Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 526 The Secret of the True Dragon, Reclaiming Lost Territory, The Pyramids

Jingzhou, Wanning Market.

In front of an inconspicuous spirit beast shop in the south of the city, a mottled wooden sign reading "Han Family Spirit Beasts" hangs. The shop is dimly lit, with various cages piled up together, containing all sorts of low-level spirit beasts.

Behind the counter, an elderly man with graying hair and beard was wiping a beast egg. His face was ordinary, with deep wrinkles, looking like any low-level cultivator struggling to make a living. Only his eyes, which occasionally flashed with a sharp light, hinted at the extraordinary nature hidden beneath this body.

"Boss Han, do you still have that batch of Spirit-Eating Rat pups from last time?" A young man dressed as an outer disciple of the Fu family walked into the shop.

The old man—in reality, the disguised Master Tianyang—immediately beamed with a broad smile: "Yes, yes, yes! Freshly arrived goods, even better quality than the last batch!"

He hunched over and dragged a small cage out from under the counter, inside which a dozen furry gray mice were munching on a spirit stone.

"Look, these spirit-eating rats have sharper teeth and digest spirit stones more than three times faster, making them perfect for cleaning up debris in the spirit fields."

The young man inspected them and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, give me twenty."

The transaction was completed quickly. Once the young man left, the fawning smile on Master Tianyang's face vanished, replaced by an indifferent expression. He casually tossed the spirit stones into a drawer, his gaze drifting through the shop's small window towards the distant core area of ​​the Fu family.

"Ten years," he murmured to himself, his fingers unconsciously stroking the dragon scales hidden in his sleeve.

Ten years ago, following the instructions of the True Dragon, he came to Jingzhou and opened this small shop in Wanning Market under the alias "Han Yangzi". With his "skill" of taming spirit beasts, he quickly gained a foothold in the city and gradually established connections with some lower-ranking disciples of the Fu family.

Through these people, he gradually figured out the situation of the spirit beasts of the main members of the Fu family.

The matriarch of the Fu family, Liu Meizhen, kept a two-headed, green-eyed giant python, which he initially thought might be the target. However, after observing it secretly, he discovered that it was merely a mutated, near-fourth-tier demonic beast. Although it possessed a thin layer of dragon bloodline, it was far from being a true dragon.

Fu Changsheng's son, Fu Yongren's, black-scaled python was also ruled out by him—although that python was fierce, its bloodline was mixed and it did not even have obvious characteristics of a dragon.

Until three months ago, he learned from a drunken outer sect steward that Fu Changsheng's other son, Fu Yongxing, was in Huizhou Prefecture, Wuzhou, and that his guardian spirit beast, the Black Scale Python, had reached the quasi-fourth rank and had recently shown some abnormal characteristics.

"I heard that Young Master Yongxing's black python," the steward said drunkenly, "when it shed its skin last month, two small bumps appeared on its forehead, like it was about to grow horns."

Master Tianyang was startled, but remained outwardly calm as he poured the other person another cup of spiritual wine.

The defining characteristic of a true dragon is its horns.

That evening, he took out the dragon scales to sense the direction and found that the scales had a slight reaction to the direction of Huizhou Prefecture.

"It's time to set off." Master Tianyang put away his memories and began packing up the shop. After ten years of infiltration, he had finally locked onto his target and didn't want to delay any longer.

Just as he was about to close the door, a middle-aged man dressed in the inner robes of the Fu family walked in.

"Mr. Han, are you closing so early?"

Master Tianyang immediately put on a respectful smile: "So it's Steward Zhou. I was just about to go and get some new stock, and was planning to close early."

After gesturing for the other party to close the door, Steward Zhou whispered, "The patriarch's wife's two-headed, green-eyed python has recently lost its appetite. The patriarch is currently in seclusion, and my cousin is in charge of looking after the python. She doesn't dare to disturb the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley of the clan, so she specifically asked me to quietly inquire with Boss Han if he has any methods to treat it."

Master Tianyang was secretly delighted; this was a perfect opportunity to observe the giant python up close. He feigned deep thought: "May I prepare some special feed and personally visit your sister tomorrow to check on her?"

Steward Zhou nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. I will come to take you to the manor at dawn tomorrow."

After seeing Steward Zhou off, a calculating glint flashed in Master Tianyang's eyes. Since he was leaving anyway, he might as well confirm the situation of the two-headed python one last time and completely eliminate any suspicion.

The next day, Master Tianyang arrived at the Fu family with specially made spirit beast pills. Led by Steward Zhou, he entered the Fu family's inner city villa for the first time.

The spiritual energy between the pavilions and towers was so dense it almost turned into mist. True Person Tianyang was secretly astonished; the quality of the Fu family's spiritual vein was comparable to that of some medium-sized sects.

"Wait here." Steward Zhou told him to wait in a side courtyard while he went in to inform them.

Taking the opportunity, Master Tianyang released his divine sense and carefully explored his surroundings.

"Boss Han, your cousin wants you to come in," Manager Zhou called back.

Master Tianyang quickly composed himself and followed them into an exquisite courtyard. A massive, two-headed python, as thick as a water bucket, coiled in the courtyard, its four emerald eyes coldly watching the newcomers.

Upon closer inspection, Master Tianyang became even more certain that this was not true dragon blood. He offered up a specially made spirit beast pill, which the giant python sniffed, reluctantly swallowed, but its dragon scales showed no reaction.

"Madam's pet is only suffering from seasonal anorexia. This old man's 'Appetite-Boosting Pill' will restore it after three days of continuous use," Master Tianyang said respectfully to the figure behind the curtain.

"Thank you for your trouble." A cool female voice came from behind the curtain. "Brother Zhou, please see my distinguished guest out."

After leaving the Fu family, Master Tianyang immediately returned to his shop and began packing. He took out a talisman and affixed it to his forehead, and his appearance gradually changed, transforming from an old man into a middle-aged scholar. This was his true appearance—he looked to be in his early forties, with a refined and scholarly face, only the occasional sharp glint in his eyes betraying his true nature as a Golden Core cultivator.

"Huizhou Prefecture," he murmured, the dragon scales in his sleeve slightly warm, as if urging him to set off as soon as possible.

Three days later, a wandering cultivator named Liu Qingyang left Jingzhou and headed towards Wuzhou.
-
At the border between Wuzhou and Jingzhou, there is a forest of dead trees shrouded in miasma.

Master Tianyang—who currently appears as the middle-aged scholar Liu Qingyang—was walking leisurely along a forest path. He seemed to be strolling casually, but in reality, he precisely avoided dangerous areas in the forest with every step.

Suddenly, the sounds of fighting and the roars of spirit beasts came from ahead. Master Tianyang raised an eyebrow and quietly approached, concealing his aura.

In a clearing in the woods, a young man in his early twenties was commanding a black python over ten feet long to fight against three cultivators. The young man had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and was dressed in the robes of the Fu family's direct lineage. The jade pendant at his waist was clearly engraved with the two characters "Yongxing".

“Fu Yongxing?” Master Tianyang’s heart stirred, and his gaze immediately locked onto the black python.

The python was entirely black, its scales gleaming metallically in the sunlight, and it did indeed have two distinct bulges on its forehead. Even more striking were the four small fleshy growths faintly visible on its abdomen, arranged in a manner resembling dragon claws.

The battle was nearing its end. Suddenly, the black python opened its mouth and spewed out a cloud of black mist. Three enemies who touched it collapsed instantly, their skin rapidly festering. Fu Yongxing did not kill them, coldly saying, "Go back and tell your master that if he dares to covet my Huizhou spirit mine again, next time it won't be as simple as a lesson."

After the three fled in a sorry state, Fu Yongxing patted the black python on the head: "Xuanying, well done."

In the withered forest, Master Tianyang's fingertips felt slightly hot—the dragon scales in his sleeve were producing a faint reaction to the black-scaled python.

"Finally found it," a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

The bulge on the black python's forehead and the fleshy growth on its abdomen did indeed resemble the features of a real dragon. However, when he secretly activated the dragon scales to enhance his senses, the warmth he felt was elusive, like looking at flowers through a fog.

“No.” Master Tianyang frowned slightly. “This reaction is too weak.”

At this moment, Fu Yongxing had already put away the black python and was about to leave. Tianyang Zhenren straightened his robes and deliberately stepped on a dead branch.

"Who?" Fu Yongxing turned around alertly, his hand already on the hilt of his sword at his waist.

"Young friend, please don't be alarmed." Master Tianyang emerged from behind the tree, bowing respectfully. "My name is Liu Qingyang. I was passing by when I saw your exquisite skill in controlling the python, and I couldn't help but stop to watch. Please forgive any intrusion."

Seeing that the man was a middle-aged cultivator dressed as a scholar, Fu Yongxing relaxed his guard slightly, but his gaze remained scrutinizing: "Fellow Daoist, since you have been watching the battle for so long, why haven't you offered your assistance?"

Master Tianyang had anticipated this question and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, I was secretly placed under a restriction by those three and couldn't move. If it weren't for your bravery, young friend, I'm afraid..." He deliberately showed a lingering fear as he spoke.

The lie was clumsy, but it was enough to fool the naive Fu Yongxing. Sure enough, a smug glint flashed in the young man's eyes as he clasped his hands in a fist and said, "So it was a misunderstanding. I am Fu Yongxing of the Fu family. I didn't know you were here, friend..."

"Just a rogue cultivator." Master Tianyang waved his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the spirit beast pouch at his waist. "Young friend, this black python is quite extraordinary. Could it be the legendary 'Mysterious Shadow Flood Dragon'?"

Fu Yongxing's eyes lit up: "Senior has a good eye! Although he is not a dragon species, my father said that Xuan Ying has the potential to transform into a dragon." He patted the spirit beast pouch, and the black python poked its head out and affectionately rubbed against his palm.

Taking the opportunity, Master Tianyang stepped forward, but the dragon scales in his sleeve suddenly cooled—the closer he got, the weaker the sensation became. This unusual phenomenon made his heart sink.

"Young friend, may I have a closer look? I have some knowledge of spirit beasts."

Fu Yongxing, unsuspecting, was about to agree when the black python suddenly hissed and abruptly retreated into the bag. At the same time, a whooshing sound came from afar—three communication talismans were flying in different directions.

"It's a distress call from Huizhou Prefecture!" Fu Yongxing's expression changed drastically. "Fellow Daoist, please forgive me, but I must return to the city immediately!"

Master Tianyang would not let this opportunity pass: "I, Liu, will go with you. I was just rescued by you, young friend, and I'd like to do my part."

The two took to the air on their swords. During the journey, Master Tianyang subtly inquired, "I've heard that Patriarch Fu possesses a green dragon; I wonder how it compares to your black python, young friend?"

Fu Yongxing answered without hesitation, "Qinglin is certainly different! That aura..." He suddenly stopped, glancing warily at True Person Tianyang, "Fellow Daoist, are you interested in my father's spirit pet?"

"I, Liu, have studied spirit beasts since childhood, and I have a particular interest in dragons," Master Tianyang chuckled, smoothing things over, while muttering to himself—Azure Dragon! Perhaps that is the real target!

Huizhou City was now in sight. At the city gate, more than ten Fu family cultivators stood ready. Upon seeing Fu Yongxing return, the elder at the head of the group said urgently, "Seventh Young Master! The Prince's Mansion has colluded with Black Tiger Mountain cultivators to seize the spirit mines. Third Master has already led men there."

...

...

Dark clouds covered the sky above the Tianluoshan Spirit Mine.

Gan Muwan stood on the stargazing platform at the highest point of the mine, her blue robe fluttering in the wind. Twelve almost transparent silk threads were wrapped around her slender fingers, each thread connected to a Purple Mansion cultivator at the other end—these were all assassins she controlled with "Puppet Gu".

"Madam, the protective mountain formation can only hold for another half an hour at most." A steward of the Fu family knelt on one knee, his forehead covered in cold sweat. "The people from the Heavenly Lake Sect have begun to break the third layer of restrictions."

Gan Muwan's gaze swept over the densely packed Tianhu Sect cultivators below the mountain, finally settling on the white-robed figure wearing a silver mask. The man appeared to be only at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, but her "Lingxi Gu" was frantically issuing warnings—the oppressive aura only found in Golden Core cultivators.

"Pass down the order: have the core disciples take the treasury and the scriptures from the library and immediately retreat to the teleportation array." Her voice was eerily calm.

The steward accepted the order and left.

Gan Muwan took out a small, bright green insect from her sleeve and gently placed it on her wrist. The insect immediately bit through her skin and burrowed into her blood vessels—this was her trump card, the "Substitute Gu," which could take her place in a fatal moment.

A deafening explosion suddenly came from the foot of the mountain.

The third layer of restrictions has been broken.

"Finally couldn't hold back anymore?" Gan Muwan sneered, her fingertips trembling slightly. The twelve Purple Mansion Puppets opened their eyes simultaneously, unleashing an astonishing aura.

The vanguard of the Tianhu Sect has already reached the mountainside.

They wore uniform lake-blue robes with a crescent moon embroidered on their chests—the symbol of the Qiuyue Temple's affiliated forces in the far west.

"Is the Fu family destitute? They've actually sent a woman to guard the mountain?" The leading middle-aged cultivator mocked loudly, his long sword drawing out a ten-zhang-long sword aura.

Gan Muwan remained unmoved and simply snapped her fingers lightly.

Twelve dark figures lunged out from different directions. These puppets, controlled by Gu worms, felt no pain, were unafraid of death, and their attacks were all suicidal. The three Tianhu Sect cultivators at the forefront hadn't even had time to react before they were blown to pieces by the self-destructing puppets.

"Watch out! It's a Gu cultivator from the Fu family!" someone exclaimed.

The battle became a stalemate for a time.

Gan Muwan precisely controlled each puppet, not seeking to kill the enemy, but only to buy time. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that the first batch of core disciples had safely stepped into the teleportation array; a flash of white light, and their figures disappeared.

The white-robed man with the silver mask finally moved.

He took a seemingly casual step forward, but in an instant he covered hundreds of feet and appeared halfway up the mountain.

"It seems the Fu family truly has no one left?" A hoarse voice came through the mask.

Gan Muwan's heart tightened, and the twelve puppets simultaneously turned, forming a defensive formation. The white-robed man merely raised his hand, and a wave of azure light rippled outwards. Wherever the ripple passed, rocks crumbled and trees turned to dust.

Six puppets exploded on the spot, and the rest were also blasted away.

Gan Muwan groaned, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth—the puppet gu was connected to the host's soul, and this attack caused her consciousness to tremble violently.

"Golden Elixir."

The white-robed figure stood in mid-air, his voice carrying a mocking tone, like a cat toying with a mouse: "Where is the Fu family's Golden Core? Do you think these puppets can stop me, True Person Tianhu?"

Gan Muwan did not answer, but secretly accelerated the disciples' evacuation. The second and third batches had already been safely transported.

"Since the Fu family has no one left, I will gladly accept Tianluo Mountain." True Man Tianhu raised his hand and conjured a huge aquamarine palm, which he then slammed down towards the core of the mine.

If this palm strike lands, the entire mine structure will be destroyed, and the Fu family's decades of hard work will be ruined.

A resolute glint flashed in Gan Muwan's eyes. She bit her tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the remaining six puppets. The puppets instantly glowed with a brilliant crimson light, charging fearlessly towards the giant hand.

"burst!"

Amidst a deafening roar, six Purple Mansion puppets simultaneously self-destructed, forcefully neutralizing the attack from the Golden Core cultivator. A violent surge of spiritual energy swept across the entire mountain, causing large sections of the mine buildings to collapse.

As the smoke cleared, a crack appeared on Master Tianhu's silver mask. He clearly hadn't expected his opponent to be so decisive, and his voice finally cracked with anger: "You're courting death!"

Gan Muwan had retreated to the edge of the teleportation array. The last three core disciples were activating the array.

"Madam, hurry!" the disciple cried anxiously.

How could Master Tianhu let them have their way? He flashed, instantly traversing hundreds of feet, his five fingers forming claws as he clawed at Gan Muwan's skull: "Leave your life behind!"

At the critical moment, Gan Muwan shoved the disciple beside her aside, but was herself pierced through the chest by the claw.

"Madam!!" The disciples' eyes widened in horror.

A strange smile curled at the corner of Gan Muwan's lips. Her body suddenly withered and shriveled, transforming into countless flying insects that scattered in all directions. In the center of the teleportation array, another Gan Muwan appeared out of thin air, her face as pale as paper.

The life-substitute poison has taken effect.

"Go!" she shouted, activating the teleportation array. A flash of white light, and the moment the four figures disappeared, Master Tianhu's second attack blasted the entire teleportation platform into a deep crater.

Xuanxiao Mountain Teleportation Array.

Gan Muwan stumbled out of the magic array, her clothes soaked in blood. Although she had escaped with the Life-Saving Gu, the aftershocks of the Golden Core cultivator had still damaged her heart meridian.

"Quick! Summon the Elder of the Pharmacy!" the disciples cried out in alarm.

Gan Muwan forced herself to stand up: "No need. First, report to Uncle Changli that Tianhu Sect has a Golden Core cultivator." Before she could finish speaking, she spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

That night, the main hall of Xuanxiao Mountain was brightly lit.

After listening to the report with a grim expression, Fu Changli slammed his hand down on the black iron table, shattering it: "What a fine Tianhu Sect! What a fine Qiuyue Nunnery!"

"Uncle Changli, this matter is strange," Fu Yongqi of the Conquest Hall said in a deep voice. "The Heavenly Lake Sect is merely an affiliated force of the Autumn Moon Nunnery. How could it have a Golden Core cultivator? That silver-masked man is probably a Golden Core cultivator secretly sent by the Autumn Moon Nunnery or the Joyful Sect."

"Whoever dares to touch the Fu family's assets must pay the price!" Fu Changli's eyes flashed coldly. "Send someone to Wuzhou to contact Yongyao."

"What about the head of the family?"

Fu Changli was silent for a moment: "Before the patriarch went into seclusion, he said that he should not be disturbed unless the family was on the verge of collapse."

Inside the medicine hall of Xuanxiao Mountain, Gan Muwan awoke amidst excruciating pain.

"Madam is awake!" The maidservant who was waiting by her side hurriedly stepped forward, but was stopped by her raising her hand.

"Battle report. Bring it here." Gan Muwan's voice was terribly hoarse, each word sounding like a sharp blade scraping her throat. She forced herself to sit up, and the white cloth wrapped around her chest immediately stained crimson.

The apothecary steward hurried forward, holding a jade slip: "Madam, this is the recently completed list of losses. The Tianluo Mountain spirit mine has been completely lost, and all twelve Purple Mansion puppets have been destroyed. Fortunately, the core disciples and the mine map have all been safely evacuated."

Gan Muwan's divine sense swept over the jade slip, her face growing increasingly pale. Tianluo Mountain was not only the Fu family's most important source of spirit stones, but also a strategic stronghold leading to the far west. Now that it had fallen, it was tantamount to the enemy holding a knife to the Fu family's throat.

Where is Uncle Changli?

"We are currently discussing countermeasures with the hall masters in the council hall." The steward hesitated for a moment, "I heard that someone has already been sent to invite Miss Yongyao."

Gan Muwan's pupils constricted sharply, and she abruptly threw back the brocade quilt: "Prepare the sedan chair! Go to the council hall immediately!"

"Madam, no! Your injury..."

Gan Muwan had already cast a hand seal to summon her natal Gu. A jade-like butterfly landed on her shoulder, scattering specks of fluorescent light that temporarily sealed the wound. Her steps were unsteady yet resolute as she walked out, and wherever she went, the disciples of the medicine hall knelt down to dissuade her.

"Make way." Her voice was soft, yet it silenced everyone. "The Fu family's survival depends on this; there's no time to waste."

The arguing inside the council hall abruptly ceased when Gan Muwan appeared at the entrance. Fu Changli abruptly stood up from his seat: "Muwan? What brings you here?"

"Uncle Changli." Gan Muwan bowed deeply, forcing herself to suppress her dizziness. "I heard you intend to summon Yongyao back to provide assistance?"

Fu Changli hurriedly ordered someone to bring seats: "Indeed. The Tianhu Sect is going too far; we must let the Golden Core cultivators have a place."

"Absolutely not!" Gan Muwan interrupted, her voice trembling with urgency. "This is a ruse by the enemy to lure us away!" A murmur of commotion rippled through the hall. Fu Yongqi of the War Hall frowned and asked, "What do you mean by that, Madam?"

Gan Muwan took a sip of the spiritual tea offered by the maid, steadying her breath: "Think carefully, everyone. Why did the Tianhu Sect choose to launch their attack when their patriarch was in seclusion? And why did they only send one Golden Core cultivator?" She looked around at everyone, "It was to lure us into sending reinforcements, so they could defeat us one by one!"

With a light tap of her fingertips, spiritual energy sketched a map of the far west in the air.

"The Qiuyue Nunnery and the Huanxi Sect harbor deep hatred for my Fu family. If Yongyao leaves Wuzhou, the enemy will surely ambush him on the way. At that time, not only will we be unable to save Xuanxiao Mountain, but we will also lose our foundation in Wuzhou!"

Fu Changli's expression shifted between light and shadow: "Are we just going to stand by and watch the Tianhu Sect occupy Tianluo Mountain?"

"A brave man cuts off his own arm, but there's always tomorrow," Gan Muwan said firmly. "I suggest abandoning Xuanxiao Mountain and withdrawing everyone back to Huizhou Prefecture."

"What?!" Several elders exclaimed in unison.

"Absurd!" The Spirit Mine Hall Master slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Xuanxiao Mountain has been under construction for decades, and the protective array alone has cost a million spirit stones. How can we just abandon it like that?"

Gan Muwan calmly took out a recording bead. In the light and shadow, the silver-masked Master Tianhu was destroying the teleportation array with a single palm strike.

"Please observe, everyone. This person's cultivation is at least at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. Our side has four Golden Core cultivators—the patriarch is in seclusion, Miss Yongxuan is accompanying him as a protector, Uncle Changlei is guarding the Demon-Suppressing Pass, and Miss Yongyao has just entered the Golden Core realm." She put away the recording bead. "A direct confrontation would only result in total annihilation."

"Pass on the order," Fu Changli finally said through gritted teeth, "Abandon Xuanxiao Mountain. Everyone retreat to Huizhou Prefecture. Yongqi, you lead the Conquest Hall to cover the rear and ensure the safe evacuation of your clansmen."

Gan Muwan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but added, "Before leaving, destroy the core array plate of the mountain-protecting formation, and also cast Corrosive Spirit Powder into the spiritual spring—since we can't keep it here, we can't let the enemy benefit from it."

Fu Changli looked at her in surprise, then smiled wryly: "You're much tougher than this old man."

"There's plenty of time ahead." Gan Muwan gazed towards Tianluo Mountain, a cold glint in her eyes. "Once the patriarch emerges from seclusion, these assets will be forced back, with interest, sooner or later."

...

Ruins of Xuanxiao Mountain.

Wearing a silver mask, Master Tianhu stood before the empty Fu family villa, fragments of a destroyed array plate at his feet. The spiritual energy of the entire Xuanxiao Mountain was rapidly dissipating, and the crops in the spirit fields were withering at a visible rate.

"Well done, Gan Muwan." He kicked the foul-smelling spring water on the ground. "I underestimated the women of the Fu family."

A disciple of the Tianhu Sect stepped forward and reported, "Master, we've searched the entire mountain, but found nothing of value. The Fu family made a thorough escape; they even took the jade slips from the library."

Master Tianhu snorted coldly: "Send a message to Abbess Qiuyue, saying that the plan has changed, and the Fu family is more troublesome than expected."

Master Tianhu's fingertips traced the broken stone pillars of the main hall of Xuanxiao Mountain, and the mottled sword marks stirred up long-forgotten memories.

Decades ago, this place was called Xuanxiao Sect, and he was the young sect leader whom everyone respected.

Fu Changsheng's face beneath the mask was contorted with hatred, and the eerie red lines on it seemed to writhe like living things.

Memories flood back like a tide—

That night, when the Xuanxiao Sect's protective array was breached, he was in seclusion in his chamber. His father, Xuanxiaozi's, final telepathic message echoed in his mind: "My son, run! The Fu family..."

With a deafening roar, the dome of the secret chamber collapsed.

He forcibly ended his seclusion, spitting out a mouthful of blood as his meridians surged backward. When he rushed out of the ruins, he saw only corpses strewn across the ground. His father's head was hanging above the mountain gate, and the Fu family cultivators were mopping up the remaining disciples.

"Young Master, run!" The loyal old servant pushed him into the secret passage. "As long as we're alive, we'll survive."

He ran wildly through the secret passage, pursued relentlessly by his own tail.

Just as he was about to be caught up by the Fu family cultivators, a white ribbon descended from the sky, swept him up, and disappeared into the night sky.

He was rescued.

Master Qiuyue and Master Yun asked him to cooperate in staging a play in the Nine Nether Valley, with the aim of ambush Fu Changsheng. Unfortunately, Fu Changsheng did not fall for the trap. Afterwards, it is said that Master Yun died at Fu Changsheng's hands in a confused state.

This successfully enraged Abbess Qiuyue.

Fu Changsheng first killed Master Qiuyue's daughter, and now the only lover he ever had feelings for was also killed by Fu Changsheng.

but.

This, however, gave him the opportunity to rise to prominence.

"Want revenge?" Abbess Qiuyue lifted his chin with her fingertips, her voice like a venomous snake's tongue. "Fu Changsheng is now a Golden Core cultivator, and has the backing of the Great Zhou Dynasty. You, a stray dog, are no match for him."

He knelt on the cold ground, forehead touching the earth: "I beg you, Master, grant my request!"

“Alright.” Abbess Qiuyue tossed him a jade bottle. “This contains ‘Blood Moon Elixir Dew.’ Combined with my Qiuyue Nunnery’s secret techniques, it can help you quickly achieve the Golden Core stage. However…” She suddenly grabbed his neck, and a blood-red rune was driven into his brow. “From this day forward, your life is mine.”

Amidst the excruciating pain, he heard his own hoarse reply: "Understood, subordinate."

As his memory returned, Master Tianhu suddenly clenched the stone in his hand and crushed it.

After decades of perseverance and hardship, I have finally returned to my homeland.

Although Master Qiuyue's original intention was for him to lure Fu Yongyao into a trap, being able to personally reclaim Xuanxiao Mountain was already a great pleasure.

"Fu Changsheng, you think you can get away with this by hiding?" He grinned maliciously towards Huizhou. "The day I master my cultivation technique will be the day your Fu family is wiped out!"

...

Master Tianhu turned and went to the cemetery behind the mountain. He removed his silver mask, revealing his face covered in bloodstains. He knelt before a newly built bluestone mound, his fingertips lightly tracing the inscription "The Spirit Tablet of My Late Father, Xuanxiaozi" on the tombstone. Each stroke was deeply engraved into the stone, as if he wanted to carve in decades of hatred.

"Father, your son has returned."

The sound was soft, yet it was carried by the mountain wind towards the distant, dilapidated palace. Behind him stood seventy-two small tombs arranged in neat rows—cenotaphs he erected for the disciples of the Xuanxiao Sect. Before each tomb sat a bronze lamp, its dim light flickering in the evening breeze.

Master Tianhu took out a jar of aged wine from his bosom, broke the mud seal, and the aroma of the wine immediately filled the air.

"This is your favorite 'Cold Pool Fragrance' wine." He slowly poured the wine before the tombstone. "Buried under the ancient pine tree on the back mountain, it miraculously escaped the Fu family's looting."

The wine seeped into the soil, wetting the newly laid white sand in front of the grave. Master Tianhu then took out a dagger and, without hesitation, cut a gash in his palm. The blood dripped onto the wine stains and quickly blended together.

"I swear in blood, I will make the Fu family pay for their blood debt."

He took out a brocade pouch from his sleeve and poured out a few strands of gray hair—the hair his father had left behind, which the old servant had given him in the secret passage years ago. He carefully buried it in the soil in front of the tomb and covered it with a handful of fresh soil.

After completing these steps, Master Tianhu straightened his clothes and performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony. As he rose, the blood-red patterns shimmered faintly in the twilight, writhing as if alive.

"That old hag Qiuyue thought she could control me," he sneered, taking out a blood-red jade slip from his robes. "But little does she know that the last three levels of the *Mysterious Heaven One Qi Technique* are precisely the method to dispel restrictions."

The jade slip was densely inscribed with the secret incantations of the Xuanxiao Sect, several lines of which were soaked in blood—the key to breaking Master Qiuyue's seal. Master Tianhu sat cross-legged before the tomb, beginning to circulate his cultivation technique. The blood-red patterns flickered with his breath, gradually converging towards the rune between his brows.

An hour later, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of black blood. Tiny silver worms were wriggling in the blood, which instantly turned into wisps of green smoke and dissipated.

Master Tianhu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth; most of the wrinkles on his face had faded. "Give me three more months."

Suddenly, his ears twitched, and he heard footsteps in the distance. He quickly put his silver mask back on, instantly concealing the lingering bloodstains.

"Master!" A disciple of the Tianhu Sect rushed over in a panic. "Urgent message from Qiuyue Nunnery!"

...

...

A lawless land.

Fu Changsheng and Wu Ling'er carefully made their way along the edge of the steep stone platform, searching for a path leading to the plain. Wu Ling'er followed closely behind Fu Changsheng, glancing back every now and then, afraid that the human-faced eel would come after them again.

"Senior Fu, what do you think might be inside the pyramid?" Wu Ling'er asked softly, her voice tinged with unease.

Fu Changsheng did not answer immediately; his gaze fell on the eerie red light atop the distant pyramid. The light flickered, like the heartbeat of some creature.

“I don’t know, but that’s our only hope,” he said in a low voice. “Watch your step.”

The edge of the stone platform gradually narrowed, until only a narrow stone path less than a foot wide remained, below which lay bottomless darkness. Wu Ling'er's face turned pale, and her legs trembled slightly.

"I...I'm a little afraid of heights," she whispered.

Fu Changsheng glanced back at her and reached out his hand: "Grab my sleeve, don't look down there."

Wu Ling'er hesitated for a moment, then trembled as she grabbed Fu Changsheng's sleeve. The two of them moved slowly along the stone path, one after the other. A cold wind howled, causing their robes to flutter loudly.

Suddenly, Wu Ling'er slipped, and pebbles tumbled into the abyss. She screamed and tilted towards the edge of the cliff.

"Hold on tight!" Fu Changsheng reacted quickly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back. Wu Ling'er threw herself into Fu Changsheng's arms, trembling all over.

"Thank you, thank you," she said, her voice trembling with tears.

Fu Changsheng waited until she was steady before letting go of her hand: "Keep walking, we're almost there."

After walking for about half an hour, the two finally reached the end of the stone path. Ahead was a sloping gravel slope that led directly to the plain below.

Just as they were preparing to descend the slope, a piercing shriek suddenly came from afar. Fu Changsheng looked up sharply and saw several black dots rapidly approaching in the sky.

"Get down!" He shoved Wu Ling'er down onto the rubble.

The black dot drew closer and closer, and it turned out to be three strange birds that resembled vultures but had human hands! They circled above the two of them, emitting a chilling cacophony of laughter.

"It's a human-faced vulture!" Wu Ling'er whispered in terror.

Fu Changsheng held his breath and quietly picked up a sharp stone from the ground. The strange birds flew lower and lower, the closest one almost touching Wu Ling'er's back.

At this critical moment, a deep horn sound suddenly came from the direction of the pyramids in the distance. As if summoned, the three vultures immediately changed direction and flew towards the pyramids.

The two waited for a long time, and only dared to get up after confirming that the strange bird had really left.

“They are heeding the call of the pyramids,” Fu Changsheng said thoughtfully. “There really is someone controlling these monsters there.”

Wu Ling'er patted her chest, still shaken: "That was terrifying! What kind of place is this?"

"No matter where it is, we have to go and explore the pyramids." Fu Changsheng patted the dust off his clothes. "Let's go and try to cover as much distance as possible before dark."

The two carefully slid down the scree slope and onto the dark red plain. The ground beneath their feet was soft and damp, leaving shallow footprints with each step, and the air was filled with a metallic, rusty smell.

After walking for about an hour, the sky gradually darkened. The floating phosphorescent lights grew even brighter, illuminating the entire plain as if it were a ghostly realm.

“Senior Fu, look over there!” Wu Ling’er suddenly pointed to the left.

Several skeletons lay scattered on the ground not far away. Fu Changsheng approached to examine them and found obvious bite marks on the bones, along with several broken magical artifacts.

“They are the remains of cultivators. And more than one.” Fu Changsheng frowned. “They seem to have been attacked by some large creature.”

Wu Ling'er suddenly squatted down and picked up a jade token from beside a skeleton: "This is the token of White Witch Village!"

Fu Changsheng took the jade tablet and saw that it was engraved with the character "祭" (sacrifice), and the back had the totem of Baiwu Village.

"It seems the people of Baiwu Village were also involved in this place," he said in a deep voice, "and even earlier than us."

Wu Ling'er's face turned grim: "If even the High Priest and the others die here, then what about us?"

"Don't overthink it," Fu Changsheng interrupted her. "Keep moving forward."

As night fell completely, the temperature on the plains plummeted. Wu Ling'er was so cold that her teeth chattered, and she had to move closer to Fu Changsheng to warm herself.

“We need to find a place to spend the night.” Fu Changsheng looked around and pointed to a stone forest not far away. “Let’s go there.”

The stone forest is composed of dozens of towering stone pillars, forming a natural barrier. The two found a sheltered corner to sit down. Wu Ling'er hugged her knees and kept rubbing her hands together.

"Here you go." Fu Changsheng took a piece of red ore from Mo Tianwen's iron box from his pocket. "It can generate heat when you hold it in your hand."

Wu Ling'er gratefully accepted the ore and indeed felt a warm current coming from her palm: "Thank you, Senior Fu, you are such a kind person."

Wu Ling'er lowered her head and said softly, "I've never had parents since I was little; my master raised me. But in Black Witch Village, everyone only treats me as a tool."

Fu Changsheng glanced at her and suddenly asked, "Who is your master?"

"Sixth Elder," Wu Ling'er said with a bitter smile, "His kindness towards me is only because I am born with a 'spiritual body' and can help him cultivate Gu worms."

Fu Changsheng pondered: "A psychic being. No wonder you can decipher ancient witchcraft."

Just as Wu Ling'er was about to say something, a shrill scream suddenly came from afar. The sound was sharp and piercing, and it was exceptionally clear in the silent wasteland.

"Someone's here!" Fu Changsheng suddenly stood up and looked in the direction of the voice.

Hundreds of feet away, a figure dressed in strange attire was seen fleeing desperately. The person wore a multicolored feathered robe and a beast bone mask, which looked particularly eerie in the phosphorescent light. Behind him, a dark cloud of insects was hot on his heels.

"It's the Heart-Eating Gu!" Wu Ling'er's face turned deathly pale.

The person fleeing for their life was clearly exhausted.

Fu Changsheng's eyes sharpened, and he picked up a thick animal bone from the ground: "Stay here and don't move!"

Before Wu Ling'er could respond, he had already dashed off like an arrow. As he ran, Fu Changsheng tore off his outer robe, took out the red ore left by Mo Tianwen from his pocket, and struck it hard with the animal bone.

With a loud bang, the ore exploded into a blinding flash of fire. Fu Changsheng swung his burning outer robe into a ring of fire and charged straight into the swarm of insects.

"Hiss—" The Heart-Eating Gu ignited upon contact with fire, emitting a piercing shriek. The black cloud-like swarm of insects was instantly torn open.

Fu Changsheng waved his burning outer robe, and wherever the flames swept past, the Heart-Eating Gu fell to the ground. Seeing this, the fleeing old man scrambled towards him.

"Thank you for saving me, brave man!" The old man, panting, hid behind Fu Changsheng, his voice hoarse but filled with the joy of surviving a disaster.

Fu Changsheng swung his fire robe a few more times to make sure the swarm of insects had dispersed before turning to examine the old man. The man was about sixty years old, his colorful feather robe was tattered, and a beast bone mask hung askew around his neck, revealing a wrinkled face.

"Is the old man alright?" Fu Changsheng asked in a deep voice, putting away his fire robe.

The old man waved his hands repeatedly, "It's alright, it's alright. Thanks to your help, brave warrior, my life was saved." He looked Fu Changsheng and Wu Ling'er, who had arrived shortly after, up and down, his gaze lingering on their strange attire for a moment, yet he showed no surprise whatsoever: "You two were also sucked in from outside, weren't you?"

A glint of light flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes: "How did you know, sir?"

“Hey,” the old man brushed the dust off his feathered robe, “this place attracts outsiders every now and then; I’m used to it.”

Fu Changsheng then said, "Old man, have you ever seen a girl in a blue dress? About this tall." He gestured with his hands to indicate Fu Yongxuan's height and described her appearance in detail.

The old man shook his head: "I've been gathering herbs outside the city these past few days and haven't seen the person you spoke of."

Fu Changsheng frowned slightly and continued to ask, "Where exactly is this place?"

"Well," the old man scratched his gray hair, "I can't really explain it. I'm a native of this place, and all I know is that it's very large. The outside world is too dangerous; in my entire life, I've only been to Tianyun City and two neighboring cities."

"Tianyun City?" Fu Changsheng and Wu Ling'er exchanged a glance.

“Yes,” the old man pointed to the black pyramid in the distance, “that’s Tianyun City. I live in the outer city.”

Fu Changsheng's gaze was intense: "Have you ever seen a cultivator capable of casting spells, sir?"

Upon hearing this, the old man burst into laughter: "Once you enter here, even if you're a Great Immortal, you'll become a mortal! I've lived most of my life, and I've never seen anyone use magic here!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Ling'er's face paled, and she instinctively grabbed Fu Changsheng's sleeve. Fu Changsheng patted her hand reassuringly and continued, "Did you just say you were gathering herbs, old man?"

“Alas,” the old man sighed, untying a tattered leather bag from his waist and emptying it into a few withered herbs. “My granddaughter and I live in the outer city of Tianyun City, and we haven’t even managed to pay this month’s rent. If we can’t find any valuable herbs soon, we’ll be evicted.”

As he spoke, his calloused hands trembled slightly, and his eyes were filled with worry.

(End of this chapter)