Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 527 Power Shift, Bloodstained Intent, The Chosen One

Black Witch Village, the blood moon hangs high in the sky.

When the Seventh Elder, Wu Qi, dragged his weary body back to the village gate, the guards at the gate barely recognized this elder who was always smiling—his black robe was tattered, his right arm hung unnaturally, and his face was covered with small bloodstains.

"Quickly inform the Holy Maiden Chieftain that she has fallen into the Xuanwu Death Zone!"

After saying this, he collapsed in front of the village gate.

When Wu Qi awoke again, he found himself lying in the medicine hut of the Holy Maiden Xuan Yue. The room was filled with the bitter scent of medicine, and Xuan Yue was grinding some kind of herb with her back to him, her long silver hair cascading down like a waterfall in the candlelight.

"Awake?" Xuan Yue asked without turning her head, her voice as cold as a moonlit spring.

Wu Qi tried to get up, but the excruciating pain forced him to gasp for breath. Only then did he notice that his right arm had turned a strange bluish-purple.

"Don't move." Xuan Yue turned around, her eyes beneath the mask as cold as frost. "Lie down if you want to live."

She gently tapped Wu Qi's brow with her pestle, and a cool spiritual energy surged in, temporarily suppressing the pain. Only then did Wu Qi have a chance to observe this mysterious saintess—she was wearing a pure white mask today, embroidered with intricate moon patterns in silver thread, quite different from her usual black witch attire.

"The chieftain and the others."

“Dead, or worse than dead.” Xuan Yue interrupted him, her tone eerily calm.

A glint of light flashed in Wu Qi's eyes. Before he entered the Dead Zone, the Holy Maiden had privately spoken to him, saying that the divination indicated "The moon veils the heavenly wolf; those who enter will not return."

That's how he escaped disaster.

"What's the situation in the village now?" Wu Qi asked, enduring the pain.

Xuan Yue put down the pestle and took out a blood-red jade slip from her sleeve: "See for yourself."

The jade slip contained information about the village's activities during Wu Qi's coma: Wu Li, from the Eighth Elder's faction, was rallying his old followers, claiming he would organize a force to re-explore the Dead Zone; the Ninth Elder's disciples were secretly conspiring to elect a new village chief; and the ordinary villagers were already in a state of panic, with some even packing their belongings to flee.

"A bunch of idiots." Wu Qi sneered, coughing again as he aggravated his wounds. "That damned place, the Dead Zone...cough cough, going in is just suicide."

Xuan Yue: "Are you interested in the position of chieftain?"

The question was too direct, and Wu Qi's pupils contracted sharply. He instinctively wanted to deny it, but when he met Xuan Yue's dark eyes, he instantly changed his mind.

"Yes," he readily admitted, then gave a wry smile, "but look at me now."

“I can help you recover,” Xuan Yue straightened up, “and I can also help you ascend to the position of chieftain. The condition is—”

“I will always obey the Holy Maiden,” Wu Qi answered quickly, his face once again displaying that harmless smile. “That’s only natural.”

A soft laugh came from beneath the crescent moon mask: "Clever. However..." She suddenly grabbed Wu Qi by the throat with astonishing force, "If you dare to have any disloyal thoughts, Wu Jiuyin will be your fate."

Wu Qi's face turned purple from being pinched, but he still managed to smile and nod with difficulty.

Three days later, in the council hall of Black Witch Village.

The elders' seats, which were usually packed, were now mostly empty. Wu Qi sat in his original seat, his right arm wrapped in a white cloth soaked in medicine, his face still bearing that kind smile.

"Gentlemen," his voice wasn't loud, but it silenced the noisy hall, "the chieftain and all the elders are trapped in the dead zone. The most urgent task is to stabilize morale."

"Bullshit!" Wu Li slammed his fist on the table, his eyes bloodshot. "We should immediately organize our elite forces to storm into the Dead Zone and rescue our chieftain!"

Several of the Fourth Elder's former subordinates immediately echoed his sentiments. Wu Qi calmly waited for them to finish before slowly saying, "Senior Brother Wu Li is right. How about this—you lead a team to scout ahead, and we'll follow to provide backup?"

These words, seemingly supportive, were actually vicious. Everyone knew that the Dead Zone was now a cannibalistic den of demons. Wu Li's face immediately turned ugly, and he stammered, unable to speak.

"I think the most urgent task is to elect a temporary chieftain," Wu Qingyin, a member of the Fifth Elder's faction, suggested ominously. "Without a leader, chaos will inevitably ensue sooner or later."

A buzz of discussion immediately broke out in the hall. Wu Qi noticed that Xuan Yue had appeared in the shadows at the corner of the hall at some point, and nodded slightly to him.

"Gentlemen," Wu Qi suddenly raised his voice, "before discussing the selection of the village chief, there is something that must be stated—"

He took out a recording stone, infused it with spiritual power, and the scene in the Dead Zone appeared: Wu Jiuyin disregarded the lives of his subordinates and charged alone into the vortex.

"The chieftain is willing to sacrifice his own disciples to seize the inheritance," Wu Qi sighed. "Does such behavior deserve to be our chieftain?"

An uproar erupted within the hall. This image had undoubtedly shaken Wu Jiuyin's authority. Wu Li roared in fury, "Wu Qi! How dare you slander the chieftain!"

"Whether it's slander or not, everyone can judge for themselves," Wu Qi said calmly. "Furthermore," he looked around at everyone, "the Holy Maiden consulted the gods last night and learned that the reason our Black Witch Village suffered this calamity is all because of Wu Jiuyin. The Witch God has issued a divine decree, instructing us to select a new village chief."

This statement was like a bombshell.

Divine pronouncements must not be disobeyed!
Wu Qing seized the opportunity to launch an attack: "Since that's the case, according to the rules, the Grand Elder should succeed to the throne. But the Grand Elder is dead, so the succession should proceed in order—"

"Wait a minute," Wu Qi suddenly interrupted, "Have you all forgotten that there is someone in the village whose status is higher than all the elders?"

Everyone was taken aback, and then all looked at Xuan Yue in the corner of the hall.

“Although the Holy Maiden is of noble status, she has never been involved in village affairs,” someone whispered in doubt.

Xuan Yue slowly walked to the center of the main hall, her pure white mask gleaming coldly in the torchlight: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. I propose that Wu Qi temporarily assume the position of chieftain."

"What?!" Wu Li was the first to jump up. "Who does he think he is! Just the Seventh Elder!"

Xuan Yue waved her hand, and a silver rope, as white as moonlight, suddenly wrapped around Wu Li's neck. "Because he is seriously injured yet still cares about the village. And because..." She tightened her grip slightly, and Wu Li's face immediately turned purple. "He is the one chosen by the Witch God."

The hall was deathly silent. No one had expected the reclusive saintess to possess such power, let alone that she would publicly take sides.

Wu Qi rose at the opportune moment and bowed deeply to everyone: "Wu Qi is of meager virtue and limited ability, and dares not shoulder this heavy responsibility. However, for the survival of the village, I am willing to give it my best. If I cannot stabilize the situation within three months, I am willing to step down and yield the position to a more capable person."

This strategic retreat, coupled with Xuan Yue's military intimidation, finally forced most people to yield. That night, Wu Qi's name was engraved on the village chief's stone tablet—though only as "acting village chief."

Late at night, inside the cave dwelling of the newly appointed acting chieftain.

Wu Qi dropped his disguise, wincing in pain. Although Xuan Yue had temporarily suppressed the poison in his right arm, it still flared up from time to time.

"The first step is complete." Xuan Yue appeared in the room at some point and tossed him a small bottle. "Take this; it will relieve the pain."

Wu Qi swallowed the pill without hesitation, and sure enough, the pain lessened considerably. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "Next..."

“You have three things to do next.” Xuan Yue held up three slender fingers. “First, reward the survivors handsomely to cultivate an image of loyalty and righteousness; second, suppress Wu Li’s faction, but leave them a sliver of hope; third…”

Wu Qi seemed to be deep in thought.

First came the First Elder, then the Second Elder and the Third Elder, and then the chieftain Wu Jiuyin. In the past, anyone in the Black Witch Village who dared to question or disrespect the Holy Maiden perished one after another.

This is certainly no coincidence.

He always felt that this saintess was hiding a deeper scheme, but now was not the time to ask.

...

...

The Blood Fiend Sect's headquarters, Ten Thousand Skulls Mountain.

The mountaintop is shrouded in a blood-red mist year-round, appearing from afar like a sea of ​​blood suspended in the sky. White bone lanterns lining the mountain path sway in the eerie wind, emitting a pale, ghostly light.

A white figure appeared, stepping through the air and instantly covering a hundred feet. The nun Qiuyue's face was icy; the silver moon patterns embroidered on her white robe stood out starkly against the blood mist. Behind her followed two young nuns, each carrying a sandalwood box.

"Master, the Blood Fiend Sect's mountain gate is just ahead," the round-faced nun on the left whispered, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes.

Master Qiuyue sneered, "A mere minor sect of the demonic path dares to call itself a sect? If not..."

Her words trailed off, her fingers clenching and unclenching in her sleeve. If it weren't for Fu Changsheng, why would she, a dignified elder of Qiuyue Nunnery, condescend to come to such a filthy place?
Before the mountain gate, four Blood Fiend Sect disciples were already kneeling on the ground. The elder in purple robes at the head of the group touched his forehead to the ground, his voice trembling: "Welcome, Abbess Qiuyue! The Blood Fiend Sect is honored by your presence!"

"Lead the way." Abbess Qiuyue didn't even glance at them, passing directly over the heads of the kneeling disciples.

After traversing the winding river of blood and the dense forest of white bones, the group arrived at the main hall on the summit. In the plaza in front of the hall, nine pillars of blood rose into the sky, each entwined with a live python, its eyes bloodshot and its tongue flicking.

"Master, please wait." The old man in purple robes stopped on the stone steps in front of the hall. "Allow me to announce your arrival first."

A cold glint flashed in Master Qiuyue's eyes, and the old man was struck as if by lightning, staggering back several steps and spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"You dare to put on airs in front of me?" Her voice wasn't loud, but it made the nine pillars of blood buzz, and the pythons shrank into a ball in fear.

A hoarse laugh echoed from inside the hall: "Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Qiuyue, why bother arguing with a junior? Please come in!"

The heavy, blood-jade gate opened silently, releasing a thick, pungent stench of blood. Master Qiuyue frowned slightly, a layer of silvery moonlight emanating from her, shutting out the foul air.

In the center of the main hall was a huge pool of blood, in which countless white bones floated. The Blood Immortal sat cross-legged on a blood-red lotus flower in the center of the pool, his emaciated body wrapped in a scarlet Taoist robe, only his eyes shining terrifyingly.

"Many years have passed, and your elegance is even more remarkable than before," said Master Xue, her voice sharp and indistinct. "What brings you to my humble abode today?"

Master Qiuyue stopped by the pond, and two disciples immediately unfolded a white jade lotus seat behind her. She gracefully sat down and got straight to the point: "I've come to discuss a deal with the True Immortal."

"Oh?" A bloodthirsty glint flashed in Xue Zhenren's eyes. "What kind of deal could a righteous master like you make with us demonic fiends?"

“Fu Changsheng.” As Master Qiuyue uttered these three words, her fingertips unconsciously dug into her palms. “He stole your sect’s most prized treasure, the ‘Blood Fiend Seal,’ killed two of your disciples who had achieved the rank of Pseudo-Core Formation, and severely injured your sect leader. Do you still remember this grudge, Master?”

The blood pool suddenly boiled, countless white bones rising and falling in the waves. The Blood Immortal's face twisted in pain, his voice suddenly turning sinister: "Has the nun come today to reopen my wounds?"

"No." Abbess Qiuyue gestured for her disciple to open the first wooden box. "I've come to help the True Immortal avenge himself."

Inside the box lay a translucent, blood-red fruit, emitting an alluring fragrance. Blood Immortal's pupils constricted: "A thousand-year-old Blood Bodhi?!"

"Indeed." Abbess Qiuyue's lips curled slightly. "This item can extend one's lifespan by sixty years, which should be of great benefit to your current situation."

Blood Immortal stared intently at Blood Bodhi, his throat bobbing. His time was near, and this spiritual fruit was indeed what he needed most. But quickly, he forced himself to look away, sneering, "Master, you're so generous. What price will you demand of me?"

"It's very simple." Abbess Qiuyue tapped her fingertip, and a map of Huizhou Prefecture appeared in the air. "One month later, the Blood Fiend Sect will attack the Fu family in Huixi County and kill Fu Yongyao."

"Master, are you joking? The Fu family now has four Golden Core cultivators at its core, and is protected by fourth-tier city-guarding vines. You want my Blood Fiend Sect to go and die?"

"Fu Changsheng and Fu Yongxuan are in seclusion, Fu Changlei is far away at Zhenmo Pass, and the Fu family currently only has Fu Yongyao, a Golden Core cultivator, in charge." Master Qiuyue's voice was icy. "As for that city-protecting vine, it's even further away in Jingzhou."

Blood Master narrowed his eyes: "Why doesn't Master take action personally? With your late-stage Golden Core cultivation..."

Master Qiuyue interrupted him, "If the Blood Fiend Sect can lure out Fu Yongyao, I promise to personally take his life."

The blood pool boiled again, and the wrinkles on Blood Immortal's face relaxed and tightened. Having lived for thirteen hundred years, he knew all too well that there was no such thing as a free lunch. But the allure of the Blood Bodhi, coupled with his hatred for Fu Changsheng, forced him to seriously consider the proposal.

"What deep-seated hatred does the nun harbor towards Fu Changsheng? She's even willing to join forces with us, the demonic cultivators?" he suddenly asked.

Master Qiuyue's face stiffened, and a trace of pain flashed in her eyes.

After hearing the reason...

"I see," Blood Master mused. "No wonder the Abbess was willing to go to such lengths."

"What has the Master considered?" Abbess Qiuyue asked coldly, suppressing her emotions. "The Blood Bodhi is merely a deposit. After the matter is settled, Qiuyue Nunnery and the Blood Fiend Sect can form an alliance to jointly resist the Fu family."

The white bones collided in the blood pool, producing a crisp sound. Blood Immortal's withered fingers tapped lightly on the lotus throne, his eyes flashing with a bloodthirsty light. He too longed for revenge. But the Fu family was at the height of its power; to act rashly would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

"Master, you are unaware of this," he finally sighed, "After the Fu family's Xuanxiao Mountain and Tianluo Mountain were breached by True Person Tianhu, they immediately mobilized their protective vines to guard Huixi County, clearly to prevent my Blood Fiend Sect from taking action. As far as I know, the Fu family's protective vine has evolved the 'Blood Devouring' characteristic, specifically countering my Blood Fiend Sect's techniques. Without absolute certainty..."

Abbess Qiuyue suddenly stood up, her white kasaya fluttering without wind. She took a step forward and floated through the air to the center of the blood pool, facing Blood Immortal face to face.

"A mere early-stage fourth-order demonic vine is worth your so much fear?" A silver rune appeared in her palm and she gently pressed it against Blood True Man's forehead.

Blood Immortal was startled at first, then felt a cool energy flow into his meridians. Those meridians that had withered due to the approaching end of their lifespan actually stretched out slightly as if receiving sweet rain.

"This is... the Moonlit Life-Extending Technique?" He stared in shock, his eyes wide.

Master Qiuyue shook her head: "This is a derivative of the 'Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique.' The authentic technique is in the hands of the Fu family. If one could obtain the Fu family's 'Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique,' it might even help a True Person break through their bottleneck and reach the Nascent Soul stage."

The blood pool churned violently, and the wrinkles on Blood Master's face trembled wildly.

The Azure Emperor's Longevity Secret!

That's a Heavenly Rank cultivation technique.

No wonder Fu Changsheng has grown up so quickly; now I understand.

The temptation is just too great.

Having cultivated for a thousand years, his greatest fear was the end of his lifespan and the demise of his cultivation. If he could obtain the Azure Emperor's Longevity Manual, he might truly find an opportunity for a breakthrough.
"Very well!" Blood Master abruptly stood up, his Blood Lotus radiating a dazzling red light. "I promise you, Abbess! One month from now, the Blood Fiend Sect will launch a full-scale attack on Huixi County!"

Master Qiuyue smiled slightly and stepped back to the edge of the pond: "A wise move. Consider this Blood Bodhi as a gift."

She pushed the wooden box towards the blood pool, and Blood Immortal eagerly reached out to grab it. Just as his fingers were about to touch the spiritual fruit, Abbess Qiuyue suddenly made a hand seal, and a layer of silver net appeared on the surface of the Blood Bodhi.

"What does Master mean by this?" Blood Master's expression changed drastically.

"It's just a minor restriction," Master Qiuyue said calmly. "It will be lifted once the matter is resolved. Surely the True Immortal wouldn't think I would hand over such a precious treasure to someone from the demonic path without any precautions?"

Blood Master's eyes flashed with a blood-red light, but quickly returned to calm. He chuckled dryly, "Master is indeed cautious. In that case, why don't we swear a blood oath?"

"That suits my purposes perfectly."

Blood Immortal bit his finger and flicked out a drop of his essence blood. Master Qiuyue did the same, and the two drops of blood merged in the air, transforming into a strange rune that split in two and entered between their brows.

"Meet me in Huixi County in a month." Master Qiuyue turned and left.

...

...

A lawless land.

Fu Changsheng took a piece of ore from Mo Tianwen's iron box and asked, "Old man, do you think this is valuable?"

The old man took the ore, his cloudy eyes immediately lighting up: "This...this is fire-patterned stone! The nobles of Tianyun City love this most; one piece can cover half a year's rent!"

Fu Changsheng stuffed the ore into the old man's hand: "In that case, I'll give it to you, sir. I only hope you can lead us into the city and tell us about the rules here."

The old man, holding the ore, was so excited he was incoherent: "This...this is too much! You are so kind, sir! I am so grateful!"

“No need to be so polite,” Fu Changsheng said with a carefree smile. “It’s just a matter of each getting what they need.”

The old man bowed repeatedly: "My surname is Zhang, and my given name is Shun. May I ask how you two are addressed?"

After exchanging names, Old Zhang enthusiastically led the two towards Tianyun City, chattering on and on: "To enter Tianyun City, outsiders need to pay an 'entry tax.' It's either valuable items or rare medicinal herbs."

Wu Ling'er asked curiously, "Grandpa Zhang, what's it like in the city?"

Old Zhang gestured animatedly, "Tianyun City is divided into inner and outer cities. The outer city is where commoners like us live, while the inner city is the domain of the nobles."

Just then, a series of urgent whistles sounded in the distance. Old Zhang's face changed drastically, and he grabbed the two men, pulling them behind a large rock: "Oh no! It's a patrol from the city guards!"

Fu Changsheng stared intently and saw a group of warriors dressed in black leather armor walking towards them. They carried spears, had strange bone whistles hanging from their waists, and moved in perfect unison.

“These city guards are the most troublesome,” Old Zhang said in a low voice, “they specifically target and interrogate us outsiders.”

Before he could finish speaking, the lead city guard suddenly turned to their hiding place and shouted sternly, "Who's lurking around like that? Come out!"

Fu Changsheng pressed down on Wu Ling'er, who was trying to get up, and slowly stood up himself: "Just passing by gathering herbs."

The city guard captain narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Fu Changsheng's unusual attire: "Gathering herbs?"

Old Zhang hurriedly crawled out from behind the rock, bowing and scraping: "Captain Zhao, it's me! These two are my distant relatives, they came to help me gather herbs." "Shut up!" Captain Zhao lashed Old Zhang's feet with his whip. "Old Zhang, what relatives do you have?" He turned to Fu Changsheng, suddenly reaching for his collar: "You're obviously an outsider!"

Fu Changsheng dodged to the side, a cold glint in his eyes. Captain Zhao roared in fury, "You dare to dodge? Take him down!"

Five city guards immediately surrounded them. Wu Ling'er was terrified, her face deathly pale, but she still mustered her courage and stood in front of Fu Changsheng: "You...you mustn't do anything rash!"

Just as tensions were about to rise, Old Zhang suddenly pulled out the fire-patterned stone from his pocket and tremblingly handed it forward: "Captain Zhao, this is what I found today."

Captain Zhao's eyes flashed with greed when he saw the fire-patterned stone. He snatched the stone away, saying, "Hmph! You're smart to know what's good for you." He weighed the stone in his hand and glanced sideways at Fu Changsheng, "I'll let it go this time for Old Zhang's sake. But behave yourself once you're in the city!"

Once the city guards were out of sight, Old Zhang breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "That was close!"

Fu Changsheng helped the swaying old man Zhang up and said in a deep voice, "Thank you for your help, sir."

"Hey, of course," Old Zhang waved his hand. "But you'll need to change your clothes once you get into town; this outfit is too conspicuous."

The three continued on their way, and the outline of Tianyun City became increasingly clear in the distance. Upon closer inspection, the black pyramid was actually constructed from countless neatly arranged black square stones, its surface covered with strange runes. A long queue stretched at the city gate, filled with people waiting to enter.

"How long will it take to get out of this queue?" Wu Ling'er muttered to herself.

Old Zhang smiled mysteriously: "Don't worry, I know a shortcut."

He led the two around to one side of the city wall, where there was an inconspicuous little door, and a fat man with a face full of scars was sitting at the door.

"Uncle Qian," Old Zhang bowed and scraped, "these two are my relatives, I was thinking..."

The fat man interrupted impatiently, "One copper coin each, or get out!"

Fu Changsheng looked at Old Man Zhang, who awkwardly rubbed his hands together: "This..."

Fu Changsheng understood and took out a smaller piece of ore from his pocket, handing it over. The fat man's eyes lit up, and he grabbed the ore: "Go in! Remember, don't cause trouble!"

Passing through the dark passageway, the view suddenly opened up. The outer city of Tianyun City was much more prosperous than expected, with shops lining both sides of the street and pedestrians thronging the streets. However, an inexplicable oppressive atmosphere permeated the air, and everyone's face carried a hint of wariness.

"Please come to my house and rest for a while," Old Man Zhang said warmly. "My granddaughter will find you a couple of suitable outfits."

After turning through several alleys, we arrived at a low-rise shantytown.

Old Zhang's home was a simple wooden hut with several strings of dried herbs hanging in front of the door.

"Xiao Cui! Grandpa's back!" Old Zhang called out as he pushed open the door.

Light footsteps sounded from inside the house, and a girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old ran out. She wore patched, coarse cloth clothes, but her lively spirit could not be concealed. Seeing strangers, the girl immediately hid behind her grandfather, curiously observing Fu Changsheng and his companion.

"Don't be afraid," Old Zhang said affectionately, patting his granddaughter's head. "These two are my benefactors. Go and get our two sets of new clothes."

While the girl went to get her clothes, Fu Changsheng looked around. Although the room was simple, it was clean and tidy. On a small table in the corner were several rough wooden carvings, which looked to be the girl's handiwork.

Xiao Cui quickly returned with two sets of coarse cloth clothes, timidly handing them to Fu Changsheng and Wu Ling'er. Although the clothes were simple, they were very clean and carried a faint herbal fragrance.

"Thank you, Miss Xiao Cui." Wu Ling'er smiled gently and took the clothes. Xiao Cui blushed immediately and hid behind her grandfather.

After changing his clothes, Fu Changsheng's entire demeanor became simple and unpretentious; without close inspection, he was no different from an ordinary citizen of Tianyun City. Wu Ling'er also changed into a plain-colored dress; although her natural beauty was undeniable, she was at least no longer so eye-catching.

“Uncle Zhang,” Fu Changsheng said seriously, “I wonder if there’s anywhere in Tianyun City that can help find someone?”

Old Zhang stroked his beard and pondered for a moment: "When it comes to finding people, the 'City Lord's Mansion' in the inner city is the most powerful. It's said that as long as you can pay the price, they can find out everything that happened a hundred years ago."

Wu Ling'er's eyes lit up: "That's great! Senior Fu, we can..."

"It's difficult, so difficult!" Old Zhang shook his head repeatedly. "The City Lord's Mansion never receives outsiders; only the City Lord can invite us in. Commoners like us from the outer city can't even get through the inner city gates, let alone the City Lord's Mansion."

Fu Changsheng frowned slightly: "What are the requirements for entering the inner city?"

“Three methods,” Old Zhang counted on his fingers, “either a personal introduction from a nobleman in the inner city, or paying with top-grade spiritual materials—but here, top-grade spiritual materials are more precious than life itself. The last one,” he lowered his voice, “is to participate in the 'Blood Arena' and win ten consecutive matches.”

"Blood Arena?" Wu Ling'er asked in confusion.

Old Zhang's face was grave: "That's a deathmatch arena where the inner city's nobles entertain themselves. Those who step onto it either die or are maimed; in the past ten years, no more than three have survived."

A silence fell over the room. Xiao Cui timidly tugged at her grandfather's sleeve: "Grandpa, didn't we hear the other day that the inner city was recruiting herb gatherers?"

"Oh dear!" Old Zhang slapped his thigh. "Look at my memory! The inner city's medicinal garden is indeed recruiting herb gatherers who understand pharmacology. If selected, they'll receive a temporary pass." He turned to Fu Changsheng, "If my benefactor understands pharmacology..."

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "I know a little bit."

"That's wonderful!" Old Zhang exclaimed, his face beaming. "A month from now is the recruitment day for the herb garden, and I can take my benefactor there. However..." He hesitated, glancing at Wu Ling'er, "I'm afraid a young lady like you..."

Wu Ling'er immediately grabbed Fu Changsheng's arm: "I want to go with Senior Fu! I also understand pharmacology!"

"But..." Old Zhang was still hesitating when a commotion suddenly came from outside the door.

"boom!"

The wooden door was kicked open violently. Five burly men dressed in black tight-fitting clothes barged in. The one in the lead, with a scarred face, grinned maliciously and said, "Old Zhang, it's time to pay your protection money this month!"

Old Zhang's face turned deathly pale: "Uncle Zhou, we just paid for it."

“That’s old debt!” Scarface slapped the teapot off the table. “Young Master Zhao is getting married tomorrow, and all the people in the outer city are expected to offer gifts!” His lecherous gaze suddenly fixed on Wu Ling’er. “Or… this girl could settle the debt.”

Wu Ling'er took a step back in fright. Fu Changsheng slowly stood up and blocked her way: "Get out."

The scarred man was taken aback, then burst into wild laughter: "Kid, do you know who we are? The Zhao family!"

"Crack!"

A crisp cracking sound rang out. Scarface's right hand suddenly bent at an unnatural angle. Before he could react, he was already airborne, crashing heavily onto the courtyard wall.

The other four roared and charged. Fu Changsheng didn't move, casually waving his right hand—

"Pah, pah, pah!"

Four resounding slaps rang out almost simultaneously. Four burly men flew out of the house like kites with broken strings, their teeth and blood splattering all over the ground.

Old Zhang and Xiao Cui stared in disbelief. Wu Ling'er, however, noticed a faint flash of silver light from Fu Changsheng's sleeve—it was four silver needles he had flicked out in an instant!

"You...you just wait!" Scarface struggled to his feet. "The Zhao family won't let you get away with this!"

Before he could finish speaking, Scarface had already fled in a panic.

Old Zhang slumped to the ground: "It's over. I've offended the Zhao family."

Fu Changsheng took out a blood-red crystal from his pocket: "Old man, this 'Blood Essence Stone' is enough for you to move to the inner city. Once you're inside, the Zhao family won't be able to bother you anymore."

The Zhao family is merely a bully in the outer city, using the power of the powerful as a pretext.

If they were truly capable, they would have moved into the inner city long ago.

"Thank you so much, my benefactor!" Old Zhang's hands were trembling.

...

A month later.

The recruitment site for the medicinal herb garden was bustling with people.

When Fu Changsheng appeared with Wu Ling'er.

"Women are not allowed to enter!" the elderly proctor shouted sternly.

Fu Changsheng sneered: "Article 72 of the rules of the herb garden clearly states, 'Anyone who can identify a hundred herbs, regardless of gender, may take the exam.'" He pointed to the mottled inscription on the wall.

The old man was speechless. He had accepted bribes from the Zhao family, but he hadn't expected this outsider to be so audacious as to directly question him. Just then, a sarcastic voice rang out: "Who's so bold? Turns out it's just an ignorant outsider."

The crowd parted, and Young Master Zhao, fanning himself with a folding fan, walked in, followed by more than ten supporters. He stared greedily at Wu Ling'er: "Little lady, why not come with me?"

"You're courting death." Fu Changsheng's face darkened, and he was about to make a move.

"This is not a blood arena. If you want to fight in the arena, turn left after you leave." An old man with a white beard walked out from the inner courtyard, carrying the scent of medicine with him.

Upon seeing the old man, Young Master Zhao immediately changed his demeanor, bowing and scraping, showing no trace of arrogance.

He has been preparing for this day for ten years. Whether he can enter the inner city and become a person of high status depends on this day.

"Master Bai!" Young Master Zhao immediately closed his folding fan and bowed respectfully. "This junior was only worried that someone might break the rules of the herb garden."

The white-bearded old man snorted coldly, "The rules of the medicine garden are none of the Zhao family's business." His sharp gaze swept over Fu Changsheng and Wu Ling'er, "Since you're here, then conduct the assessment according to the rules."

Young Master Zhao's expression shifted between light and dark, and he secretly gave a wink to the servant beside him.

The first challenge, identifying the herbs, began. Thirty kinds of rare medicinal herbs were laid out on ten stone tables, many of them highly poisonous. Just as Wu Ling'er was about to step forward, Young Master Zhao suddenly interrupted, "I'll go first!"

He confidently recited the names of all the medicinal herbs one by one.

As I was leaving, my foot suddenly slipped, and I fell headlong onto the medicine table.

"Watch out!" Master Bai exclaimed.

If those medicinal herbs are mixed together, they will produce highly toxic fumes!
The direction is directly facing Fu Changsheng.

At the critical moment, Fu Changsheng flicked his sleeve, and an invisible force sent Zhao San Gongzi flying. At the same time, his other hand quickly tapped the medicine table seven times, separating all the herbs that were about to be mixed.

"The Seven Deadly Medicines Dividing Technique?!" Master Bai's eyes widened.

Fu Changsheng said calmly, "The third ingredient on the second table was wrong. That's not 'Azure Nether Grass,' but 'Soul Vine.' The two are similar, but the latter will produce a deadly poison when it comes into contact with the 'Crimson Sun Flower' on the fifth table."

The medicine boy hurriedly checked and indeed found a mistake, turning pale with fright.

Young Master Zhao got up, covered in dust and grime, his eyes filled with resentment.

The second challenge involved gathering herbs, requiring the identification of three specific medicinal plants within the poisonous "Hundred Poisons Garden." Just as Wu Ling'er was about to enter the garden, Young Master Zhao suddenly stopped her: "Since it's an assessment, there should be a prize. How about you become my maid if you lose?"

A cold glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

Wu Ling'er smiled sweetly: "And what if you lose?"

"Me? I'll lose?" Young Master Zhao seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world. "If I lose, I'll cut off my own arm and kneel down to call you 'Grandma' three times!"

“Alright.” Wu Ling’er turned to Master Bai, “Please bear witness, Master.”

Master Bai stroked his white beard and nodded slightly: "This old man will bear witness."

Young Master Zhao, beaming with pride, was the first to step into the Garden of a Hundred Poisons. He was well-prepared, as he wore a jade pendant at his waist, a treasure the Zhao family had acquired at great expense. The garden was filled with poisonous miasma; even a single breath would cause dizziness in an ordinary person.

Wu Ling'er took a deep breath and was about to enter when Fu Changsheng suddenly grabbed her and took out a small cloth bag from his pocket: "Put it under your tongue."

Inside the cloth bag were three emerald green pills, emitting a faint fragrance. Wu Ling'er recognized them as being made from the herbs in Mo Tianwen's iron box, nodded gratefully, and put the pills into her mouth.

The two entered the Hundred Poisons Garden one after the other. The garden was dimly lit, and various poisonous plants emitted an eerie glow. Taking advantage of his poison-avoiding jade pendant, Young Master Zhao quickly found the first medicinal herb, "Seven-Heart Begonia," and proudly waved it at Wu Ling'er.

Wu Ling'er remained calm and composed. As a naturally gifted spiritual being, she was exceptionally sensitive to the scent of plants. She closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment before walking towards the northwest corner of the garden. From a seemingly ordinary patch of grass, she plucked a small blade of grass that shimmered with silver light.

"Moonshadow Grass!" someone outside the garden exclaimed in surprise.

Young Master Zhao's expression changed, and he hurriedly searched for the second medicinal ingredient, "Ghost Face Flower." This flower can disguise itself as an ordinary wildflower, and the ghost face patterns on its petals can only be seen from a specific angle.

Wu Ling'er squatted down, took out a small piece of red ore from her bosom, and gently rubbed it, emitting a faint heat. She brought the ore close to the ground, and soon, wildflowers began to twist and deform, revealing hideous ghost faces.

"Clever!" Master Bai exclaimed. "Using temperature changes to stimulate the Ghost-Faced Flower to reveal itself, this girl is no ordinary person."

Seeing this, Young Master Zhao gritted his teeth in anger. His eyes darted around, and he suddenly pulled a packet of powder from his sleeve, secretly scattering it on the path in front of Wu Ling'er. It was "Bewitching Powder," which would cause hallucinations if inhaled.

However, just as the powder fell, a strange gust of wind suddenly swept up, blowing all the sleeping powder back onto Young Master Zhao's face. Caught off guard, he inhaled several times, and immediately his eyes became unfocused, and he began to gesticulate wildly.

"A ghost! A ghost!" Young Master Zhao shouted in terror, wildly punching the air.

Wu Ling'er successfully collected the third medicinal herb, "Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Vine." When she left the garden, Zhao San Gongzi was still running around like a madman, his clothes torn to shreds by the thorns.

"Wu Ling'er wins," Master Bai announced, his eyes full of admiration.

The Zhao family's servants hurriedly entered the garden and carried out the delirious young master. The third young master of the Zhao family, his face covered in snot and tears, knelt and kowtowed upon seeing Wu Ling'er, pleading, "Grandma, spare my life! Grandma, spare my life!"

Everyone burst into laughter. As agreed in the bet, Young Master Zhao wailed and cut off his own arm, crying out "Grandma" three times before fainting from shame and indignation.

After the herb garden assessment was completed, Master Bai personally handed two bronze tokens to Fu Changsheng and Wu Ling'er.

"This is an inner city pass."

Fu Changsheng took the token. The token was cold to the touch. The front was engraved with the two characters "Heavenly Fortune," while the back had a strange symbol that looked like some kind of ancient script.

"Thank you, Master." Fu Changsheng nodded slightly.

Master Bai waved his hand: "No need to thank me. The herb garden is in dire need of people knowledgeable in pharmacology. Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), a carriage will come to pick you up and take you into the inner city." He then gave Fu Changsheng a meaningful look. "The inner city is different from the outer city; there are many more rules, especially in the central area."

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened: "The central area?"

“That’s where the city lord’s mansion is.” Master Bai lowered his voice. “It’s heavily guarded. Anyone who trespasses will be killed.” After saying that, he turned and left, his wide robe sleeves fluttering behind him.

Back at Old Zhang's house, Xiao Cui had already prepared a simple dinner. Old Zhang was overjoyed to learn that the two had obtained passes to the inner city.

Fu Changsheng took a sip of tea: "Does the old man know anything about the central area of ​​the inner city?"

Old Zhang's hand trembled, spilling a few drops of tea. "Why do you ask about this, my benefactor?" He glanced nervously out the window, his voice hushed. "That's forbidden territory. No one except the city lord and his confidants can get close. I've heard... I've heard that the greatest secret of Tianyun City is hidden there."

"What secret?" Wu Ling'er asked curiously.

Old Zhang shook his head: "How would I know? However..." He hesitated for a moment, "Every ten years, the city lord selects twelve 'Chosen Ones' from the inner city to enter the central area. These people have never come out again."

Xiao Cui covered her mouth in fright: "Grandpa, you mean they all..."

"Shh!" Old Zhang quickly stopped his granddaughter, "You can't say things like that."

In the stillness of the night, Fu Changsheng stood in the courtyard, gazing up towards the inner city. Even in the darkness, the outline of the black pyramid was still clearly visible, its top emitting a faint red glow, like the eyes of some creature, coldly watching over the entire city.

"Senior Fu, you haven't rested yet?" Wu Ling'er tiptoed to his side.

Fu Changsheng didn't turn around: "I was thinking about this secret realm."

Do you really think Sister Fu will be in the inner city?

“Uncertain,” Fu Changsheng said in a low voice, “but this is currently the only clue.”

Wu Ling'er was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Senior Fu, I have a feeling that something's not right about this secret realm."

"oh?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it. It just feels like everything here is too... too deliberate. It's like someone specifically designed this place, waiting for cultivators to come in."

A hint of admiration flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. Although this girl was timid, her intuition was quite sharp.

“Be careful after you enter the city tomorrow,” he said briefly.

(End of this chapter)