Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 533 A Love Affair Between Human and Demon, Taking Stock of Gains, and Promotion Privileges
Xuan Yin Village - Soul Palace

Inside the dimly lit Soul Hall, a thousand Soul Lamps floated above the ancient divine tree, their dim lights illuminating the ferocious witch god totems on the hall walls. Each lamp represented the soul of a cultivator in the village; the brighter the light, the stronger the soul.

suddenly--

"Snapped!"

The topmost azure flame life lamp suddenly exploded, splattering oil and sparks flying everywhere! Immediately afterward, more than a dozen purple flame life lamps below went out one after another, their wicks turning into wisps of black smoke and dissipating into the hall.

The guard, Wu Li, suddenly looked up, his cloudy pupils contracting sharply.

"The Seventh Elder... has fallen?!"

He staggered back two steps, his withered fingers trembling as he reached for the bone bell at his waist and shook it frantically. The bell's sound, like a ghost's wail, pierced through the Soul Palace and echoed throughout the entire Xuan Yin Village.

-

Altar of the Witch God
The old chieftain, Wu Ming, sat cross-legged in the center of the altar, his body shrouded in blood-red sorcerer runes. His face was gaunt, his eyes sunken, and a vertical line between his brows resembled a closed third eye. Hearing the bell, he slowly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing deep within his murky pupils.

"Chieftain!" Wu Li stumbled into the altar, prostrated himself on the ground, his voice hoarse, "The Seventh Elder's life lamp went out, and his accompanying Purple Mansion... the entire army was wiped out!"

The old chieftain remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised his withered fingers, and a drop of blood seeped from his fingertip, dripping onto the altar.

"Om-"

The runes on the altar suddenly lit up, and the blood mist surged, condensing into a phantom mirror. The image in the mirror flickered, finally settling on a figure wearing a silver mask, wielding a green sword, who had cleaved the Seventh Elder's Golden Core with a single strike!
“Shadow Gate?” The old chieftain frowned slightly, his voice hoarse like the grinding of sand, “No… The Shadow Gate never leaves a body when they kill someone.”

He tapped the mirror again, and it shattered, turning into countless blood streaks that vanished.

"Yin Jiu".

From the shadows of the altar, a gaunt, ghostly figure slowly emerged. The person was shrouded in a black robe, his face as pale as a corpse, his eyes pitch black, like two writhing blobs of ink.

"Your subordinate is here." Yin Jiu's voice was cold and sinister, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue.

"Investigate." The old chieftain closed his eyes, his tone calm. "Before his death, the Seventh Elder sent a message saying that he had discovered traces of a spy from the Great Zhou, but this person... is definitely not from the Shadow Clan."

Yin Jiu's lips curled into a sinister smile: "Don't worry, Chieftain, I'm best at... prying open the mouths of the dead."

-

Several days later, in the dark hall

Yin Jiu stood before a corpse, a jet-black Gu worm coiled around his fingertip. The corpse was that of a Purple Mansion cultivator who had managed to escape that day, but now it was shriveled up, with countless insects wriggling beneath its skin.

"Yunshan Village... twins..." Yin Jiu whispered, as the Gu worm burrowed into the corpse's ear, bringing back a wisp of remaining memory a moment later.

In the footage, the sisters Bai Zhi and Bai Wei appeared at the border and had a brief encounter with the Seventh Elder.

"Interesting." Yin Jiu sneered, "How can two Purple Mansion cultivators kill a Golden Core cultivator?"

He turned around, his black robe billowing like mist, and stepped into the depths of the dark hall. There, corpses infested with Gu worms hung from the ceiling, dripping blood forming a pool, in which countless hideous Gu eggs floated.

“Yunshan Village has a Nascent Soul cultivator in charge. If it really was them who did it…” Yin Jiu’s eyes churned with black mist. “This matter is no longer something that Xuan Yin Village can handle alone.”

-

main hall
After listening to Yin Jiu's report, the old chieftain lightly tapped the armrest of the shrine with his withered fingers, producing a dull "thump-thump" sound.

“The Holy Maiden is in seclusion and cannot consult the gods.” He spoke slowly, his voice low. “If Yunshan Village truly intervenes, it will be to start a war with my Xuanyin Village.”

Yin Jiu smiled sinisterly: "I can go there myself, capture those two sisters, and turn them into corpse puppets. Then the truth will come out."

The old chieftain shook his head: "That patriarch of Yunshan Village is extremely protective of his own."

He raised his eyes and looked at the night sky outside the palace, where the blood moon hung high.

"Report this to Shuangyue Village," the old village chief finally ordered. "This matter... shall be decided by a Nascent Soul cultivator."

A hint of resentment flashed in Yin Jiu's eyes, but he ultimately lowered his head: "Yes."

After Yin Jiu withdrew, the old chieftain slowly opened his palm, and a four-winged golden silkworm gu slowly crawled out, its voice charming yet carrying a hint of coldness:
"My lord, do you suspect that this matter is related to the Great Zhou?"

The old chieftain's gaze was profound: "Shadow Gate mask, Yunshan Village people, sword cultivator... too much of a coincidence. Issue the order: martial law at the border, kill any unfamiliar cultivators without exception, and also strengthen surveillance of the Fu family in Yulin Prefecture."

"Husband, is the Fu family, a mere family, really worth your worry?"

The old chieftain's gaze was deep, and his knuckles gently tapped the armrest of the shrine, producing a dull sound.

“Fu Yongyao… is not simple.” His voice was hoarse. “Although the Blood Fiend Sect only has one Golden Core cultivator, Blood True Man, it is still a thousand-year-old sect with a profound foundation. Yet the Fu family was able to gather five Golden Core cultivators and wipe them out in one fell swoop. Such tactics are beyond the capabilities of ordinary newly established families.”

The four-winged golden silkworm chuckled, flapped its wings, and flew to the old chieftain's shoulder. Its slender legs gently caressed his neck, as if to soothe him.

"What is the Blood Fiend Sect? They're nothing but a bunch of useless trash who only know how to suck the life essence of mortals. How can they compare to my Xuan Yin Village?" it said disdainfully. "We have nearly thirty Golden Core cultivators in our village, and with a fake Infant like you, my husband, here to protect us, how dare the Fu family invade us, no matter how strong they are?"

The old chieftain remained silent for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

“If it were just the Fu family, there would be nothing to fear,” he said slowly. “But the death of the Seventh Elder, the intervention of Yunshan Village, and the appearance of the Shadow Gate Mask… these things are too coincidental.”

The four-winged golden silkworm gu paused slightly, its voice lowering: "Does my husband suspect... that there is another force behind the Fu family?"

The old chieftain did not answer directly, but instead gazed intently at the blood moon outside the hall.

“The Shadow Gate acts mysteriously. If we are truly targeted by it, not only our Xuan Yin Village, but even our superior force, Shuang Yue Village, would be no match for it.”

A crimson glint flashed in the eyes of the four-winged golden silkworm gu, its killing intent rising: "Then what does my husband mean...?"

“The Fu family’s rise has been too rapid; there must be something fishy going on.” The old chieftain slowly clasped his hands together and put the Golden Silkworm Gu into his sleeve. “I have ordered the border to be strengthened and have sent people to monitor the Fu family’s every move in Yulin Prefecture.”

The golden silkworm worm wriggled in his sleeve, its voice tinged with impatience: "My husband is always so cautious. If you ask me, why not just storm their door and turn the entire Fu family into blood puppets, then we'll be done with it!"

The old chieftain shook his head, his voice low and somber: "We must not be reckless. If the Fu family is truly a force supported by the Hidden Sect, then we can only suffer in silence."

The Golden Silkworm Gu let out a soft snort, dissatisfied but ultimately not arguing back. It knew its husband's character; he was always far-sighted and never did anything without certainty.

The old chieftain closed his eyes for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "My wife, your time to transform into human form is approaching. If the strength of the stronghold is weakened at this time, I'm afraid..."

Upon hearing this, the Golden Silkworm Gu's voice softened immediately: "Is my husband worried about me?"

The old chieftain nodded slowly: "You have cultivated for five thousand years, and you are only one step away from complete transformation. Before that, Xuan Yin Village must not be lost."

After a moment of silence, the Golden Silkworm Gu finally whispered, "Alright, I will listen to my husband."

The old chieftain's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile before his expression returned to its usual cold and stern tone. He looked up towards the outside of the hall, where, under the blood moon, the Xuan Yin Village's witchcraft array flickered faintly, like an invisible net enveloping the entire mountain range.

...

...

After passing through the last mountain pass, Fu Changsheng and his companions flew for hundreds of miles before a breathtaking view unfolded before them. In the distance, nestled among towering mountains, a majestic city could be faintly seen standing in the setting sun, the characters "Yulin" atop the city walls gleaming in the afterglow. The large banner bearing the character "Fu" fluttering on the city wall brought an involuntary smile to Fu Changsheng's lips.

"Finally home." He smiled and took out the storage bag of the Seventh Elder of Xuan Yin Village from his robes, weighing it in his palm. "Ling'er, guess what good things are inside?"

Wu Ling'er, carrying the still unconscious Fu Yongxuan on her back, brightened up upon hearing this: "Brother Fu, take a look!"

Fu Changsheng probed the storage bag with his divine sense, his eyebrows gradually rising. The storage bag was a full ten feet square, filled with various jade boxes and spiritual materials. He first took out a piece of ore that was entirely green, its surface shimmering with star-like light.

"Celestial Star Sand!" Fu Changsheng's eyes lit up. "Perfect for refining the fourth restriction on the Lotus Lantern."

With this thing.

The Lotus Lantern can be upgraded to the middle grade of the fourth rank.

Wu Ling'er looked at it curiously for a few moments: "Is this the material for the natal magic weapon that Brother Fu often talks about?"

"Not bad." Fu Changsheng then took out seven or eight more spiritual materials and lined them up on the roadside bluestone. "The Profound Yin Iron and the Cold Jade Marrow are both high-quality items of mid-grade fourth rank or above. This old fellow is quite wealthy."

He suddenly let out a soft "Eh," and took out a blood-red jade slip from the depths of his storage bag. A quick scan with his divine sense revealed a look of delight: "The Profound Yin Gu Scripture! A low-grade Earth-rank cultivation technique, perfect for your current level of cultivation to rebuild."

Wu Ling'er took the jade slip, and after probing it with her divine sense, her eyes widened in surprise: "This is the lower part of the 'Mysterious Yin Gu Scripture,' which has been lost to our Black Witch Village for so long!" Her voice trembled with excitement, "Legend has it that once mastered, it can cultivate a six-winged golden cicada Gu, which even Nascent Soul cultivators would avoid!"

Fu Changsheng laughed loudly: "Looks like we've really struck gold this time." He continued searching, then suddenly paused, carefully taking out a cold jade box. The moment the box was opened, a chilling aura wafted out, and inside lay three completely black lotus seeds, with faint blood-red patterns on their surfaces.

"This is... the seed of the Nine Nether Blood Lotus?" Fu Changsheng's pupils constricted slightly, then his face lit up with joy. "A key material for Autumn Cicada's physical reshaping!"

After Qiu Chan has mastered the "Taiyin Transformation Technique" to a minor degree, she can rebuild her physical body by combining it with the Nine Nether Blood Lotus and the Xuanming Bone Jade. Now, only the Xuanming Bone Jade is missing.

Once she forms a physical body, breaking through to the Golden Core stage will be much easier.

Just now.

Suddenly, a series of urgent bugle calls came from afar.

A flash of spiritual light appeared on the distant city wall, and a group of cultivators clad in blue scale armor rose up on their swords. The burly man with a bushy beard at the head of the group saw Fu Changsheng from afar and was so excited that he almost stumbled off his flying sword.

"It's the patriarch! The patriarch has emerged from seclusion!" The burly man's voice boomed like a bell, instantly echoing throughout the entire northern border defense line.

In an instant, bells and drums resounded from the city walls, and dozens of sword lights shot into the sky. The burly man with the bushy beard, leading a group of cultivators, arrived on their swords, landing ten feet away from Fu Changsheng. They knelt on one knee, clasped their hands, and said, "Your subordinate, Zhao Tiezhu, the garrison commander of the Northern Border, respectfully welcomes the patriarch back to the manor!"

Fu Changsheng raised his hand in a gesture of support: "Commander Zhao, you've worked hard. Please get up."

As Zhao Tiezhu stood up, his tiger-like eyes were filled with tears: "The patriarch has been in seclusion for several years, and outsiders have been spreading rumors that something has happened to him. The entire clan is in a state of panic." He suddenly noticed Wu Ling'er carrying someone on her back behind Fu Changsheng, and immediately fell silent, then said, "I will inform them immediately."

"No need for such a fuss," Fu Changsheng waved his hand to interrupt. "Prepare the Azure Phoenix carriage; we'll go straight back to the manor. Also, send a message to Yaoyao, telling her to bring some pills to see me."

"Yes, sir!" Zhao Tiezhu turned and roared, "Didn't you hear the patriarch's orders? Quickly prepare the Azure Phoenix carriage!" He personally led the way, lowering his voice as he walked, "Patriarch, you've returned from the Northern Frontier."

Fu Changsheng didn't reply, but instead said, "Strengthen border patrols."

Zhao Tiezhu's pupils contracted sharply, then a look of realization dawned on him, and his back straightened unconsciously by a third. A short while later, a magnificent carriage, pulled by a three-headed blue phoenix, descended from the sky, its shafts adorned with lifelike dragon carvings.

Wu Ling'er stared in disbelief, but Fu Changsheng expertly helped her into the carriage: "Don't be shy."

Inside the carriage was a hidden world, a refined room about ten feet square. Fu Changsheng gestured to Wu Ling'er to place Fu Yongxuan on the cloud bed.

"Brother Fu, this is..." Wu Ling'er looked at the luxurious furnishings inside the car, feeling somewhat at a loss.

Fu Changsheng laughed and said, "Now that you've joined the Fu family, you're a member. You'll get used to these mundane things as you see them more often."

Wu Ling'er finally recovered from the shock she had just experienced: "I never expected that Brother Fu... you would actually be the head of a sixth-grade aristocratic family!"

This is equivalent to the status of a village chief.

Wu Ling'er felt uneasy for a moment, as the difference in their social status was too great.

Fu Changsheng comforted him:

“Ling’er, without you, Yongxuan and I would still be imprisoned in that lawless place. So when you come to the Fu family, just treat it as your own home. If you need anything, just tell me. Don’t be shy.”

Wu Ling'er felt somewhat relieved.

Not long after.

The carriage suddenly jolted slightly, and Zhao Tiezhu's deep voice came from outside the window: "Reporting to the patriarch, we have arrived above Yulin City."

Fu Changsheng put away his storage bag and opened the car window. Below, the city was ablaze with lights, and countless cultivators and commoners knelt on both sides of the street. The Fu family mansion in the center of the city was even more brightly decorated, and seventy-two welcoming sword energies soared into the sky, weaving together in the air to form the four large characters "Welcome, Patriarch".

"This pomp and circumstance," Fu Changsheng shook his head and chuckled, then turned to the uneasy Wu Ling'er and said gently, "Ling'er, remember, from today onwards, you are my honored guest, Fu Changsheng. Stand tall and don't let anyone look down on you."

Yulin City · Fu Family Mansion

The azure carriage slowly landed in the main courtyard of the Fu family. As soon as Fu Changsheng stepped out of the carriage, a figure in moon white rushed to his side like the wind.

"Father!"

Fu Yongyao, dressed in an elegant robe, couldn't hide her excitement on her cool and stunning face, her glass-like eyes slightly reddening. She had been planning how to infiltrate the Xuanwu Dead Zone to rescue people, but she never expected her father to return safely. A quick scan with her divine sense revealed that after several years, her father's cultivation had actually reached the third level of the Golden Core stage!
"Yaoyao." Fu Changsheng nodded with a smile, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Just as Fu Yongyao was about to speak, his gaze suddenly fell behind his father—Wu Ling'er was carefully helping Fu Yongxuan down from the carriage, and Yongxuan was pale and weak, obviously seriously injured.

"Yongxuan?!" Fu Yongyao's pupils shrank, and he immediately stepped forward to check his sister's injuries. As soon as his fingertips touched Yongxuan's pulse, he sensed a cold power lurking in her body, constantly eroding her life force.

"Father, she..."

"Save them first," Fu Changsheng said in a deep voice. "Go to the secret room."

Fu Yongyao nodded and immediately ordered his men to step back, then personally led the way. Just then, a streak of light rushed from afar and landed in the courtyard.

"Husband!"

Yu Qingru, dressed in a light blue dress, wore an expression of undisguised joy on her gentle and dignified face. She had been overseeing the setup of the teleportation array in the city, but upon hearing of Fu Changsheng's return, she immediately dropped everything and rushed back. However, she paused slightly when her gaze swept over Wu Ling'er, who was following closely behind Fu Changsheng.

Wu Ling'er was stunningly beautiful, with skin as white as snow. Her bright eyes held a hint of timidity, yet she stayed close to Fu Changsheng, never leaving his side.

A strange look flashed in Yu Qingru's eyes, but she quickly recovered and said softly, "It's so good that my husband has returned safely."

Fu Changsheng nodded and said briefly, "Qingru, this is Wu Ling'er. It was thanks to her help that Yongxuan and I were able to escape this time. Please help her settle down and treat her like family."

Yu Qingru's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, smiled slightly, and said gently, "Miss Ling'er, please come with me."

Wu Ling'er glanced at Fu Changsheng somewhat awkwardly, and seeing him nod, she said softly, "Thank you, Madam."

After the two left, Fu Changsheng immediately followed Fu Yongyao into the secret chamber of the family head's mansion.

-

Inside the secret room
Fu Yongxuan was placed on a cold jade bed, her body shrouded in a faint aura of yin energy. Fu Yongyao gathered spiritual light at his fingertips, gently touched his sister's brow, and closed his eyes to sense it.

"Her soul is damaged, and a sinister force is eroding her meridians." Fu Yongyao opened his eyes, his tone grave. "If it weren't for her special constitution, she probably would have already..."

"Can it be cured?" Fu Changsheng asked in a deep voice.

Fu Yongyao did not answer, but instead formed a hand seal, her body radiating a shimmering white light. Her healing spirit body—the unique talent of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox lineage—was fully activated at this moment, and strands of pure life force flowed gently into Fu Yongxuan's body like a trickle.

As the spiritual energy circulated, Yongxuan's pale face eased slightly, but the insidious power remained like a persistent carbuncle, impossible to eradicate.

After a long while, Fu Yongyao stopped, his forehead already covered in fine beads of sweat.

"I can only temporarily stabilize her injuries, but to cure her completely... we need a more powerful purifying force, or we need to find the source and treat the root cause."

Fu Changsheng's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "Yongxuan's injury was caused by an evil technique called 'Soul-Eating Gu' on a pyramid in the Land of No Law. This Gu specifically devours the soul, and ordinary methods are difficult to cure it."

A look of doubt flashed in Fu Yongyao's eyes: "A lawless land..."

"This is a long story." Fu Changsheng raised his hand and gently stroked Yongxuan's forehead. His tone was calm, but it was firm and unwavering. "Now that you're back, let's discuss this carefully. Let her rest and recover first. I'll find a way."

Fu Yongyao nodded, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "Father, that girl Wu Ling'er..."

Fu Changsheng knew what she wanted to ask, and smiled slightly: "She saved me, and she also saved Yongxuan. Without her, the three of us, father and daughter, would probably not have been able to reunite."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yongyao's wariness lessened slightly, and he said in a low voice, "I understand."

-

the other side

Yu Qingru led Wu Ling'er through the corridor to an elegant courtyard.

“Miss Ling’er, this place is called ‘Qingyin Residence.’ It’s a quiet and secluded place, perfect for quiet cultivation,” Yu Qingru said gently. “If you need anything, please feel free to instruct the servants.”

Wu Ling'er quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Madam."

Yu Qingru smiled slightly, her gaze gentle, yet she asked seemingly casually, "How did Miss Ling'er and my husband... meet?"

Wu Ling'er was taken aback, then replied truthfully, "Brother Fu was trapped in the Xuanwu Death Domain, and I... I happened to help him a little."

Yu Qingru nodded, her smile deepening: "I see. My husband has always valued loyalty and righteousness. Since Miss Ling'er has been kind to him, she is an honored guest of the Fu family."

Her tone was gentle, yet it inexplicably made Wu Ling'er feel a sense of pressure, so she could only lower her head and respond.

After Yu Qingru left, Wu Ling'er finally breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, she felt both apprehensive and expectant.

-

"Father, Yongxuan is, after all, Senior Luo's adopted daughter. Now that she's seriously injured and unconscious, what will happen to the Luo family..."

Fu Changsheng picked up his teacup, his gaze calm amidst the rising steam: "I will personally explain this matter to Fellow Daoist Luo." He paused, the teacup striking the table with a crisp sound, "Yongxuan was in danger because of me, so it is only right that the Luo family has grievances."

"When Senior Luo helped me last time, he already had some reservations about you taking Yongxuan into the Xuanwu Dead Zone." Fu Yongyao's keen perception, endowed by her Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox bloodline, made her clearly remember the meaningful look in Luo Haitang's eyes when she left. "It's alright." Fu Changsheng slid a crimson jade token from his sleeve, the character "Luo" on it as red as blood. "Fellow Daoist Luo values ​​loyalty and righteousness. Since you were willing to take Yongxuan as your adopted daughter at the level of a Golden Core cultivator, you won't hold a grudge over a temporary loss. However..." He suddenly raised his eyes, "The Yin Sha Qi in Yongxuan's body is so strong that even your healing spirit body can't eradicate it. I'm afraid it will require the Luo family's 'Crimson Sun True Explanation' combined with the essence of the Li Fire to resolve it."

Fu Yongyao's pupils contracted slightly—his father even knew the Luo family's secret martial arts techniques like the back of his hand!

As if seeing through his daughter's thoughts, Fu Changsheng chuckled and pushed a jade scroll out of his storage bag: "This is the intelligence on the Northern Frontier that I have compiled over the years. The Luo family and the Xuanwu Death Domain also have some connection. It is on page 320."

Fu Yongyao took the jade slip, and his fingertips trembled as he scanned it with his divine sense. The jade slip contained detailed records of how the Luo family's ancestor had obtained an opportunity from the Xuanwu Death Domain and thus prospered.

"So Senior Luo, she..."

“Yongxuan’s injury was also suffered by the Luo family’s ancestor back then.” Fu Changsheng tapped the table meaningfully. “You don’t need to worry about this for now. Tell me about the current situation in Yulin Prefecture first.”

of course.

This so-called intelligence was naturally obtained by him from the system.

Fu Yongyao composed himself, and a three-dimensional map shimmering with spiritual light flew out from his sleeve. The territory of Yulin Prefecture was clearly visible on the map, with newly built city walls resembling coiled dragons, and watchtowers standing at the nodes of spiritual veins.

"The prefectural city has been built to the standards of a high-grade Earth Rank. The previous protective array of the Jade Osmanthus Mountain Range, combined with the Heavenly Sound Array Dao of the Heavenly Sound Fairy and Aunt Yu's Star Calculation, along with Grandpa Yu's suggestions and my own improvements, makes Yulin Prefecture now the most fortified city in our Fu family's defenses, truly capable of withstanding attacks from early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators." She pointed her finger towards the shimmering silver light in the southwest corner. "Furthermore, the teleportation array between Yulin Prefecture and Huizhou Prefecture will be completed in another five months."

Fu Yongyao continued, "Now that the prefectural city is stable, we can begin developing the rest of Yulin Prefecture. The resources gained from the battle against the Blood Fiend Sect are plentiful and sufficient to support the construction of the new prefecture." She pointed her finger at the map, and spiritual light gathered in the northern border of Yulin Prefecture. "I plan to establish two prefectures here, one called 'Beilin Prefecture' and the other called 'Qinglan Prefecture', to strengthen border defenses."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Don't bite off more than you can chew. Let's concentrate our resources and focus on building up Beilin County." He pointed to the border between the northern border and the northern frontier, "We need to build a city and set up defenses here to establish the first line of defense against the invasion of the northern frontier witch cultivators."

Fu Yongyao seemed to be thinking: "Is Father worried about retaliation from Xuan Yin Village?"

Fu Changsheng's gaze turned slightly cold: "Although the Seventh Elder is dead, Xuan Yin Village will never let this go. The construction of Beilin County should focus on defense, and we can refer to the layout of the Great Wall." He paused, "You can discuss this matter with Mu Wan. She once presided over the construction of the Great Wall in the Ten Thousand Mountains of Huainan Prefecture and has rich experience."

Fu Changsheng got up and walked to the window. In the twilight, the outline of the Yugui Mountains resembled a lurking beast. "Beilin County needs to build three lines of defense according to the terrain. You can discuss the specific details with her. Remember—" As he turned around, a glint of blue light flashed in his eyes, "The prefectural governor's mansion should reserve enough space to accommodate the many believers of the Tianlong Temple in the future."

People in northern Xinjiang worship various shamans and gods.

But after fighting Wu Jiuyin, he discovered that the Heavenly Dragon God was the true god.

Therefore, it is extremely necessary to strengthen the recovery of the Heavenly Dragon God's divine power. If a war really breaks out with the Northern Frontier in the future, the Heavenly Dragon God will surely be able to play an unexpected role.

"Yes, father."

Fu Yongyao nodded solemnly.

Then he took out a cold jade box from his bosom: "Mother refined the Nine-Leaf Crimson Gold Ganoderma Pill, and there is only one left. Grandpa Fei and Mother each took one to advance to the Golden Elixir stage, leaving only this last pill. Father, what do you think we should do with it?"

“I already have a suitable candidate.” Fu Changsheng accepted the jade box.

There was a top candidate in the previous intelligence exchange.

However, the time is not yet right.

Suddenly, a clear bell rang out from outside the window. Fu Changsheng looked at the gradually brightening stars and said, "The time has come. I should go to the Zhenshi Division to report back." Before leaving, he suddenly stopped and said, "By the way, Ling'er has an exceptional talent for array formations. We can let her participate in the design of the Beilin County Grand Array."

...

...

Wuzhou City, Zhenshisi
Fu Changsheng walked into the main hall of the Zhenshi Division in the morning light, dressed in a green robe and wearing a jade crown, his steps composed. The guards on duty in the hall were taken aback when they saw him, and then they all bowed.

"Master Fu!"

"The Fu family head has emerged from seclusion?"

Fu Changsheng nodded with a smile, but his gaze passed over everyone and landed on the figure standing with his hands behind his back deep in the hall—Yan Zhenren, the deputy director of the Zhenshi Division.

Master Yan, dressed in a black robe, had a refined and scholarly appearance, but a hint of ruthlessness lurked between his brows. He was talking with several cultivators from the World-Suppressing Division when he sensed Fu Changsheng's presence, turned around abruptly, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Fu Changsheng?!"

He looked Fu Changsheng up and down, and his pupils contracted slightly when he noticed that the other party was at the third level of the Golden Core stage.

"You...you've returned from the Xuanwu Dead Zone?"

Fu Changsheng smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Supervisor Yan, how have you been?"

Master Yan's expression shifted, but he quickly regained his composure and laughed, "Patriarch Fu is indeed blessed with good fortune. It is quite unexpected that you were able to escape unscathed from the Xuanwu Death Domain."

His tone was calm, but the probing intent in his words was extremely obvious.

Fu Changsheng remained noncommittal, only saying indifferently, "It was just luck."

Master Yan narrowed his eyes and continued to probe: "I heard that Tuoba Xiong from Qingzhou and that sword-cultivation genius from Yunzhou also entered the Xuanwu Dead Zone and have not been heard from since. Has Patriarch Fu seen them?"

Fu Changsheng shook his head: "Never."

Master Yan was secretly alarmed.

Tuoba Xiong is a Golden Core Level 6 cultivator, and the sword cultivator from Yunzhou is even at the Golden Core Level 7. Their strength is above Fu Changsheng's, but they have not returned yet, while Fu Changsheng has returned safely and even broken through to the Golden Core Level 3!

This child's luck is truly defying the heavens!

His apprehension deepened, but he still wore a smile: "With Patriarch Fu's return this time, the mission must have made some progress?"

He hoped that Fu Changsheng would fail to complete the mission, so that he would not be able to be promoted to Patrol Angel.

Fu Changsheng naturally knew what he was thinking and smiled calmly: "I have made some progress, but I still need to report to the Xuan Yang Supervisor."

Master Yan frowned slightly, about to test him again, when suddenly a deep voice came from behind the hall.

"Young friend Fu, please come in."

—It is indeed the Chief Supervisor of the World-Suppressing Office, the True Man of Xuanyang!

Master Yan had no choice but to suppress his displeasure and step aside.

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly and walked straight into the inner hall.

……

Inner Temple
Master Xuanyang sat cross-legged on a futon, his hair and beard all white, his face kind and gentle, his aura profound and deep. Upon seeing Fu Changsheng enter, he opened his eyes, a look of satisfaction on his face.

"Good! Good! Good!"

He said "good" three times in a row, clearly overjoyed that Fu Changsheng had returned alive.

"When I recommended you for the election of the Archangel, I had some concerns. Now that I see you have returned safely, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

Fu Changsheng bowed and said, "Thank you for your concern, Supervisor Xuan Yang."

Master Xuanyang waved his hand and said with a smile, "No need for formalities. Tell me, did you gain anything from this trip?"

Fu Changsheng nodded, flipped his hand, took out a jade slip, and handed it over.

"I have found the entrance to the Xuanming Secret Realm."

Xuan Yang Zhenren took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light!

"Good! Good! Good!"

He said "good" three times in a row, clearly very satisfied.

"I will report this matter to the imperial court. Once the imperial decree is issued, you will be officially promoted to Imperial Inspector! In addition, you will be able to enter the Great Zhou Treasure Pavilion and choose a treasure. This is a heaven-defying opportunity that countless people would rather die for."

Fu Changsheng was also somewhat expectant, and cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

Master Xuan Yang waved his hand: "This is what you deserve." He paused, then said, "Since you are about to become a Patrol Angel, I will first tell you about the privileges and obligations of a Patrol Angel."

"The Imperial Inspector is directly under the Imperial Court and holds a superior position. He can supervise officials in various prefectures and even has the power to mobilize local troops. However, he also has to bear corresponding responsibilities, such as suppressing heretical cultivators and quelling rebellions."

Fu Changsheng listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Master Xuan Yang continued, "In addition, the Imperial Inspectors must complete at least one task assigned by the imperial court every ten years. Of course, the rewards for these tasks are extremely generous, including cultivation techniques, magic treasures, elixirs, and even the opportunity to receive guidance from Nascent Soul cultivators."

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng's heart stirred, and he asked, "Master, does the Zhenshi Division possess any sacred medicine to heal damage to the soul?"

Master Xuan Yang pondered for a moment and said, "Yes, there are, but these kinds of sacred medicines are extremely precious and can only be obtained by completing specific tasks." He glanced at Fu Changsheng, "Moreover, you will only be qualified to receive such tasks after you are officially appointed as a Patrol Envoy."

Fu Changsheng looked slightly disappointed, but still nodded and said, "I understand."

Master Xuanyang suddenly laughed and said, "Young friend Fu, I observe that your Fu family is developing rapidly these days. You are not far from becoming a fifth-rank family, are you?"

Fu Changsheng humbly replied, "You flatter me, Master. The Fu family's foundation is still shallow, and we need to work harder."

Master Xuan Yang shook his head: "There's no need to belittle yourself. As far as I know, your Fu family only needs to complete three more indicators to be promoted to the fifth rank."

"Oh?" Fu Changsheng showed an interested expression. "Please enlighten me, Master."

Master Xuanyang held up three fingers: "First, destroy another Golden Core sect; second, accumulate 500,000 merit points from the imperial court; third, have ten Golden Core Masters in the clan."

He looked at Fu Changsheng meaningfully: "Moreover, only by advancing to a fifth-grade aristocratic family can one have the opportunity to access the secrets of the Nascent Soul stage."

Fu Changsheng had previously thought it would be ten Golden Core cultivators, but now he realized that fourth-tier spirit beasts didn't count. However, once Uncle Fei and Mei Zhen also formed their Golden Cores, it wouldn't be long before they could gather ten people. He solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

Master Xuan Yang nodded in satisfaction, gave a few more instructions, and then told Fu Changsheng to go back and wait for the imperial decree.

...

As soon as Fu Changsheng stepped out of the inner hall, he saw Master Yan standing with his hands behind his back, seemingly having been waiting for a long time.

"Master Fu," Master Yan said with a gentle smile, "would you have time to have a cup of tea with me?"

Fu Changsheng knew the other party must have an ulterior motive, but he didn't expose it. He smiled and said, "How could I dare to refuse Master Yan's invitation?"

The two entered a side hall, where Master Yan personally brewed tea and casually asked, "How did the conversation between Patriarch Fu and the Supervisor go?"

Fu Changsheng took a sip of tea and said indifferently, "It's just routine business."

A hint of displeasure flashed in Master Yan's eyes, but he quickly smiled and said, "It is truly admirable that Patriarch Fu has achieved so much at such a young age. What are your plans for the future? If there is anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask."

Fu Changsheng sneered inwardly, but on the surface he showed gratitude: "I am deeply grateful for Master Yan's kindness. If I need anything in the future, I will definitely come to your door to seek your guidance."

Master Yan nodded in satisfaction, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then let Fu Changsheng leave.

...

...

As soon as Fu Changsheng stepped out of the gate of the Zhenshi Division, a young cultivator dressed in the Zhenshi Division's standard robes quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed.

"Master Fu, Lord Cao requests your presence."

Fu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, understanding dawning on him—Cao Xiang'er was indeed waiting for him.

He nodded and followed the cultivator through several corridors, soon arriving at a quiet and elegant courtyard. The courtyard was lush with spiritual plants, and a thousand-year-old wisteria vine entwined the pillars, its blossoms cascading like a waterfall, its fragrance wafting through the air.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, a cool and aloof figure emerged from the inner room.

Cao Xiang'er was dressed in a dark, fitted outfit, her long hair tied up high, looking heroic and spirited. Her brows still held a hint of sharpness, but when she looked at Fu Changsheng, her eyes softened considerably.

"Immortality..."

Her voice trembled slightly, as if she had a thousand words to say, but didn't know where to begin.

Fu Changsheng smiled slightly, his gaze gentle: "Xiang'er, it's been a long time."

Cao Xiang'er took a deep breath, raised her hand to signal the servants to leave, and once only the two of them remained in the courtyard, she whispered, "Let's talk inside."

-

Inner room
The aroma of tea wafted through the air. Cao Xiang'er personally poured a cup of spiritual tea and handed it to Fu Changsheng. Her fingertips trembled slightly, clearly indicating that she was still troubled.

"Chang Sheng, I..." She paused, finally looking directly into Fu Chang Sheng's eyes, and solemnly said, "What happened before was my mistake."

Fu Changsheng shook his head: "You don't need to apologize."

“No, I must make this clear,” Cao Xiang’er said firmly. “I was misled by others’ instigation, thinking you were mistreating Yongqiang, and even harbored resentment towards you… But the pod that Mo Lan brought proves it was all a misunderstanding.”

A flicker of regret crossed her eyes: "I should have trusted you."

Fu Changsheng was silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "I also bear responsibility for Yongqiang's situation."

He looked up at Cao Xiang'er: "However, I'm curious, who told you I was abusing Yongqiang? Logically speaking, Yongqiang should have already exhausted his lifespan and shouldn't still be able to contact you."

Cao Xiang'er avoided answering, instead saying, "Chang Sheng, these past few days, I've been thinking... is it possible for us to go back to how things were before?"

Fu Changsheng looked at her, then suddenly smiled: "What do you think?"

Cao Xiang'er was taken aback, then smiled, her sharpness fading, leaving only a long-lost tenderness in her eyes.

-

The two were originally Daoist partners, and their tacit understanding remained after many years.

Fu Changsheng circulated the "Imperial Court Dao Body" technique, his body shimmering with golden light. His domineering yet gentle spiritual power slowly flowed into Cao Xiang'er's body, helping her to regulate her meridians and heal her hidden injuries.

Cao Xiang'er closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. She soon realized that the spiritual energy in her body was circulating more smoothly than before, and even her foundation had become more stable!
She suddenly opened her eyes, shocked, and exclaimed, "Chang Sheng, your cultivation technique..."

Fu Changsheng finished his practice and smiled, "I've made some progress."

Cao Xiang'er was shocked—this was not just "slight improvement"; it was an improvement that defied the heavens and changed her destiny!

But she didn't ask any further questions, only giving Fu Changsheng a deep look: "You always manage to surprise me."

-

After the tender moment, Cao Xiang'er's expression gradually became serious.

“Chang Sheng, there’s something you need to know,” she whispered. “I’ve received word from my clan that the imperial court has recently secretly mobilized many Golden Core cultivators, and even Nascent Soul True Monarchs.”

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened: "What is it?"

Cao Xiang'er shook her head: "The specific reasons are still unclear, but for the imperial court to mobilize so much, it must be no small matter." She grasped Fu Changsheng's hand, "You must improve your strength as soon as possible to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."

Fu Changsheng nodded, already having made up his mind—it seemed that a major change was about to occur within the Great Zhou territory.

-

Before parting, Cao Xiang'er took out a golden talisman from her storage ring. The talisman's surface had mysterious patterns and faintly exuded the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Take it." She stuffed the talisman into Fu Changsheng's hand.

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly: "This is..."

"A Nascent Soul Talisman, a life-saving item given to me by my father," Cao Xiang'er said resolutely. "It can kill any enemy below the Nascent Soul stage, but can only be used once."

Fu Changsheng frowned: "It's too valuable, I can't accept it."

Cao Xiang'er insisted on refusing, saying, "You're too prominent right now, and you have many enemies. Only with this for protection can I feel at ease."

Seeing her resolute attitude, Fu Changsheng no longer refused and solemnly accepted the gift: "Okay, I'll remember it."

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly took out several treasures—all spoils of war obtained from the Seventh Elder and others of Xuan Yin Village.

"You should pick out a few items too; you might find them useful."

Cao Xiang'er glanced at them and was immediately shocked—these treasures were of extremely high quality, and there were even a few that she had never seen before!

"Chang Sheng, you..." She looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief, "Just how many Golden Core cultivators have you killed?"

Fu Changsheng smiled without saying a word.

Cao Xiang'er took a deep breath, then smiled and said, "Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony."

She selected several magical artifacts and spiritual materials that suited her, gaining a new understanding of Fu Changsheng's strength.

(End of this chapter)