Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 541 The Use of the Hope Gu: Two Lottery Draws, Both Lead to Promotion

"Chaos, depart."

The gray shadow swelled in the wind, transforming in an instant into a colossal beast three zhang tall. It resembled a qilin but had no scales or armor, its entire body shrouded in chaotic mist, with only its pair of golden vertical pupils shining brightly.

"roar--"

The Chaos Beast roared to the sky, opening its blood-red maw and swallowing the descending purple lightning directly into its belly! The lightning flowed within its body, and purple sparks occasionally burst from the gray mist, but it could not break through.

"This...this is...!" Wu Qing nearly dropped the wooden talisman in his hand, his mouth agape, wide enough to fit an egg. "Swallowing heavenly lightning raw?!"

Fu Yongwei, disregarding the need to maintain her incantation, widened her beautiful eyes: "When did Father subdue such a ferocious beast?"

After devouring the first lightning tribulation, the Chaos Beast licked its lips with a hint of lingering satisfaction. It turned to look at Fu Changsheng, its golden vertical pupils revealing a fawning expression.

Fu Changsheng chuckled and casually tossed a bottle of elixirs: "Here's a reward for you."

The second and third lightning bolts struck in succession, each more ferocious than the last. The Chaos Beast, however, seemed to thrive in its environment, not only devouring all the lightning but also causing the gray mist around it to solidify even further. When the ninth, blood-red lightning bolt descended, it even excitedly stood upright and charged towards the lightning!
“Crack—”

A sickening chewing sound rang out as the Chaos Beast began to devour the final bolt of tribulation lightning, powerful enough to severely injure a Purple Mansion cultivator, as if it were a snack. With each bite, a mysterious lightning pattern appeared on its body, and its aura surged accordingly.

The thundercloud rolled around unwillingly for a moment, but finally dispersed helplessly. The Chaos Beast let out a satisfied burp, spewed out a few sparks of electricity, then shrunk its body and affectionately rubbed against Fu Changsheng's palm.

Looking at this unbelievable scene, Fu Yongwei suddenly chuckled, "Father's spirit pet is truly...special."

Wu Qing wiped away his cold sweat and muttered under his breath, "Not just special, it's downright freakish."

"Hmm?" Fu Yongwei glanced at him sideways.

“I mean majestic! Extremely majestic!” Wu Qing immediately straightened his back, his face full of righteousness.

Fu Changsheng stroked the Chaos Beast's horn, his eyes filled with satisfaction: "When I obtained it in the Kunlun Secret Realm back then, I thought it was a dead egg."

Upon hearing this, the Chaos Beast snorted in dissatisfaction, and a wisp of lightning immediately shot out from its nostrils, startling Wu Qing, who shrank back even further.

The Three-Life Grass swayed gently in the breeze, releasing a soothing fragrance. Fu Changsheng carefully put away the two spiritual herbs and patted his daughter's shoulder: "Well done."

Fu Yongwei smiled and said, "It is my honor to be able to share my father's burdens."

Wu Qing rubbed his hands together, hesitant to speak. Fu Changsheng smiled knowingly and tossed him the last tiny bit of herbal essence: "Take it and study it."

"Thank you so much, Father-in-law!" Wu Qing exclaimed, overjoyed, but Fu Yongwei grabbed his ear and said, "Let's make this clear first, you're not allowed to blow up the herb garden like last time!"

"Please be gentle, Madam! With this, we might be able to cultivate the legendary 'Nine-Turn Spirit Ginseng'..."

Fu Yongwei shook her head helplessly and turned to Fu Changsheng, saying, "Father, now that the Three Lives Grass has matured, Ningning and Aunt Molan's soul injuries can finally be cured."

Fu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, but the mana required to refine the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is extremely pure. We'll have to wait until your mother condenses her golden core and comes out of seclusion."

Mention this.

Fu Yongwei looked worried.

Grandpa Fei and his mother went into seclusion together to try and reach the Golden Core stage. Grandpa Fei has been in the Golden Core stage for almost two years now, but his mother still hasn't made any progress.

Fu Changsheng was also worried about the [Thunder Mirror] that the system had suggested, hoping that he could get it in these two special draws.

Fu Yongwei was afraid that her father would worry too much, so she quickly changed the subject: "Father, don't worry, I will go and prepare the other auxiliary spiritual materials needed for the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill."

Wu Qing immediately raised his hand: "I'll go too! I've recently researched a new spirit-nourishing liquid, and the effects are excellent!"

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Then I'll have to trouble you."

...

...

After leaving Fu Yongwei and her husband's herb garden, Fu Changsheng returned directly to the family head's mansion.

With a flick of his sleeve, several beams of spiritual light from the protective barrier enveloped the secret chamber completely. As he slightly moved his mind, the surrounding scenery rippled like water, and in the blink of an eye, he found himself in a small wooden house within the Five Elements Space.

Just as he was about to redeem the special lottery prize, he suddenly felt a warm sensation coming from his dantian.

Upon introspection.

They discovered that the long-dormant [Hope Gu] was slowly unfurling its crystal-clear wings, its body radiating a pearly luster.

"I had almost forgotten about you."

With a thought, Fu Changsheng sent the Gu worms into his sea of ​​consciousness, which instantly transformed into streams of light. In an instant, the world he saw was shrouded in a thin, pale golden mist—this was the unique "prayer vision" of the Hope Gu.

"Redeem your prize for a special lucky draw!"

A brilliant golden light shone in his sea of ​​consciousness, and the illusory image of the bronze wheel reappeared. Among the twelve treasure images, a blue lotus pattern stood out, with four profound Dao patterns flowing across its petals.

Just now.

hum!
The [Hope Gu] within his body trembled slightly.

In the realm of prayer, the slot representing the [Millennial Four-Turn Azure Lotus] is entwined by a golden thread, while the other slots are shrouded in varying shades of gray mist. The Hope Gu flutters joyfully within his Purple Mansion, and with each flap, the golden thread brightens a little more.

As the roulette wheel began to spin, the Hope Gu suddenly spat out seven golden specks of light.

These points of light, as if imbued with life, adhered precisely to the bearings of the wheel. The wheel, which had been rotating at a constant speed, suddenly exhibited a slight lag—a barely perceptible pause right in front of the lotus pattern.

"I see." Fu Changsheng said thoughtfully.

As the pointer swept across the blue lotus pattern for the third time, the Hope Gu suddenly burst forth with dazzling golden light. The chaotic energy that had been coiling around the blue lotus pattern seemed to be summoned, and actively wrapped itself around the tip of the pointer.

The pointer eventually stopped on the blue lotus grid.

hum!
Suddenly, a spiritual spring appeared in the center of the wooden house, and a three-foot-tall blue lotus emerged from its source. As the four lotus petals unfolded in succession, the spiritual energy of the entire Five Elements Space surged. Most astonishingly, the cluster of blue flames at the lotus's heart resonated with the flame of the Precious Lotus Lamp in Fu Changsheng's sea of ​​consciousness.

【Millennial Four-Turn Green Lotus】

[Rank: Peak Fourth Rank]

【Special Feature: Can be used to craft a second Lotus Lantern (forming a Yin-Yang Twin Lantern Array with the existing Lotus Lantern)】

"It's a mature form with its own Azure Lotus Pure Flame!" Fu Changsheng's eyes gleamed. Back when he was refining the first Precious Lotus Lamp, it took him ten years just to collect the Pure Flame. Now, this Azure Lotus is clearly a prototype tailor-made for the second Precious Lotus Lamp!

at the same time.

Hopefully, Gu will be satisfied and put away its light, curling up back in its dantian to rest.

Fu Changsheng sensed that the little guy was sending him a sense of elation, as if he wanted to take credit, before he fell asleep.

Without pausing, he immediately made the second exchange.

During the second lottery draw, it was hoped that Gu would no longer be able to display its divine power.

But Fu Changsheng was surprised to find that the golden light points he had previously consumed had formed a fine mesh structure on the surface of the roulette wheel. When the Heavenly Punishment Lightning Crystal pattern rotated to a specific position, the golden mesh suddenly contracted, causing the pointer to deflect subtly.
This time it stopped on a purple lightning pattern.

The storage bag suddenly felt heavy.

An extra, fist-sized, strange crystal appeared.

The crystal was entirely purplish-black, with what appeared to be a dragon of lightning swimming within it, and its surface occasionally crackling with tiny sparks of electricity. Most remarkably, there was a naturally formed lightning pattern at the core of the crystal.

[Heavenly Punishment Thunder Crystal]

[Rank: Fifth-Tier Spiritual Material]

【Special Feature: Core material for refining the Thunder Mirror】

"What a pity, just a little short."

Fu Changsheng stroked the lightning crystal, feeling the destructive power it contained. This lightning crystal was of excellent quality, enough to forge two Thunder Mirrors.
"I wonder if the brothers Yongjing and Yongxing can forge the Thunder Mirror together?"

Yongjing's Dharma Seed is [Qi Chong Shan He], and with the help of the Void Heaven Tower last time, he is now at the ninth level of the Purple Mansion.

As for Yongxing, his magic seed is [Hundred Refinements of Weapon Soul], and he also has [Spiritual Body of Weapon Bone]. In addition, he has the "Hundred Refinements Heavenly Craft Manual". His explanation of weapon crafting is probably even better than his brother Yongjing.

but.

This lottery.

"Hopefully, this little Gu has been a great help."

Fu Changsheng focused his inner energy on his dantian and channeled a wisp of pure magical power into the sleeping Gu worm. This lottery draw gave him a preliminary understanding of the Hope Gu—it could influence such mysterious things as the system's lottery draw, but he didn't know if it would have any effect on other aspects; he would have to explore it slowly in the future.

...

...

Eastern Wilderness - Sirius Mountains
Amidst the vast mountains, a peak-level third-tier [Crimson-Eyed Demon Wolf] lurked in the shadows of the dense forest, its scarlet beastly eyes fixed on two figures ahead, its fangs dripping foul-smelling saliva.

"Yongxing, watch out for the bushes thirty feet to your left." Fu Yongqi held a dark silver longbow, his voice low and calm. "The prey has its eyes on us."

Fu Yongxing was squatting on the ground examining a spiritual herb when he heard this. His fingertips paused, but a smile appeared on his lips: "Third Brother, do you think this beast is coming for you or for me?"

“If it were smarter, it would have turned and run away.” Fu Yongqi chuckled, his fingertips already resting on the bowstring.

At this moment——

"Roar!"

The Crimson-Eyed Demon Wolf suddenly sprang up, its body surging with blood-red murderous aura, and transformed into a blur as it pounced straight at Fu Yongxing!

Fu Yongxing remained calm, a bronze ring sliding from his sleeve, which he casually tossed aside. The ring expanded in the wind, instantly transforming into a fiery wheel that slashed towards the demonic wolf's neck!

"clang!"

The wolf's claws collided with the fiery wheel, sparks flying! However, the moment it landed, an arrow wrapped in frost silently pierced its hind leg!
"Awooo!" The demon wolf howled in pain. Before it could struggle, Fu Yongxing's fire wheel had already spun around and slashed hard between its waist and abdomen!

Blood splattered, and the demon wolf collapsed to the ground with a thud.

Fu Yongxing put away the fire wheel and exclaimed in amazement, "Third Brother, your timing for the Frost Arrow is absolutely perfect. If you had been even a fraction slower, it would have dodged my Crimson Flame Wheel."

Fu Yongqi put away his bow and walked over, saying calmly, "When hunting, the worst thing you can do is to focus only on the prey in front of you and ignore the environment." He pointed to the spot where the wolf had been hiding, "It deliberately exposed a weakness just now to lure you closer and then use the terrain to launch a counterattack."

Fu Yongxing suddenly realized: "So that's how it is! No wonder Third Brother told me not to rush the pursuit."

Fu Yongqi nodded: "Remember, a true hunter always thinks one step ahead of his prey."

As they were talking, the communication jade talisman at Fu Yongxing's waist suddenly lit up. He scanned it with his divine sense, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Father summons me!"

Fu Yongxing turned around and solemnly clasped his hands in a salute to Fu Yongqi: "Third Brother, I am very grateful for your guidance during this period. Otherwise, how could I have adapted to the dangerous environment of the Eastern Wilderness so quickly? I am afraid I will have to leave immediately after Father summons me. I will have to trouble you to take care of things here at Tianlang Mountain."

Fu Yongqi patted his shoulder, a hint of relief in his eyes: "We're brothers, no need to be so polite. I'm relieved that you can learn more survival skills besides weapon crafting." He paused, his tone serious, "Remember, in the cultivation world, whether you're crafting weapons or traveling, caution is always the most important thing."

Fu Yongxing grinned, but his eyes held a hint of composure: "Don't worry, Third Brother, I don't want to be pulled out of the monster's mouth a second time by you."

Fu Yongqi chuckled and shook his head: "Alright, go quickly, don't keep the head of the family waiting."

Fu Yongxing nodded, flipped his hand and took out a small flying magic artifact. After stepping onto it, he waved to Fu Yongqi: "Third Brother, wait for me to come back and I'll bring you a pot of good wine!"

Fu Yongqi watched his figure transform into a streak of light and disappear into the horizon before turning his gaze away. He looked down at the demon wolf's corpse on the ground, and after skillfully completing the dissection, his eyes held a hint of melancholy and envy.

If the patriarch were his father, he might have already formed his core by now.

"It's true that different people have different fates."

He muttered to himself and turned to walk deeper into the mountains.

...

...

Huizhou Prefecture Refining Hall
Inside the weapon-refining hall, the furnace fire illuminated the walls, casting focused and fervent images on the faces of the disciples. Dozens of disciples sat around a three-legged bronze cauldron, their eyes fixed intently on the crimson figure before them—Fu Yongjing.

He wore a crimson robe with gold patterns flowing around the cuffs like leaping flames. In his hand, a small crimson hammer lightly tapped the body of the cauldron, producing a crisp "ding" sound that seemed to resonate with the mind.

"The key to forging a third-tier spiritual weapon lies in the 'fusion of spiritual essence'." Fu Yongjing's voice was not loud, but it was like the clang of metal, each word clear. "Materials are the shell, spiritual essence is the soul. If you only pursue the grade of the materials and ignore the harmony of spiritual essence, the spiritual weapon you forge will be like a walking corpse, having only the appearance."

A young disciple couldn't help but ask, "Master, spiritual energy is so elusive, how can we grasp it?"

Fu Yongjing's lips curled slightly, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes. He did not answer directly, but instead raised his hand and waved it. The flames in the cauldron suddenly rose, transforming into a lifelike fire dragon that spiraled upwards. The dragon's scales were clearly visible, and its eyes were like torches, seemingly possessing a spirit as it scanned the disciples.

"Watch closely!" He tapped his finger, and the fire dragon suddenly split into nine slender fire snakes, each coiling around a piece of material and slowly melting it. Every flicker of the flame seemed to follow some mysterious rhythm, sometimes like a babbling brook, sometimes like crashing waves.

"Distract yourself to control the fire, refine it nine times to return to one, this is the essence of the 'Nine Dragons Refining Method'."

The disciples held their breath, their eyes filled with shock. Someone murmured, "This...this isn't fire control! It's like controlling a living creature!"

In a corner, Liu Runzhi, the former head of the Weapon Forging Hall who had retired to the background, silently watched this scene, a complex look flashing in her eyes. She sighed softly, "I have studied weapon forging for over a hundred years, and I pride myself on having mastered the art of fire control, but in front of him, I am like a firefly compared to the bright moon..."

Upon hearing this, a middle-aged deacon beside him couldn't help but say, "Elder Liu, you were once the number one weapon refiner in Huainan Prefecture, why belittle yourself?"

Liu Runzhi shook his head and smiled bitterly: "You don't understand. Yongjing has already touched the essence of the way of weapon crafting. What he talks about seems unorthodox, but in fact it points directly to the Great Dao. Others craft weapons by 'creating things'; but he is 'imbuing them with spirit'."

As they were talking, Fu Yongjing suddenly raised his hand and gestured, and the nine fire snakes instantly merged into one, transforming into a dazzling pillar of fire that shot into the sky. Within the pillar of fire, the prototype of a spiritual artifact slowly took shape, its surface shimmering with a faint spiritual light, and it even emitted a low humming sound, as if responding to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

"A spiritual artifact is ringing?!" a disciple exclaimed in surprise. "This...this is a phenomenon that only fourth-tier spiritual artifacts can exhibit!"

Fu Yongjing laughed heartily, and with a casual wave of his hand, the pillar of fire dissipated, and the nascent spiritual weapon landed steadily in his palm. He weighed it in his hand and smiled, "The materials are only third-tier, but if the spiritual energy is properly integrated, it may not be impossible to reach the threshold of fourth-tier."

Upon hearing this, the disciples' eyes burned with even greater fervor. One of them exclaimed excitedly, "Master! I've been pondering the method of 'nurturing the spirit with an instrument' that you mentioned last time for half a month, but I still can't understand it. Could you please give me some more guidance?"

Just as Fu Yongjing was about to answer, the jade pendant at his waist suddenly glowed slightly. He scanned it with his divine sense, and a look of joy immediately appeared on his face. Then, he waved his hand casually: "Today's lesson ends here. Everyone go back and study it carefully. Submit a report on your weapon-forging experience in three days."

"Master! The 'Nine Dragons Refining Technique' hasn't been finished yet!" a disciple said anxiously.

Fu Yongjing laughed heartily, his figure already flashing to the door like a streak of fire. He turned back and winked, "Haste makes waste. The way of weapon crafting is about 'comprehension' rather than 'learning.' If you can understand what you've seen today, you can easily create third-tier spiritual weapons!"

Before he finished speaking, he flashed and transformed into a crimson streak of light, heading straight for the patriarch's mansion.

Inside the weapon-refining hall, the disciples were still immersed in shock. One of them murmured, "Every time I listen to the hall master's sermons, it's like being enlightened..."

Looking in the direction Fu Yongjing had left, Liu Runzhi sighed, "The younger generation is truly formidable... Back in my day, I didn't have such skill to make a group of disciples so infatuated."

The middle-aged deacon chuckled, “Old Liu, you were very steady and methodical back then, taking one step at a time.”

Liu Runzhi shook his head: "Steady and methodical? Ha... In the face of a true genius, following the steps becomes a shackle." He patted the deacon on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Master Fu's way of weapon forging is no longer a skill, but a manifestation of 'the Way'. It is a blessing for these children to be able to listen to his lectures."

The deacon was stunned, and then, looking at the disciples' fervent and worshipful gazes, he suddenly understood something.

Fu Yongjing's greatness lies not in how many rare treasures he has forged, but in making everyone believe that the art of weapon forging should be so dazzling and brilliant.

Patriarch's Mansion

Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, his blue robe fluttering in the wind, his expression calm. Seeing Fu Yongjing rushing over, he nodded slightly: "You've arrived."

"Father!" Fu Yongjing strode forward, his eyes filled with excitement. "What brings you here? Have you acquired some rare material again?"

Fu Changsheng raised the corners of his mouth slightly, waved his sleeve, and a purplish-black crystal floated in the air, its interior crackling with lightning and faintly emitting the sound of a dragon's roar.

"This...this is a Heavenly Punishment Thunder Crystal?!" Fu Yongjing's eyes widened, his breathing quickening. "A fifth-grade spiritual material! Father, where did you get it?"

"It was a chance encounter," Fu Changsheng said calmly. "I want you and Yongxing to join forces to forge a lightning-repelling mirror."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yongjing was initially delighted, but then frowned: "A lightning-repelling mirror? I've never seen such a magical artifact crafted before, I'm afraid..."

"No rush." ​​Fu Changsheng smiled slightly. "I have already sent a message to Yongxing, and he will be arriving from the Eastern Wilderness soon."

Fu Yongjing breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "With Yongxing here, we have a much better chance. His 'Hundred Refinements of Heavenly Craftsmanship Manual' might contain the method for refining the Thunder-Repelling Mirror."

Fu Changsheng nodded, then took out another item—a blue lotus that floated in his palm. The lotus petals were crystal clear, and a wisp of blue flame burned quietly in the heart of the lotus, emitting pure spiritual energy.

"A fourth-stage Azure Lotus?!" Fu Yongjing gasped, his eyes filled with shock. "Father, the treasures you've brought out today are all more astonishing than the last!"

Fu Changsheng smiled and said, "I'd like you to help me refine this green lotus into a second Precious Lotus Lamp." Fu Yongjing took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and solemnly replied, "Father, rest assured, I will do my best!"

...

...

After seeing Fu Changsheng off, Fu Yongjing couldn't wait to return to the weapon-refining room to begin researching how to refine the Lotus Lantern.

On the jade table, four swirling blue lotuses floated in the air. As the lotus petals unfurled, wisps of blue spiritual mist fell down, condensing into fine Dao patterns on the table surface.

With a light tap of his fingertips, Fu Yongjing caused the spiritual mist to move as if it were alive, weaving into a three-dimensional weapon-refining diagram in front of him.

"My father used the 'Four Symbols Foundation' to construct the main body of the Lotus Lantern." Fu Yongjing made a gesture with his left hand, and four beast-shaped phantoms immediately appeared in the spiritual mist, each guarding one of the four directions. "The Azure Dragon governs growth, the White Tiger governs slaughter, the Vermilion Bird governs fire and transformation, and the Black Tortoise governs defense—only when the four spirits combine can the fourfold transformation be achieved."

With a flick of his right hand, the spiritual mist diagram abruptly distorted, and the illusory images of the Four Symbols began to slowly rotate, gradually transforming into a nine-palace layout: "This Azure Lotus is born with nine orifices, secretly corresponding to the number of stars in the celestial sphere. If we abandon the Four Symbols and take the Nine Palaces..."

A wisp of crimson spiritual fire suddenly burst forth from his fingertips.

The flames, like a brush, drew eighty-one fine runes in the void. These runes combined on their own, evolving into nine completely different spirit pattern structures.

"Brother's 'Myriad Phenomena Return to Origin Hand' is becoming increasingly exquisite." Fu Yongxing had somehow moved closer to the table, his eyes fixed intently on the runes. "However, while the Nine Palaces are wonderful, the flow of spiritual energy is momentarily delayed when it passes through the 'Tianxuan Position.'"

He formed a strange hand seal with his left hand, and the ice flames transformed into hundreds of fine threads, weaving a three-dimensional star map in the air.

The intersections of those star lines perfectly matched Fu Yongjing's Nine Palaces runes.

"The Big Dipper governs death, the Southern Dipper governs life." A glint of wisdom flashed in Fu Yongxing's eyes. "If we were to add a 'reverse cycle' of spiritual energy between 'Tianxuan' and 'Tianshu'..."

Fu Yongjing's eyes lit up.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Yongxing, your 'Ice Soul Star Orbit' concept perfectly complements the shortcomings of my 'Nine Palaces Transformation'!"

The two brothers exchanged a smile and simultaneously made a hand seal.

Fu Yongjing's crimson spiritual fire transformed into nine fire dragons, while Fu Yongxing's azure ice flames condensed into a sky full of stars. The two completely different spiritual energies intertwined in the air, actually evolving into a complete celestial map.

"Brother, do you remember the 'Nineteen Apertures of Heavenly Craftsmanship' recorded in the 'Nine Heavens Artifact Record'?"

"Could you be referring to the armillary sphere of the Great Zhou Dynasty?"

"Exactly!"

"... "

The two of them worked day and night for months, meticulously studying every detail. The final solution they determined brought out the full potential of the Four-Turn Green Lotus.

On the day of the forging, the area around the massive forging platform was already packed with people. Not only had all the disciples of the Forging Hall come out in full force, but cultivators from other halls had also rushed over upon hearing the news. Liu Runzhi, along with several of his personal disciples, sat in the front row, their expressions solemn as they watched the forging platform in the center.

"To witness the two Masters Fu working together to refine a fourth-tier magic weapon today is truly an honor," a young disciple said, his voice trembling with excitement, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists.

Liu Runzhi solemnly said, "All of you, be alert! Such an opportunity is rare and precious. Every moment of the forging process of a fourth-tier magic weapon contains supreme principles of weapon crafting. If you can grasp even a fraction of them, you will surely benefit from them for the rest of your lives."

Upon hearing this, all the disciples straightened their backs, their eyes wide open, afraid of missing a single detail. Some disciples even took out their recording jade slips, ready to record this historic moment.

In the center of the refining platform, Fu Yongjing and his brother stood facing each other. Both of them had solemn expressions, and their bodies were filled with surging spiritual energy.

As the surrounding barrier rose.

After ensuring there is no external interference.

Fu Yongjing then took a deep breath:

"let's start."

The two brothers simultaneously made hand seals.

Fu Yongjing unleashed a burst of crimson spiritual fire from his palm, the flames dancing in the air as if they were alive; while Fu Yongxing summoned a blazing blue icy flame—the "Frosty Heart Fire" he had comprehended during his training in the Eastern Wilderness. The two flames with diametrically opposed attributes met in the air, but instead of repelling each other, they merged perfectly, forming a peculiar bluish-purple spiritual flame.

"The interplay of Yin and Yang, the fusion of water and fire!" Liu Runzhi was so engrossed in watching that she unconsciously stood up, her face filled with astonishment. "Such fire control techniques are simply unheard of!"

……

It's halfway through the process.

Fu Yongjing suddenly fell into a mysterious state.

His movements slowed down, but each incantation contained profound truths. Even more astonishingly, the spiritual energy fluctuations around him resonated with the Four-Turn Azure Lotus, and the flow of spiritual energy between the two was perfectly natural.

A sudden realization!!
This is an opportunity that countless cultivators might only encounter once in their lifetime.

Upon seeing this, Fu Yongxing immediately adjusted his weapon-forging pace.

The icy flames at his fingertips flickered in and out, perfectly synchronized with Fu Yongjing's every movement. Though the two brothers remained silent, their coordination was seamless, as if they were of one mind.

"Is this enlightenment?!" The disciples below the stage belatedly exclaimed in surprise.

Around the gradually taking shape Lotus Lantern, four illusory figures faintly appeared: the first layer was a lotus bud waiting to bloom, the second layer was a three-foot-long green sword with a cold and sharp light, the third layer was a healing light as warm as jade, and the most shocking was the fourth layer - it was a slowly rotating star map, with stars shining in the picture, as if it contained the power of the endless starry sky!

"This—" Fu Yongxing's eyes flashed with surprise, "Big Brother actually completed the fourth level of transformation during his enlightenment! And..."

He keenly sensed that the spiritual energy fluctuations emitted by the Lotus Lantern were constantly increasing, exceeding the scope of an ordinary fourth-grade low-level magic treasure!

As the last spirit rune was imprinted into the lamp body, the entire weapon-refining hall was suddenly enveloped in a dazzling blue light.

The Lotus Lantern floated in the air, its flames splitting into nine lifelike blue lotuses that circled around it, each containing astonishing spiritual power. Then, the Lotus Lantern displayed three more transformations, each exquisitely crafted. Most breathtakingly, when the fourth layer, "Star Imprisonment," was activated, the space within a ten-zhang radius froze, and even time seemed to stand still!
"A mid-grade fourth-tier magic weapon! This is definitely a mid-grade fourth-tier magic weapon!" Liu Runzhi's voice trembled with excitement. "In my hundred-plus years of life, this is the first time I've ever seen someone advance the grade of a magic weapon during the forging process!"

The disciples below the stage were already dumbfounded.

Some rubbed their eyes hard, wondering if they were hallucinating; some were so excited that tears welled up in their eyes, and they kept muttering to themselves; some even knelt down and worshipped devoutly in the direction of the weapon-forging platform.

"That's incredible."

"Is this the true strength of the Fu family's two prodigies?"

"With someone like him in charge of our weapon-refining hall, how could we not prosper?"

Amidst the gasps of amazement, Fu Yongjing slowly awoke from his state of enlightenment. When he clearly saw the Lotus Lantern before him, an unbelievable look of surprise appeared on his face.

"Success! And," he said, his voice trembling slightly as he felt the surging spiritual energy within the Lotus Lantern, "it actually advanced to the middle-grade fourth rank!"

Fu Yongxing smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, his eyes filled with admiration: "Congratulations, elder brother! This Lotus Lantern not only completes the fourth stage of transformation, but its grade has also been elevated, making it even more exquisite than Father's!"

Liu Runzhi staggered forward, gently stroking the Lotus Lantern with her palm, feeling the immense spiritual power contained within it:
"Only today have I truly understood the essence of weapon crafting. The actions of you two young masters will surely be recorded in the annals of weapon crafting history!"

The disciples had already surrounded the weapon-forging platform, craning their necks to get a closer look at this amazing masterpiece.

Their faces were filled with admiration and pride, thrilled to have witnessed this miracle firsthand.

The Fu brothers immediately began to study the crafting method of the [Thunder-Repelling Mirror]. Before their father went into seclusion, he instructed them to craft it within four years, as it concerned whether their mother could successfully overcome her tribulation. They dared not slack off.

...

...

the other side.

After leaving the weapon-refining room, Fu Changsheng returned directly to the secret chamber of the patriarch's mansion, deactivated the magic array, entered the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space, and focused his mind on the panel in his sea of ​​consciousness. With a thought:
"Open the training room."

hum!
In an instant, the lotus flowers around the pavilion moved swiftly without wind, and ripples spread across the pond. Fu Changsheng felt a sudden sway and found himself in a pavilion in the middle of a lake. Time flowed differently here than outside, making it an ideal place for cultivating martial arts.

"It's time to cultivate the Great Evolution Technique."

Last time, the system re-deduced the subsequent techniques of the Great Evolution Technique. The first level was merely about increasing spiritual awareness, but the second level could bring about a qualitative change.

"call"

Expel a breath of stale air from your body.

After my mood calmed down.

"The Great Cycle of Heaven, the Spirit Roams the Vast Void"

Fu Changsheng immediately recited the incantation silently and made hand seals.

hum!
A cool sensation suddenly surged through the Niwan Palace.

Following the instructions of the exercise, he guided his consciousness to travel along specific meridians.

Suddenly, he noticed something was wrong.

The long-dormant [Nourishing Spirit Lotus Seed] within his Niwan Palace trembled slightly, emitting a lustrous glow. He had obtained this lotus seed through a special lottery; it required divine sense as soil, soul power as dew, and the visualization of the *Azure Lotus Breathing Technique* to cultivate. Now, under the operation of the Great Evolution Technique, a crack appeared on the surface of the lotus seed—a sign that it was about to sprout!
"interesting."

A glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes, and he immediately changed his strategy.

He made the Great Evolution Seal with his left hand and the Blue Lotus Visualization Seal with his right, multitasking.

In the left meridian, the spiritual power of the Great Evolution Technique surged like a mighty river; in the right meridian, the soul power exhaled by the Azure Lotus flowed like a clear spring. The two forces converged in the Niwan Palace, forming a perfect complement.

The cracks in the lotus seed were increasing, and a tiny sprout could be vaguely seen struggling to break through the shell. Meanwhile, the cultivation speed of the Great Evolution Technique was more than 30% faster than usual.

"They truly complement each other."

Fu Changsheng's lips curled slightly as he continued to immerse himself in this wondrous state of cultivation. There was no sun or moon in the system's training room, but he could clearly feel his divine sense undergoing a qualitative change—gradually condensing from its original misty state into a liquid, and under the influence of the lotus seed, faintly shimmering with a bluish-gold luster.

Several years can pass in the blink of an eye in the training room.

On this day, Fu Changsheng suddenly opened his eyes. A blue-gold light flowed in his eyes, stirring up subtle ripples in the void.

Inside the Niwan Palace, the seed of the Nourishing Spirit Lotus had completely broken through its shell, sprouting a small green lotus seedling about an inch tall. Its leaves were crystal clear and radiated pure spiritual energy.

[Nourishing Lotus Seeds - Growth Stage]

【Special Feature: Lotus Heart Soul Protection (Can resist spiritual attacks)】

at the same time.

The cultivation of the first level of the Great Evolution Technique was also completed naturally.

Fu Changsheng felt his sea of ​​consciousness churning, his total spiritual sense increasing more than threefold. Even more astonishing was the qualitative transformation—his spiritual sense was now as condensed as mercury, and the sound of wind and thunder could be faintly heard as it circulated.

"This level of spiritual power..." Fu Changsheng thought to himself, and released his spiritual power, instantly covering the entire Five Elements Space. The veins of every plant and tree, and the flow of every drop of water in the pool, were clearly discernible. Even more wonderfully, his spiritual power carried a pure aura of a blue lotus, and wherever it passed, even the space itself rippled slightly.

"He's probably already on par with a fake Nascent Soul cultivator."

Fu Changsheng nodded in satisfaction.

The divine sense of ordinary Golden Core cultivators is like mist or gauze, but his divine sense is solid as liquid and contains the unique purifying power of the lotus seed. This means that whether it is the range of detection, precise control, or resisting the invasion of others' divine sense, he is far superior to others of the same level.

More importantly, he discovered that the combination of the Great Evolution Technique and the Nourishing Spirit Lotus Seed produced unexpected results. At this rate, the cultivation of the second level might not take as long as expected.

"It's time to leave the border."

A thought.

He has returned to the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space.

The practice room has been around for nearly ten years.

Only a little over three years have passed outside.

The system's family contribution value has been reduced to 30,000.
"There's still over a year until the day Mei Zhen is supposed to undergo her tribulation, as indicated by the system. I might as well upgrade the [Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear] first."

……

Five Elements Space - Altar of Refining

This altar was built by Qiu Niang before Fu Changsheng went into seclusion, specifically for the purpose of refining the [Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear].

With a flick of his sleeve, Fu Changsheng conjured three golden pills. These pills were of different colors: one was crimson like fire, one was azure like ice, and one was dark purple like thunder, all radiating powerful spiritual energy.

"go."

He pointed his sword, and three golden pills instantly fell into the altar's groove. The lightning patterns engraved on the altar's surface lit up one by one, and streaks of silver-purple lightning coiled around the golden pills like snakes. The golden pills trembled violently in the lightning, and fine gold powder gradually peeled off their surface—this was the purest essence of the golden pills.

"Condensation!"

The Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear flew out and hovered above the altar.

The Heavenly Tribulation Thunder Essence at the spearhead suddenly became active, transforming into a vast net of lightning that caught all the golden dust. Even more astonishingly, a faint dragon's roar emanated from within the lightning spear, as if it were cheering and rejoicing.

“Crack—”

The three golden cores shattered simultaneously, and the immense energy within them was swallowed up and absorbed by the thunder spear.

The lightning patterns on the spear shaft spread at a visible speed, eventually converging into a lightning seed at the spear tip. The entire lightning spear trembled violently, suddenly bursting forth with dazzling lightning light, illuminating the entire Five Elements Space as if it were daytime.

hum!
[Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear - Upgrade Completed]

[Rank: Mid-grade, Rank 4]

【Special Feature: Spell Breaker (Ignores protective aura of early-stage Golden Core cultivators and below)】

Fu Changsheng reached out and grasped the Thunder Spear, immediately feeling a surge of violent lightning power flow through his arm and into his meridians. With a thought, his Azure Lotus Divine Consciousness naturally circulated, easily taming this power.

"Perfect timing to test its power."

Fu Changsheng's body swayed and he appeared above Beichuan in the Five Elements Space.

A blue dragon coiled in the sky, its scales gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen. Seeing Fu Changsheng approaching with his spear, she narrowed her vertical pupils slightly: "Master, you seem to be in a good mood today?"

"Xiao Qing, defend with all your might." Fu Changsheng gently stroked the spear, and the Thunder Spear immediately emitted an excited hum.

The Azure Dragon let out a soft hum, and layers of aquamarine light suddenly appeared around her body—this was her innate divine power, "Mysterious Water Heavenly Gang," which was enough to withstand a full-force attack from a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.

"Be careful."

With a flick of his wrist, Fu Changsheng sent the Thunder Spear flying through the air like a bolt of purple lightning.

Shockingly, those light shields that were supposed to be able to withstand attacks from Golden Core cultivators were pierced through layer by layer like thin paper in front of the Thunder Spear!
"What?!" The Azure Dragon's pupils shrank suddenly, and it hurriedly swung its tail to block.

"laugh--"

The spear tip grazed the dragon's tail, drawing a trail of blood. The green dragon winced in pain, but was even more shocked that its protective aura had been completely ineffective.
“How is this possible?”

The feathered beast watching from the sidelines stared wide-eyed, its feathers standing on end.

Fu Changsheng recalled the Thunder Spear, watching with satisfaction as the drop of azure dragon blood at its tip evaporated in the lightning.
"Indeed, it can break through the protective aura of a Golden Core cultivator."

The Azure Dragon stared at its wound, a rare look of seriousness appearing on its face:

"Master's Thunder Spear can now probably even break through the protective aura of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator."

"Still a long way off." Fu Changsheng gently stroked the spear, his gaze distant. "I estimate it will take another ten Golden Core Thunder Patterns to gather."

Upon hearing this, Qingjiao couldn't help but shiver. She suddenly realized that although her master seemed gentle on the surface, he actually harbored a terrifying sharpness in his bones.

The feathered beast came running over, nuzzling Fu Changsheng's hand affectionately with its head, its eyes full of adoration. Fu Changsheng smiled and ruffled the feathers on its head.
"I'll find you a wind-attribute demon core next time."

As Qingjiao watched this scene, his cold voice softened slightly:
"Congratulations, Master, on mastering your divine weapon. However, next time you test a move, could you please specify its power beforehand?"

Fu Changsheng laughed heartily and casually tossed her a bottle of healing pills:
"You're too arrogant. A real enemy won't tell you the power of their moves beforehand."

Qingjiao accepted the pill, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes.

She knew that her master was teaching her how to survive.

The feathered beast tilted its head, looking at its master and then at the azure dragon. Suddenly, it patted the azure dragon's shoulder with its wing, as if comforting her. This endearing gesture made Fu Changsheng chuckle again.

(End of this chapter)