, I seemed to sense someone trying to interfere with it?”

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Li Wanhu's forehead as he forced a smile and said, "Fellow Daoist Fu is joking. The Golden Core Tribulation is extremely dangerous; who would dare to interfere?"

"Really?" A flash of lightning appeared in Fu Changlei's eyes, and he suddenly pointed. "Then what's the purpose of that 'lightning-attracting talisman' at your waist?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Li Wanhu's waist. Sure enough, a purple talisman was faintly visible—a precious talisman capable of summoning lightning!

Li Wanhu's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly put away the talisman: "Fellow Daoist Fu, you misunderstand. This is for self-defense."

"Self-defense?" Fu Changlei sneered. "Standing at the closest point to me while I was undergoing my tribulation for 'self-defense'? Does Commander Li think I, a newcomer to the Golden Core stage, am easy to bully?"

Before he finished speaking, lightning surged around him, and a bolt of purple lightning appeared out of thin air, striking straight at Li Wanhu's face!
"boom!"

Li Wanhu hastily summoned a small bronze shield, but lightning struck it, blasting him back seven steps, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He was filled with shock and rage:
"Fu Changlei! How dare you commit violence in public?"

"Attacked?" Fu Changlei stood with his hands behind his back, a cold glint in his eyes. "This is just a reminder to Commander Li—I am now a Golden Core cultivator, so it's best to be more discreet about my actions."

"you!"

Li Wanhu was trembling with anger, but knowing he was in the wrong, he dared not actually make a move.

Just as tensions were about to rise, a deep voice rang out:
"Both of you are commanders of the Demon Suppression Pass. What kind of decorum is this, arguing in public?"

The True Lord descended through the air, his Nascent Soul aura slightly released, instantly suppressing the auras of the two men. He first nodded to Fu Changlei: "Captain Fu, you've just entered the Golden Core stage, congratulations!" Then he coldly glanced at Li Wanhu: "Commander Li, some things should be left unsaid."

Li Wanhu's face turned pale and then red, but he finally suppressed his anger and cupped his hands, saying, "True Lord, you are right." He turned to Fu Changlei and forced an awkward smile, "Congratulations on your successful Core Formation, Fellow Daoist Fu. I hope we can exchange guidance in the future."

Fu Changlei gave him a deep look and said calmly, "No problem."

The True Lord nodded in satisfaction: "In that case, Captain Fu, first consolidate your cultivation. As for your promotion to commander, I will arrange it for you. The promotion ceremony should be held around the time you emerge from seclusion. Furthermore," he gave the two a meaningful look, "from today onwards, my former Third Battalion will be placed under Commander Fu's command. Do either of you have any objections?"

Upon hearing this, a shadow crossed Li Wanhu's eyes—the Third Battalion was the elite force of Zhenmo Pass, and many of its members were his trusted confidants. But at this moment, he dared not object and could only stiffly shake his head.

Fu Changlei clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you, True Lord."

"Disperse, everyone." The True Lord waved his hand, then transmitted his voice to Fu Changlei, "Come to my cave."

After everyone had left, Li Wanhu returned to his residence and could no longer suppress his anger. He smashed the table made of thousand-year-old ironwood to pieces with a single palm strike!
"Fu Changlei!" he gritted his teeth, his face contorted with rage. "A mere newly promoted Golden Core cultivator dares to be so arrogant!"

Zhang Jiu, a trusted confidant, cautiously said, "My lord, please calm your anger. That Fu Changlei is now..."

"Shut up!" Li Wanhu roared, his eyes flashing with a sinister light. "Fu Changlei, you think you're so great just because you've reached the Golden Core stage? I'll show you the consequences of offending me, Li Wanhu!"

...

At the same time, Fu Changlei arrived at the True Lord's Cave.

Set up a soundproof barrier.

"Although you have now achieved the Golden Core stage, your foundation is not yet stable." The True Lord took out a jade slip and handed it to him. "This contains my cultivation insights after I formed my Golden Core; it might be useful to you."

Fu Changlei solemnly accepted it: "Thank you, True Lord."

"I can ignore your petty squabbles with Commander Li, but once it involves the safety of Zhenmo Pass, even I won't be able to protect you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, True Lord."

Fu Changlei felt a chill run down his spine.

The True Lord pondered for a moment, then said:
"Remember, in the face of absolute power, all schemes are a joke."

Fu Changlei wholeheartedly agreed, cupping his hands in respect and saying, "This disciple will remember."

Leaving the True Lord's Cave, Fu Changlei gazed at the majestic walls of the Demon Suppression Pass, a surge of pride welling up within him. With his Golden Core complete, he was finally qualified to truly stand on his own two feet in this chaotic world.

...

...

Fu Changsheng stood before the sand table of his newly fiefdom in Yulin Prefecture, his fingertips lightly tapping, and the illusory images of mountains and rivers flowed in the spiritual light. He was pondering how to set up a protective array for the mountain when suddenly— "Ding!"

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in my mind.

"Your clansman Fu Changlei has successfully condensed a Grade 3 Golden Core and has been granted a special lottery chance. Would you like to redeem it?"

"Chang Lei has formed his core?" Fu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. "And he's even at the third rank!"

He put down the jade slip in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips.

More than a decade ago, when Fu Qingyun returned from Zhenmo Pass, he mentioned that Fu Changlei was highly regarded by Commander Chi, who not only bestowed upon him a Core Formation artifact but also arranged for him to undergo seclusion in Leiling Cave to attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage. Now, the timing is perfect. Given Changlei's aptitude, it is somewhat unexpected, but also reasonable, that he has condensed a Grade 3 Golden Core.

"With a mutated lightning spiritual root, plus the many acupoints opened during the Purple Mansion stage, his foundation is solid, so it's not surprising that he can condense a third-grade golden core." Fu Changsheng felt gratified.

By this calculation, the Fu family now has five Golden Core cultivators: himself, Fu Yongxuan, Fu Yaoyao, Hanxiao (Yaoyao's spirit pet), plus Changlei.

“According to the regulations of the Great Zhou Dynasty, ten Golden Core cultivators are needed to advance to the fifth rank of a noble family.” Fu Changsheng’s gaze was profound. “It seems that it will be just around the corner.”

Without further hesitation, he focused his mind directly on the system panel in his sea of ​​consciousness—

"Redeem your prize for a special draw!"

"Ding! The lucky draw has begun!"

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, brilliant light flowed, countless runes flickered, and finally condensed into a dazzling purple light.

The ball of light slowly unfolded, transforming into a pitch-black token. The token's surface was engraved with eerie blood-red patterns, and a faint, deep beastly roar could be heard from it.

"Congratulations on obtaining the [Beast King's Token]!"

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened as he carefully examined the information provided by the system—

【Beast King's Decree】

[Rank: Acquired Spiritual Treasure (Upgradable)]

[Inheritance Requirements: Must possess at least one fourth-tier potential spirit beast, and have a spiritual sense reaching the late stage of the Purple Mansion realm]

【Features Description:】
Submission of All Beasts: Can forcibly tame monsters below the fourth rank; success rate depends on the target's intelligence.

Beast Soul Symbiosis: Share some of the abilities with the contracted spirit beast and temporarily gain its innate supernatural powers.

Note: This order can be granted to any member of the tribe, but the user must bear the risk of being attacked by the demonic beast.

"The Beast King's Token?" A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. "It's not related to alchemy, but a treasure for taming beasts?"

Fu Changsheng's gaze fell on the [Beast King's Token], and his mind quickly flashed through the names of the beast tamers in his clan who met the requirements.

“Yongning does have a wooden flying squirrel, but unfortunately her soul injury hasn’t healed, and her temperament is too impulsive… Giving her this order would only cause trouble.” He shook his head, rejecting the idea.

Immediately, a figure appeared in his mind—his fourth sister, Fu Changli.

"Chang Li's Azure Phoenix possesses potential beyond the fourth tier, and she herself is at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, having single-handedly founded the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts. She is the most suitable candidate."

Thinking of this, he flicked his finger, and a beam of light flew out, heading straight for the Beast Taming Hall.

Inside the Beast Taming Hall, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, illuminating the fine spiritual dust floating in the air. More than thirty Fu family disciples sat cross-legged on futons, their gazes fixed intently on Fu Changli in the center.

Holding a jade whip, she stood tall and straight, her dark green robe accentuating her snow-white skin. Her hair was loosely tied up with a single blue phoenix feather, exuding a capable yet dashing air.

"The most dangerous thing for a spirit beast during its breakthrough is to be disturbed." Her voice was cold, and she gently flicked the jade whip in her hand, the tip of which gleamed with a faint spiritual light. "Especially for third-tier spirit beasts, whose spiritual veins are being reorganized, the slightest carelessness can lead to failure in advancing, or even a reverse surge of spiritual veins, causing them to explode and die."

The azure phoenix circling beside her let out a clear cry at the right moment, its tail feathers shimmering with a glass-like luster. As she explained, the azure phoenix's body rippled with spiritual light, seemingly simulating the state of a spirit beast breaking through to the next level.

"Therefore, when a spirit beast breaks through, the beast tamer needs to use the 'Spirit Contract Seal' to stabilize its mind." She made a hand seal with her left hand, and a blue rune condensed at her fingertip, which she gently touched on the forehead of the Azure Phoenix.

The blue phoenix's wings unfurled slightly, and as spiritual light flowed, its aura gradually stabilized.

"The key to the Spirit Contract Seal lies in the control of divine sense." Her gaze swept over the disciples. "Too strong a divine sense will oppress the spirit beast; too weak, and it will be unable to guide spiritual power. Each of you should try it, starting with a first-tier spirit beast."

The disciples took out their contracted spirit beasts one after another, and in an instant, the Beast Taming Hall was filled with flashing spiritual light and the roars of beasts.

Fu Qingqing stood beside Fu Changli, holding a jade slip and occasionally recording the disciples' performance. She wore a light green silk dress with a belt embroidered with spirit beast patterns around her waist, making her look lively and agile.

"Master, Junior Brother Chen's spirit fox seems a bit restless," she whispered closer.

Fu Changli glanced at it and said calmly, "The spirit fox is yin in nature, so the fire-attribute spirit contract he used is naturally ineffective."

Fu Qingqing's eyes lit up, and she said with a grin, "Then shall I go and give him some pointers?"

Fu Changli scoffed, "You're certainly enthusiastic."

Having received tacit permission, Fu Qingqing immediately skipped over to the disciple's side, squatted down, and condensed a pale blue spiritual light at her fingertips, gently touching the fox's nose.

"Little fox, don't be afraid, try this?" Her voice was gentle, and the fox's restlessness gradually subsided.

Fu Changli watched from afar, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

Just then, the patriarch's token at her waist suddenly lit up, and a flash of spiritual light appeared.

"The patriarch summoned you urgently?" She frowned slightly, then turned to Fu Qingqing and said, "You explain the rest."

Fu Qingqing's eyes lit up, and she leaned closer to whisper, "Master, could it be that they're going to give you a new fiefdom? You're a elder of the clan, and you've trained so many beast tamers for the clan over the years. The patriarch will definitely reward you handsomely!"

"Nonsense!" Fu Changli lightly lashed her foot with his whip, leaving a scorch mark on the bluestone slab. "If you dare to discuss clan affairs again, you'll be punished by feeding the armored rhinoceros for a month!"

Fu Qingqing shrank her neck and stuck out her tongue: "This disciple knows her mistake!"

Fu Changli glared at her, then turned and rode away on the wind.

Once she disappeared, the disciples immediately surrounded her.

"Senior Sister, did the Clan Head really summon Master?"

"Should we grant Master a new fiefdom?"

"Master has made such great contributions over the years; he should have been granted a fiefdom long ago!"

"Shut up, all of you!" Fu Qingqing glared, hands on her hips, mimicking Fu Changli's tone. "Didn't you hear what Master said? Continue explaining the Qi circulation of third-tier spirit beasts!"

Although she spoke fiercely, her eyes betrayed her joy, clearly showing that she was happy for her master.

A younger disciple timidly asked, "Senior sister, why did that spirit fox just now..."

Fu Qingqing immediately composed herself and began to explain earnestly: "The spirit fox is yin in nature, and a fire-attribute spirit contract seal will stimulate its spiritual veins, so we need to use cold-attribute spiritual light to soothe it."

As she explained, she spoke with great enthusiasm, occasionally mimicking Fu Changli's tone, which made the disciples unable to help but laugh.

Inside the head of the house
When Fu Changli stepped into the main hall, Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, a jet-black token floating in front of him. Blood-red patterns flowed across the token's surface, and a low, guttural roar echoed faintly, causing her azure phoenix to flutter its wings uneasily.

"Patriarch," Fu Changli bowed, her gaze involuntarily drawn to the token. "Did you summon me so urgently? Is there something important?"

Fu Changsheng turned around, a gentle smile in his eyes: "Changli, come and take a look at this."

He raised his hand and waved, and the Beast King's Token slowly floated to Fu Changli's front. As the token approached, the blue phoenix in her sleeve suddenly let out a high-pitched cry and flew out on its own, circling the token, appearing both excited and wary.

"This is..." Fu Changli's pupils contracted slightly. As a senior beast tamer, she could clearly feel the immense beast soul power contained within the token, an almost instinctive attraction.

"【Beast King's Token】." Fu Changsheng's voice was steady. "It can tame demonic beasts below the fifth rank, and can even share abilities with contracted spirit beasts." He paused, "After thinking about it, no one in the clan is more suitable for this than you."

Fu Changli's breath hitched; the usually straightforward woman was momentarily speechless. She instinctively reached out, but abruptly pulled back just before touching the token: "Patriarch, this...this is too precious! Didn't that girl Yongning also..."

“Yongning is too impatient,” Fu Changsheng shook his head. “If this order is given to her, I’m afraid it will cause trouble.” He looked at his sister gently. “As for you, you have been working diligently since the family was in its infancy. The Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts has reached its current scale entirely thanks to your hard work.”

Fu Changli's nose suddenly stung with tears. Over the years, she had focused on the art of beast taming and rarely participated in the power struggles within the clan. She never expected that her brother would always remember her contributions.

“Come.” Fu Changsheng stepped forward and took her hand. “I will help you with the refinement.”

He made a hand seal with his left hand, and a golden light burst forth from his fingertips, outlining intricate runes in the air. The moment the runes took shape, the Beast King's Token trembled violently, emitting a deep hum.

"Blood pledge of allegiance."

Fu Changli bit her fingertip, and a drop of her blood fell onto the token. The instant the blood touched the token, the entire hall suddenly darkened, and countless beast-shaped phantoms appeared all around—fierce tigers, eagles, giant pythons, and even the legendary phantom of a Qilin!

"what!"

Fu Changli gasped in surprise, feeling a surge of violent power coursing through her arm and into her body. Her pupils contracted sharply, fine blood-red lines appearing in the whites of her eyes, and a pair of ethereal blue wings seemed to unfurl behind her—this was the innate divine power of the Azure Phoenix!
Seeing this, Fu Changsheng immediately pointed to her brow and said, "Calm your mind and focus!"

A gentle surge of spiritual energy flowed in, helping her to calm the rampaging beast soul power within her. The Azure Phoenix also sensed its master's change, letting out a soft cry as it landed on her shoulder, its wings gently brushing her cheek.

Gradually, Fu Changli's breathing calmed down. When she opened her eyes again, a wild glint flashed in them, and her entire demeanor became even more sharp.

"How do you feel?" Fu Changsheng asked, stopping his hand.

Fu Changli couldn't hide her excitement: "It's amazing! I can clearly sense every feather of the Azure Phoenix, and even..." With a thought, the ethereal wings behind her gently flapped, lifting her three feet off the ground!
Fu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction: "It seems the compatibility is very high." He took out an ancient jade scroll from his robes. "This is the 'Myriad Beasts Paying Homage to the Origin Technique,' which works perfectly with the Beast King's Decree."

Fu Changli took the jade slip and suddenly knelt on one knee: "Patriarch, rest assured, with this order in hand, I will definitely tame at least two third-tier spirit beasts for the family within a year!"

"Get up." Fu Changsheng helped her up, a rare teasing look on his face. "Remember when you were little, you almost got attacked by a pack of wolves while saving an injured ferret. Now that you have this token, don't be so reckless."

Fu Changli blushed: "That was so many years ago!" As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh.

She carefully tied the Beast King's Token to her waist, and seeing the new map floating in front of Fu Changsheng, she asked in surprise, "Patriarch, is this a map of Yulin Prefecture?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking of telling you." Fu Changsheng pointed to a valley on the sand table. "This place is rich in spiritual energy, and I plan to expand the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts. In a few days, you and Qingru will go there to investigate."

Fu Changli's eyes lit up, and she was about to speak when suddenly the token at her waist vibrated slightly. She sensed it for a moment, then said helplessly, "That girl Qingqing has overfed the Armored Rhinoceros again."

Fu Changsheng laughed loudly: "Go quickly, don't let those little brats cause a ruckus."

Fu Changli smiled brightly and leaped onto the blue phoenix. Before leaving, she turned back and gave Fu Changsheng a deep look: "Second brother, thank you."

These four simple words contain so much unsaid.

...

...

Fu Changsheng watched Fu Changli's departing figure disappear down the winding mountain road before turning and walking towards the Meizhen Xiaozhu next door.

Inside Meizhen Cottage, a century-old plum tree stands quietly. Although it is not yet in bloom, a refreshing fragrance lingers in the air. Liu Meizhen is sitting at a stone table under the plum tree, holding a scroll of alchemical scriptures in her hands. Hearing footsteps, she raises her head, and a gentle smile immediately appears on her face.

"Husband, you've come." She put down her book and stood up to greet him.

Fu Changsheng nodded, his gaze falling on his wife. Under the moonlight, Liu Meizhen wore a light blue dress, with only a white jade plum blossom hairpin in her hair, exuding an elegant and otherworldly air. Although she was over a hundred years old, the appearance of a cultivator was ageless, and she still looked like she was in her twenties, only with a touch of composure from the passage of time in her brows.

"Meizhen, I have something for you." Fu Changsheng took out a box carved from purple jade from his sleeve and placed it on the stone table.

Liu Meizhen looked at the box with curiosity. Fu Changsheng lightly tapped the box with his fingertip, and it opened immediately. Twelve streams of Xuanhuang Qi shot into the sky and transformed into twelve small dragons that circled and danced in mid-air. The entire courtyard was instantly filled with an extremely rich spiritual energy.

"These are... Xuanhuang Spirit Pills?" Liu Meizhen's pupils constricted, her voice filled with disbelief. "And there are twelve of them!"

The Xuanhuang Spirit Pill contains a trace of Xuanhuang Mother Qi, which can help cultivators solidify their foundation and improve the quality of their Golden Core. Liu Meizhen had previously helped Fu Changsheng refine it twice, which enabled Fu Changsheng to condense a Chaos Dao Foundation.

Fu Changsheng said, "This was born in the Dragon Pool of the Mountain and River Clan-Suppressing Cauldron when the family advanced to the sixth rank last time. It's all yours."

"Give it to me? How can that be! You've only just begun cultivating the Chaos Dao Foundation."

“Meizhen,” Fu Changsheng interrupted her, his voice low and firm, “Over the years, you’ve handled almost all the family affairs; I’ve merely been a hands-off manager. If it weren’t for your strategic planning, how could the Fu family have achieved its current status?”

Liu Meizhen's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but Fu Changsheng stopped her with a raised hand. He looked intently at his wife and continued:

"Furthermore, you are about to form your Golden Core. If you refine this pill, your foundation will be even more solid, and the grade of the Golden Core you condense in the future will be even higher. I hope that one day, we can ascend together."

The last sentence brought tears to Liu Meizhen's eyes.

Liu Meizhen took a deep breath and finally nodded: "Alright, I'll accept it." She carefully closed the purple jade box, feeling the surging spiritual energy fluctuations within. "However, you must promise me that if you encounter similar opportunities again in the future, you must be the first to use them."

Fu Changsheng smiled but didn't answer. He simply reached out and took his wife's hand: "Come, let me help you refine the first one."

The two sat cross-legged. Fu Changsheng fully unleashed his cultivation at the second level of the Golden Core stage, setting up a protective barrier around them. Liu Meizhen took out the first Xuanhuang Spirit Pill. As soon as the pill left the box, it transformed into a small dragon, swimming in her palm as if trying to break free.

"Calm your mind and focus your spirit," Fu Changsheng said in a low voice, placing one hand on Liu Meizhen's back and slowly channeling his powerful spiritual energy into her body.

Liu Meizhen closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. The Xuanhuang dragon was drawn into her dantian, instantly stirring up a storm of spiritual energy.

Fu Changsheng frowned slightly and immediately increased his spiritual energy output to help his wife stabilize the restless spiritual energy within her body. He could feel that the Xuanhuang Qi was transforming Liu Meizhen's foundation, and every inch of her meridians was undergoing a transformative change.

"Hold on, the first wave of attack will pass," Fu Changsheng transmitted his voice, his voice steady and powerful.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Liu Meizhen's forehead, but her expression remained calm. She was inherently a person of unwavering resolve; otherwise, she could not have achieved such mastery in the path of alchemy. At this moment, she guided the Xuanhuang Qi to circulate within her body, making her spiritual power purer with each cycle.

The old plum tree in the courtyard swayed without wind, its green leaves rustling as if witnessing the scene. Under the moonlight, the couple's breaths mingled, one like a vast ocean, the other like a tranquil pool, yet they were perfectly integrated.

Three hours later, Liu Meizhen slowly opened her eyes, a flash of brilliance in them. She let out a long sigh, feeling the earth-shattering changes within her body, and was pleasantly surprised to find that her spiritual power was at least 30% purer than before!

"This Xuanhuang Elixir is truly miraculous," she exclaimed. "Just one pill has such an effect."

Fu Changsheng withdrew his hand, a satisfied smile on his face: "The more solid your foundation, the greater your chances of obtaining a high-grade Golden Core when you form your core. After refining all twelve, you will be able to condense at least a sixth-grade Golden Core."

Inside the Fu family's main hall, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood, and twelve bronze lampstands floated in mid-air, emitting a soft glow. Fu Changsheng sat upright in the main seat, his fingers lightly tapping the armrests, his gaze sweeping over each of the core family members present.

"The reason I have gathered you all here today is to discuss the development of the fiefdom of Yulin Prefecture," Fu Changsheng's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the hall. "This land has been closed off for investigation by the imperial court for hundreds of years. Now it is being bestowed upon my Fu family. I believe everyone understands what this means."

Sitting at the lower end, Liu Meizhen gently unfolded a map that shimmered with spiritual light. The outline of Yulin Prefecture appeared in the air, but most of the area was shrouded in mist, with only scattered information marked on the edges.

"The unknown means danger, but it also means opportunity." Fu Changsheng tapped his finger, and several key locations on the map lit up in red. "Since the imperial court was willing to bestow this land upon us, it means there must be value within it worth developing. But equally, it may also harbor dangers that even the imperial court fears."

The hall was silent. Everyone stared at the half-hidden map, their eyes gleaming with different lights.

"I'll go first!" A loud voice broke the silence. Fu Yongyi, who was sitting third from the right, stood up. This mineral exploration expert was burly, with dark and rough skin from years of exploration, but his eyes were bright and piercing.

"Father, since Yulin Prefecture has been closed for hundreds of years, its underground spiritual veins must be well-preserved. I request permission to lead a team to explore them!"

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the others: "Who else is willing to go?"

“Husband, I’ll go too.” A clear, cool female voice rang out. Yu Qingru wore a plain white robe, her hair simply tied up in a bun, secured only by a jade hairpin. This array master’s eyes were resolute, and tiny runes flowed between her fingers. “Yulin Prefecture has a complex terrain and is quite far from Huizhou Prefecture. It would be best to build a teleportation array so that in case of an emergency, Huizhou Prefecture can send troops to provide support.”

A hint of admiration flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. Since Qingru married into the Fu family, she had not only established a teleportation array between Huizhou Prefecture and Tianluo Mountain, but had also turned the tide in several family crises with the help of the array.

“I’ll go too.” Fu Changli fiddled with the Beast King Token at her waist. A blue phoenix perched on her shoulder, its sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd. Her newly acquired Beast King Token needed to be put to the test in real combat, and the spirit beast resources of Yulin Prefecture must be abundant.

Ouyang Fei chuckled sinisterly. This master of poisons had a gaunt face and his fingernails gleamed with an eerie purple hue. "I've been stuck at the 'false elixir' stage for years; it's time to get out and about. Yulin Prefecture is close to the northern frontier and has abundant poison resources, which suits my needs perfectly."

Fu Changsheng's gaze swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on his daughter, Yaoyao. Fu Yongyao sat quietly beside her mother, wearing a light purple dress, her features exquisite, her temperament gentle yet with a touch of heroism.

"Yaoyao, what do you think?"

Yao Yao raised her head, a determined glint in her eyes: "Father, Yulin Prefecture is close to the northern frontier, and the risks are considerable. I am willing to lead the team there to ensure everyone's safety."

Fu Changsheng's lips curled into a slight smile; this was exactly the answer he had been hoping for. He turned to the group: "In that case, the advance team will be led by Yaoyao, Yongyi will be in charge of mineral exploration, Qingru will construct the teleportation array, Changli will tame the spirit beasts, and Uncle Fei will be responsible for dealing with any potential threats."

"Gentlemen," Fu Changsheng stood up, his voice booming, "the development of Yulin Prefecture is a crucial step for our Fu family's advancement to a fifth-rank aristocratic family. The advance team's mission is to establish a base, explore resources, and draw detailed maps. Once I have finished my current duties, I will personally join you."

(End of this chapter)